DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM

Kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration at Blue LLama Jazz Club with an early dinner and a show! ! In addition to an incredible performance by local jazz staple Paul Keller, you can enjoy a chef-curated three-course tasting menu to round out your evening!

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM

Cliff Monear is a professional jazz pianist and has performed all over the world with some of the biggest stars in show-business.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM

Award winning jazz pianist and educator Lisa Sung is a talented and versatile pianist, studied in both classical and jazz music. She will be joined by Houston Patton, Dylan Sherman and NYC dummer Wenting Wu.

DOORS 4PM | SHOWTIME 5:01PM
Vincent York, a saxophonist and bandleader, has toured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra under Mercer Ellington and performed with legends like Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Aretha Franklin. A versatile musician with roots in classical and jazz studies, he founded Vincent York’s New York Force and released acclaimed recordings, blending his mastery of jazz with a rich musical heritage.

DOORS 6:15PM | SHOW 7-8PM

Olivia Van Goor is a jazz vocalist, arranger, composer, producer, and educator in Southeast Michigan. With a knowledge of the Great American Songbook, jazz tradition, and a natural swing feel, she always delivers an excellent show any music lover will enjoy.

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM

Olivia Van Goor is a jazz vocalist, arranger, composer, producer, and educator in Southeast Michigan. With a knowledge of the Great American Songbook, jazz tradition, and a natural swing feel, she always delivers an excellent show any music lover will enjoy.

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
DOORS 7:15PM | SHOWTIME 7:30-8:15PM
Pianist Bob Mervak and bassist Jeff Pedraz will explore deep cuts of The Great American Songbook, intimately scaled down to piano, bass, and vocal.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Moises Borges, a Cleveland-based guitarist and vocalist from Bahia, Brazil, brings the vibrant sounds of Samba and Bossa Nova to life with his soothing voice and engaging storytelling. Performing solo or with his band, Borges blends original compositions and timeless classics by Brazilian legends like Jobim and Gilberto, creating unforgettable experiences for lovers of Brazilian jazz.

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Moises Borges, a Cleveland-based guitarist and vocalist from Bahia, Brazil, brings the vibrant sounds of Samba and Bossa Nova to life with his soothing voice and engaging storytelling. Performing solo or with his band, Borges blends original compositions and timeless classics by Brazilian legends like Jobim and Gilberto, creating unforgettable experiences for lovers of Brazilian jazz.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM

Drummer/Composer Jonathan Barahal Taylor leads a band of phenomenal musicians while they perform a book of dynamic original music and interprets lesser-heard work from some of the great composers of Black American Music.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM

Sean Dobbins and his quintet will perform high energy set featuring music from his new recording The World We Know along with jazz standards and R&B.

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM

Sean Dobbins and his quintet will perform high energy set featuring music from his new recording The World We Know along with jazz standards and R&B.

DOORS 5:30PM | SHOW 6:30-7:30PM

Matt Von Roderick is an innovative jazz trumpeter and vocalist hailed as “a post-millennial Chet Baker” by The New York Times. His poignant sound and uplifting performances have graced iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and The Kennedy Center. Known for his collaborations with legends such as Brad Mehldau, Antonio Sanchez, and Dionne Warwick, Matt’s artistry blends trumpet virtuosity with dreamy vocals and jazz roots.

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

Matt Von Roderick is an innovative jazz trumpeter and vocalist hailed as “a post-millennial Chet Baker” by The New York Times. His poignant sound and uplifting performances have graced iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and The Kennedy Center. Known for his collaborations with legends such as Brad Mehldau, Antonio Sanchez, and Dionne Warwick, Matt’s artistry blends trumpet virtuosity with dreamy vocals and jazz roots.

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - CLOSE
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 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
DOORS 7:15PM | SHOWTIME 7:30-8:15PM
Cliff and Sarah deliver an extraordinary show spotlighting the iconic music of Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. These two powerhouse vocalists in their own right have a library of works that are familiar and fun, soulful, and swinging!

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM

Hot swinging, bop and blues infused trio plays originals, and jazz classics including Monk, Bird, Bud, and Wes.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
The Headhunters, the legendary jazz-funk group co-led by Bill Summers and Mike Clark with NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, celebrated 50 years of innovation in 2023. Known for their groundbreaking work with Herbie Hancock on Head Hunters, Thrust, and Man-Child, the band has continued to push boundaries, releasing classics like Survival of the Fittest and their latest album, The Stunt Man. Joining them are New Orleans music scene veterans Chris Severin and Kyle Roussel, as they embark on a European tour in 2024.

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:40PM
The Headhunters, the legendary jazz-funk group co-led by Bill Summers and Mike Clark with NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, celebrated 50 years of innovation in 2023. Known for their groundbreaking work with Herbie Hancock on Head Hunters, Thrust, and Man-Child, the band has continued to push boundaries, releasing classics like Survival of the Fittest and their latest album, The Stunt Man. Joining them are New Orleans music scene veterans Chris Severin and Kyle Roussel, as they embark on a European tour in 2024.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Now in their second year of residency at the Blue LLama Jazz Club, the Nick Collins Sextet found their home playing the late set on Saturday nights. Accustomed to coming onstage after acts from Sean Dobbins to Kenny Garrett, the sextet keeps audiences engaged late into the night by keeping the energy high and the arrangements varied.

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM
Now in their second year of residency at the Blue LLama Jazz Club, the Nick Collins Sextet found their home playing the late set on Saturday nights. Accustomed to coming onstage after acts from Sean Dobbins to Kenny Garrett, the sextet keeps audiences engaged late into the night by keeping the energy high and the arrangements varied.

DOORS 5:30PM | SHOW 6:30-7:30PM

Allen Dennard is a trumpeter, composer and bandleader who has made five appearances as a sideman in the Detroit Jazz Festival and was chosen to be a headliner at the Detroit Jazz Festival, showcasing his group “The Allen Dennard Quintet”.

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

Allen Dennard is a trumpeter, composer and bandleader who has made five appearances as a sideman in the Detroit Jazz Festival and was chosen to be a headliner at the Detroit Jazz Festival, showcasing his group “The Allen Dennard Quintet”.

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - 11:45PM
Laura-Simone Martin, a 19-year-old bassist and vocalist, has performed at prestigious venues like the BBC Proms and Carnegie Hall and was part of Marcus Miller’s bass ensemble for Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen’s exhibit Bass. Rooted in her faith, she is passionate about using her music to inspire and uplift, while delivering a powerful sound.

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation. 

DOORS 8PM | SHOW 8:30-9:30PM
Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation. 

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM

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 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM

This quartet is the latest assembly of musicians led by saxophonist Tim Haldeman. They will be performing almost entirely new original music.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
New Nostalgia is music for your head and your heart, a Chicago-based fusion horn band that blends jazz, pop and rock flavors together for a sound you didn't know you needed in your life. New Nostalgia features a 5-horn section and powerhouse rhythm section, straddling genre lines with intricate arranging and improvisation, singable melodies, and unstoppable rock energy.

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM
New Nostalgia is music for your head and your heart, a Chicago-based fusion horn band that blends jazz, pop and rock flavors together for a sound you didn't know you needed in your life. New Nostalgia features a 5-horn section and powerhouse rhythm section, straddling genre lines with intricate arranging and improvisation, singable melodies, and unstoppable rock energy.

DOORS 5:30PM | SHOW 6:30-7:30PM

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 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

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 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - CLOSE
Hailing from the Metro-Detroit area, Jacob Hart and his quartet bring you music that will warm you up, cool you down, and feed your soul. They play a wide variety of genres, including Bebop, Postbop, and even funk!

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM

Black Renaissance, a collective that fearlessly propels the essence of Black American Music into uncharted territories. Through a fusion of contemporary, straight-ahead, gospel, R&B, and original compositions, the group spearheads a captivating movement that heralds a fresh chapter in the evolution of jazz.

DOORS 4PM | SHOWTIME 5:01PM
Anthony Stanco will lead a star-studded quintet! The ensemble will be unveiling new compositions penned by Stanco as well as performing some of the most beloved jazz standards. This special experience is sure to dazzle and transport you back to the golden era of bebop, blues, and swing!

DOORS 6:15PM | SHOW 7-8PM

“Ralphe is the torchbearer of the Detroit bass tradition,” says fellow world-renowned Detroit bass player and educator Rodney Whitaker. By the time Detroit bassist Ralphe Armstrong was just 20 years old, his touring and recording accomplishments were beyond what the average musician strives a lifetime to achieve. But then, whether he’s playing bass violin or electric bass guitar, Ralphe Armstrong is not your average musician.

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM

“Ralphe is the torchbearer of the Detroit bass tradition,” says fellow world-renowned Detroit bass player and educator Rodney Whitaker. By the time Detroit bassist Ralphe Armstrong was just 20 years old, his touring and recording accomplishments were beyond what the average musician strives a lifetime to achieve. But then, whether he’s playing bass violin or electric bass guitar, Ralphe Armstrong is not your average musician.

DOORS 5:30PM | SHOW 6:30-7:30PM

Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy delivers soulful melodies drawing inspiration from jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop, creating an uplifting and inspiring musical journey for the audience. Immerse yourself in a feel-good experience with their diverse range of soulful vibes.

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy delivers soulful melodies drawing inspiration from jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop, creating an uplifting and inspiring musical journey for the audience. Immerse yourself in a feel-good experience with their diverse range of soulful vibes.

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - CLOSE

Backwards Compatibility is a project to bridge the world of jazz with video game and Japanese Music. The group will feature tunes from the jazz, funk, and R&B idiom, as well as Japanese Music and VGM.

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
DOORS 7:15PM | SHOWTIME 7:30-8:15PM

La Tanya Hall’s versatility in a variety of musical genres has allowed her to travel the world and work with some of the world’s most celebrated artists, including Steely Dan, Seal, Diana Ross, Bobby McFerrin, Michael McDonald, Quincy Jones, Rob Thomas, Michael Feinstein, Patti Labelle, Harry Belafonte, Steve Tyrell and Aretha Franklin. Her new record, Pretty Eyes, will be released in early 2025 and features Cyrus Chestnut, Gary Bartz and Eddie Henderson.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Haitian-American vocalist Tyreek McDole is a rising star in the New York jazz scene, renowned for his soulful artistry and impressive accolades. A winner of the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and a graduate of The Oberlin Conservatory, Tyreek has shared the stage with jazz luminaries like Gary Bartz and Theo Croker, leaving a mark with his Caribbean-influenced sound and captivating performances.

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Haitian-American vocalist Tyreek McDole is a rising star in the New York jazz scene, renowned for his soulful artistry and impressive accolades. A winner of the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and a graduate of The Oberlin Conservatory, Tyreek has shared the stage with jazz luminaries like Gary Bartz and Theo Croker, leaving a mark with his Caribbean-influenced sound and captivating performances.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM

Sky Covington and her ensemble, November Fourth, have captivated audiences for over 20 years with their soulful jazz performances that celebrate the rich legacy of the genre. Featuring Sky's emotive vocals and a talented lineup including "Man," Ibrahim Jones, Phil Harmonic, and Terrence Neal, the group delivers timeless and engaging musical experiences.

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

The Andrew Rathbun Quartet will be performing music from his latest Steeplechase release THE SPEED OF TIME.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Detroit-born, Grammy-winning producer and musician Don Was is known for his work with artists like Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. Since 2011, he has served as the President of Blue Note Records, championing its legacy while producing modern jazz icons. Additionally, he co-founded the Wolf Brothers with Bob Weir, directs the Don Was Detroit All Star Revue, and hosts a weekly radio show on Detroit's WDET-FM.

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM
Detroit-born, Grammy-winning producer and musician Don Was is known for his work with artists like Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. Since 2011, he has served as the President of Blue Note Records, championing its legacy while producing modern jazz icons. Additionally, he co-founded the Wolf Brothers with Bob Weir, directs the Don Was Detroit All Star Revue, and hosts a weekly radio show on Detroit's WDET-FM.

DOORS 5:30PM | SHOW 6:30-7:30PM
Detroit-born, Grammy-winning producer and musician Don Was is known for his work with artists like Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. Since 2011, he has served as the President of Blue Note Records, championing its legacy while producing modern jazz icons. Additionally, he co-founded the Wolf Brothers with Bob Weir, directs the Don Was Detroit All Star Revue, and hosts a weekly radio show on Detroit's WDET-FM.

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Detroit-born, Grammy-winning producer and musician Don Was is known for his work with artists like Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. Since 2011, he has served as the President of Blue Note Records, championing its legacy while producing modern jazz icons. Additionally, he co-founded the Wolf Brothers with Bob Weir, directs the Don Was Detroit All Star Revue, and hosts a weekly radio show on Detroit's WDET-FM.

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM

DOORS 7:15PM | SHOW 7:30-8:15PM
Drummer and bandleader Nick Collins regularly performs at the Blue LLama Jazz Club, showcasing high-energy, hard-swinging original compositions with his trio and sextet. Featuring a dream team of Detroit jazz talent, Nick's groups captivate audiences with dynamic performances and a growing repertoire of seldom-heard tunes.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM

Formed in 1974 by Kahil El’Zabar, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble has a strong rhythmic foundation, innovative harmonics and counterpoint, well-balanced interplay and polyphony among the players for highly developed ensemble dynamics. They are strong individual soloists with an in-depth grasp of music history, originality, fearlessness and deep spirituality.

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9-10PM

Formed in 1974 by Kahil El’Zabar, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble has a strong rhythmic foundation, innovative harmonics and counterpoint, well-balanced interplay and polyphony among the players for highly developed ensemble dynamics. They are strong individual soloists with an in-depth grasp of music history, originality, fearlessness and deep spirituality.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM

Ajde Aman (pronounced "I-day ah-mon") is Balkan folk fusion band based in Ann Arbor. Come gather round for their soulful folk melodies and odd rhythms of South Eastern Europe.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM

New York-based jazz saxophonist Stacy Dillard returns to his Michigan roots partnering with an Ohio/New York-based jazz pianist Keigo Hirakawa to bring one night show at Blue LLama. The band will feature music by Dillard and Hirakawa.

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM

New York-based jazz saxophonist Stacy Dillard returns to his Michigan roots partnering with an Ohio/New York-based jazz pianist Keigo Hirakawa to bring one night show at Blue LLama. The band will feature music by Dillard and Hirakawa.