BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Blue LLama - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://bluellamaclub.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Blue LLama REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260528T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260528T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260219T155734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T155734Z UID:10000270-1779994800-1780003800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Brian Charette Trio DESCRIPTION:THURS | May 28 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n NYC and LA organist/pianist\, Brian Charette\, has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz. Charette is a Hammond U.S.A\, Hammond Europe\, I.K Multimedia\, and Casio endorsed\, Cellar Live recording artist. Brian is currently #2 on the 2024 Downbeat Critic’s Poll for organ and #6 for keyboards. Brian was also the winner of the 2014 Downbeat Critics’ Poll “Rising Star: Organ” award and 2015 Hot House Magazine’s “Fan’s Decision Jazz Award for Best Organist”. Charette’s new Cellar Live release\, Jackpot\, was recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s hallowed studio featuring Bill Stewart on drums. The album received 4 stars from Downbeat and was on the Jazzweek radio chart for months\, peaking at #9 for 6 weeks. Charette is also a prolific composer of large ensemble music\, penning and performing compositions with The Jazz Dock Orchestra in Prague and The Modern Art Orchestra in Budapest. \nBorn in Meriden\, Connecticut in 1972\, Brian was introduced to music by his mother\, Catherine. By the age of 17\, he was playing with jazz luminaries such as Lou Donaldson and Houston Person. Since graduating on the Dean’s List from UConn in 1994 with a BA in Music\, Charette has been performing extensively in Europe and the USA with his home base being the East Village\, NYC. Brian is a staple of the downtown NYC scene working with virtually everyone who plays with an organist. \nBrian has performed with many notable artists such as Joni Mitchell\, Chaka Khan\, Paul Simon\, Cyndi Lauper\, Oz Noy\, Vinnie Colaiuta\, John Patitucci\, and many more. Charette is also an active author and educator\, writing for Keyboard Magazine\, The New York City Jazz Record\, DownBeat\, Electronic Musician and the Czech magazine\, Muzikus. Brian teaches masterclasses all over the world and is on the faculty of the Czech Summer Jazz Workshop at Jesek Conservatory in Prague. In NYC\, he teaches lessons and group classes at The New School and 92nd Y School of Music. His first book\, 101 Hammond B3 Tips\, released through publisher Hal Leonard\, has become very popular. Outside of music\, Charette is passionate about White Crane kung fu\, in which he holds a black sash. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/brian-charette-trio/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Brian-Charette.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260529T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260529T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260302T183605Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T140755Z UID:10000245-1780081200-1780092000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Michael Mayo DESCRIPTION:Fri | May 29 \n\n Doors 5:30pm Show 7pm\nDoors 8:30pm Show 9pm\n$95 Dinner & Show\n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n 2025 Downbeat Critics Award – Rising Male Vocalist – celebrates the Deluxe Edition of Michael Mayo’s critically acclaimed Mack Avenue release FLY. Mayo leans on his intuition as a vocalist\, composer\, songwriter\, and arranger. Much like molding and shaping a sculpture out of clay\, he stretches his voice through layers of heavenly harmonizing\, hard-hitting beatboxing\, and heartfelt crooning. \nThe Los Angeles-based phenomenon creates from the heart without filter or pretense\, allowing his voice to transmit raw emotion above an ever-evolving backdrop of jazz\, neo-soul\, and R&B on his second full-length LP\, FLY [Mack Avenue Records/Artistry Music]. \nBorn and raised in Los Angeles\, music quite literally surrounded him. As a sought-after background vocalist\, mom shined alongside Beyoncé\, Diana Ross\, Luther Vandross\, and Whitney Houston. Meanwhile\, dad not only sang\, but also performed saxophone for Earth\, Wind & Fire and horns for the likes of Sérgio Mendes. Among his most formative memories\, Michael recalls “being backstage\, watching Mom and Dad perform\, and seeing them in their element.” \nUnlocking the power of his voice\, he eventually attended the New England Conservatory of Music and at The Thelonious Monk Institute at UCLA (now the Hancock Institute of Jazz). 2018 saw him make waves with the single “No More” [with Amber Navran]. Following his graduation\, he unveiled his full-length debut\, Bones\, in 2021 and cumulatively generated millions of streams accelerated by “The Way” and “You and You.” Earning critical acclaim\, Jazzwise rated it “4-stars\,” and JAZZIZ raved\, “Michael Mayo has developed his own lush\, neo-soul sound that adroitly showcases his clear tenor\, which glides over luxuriant clouds of his multi-tracked vocals.” He captivated audiences worldwide\, headlining his own gigs and touring with the likes of Herbie Hancock. Not to mention\, he even garnered the German Jazz Pride award. \nIn October 2023\, he relocated from Brooklyn back to L.A. Getting into a groove\, he wrote the majority of what would become FLY at home. During January 2024\, he retreated to Bunker Studio in Brooklyn\, recording the album in just two days with pianist Shai Maestro as well as Linda May Han Oh on upright and electric bass\, and in-demand drummer extraordinaire Nate Smith. Together\, the musicians collectively harnessed their incredible chemistry during the sessions\, giving the music gravity\, muscle\, and soul anchored by their performances. \nNow\, he introduces FLY with the single “Four.” On the track\, he delivers a lively arrangement of the original Miles Davis melody of the same name. Opening up this world\, jazzy piano gives way to steady claps. Michael alternates between fluttering vocals and a buoyant bebop-style harmony bouncing and surging with flare and finesse. A loose bassline propels the bridge\, and his words strike a deep chord\, “Of the wonderful things that you get out of life\, there are four.” \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/michael-mayo-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/michael-mayo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260530T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260530T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260219T155857Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T155857Z UID:10000271-1780167600-1780176600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Michael Dease DESCRIPTION:Sat | May 30 \n\n Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Michael Dease is one of the world’s eminent trombonists\, lending his versatile sound and signature improvisations to over 200 recordings and groups as diverse as Grammy winning artists David Sanborn\, Christian McBride\, Michel Camilo\, and Alicia Keys. Born in Augusta\, GA\, he played the saxophone and trumpet before choosing the trombone at age 17. In 2001\, Dease moved to New York City to become part of the historic first class of jazz students at The Juilliard School\, earning both Bachelors and Masters degrees\, and quickly established a reputation as a brilliant soloist\, sideperson\, and bandleader.Best Next Thing (Posi-Tone\, 2022)\, Dease’s newest release\, his ninth on Posi-Tone\, gathers together an assemblage of exceptional musicians to help him interactively explore the essence of the blues and reframe the abstract truths of jazz as the “Best Next Thing “for today’s audience of listeners. \nDease\, the winner of the 69th Annual DownBeat Magazine Poll for Trombonist of the Year and multi-Grammy award winner\, is also a sought-after lead\, section and bass trombonist with today’s leading jazz orchestras. His experiences include bands led by Christian McBride\, Roy Hargrove\, Nicholas Payton\, Charles Tolliver\, Rufus Reid\, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. However\, it is on the frontline of quintets and sextets led by master musicians like The Heath Brothers\, Winard Harper\, Renee Rosnes\, Bill Charlap\, Claudio Roditi\, and Lewis Nash\, where Dease has revitalized the trombone’s image. Not content to simply improvise\, Dease arranges and composes for many different bands\, constantly adjusting his tone and timbre to add just the right flavor to the music. \nDease’s unique blend of curiosity\, hard work and optimism has helped him earn worldwide recognition\, including awards from ASCAP\, The International Trombone Association\, Yamaha\, Eastern Trombone Workshop\, New York Youth Symphony\, Hot House Magazine\, Michigan State University\, among others. Dease was profiled in Cicily Janus’ book\, The New Face of Jazz: An Intimate Look at Today’s Living Legends (Random House). His experience in the studio has led him to produce several recording sessions for emerging artists\, often composing and writing liner notes for the releases. \nDease’s singular talent has made him an effective and prolific teacher\, resulting in invitations\, master classes and residencies at University of North Texas\, Scranton University\, University of Iowa\, Florida State College\, Broward College\, and many institutions abroad. He serves as Professor of Jazz Trombone at the renowned Michigan State University jazz program and has also been on faculty at Queens College – CUNY\, The New School and North-eastern University. Many of Dease’s current and former students are enjoying successful careers in the music world. \nAlways an informed\, but forward-thinking musician\, Dease learned the craft from trombone legends Wycliffe Gordon and Joseph Alessi. His associations have run the entire spectrum of musical experience: Alicia Keys\, Paul Simon\, Paul Schaffer and the CBS Orchestra\, Elton John\, Neal Diamond\, Illinois Jacquet\, Slide Hampton & The World of Trombones\, Fred Wesley\, Maceo Parker\, WDR Big Band\, George Gruntz\, Billy Harper\, and numerous others. \nDease enjoys spending every possible minute with his extraordinary wife and Professor of Percussion at MSU\, Gwendolyn Dease\, and their daughters Brooklyn & Charley. Michael Dease is a Yamaha Performing Artist and uses Pickett Brass and Vandoren mouthpieces exclusively. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/michael-dease-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/michael-dease.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260531T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260531T203000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260225T153654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T153654Z UID:10000286-1780250400-1780259400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:The NOW Trio ft. Travis Aukerman DESCRIPTION:Sun | May 31 \n\n Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n NoW Trio features pianist Ben Maloney\, bassist Jeff Pedraz\, and drummer Travis Aukerman. The group was formed in 2024 as a collaborative effort to present each member’s distinct sound and wealth of experience on the bandstand. Their live performance features a unique combination of Jazz standards\, original compositions\, and lesser-known arrangements by prolific composers of years past. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/the-now-trio-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/the-now-trio.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260603T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260603T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T192226Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T192226Z UID:10000280-1780513200-1780522200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Tristan Cappel Quintet DESCRIPTION:Wed | June 3 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Tristan Cappel is a deeply passionate and sought-after multi-instrumentalist. He seeks to musically and energetically uplift every environment he is fortunate to be a part of. \nCurrently\, Tristan is gearing up for his sophomore album\, North Star\, releasing late May 2026. The record is a major step in his development as a composer\, producer\, and artist\, and will feature several notable contemporaries\, such as Miguel Atwood-Ferguson\, Telemakus\, Kyla Moscovich\, Adam Hersh\, Andrew Renfroe\, Alex Sil\, Max Gerl\, and Myles Martin. \n2025 was a deeply rewarding and fulfilling year. In December 2025\, he joined Sasha Berliner at SFJAZZ Miner Auditorium. In November 2025\, he joined the Coltrane Home in Berkeley\, CA in ‘Divine Offering’ celebrating the legacy of Alice Coltrane. He also joined bassist and composer Aubrey Situmorang (Billy Childs) in her sold-out Los Angeles bandleader debut. In September 2025\, he began the recording process for his next album\, North Star. In July 2025\, he married the love of his life\, Samantha Cappel! That same month\, he joined Michelle Coltrane at the Hartford Jazz Festival and recorded lead woodwinds in the Marlonius Jazz Orchestra’s upcoming record\, produced by Stanley Clarke. In June 2025\, he joined Sly5thAve at Grand Performances in ‘CALIFORNIA LOVE: An Orchestral Celebration of Dr. Dre.’ In May 2025\, he debuted a new trio with Telemakus and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. In March 2025\, he was a part of “Everybody’s LIVE with John Mulaney\,” featuring Cypress Hill + Orchestra. In February 2025\, he joined Michelle Coltrane and the Coltrane Home at the HAMMER Museum\, Los Angeles\, for their Alice Coltrane\, Monument Eternal. \nAs a performer\, Tristan is a regular collaborator with Michelle Coltrane\, Telemakus\, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson\, and many more. In varying contexts\, he has performed with Imagine Dragons\, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band\, Olivia Dean\, Sasha Berliner\, Sly5thAve\, and Bruno Mars to name a few. As a recording artist\, Tristan has contributed woodwinds for artists such as Lana Del Rey\, Don Toliver\, Laufey\, Christina Aguilera\, H.E.R.\, and others. Beyond this\, he has made notable contributions in film\, theater\, and television. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tristan-cappel-quintet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tristan-cappel.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260604T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260604T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260406T162029Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T165249Z UID:10000298-1780599600-1780610400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Edmar Castaneda DESCRIPTION:THURS | June 4 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm\n$85 Dinner & Show\n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Edmar Castañeda nominated for a Latin Grammy in the category “Best Latin Jazz Album” with his album Family.  \nIn fall 2021\, Castañeda’s performance will be heard in Disney’s latest film\, Encanto (Release date: November 24\, 2021)\, which features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Castañeda acts on the soundtrack and serves as music consultant on Encanto.  \nUpon arriving in the United States in 1994\, Colombian-born Edmar Castañeda has made a name for himself as the preeminent jazz harp virtuoso. Castañeda brings forth a brilliance that beautifully merges the jazz tradition with a diverse set of styles and genres while bringing unbridled attention to a somewhat unfamiliar instrument: the harp. Singlehandedly\, Castañeda has cemented the harp’s place in jazz with innovative technique and heartfelt creativity from a wealth of formidable collaborations with music titans such as Wynyton Marsalis\, Pedrito Martinez\, Marcus Miller\, Paquito D’Rivera\, and many more.  \nIn the same breath as the Yo-Yo Ma‘s of the world\, Castañeda fearlessly stuns audiences\, musicians\, and critics alike with his incredible talents as a player and composer. NPR’s “Fresh Air” touts\, “…his technique is the real astonishment. Castañeda juggles lead\, rhythm and bass lines\, using a variety of hard and soft string attacks to keep those voices distinct – all without giving up the groove…His amazing technique…raises the bar for every harpist.” The New York Times notes\, “…Castaneda… engage[s] modern jazz in ways that honor…cultural origins\, and [he has] the capacity to astonish by virtue of [his] fingerstyle technique.” Moses Sumney highlights his “5 Favorite NPR “Tiny Desk Concerts” and says\, “My brain cracked open when I first saw this. Some classical instruments are so ingrained in our heads for sounding one way; Edmar restructures what we know of harp\, defiantly expanding the bounds of the instrument.”  \nCastañeda follows up seven acclaimed albums (Cuarto de Colores; Entre Cuerdas; Double Portion; Live at the Jazz Standard; Live In Montreal; Harp vs. Harp; Family ) with his latest recording project\, Viento Sur\, with a nine-person ensemble of acclaimed global musicians from Switzerland\, Brazil\, Cuba\, Israel\, Chile\, USA\, Argentina\, and Colombia. An array of compositions on Viento Sur are commissioned by American Chamber Music from the “New Jazz Works Grant.”  \nCastañeda’s renowned albums as a bandleader are interchanged with awe-inspiring symphonic and bigband works likes Wynton Marsalis Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Clássica de Espinho and the São Paulo Jazz Symphony Orchestra\, and chamber pieces for the Israel Camerata Jerusalem and the Orquestra Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia.  \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/edmar-castaneda/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/edmar-castaneda.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260605T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260605T183000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260409T142721Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T142721Z UID:10000309-1780675200-1780684200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Swing Happy Hour: Kerrytown Stompers DESCRIPTION:Fri | Jun 5 \n\n 5:00 – 6:00pm | No Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n The Kerrytown Stompers are thrilled to return to the Blue Llama Jazz Club to bring Swingin’ “Hot Jazz”\, performed by an All-Star Sextet. Specializing in Early Jazz from 1917 to 1940\, you will hear\, see and feel the reason this music has become so important in American culture. This music is instantly uplifting and fun. Not to be missed! \nDave Kosmyna- cornet\nRay Heitger- clarinet\nChris Smith- trombone\nChris Tabaczynski- bass saxophone\nAlex Belhaj- guitar\nPete Siers- drums\, washboard\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/swing-happy-hour-kerrytown-stompers-6/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kerrytown-stompers.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260606T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260606T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260129T154259Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T192326Z UID:10000253-1780772400-1780783200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Straight Ahead DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown’s lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year’s “Sony Innovators” competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, “Look Straight Ahead”\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart “Top 20”. They followed that up with “Body and Soul” and in 1995 with their third album “Dance Of the Forest Rain”\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group “a monster outfit that truly swings!” \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for “JazzIz” Magazine wrote that the band was”particularly impressive.” (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where “This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it’s high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles.” (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom…Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead’s founding members\, the “Rhythm Sister” – Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/straight-ahead-7/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/straight-ahead.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260607T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260607T203000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T192432Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T192432Z UID:10000291-1780855200-1780864200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Alain Sullivan's SoulHeart Collective DESCRIPTION:Sun | June 7 \n\n Sets at 6pm and 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Alain Sullivan is a saxophonist\, woodwind instrumentalist\, composer\, and arranger from Grand Rapids\, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2020\, with a Dual Degree in Jazz Studies and Biomolecular Science. There\, Alain performed with the University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble throughout the country. Alain has studied with Andrew Bishop\, Ellen Rowe\, Robert Hurst\, Benny Green\, Dennis Wilson\, and many others\, who have had a profound influence on his music and career. He is currently a medical student at the University of Michigan. \nAlain is also a 2018 YoungArts Winner in Jazz and placed 3rd in the 2020 North American Saxophone Alliance Collegiate Jazz Competition. He has performed on a 2022 Downbeat Magazine Student Award Winner\, Addison Tharp’s “L’s Bop” Big Band Arrangement. \nWell versed in many styles and aspects of jazz\, R&B\, funk\, and pop on saxophone\, flute and clarinet\, Alain has performed in a variety of settings across the country and internationally\, and in established jazz institutions\, such as GRNoir in Grand Rapids\, MI; headline performances at the Blue Llama in Ann Arbor\, MI; Cliff Bells in Detroit\, MI; and Smalls Jazz Club in NYC\, New York. He has also performed at the Detroit Jazz Festival on several occasions as part of headline groups. Alain has been fortunate to perform with artists such as Regina Carter\, Charles McPherson\, Aaron Diehl\, Scotty Barnhart\, Stanley Jordan\, Dick Oatts\, as well as the Ann Arbor-based funk group\, Sabbatical Bob and Ben Rosenblum’s “Nebula Project\,” from New York. Sullivan has played lead alto in the Seulah Noh Jazz Orchestra\, Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra\, and Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra\, as well as regularly playing with Big Band Nouveau and the Bluewater Kings Band. His most recent project involved a collaboration with the Vintage Parlor Orchestra to pay tribute to the landmark recording\, “Charlie Parker with Strings;” this session included a premiere of an unrecorded arrangement by George Russell\, “Ezz-Thetic\,” and is currently the only public video recording of the piece. \nAlain performs with a deep sensitivity and vulnerability\, blending a mix of melodicism and technique in a way that is unique and authentic. No matter the situation\, Alain aims to perform in a way that is undeniably himself\, and leave his listeners with a profound show experience. A very open musician\, he takes great pleasure in incorporating his love of many genres into his performances. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/alain-sullivans-soulheart-collective-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AlainSullivanBNW.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260610T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260610T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260327T163907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T164022Z UID:10000305-1781118000-1781128800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:James Gaiters Quartet DESCRIPTION:WED | June 10 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n A long-standing and original voice in modern jazz\, James Gaiters has established himself as a dynamic force on stages across the globe. James leads his own acclaimed ensembles\, MUV-MeNT and SoulRevival\, captivating audiences with his fiery energy and deep musical conviction. \nJames has appeared at premier jazz venues and festivals\, including the Village Vanguard\, Iridium Jazz Club (NYC)\, Newport Jazz Festival\, Ottawa Jazz Festival\, Toronto Jazz Festival\, Indianapolis Jazz Festival\, Detroit Jazz Festival\, The Jazz Kitchen\, and Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club\, among many others. \nAs a composer\, arranger\, and producer\, James is known for crafting music that honors the roots of jazz while boldly pushing its boundaries. His discography includes three original albums: Looking Back Ahead and Exodus (with MUV-MeNT)\, and Understanding: Reimagined (with SoulRevival). \nBorn in Columbus and raised in Zanesville\, Ohio\, James studied Music Education at The Ohio State University. He continues to inspire as a performer\, educator\, and mentor\, running a successful drum studio and consistently delivering hard-driving\, soulful performances that move audiences-spiritually and musically. Whether behind the kit or in the classroom\, James Gaiters brings a passion that leaves a lasting impression. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/james-gaiters-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/james-gaiters.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260611T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260611T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T192930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T192930Z UID:10000292-1781204400-1781215200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Kasan Belgrave DESCRIPTION:Thur | June 11 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Multi-woodwind-instrumentalist and Detroit native Kasan Belgrave holds a unique stance in the city as one of the young torchbearers of the Detroit jazz collective. His father\, the late maestro trumpeter Marcus Belgrave\, laid a foundation for him as he continues to carry on the legacy of Detroit jazz royalty. Following close to his father’s strides\, Kasan takes pride in contributing to Detroit’s rich pedigree of musical mentorship\, as he strives to continue passing down the knowledge and exposure of jazz music to generations after him. \nThe graduate of University of Michigan also currently holds a graduate assistantship under bassist Prof. Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University. Belgrave has shared the stage with many greats such as Nicholas Payton\, Barry Harris\, Benny Green\, Rodney Whitaker\, Theo Crocker\, Robert Hurst\, Karriem Riggins\, Dee Dee Bridgewater\, and the Jazz @ Lincoln Center Orchestra w/ Wynton Marsalis. \nKasan has performed around the globe. He attended a jazz summer clinic that his father ran at the University of California-Berkeley in 2011\, where he met flautist Elena Pinderhughes\, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire\, and Walter Smith III. He traveled to Barbados in 2013\, along with saxophonist Marcus Elliott and pianist Ian Finkelstein\, where they performed a masterclass and concert sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. He’s performed frequently at the Detroit Jazz Festival\, as a sideman for Wendell Harrison\, Rob Pipho\, Rick Margitza\, Nicholas Payton\, and Detroit bassist Ali Bey. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/kasan-belgrave/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/KasanBelgrave-Newcropped.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T193050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T193050Z UID:10000281-1781290800-1781301600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jordan VanHemert DESCRIPTION:Fri | June 12 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Jordan VanHemert is a Korean American saxophonist\, composer\, and bandleader working in the contemporary post-bop tradition. An active international touring artist\, he has performed throughout the United States\, Europe\, and Asia – including frequent appearances in South Korea – at venues such as Dazzle in Denver\, Cliff Bell’s in Detroit\, and The Blue Llama in Ann Arbor. His recent recordings and touring have brought him into collaboration with leading figures in modern jazz including Terell Stafford\, Michael Dease\, Helen Sung\, Rodney Whitaker\, and Lewis Nash. \nVanHemert’s music has earned sustained international recognition. Japan’s The Walkers praised a recent album as “the musical expression of what it means to be alive\,” while MMJazz Korea described him as “another rising star at a time when the number of Korean jazz musicians is rising.” In the United States\, JazzTimes editor-in-chief David R. Adler has highlighted his “authoritative sound” and “penetrating musical intelligence\,” and longtime collaborator Rodney Whitaker calls him “a powerful voice on saxophone… telling his story through the lens of his Korean cultural traditions.” \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jordan-vanhemert/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tristan-cappel-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260613T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260613T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T193355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T141701Z UID:10000282-1781377200-1781388000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sean Dobbins All-Star Quintet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 13 \n\n Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Vincent Chandler- Trombone\nMarcus Elliot- Saxophones\nXavier Davis- Piano\nNoah Jackson- Bass\nSean Dobbins- Drums\nSean Dobbins got his start as sought-after Detroit area jazz sideman at a young age\, when he would regularly play with Blue Note artist Louis Smith. As Sean’s Career progressed\, he found himself the recipient of many awards and accolades including the “Woody Herman Jazz Award”\, an award for outstanding musicianship\, as well as the Louis Armstrong Scholarship. Due to Sean’s great talent both as a player and an educator\, he has been the focus of countless news articles\, jazz radio programs\, and documentaries. \nThough still young by jazz standards\, Dobbins has amassed an impressive list of playing companions. He has performed/toured/recorded with Johnny Basset\, Benny Golson\, Dr. Lonnie Smith\, Frank Morgan\, Joey DeFrancesco\, George Cables\, James “Blood” Ulmer\, Marcus Belgrave\, Larry Willis\, Rodney Whittaker\, Claude Black\, Johnny O’Neal\, Paul Keller\, Tad Weed\, Kurt Krahnke\, Jon Hendricks\, David “Fathead” Newman\, Donald Walden\, Cyrus Chesnut\, Barry Harris\, David Baker\, Randy Johnston\, Marion Hayden\, Mose Allison\, and a host of other great musicians. \nSean’s sound can best be described as hard-driving\, solid rhythm with refreshing melodic sensibility. Some of Sean’s influences include Art Blakey\, Jeff Hamilton\, Jeff “Tain” Watts\, Ed Thigpen\, Sonny Payne\, as well as Detroit area greats Gerald Cleaver and the one and only Elvin Jones. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sean-dobbins-6/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SeanDobbinsBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260614T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260614T203000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T193516Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T193516Z UID:10000279-1781460000-1781469000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Nick Collins Trio DESCRIPTION:Sun | June 14 \n\n Sets at 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Drummer and bandleader Nick Collins performs regularly at the Blue LLama Jazz Club\, in both smaller trios and larger sextet formats. In a steady residency since 2022\, Nick has assembled a large repertoire of high energy\, hard-swinging original arrangements and compositions\, including seldom played tunes. Combining a wide variety of music with a regular band with consistent personnel creates an engaging performance where anything can happen. Nick and his groups are honored by a regular and growing audience\, beginning with their late set performances and more recently sold-out main sets. \nNick’s groups regularly consist of the core trio with Rick Roe (piano) and Jeff Pedraz (bass)\, and the sextet features the front-line of Dwight Adams (trumpet)\, Andrew Bishop (saxophone)\, and Ben Lafo (trombone). These bandmates are a dream team of the Detroit scene\, with its members having worked with such legends as Louis Hayes\, Ron Carter\, Marcus Belgrave\, Sean Dobbins\, Gerald Cleaver\, Rodney Whitaker\, Randy Napoleon\, and many others. Special guests with Nick’s groups have included such greats as Andrew Rathbun (saxophone)\, Brian Marsella (piano)\, Reid Taylor (bass)\, Matt Endahl (piano)\, Justin Walter (trumpet)\, Tim Haldeman (saxophone)\, and Dean Moore (saxophone). \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/nick-collins-trio-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/nick-collins.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260617T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260617T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260316T155142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T155142Z UID:10000300-1781722800-1781731800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Third Coast Swing DESCRIPTION:Wed | June 17 \n\n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Third Coast Swing has been playing the music of The late Belgium born Romani Gypsy\, Django Reinhardt & his band\, The Hot Club Of Paris 1930′-1940’s. Think Louis Armstrong with a French accent. Third Coast Swing has changed it up a bit and is currently touring with the Detroit native Dave Bennett\, Violinist Grant Flick \, Vocalist Ella Jury Jarvis\, & Pianist Andrew Henley. Ella and our guitarist Kaedin Plummer did a deep dive on early jazz classics by Fitzgerald\, Sarah Vaughan and Billy Holiday and then arranged these songs to fit Third Coast Swings eclectic style. \nThird Coast Swing has performed with National Touring acts such as Frank Vignola\, Denis Chang\, Jimmy Grant\, Dave Bennett\, The Midwest Gypsy Jazz Fest in Madison\, WI in April 2022 and Feb 2023. Third Coast has been playing MI festivals as of late and would love to continue that tradition in 2023. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/third-coast-swing-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/third-coast-swing.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260618T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260618T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T195017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T204926Z UID:10000293-1781809200-1781818200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Hannah Marks DESCRIPTION:THURS | June 18 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Hannah Marks-Bass\nKenji Lee-Saxophones\nMichael Malis-Piano\nJonathan Barahal Taylor-Drums\nHannah Marks is a bassist\, composer\, and educator living in New York City. She currently leads a risk-taking acoustic jazz quartet that features NYC’s most in-demand sidemen\, and has showcased her musical projects at festivals like the Detroit Jazz Festival\, Hyde Park Jazz Festival\, 80-35 Music Festival\, Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival\, Iowa City Jazz Festival and Indy Jazz Festival. Produced by Jason Moran\, her second album\, Feed the Fire\, will be released in June 2026 on Endectomorph. \nMarks’ debut album\, Outsider\, Outlier\, is an explosive rendering of her search for belonging and empowerment. A nod to her love for punk\, noise and free improvisation\, Outsider\, Outlier released on Out Of Your Head Records on October 20\, 2023. Citizen Jazz called Outsider\, Outlier “…a very mature record from a young artist with very strong ideas who does not hold back anything.” \nAs a side-woman\, Marks has been described as having “a fresh\, modern\, and original approach to playing the bass” by Marcus Printup. Marks tours internationally with NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater’s project “We Exist!”\, and has performed with Geoffrey Keezer\, Nasheet Waits\, Terri Lyne Carrington\, Anna Webber\, Miles Okazaki\, Ingrid Jensen\, Kalia Vandever\, Matt Wilson\, Ted Nash\, Morgan Guerin\, Marcus Printup\, and Sasha Berliner. Marks’ discography includes playing on Geoffrey Keezer’s Grammy award winning composition “Refuge”\, Amanda Ekery’s Grammy nominated Arabé\, Kristen Lee Sergeant’s Falling with saxophonist Ted Nash\, and Heartland Trio’s debut album Year One. \nMarks is passionate about jazz education\, serving on faculty at Fordham University during the academic year\, and at Interlochen Arts Camp\, Stanford Jazz Workshop\, and Jazz Camp West during the summer. She has also presented masterclasses at universities across the country (Brown University\, Indiana University\, and University of Denver) and adjudicated at the Reno Jazz Festival\, Clark College Jazz Festival\, and Simpson College Jazz Festival. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/hannah-marks/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hannah-marks-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260620T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260620T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260326T195555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T195555Z UID:10000304-1781982000-1781991000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Keigo Hirakawa Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 20 \n\n Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Over the period of 20 years as a professional jazz pianist and 7 full-length album appearances (3 as leader)\, Keigo Hirakawa has transformed himself from a student of the jazz masters to an artist with vision and unique sense of expressions. Though his engagements may include jazz clubs to music halls and jazz festivals\, he takes the time to contribute to his home music scene through mentorship and appearances with up-and-coming talents. The jazz piano trio he leads is well-known throughout the Midwest for their willingness to be musically spontaneous on stage\, exploring original compositions and redefining jazz standards to make it their own. Sought after for his articulate use of harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary and his leadership style on the bandstand\, Hirakawa can be heard throughout the US and internationally. \nTrained in New York City and at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston\, Hirakawa is fortunate to have been mentored by many world-class jazz artists\, including Danilo Perez\, Stephen Scott\, Harold Danko\, Alan Pasqua\, Ran Blake\, Cecil McBee\, Ralph Peterson\, Jerry Bergonzi\, Donald Byrd\, John McNeil\, George Garzone\, Bob Moses\, and Walt Weiskopf. He has appeared on stage alongside Donald Byrd\, Joe Lovano\, Robert Hurst\, JD Allen\, Carla Cook\, Bobby Lavell\, Bob Moses\, and Allen Vizzutti; toured with Stacy Dillard\, Duane Eubanks and Noah Preminger; has performed with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra; and his latest album features the jazz bass legend Robert Hurst. He was the acting director of the Cornell University Jazz Ensembles in 2000-2001\, during which time he welcomed Donald Byrd\, Jimmy Heath\, Wycliffe Gordon\, Terell Stafford\, Vincent Herring\, and Joe Chambers onto the stage as guest soloists. He is a passionate clinician and educator\, and is on faculty at the University of Dayton. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/keigo-hirakawa-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hands.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260621T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260621T203000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T195301Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T201426Z UID:10000294-1782064800-1782073800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Rossano Sportiello Trio ft. Paul Keller & Ed Metz DESCRIPTION:Sun | June 21 \n\n Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Rossano Sportiello was born in Italy on June 1st 1974. At the age of 16 he was already performing jazz piano professionally in the Milan area while still studying classical music. He graduated in classical piano in 1996. \nSince 1991 Rossano has performed in Italy\, Germany\, Switzerland\, France\, Spain\, Belgium\, Holland\, Luxembourg\, Norway\, United Kingdom\, USA\, Hungary\, Romania\, Poland\, Israel\, Japan and South Korea and South America. In 2007 Rossano married American writer Lala Moore and moved to New York City. \nRossano has been performing on a full schedule of concerts for the last 30 years; he’s consideredto be one of the major interpreters of the American jazz idiom\, with particular attention to the period from the Harlem Stride piano style of the ’20s and ’30s to the Be-Bop of the ’50s. \nRossano has received a number of distinguished awards in the field such as the “Prix du Jazz Classique” (France) in 2005\, the Ascona Jazz Award (Switzerland) in 2009\, the “Premio Vittorio Ramella” (Italy) in 2011\, “Premio Valenza Jazz 2016” (Italy)\, “Jazz Legend Award 2024” (San Diego\, USA). \nHe’s featured in more than 50 recordings as leader or sidemen\, 6 of them are in piano soloformat. Rossano’s new piano solo CD “That’s It” (Arbors Records) was released in 2021. In 2020 started his successful series of live streamed concerts from his apartment in NYC\, “Live at the Flat in Greenwich Village”:  more than 120 concerts produced involving over 60 musicians. All the concerts are accessible from Rossano’s website: rossanosportiello.com \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/rossano-sportiello-trio-ft-paul-keller-ed-metz/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rossano-sportiello.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260624T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260624T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T195532Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T195532Z UID:10000295-1782327600-1782336600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Chuck Redd DESCRIPTION:Wed | June 24 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Chuck Redd is well known internationally as a performer on drums and vibraphone. Chuck began recording and touring the globe when he joined the Charlie Byrd Trio at the age of 21. He also became a member of the Great Guitars (Barney Kessel\, Byrd and Herb Ellis.) To his credit are 25 European tours and six tours of Japan\, with the Barney Kessel Trio\, Ken Peplowski and the Benny Goodman Tribute Orchestra\, Terry Gibbs and Conte Candoli. He served as Artist-In-Residence at The Smithsonian Jazz Café in Washington\, DC from 2004-2008. \nChuck is the 2019 musical director of The Oregon Festival of American Music. He is a featured soloist\, annually at The W.C. Handy Music Festival\, The Newport Beach Jazz Party\, The West Texas Jazz Party\, The North Carolina Jazz Festival and The Roswell Jazz Festival. Chuck was featured vibraphonist with the Mel Torme All-Star Jazz Quintet from 1991 until 1996. \nWhile appearing in New York with Torme\, Ira Gitler of Jazz Times said: “Redd’s vibes were equally notable for vigor and melodiousness.“ \nJazz Times praised Redd’s playing describing his vibes work as\, “Exquisite! “ \nThe Washington Post  admired his “melodic sparkle.” \nChuck’s career highlights include a concert with the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet in Africa for the Namibian Independence Celebration\, a recital at the White House with the Barney Kessel Trio\, four concerts at Carnegie Hall with the Mel Torme Quintet\, The Great Guitars and The Charlie Byrd Trio and an appearance on The Tonight Show. In 2008\, he was a featured soloist on the finale concert at The Lionel Hampton International Jazz festival with The Lionel Hampton Big Band and the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. In February 2013\, Chuck performed with the Dream Band co-leading with Jeff Hamilton in a salute to vibes legend Terry Gibbs. Chuck was the 2014 honoree at The Roswell Jazz Festival and the 2013 Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Vibes Summit honoree. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/chuck-redd/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/chuck-redd.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260625T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260625T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T195716Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T195716Z UID:10000274-1782414000-1782423000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Michael Malis Quartet DESCRIPTION:THURS | June 25 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Michael Malis is a composer\, pianist\, and music educator based in Detroit\, MI. Noted for his “jaw-dropping display of improvisational power” (All About Jazz)\, Malis is a recipient of Greek America Foundation’s 40 under 40 award. He has taught at the University of Michigan and Interlochen Arts Academy\, and is now a doctoral student at the University of  Michigan.\nAs a recording artist\, he has released 13 albums. His music has been described as “downright transcendental” (Maggot Brain Magazine) and “uncommonly mature” (Detroit Free Press). He was noted as “among the most compelling Detroit jazz musicians of his generation” (Jazz From Detroit\, University of Michigan Press). His compositions have been performed across the United States\, including at Harvard University\, the University of Maryland\, The Owl (Brooklyn)\, and Orchestral Hall (Detroit). \nAs a pianist\, Malis has shared the stage with a diverse array of musicians\, including Marcus Belgrave\, Jeff “Tain” Watts\, Robert Hurst\, Gerald Cleaver\, Jaribu Shahid\, John Lindberg\, William Hooker\, A. Spencer Barefield\, Tyshawn Sorey\, Brandee Younger\, J.D. Allen\, and Marion   Hayden. He has performed at the Yokohama Jazz Promenade (Yokohama\, Japan)\, the Kennedy Center\, Birdland (NYC)\, and The Stone (NYC). \nHe is the founder of Other Tones\, a concert series providing performance opportunities for local and national composer-performers. To date\, Other Tones has presented 22 artists from 7 cities to Detroit audiences. All proceeds from concerts go to presenting artists. The series centers artists from underrepresented groups\, presenting a majority of queer\, BIPOC\, and women or femme-identifying artists. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/michael-malis/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/michael-malis-.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260626T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260626T180000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260316T160640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T160640Z UID:10000297-1782489600-1782496800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Happy Hour: University of Michigan Jazz Ambassadors DESCRIPTION:Fri | June 26 \n\n Set 5pm | No Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n About the Artist \n The University of Michigan Jazz Ambassadors 2025 Summer Jazz Intensive is a one week full-scholarship summer jazz program exclusively for students from within the state of Michigan. Students receive a recommendation from their band or music directors in order to apply and are then selected by an adjudicated process that results in a 6-7 person combo. The students work all week with their guest musical director\, who for this year is saxophonist Adam Larson\, as well as with the U-M Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation faculty\, studying jazz combo performance skills\, jazz theory and improvisation\, jazz history and business of music as well as participating in faculty-led listening sessions\, faculty presentations and private lessons. The performance at the Blue LLama is their capstone experience for the week. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/university-of-michigan-jazz-ambassadors/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UofMJazzAmbassadorsBNW.png.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260626T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260626T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T195823Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T202715Z UID:10000296-1782500400-1782511200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Marion Hayden Legacy Ensemble DESCRIPTION:Fri | June 26\nSets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n RESERVE TABLE \n\nAbout the Artist\nThe bass speaks in the hands of award-winning artist Marion Hayden. Born in Detroit\, a crucible of jazz\, Hayden began performing at the age of 15 under the tutelage of master trumpeter Marcus Belgrave (2009 Kresge Eminent Artist) and saxophonist/producer Wendell Harrison (2018 Kresge Eminent Artist). She has performed with such luminaries as Nancy Wilson\, Dee Dee Bridgewater\, Geri Allen\, Regina Carter\, Jon Hendricks\, Steve Turre\, James Carter\, Dorothy Donegan\, Lionel Hampton\, Hank Jones\, and George Benson. She is a co-founder of the Grammy-nominated ensemble Straight Ahead-the first all-woman jazz ensemble signed to Atlantic Records. \nWidely recognized as an advocate for the preservation of the cultural and artistic legacy of jazz\, Hayden has received national\, state\, and local grants supporting work with her ensemble Legacy-which performs original\, narrative-driven compositional works. Her numerous awards include a Kresge Artist Fellowship (2016)\, a U.S. Congressional Commendation\, a Spirit of Detroit Award\, Detroit ACE Award\, and the Jazz Hero Award from the Jazz Journalists Association-a national award recognizing people who have made a significant contribution through their artistry and community engagement. Hayden holds faculty positions at the University of Michigan and Oakland University. \n\n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/marion-hayden-legacy-ensemble/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/marion-hayden.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260627T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260627T213000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260310T200032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T200032Z UID:10000284-1782586800-1782595800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Olivia Van Goor Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 27 \n\n Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Olivia Van Goor is an award-winning jazz vocalist based in Detroit\, Michigan. Recently honored as a two-time winner at the 2025 Michigan Music Awards for Best Jazz Album and Best Jazz Single/Performance\, she is an emerging talent you won’t want to miss. \nOlivia has carved her own path\, learning from some of the finest jazz musicians in the Midwest\, and has cultivated a rich\, distinctive sound as a result. Her hard work has yielded two EP’s\, first “When the Shadows Fall” in 2021 and “Don’t Be Mad At Me” in August of 2023. Both recordings feature a mix of original material and standards that come from early jazz\, swing\, blues and bebop styles. These recordings have taken her to tour in surrounding major cities such as Ann Arbor\, Toledo\, Cleveland\, Columbus\, Southbend\, Chicago\, and Pittsburgh. She performs in a wide range of settings\, from intimate duo performances to dynamic big band collaborations and everything in between. \nRecently\, she took the stage with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra in December 2024 and is set to return for their Holiday Pops performance in December 2025. Additionally\, she received “Best Vocalist” for the Preservation of Jazz Excellence Award in Detroit\, many nominations by the Detroit Music Awards and recognition by many Michigan-based publications. Beyond recording\, she has also composed\, arranged\, and produced performances\, enriching the vibrant landscape of contemporary jazz music. She has collaborated with renowned musicians\, including Detroit pianist Scott Gwinnell\, two-time JUNO Award-winning vocalist Caity Gyorgy\, and esteemed Ann Arbor bassist Paul Keller. Olivia continues to work with leading jazz artists across Michigan and the broader Midwest\, sharing her passion for music and spreading joy through her artistry. \nOlivia Van Goor – Vocals\nMike Harrison – Piano\nReuben Stump – Bass\nDave Zwolinski – Drums\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/olivia-van-goor-quartet-4/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/OliviaVanoorBNW2.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260628T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260628T220000 DTSTAMP:20260411T105917 CREATED:20260319T162427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T162427Z UID:10000302-1782673200-1782684000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Erena Terakubo DESCRIPTION:Sun | June 28 \n\n Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Erena Terakubo is a multi-talented saxophonist\, flutist\, clarinetist\, composer\, arranger\, and educator from Sapporo\, Japan. She is an international sensation whose career performances stretch five different continents. While still in high school\, Terakubo released her debut album “North Bird\,” a collaboration with Kenny Barron\, Christian McBride\, Lee Pearson\, and Peter Bernstein\, which reached #1 on the Japanese jazz charts and was awarded Swing Journal’s Gold Disc. Her broad experience has inspired five albums since. Recently\, Terakubo has been sharing her expertise by teaching workshops at U.S. universities and touring Europe and Japan. \nTerakubo has played notable venues and events such as International Jazz Day 2022 at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York\, the Tokyo Jazz Festival\, the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl\, Dizzy’s Jazz Club Jazz at Lincoln Center\, Smoke Jazz Club (where she led a band featuring special guest Louis Hayes)\, the Monterey Jazz Festival\, the Beantown Jazz Festival\, the Blue Note Tokyo\, Blue Note New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Terakubo has performed in Burkina Faso\, Chile\, Argentina\, Germany\, Spain\, Italy\, Switzerland\, France\, Austria\, Israel and Australia. \nIn addition to leading the Erena Terakubo quartet\, she has appeared with a wide variety of ensembles. These ensembles include Jon Faddis and his All-Star Big Band\, the Kenny Barron Quartet (with Kenny Barron\, Kiyoshi Kitagawa\, and Jonathan Black)\, the Mingus Big Band\, and the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. In addition\, she was a part of “Bird Calls” a special livestream event celebrating the centennial of Charlie Parker’s birth presented by The Jazz Foundation of America. In 2023\, she’ll join the Ulysses Owens Jr. & Generation Y Band on a European Tour. \nTerakubo has collaborated to produce a total of six albums. Since the debut of “North Bird” in 2010\, she has released “New York Attitude” (with Kenny Barron\, Ron Carter\, Lee Pearson and Dominick Farinacci) and “Burkina” (with Kenny Barron\, Ron Carter\, Jimmy Cobb\, and Lenny White). Downbeat and Jazziz Magazines commended her 4th album\, “A Time for Love” from Celler Live (with David Hazeltine\, David Williams\, and Lewis Nash). King Records\, a major Japanese label\, released her 5th album “Little Girl Power” with Mayuko Katakura\, Motoi Kanamori\, and Shinnosuke Takahashi\, as well as her latest album “Absolutely Live!.” Aside from these projects\, Terakubo wrote the theme song “High Touch (High Five)” for a TV broadcast which aired in Hokkaido\, Japan every day in 2018. \nTerakubo was the first Japanese recipient of the prestigious Presidential Scholarship at Berklee College of Music\, where she received her bachelor’s degree in 2018. She will earn her master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music in May 2023. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/erena-terakubo/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/erena-terakuba.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR