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

More Posts: adventure,bandleader,club,drums,genius,instrumental,jazz,music,preserving,travel

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

More Posts: adventure,bandleader,bass,club,drums,genius,instrumental,jazz,piano,preserving,saxophone,travel

KALEB KIRBY

The band comes together for a vibrant tribute to the legendary John Scofield. From groove-heavy electric moments to intimate acoustic explorations, the ensemble reimagines Scofield’s career-spanning work with deep respect and fearless creativity.

Drawing from his collaborations with Miles Davis, Medeski Martin & Wood, and his own celebrated ensembles, the program showcases the expressive range and rhythmic ingenuity that define Scofield’s voice—bridging tradition and innovation through bold interplay and dynamic sound.

More Posts: adventure,bandleader,club,drums,genius,instrumental,jazz,music,preserving,travel

PIECES OF A DREAM

The group was formed in Philadelphia during 1976 by bassist Cedric Napoleon, drummer Curtis Harmon, and keyboardist James Lloyd who were all teenagers at the time. The group based their name on “Pieces of Dreams”, a Michel Legrand tune recorded by Stanley Turrentine that they regularly performed. In 1981 Pieces of a Dream had a minor soul hit with “Warm Weather” with vocals by singer Barbara Walker and synthesizer by Dexter Wansel, which was recorded on Elektra Records and co-produced by Dexter Wansel. In late 1983, the group had their most successful single, “Fo-Fi-Fo”, which peaked at No. 13 on the US soul chart. During their time with Elektra Records from 1981 to 1983, the group’s first three albums were produced by saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr.

Over the course of their nearly 50 year career they have released twenty albums, the last of which was Fired Up in 2021 and the final recording session for bassist Cedric A. Napoleon who died in June 2024. They have never lost their heat!

Cover: $70.25

More Posts: adventure,bandleader,bass,club,drums,genius,jazz,music,piano,preserving,travel

Daily Dose Of Jazz…

John Hollenbeck was born June 19, 1968 in Binghamton, New York and earned degrees in percussion and jazz composition from the Eastman School of Music. He moved to New York City in the early 1990s. He has worked with Bob Brookmeyer, Fred Hersch, Tony Malaby, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Kenny Wheeler, Pablo Ziegler, and Meredith Monk.

In 1998, he composed The Shape of Spirit, a piece for wind ensemble on Mons Records. The following year he composed Processional and Desiderata for wind ensemble and orator. This composition, written for and featuring the voice and trombone of Bob Brookmeyer, was released on Challenge Records in 2001.

Hollenbeck went on to receive several commissions from the Bamberg Choir and the Windsbacher Knabenchor in Germany, Bang on a Can, the People’s Commissioning Fund, the IAJE Gil Evans Fellowship, and in addition he composed and performed the percussion score to the following Meredith Monk works: Magic Frequencies, Mercy and The Impermanence Project.

His 2000 debut release Static Still with Theo Bleckmanne began his recording as a leader and in 2001 his sophomore project No Images landed on Gary Giddins’ Village Voice Top Ten list. He has gone on to record nine more albums to date as a leader and nine albums with the Claudia Quintet.

Drummer John Hollenbeck, who was an eleven year professor of jazz drums and improvisation at the Jazz Institute Berlin and in 2015 joined the faculty of Schulich School of Music, continues to perform.

More Posts: bandleader,drums,educator,history,instrumental,jazz,music