BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Blue LLama - ECPv6.16.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Blue LLama X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://bluellamaclub.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Blue LLama REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260709T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260709T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260427T165347Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T200533Z UID:10000316-1783623600-1783632600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Ken Kozora Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/ken-kozora-quartet-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ken-kozora-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260710T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260710T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260512T193418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260530T011014Z UID:10000325-1783710000-1783719000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Noah Hogan Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/noah-hogan-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/noah-hogan.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260711T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260711T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260427T170120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T170120Z UID:10000317-1783796400-1783807200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sean Dobbins Organ Trio ft. Rob Dixon DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sean-dobbins-7/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SeanDobbinsBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260712T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260712T203000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260427T170524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T170524Z UID:10000318-1783879200-1783888200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:The Triumvirate DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/the-triumvirate-4/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_4707.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260715T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260715T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260520T133232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T133232Z UID:10000326-1784142000-1784152800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sarah D'Angelo & Cliff Monear DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sarah-dangelo-cliff-monear-4/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CliffMonearCliffMonear.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260716T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260716T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260526T155417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T155417Z UID:10000330-1784228400-1784237400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Moises Borges & Ava Preston DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/moises-borges-ava-preston/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ava-moises.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260717T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260717T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260427T170854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T170854Z UID:10000319-1784314800-1784325600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Gene Dunlap Band DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/gene-dunlap-band-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gene-dunlap.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260718T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260718T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260427T171338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T185213Z UID:10000320-1784401200-1784410200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Tiffany Gridiron DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tiffany-gridiron/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TiffanyGridironBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260719T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260719T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260527T191640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T163249Z UID:10000323-1784484000-1784498400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Bryan Eng Trio DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/bryan-eng/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bryan-eng.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260722T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260722T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260424T181908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T181908Z UID:10000306-1784746800-1784755800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Oliver Mayman Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/oliver-mayman-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/OliverMaymanPhoto.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260723T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260424T182027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182027Z UID:10000307-1784833200-1784842200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Kenji Lee Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/kenji-lee-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kenji-lee-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T183000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260424T183156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T151754Z UID:10000310-1784908800-1784917800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Swing Happy Hour: Kerrytown Stompers DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/swing-happy-hour-kerrytown-stompers-7/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kerrytown-stompers.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260424T182154Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182154Z UID:10000311-1784919600-1784930400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jocelyn Gould DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jocelyn-gould/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jocelyn-gould.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260726T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260726T203000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260424T182433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182433Z UID:10000312-1785088800-1785097800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Paul Vornhagen Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/paul-vornhagen-quartet-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9662.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260729T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260729T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260424T182547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260516T234636Z UID:10000313-1785351600-1785360600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Michael Dease Organ Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/michael-dease-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/michael-dease.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260730T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260730T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260424T182642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182642Z UID:10000314-1785438000-1785447000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Zen Zadravec Quintet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/zen-zadravec-quintet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/zen-zadravec.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260731T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260731T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260424T182801Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T144725Z UID:10000308-1785524400-1785535200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Paxton/Spangler Septet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/paxton-spangler-septet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/paxton-spangler.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260801T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260801T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260608T161821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T161821Z UID:10000331-1785610800-1785621600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Chris Collins & DJF All-Stars: In Music & Spirit; John Coltrane DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/djf-all-stars/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/djf-john-coltrane.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260802T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260802T203000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260603T180924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T180924Z UID:10000329-1785693600-1785702600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Todd Marcus Quintet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/todd-marcus-quintet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Todd-Marcus-500x500-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260805T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260805T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260603T181451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T181451Z UID:10000328-1785956400-1785965400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Lisa Sung Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/lisa-sung-quartet-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/lisa-sung-piano.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260608T162330Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T162330Z UID:10000341-1786042800-1786051800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Blou Reed DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/blou-reed-1/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blou-reed.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260603T181633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T134301Z UID:10000332-1786129200-1786138200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Olivia Van Goor Sings the Music of Anita O'Day DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/olivia-van-goor-quartet-5/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ovg.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260808T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260808T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260603T181855Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T181855Z UID:10000333-1786215600-1786226400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Shahida Nurullah & Good Company DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/shahida-nurullah-good-company-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shahida-nurullah.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260813T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260813T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260603T182059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182059Z UID:10000338-1786647600-1786656600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Aguankó DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/aguanko-5/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/aguanko.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143248 CREATED:20260603T182220Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182220Z UID:10000334-1786734000-1786744800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Allen Dennard Quintet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/allen-dennard-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/allen-dennard.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260815T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260815T220000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143249 CREATED:20260603T182409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182409Z UID:10000335-1786820400-1786831200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Kevin Jones and Tenth World DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/kevin-jones-tenth-world/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kevin-jones.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260816T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260816T210000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143249 CREATED:20260618T132350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T142942Z UID:10000345-1786903200-1786914000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Braxton Cook DESCRIPTION:Content is protected. URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/braxton-cook/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260823T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260823T203000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143249 CREATED:20260618T152031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T152031Z UID:10000346-1787508000-1787517000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sunny Wilkinson Jazz Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sunny-wilkinson-jazz-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sunny-wilkinson.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260826T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260826T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143249 CREATED:20260612T150003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T150003Z UID:10000344-1787770800-1787779800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Aya Sekine Trio DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/aya-sekine-trio-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Aya-Sekine-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260827T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260827T213000 DTSTAMP:20260619T143249 CREATED:20260603T182545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182545Z UID:10000336-1787857200-1787866200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Stephen Rush Trio DESCRIPTION:Fri | Apr 24 \n\n \n \n Kris Johnson\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Kris Johnson- trumpet\nMarcus Elliot- tenor sax\nJon Dixon- piano and keyboard\nRed Campbell- electric bass\nNate Winn- drums \nKris Johnson is a Detroit-based trumpeter\, composer\, arranger\, film composer\, and educator whose work spans orchestral commissions\, musical theatre\, film scoring\, and contemporary jazz. His recent commission from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Marlowe’s Wings\, premiered in 2025 with Kris as featured soloist. He has composed multiple musicals—including Jim Crow’s Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical—scored films such as the Emmy-nominated series King Ester\, and produced a range of personal creative projects including The Kris Johnson Group and #looptherapy. He is also the founder and director of the Paradise Theatre Big Band in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \nAs a performer and arranger\, Kris has contributed to seven GRAMMY-nominated albums\, including the 2024 GRAMMY-winning Basie Swings the Blues by the Count Basie Orchestra. From 2008–2019\, he toured internationally with the Basie Orchestra as both soloist and arranger\, performing at major venues such as the Apollo Theater\, Hollywood Bowl\, Sydney Opera House\, and the Kennedy Center. His collaborative work extends to artists such as Wynton Marsalis\, Tony Bennett\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra\, Leslie Odom Jr.\, Wycliffe Gordon\, and others. From 2023–2024 he toured globally with Endea Owens and The Cookout\, further highlighting his versatility across musical settings. \nKris currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of Michigan School of Music\, Theatre & Dance. A graduate of Michigan State University\, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies\, he has held leadership and teaching roles across the country. His previous positions include Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Utah\, Project Director for a U.S. Department of Education AEMDD Grant with the Pontiac School District\, Education and Digital Programming Manager for the Motown Museum\, and Executive Director of the MSU Community Music School–Detroit. He has also served on the faculties of The Ohio State University\, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles\, and as Artistic Liaison for JazzEd Detroit through ArtOps and the Erb Family Foundation. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/stephen-rush-trio/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/stephen-rush.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR