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Events

Ron Brooks Quintet
Mar
6

Ron Brooks Quintet

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

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.

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WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series: Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet
Mar
7

WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series: Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet

DOORS 4PM | SHOW 5:01PM
Featuring oud, violin, electric bass, synthesizer and world percussion, the WORLDS QUARTET is fueled by the spirit of jazz, world music and dynamic exploratory improvisation. Bassist, composer, and bandleader Dave Sharp leads the WORLDS QUARTET to explore music traditions from Armenia, Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, India, Bulgaria and Greece.

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Kasan Belgrave Quintet
Mar
7

Kasan Belgrave Quintet

DOORS 6:30PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Woodwind specialist, recording artist, and composer Kasan Belgrave is one of the rising talents in Detroit’s young generation of jazz. His energetic playing style and improvisational finesse derives from influences of the great bebop era, as well flares of fusion and gospel

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Kasan Belgrave Quintet
Mar
7

Kasan Belgrave Quintet

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM
Woodwind specialist, recording artist, and composer Kasan Belgrave is one of the rising talents in Detroit’s young generation of jazz. His energetic playing style and improvisational finesse derives from influences of the great bebop era, as well flares of fusion and gospel

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Lunar Octet
Mar
8

Lunar Octet

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

For 42 years, the Lunar Octet has been creating a unique blend of original Latin jazz that Jazziz called "sizzling" and whose new CD was the #1 Latin Jazz release on Amazon. Jazz Life said the CD offers "Colorful and tight grooves, gorgeous three-horn arrangements, and strong solos."

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Lunar Octet
Mar
8

Lunar Octet

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

For 42 years, the Lunar Octet has been creating a unique blend of original Latin jazz that Jazziz called "sizzling" and whose new CD was the #1 Latin Jazz release on Amazon. Jazz Life said the CD offers "Colorful and tight grooves, gorgeous three-horn arrangements, and strong solos."

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Late Night: Shane Karas Quartet
Mar
8

Late Night: Shane Karas Quartet

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - CLOSE
Shane Karas is a jazz saxophonist and Michigan State University student studying under Rodney Whitaker. Raised in Metro Detroit, he honed his craft at local jam sessions alongside jazz greats like James Carter, Martha Reeves, and Dwight Adams.

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Paul Vornhagen Quartet - CD Release Show!
Mar
9

Paul Vornhagen Quartet - CD Release Show!

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
DOORS 7:15PM | SHOW 7:45-8:45PM

Winner of six Detroit Music Awards, Paul has released eight critically acclaimed recordings as a Quartet that have been featured on all the major NPR programs. He has been a major force on the Detroit jazz scene for over 40 years performing at music festivals, jazz clubs and civic concerts.

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Marcus Elliot & Big Motifs - LIVE ALBUM RECORDING!
Mar
11

Marcus Elliot & Big Motifs - LIVE ALBUM RECORDING!

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Marcus Elliot presents his newest ensemble, Big Motifs. The 2024 Joyce Foundation awardee and 2020 Kresge Arts  fellow presents a septet featuring the many of Detroit’s leading lights in the jazz community. With an entirely new book of music and arrangements as closely aligned with 90’s R&B as it is with jazz lineage, Elliot presents a story line that dives into the whole of African-American musical thinking.

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Marcus Elliot & Big Motifs - LIVE ALBUM RECORDING!
Mar
11

Marcus Elliot & Big Motifs - LIVE ALBUM RECORDING!

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Marcus Elliot presents his newest ensemble, Big Motifs. The 2024 Joyce Foundation awardee and 2020 Kresge Arts  fellow presents a septet featuring the many of Detroit’s leading lights in the jazz community. With an entirely new book of music and arrangements as closely aligned with 90’s R&B as it is with jazz lineage, Elliot presents a story line that dives into the whole of African-American musical thinking.

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Marcus Elliot & Big Motifs - LIVE ALBUM RECORDING!
Mar
12

Marcus Elliot & Big Motifs - LIVE ALBUM RECORDING!

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Marcus Elliot presents his newest ensemble, Big Motifs. The 2024 Joyce Foundation awardee and 2020 Kresge Arts  fellow presents a septet featuring the many of Detroit’s leading lights in the jazz community. With an entirely new book of music and arrangements as closely aligned with 90’s R&B as it is with jazz lineage, Elliot presents a story line that dives into the whole of African-American musical thinking.

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Marcus Elliot & Big Motifs - LIVE ALBUM RECORDING!
Mar
12

Marcus Elliot & Big Motifs - LIVE ALBUM RECORDING!

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Marcus Elliot presents his newest ensemble, Big Motifs. The 2024 Joyce Foundation awardee and 2020 Kresge Arts  fellow presents a septet featuring the many of Detroit’s leading lights in the jazz community. With an entirely new book of music and arrangements as closely aligned with 90’s R&B as it is with jazz lineage, Elliot presents a story line that dives into the whole of African-American musical thinking.

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Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star
Mar
14

Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM

A Rocket fueled Space Odyssey featuring original compositions from some of Detroit’s brightest hungriest musicians, as well as music from some of the most beloved worldwide in the Black Music Idiom.

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Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star
Mar
14

Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star

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

A Rocket fueled Space Odyssey featuring original compositions from some of Detroit’s brightest hungriest musicians, as well as music from some of the most beloved worldwide in the Black Music Idiom.

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Pamela Wise Ensemble - Women in Jazz
Mar
15

Pamela Wise Ensemble - Women in Jazz

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

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.

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Pamela Wise Ensemble - Women in Jazz
Mar
15

Pamela Wise Ensemble - Women in Jazz

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

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.

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Late Night: Flashpoint Quintet
Mar
15

Late Night: Flashpoint Quintet

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - 11:45PM
Flashpoint Quintet, formed in the fall of 2023 at Indiana University, is a hard bop jazz ensemble featuring Jake Lee (trumpet), Willie Bays (saxophone), Alex Hurvitz (piano), Alex Hoberty (bass), and Tate Sherman (drums). Known for their original compositions and influences from jazz legends like Art Blakey and Kenny Garrett, they have already performed at prestigious events such as the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival and the 2023 Ann Arbor Jazz Festival.

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Jazzmeia Horn
Mar
16

Jazzmeia Horn

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
Jazzmeia Horn, a Grammy-nominated vocalist from Dallas, Texas, won the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition. Known for her powerful voice and message of love and social change, she has released three critically acclaimed albums, including A Social Call, Love and Liberation, and Dear Love, while also conducting global outreach through her Jazz Horn International Vocal Initiative.

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Jazzmeia Horn
Mar
16

Jazzmeia Horn

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Jazzmeia Horn, a Grammy-nominated vocalist from Dallas, Texas, won the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and the 2015 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition. Known for her powerful voice and message of love and social change, she has released three critically acclaimed albums, including A Social Call, Love and Liberation, and Dear Love, while also conducting global outreach through her Jazz Horn International Vocal Initiative.

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Sean Dobbins Organ Trio
Mar
19

Sean Dobbins Organ Trio

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

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.

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Don Hicks & Friends
Mar
20

Don Hicks & Friends

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM
Don Hicks & Friends feature an evening of spring themed jazz standards as well as featured compositions from jazz trumpet legend Blue Mitchell, featuring Don Hicks on trumpet, Dave Sharp on bass, Adam Mosley on piano, Bobby Streng on saxophone and Jesse Kramer on drums.

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Benny Benack III Quartet
Mar
22

Benny Benack III Quartet

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

By age 33, Emmy-nominated trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III has become a leading voice in jazz, headlining clubs and festivals worldwide with his critically acclaimed album “Third Time’s the Charm,” which reached #2 on the JazzWeek International Radio Charts in 2023.

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Benny Benack III Quartet
Mar
22

Benny Benack III Quartet

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

By age 33, Emmy-nominated trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III has become a leading voice in jazz, headlining clubs and festivals worldwide with his critically acclaimed album “Third Time’s the Charm,” which reached #2 on the JazzWeek International Radio Charts in 2023.

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Late Night: The Jack Nissen Quartet
Mar
22

Late Night: The Jack Nissen Quartet

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - 11:45PM

Jack Nissen is a recently graduated University of Michigan bassist now located in New York City. He is joined in this quartet by some of the best fellow graduates and upperclassmen of the University of Michigan jazz program.

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Bill Charlap Trio
Mar
23

Bill Charlap Trio

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
Grammy-winning pianist Bill Charlap has performed with legends like Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, and Gerry Mulligan, earning acclaim for his interpretations of American popular song. Leader of the renowned Bill Charlap Trio since 1997, he has released multiple Grammy-nominated albums.

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Bill Charlap Trio
Mar
23

Bill Charlap Trio

DOORS 8PM | SHOW 8:30-9:30PM
Grammy-winning pianist Bill Charlap has performed with legends like Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, and Gerry Mulligan, earning acclaim for his interpretations of American popular song. Leader of the renowned Bill Charlap Trio since 1997, he has released multiple Grammy-nominated albums.

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Nick Collins Sextet
Mar
29

Nick Collins Sextet

DOORS 5:30PM | SHOW 6:30-7:30PM
Drummer and bandleader Nick Collins performs regularly at the Blue LLama Jazz Club, in both smaller trios and larger sextet formats. In a steady residency since 2022, Nick has assembled a large repertoire of high energy, hard-swinging original arrangements and compositions, including seldom played tunes.

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Nick Collins Sextet
Mar
29

Nick Collins Sextet

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Drummer and bandleader Nick Collins performs regularly at the Blue LLama Jazz Club, in both smaller trios and larger sextet formats. In a steady residency since 2022, Nick has assembled a large repertoire of high energy, hard-swinging original arrangements and compositions, including seldom played tunes.

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Late Night: Jauron Perry Quintet
Mar
29

Late Night: Jauron Perry Quintet

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM
Jauron Perry is a 20-year-old Detroit-born trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. A Next Generation of Talent award recipient, he has performed with jazz greats like Rodney Whitaker, Wynton Marsalis, and Dee Dee Bridgewater, won the 2024 Michigan Jazz Festival Rising Horn Competition, and led his quintet to victory in the Detroit Jazz Festival Combo Competition, marking his debut as a bandleader.

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Cyrill Aimee Duo
Apr
3

Cyrill Aimee Duo

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Cyrille Aimée grew up in a multilingual household full of music where dancing was an everyday activity, soundtracked by the Afro-Caribbean sounds of her mother’s native Dominican Republic. The family home was in Samois-sur-Seine, the location of the Django Reinhardt Festival, and the teenage Cyrille would climb out of her bedroom window at night to mingle with the players, igniting a passion for jazz.

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Cyrille Aimee Duo
Apr
3

Cyrille Aimee Duo

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Cyrille Aimée grew up in a multilingual household full of music where dancing was an everyday activity, soundtracked by the Afro-Caribbean sounds of her mother’s native Dominican Republic. The family home was in Samois-sur-Seine, the location of the Django Reinhardt Festival, and the teenage Cyrille would climb out of her bedroom window at night to mingle with the players, igniting a passion for jazz.

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WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series: Sean Dobbins Organ Trio
Apr
4

WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series: Sean Dobbins Organ Trio

DOORS 4PM | SHOWTIME 5:01PM
Sean Dobbins got his start as sought-after Detroit area jazz sideman at a young age, when he would regularly play with Blue Note artist Louis Smith. As Sean’s Career progressed, he found himself the recipient of many awards and accolades including the “Woody Herman Jazz Award”, an award for outstanding musicianship, as well as the Louis Armstrong Scholarship. Due to Sean’s great talent both as a player and an educator, he has been the focus of countless news articles, jazz radio programs, and documentaries.

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Marion Hayden Legacy Ensemble
Apr
4

Marion Hayden Legacy Ensemble

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
The bass speaks in the hands of award-winning artist Marion Hayden. Born in Detroit, a crucible of jazz, Hayden began performing at the age of 15 under the tutelage of master trumpeter Marcus Belgrave (2009 Kresge Eminent Artist) and saxophonist/producer Wendell Harrison (2018 Kresge Eminent Artist). She has performed with such luminaries as Nancy Wilson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Geri Allen, Regina Carter, Jon Hendricks, Steve Turre, James Carter, Dorothy Donegan, Lionel Hampton, Hank Jones, and George Benson. She is a co-founder of the Grammy-nominated ensemble Straight Ahead—the first all-woman jazz ensemble signed to Atlantic Records.

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Marion Hayden Legacy Ensemble
Apr
4

Marion Hayden Legacy Ensemble

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM
The bass speaks in the hands of award-winning artist Marion Hayden. Born in Detroit, a crucible of jazz, Hayden began performing at the age of 15 under the tutelage of master trumpeter Marcus Belgrave (2009 Kresge Eminent Artist) and saxophonist/producer Wendell Harrison (2018 Kresge Eminent Artist). She has performed with such luminaries as Nancy Wilson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Geri Allen, Regina Carter, Jon Hendricks, Steve Turre, James Carter, Dorothy Donegan, Lionel Hampton, Hank Jones, and George Benson.

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Isis Damil
Apr
5

Isis Damil

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

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Isis Damil
Apr
5

Isis Damil

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9-10PM
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.

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LATE NIGHT: LUKE SITTARD QUARTET
Apr
5

LATE NIGHT: LUKE SITTARD QUARTET

  • 314 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

After hearing a YouTube video of George Benson performing ‘Affirmation’ for the first time when he was eleven years old, guitarist Luke Sittard knew what he wanted to pursue for the rest of his life. With a mission to be a torchbearer for the bebop and jazz guitar traditions, his music draws upon the influences of the ‘Blue Note’ era while embracing stylistic elements from R&B and Neo-Soul.

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Sarah D’Angelo & Cliff Monear
Apr
6

Sarah D’Angelo & Cliff Monear

  • 314 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

"Sarah D'Angelo does it with verve, class, confidence, poise, perfect intonation, spot-on phrasing, terrific dynamic, personal expression and loads of love. She's an incredible team player with her own exquisite persona. She can float above the band as an upper register instrument, but can also dig right in and swing mightily. When I listen to Sarah D'Angelo…and watch her in action, I reminded of an adage that my mother told me years ago: “beauty is as beauty does”. Sarah brings natural beauty in every respect to her performance”-Linda Yohn, Jazz Radio Host.

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Flyover Quintet
Apr
9

Flyover Quintet

  • 314 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Flyover Quintet is a mainstream and intrepid jazz collective led by Cleveland bassist Glenn Holmes, Cincinnati trumpeter Mike Wade, and Detroit/Ann Arbor saxophonist Andrew Bishop.

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Alex Harding & Organ Nation
Apr
10

Alex Harding & Organ Nation

  • 314 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Detroit-born baritone saxophonist Alex Harding first became active in jazz circles in his youth. Early on he studied with established jazz figures Yusef Lateef and Beans Bowles and was playing gigs with Donald Byrd and Wynton Marsalis before he was out of high school. Throughout the ’90s, 2000s, and 2010s, Harding toured, performed, and recorded without pause, collaborating with countless names in both jazz and pop circles that included everyone from the Marshall Allen-led Sun Ra Arkestra to work with David Lee Roth.

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Nate Winn Group
Apr
11

Nate Winn Group

  • 314 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A consummate musician, clinician, and educator, Nate Winn discovered his passion for the drums in church, at the age of 4, and has performed with numerous artists and educators around the world. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, music has always been a central component of Nate’s life. Along with his Gospel upbringing, his style is also influenced by Jazz, Blues, and R&B.

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Nate Winn Group
Apr
11

Nate Winn Group

  • 314 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A consummate musician, clinician, and educator, Nate Winn discovered his passion for the drums in church, at the age of 4, and has performed with numerous artists and educators around the world. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, music has always been a central component of Nate’s life. Along with his Gospel upbringing, his style is also influenced by Jazz, Blues, and R&B.

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Steve Wilson w/the University of Michigan Jazz Faculty
Apr
12

Steve Wilson w/the University of Michigan Jazz Faculty

  • 314 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

DOORS 5:30PM | SHOW 6:30-7:30PM
Steve Wilson has attained ubiquitous status in the studio and on the stage with the greatest names in jazz. A bandleader in his own right, Jazz Times calls him “the consummate saxophonist-composer and “one of the finest alto and soprano saxophonists of our time.” A musician’s musician, Wilson has brought his distinctive sound to more than 100 recordings led by such celebrated and wide-ranging artists as Chick Corea, George Duke, Michael Brecker, Dave Holland, Dianne Reeves, Bill Bruford, Gerald Wilson, Maria Schneider, Joe Henderson, Charlie Byrd, Billy Childs, Karrin Allyson, Don Byron, Bill Stewart, James Williams, and Mulgrew Miller among many others.

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Steve Wilson w/the University of Michigan Jazz Faculty
Apr
12

Steve Wilson w/the University of Michigan Jazz Faculty

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Steve Wilson has attained ubiquitous status in the studio and on the stage with the greatest names in jazz. A bandleader in his own right, Jazz Times calls him “the consummate saxophonist-composer and “one of the finest alto and soprano saxophonists of our time.” A musician’s musician, Wilson has brought his distinctive sound to more than 100 recordings led by such celebrated and wide-ranging artists as Chick Corea, George Duke, Michael Brecker, Dave Holland, Dianne Reeves, Bill Bruford, Gerald Wilson, Maria Schneider, Joe Henderson, Charlie Byrd, Billy Childs, Karrin Allyson, Don Byron, Bill Stewart, James Williams, and Mulgrew Miller among many others.

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LATE NIGHT: Paloma Ximena Quintet
Apr
12

LATE NIGHT: Paloma Ximena Quintet

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM-11:45PM
At the young age of 19, Paloma Ximena has proved herself a rising star in jazz. Paloma's career began after performing at the 2022 Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival in New York City. She quickly garnered the attention of musicians in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which led to Paloma studying with Wynton Marsalis and other members of the orchestra. In 2024, Paloma was selected for Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra, where she toured South Africa.

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Raul Midon
Apr
17

Raul Midon

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist and Engineer, Raul Midón established himself as a first-call session singer upon graduation from the prestigious Studio Jazz program at the University of Miami in 1991. He sang background vocals on more than 60 Latin recordings, many Grammy winning. In 1999 he was asked to join the touring band of Shakira. During that time, he was creating his own original music and was signed to a development deal with Warner Chappel.

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Raul Midon
Apr
17

Raul Midon

DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 9-10PM
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist and Engineer, Raul Midón established himself as a first-call session singer upon graduation from the prestigious Studio Jazz program at the University of Miami in 1991. He sang background vocals on more than 60 Latin recordings, many Grammy winning. In 1999 he was asked to join the touring band of Shakira. During that time, he was creating his own original music and was signed to a development deal with Warner Chappel.

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Kenji Lee’s Subterranean Quintet
Mar
5

Kenji Lee’s Subterranean Quintet

  • 314 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Kenji Lee is a Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist, composer-improviser, arts advocate, and educator merging the intersections of art, community, and equity. Born in Tokyo, Japan, and raised in the seaside town of Laguna Beach, California, Lee began studying music at an early age and spent most of his childhood immersed in music. He spent nearly a decade learning from the late-great bassist and educator Roger Shew. Lee relocated to the Midwest to attend the University of Michigan, where he holds two degrees.

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Ramona Collins & Cliff Monear
Mar
2

Ramona Collins & Cliff Monear

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
DOORS 7:15PM | SHOWTIME 7:30-8:15PM
Prepare for an unforgettable evening as the dynamic duo of vocalist Ramona Collins and pianist Cliff Monear takes the stage! With Ramona’s soulful, evocative voice and commanding presence paired with Cliff’s relaxed swing and masterful jazz artistry, their performance will blend wisdom, humor, and breathtaking musicality.

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Late Night: Christopher Minami Trio
Mar
1

Late Night: Christopher Minami Trio

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - CLOSE
Christopher Minami, a Florida native, is a versatile guitarist who recently earned his Master’s in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University under Randy Napoleon. He has performed with jazz legends like Rodney Whitaker and Randy Gelispie and has garnered numerous awards in both classical and jazz guitar, including the Florida Guitar Festival and Competition.

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Isaiah Collier “The World is on Fire”
Mar
1

Isaiah Collier “The World is on Fire”

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

Saxophonist and bandleader of Isaiah Collier and The Chosen Few, Isaiah Collier is celebrated as a rising star in jazz. With six acclaimed albums, including The Almighty and The World Is On Fire, and features in The New York Times and Downbeat Magazine, he continues to push musical boundaries with a sound that bridges past and future.

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Isaiah Collier "The World is on Fire"
Mar
1

Isaiah Collier "The World is on Fire"

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

Saxophonist and bandleader of Isaiah Collier and The Chosen Few, Isaiah Collier is celebrated as a rising star in jazz. With six acclaimed albums, including The Almighty and The World Is On Fire, and features in The New York Times and Downbeat Magazine, he continues to push musical boundaries with a sound that bridges past and future.

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Stacy Dillard - Keigo Hirakawa Group
Feb
28

Stacy Dillard - Keigo Hirakawa Group

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.

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Stacy Dillard - Keigo Hirakawa Group
Feb
28

Stacy Dillard - Keigo Hirakawa Group

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.

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Aguankó
Feb
27

Aguankó

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.

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Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble
Feb
26

Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

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.

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Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble
Feb
26

Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

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.

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Nick Collins Trio ft. Jeff Pedraz & Rick Roe
Feb
23

Nick Collins Trio ft. Jeff Pedraz & Rick Roe

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.

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Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble - BAR SEATS ONLY
Feb
22

Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble - BAR SEATS ONLY

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.

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Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble - BAR SEATS ONLY
Feb
22

Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble - BAR SEATS ONLY

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.

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Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Feb
21

Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

SOLD OUT: 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.

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Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Feb
21

Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

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.

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Ellen Rowe Quartet
Feb
19

Ellen Rowe Quartet

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.

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Shahida Nurullah & Good Company
Feb
16

Shahida Nurullah & Good Company

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM

DOORS 7:15 | SHOW 7:30-8PM

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.

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Tatiana Eva-Marie
Feb
15

Tatiana Eva-Marie

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM
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.

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Tatiana Eva-Marie
Feb
15

Tatiana Eva-Marie

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

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Galentine’s Day: Sky Covington ft. November Fourth
Feb
13

Galentine’s Day: Sky Covington ft. November Fourth

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.

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Tyreek McDole
Feb
12

Tyreek McDole

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.

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Tyreek McDole
Feb
12

Tyreek McDole

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.

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La Tanya Hall
Feb
9

La Tanya Hall

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.

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Late Night: Alain Sullivan Quartet
Feb
8

Late Night: Alain Sullivan Quartet

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

Alain Sullivan is a Jazz Saxophonist, Woodwind Instrumentalist, and Michigan Medical Student. The Alain Sullivan Quartet melds the worlds of Jazz, R&B, Funk, Video Games, and Japanese music for a unique and profound music experience.

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Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy
Feb
8

Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy

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.

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Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy
Feb
8

Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy

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.

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Ralphe Armstrong Trio
Feb
7

Ralphe Armstrong Trio

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.

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