BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Blue LLama - ECPv6.15.18//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:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251212T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251212T220000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20251014T204054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T154309Z UID:10000146-1765566000-1765576800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Robert Hurst & Black Currant Jam DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/robert-hurst-black-currant-jam/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/robert-hurst.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251212T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251212T180000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20251001T160623Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T160623Z UID:10000145-1765555200-1765562400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series: Ron Brooks Quartet DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/wemu-501-jazz-series-ron-brooks-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/RonBrooksBNW.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251210T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251210T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20251001T155227Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T153418Z UID:10000144-1765393200-1765402200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Aguankó's Holiday Show DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/aguanko.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251207T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251207T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20251013T154600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T221427Z UID:10000139-1765130400-1765143000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/stella-cole/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/stella-cole-new.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251206T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251206T223000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20250929T164533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T211447Z UID:10000136-1765044000-1765060200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Endea Owens & the Cookout DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/endea-owens-the-cookout/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/44.-Dacamera-square-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251205T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251205T223000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20250908T150019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T153452Z UID:10000115-1764957600-1764973800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Endea Owens & the Cookout DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/endea-owens/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/44.-Dacamera-square-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251203T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251203T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20251001T154952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T152446Z UID:10000143-1764788400-1764797400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:David Janeway Trio DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/david-janeway-trio/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/david-janeway-.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251130T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251130T203000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20250924T165651Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T202631Z UID:10000138-1764525600-1764534600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Organissmo ft. Ron Blake DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/organissmo-ft-ron-blake/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/organissmo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251129T221500 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251129T231500 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20250924T164419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T152655Z UID:10000137-1764454500-1764458100@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Late Night: Blou Reed DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/late-night-blou-reed/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blou-reed.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251129T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251129T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20250917T201440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T221311Z UID:10000134-1764441000-1764451800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Demetrius Nabors DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/demetrius-nabors/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DemetriusNaborsBW1.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251128T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251128T220000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20250917T200649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T204437Z UID:10000133-1764356400-1764367200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Don Hicks & Friends DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/don-hicks-and-friends/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/don-hicks.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251128T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251128T183000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20251022T194532Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T151755Z UID:10000162-1764349200-1764354600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Alex Belhaj's Crescent City Quintet DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/alex-belhaj/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/alex-belhaj.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251126T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251126T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010009 CREATED:20250917T165729Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T151310Z UID:10000132-1764183600-1764192600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Nate Topo Quartet ft. Zania Alaké DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/nate-topo-quartet-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NateTopoBNW.png.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251123T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251123T203000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20251016T140001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T144917Z UID:10000161-1763920800-1763929800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:An Evening with Bob Mervak DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/bob-mervak/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bob-mervak.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251122T221500 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251122T231500 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20251105T213013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251105T213013Z UID:10000164-1763849700-1763853300@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Late Night: Liquid Street DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/liquid-street/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/liquid-street.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251122T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251122T220000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250921T213552Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T155618Z UID:10000131-1763836200-1763848800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Alune Wade DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/alune-wade/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/alune-wade.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251121T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251121T220000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250917T163359Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T155210Z UID:10000130-1763751600-1763762400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Dave McMurray Quintet DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/dave-mcmurray/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ab6761610000e5eb7534bb6f9156e0fda52d54d4.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251120T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251120T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20251008T163318Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T145144Z UID:10000155-1763665200-1763674200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Bob Sweet Quartet DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/bob-sweet-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bob-sweet.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251119T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251119T223000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250914T204833Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T164106Z UID:10000118-1763575200-1763591400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Cyrus Chestnut Trio DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/cyrus-chestnut/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cyrus-chestnut.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251116T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251116T203000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20251013T145413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T145413Z UID:10000158-1763316000-1763325000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:The NoW Trio DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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-now-trio-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/image0.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251115T221500 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251115T231500 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20251016T135414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T135414Z UID:10000160-1763244900-1763248500@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Late Night: No Man's Land DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/no-mans-land/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AnnieHayesBNW.JPG-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251115T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251115T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250917T160418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251027T201517Z UID:10000128-1763231400-1763242200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sean Dobbins All-Star Quintet DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SeanDobbinsBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251114T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251114T220000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250917T155244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T155815Z UID:10000127-1763146800-1763157600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Allen Dennard Quintet DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/allen-dennard.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251112T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251112T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250917T153057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T181537Z UID:10000124-1762974000-1762983000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/bobby-watson-group/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bobby-watson.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251109T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251109T203000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250916T204736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T162941Z UID:10000123-1762711200-1762720200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Naima Shambourger Trio DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/naima-shambourger/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/naima-sham.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251108T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251108T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250902T204842Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T163722Z UID:10000114-1762626600-1762637400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Brandon Woody's Upendo DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/brandon-woody/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/download.avif END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251107T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251107T220000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250924T141415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T141415Z UID:10000135-1762542000-1762552800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Paxton/Spangler Band "Trick Bag" CD Release Show DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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-band-trick-bag-cd-release-show/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/paxton-spangler.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251107T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251107T180000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20251001T160238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T160238Z UID:10000122-1762531200-1762538400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series: Paul Vornhagen DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/wemu-501-jazz-series-paul-vornhagen/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/paul-vornhagen.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251106T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251106T223000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250717T212155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T163817Z UID:10000057-1762455600-1762468200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Charlie Hunter Trio DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/charlie-hunter-trio/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CharlieHunter-Live2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251105T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251105T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T010010 CREATED:20250916T193520Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251021T145345Z UID:10000121-1762369200-1762378200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jean Wilson & Friends DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 12 \n\n \n \n Bobby Watson w/ the Kzoo Jazz Project\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $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 BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence\, Kan.\, his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist\, composer\, bandleader\, educator and producer\, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then\, from 1977-1981\, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer\, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. \nNot surprisingly\, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington\, D.C. Simultaneously\, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23\, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie\, Jay McShann\, Parker and Mary Lou Williams. \nABOUT THE KZOO JAZZ PROJECT\nMatthew Fries – Piano\nPianist/composer MATTHEW FRIES is a joyful voice on the piano\, recording ten albums featuring many of his original compositions. His music has been described as "playful and hopeful"\, “introspective"\, "full of joy and wonderment"\, and "awash with tonal colors." But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an indemand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition\, he has toured worldwide\, appears on scores of recordings\, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times)\, and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times \nCarlo De Rosa – Bass\n"De Rosa is quite a revelation. Best known as a sideman...he is a virtuoso bassist with a technique recalling that of Jaco Pastorius or Scott LaFaro from the past and maybe Drew Gress from the present. As a composer\, he is equally formidable.... But however involved the arrangements become\, everything is completely accessible and this is an exceptional album. As for the musicians\, Mark Shim...is one of the most original of all the current tenor stylists. His...solos come in short\, sharp bursts and always leave one wanting more. Vijay Iyer\, heard here on Rhodes more often than usual\, is now unquestionably the ground breaking pianist in jazz\, really gets into De Rosa's conception\, adding his own idiosyncratic interpretations and also inspires all the solo sections. As for Justin Brown\, his playing...will certainly give exposure to his outstanding talent. All in all\, a super strongly individual stylists playing deep\, dark\, muscular music with a remarkably wide appeal." – Jazzwise \nKeith Hall – Drums\nKeith Hall has established himself as a passionate educator and joyful performer over the last 25 years. For 12 years\, Keith spent much of his time touring worldwide and recording with Curtis Stigers. Hall has also performed with the likes of Betty Carter\, Sir Roland Hanna\, Michael Phillip Mossman\, New York Voices\, Janis Siegel\, Terrell Stafford\, Steve Wilson and many others. He continues to tour and record with his critically acclaimed NYC-based trio TRI-FI. Hall lived and worked in New York City for nine years performing in a multitude of musical contexts and was a regular sub on Broadway’s Lion King. He toured Europe in the American Music Abroad Program with the Latin-jazz quartet\, Grupo Yanqui. Hall is Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo MI\, where he holds his annual Summer Drum Intensive. He is the author Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2\, and the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK\, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo\, Mich. \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/jean-wilson-friends/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/JeanWilsonBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR