TIA FULLER & LIL’ JOHN ROBERTS

Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer Tia Fuller has established herself as one of the most compelling voices in modern jazz. Equally at home on the concert stage, in the recording studio, and in the classroom, Fuller is celebrated for her commanding tone, inventive compositions, and electrifying performances. A former member of Beyoncé’s all-female touring band, she has also performed and recorded with jazz luminaries including Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Nancy Wilson, and Ralph Peterson. Her critically acclaimed recordings, including the Grammy-nominated Diamond Cut, have solidified her reputation as an artist who effortlessly bridges artistic sophistication and broad audience appeal.

Joining Fuller is world-renowned drummer Lil’ John Roberts, one of the most sought-after drummers in contemporary music. Known for his explosive energy, impeccable groove, and remarkable versatility, Roberts has toured and recorded with an extraordinary roster of artists including Janet Jackson, Stevie Wonder, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, and The Crusaders. Together, Fuller and Roberts create a musical chemistry that is both powerful and deeply engaging, blending virtuosity, soul, and spontaneity in every performance.

Cover: $49.00

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SANDRA BASSETT

Sandra brings her signature warmth, powerful and soulful vocals, and magnetic stage presence to a dynamic program featuring fresh interpretations of traditional jazz favorites alongside exciting new selections. An entertainer unlike any other performing timeless standards to bold, contemporary arrangements, this performance celebrates the elegance, rhythm, and spirit of jazz.

The Sextet
Sandra Bassett- Vocals
Dave Schmidt – Sax
James Rudolph – Guitar
Dane Cole – Keys
Sean Brogan – Bass
Adam Clark – Drums

Cover: $47.00 ~ $51.00 (fee included)

1/2 price Student tickets are available in the Tables & Banquettes sections. Use code “student” at checkout, (25 & under w/ valid ID)

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ANTONIO HART QUINTET

When Antonio Hart was in ninth grade, the music and art programs were cut out of the public schools. Antonio was devastated because the one thing that made school interesting was taken away from him. Having a friend that attended the then new Baltimore School for the Performing Arts, somehow got Antonio an audition. He did the best he could because he really could not read the level of music he was trying to play. He prayed everyday, but he did not think he would get in. One week to the day, he received a transfer letter in the mail; he had been accepted! Hart considers this the beginning of his life as a young man and musician.

Hart’s real study of Jazz began at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he studied with Bill Pierce, Andy McGhee, and Joe Viola. The three teachers gave him the foundation he needed to develop into a professional musician. Hart spent many hours in the library listening to all his favorite musicians, and practicing and playing as much as he could. There were also many late hours in the practice room. Because of the lessons learned at the School for the Arts, he really thought it was important to have a balance between music and academia, so in his sophomore year he became a Music Education Major. The most important friendship at Berklee was with Roy Hargrove. They spent three years touring the world and recording Hargrove’s first three records. Hart considers Hargrove to be his brother in life and music. He even used Hargrove on his first recording ‘For the First Time.’

His 1997 release, ‘Here I Stand’ Impulse records, earned Hart a 1997 Grammy nomination for ‘Best Jazz Instrumental Solo.’ He has also been in much demand as a guest on over 80 recordings. Since then, Hart has recorded seven CDs as a leader. Hart balances his time as a full-time Professor at The Aaron Copland school of Music, Queens College, as well as, traveling on the road with his band, The Dave Holland Big band, and The Dizzy Gillespie Big band.

The Quintet
Antonio Hart ~ Alto Sax
Mejedi Owusu ~ Trumpet
Richard Johnson ~ Piano
Alex “Apolo” Ayala ~ Bass
Jerome Jennings ~ Drums

Cover: $40.00

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SAMARA JOY

Samara Joy released her self-titled debut album in 2021 and was subsequently named Best New Artist by JazzTimes. Her second album, Linger Awhile (2022), reached number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. She has received six Grammys, which include Best New Artist in 2023, and three wins each for Best Jazz Vocal Album 2023, 2025 and 2026, as well as Best Jazz Performance in 2024 and 2025.

In 2019, as Samara McLendon, she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. One of the judges during that competition, world-renowned bassist Christian McBride, described Joy as a “once-in-a-generation talent.”

Personnel
Samara Joy | Vocalist
Jason Charos | Trumpet
David Mason | Alto Sax
Kendric McCallister | Tenor Sax
Nanami Haruta | Trombone
Isaac Byrd | Piano
Marty Jaffe | Bass
Evan Sherman | Drums

Cover: $40.00

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FRANK LACY

Trombonist Frank Lacy brings his talent to the stage at Smalls. He has spent over two decades as a member of the Mingus Big Band. An alumni of Texas Southern University and Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying trombone and composition. His classmates included Branford Marsalis, Greg Osby, and Marvin Smith.

He played with Illinois Jacquet’s big band, and a couple years later he was musical director for Art Blakey. He released his first album as a band leader in 1991 with his father on guitar.[3] He has also worked with Lester Bowie, Marty Ehrlich, Michael Formanek, Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Rufus Reid, Henry Threadgill, Steve Turre, McCoy Tyner, and Bobby Watson.

Cover: $35.00

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