Events
Keyon Harrold
Taking in Keyon Harrold’s career to-date, it’s clear that the “world-class trumpeter” (Essence) and composer is very serious about that diet. He’s a jazz musician but in the most expansive sense, working with a list of dream collaborators: generational legends Keith Richards and Diana Ross; rap stars like Mac Miller and Nas; neo-soul icons Erykah Badu and D’Angelo; and modern soul stars Black Pumas and Leon Bridges.
Keyon Harrold
Taking in Keyon Harrold’s career to-date, it’s clear that the “world-class trumpeter” (Essence) and composer is very serious about that diet. He’s a jazz musician but in the most expansive sense, working with a list of dream collaborators: generational legends Keith Richards and Diana Ross; rap stars like Mac Miller and Nas; neo-soul icons Erykah Badu and D’Angelo; and modern soul stars Black Pumas and Leon Bridges.
Late Night: Houston Patton Quartet
The Houston Patton Quartet is a Detroit based ensemble. Playing music ranging from straight ahead jazz to hip hop, this high energy, but sensitive band provides a unique experience.
Keyon Harrold - SOLD OUT
Taking in Keyon Harrold’s career to-date, it’s clear that the “world-class trumpeter” (Essence) and composer is very serious about that diet. He’s a jazz musician but in the most expansive sense, working with a list of dream collaborators: generational legends Keith Richards and Diana Ross; rap stars like Mac Miller and Nas; neo-soul icons Erykah Badu and D’Angelo; and modern soul stars Black Pumas and Leon Bridges.
Keyon Harrold
Taking in Keyon Harrold’s career to-date, it’s clear that the “world-class trumpeter” (Essence) and composer is very serious about that diet. He’s a jazz musician but in the most expansive sense, working with a list of dream collaborators: generational legends Keith Richards and Diana Ross; rap stars like Mac Miller and Nas; neo-soul icons Erykah Badu and D’Angelo; and modern soul stars Black Pumas and Leon Bridges.
Late Night: No Boundaries Quartet
Prepare to be transported as NBQ delves into uncharted musical territories, inviting you to explore the far reaches of the musical spectrum. Join them on this extraordinary excursion, and allow yourself to be taken to new heights of musical discovery. NBQ promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more.
Easter Brunch & Show ft. Sarah D’Angelo Quintet
Detroit-based multi-genre vocalist and clarinetist Sarah D’Angelo finds an exhilarating freedom of musical expression in jazz, blues, gospel, and pop.
Easter Brunch & Show ft. Sarah D’Angelo Quintet
Detroit-based multi-genre vocalist and clarinetist Sarah D’Angelo finds an exhilarating freedom of musical expression in jazz, blues, gospel, and pop.
Date Night ft. Cliff Monear Trio
DOORS @6PM. Join us for Date Night at Blue LLama! This evening is thoughtfully curated for you to enjoy warm conversations with your loved ones over delicious cuisine while a piano trio plays light music in the background.
Dwight Adams Quartet
DOORS @6PM. One blast from his trumpet, and it’s clear as day – Dwight Adams is the real deal. For more than two decades he’s been playing stages worldwide with Motown legend Stevie Wonder, but for even longer than that he’s been igniting audiences in the more intimate settings of Detroit’s greatest clubs.
WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series: Dave Sharp Octet
As a proud partner of WEMU 89.1, Blue LLama Jazz Club is excited to host the WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series featuring local musicians! DOORS @4:30PM.
Gayelynn McKinney & the McKinney Zone
DOORS @6:30PM. Gayelynn McKinney is one of the most accomplished drummers in Detroit. She has performed with a plethora of international music icons and is the recipient of prestigious awards, including a Kresge Arts Fellowship, showcasing her remarkable contributions to the music industry.
Gayelynn McKinney & the McKinney Zone
DOORS @8:30PM. Gayelynn McKinney is one of the most accomplished drummers in Detroit. She has performed with a plethora of international music icons and is the recipient of prestigious awards, including a Kresge Arts Fellowship, showcasing her remarkable contributions to the music industry.
Sean Jones’ Dizzy Spellz ft. Brinae Ali
DOORS @6PM. Dizzy Spellz offers an Afro-futuristic lens exploring the intersection of cultural and spiritual dilemmas within the African Diaspora through the music of Dizzy Gillespie. Sean Jones (trumpeter/musical director) and Brinae Ali (choreographer/tap dancer/vocalist) have teamed up to create a piece that fuses elements of jazz, tap, Hip Hop, and BeBop to articulate the social vernacular of the African-American experience.
Sean Jones’ Dizzy Spellz ft. Brinae Ali
DOORS @8:30PM. Dizzy Spellz offers an Afro-futuristic lens exploring the intersection of cultural and spiritual dilemmas within the African Diaspora through the music of Dizzy Gillespie. Sean Jones (trumpeter/musical director) and Brinae Ali (choreographer/tap dancer/vocalist) have teamed up to create a piece that fuses elements of jazz, tap, Hip Hop, and BeBop to articulate the social vernacular of the African-American experience.
Late Night: The Pickle Mafia
The Pickle Mafia is a dynamic trio from New York, garnering nationwide attention through their groundbreaking, unique brand of Arena Jazz Fusion. The visual appeal the band brings to audiences across the globe is an important element that adds to their musical artistry.
Don Hicks & Friends - Blue LLama 5th Anniversary Party
DOORS @6PM. Join us in celebrating Blue LLama Jazz Club’s Fifth Year Anniversary ft. Don Hicks & Friends!
The One-World Jazz Orchestra ft. Danilo Pérez
DOORS @6PM. The One-World Jazz Orchestra brings together aspiring artists from Berklee’s Global Institute and Wayne State Univ.’s Jazz Program with special guests to present new music that fuses jazz with diverse root-musics, styles and instrumentation from across the globe.
Kenny Garrett - SOLD OUT
DOORS @6PM. Kenny Garrett is easily recognized as one of modern jazz’s brightest and most influential living masters. And with the marvelous Sounds From The Ancestors, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Garrett shows no signs of resting on his laurels.
Kenny Garrett
DOORS @8:30PM. Kenny Garrett is easily recognized as one of modern jazz’s brightest and most influential living masters. And with the marvelous Sounds From The Ancestors, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Garrett shows no signs of resting on his laurels.
Late Night: Nick Collins Sextet
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).
Kenny Garrett - SOLD OUT
DOORS @6PM. Kenny Garrett is easily recognized as one of modern jazz’s brightest and most influential living masters. And with the marvelous Sounds From The Ancestors, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Garrett shows no signs of resting on his laurels.
Kenny Garrett
DOORS @8:30PM. Kenny Garrett is easily recognized as one of modern jazz’s brightest and most influential living masters. And with the marvelous Sounds From The Ancestors, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Garrett shows no signs of resting on his laurels.
Late Night: Blou Reed Electric
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.
U of M History of Jazz Class Recital
DOORS @4:30PM. The students of Music Theory 436/536, “Analytical History of Jazz,” bring their semester to a rousing close with a performance of pre-WWII jazz music at the Blue Llama Jazz Club.
Aguankó
DOORS @6:30PM. 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.
Allan Harris Live at Blue LLama Listening Party
DOORS @5:30PM. Experience the magic of Allan Harris's Live at Blue LLama album with us at our Listening Party! Renowned vocalist and guitarist, Harris released this captivating live album in July 2023, marking his first in over thirteen years. Indulge in a delicious dinner while immersing yourself in the soulful sounds of Harris's music.
MOKOOMBA
DOORS @7:30PM. Mokoomba is one of Africa’s most exciting young bands to emerge from the African continent in the past 10-15 years. Hailing from Victoria Falls in the NW corner of Zimbabwe, they are setting dance-floors ablaze with their unique mix of traditional Tonga and pan -African music cultures with dashes of Rap, Ska, Soukous and Afro-Cuban music.
Ari Hoenig Trio
DOORS @6PM. Ari Hoenig, a renowned jazz drummer, composer, and educator, boasts an intense and innovative approach to drumming that harmonizes complex rhythms with group dynamics, elevating drumming to an indispensable part of the performance. Born in Philadelphia, Hoenig's diverse musical upbringing and extensive collaborations with notable artists have propelled him to national recognition, highlighted by his Grammy-nominated work and acclaimed solo albums.
Ari Hoenig Trio
DOORS @8:30PM. Ari Hoenig, a renowned jazz drummer, composer, and educator, boasts an intense and innovative approach to drumming that harmonizes complex rhythms with group dynamics, elevating drumming to an indispensable part of the performance. Born in Philadelphia, Hoenig's diverse musical upbringing and extensive collaborations with notable artists have propelled him to national recognition, highlighted by his Grammy-nominated work and acclaimed solo albums.
Late Night: Joshua Watkins & Ascension
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.
Luther S. Allison Quintet ft. Imani Rousselle
DOORS @6PM. 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.
Luther S. Allison Quintet ft. Imani Rousselle
DOORS @8:30PM. 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.
Late Night: Nick Collins Sextet
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.
Raul Midón
DOORS @7PM. Blind Singer-Songwriter Guitarist Raul Midón is nothing if not prolific. His 14th and latest album, Lost & Found is a blend of what he calls “smooth folk,” “alt-pop” and “jazz.” A master at combining genres, “his music suggests a three way fusion of Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin and José Feliciano,” New York Times. Midón recently debuted the album’s first single, the uplifting bluesy pop song Keep On Keeping On on the The Jennifer Hudson Show (December 2023).
Isis Damil - Ice Cream & Cake V - Birthday Celebration
DOORS @6PM. Isis Damil is a Detroit-bred singer and songwriter. Her fiery, mezzo vocals blend with jazzy R&B melodies to share stories of confidence, sensuality, and spirituality. Her sultry, soulful aura is a culmination of her own development as an artist and woman, and is reflected seamlessly throughout her music.
Allen Dennard Quintet
DOORS @6PM. 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”.
Allen Dennard Quintet
DOORS @8:30PM. 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”.
Late Night: Alain Sullivan's Backwards Compatibility
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.
Sean Dobbins Quintet ft. Greg Ward
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.
Sean Dobbins Quintet ft. Greg Ward
DOORS @8:30PM. 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.
Nduduzo Makhathini
DOORS @6PM. Nduduzo Makhathini, hailing from umGungundlovu in South Africa, draws deeply from the region's rich musical and ritual traditions, blending influences from legendary South African jazz figures and American jazz icons like John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner. As an acclaimed pianist, educator, and bandleader, Makhathini has released numerous albums, received prestigious awards, and collaborated with renowned artists worldwide.
Jonathan Baharal Taylor Quartet
DOORS @6PM. 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.
Zen Zadravec Quartet
DOORS @6PM. Zen Zadravec, jazz pianist, saxophonist, and composer views all music as a form of creative communication. The goal is to create music based on human experience that inspires, encourages, and touches people’s hearts.
Zen Zadravec Quartet
DOORS @8:30PM. Zen Zadravec, jazz pianist, saxophonist, and composer views all music as a form of creative communication. The goal is to create music based on human experience that inspires, encourages, and touches people’s hearts.
Dr. Prof. Leonard King & OOPAPADA
DOORS@ 6PM. Oopapada was originally formed during March 1995 as an organ trio. As a result of the scarcity of organists in the metro Detroit MI area, and the disappearance of organ lounges, Leonard King decided that it was time to return to the instrumentation of having three horns and a rhythm section.
Dr. Prof. Leonard King & OOPAPADA
DOORS @8:30PM. Oopapada was originally formed during March 1995 as an organ trio. As a result of the scarcity of organists in the metro Detroit MI area, and the disappearance of organ lounges, Leonard King decided that it was time to return to the instrumentation of having three horns and a rhythm section.
Late Night: Nick Collins Sextet
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.
Sunday Supper ft. William Bennett Trio
DOORS @6PM. William is a keyboardist who has worked as a sideman and bandleader in the Ann Arbor area for close to 20 years. He strives to create music that is creative and stimulating, who also being relatable and something that reaches people on an emotional level.
John Arnold/ Pathe Jassi/ Jesse Kramer
DOORS @6PM. "Sophisticated world jazz approached with fire and intensity. Moving from dynamic ballads to high energy world beat..."
Tierney Sutton & Tamir Hendelman Duo
DOORS @6PM. Join 9-time Grammy nominee Tierney Sutton and renowned pianist Tamir Hendelman at the Blue Llama Jazz Club for an intimate and swinging evening of beloved songs. Sutton is heralded for her abilities as a jazz storyteller and her versatile, striking voice. Hendelman is known for his sense of swing, imaginative arranging, sensitive touch, and his work with vocalists from Natalie Cole to Barbra Streisand.
Straight Ahead
DOORS @6PM. Straight Ahead is a Grammy-nominated recording group from Detroit and the first all female ensemble signed to the Atlantic Jazz label; inducted into the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame.
Straight Ahead
DOORS @8:30PM. Straight Ahead is a Grammy-nominated recording group from Detroit and the first all female ensemble signed to the Atlantic Jazz label; inducted into the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame.
Late Night: Paul Cornish Trio
Paul Cornish, Emma Dayhuff, and Jonathan Pinson, alumni of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance, have become highly sought-after sidemen and women in the music industry. Together, this trio presents a unique sound built on their wealth of collective experience and years of friendship to present a compassionate, yet daring sound that aspires to challenge and inspire their audience.
Morgan James
DOORS @6PM. Morgan James, a Juilliard-trained singer, songwriter, and actress based in New York City, is currently touring in support of her fifth studio album, "Nobody’s Fool". Known for her original soul music albums like "Memphis Magnetic" and "A Very Magnetic Christmas", she has also garnered acclaim for her full album covers and Broadway performances.
Morgan James
DOORS @8:30PM. Morgan James, a Juilliard-trained singer, songwriter, and actress based in New York City, is currently touring in support of her fifth studio album, "Nobody’s Fool". Known for her original soul music albums like "Memphis Magnetic" and "A Very Magnetic Christmas", she has also garnered acclaim for her full album covers and Broadway performances.
Mother’s Day Brunch ft. Sean Dobbins Quartet with Athena Johnson
DOORS @11AM. Celebrate the leading lady in your life at Blue LLama this Mother’s Day with Brunch & a Show ft. Sean Dobbins Quartet with special guest Athena Johnson!
Mother’s Day Brunch ft. Sean Dobbins Quartet with Athena Johnson
DOORS @1:30PM. Celebrate the leading lady in your life at Blue LLama this Mother’s Day with Brunch & a Show ft. Sean Dobbins Quartet with special guest Athena Johnson!
Date Night ft. La Tanya Hall
DOORS @6PM. Join us for Date Night at Blue LLama! This evening is thoughtfully curated for you to enjoy company of loved ones while enjoying sensitive piano trio music and delicious cuisine. La Tanya Hall's ability to reinvent the Great American Songbook is amassing glorious reviews from around the globe. Jazz.com describes her as "a woman ripe with talent [whose] interpretative skills are a marvel."
Alyssa Allgood Quartet
DOORS @6PM. Alyssa Allgood is an award-winning jazz vocalist, composer and arranger with a compelling voice in the modern jazz landscape. The Chicago-based artist boldly weaves soulful storytelling and rich improvisational language through original compositions, captivating arrangements and a lyrical focus of self-love and human connection.
Christian Sands Trio
DOORS @6PM. Steinway Artist and five-time Grammy Nominee Christian Sands is an emerging jazz force. His abundant piano technique perfectly matches his conception, accomplishing a much deeper musical goal: a fresh look at the entire language of jazz.
Christian Sands Trio
DOORS @8:30PM. Steinway Artist and five-time Grammy Nominee Christian Sands is an emerging jazz force. His abundant piano technique perfectly matches his conception, accomplishing a much deeper musical goal: a fresh look at the entire language of jazz.
Late Night: Jacob Hart Quartet
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!
Joan Belgrave
DOORS @6PM. Joan Belgrave, a two-time Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and music/film producer, is a multiple Detroit Music Award winner, including the 2023 Songwriter Award. Additionally, she hosts WJZZ Detroit Jazz Radio and is the widow of the late, great trumpeter Marcus Belgrave.
Joan Belgrave
DOORS @8:30PM. Joan Belgrave, a two-time Grammy-nominated vocalist, songwriter, and music/film producer, is a multiple Detroit Music Award winner, including the 2023 Songwriter Award. Additionally, she hosts WJZZ Detroit Jazz Radio and is the widow of the late, great trumpeter Marcus Belgrave.
Late Night: Nick Collins Sextet
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).
Andy Milne & Unison
DOORS @6PM. Two-time Juno Award winning pianist/composer Andy Milne is a fearless improvisor who has collaborated with a range of artists, including Ingrid Laubrock, Ralph Alessi, Ravi Coltrane, Carla Cook and Steve Coleman. With his trio Unison, Milne explores the intersection of texture and groove.
Alyssa Smith Trio
DOORS @6PM. Pianist and composer Alyssa Smith recently received her Master’s in jazz from the University of Michigan and is now based in Brooklyn, New York. She is delighted to return to Ann Arbor to present a curation of her originals.
Kenny Washington with special guest Joan Belgrave
DOORS @6PM. Born and raised in NOLA, San Francisco-based Vocalist Kenny Washington has thrilled audiences across the globe with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and inventive scatting. He has appeared with Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra as a featured artist many times.
Kenny Washington with special guest Joan Belgrave
DOORS @8:30PM. Born and raised in NOLA, San Francisco-based Vocalist Kenny Washington has thrilled audiences across the globe with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and inventive scatting. He has appeared with Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra as a featured artist many times.
Late Night: Bob Sweet Quartet
Bob Sweet (drums), Max Bowen (guitar), Andrew Bishop (saxophone), and Kurt Krahnke (bass) adventurously explore compositions by Black American Music masters like Thelonious Monk, Joe Henderson, Duke Ellington, Jackie McLean, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Ornette Coleman, Wayne Shorter, Pharoah Sanders, and many others.
Shahida Nurullah & Good Company
DOORS @6PM. Deeply steeped in the generations of great Jazz and Blues that centers the rich musical legacy of Detroit (which includes Kenn Cox, Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave and Thomas “Beans” Bowles), Shahida Nurullah is one of the motor city’s premier and most treasured jazz vocalists.
Shahida Nurullah & Good Company
DOORS @8:30PM. Deeply steeped in the generations of great Jazz and Blues that centers the rich musical legacy of Detroit (which includes Kenn Cox, Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave and Thomas “Beans” Bowles), Shahida Nurullah is one of the motor city’s premier and most treasured jazz vocalists.
The Eastside Jazz Collective
DOORS @6PM. The Eastside Jazz Collective is a five-piece group from Southeast Michigan. With a varied repertoire of classic standards, swing tunes and some contemporary music as well, the group recreates those sublimely cool sounds with a sense of style and accuracy.
Meg Brennan Quartet ft. Aya Ishida
DOORS @6PM. Meg Brennan is a multi-woodwindist and composer, widely regarded for her versatility across musical genres. As a flutist and saxophonist, she has performed with esteemed musicians such as Keyon Harrold, Rodney Whitaker, Ingrid Jensen, Andrew Bishop, and Ellen Rowe.
Kimmie Horne
DOORS @6PM. Kimmie Horne is recognized internationally as a Jazz Singer, weaving blends of pop and rhythm and Blues, as well as classic jazz with her rich, alto voice and sultry performances.
Kimmie Horne
DOORS @8:30PM. Kimmie Horne is recognized internationally as a Jazz Singer, weaving blends of pop and rhythm and Blues, as well as classic jazz with her rich, alto voice and sultry performances.
Rick Roe Quartet
Hot swinging, bop and blues infused quartet plays originals, and jazz classics including Monk, Bird, Bud, and Wes.
Aguankó
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.
Late Night: King Alexander
King Alexander is a song writer, drummer, and vocalist who hales from the city of Detroit Motown, MI. His amazing band includes an array of genre bending musicians.
Thornetta Davis Band - SOLD OUT
Detroit's Queen of the Blues, Thornetta Davis, is a 2024 BMA nominee and a 2023 Blues Music Award winner for Best Soul/Blues Female Artist of the Year. With over 30 Detroit Music Awards, this singer-songwriter and recording artist has captivated global audiences with electrifying performances, touring Europe and gracing music festivals across the United States and abroad.
Thornetta Davis Band - SOLD OUT
Detroit's Queen of the Blues, Thornetta Davis, is a 2024 BMA nominee and a 2023 Blues Music Award winner for Best Soul/Blues Female Artist of the Year. With over 30 Detroit Music Awards, this singer-songwriter and recording artist has captivated global audiences with electrifying performances, touring Europe and gracing music festivals across the United States and abroad.
Late Night: Nate Topo Quartet
The Nate Topo Quartet is an up-and-coming jazz and funk ensemble. The band not only focuses to protect the tradition behind their genre of music, but aims to excite new and old listeners alike.
Brendon Davis & Muze Society
Muze Society is a new ambitious, jazz-fusion ensemble led by “rising star” (Fox 2 News) Brendon Davis. They perform original material written by Davis and members of the group while creating arrangements on various pieces.
Brendon Davis & Muze Society
Muze Society is a new ambitious, jazz-fusion ensemble led by “rising star” (Fox 2 News) Brendon Davis. They perform original material written by Davis and members of the group while creating arrangements on various pieces.
Lisa Sung Quartet
Lisa Sung is a talented and versatile pianist, studied in both classical and jazz music. She has performed and recorded with Terrel Stafford, Rodney Whitaker, Stafford Hunter, Thomas Knific, Diego Rivera, David Alvarez, Dmitri Methany, Max Colley III, Jordan VanHemert, and many others.
Date Night ft. Rowan Tucker-Meyer Trio
Join us for Date Night at Blue LLama! This evening is thoughtfully curated for you to enjoy company of loved ones while enjoying sensitive piano trio music and delicious cuisine.
Cyrille Aimée
Combining the depth and sophistication of jazz, the immediacy of pop, the irrepressible dance rhythms of the Caribbean, Cyrille’s most recent album release is more intimate and accessible than anything she has done before.
Cyrille Aimée
Combining the depth and sophistication of jazz, the immediacy of pop, the irrepressible dance rhythms of the Caribbean, Cyrille’s most recent album release is more intimate and accessible than anything she has done before.
Late Night: Lorenzo Rhodes Trio
Pianist and Keyboardist Lorenzo Rhodes is a recording artist who has performed on many stages such as Las Vegas, Apollo Theater, and various music festivals. The Lorenzo Rhodes Trio is a multi-genre jazz/smooth jazz group that is sure to be an entertainment pleasure for any audience setting.
Diego Rivera Quintet - CD Release Show!
A world-class musician, composer, arranger and educator, Diego Rivera has entertained audiences for over 20 years. Rivera is known for his muscular tone and unique blend of straight-ahead jazz fused with music inspired by his Latino background and heritage.
Diego Rivera Quintet - CD Release Show!
A world-class musician, composer, arranger and educator, Diego Rivera has entertained audiences for over 20 years. Rivera is known for his muscular tone and unique blend of straight-ahead jazz fused with music inspired by his Latino background and heritage.
Pamela Wise Ensemble
Internationally renowned as a jazz pianist and composer, Pamela Wise is recognized for her expertise in seamlessly blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz harmonies. She has garnered numerous awards for this innovative fusion, establishing herself as both a trailblazer in musical exploration and a cultural warrior.
Ron Brooks Quartet
Ron Brooks has recorded with the Bob James Trio, received an opportunity from Quincy Jones to record on Mercury Records, and contributed to the success of the Contemporary Jazz Quintet, culminating in the release of the previously unreleased set, "The Black Hole," in 2020.
Late Night: Afrobeat Lounge
Get ready to groove to the rhythm of Afrobeat Lounge! Join us for an unforgettable night filled with pulsating beats, good vibes, and a celebration of African music culture.
This event will go until 1AM!
Marion Hayden Sextet
Marion Hayden emerged as one of the nation’s foremost acoustic bassists, boasting an illustrious career performing with luminaries like Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Wilson, and Geri Allen. Co-founder of the pioneering all-woman jazz ensemble Straight Ahead, she received prestigious accolades, including a 2016 Kresge Artist Fellowship and a 2019 Art X Grant, showcasing her remarkable contributions as a performer, educator, and cultural standard bearer.
Marion Hayden Sextet
Marion Hayden emerged as one of the nation’s foremost acoustic bassists, boasting an illustrious career performing with luminaries like Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Wilson, and Geri Allen. Co-founder of the pioneering all-woman jazz ensemble Straight Ahead, she received prestigious accolades, including a 2016 Kresge Artist Fellowship and a 2019 Art X Grant, showcasing her remarkable contributions as a performer, educator, and cultural standard bearer.
Late Night: Alex Harding & Organ Nation
Legendary saxophonist Alex Harding will team up with drummer Djallo Djakate and jazz organist Jim Alfredson—collectively known as “Organ Nation”—for a late-night set at the Blue LLama Jazz Club. The dynamic trio explores all facets of African-American music from the deepest blues to the funkiest funk to the most swingin’ swing.
Sean Dobbins Rising Star Quintet
Drummer, bandleader and jazz educator Sean Dobbins will feature some of the finest young talent in the Midwest that are currently making a positive impact in the jazz community.
Sean Dobbins Rising Star Quintet
Drummer, bandleader and jazz educator Sean Dobbins will feature some of the finest young talent in the Midwest that are currently making a positive impact in the jazz community.
Bob Mervak Quartet
Bob Mervak is a Detroit-based pianist, vocalist, songwriter, and studio writer whose dynamic range spans everything from pop to jazz, rootsy indy original songs to Ben Folds-esque intelligent, introspective, and unapologetic compositions.
Grupo Escobar
Detroit-based Guitar led Grupo Escobar plays high energy Salsa, Timba ,Cha Cha, and Brasilian rhythms!
Nick Collins Sextet
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).
The Sharp Quartet
Bassist, composer and bandleader Dave Sharp leads this straight ahead jazz quintet to feature jazz standards and original compositions. The Sharp Quartet features Bobby Streng on tenor saxophone, Rick Roe on piano and Jesse Kramer on drums.
Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy
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.
Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy
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.
WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series: Sarah D’Angelo Quintet
As a proud partner of WEMU 89.1, Blue LLama Jazz Club is excited to host the WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series featuring local musicians!