
NICOLE HENRY
Since her debut, Nicole Henry has established herself among the jazz world’s most acclaimed performers, possessing a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance.
Her passionate, soulful voice and heartfelt charisma have earned her a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance,” and four Top-10 jazz albums on U.S. Billboard, Jazz Week, HMV Japan & UK Sweet Rhythms charts. Heralded by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Japan Times, El Pais, Jazz Times, Essence and more, Ms. Henry tells real stories through peerless interpretations of repertoire from the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues and originals.
Showtimes:
Friday & Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm
Sunday: 6:00pm & 8:30pm
Tickets: $40.00 +fee
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THAD WILSON
Thad Wilson’s music always reflects a personal style that blends progressive elements such as blues, funk, Gospel and a touch of hip-hop. Thad’s eclectic ideas as a modern composer are brought to life through his various projects: Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra, his 16-piece big band; Inner Urge, a collaborative project; Kindred Soul, his electric group; and Kako Se, an acoustic duo.
The Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra became the only big band in the DC area to land a permanent residence at the esteemed One Step Down. Most recently, the band was housed at HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues, recently named one of the world’s top 100 jazz venues by Downbeat magazine. Both as a leader and performer on the jazz scene, Thad has become an acclaimed fixture.
Thad has performed alongside world-renowned artists such as George Benson, James Moody, Eddie Henderson, Steve Turre, Cecil Bridgewater, McCoy Tyner, Vanessa Ruben, and Roy Hargrove. He also performed with Senegalese artist, Djimo Kouyate, at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millenium Stage.
His worldwide appearances include Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia; Le Caveau de la Huchette in Paris, France; Antigua Music Festival; Atlanta Jazz Festival; New Orleans Jazz Festival; and Spoleto Music Festival in Charleston, South Carolina. Thad was also invited to perform his original suite “Reflections on Romare” at the National Gallery of Art’s 2003 Romare Bearden exhibition opening festivities.
The Band: Lil John Roberts ~ Drums | Louis Heriveax ~ Piano | Craig Shaw ~ Bass
Tickets: $59.00
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TESSA SOUTER
The vocalist celebrates the release of her album Release Party of Shadows and Silence: The Eric Satie Project. She brings with her pianist Luis Perdomo, drummer Billy Drummond, bassist Boris Kozlov, plus special guest saxophonist Steve Wilson.
New York-based, London-born of Afro-Trinidadian and English parents, New York Times critics pick Tessa Souter grew up surrounded by music. Her mother, a talented amateur singer, taught her to sing when she was three, and she took piano lessons from aged eight to 12, before switching to the guitar, learning by ear to accompany herself singing songs by, among others, Sandy Denny and Jacquie McPhee of the jazz-folk bands Fairport Convention and Pentangle.
“My piano teacher had advised me to take up singing when she heard my voice so, when around that age, my mother told me that my birth father had been a singer, it felt like a connection to this person I had never known,” says Tessa. When she finally met him in her late 20s, the first thing he did was sing to her in the street. “Just the sound of his beautiful tenor, vibrated every bone in my body.”
Tickets: $30.00
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JOHN YARLING
John Yarling studied classical percussion at Florida State University and jazz performance at the University of Miami. He has taught music and percussion at North Broward Preparatory Schools and founded the percussion program at the Florida Youth Conservatory.
A versatile and sought-after drummer, John has performed with top South Florida acts including Ira Sullivan, the Inter-Outer Continental Quintet, South Florida Jazz Orchestra, Brian Murphy Trio, Nicole Yarling 4-Tet, and more. Comfortable in jazz, blues, funk, and rock, his past collaborations include legends such as Mose Allison, Sonny Stitt, Nat Adderley, Mike Stern, Larry Coryell, and Mick Taylor. His recording credits feature artists like Ira Sullivan, Curtis Fuller, Joe Williams, and Pink.
Cover: Member ~ $33.85 | General Admission ~ $44.52
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HIDDEN NOMINATION
Hidden Nomination is a genre-defying ensemble that emerged from the lustrous Blue Llama Jazz Club after a particularly electrifying set. The band has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the Midwest music scene and brings together four exceptionally talented musicians with a shared passion for exploration and innovation.
Their sound is a thrilling fusion of jazz, funk, R&B, gospel, and neo-soul, creating a sonic tapestry that is as soulful as it is dynamic. With high-energy performances and delicate, melodic interplay, Hidden Nomination captivates audiences, taking them on a journey that transcends traditional genre boundaries. The band’s philosophy is rooted in the pursuit of the unseen and the unheard—always searching for what lies hidden beneath the surface of music and emotion.
Recently completing a celebrated residency at Cliff Bell’s, one of Detroit’s most iconic jazz clubs, Hidden Nomination has solidified its reputation as a must-see live act. Their ability to blend technical mastery with raw, heartfelt expression has earned them a dedicated following and critical acclaim. As they prepare to record their debut album in summer of 2025, the band is poised to share their unique sound with an even wider audience.
The Band:
Houston Patton ~ saxophone
Andre Crawford ~ piano
Dylan Sherman ~ bass
Brian Allen ~ drums
Cover: $25.00
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