DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM

DOORS 7:15PM | 7:30-8:15PM
Vocal recording artist Athena Johnson, hailing from Ann Arbor, has teamed up with accomplished pianist Charles Smith to create a dynamic musical partnership spanning nearly 20 years. Their collaboration blends jazz, modern, and soul influences, ensuring that audiences leave with smiles and a desire for more of their captivating performances. Together, they deliver a powerful musical experience that resonates deeply with listeners.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM
Russ Macklem’s debut album, The South Detroit Connection, was nominated for a JUNO award and was the first live album recorded in Windsor in over 22 years, featuring Kasan Belgrave. A versatile trumpeter, Macklem has performed with legends like Dave Holland, Cecil McBee, Amp Fiddler, and The Marley Brothers.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM

The PD9 performs Harlem Jive by Fats Waller, swing era tunes by Duke Ellington, Benny Moten, Count Basie and Fletcher Henderson as well as the jumpin' jive of Louis Jordan. In recent years the band has concentrated on the music of Duke Ellington with a pair of critically acclaimed albums which have both hit the top of the national jazz radio charts.

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

The PD9 performs Harlem Jive by Fats Waller, swing era tunes by Duke Ellington, Benny Moten, Count Basie and Fletcher Henderson as well as the jumpin' jive of Louis Jordan. In recent years the band has concentrated on the music of Duke Ellington with a pair of critically acclaimed albums which have both hit the top of the national jazz radio charts.

DOORS 10:30PM | SHOW 10:45PM - CLOSE

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.

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

Acclaimed composer and pianist Jeff Haas makes his Blue LLama debut with his stellar quintet featuring rhythm mates bassist Marion Hayden and drummer Tariq Gardner with trumpeter Anthony Stanco and saxophonist Laurie Sears on the front line. Join us for an evening of Jeff's captivating original music - deep grooves, memorable melodies and harmonic journeys blending Haas's passion for all things jazz and world music with a twist of funk.

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

Acclaimed composer and pianist Jeff Haas makes his Blue LLama debut with his stellar quintet featuring rhythm mates bassist Marion Hayden and drummer Tariq Gardner with trumpeter Anthony Stanco and saxophonist Laurie Sears on the front line. Join us for an evening of Jeff's captivating original music - deep grooves, memorable melodies and harmonic journeys blending Haas's passion for all things jazz and world music with a twist of funk.

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

William Hill III Trio specializes in the musical traditions of Bebop and Straight Ahead Jazz, and also pays homage to many genres that are inspired by Jazz such as Funk, R&B, and Gospel just to name a few.

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM

DOORS 7:15PM | 7:30-8:15PM
Djangophonique is an award-winning ensemble dedicated to the vibrant spirit of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche, blending traditional respect with creative innovation. Led by guitarist Andrew Brown, this Michigan-based group captivates audiences with an authentic sound that evokes the energy of a Parisian dance hall.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
DOORS 8:30PM | SHOW 8:45-9:45PM
Defying easy categorization, Signal Quartet brings together a variety of disparate strains from the so-called “jazz” continuum to create a distinctive group sound. Incorporating the freewheeling adventurousness of the avant-garde, the improvisational combustibility of post-bop, and the spaciousness and lyricism innate to the American Midwest; Signal Quartet is able to reach young and old, purists and radicals, aficionados and neophytes alike through their thoughtful compositions and unpredictable improvisations.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
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.

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.

DOORS 4PM | SHOWTIME 5:01PM
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.

DOORS 6:15PM | SHOW 7-8PM

Noah Jackson & Full Circle is for audiences to experience the power of connection through music. Noah is a multifaceted bassist, cellist, and composer from Detroit merging elements of Afrobeat, Motown, and house music.

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

Noah Jackson & Full Circle is for audiences to experience the power of connection through music. Noah is a multifaceted bassist, cellist, and composer from Detroit merging elements of Afrobeat, Motown, and house music.

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

Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, comes the ground breaking, Grammy-nominated jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. Straight Ahead was the first all-woman group signed to Atlantic Jazz. Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, Straight Ahead is in the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame. with a sound that ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz to Latin jazz and jazzy hip-hop. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy!

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, comes the ground breaking, Grammy-nominated jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. Straight Ahead was the first all-woman group signed to Atlantic Jazz. Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, Straight Ahead is in the Detroit Music Awards Hall of Fame. with a sound that ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz to Latin jazz and jazzy hip-hop. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy!

DOORS 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - CLOSE
Jackson Hacias and Sam Gucwa blend their musical upbringings in the Cincinnati jazz scene the the Denver underground movement to form a quintet that swings and pushes the boundaries of musical counterpoint.

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM

DOORS 7:15PM | 7:30-8:15PM
Celebrate the holiday season with Marlena Studer and her jazz ensemble, featuring highly acclaimed local jazz musicians! You're invited to get in the holiday spirit as they “Deck the Halls” with a dollop of “Frim Fram Sauce” - the first three guests arriving at each set wearing a festive hat will receive a free copy of her CD, Jazzy Little Christmas.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
Detroit native and bassist Robert Hurst has been making his mark in the jazz world over a 30+ year career including garnering seven GRAMMY and four EMMY Awards. Renowned for his work with icons like Sir Paul McCartney, Wynton Marsalis, and more, Hurst remains an integral figure in contemporary music and cultural movements. He will be joined by GRAMMY-nominated pianist Orrin Evans and nine-time GRAMMY-winning drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts to round out this powerhouse trio.

DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM
Detroit native and bassist Robert Hurst has been making his mark in the jazz world over a 30+ year career including garnering seven GRAMMY and four EMMY Awards. Renowned for his work with icons like Sir Paul McCartney, Wynton Marsalis, and more, Hurst remains an integral figure in contemporary music and cultural movements. He will be joined by GRAMMY-nominated pianist Orrin Evans and nine-time GRAMMY-winning drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts to round out this powerhouse trio.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM
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 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM
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 5:30PM | SHOW 6:30-7:30PM

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.

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

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 10:15PM | SHOW 10:30PM - CLOSE
Jordan Rattner is a guitarist, composer, and bandleader from Milwaukee, WI, known for his versatile approach to jazz and popular styles. His playing ranges from visceral intensity to introspective depth, weaving intricate musical narratives.

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
Stella Cole, a rising vocalist, brings new energy to jazz standards, Broadway classics, and the Great American Songbook. With performances at New York’s premier jazz venues and a global tour with Postmodern Jukebox, she’s quickly making a name for herself with a unique sound that marries the traditional and the contemporary.

DOORS 8PM | SHOW 8:30-9:30PM
Stella Cole, a rising vocalist, brings new energy to jazz standards, Broadway classics, and the Great American Songbook. With performances at New York’s premier jazz venues and a global tour with Postmodern Jukebox, she’s quickly making a name for herself with a unique sound that marries the traditional and the contemporary.

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

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. | Ladies walk in for free, or if you pre-book a reservation, you’ll receive in-house credit to use toward your final food bill that night.

DOORS 6PM | SHOW 7-8PM

Sean Dobbins and his ensemble will celebrate the holiday season featuring their unique twist of some of our favorite holiday classics in the style of jazz, R&B, and soul music.

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

Sean Dobbins and his ensemble will celebrate the holiday season featuring their unique twist of some of our favorite holiday classics in the style of jazz, R&B, and soul music.

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

William Hill III is a pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader who hails from Detroit. He is a graduate of the Detroit School of Arts, and is currently undergoing his baccalaureate studies at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Hill's trio is heavily based in the tradition of Straight Ahead Jazz with elements of the Blues, Bebop, and Free Jazz.

DOORS 8:15PM | SHOW 9-10PM

William Hill III is a pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader who hails from Detroit. He is a graduate of the Detroit School of Arts, and is currently undergoing his baccalaureate studies at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Hill's trio is heavily based in the tradition of Straight Ahead Jazz with elements of the Blues, Bebop, and Free Jazz.

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.

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM
DOORS 7:15PM | SHOWTIME 7:30-8:15PM
Zach Sommerfeld and Jonathon Muir-Cotton offer up jazz classics to accompany your Sunday dinner!

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

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.

DOORS 8:15PM | 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.

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

Inertia blends jazz vocals with bebop and hard bop influences to create a unique approach to jazz standards and The Great American Songbook.

DOORS 5PM | SHOW 6-7PM

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

Guitarist and Composer Noah Hogan leads his Quartet exploring the intersections between jazz, Brazilian music, and film music.

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

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.

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 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 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
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 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
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.