Notorious Jazz

EUGENIE JONES
2025-01-11 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Sistas’ Place, 456 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11216, United States
Jazz vocalist, songwriter, and producer Eugenie Jones has written original straight-ahead, swing, and soul-infused jazz lyrics and melodies.
Her recordings include four independently produced albums recorded on her label Open Mic Records. They are Black Lace Blue Tears, Come Out Swingin’, Players, The Originals, and the single One More Night to Burn.
The Quartet: Marcus Persiani~Piano, Lonnie Plaxico~Bass, Tommy Campbell~Drums, and Band Leader Eugenie Jones~Vocals
Tickets: $35.00 Each Set | Two Sets 8:00pm & 9:30pm

FROM NEW YORK: NICK HEMPTON QUARTET CD RELEASE
2025-01-10 20:00 - 2025-01-11 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2M4, Canada
In the summer of 2024, Hempton made one of his regular visits to Vancouver to reunite with his very soulful co-conspirators Jesse Cahill and Nick Peck for a weekend at Frankie’s, the city’s legendary jazz club. After some cajoling, Van City tenor legend Cory Weeds agreed to join on stage to form a two-horn quartet. Mics were set up, favourite tunes were chosen, cocktails were consumed; and with the Frankie’s crowd in fine fettle, urging us on with stomps and hollers, we laid down a set of hard-driving soul jazz.
In between shows, to balance the live feel, the cats descended into the murky shadows of a grungy basement studio, the carpeted walls dripping with years of accumulated funk. In keeping with the free blowing feel of the club gig, the studio session took place live, with no isolation and no safety net; and in the subterranean twilight the quartet knocked out a set of swingers in a couple of hours, each tune needing only one or two takes.
Weeds and Hempton are long-time friends and mutual admirers, and it was a gas to engage in a little sporting, good-natured combat, tipping their hats to the great two-tenor matchups of the past: Dexter Gordon and Herschel Evans, Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt, Johnny Griffin and Lockjaw Davis. And while they were wailing, Peck & Cahill were getting down to serious business, lighting the fire and keeping it burning until the last note faded.
Celebrate the release of their new cd Horns Locked!
The Band: Nick Hempton~tenor sax, Cory Weeds~tenor sax, Nick Peck~organ and Jesse Cahill~drums
Cover: Sold Out | Both Shows

VANESSA RUBIN
2025-01-10 19:30 - 2025-01-11 22:30 (America/New_York) | Mezzrow, 163 W. 10th Street, New York City, NY, 10014, United States
Vanessa Rubin has worked with Kenny Barron, Lionel Hampton, the Mercer Ellington Orchestra, Cecil Bridgewater, Etta Jones, Toots Thielemans, Steve Turre, Cedar Walton, and Grover Washington, Jr. More recently she has completed international tours with Herbie Hancock, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and the Jazz Crusaders.
Rubin has been described as “an impressive song stylist with a Midas touch for challenging material”,[2] and her 2019 tribute to Tadd Dameron, The Dream Is You: Vanessa Rubin Sings Tadd Dameron, was nominated for the 51st NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album.

The Band

Vanessa Rubin ~ Vocalist
Brandon McCune ~ Piano
Kenny Davis ~ Bass
Winard Harper ~ Drums

Cover Charge: All Show Sold Out | Tickets for bar seats still available. Inquire at door.

OSCAR PEÑAS
2025-01-09 20:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Iridium, 1650 Broadway, New York City, NY, 10019, United States
Catalan- North american guitarist Oscar Peñas uses his unique skills to arrange, produce, and perform innovative compositions crossing jazz and classical genres, using non-traditional instrumentation in either style, outlining his arrangements and unique sound. Peñas was born in Barcelona, living in the states since 2005. His family loved traditional, folk, and flamenco music. His maternal grandfather was a trumpet player who occasionally played with Xavier Cugat’s orchestra in town.
Peñas’ first studies were devoted to classical music; he later developed a fascination with jazz and dedicated his career to the American genre. His decision led to this moment in his musical career, a road that crosses cultures and creative ideas, the primary genre melded by different grooves.
Peñas has expanded his focus to incorporate diverse rhythms and styles, creating extraordinary musical experiences that enrich lives and empower individuals through collaboration, innovation, and a passion for artistic excellence. His intuition and ear drive him to an amalgam of melodies that aim for the unexpected and merge multiple music styles that do not cohere into a single signature style.
As a performer, Peñas has released six albums as bandleader, composer, and performer; four albums in the USA under his own label Musikoz, and two in Barcelona, published by Fresh Sound New Talents. His collaborations with great American Jazz Master include; Grammy winners Esperanza Spalding, Gil Goldstein, Paquito D’Rivera, legendary bassist Ron Carter, Mike Stern, and pedal steel guitar Greg Leisz.
Cover: $38.56~$51.00

CYRUS NABIPOOR
2025-01-09 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Frankie’s Jazz Club, 755 Beatty Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2M4, Canada
Oregon trumpeter Cyrus Nabipoor on his West Coast ‘Known Entity’ tour is a distinctive voice both on the horn and in his songwriting, His singular sound has garnered him international acclaim. He has been a featured festival artist at PDX Jazz, Cathedral Park, Montavilla Jazz, New Orleans French Quarter, and Chicago Instigation.
To date, he has released 2 albums under his own name, and collaborated on numerous more. Cyrus has served on faculty at Loyola University New Orleans. He is an artist-in-residence at multiple Portland Public Schools, and runs a private trumpet studio.
Cover Charge: $18.00~$23.00

ABELITA MATEUS TRIO
2025-01-05 16:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Jazz Forum Arts, 1 Dixon Lane, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
Singer, pianist and São Paulo native Abelita Mateus is in the vanguard of the next wave of soulful and hypnotic 21st Century Brazilian music.
A New Yorker since 2012, her 2017 debut album Vivenda made the jazz chart’s Top 25 and Downbeat wrote that her 2018 follow-up record Mixed Feelings “shows off an impressive ability to synthesize the sounds of her Brazilian home with jazz, the music that inspired her move to the States.”
Tickets: $25.00 +Fee

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY
2025-01-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 54 Below, 254 W 54th Street, New York City, NY, 10019, United States
The Best of Ann Hampton Callaway, the new show by the Tony nominated singer-songwriter. With her trio led by Grammy-winner Billy Stritch, Callaway dazzles us with highlights from her hit shows The Streisand Songbook, Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the ‘70s, The Linda Ronstadt Songbook, To Ella with Love, From Sassy to Divine: The Sarah Vaughan Project, and Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics and Originals. Come see why Christopher Loudon of Jazz Times calls her the “…superbly intelligent, singularly creative pop-jazz stylist who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Streisand, Ronstadt, Shirley Horn, and Dianne Reeves…”
Joined by: Tim Horner on drums, Martin Wind on bass

Cover: $56.50~$62.00
Streaming: $28.50
Additional food & beverage minimum of $25 per person.

CHRISTIAN SANDS QUARTET
2025-01-03 19:00 - 2025-01-04 23:00 (America/New_York) | Jazz Forum Arts, 1 Dixon Lane, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
The New Haven prodigy began lessons as a toddler, started gigging at seven, studied with Dr. Billy Taylor and Dave Brubeck, joined Christian McBride’s group while still in school and has appeared on over 30 recordings, six as a leader. Though fluent in every jazz style, the trio format is his favorite.
Tickets: $30.00 ~$35.00 +Fee

JEFF "TAIN" WATTS
2025-01-02 19:00 - 2025-01-05 23:59 (America/New_York) | Dizzy’s Club, 10 Columbus Circle, New York City, NY, 10019, United States
Kick off the New Year by celebrating drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts’ 65th birthday at Dizzy’s Club. This multi-Grammy winner and Guggenheim fellow leads an all-star band for a high-energy, four-night run. Tain’s distinct blend of swing, innovation, and soul, honed through collaborations with legends like Wynton Marsalis and McCoy Tyner. The nights are sure to ignite the stage on fire.
Performance Lineup: Jeff “Tain” Watts, drums | Ravi Coltrane, saxophone | Paul Bollenback, guitar | James Francies, piano | James Genus, double bass
Tickets: $25.00~$60.00 | Some performances Sold Out

SUPERBLUE | NEW YEAR'S EVE
2024-12-31 19:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Kennedy Center | Terrace Theater, 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20566, United States
Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and visionary hybrid guitarist Charlie Hunter reignite their funk, soul, and fusion–inspired partnership in SuperBlue—a fierce collection of new songs and surprising covers. They’re joined by dynamic jazz/R&B/funk drummer Nate Smith and the high-energy Huntertones Horns.

Tickets: $79.00 ~ $103.00

ABSTRACT SOUNDS FT. JEVAUGHN BOGARD
2024-12-27 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Blu Jazz+, 47 E Market Street, Akron, OH, 44308, United States
Cleveland saxophonist, Jevaughn Bogard, brings his group Abstract Sounds back to Akron, for a special night at BLU Jazz on December 27th! Abstract Sounds is a 6pc Jazz fusion / Funk band from Cleveland, OH started by the saxophonist. The band is a horn section driven by an amazing rhythm section that will keep you out of your seat.

The goal for Abstract Sounds is to bring the dance element back to jazz and Abstract Sounds does that with their funky grooves and dance club sounds blended with rich and extended harmony that consumes you. Jevaughn has been blessed to share the stage with artist like, Aretha Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Kim Burrell , Big Daddy Kane, Benny Golson, Deitrick Haddon, Chick Corea and many more. If you’re fans of the music by artist like Micheal Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Beeges, Jill Scott, Snarky Puppy, Herbie Hancock this concert is definitely for you and with a nice selection of original music written by Jevaughn this concert was curated to touch the soul.
General Admission: $20.00

JEREMY PELT QUINTET
2024-12-20 20:30 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | Firehouse 12, 45 Crown St, , CT, New Haven, CT, 06510, United States
Tomorrow’s Another Day may be trumpeter and composer Jeremy Pelt’s most experimental recording to-date, notable for its variety and bold auricular explorations. With greater emphasis on the dynamic aspects of sound, it is a thought-provoking record that gets a huge lift from the participation of drummer/technologist Deantoni Parks, who previously has lent his remarkable talents to such visionary artists as Meshell Ndegeocello and André 3000. Pelt’s newest band features vibraphonist Jalen Baker, guitarist Alex Wintz, bassist Leighton McKinley Harrell and drummer Allan Mednard, with pianist Frank LoCrasto on two tracks.
Their talents seamlessly come together to produce an utterly unique universe of sounds which have the ability of evoking gritty scenes that pulse with elemental energy or surge transcendently skyward. Through it all it is the trumpet and creative presence of Pelt which provides a sense of ballast to the myriad sounds and textures with an intensely personal and mesmeric weave of arguably some of the most stunningly imaginative and communicative work he has given us so far.
The Band: Jeremy Pelt – trumpet | Jalen Baker – vibraphone | Misha Mendelenko – guitar | Leighton Harrell – bass | Jared Spears – drums
Showtimes: 8:30 | 10:00pm
Tickets: $15 ~ $20

HENDRIK MEURKENS
2024-12-20 20:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | The Side Door, Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
Hendrik Meurkens, a virtuoso on both the chromatic harmonica and the vibraphone, is the most important jazz harmonica player since Toots Thielemans. A two-mallet player in the tradition of Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson, Hendrik Meurkens was en-route to being an instantly recognizable vibraphonist when he heard Toots Thielemans. Inspired by the sound of Thielemans’ harmonica, he taught himself the difficult-to-master instrument.
His other life-changing musical experience was his introduction to samba and bossa nova. He was so moved by Brazilian music that after perfecting his unique musical voice at Berklee, as a vibraphone major, he moved to Rio in the early 80s to totally immerse himself in music and culture of Brazil.
Within ten years, he had established himself as the “new jazz harmonica voice,” and moved to New York, thanks to an exclusive contract with the prestigious label, Concord Records. He has since recorded fifteen albums, and continues to perform as both a guest artist, and with his own groups, both in festivals and clubs globally.
Hendrik Meurkens’ profound involvement in both jazz and Brazilian music resulted in a very personal and instantly recognizable version of Samba jazz. This music features his harmonica and vibes along with piano, bass and drums, playing his stirring originals and arrangements.
Tickets: $20 – $45 | $2.33 – $3.56 Fees

YOLANDA RABUN TRIBUTE TO NANCY WILSON
2024-12-20 19:30 - 2024-12-21 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA, 30005, United States
For two nights only the holiday season will honor the contributions of songstress Nancy Wilson as songs are interpreted by the great North Carolina-based singer Yolanda Rabun, while the story of her life is told by Jazz Historian Carl Anthony.

Yolanda Rabun is a Renaissance Woman. A wife, mother, corporate lawyer, and national recording and performing artist, this North Carolina based go-getter lives life on purpose.

Having graduated from a renowned performing arts high school in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, Yolanda Rabun honed her singing and stage skills from a young age. She is a fierce songstress and North Carolina based recording artist who also is versatile enough to handle all styles of music, although she favors jazz and soul. She often says, “…people ask me where have I been, and I tell them, I never went away! But I’m so glad you stopped to listen!” Ask any of her supporters, once you hear and experience Yolanda, you are a fan for life.
Tickets: $49.00

JOE STRASSER
2024-12-19 22:30 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Acclaimed drummer Joe Strasser to New York City in 1990 to attend the famed jazz program at the New School. He’s since played with a “who’s who” of jazz, including: George Coleman, Harold Mabern, Etta Jones, Cecil Payne, Jane Monheit, Hillary Kole, Peter Bernstein and countless others. Joe also co-led the Hotpants, a funk band he founded with Roots/Jimmy Fallon saxophonist Ian Hendrickson-Smith.
Cover Charge: $35.00 +2 Drink Minimum

RON JACKSON
2024-12-19 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Django, 2 6th Avenue | The Roxy Hotel, New York City, NY, 10013, United States
World-renowned, seven string jazz guitarist, composer and arranger, Ron Jackson has performed, recorded, and taught music in over 30 countries. Jackson has had a strong career as a music artist, putting out 10 albums as a leader. His most recent CD, “Standards And My Songs,” was Top 10 on the USA JazzWeek radio charts, featuring his second recording as a leader on the seven-string. He has performed as a leader at jazz events all over the world, such as the North Sea Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Jazz Festival, and most recently, the inaugural AAPI Jazz Festival in Newark, and Super Jazz Ashdod in Israel.
Cover Charge: $35.00 +2 Drink Minimum

HENDRIK MEURKENS
2024-12-18 22:30 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | The Django, 2 6th Avenue | The Roxy Hotel, New York City, NY, 10013, United States
Jazz harmonica virtuoso and composer Hendrik Meurkens began his career in Germany playing vibraphone. At age 19, he heard Toots Thielemans play harmonica, which totally changed his musical life. His career has taken him from Germany to Brazil, then throughout the European continent and eventually to the US. In 1992, a trip to California led to his signing with the prestigious Concord label and established him as the first major new voice on the harmonica since Toots Thielemans. His 30 albums have received rave reviews and strong airplay, and established his immediately recognizable style of Brazilian Jazz. In 2014 he won the Brazilian International Press Award and he has been listed repeatedly in the Downbeat and JazzTimes Polls. Meurkens has recorded and performed with Ray Brown, Paquito D’Rivera, Astrud Gilberto and many others.
Cover Charge: $35.00 +2 Drink Minimum

ERIC PERSON QUARTET
2024-12-18 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Django, 2 6th Avenue | The Roxy Hotel, New York City, NY, 10013, United States
Acclaimed saxophonist Eric Person makes a strong impression live and on recordings. Person has worked with leaders within the vanguard of the jazz world namely McCoy Tyner, Dave Holland, Chico Hamilton, John Hicks, Will Calhoun, Wallace Roney, and many others. Eric’s work as a leader is stylistically diverse and intrepid. His 2022 release “Blue Vision” features his collaboration with tenor saxophone titan Houston Person. And critics have taken note of Eric’s signature sound on alto and soprano saxophone.
Cover Charge: $35.00 +2 Drink Minimum

CHARMAINE NEVILLE
2024-12-16 19:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116, United States
The daughter of legendary saxophonist Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers, carries the torch of a rich New Orleans musical legacy. While she is rooted in the city’s vibrant traditions, Charmaine brings her own unique voice to the stage, blending R&B, Jazz, and world rhythms into a sound that’s all her own. Her performances are a reflection of the city’s spirit—bold, diverse, and deeply soulful.
Renowned for her high-energy live shows, Charmaine and her band captivate audiences with an infectious sense of joy and a strong emphasis on audience participation. Whether delivering soulful ballads or rhythm-driven grooves, she creates an unforgettable experience, inviting listeners to feel the music and become part of the celebration. Charmaine Neville’s sound is a true reflection of the Crescent City: timeless, exciting, and impossible to resist.
The Band:
Charmaine Neville – lead vocals, percussion
Amasa Miller – piano, musical director
Detroit Brooks – guitar
Donald Ramsey – bass
Raymond Weber – drums
Two Shows at 7:30pm & 9:30pm
Tickets: $25.00.

DANNY MIXON QUINTET
2024-12-14 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Sistas’ Place, 456 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11216, United States
The Harlem born pianist gained attention in the 1970s and continues to record and play in New York and abroad. Starting off as a tap dancer he attended the Ruth Williams Dance Studio before enrolling at the High School of Performing Arts with dance as his major. Soon after arriving at the school he switched to playing the piano after being inspired by visits with his grandfather to see jazz artists playing at the Apollo Theater.
At 17 he began his professional career playing behind Patti LaBelle & the Blue Bells. He went on to work with Joe Lee Wilson, Betty Carter, Kenny Dorham, Cecil Payne, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Frank Foster, Grant Green, Pharoah Sanders, Joe Williams, Eddie Jefferson and Dee Dee Bridgewater. He formed his own jazz trio and recorded with the Piano Choir.
The quintet features vocalist Antoinette Montague, backed saxophonist James Stewart, bassist Bryce Sebastien, drummer George Gray, and Band Leader Danny Mixon on piano.
Two Shows ~ 8:00pm | 9:30pm
Tickets: $35.00 per set

NOEL & MARIA: A JAZZ CELEBRATION OF THE HOLIDAYS
2024-12-14 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | The Booth Playhouse At Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Charlotte favorites Noel Freidline & Maria Howell return to the Blumenthal’s Booth Playhouse for their 5th annual Jazz Celebration of the Holidays.

On the heels of a 2023 sellout show, Noel & Maria are joined by their all-star band as well a special guests, vocakist Ray Greene and violinist extraordinaire Karen Briggs, as they reinterpret holiday classics as well as contemporary holiday favorites such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Here We Come A’Wassailing, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen with a ‘Dave Brubeck’ twist and many, many more!

Tickets: $39.50 | $59.50 | $74.50

YOLANDA RABUN
2024-12-14 18:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Missy Lane’s Assembly Room, 310 E. Main Street, Durham, NC, 27701, United States
Backed by a flawless band and background vocals, get in the spirit as Yolanda Rabun performs her rendition of seasonal tunes during “Songs of Holiday Cheer” a signature show with a diverse holiday repertoire.
An extraordinarily gifted storyteller with a soul-drenched jazz voice, the Triangle chanteuse is also a publisher and songwriter with four full studio albums with chart-topping singles under her belt with So Real, Christmastime, and No Fear.
She is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (GRAMMYS) and includes her 2021 Holiday Pops with the North Carolina Symphony performance as a personal favorite.
With an energetic personality and joyful spirit, Yolanda successfully manages her music and life as a wife, mother, music entrepreneur, motivational speaker, professional AEA actor, and practicing Corporate Attorney. Yolanda is a modern-day Renaissance woman, get ready for an evening of delight!
Tickets: $28>00 ~ $200.00

MATT WILSON
2024-12-13 20:30 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | Firehouse 12, 45 Crown St, , CT, New Haven, CT, 06510, United States
Tree Jazz- The Shape of Christmas to Come Palmetto 20242 The year 2024 marks the 60th birthday of the beloved drummer, composer, and bandleader Matt Wilson. It also celebrates the 15th anniversary of one of Matt’s acclaimed ensembles, the Christmas Tree- O, featuring multi-reed legend Jeff Lederer and revered bassist Paul Sikivie. The band performed their first concert on December 9, 2009, in Brooklyn, NY. They then recorded their seminal album, Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O, at Maggie’s Farm studio on a snowy May day in 2010. The album was released in the fall of 2010 by Palmetto Records. Since then, the band has performed extensively across the United States and Canada. Their annual sold-out engagements at the Jazz Standard (now held at Dizzy’s) have become a New York City holiday tradition.
The Band: Matt Wilson – drums | Jeff Lederer – saxophone | Paul Sikivie – bass
Two Shows ~ 8:30pm | 10:00pm
Tickets: $15.00 ~ $20.00

ARTURO SANDOVAL
2024-12-13 19:30 - 2024-12-15 23:30 (America/New_York) | Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval was born just two years after Gillespie became the first musician to bring Latin influences into American Jazz. Sandoval began studying classical trumpet at the age of twelve, but it didn’t take him long to catch the excitement of the jazz world. He has since evolved into one of the world’s most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer.
Sandoval has been awarded 10 Grammy Awards, and nominated 19 times; he has also received 6 Billboard Awards and an Emmy Award. The latter for his composing work on the entire underscore of the HBO movie based on his life, “For Love or Country” that starred Andy Garcia as Arturo. His two latest Grammy award winning albums, “Dear Diz “Everyday I think of you” and Tango “Como Yo Te Siento” are now available worldwide. Arturo Sandoval’s newest CD, Eternamente Manzanero. Performing the music of revered Mexican romantic pianist/singer/songwriter, Armando Manzanero, this is a true labor of love. Performing Senor Manzanero’s music with co-headliner Jorge Calandrelli, the album is a fresh, modern and pleasant take on his beautiful bolero music.
Sandoval was a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning group Irakere, whose explosive mixture of jazz, classical, rock and traditional Cuban music caused a sensation throughout the entertainment world. In 1981, he left Irakere to form his own band, which garnered enthusiastic praise from critics and audiences all over the world, and continues to do so.
Tickets: $46.10 ~ $51.10

BILL CHARLAP TRIO
2024-12-13 19:00 - 2024-12-14 23:00 (America/New_York) | Jazz Forum Arts, 1 Dixon Lane, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
The Bill Charlap Trio – with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington – is a jazz super-group with three brilliant, accomplished talents.
Their dazzling interplay and near-telepathic communication has earned a Grammy Award and multiple nominations, plus raves from audiences everywhere. Downbeat gave their new live recording, And Then Again, 4 ½ stars, placing them among “the best of the best ensembles in jazz history” playing at “the epitome of their creative powers.”
Two Shows ~ 7:00pm & 9:30pm | Friday 12.13 ~ 7:00pm Sold Out
Tickets: $40.00 + $3.00 fee

ROBERT HURST
2024-12-12 19:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | The Blue Llama, 314 S Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
A Detroit Native, Robert Hursts boasts a distinguished 30+ year career as a composer, bassist, educator, and entrepreneur. Renowned for his work with icons like Sir Paul McCartney, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Diana Krall, Terence Blanchard, Nicholas Payton, Ravi Coltrane, Kris Davis, and the legendary Pharaoh Sanders, Hurst’s talent shines on over 250 recordings, earning him seven GRAMMY® Awards and numerous RIAA® certifications. Notably, he was the inaugural bassist for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, garnering four EMMY® Awards from his performing, directing, acting, arranging, and composing on the NBC program. Hurst’s musical prowess extends to 30+ major motion picture scores for hits like The Wood, Good Night and Good Luck, and Ocean’s Eleven series.
Currently an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Michigan, Hurst received an NEA Grant for groundbreaking programming at The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. In 2024, he continues to shape the music landscape through curated performances, acclaimed releases, and global tours. Recognized in Detroit’s jazz legacy film, “The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit,” Hurst remains an integral figure in contemporary music and cultural movements.
JEFF “TAIN” WATTS:
Jeff “Tain” Watts is one of the most in demand jazz drummers in the world today. Jeff Watts majored in classical percussion at Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University, where he was primarily a timpanist, followed by enrollment at the Berklee School of Music, where he pursued jazz studies alongside such talented players as Branford Marsalis, Kevin Eubanks, Greg Osby, Aimee Mann, Steve Vai and Marvin “Smitty” Smith. Jeff joined the Wynton Marsalis Quartet in 1981 and proceeded to win three Grammy Awards with the ensemble. Watts left Wynton Marsalis in 1988. After working with George Benson, Harry Connick. Jr. and McCoy Tyner, he joined the Branford Marsalis Quartet in 1989. Jeff has worked in the film and television industry as both a musician on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and as an actor, Rhythm Jones in Spike Lee’s “Mo Better Blues”. Jeff joined Kenny Garrett’s band after returning to New York in 1995 after three years in LA on the Tonight Show. Watts also continued to record and tour with Branford Marsalis as well as Danilo Perez, Michael Brecker, Betty Carter, Kenny Kirkland, Courtney Pine, Geri Allen, Alice Coltrane, Greg Osby, Steve Coleman, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Ravi Coltrane.
ORRIN EVANS:
During his kaleidoscopic quarter-century as a professional jazz musician, pianist Orrin Evans has become the model of a fiercely independent artist who pushes the envelope in all directions. Never supported by a major label, Evans has ascended to top-of-the-pyramid stature on his instrument, as affirmed by his #1-ranking as “Rising Star Pianist” in the 2018 DownBeat Critics Poll. Grammy nominations for the Smoke Sessions albums The Intangible Between and Presence, by Evans’ raucous, risk-friendly Captain Black Big Band, stamp his bona fides as a bandleader and composer. In addition to CBBB, Evans’ multifarious leader and collaborative projects include the Eubanks Evans Experience (a duo with eminent guitarist Kevin Eubanks); the Brazilian unit Terreno Comum; Evans’ working trio with bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr.; and Tar Baby (a collective trio of 20 years standing with bassist Eric Revis and drummer Nasheet Waits). One of Tar Baby’s two 2022 releases will be released on Evans’ imprint, Imani Records, which he founded in 2001 and relaunched in 2018.
The Band: Robert Hurst – Bass | Jeff “Tain” Watts – Drums | Orrin Evans – Piano
Tickets: $95.00 Dinner & Show

ROBERT GLASPER
2024-12-09 19:00 - 2024-12-12 23:00 (America/New_York) | Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
Robert Glasper is the leader of a new sonic paradigm with a career that bridges musical and artistic genres. To date, he boasts 5 Grammy wins and 11 nominations across 11 categories, an Emmy Award for his song for Ava Duvernay’s critically hailed documentary “13th” with Common and Karriem Riggins, and a Peabody Award for his Composition of “Mr. Soul!”. His work and accolades bridge all aspects of the music business, from live touring to film scoring, composing and producing. The ongoing Black Radio series has since become Glasper’s calling card, upholding a place at the heart of a trailblazing community: from long-time sonic brothers Mos Def and Bilal, to legends including Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu.
In the last two years alone Glasper has seen a staggering diversity of success. He dropped Fuck Yo Feelings; a star-studded mixtape; his first on Loma Vista Records; with features ranging from YBN Cordae to Herbie Hancock to Yebba. The album was nominated for the Grammy for Best Progressive R&B album in the recent 2021 awards. He created an original score for the Emmy Nominated doc The Apollo and the feature film The Photograph starring Issa Rae.
He led a legendary residency at the Blue Note NYC with 56 sold-out shows in 27 days which saw everyone from Dave Chappelle to Tiffany Haddish, Chadwick Boseman, Q-Tip, Anderson.Paak and Angela Davis join him on and off stage. And, alongside long-time collaborator, co-producer, and creative partner Terrace Martin, he formed another dream team supergroup featuring Kamasi Washington and 9th Wonder called Dinner Party, who together wrote and recorded a debut self titled album that was released to rave reviews.
Tickets: $70.10 ~ $84.10

ALAN BRIADBENT TRIO FEATURING HARVIE S
2024-12-07 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL, 33444, United States
Alan Broadbent and Harvie S. originally met when they were students at Berklee College of Music. After school, Alan left with the Woody Herman Band and that was the beginning of a brilliant career. Ending up in California, he was pianist for 25 years with Charlie Haden, and on top, of that winning Grammys for arranging.
Harvie S. stayed in Boston for a few years and was summoned to New York where he played and recorded with many of the Jazz greats
(Kenny Barron, Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Mike Stern, Eddie Henderson, Art Farmer and many more).
Alan Broadbent is most well-known for his arranging and piano playing with Natalie Cole, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Mandel, Charlie Haden’s Quartet West, Shirley Horn, Paul McCartney, and Dianna Krall to name just a few. He is twice Nominated for Grammys.
Harvie S. is one of the most popular bass players ever performing on over 400 albums, including 16 as a leader. His recordings and tours with Stan Getz, Pat Metheny, Chet Baker, Jim Hall, James Moody, Toots Thielemans, Shirley Horn, and many more are legendary.
Tickets: $45.00 ~ $50.00

STRAIGHT AHEAD
2024-12-07 18:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | The Blue Llama, 314 S Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world, comes the ground breaking jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers.
Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz, latin jazz and jazzy neo-soul. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy with a wide range of musical textures, moods and tempos.
Straight Ahead was introduced to the world as finalist in the “Sony Innovators” competition. A national competition recognizing exceptional performers in the jazz field. They received international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland. They were the first all woman jazz ensemble signed to Atlantic Records. The ensemble has shared the concert stage with a who’s who of the music world including: Kem, Jean Luc Ponty, Nancy Wilson, Roy Ayers, Tony Bennett, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Max Roach, the Yellowjackets and Dianne Reeves.
Straight Ahead has established itself as an enduring and prolific ensemble. Recognized for its creativity, musicianship and dedication to making great music, the band was inducted into the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame.
These Grammy-nominated recording artists have travelled extensively in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe garnering rave reviews. Joy, Power, Love, Wisdom…..Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead!
THE BAND:
Alina Morr- Piano
Marion Hayden – Bass
Gayelynn McKinney- Drums
Kymberli Wright – Vocals
Ingrid Racine – Trumpet

Tickets: $40.00 Prepaid Cocktail Bar | $75.00 Prepaid Dinner & Show

JOE FARNSWORTH
2024-12-06 20:00 - 2024-12-07 21:30 (America/New_York) | The Side Door, Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, United States
One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing. After he studied at William Paterson College in New Jersey in 1994 where he began playing with saxophonist Eric Alexander and guitarist Peter Bernstein.
Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s, now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. He has performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins, and his brothers John and James. His career includes recording over 100 CDs as a leader and sideman, and on world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller, to name a few.
The Band: Sarah Hanahan ~ Alto Saxophone | Georgia Heers ~ Vocals | Cameron Campbell ~ Piano | Peter Washington ~ Bass | Joe Farnsworth ~ Drums
Tickets: $20 – $50 | $2.33 – $3.81 Fees
