DOORS @6PM. Innovative bassist, Rodney Whitaker, is one of the leading performers of jazz double bass in the world and is joined by a group of unique, soulful, and talented individuals to perform an exhilarating and enlightening program of Jazz.

DOORS @9PM. Innovative bassist, Rodney Whitaker, is one of the leading performers of jazz double bass in the world and is joined by a group of unique, soulful, and talented individuals to perform an exhilarating and enlightening program of Jazz.

DOORS @5:30PM. Luther hails from Charlotte, NC, currently residing in New York City, and has spent the last four years touring both nationally and internationally as a side-person amongst such artists as Rodney Whitaker, Jazzmeia Horn, The Baylor Project, Samara Joy, Gregory Tardy, Ulysses Owens Jr., and many more. Allison will be touring more throughout 2024 and 2025 as a bandleader.

DOORS @8:15PM. Luther hails from Charlotte, NC, currently residing in New York City, and has spent the last four years touring both nationally and internationally as a side-person amongst such artists as Rodney Whitaker, Jazzmeia Horn, The Baylor Project, Samara Joy, Gregory Tardy, Ulysses Owens Jr., and many more. Allison will be touring more throughout 2024 and 2025 as a bandleader.

Now in their second year of Blue LLama residency (every first and third Saturday), the Nick Collins Sextet features original arrangements of classic and modern jazz. The group's regular lineup features Dwight Adams (trumpet), Andrew Bishop (tenor sax), Vincent Chandler (trombone), Rick Roe (piano), Jeff Pedraz (bass), and Nick Collins (drums).

DOORS @4PM. Michigan Jazz Titans combine and collaborate for fun, exciting and entertaining musical hijinks. All Keller-ized for your maximum enjoyment!

DOORS @6:30PM. Michigan Jazz Titans combine and collaborate for fun, exciting and entertaining musical hijinks. All Keller-ized for your maximum enjoyment!

DOORS: 6PM, SHOW: 7-8PM | DOORS: 8:30PM, SHOW: 8:45-9:45PM. Conga player and composer Alberto Nacif and the superlative musicians who make up the sizzling Latin Jazz group Aguanko have a new, all original Latin Jazz recording titled “Unidad”, which was released at the July 2023 performance at Blue LLama.

DOORS: 6PM, SHOW: 7-8PM | DOORS: 8:30PM, SHOW: 8:45-9:45PM. Jean Wilson & Friends is an accomplished professional ensemble performing jazz standards, re-imagined favorites, and original tunes for audiences all across southeast Michigan.

DOORS @6PM. Justin Dillard is a 15-year Hammond Organ- endorsed artist and was mentored by the late Dr. Lonnie Smith. The Aggregation furthers the tradition of the great hammond organ trios; while innovating a symbiotic sound that embodies the midwest's heavy influence on good music.

DOORS @9PM. Justin Dillard is a 15-year Hammond Organ- endorsed artist and was mentored by the late Dr. Lonnie Smith. The Aggregation furthers the tradition of the great hammond organ trios; while innovating a symbiotic sound that embodies the midwest's heavy influence on good music.

Kramer/Rattner/Lee performs an eclectic mix jazz and fusion, in the tradition of guitar trios such as Pat Metheny, John Abercrombie, and John Scofield.

DOORS @5:30PM. Award-winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style displays a level of maturity far beyond his counterparts. His unique blend of soulfulness, harmonic sensibilities and rhythm melt together for an unforgettable sound that directly connects with the soul of the listener.

DOORS @8:15PM. Award-winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style displays a level of maturity far beyond his counterparts. His unique blend of soulfulness, harmonic sensibilities and rhythm melt together for an unforgettable sound that directly connects with the soul of the listener.

UMPH is a jazz fusion group based out of Ann Arbor made entirely of U of M students, hailing from all sides of the country. The group is heavily based on the genres of funk, fusion, R&B, and soul.

DOORS @4PM. Tatiana Eva-Marie, known as the "Gypsy-jazz Warbler" by the New York Times, has garnered around 80 million views on YouTube and is celebrated for her French swing music, drawing from her French and Romanian-Gypsy heritage. A bandleader, singer, author, and actress based in Brooklyn, she leads the Avalon Jazz Band and continues to influence the jazz scene with her unique blend of styles and interdisciplinary artistic approach.

DOORS @6:30PM. Tatiana Eva-Marie, known as the "Gypsy-jazz Warbler" by the New York Times, has garnered around 80 million views on YouTube and is celebrated for her French swing music, drawing from her French and Romanian-Gypsy heritage. A bandleader, singer, author, and actress based in Brooklyn, she leads the Avalon Jazz Band and continues to influence the jazz scene with her unique blend of styles and interdisciplinary artistic approach.

DOORS: 6PM, SHOW: 7-8PM | DOORS: 8:30PM, SHOW: 8:45-9:45PM. Formed in 2004, Tumbao Bravo is a dynamic Latin Jazz ensemble from Ann Arbor. With three Detroit Music Awards under their belt, they skillfully blend the authentic rhythms of Cuba – including mambo, cha cha, rumba, and bolero – with rich and original jazz harmonics.

DOORS: 6PM, SHOW: 7-8PM. | DOORS: 8:30PM, SHOW: 8:45-9:45PM. A Columbus, OH-based band, playing homage to the "Post-Modern/Avant Garde" tradition.

DOORS @6PM. Sean’s sound can best be described as hard-driving, solid rhythm with refreshing melodic sensibility. Some of Sean’s influences include Art Blakey, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Ed Thigpen, Sonny Payne, as well as Detroit area greats Gerald Cleaver and the one and only Elvin Jones.

DOORS @9PM. Sean’s sound can best be described as hard-driving, solid rhythm with refreshing melodic sensibility. Some of Sean’s influences include Art Blakey, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Ed Thigpen, Sonny Payne, as well as Detroit area greats Gerald Cleaver and the one and only Elvin Jones.

A swinging and soulful straight-ahead jazz quartet infused with elements of R&B and Neo-Soul.

DOORS @5:30PM. Naima is a homegrown musician from Detroit. She's a 2020 Kresge Fellow and well as performed throughout the country with numerous jazz greats such as Freddie Hubbard, Larry Willis, Steve Davis, Wendall Harrison, Steve Turre and Marion Hayden. Her group is an eclectic collection of intergenerational musicians coming together to create a straight ahead sound.

DOORS @8:15PM. Naima is a homegrown musician from Detroit. She's a 2020 Kresge Fellow and well as performed throughout the country with numerous jazz greats such as Freddie Hubbard, Larry Willis, Steve Davis, Wendall Harrison, Steve Turre and Marion Hayden. Her group is an eclectic collection of intergenerational musicians coming together to create a straight ahead sound.

Drummer and bandleader Nick Collins is proud to present his sextet at the Blue LLama Jazz Club, featuring a fun variety of high-energy modern, classic, and original jazz.

DOORS @4PM. Jonathon S. Muir-Cotton is a multi-award winning young, up and coming double bassist and bassist trained in both the jazz and classical traditions; playing many genres including jazz, funk, gospel, blues, R&B and neo-soul.

DOORS @6:30PM. Jonathon S. Muir-Cotton is a multi-award winning young, up and coming double bassist and bassist trained in both the jazz and classical traditions; playing many genres including jazz, funk, gospel, blues, R&B and neo-soul.

DOORS: 6PM, SHOW: 7-8PM. | DOORS: 8:30PM, SHOW: 8:45-9:45PM. Ellen Rowe, jazz pianist and composer, is currently the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan. She is excited to bring this new quartet to the Blue LLama ahead of the group’s recording dates this fall.

DOORS: 6PM, SHOW: 7-8PM | DOORS: 8:30PM, SHOW: 8:45-9:45PM. Born in La Isabela, Dominican Republic, Wesley Reynoso played alongside some of the greatest musicians in the industry including salsa greats like Alfredo De La Fe, Rey De La Paz, and jazz greats James Carter, Joe Lovano, Steve Turre, and Antonio Sanchez.

Unwind with live music on the patio, where the grooves are smooth and the vibe is just right with the Wyatt Forhan Unity Quartet!

DOORS@6PM. The Allan Harris Band is a dynamic ensemble of highly trained artists whose musical styles encompass jazz, funk, country, and classical. Their masterful interpretations of each piece create an exhilarating journey for the audience, evoking a wide spectrum of emotions and wonder.

DOORS@9PM. The Allan Harris Band is a dynamic ensemble of highly trained artists whose musical styles encompass jazz, funk, country, and classical. Their masterful interpretations of each piece create an exhilarating journey for the audience, evoking a wide spectrum of emotions and wonder.

The Houston Patton Quartet is an ensemble that provides a high energy and diverse experience, pulling from all aspects of Black American music and beyond.

DOORS@5:30PM. The Allan Harris Band is a dynamic ensemble of highly trained artists whose musical styles encompass jazz, funk, country, and classical. Their masterful interpretations of each piece create an exhilarating journey for the audience, evoking a wide spectrum of emotions and wonder.

DOORS@8:15PM. The Allan Harris Band is a dynamic ensemble of highly trained artists whose musical styles encompass jazz, funk, country, and classical. Their masterful interpretations of each piece create an exhilarating journey for the audience, evoking a wide spectrum of emotions and wonder.

Blou Reed is a band which combines the funk stylings of Roy Hargrove and Endea Owens with the beat and groove of The jazz messengers.

DOORS @4PM. Russ Macklem is a Detroit/Windsor-based trumpeter, composer, and educator with a rich career performing alongside renowned artists like Jimmy Heath, Dave Holland, and Quincy Jones. He holds advanced degrees in jazz from McGill University, the New England Conservatory, and the University of Miami, where he was a Henry Mancini Institute Fellow, and he currently teaches at the University of Windsor.

DOORS @6:30PM. Russ Macklem is a Detroit/Windsor-based trumpeter, composer, and educator with a rich career performing alongside renowned artists like Jimmy Heath, Dave Holland, and Quincy Jones. He holds advanced degrees in jazz from McGill University, the New England Conservatory, and the University of Miami, where he was a Henry Mancini Institute Fellow, and he currently teaches at the University of Windsor.

DOORS @6PM. Pianist, composer, producer and arranger Demetrius “Krayon” Nabors is well known and in demand in the Detroit area and on the national contemporary jazz scene. He is a two-time Detroit Music Award Winner in the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Musician category.

DOORS @9PM. Pianist, composer, producer and arranger Demetrius “Krayon” Nabors is well known and in demand in the Detroit area and on the national contemporary jazz scene. He is a two-time Detroit Music Award Winner in the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Musician category.

The Houston Patton Quartet is an ensemble that provides a high energy and diverse experience, pulling from all aspects of Black American music and beyond. This show is sponsored by A2 Jazz Fest.

DOORS @5:30PM. Detroit-born saxophonist Dave McMurray is known for his versatile sound, blending rock, R&B, funk, and jazz with a unique, vocal-like quality inspired by his city's rich musical heritage. His diverse career includes collaborations with legends like B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Herbie Hancock, cementing his reputation as a genre-defying musician.

DOORS @8:15PM. Detroit-born saxophonist Dave McMurray is known for his versatile sound, blending rock, R&B, funk, and jazz with a unique, vocal-like quality inspired by his city's rich musical heritage. His diverse career includes collaborations with legends like B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Herbie Hancock, cementing his reputation as a genre-defying musician.

The term "Ascension" embodies the journey of elevating oneself to a realm of greater significance, status, or achievement. Joshua Watkins and Ascension takes listeners on an evocative exploration of life's peaks and troughs, navigating through trials and tribulations, experiencing the highs and lows. Throughout this captivating journey, the only trajectory is upwards. This show is sponsored by A2 Jazz Fest.

DOORS @4PM. GRAMMY® and Tony Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will put her trademark spin on standards and jazz classics as she’s joined by one of the jazz world’s leading pianists, Bill Charlap. Experience a magical evening as this extraordinary duo dives into a diverse musical repertoire, showcasing their remarkable skills, flair, and expertise. This show is sponsored by A2 Jazz Fest.

DOORS @6:30PM. GRAMMY® and Tony Award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will put her trademark spin on standards and jazz classics as she’s joined by one of the jazz world’s leading pianists, Bill Charlap. Experience a magical evening as this extraordinary duo dives into a diverse musical repertoire, showcasing their remarkable skills, flair, and expertise. This show is sponsored by A2 Jazz Fest.

DOORS @6PM. Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him.

DOORS @9PM. Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him.

DOORS @6PM. Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him.

DOORS @9PM. Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship—and perhaps the hint of a challenge—inviting us to join him.

SET 1: DOORS @6PM, SHOW @7-8PM | SET 2: DOORS @8:30PM, SHOW @8:45-9:45PM. The Brian Charette Trio, featuring Jordan Young and Ralph Tope, has been playing together for 10 years, bringing a hard-swinging, modern approach to Organ Trio music.

DOORS @5:30PM. Marcus Elliot is a saxophonist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Detroit. His compositions and improvisations have been described by the New York Times as "convincing and confident, evolved in touch and tone...", and the Detroit Free Press has said, "Marcus Elliot represents next generation of jazz".

DOORS @8:15PM. Marcus Elliot is a saxophonist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Detroit. His compositions and improvisations have been described by the New York Times as "convincing and confident, evolved in touch and tone...", and the Detroit Free Press has said, "Marcus Elliot represents next generation of jazz".