BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Blue LLama - ECPv6.17.2//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:20260802T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260802T203000 DTSTAMP:20260630T154718Z CREATED:20260603T180924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T154718Z UID:10000329-1785693600-1785702600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Todd Marcus - Virginia MacDonald Quintet DESCRIPTION:Sun | Aug 2 \n\n Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Todd Marcus – bass clarinet\nVirginia MacDonald – clarinet\nXavier Davis – piano\nBlake Meister – bass\nEric Kennedy – drums\nSince 2022\, Baltimore bass clarinetist Todd Marcus and Toronto clarinetist Virginia MacDonald have been performing and touring together across the United States and Canada with their quintet. Their work together presents a lush ensemble that showcases the range of beauty and power by the clarinet in a modern jazz context\, with repertoire comprised of original compositions by both bandleaders. They have performed at jazz festivals and prominent venues internationally including Smalls Jazz Club\, the Toronto Jazz Festival\, the International Clarinet Association\, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. \nPlaying the clarinet is challenging (due technical and volume complexities) which leads most woodwind musicians to use saxophones and avoid using clarinets in more intense modern jazz. While the clarinet has a rich history in traditional New Orleans and Dixieland music\, swing era big band contexts\, and avant-garde free playing\, it is significantly underutilized in modern straight-ahead jazz. \nMarcus and MacDonald have filled this gap for the clarinet in modern jazz.  Their unique solo and compositional voices have established a prominence and international reputation on their instruments in jazz today. Their musical partnership showcases the versatility of the clarinet and captures audiences with a new and unique musical experience. \n“Mr. Marcus is probably the most inventive bass clarinetist working in straight-ahead jazz today…[and] lives in Baltimore\, where he is a guiding light on the city’s jazz scene who doubles as an activist and organizer.”  – New York Times \n“[Virginia] is one of the only people I’ve heard get that completely soulful essence that you get on the saxophone; she gets it on the clarinet. She’s got her own voice.” Grammy Award winning trombonist Michael Dease\, London Jazz News \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/todd-marcus-quintet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/todd-virgina.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260805T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260805T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T181451Z CREATED:20260603T181451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T181451Z UID:10000328-1785956400-1785965400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Lisa Sung Quartet DESCRIPTION:Wed | Aug 5 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Lisa Sung is an award-winning jazz educator and performer who received the highest artistic development award\, the John Sites Jazz Award\, in 2022. \nLisa has performed and recorded with Terell Stafford\, Rodney Whitaker\, Ron McClure\, Stafford Hunter\, Rob Smith\, Thomas Knific\, Diego Rivera\, Dmitri Methany\, Jordan VanHemert\, John Webber\, and many other prominent musicians. Lisa’s passion is to interpret Asian Melodie into jazz. Her latest album Half Moon consists of traditional Korean children’s songs. \nMs. Sung is an adjunct professor at Calvin University and Aquinas College. She also directs Calvin University’s jazz band and co-directs the gospel choir. This fall\, Ms. Sung began her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program at the University of Michigan and was honored with the prestigious Rachem Merit Fellowship. Lisa studied at Temple University with Terell Stafford\, and Thomas Lawton\, and completed her graduate studies at NYU with Ron McClure\, and Don Friedman. \nShe was recently sponsored by JSJA and had a successful Indonesia\, Korea\, and Vietnam tour. Lisa Sung Trio was featured in CNN Indonesia\, where they played a variety of Indonesian Children’s Songs and music from Lisa Sung’s latest album Half Moon. Lisa’s quartet also performed Vietnamese Children’s Songs at the first International Jazz Festival in Nha Trang which was broadcast nationally. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/lisa-sung-quartet-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/lisa-sung-piano.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T213000 DTSTAMP:20260721T180006Z CREATED:20260608T162330Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T180006Z UID:10000341-1786042800-1786051800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Elvin Sharp Quartet DESCRIPTION:Thurs | Aug 6 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Formed in 2022\, the Elvin Sharp quartet has been powerhouse group throughout south east Michigan. While the members have changed over the years\, the groove and melodicism has not. The group features Elvin Sharp on the saxophones\, Zach Sommerfeld on  Guitar\, Sam Melkonian on Drums and Sam Corey on Bass. All the members are current proud students of Rodney Whitaker from MSU’s jazz program. The group strikes a perfect balance between underappreciated pieces by the master and jazz standards everyone will know and love. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/elvin-sharp-quartet-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blou-reed.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T213000 DTSTAMP:20260610T134301Z CREATED:20260603T181633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T134301Z UID:10000332-1786129200-1786138200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Olivia Van Goor Sings the Music of Anita O'Day DESCRIPTION:Fri | Aug 7 \n\n Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Olivia Van Goor returns to the Blue LLama Jazz Club honoring one of her greatest vocal inspirations: Anita O’Day. A self-described “song stylist\,” Anita brought a bold\, innovative sound to jazz that captivated Olivia early in her career. Through iconic recordings like “Tea for Two” and “Sweet Georgia Brown\,” as well as hidden gems such as “Waiter\, Make Mine Blues” and “Hershey Bar\,” Olivia will trace Anita’s remarkable journey-a story of both triumph and turbulence. Joined by a stellar jazz trio\, Olivia invites you to experience the legacy of a woman who defied the mold of the typical “girl singer” and reshaped the sound of vocal jazz forever. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/olivia-van-goor-quartet-5/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ovg.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260808T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260808T220000 DTSTAMP:20260603T181855Z CREATED:20260603T181855Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T181855Z UID:10000333-1786215600-1786226400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Shahida Nurullah & Good Company DESCRIPTION:Sat | Aug 8 \n\n Sets at 7pm and 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Shahida’s vocal talent has been praised in Downbeat magazine\, the New York Times\, the Detroit Free Press and Finland’s Rytmi magazine\, which included her name in a poll alongside such legends as Sarah Vaughan and fellow Detroiter Betty Carter. Like everything else\, Shahida has been more than equal to the task\, returning to the stage with a triumphant appearance at the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival and numerous southeast Michigan club appearances and even winning a starring role in a staging of the musical play “After Hours: Great Legends! Great Music!”  \nShe sings the blues so beautifully. She also sings jazz\, samba\, bossa nova\, show tunes\, and more. Her vocal talent surpasses the challenges of any music in the popular American songbook. Not to mention singing in three different languages. Shahida Nurulla has wowed audiences from her native Detroit to New York to Paris to Amsterdam and further.    \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/shahida-nurullah-good-company-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shahida-nurullah.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260809T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260809T203000 DTSTAMP:20260622T174048Z CREATED:20260622T174048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T174048Z UID:10000347-1786298400-1786307400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jordan Anderson Trio DESCRIPTION:Sun | Aug 9 \n\n Sets 6pm and 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Known for his dynamic bandstand presence and creative approach to improvisation\, Jordan Anderson is a musical force of his generation. Born in Minneapolis\, Minnesota\, Jordan began piano lessons at the age of 7 and by his early teens he sought tutelage from some of Twin Cities’ leading voices in Black American Music\, most notably Detroit’s own Solomon Parham. He took his talents to the University of Michigan\, furthering his pianistic skills Benny Green and Andy Milne. After completing his Masters of Fine Arts in jazz studies at Michigan State University\, Jordan moved to Detroit where he can be found performing in a variety of styles ranging from straight-ahead jazz to house and hip-hop. \nHe is a frequent member of groups led by notable Detroit musicians such as Vincent Chandler\, Allen Dennard\, Russ Macklem\, and Kasan Belgrave to name a few. Within these ensembles\, Jordan can be found playing piano\, keyboards\, synth bass and organ. In October 2024\, Jordan recorded his debut record – a trio project of straight-ahead and contemporary original material. The album is set for\nrelease in spring 2025. Jordan was a winner of the Rubato International Piano Competition in August 2023.\nHe is also a prolific educator in Michigan and had the distinct honor of holding the jazz piano chair for Interlochen’s summer jazz camp in 2022 and 2023. Most recently\, Jordan has been selected as a mentor-fellow for Stanford’s summer jazz workshop 2024-2025. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jordan-anderson-trio-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jordan-anderson.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260812T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260812T213000 DTSTAMP:20260803T155442Z CREATED:20260707T154016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T155442Z UID:10000348-1786561200-1786570200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jauron Perry Quartet DESCRIPTION:Wed | Aug 12 \n\n Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Jauron Perry is an upcoming Detroit trumpeter\, composer\, bandleader\, and educator in jazz studies at Michigan State University. Recognized with the Next Generation of Talent award\, Jauron has extensive experience working with Detroit jazz masters like Rodney Whitaker\, Regina Carter\, Wendell Harrison\, as well as sensations such as Christian McBride\, Wynton Marsalis\, Xavier Davis\, Walter Blanding\, and Michael Dease. He is a Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra Fellow. Jauron has shared the stage with popular artists\, appearing in the Motown Hitsville band opening for The Commodores\, playing for T-Pain in the Urban Art Orchestra\, and playing for Shakira at the Little Caesars Arena. He has been featured in prominent events such as the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival. Jauron won the 2024 Michigan Jazz Festival Rising Horn Competition and the Detroit Jazz Festival’s International Collegiate Combo Competition. He also toured Japan at just 19 years old. \nConsistently working with his own band\, the Jauron Perry Quintet\, he performs across Michigan and is working towards breaking into other scenes around the country. The quintet recorded live during their debut set at the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival\, creating Jauron’s debut album. The Jauron Perry Quintet is making a significant impact on the Metro-Detroit scene. Their dynamic performances garner much attention\, and Jauron sets his sights on broader horizons to take his band to bigger stages and festivals. \nIan Finkelstein – Piano\nLangston Kitchen – Bass\nJoe Fielder – Drums\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jauron-perry/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-25-at-11.32.24 AM.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260813T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260813T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T182059Z CREATED:20260603T182059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182059Z UID:10000338-1786647600-1786656600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Aguankó DESCRIPTION:Thu | Aug 13 \n\n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Aguanko is a Latin jazz septet from the Detroit area\, led by percussionist and composer Alberto Nacif. The band’s music is deeply rooted in Cuban jazz and features original compositions that blend jazz with Son-Salsa rhythms. Nacif\, who was born in Oaxaca\, Mexico\, began playing percussion at a young age and has studied with renowned Cuban masters. Aguanko has gained national and international recognition for their music\, including performances with prominent jazz musicians and multiple award nominations. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/aguanko-5/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/aguanko.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T183000 DTSTAMP:20260803T152833Z CREATED:20260803T152833Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T152833Z UID:10000385-1786723200-1786732200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Swing Happy Hour: Kerrytown Stompers DESCRIPTION:Fri | Aug 14 \n\n 5:00 – 6:30pm | 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-9/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kerrytown-stompers.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T220000 DTSTAMP:20260603T182220Z CREATED:20260603T182220Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182220Z UID:10000334-1786734000-1786744800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Allen Dennard Quintet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Aug 14 \n\n Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Allen Dennard is a trumpeter\, composer\, recording artist\, bandleader and activist who was born and raised in the city of Detroit\, Michigan. At the age of 9 Allen decided to join his elementary school’s band\, John Trix Elementary. From then on he never put the trumpet down\, finding a whole new passion for instrumental music. In 5th grade Allen was introduced to jazz\, but his understanding and liking toward it was not yet found. Throughout middle school Allen decided to stop playing jazz and took up classical music instead. Little did he know that in the near future he’d come to find himself feeling restricted while playing classical music. Throughout high school\, he still chose to play classically\, but around the 10th grade he decided to dive back into jazz. From then on he chose jazz as his musical style. He began to study players such as Freddie Hubbard\, Miles Davis\, Woody Shaw\, Lee Morgan\, and Roy Hargrove just to name a few. Around his senior year of high school Allen had the privilege of being mentored by the great Marcus Belgrave\, one of Detroit’s own legendary trumpeters and educators. Since then\, Allen’s involvement in jazz increased exponentially. \nDennard has released three recorded projects as a band leader in his musical career thus-far\, one being his debut project “Stepping In” which was released in 2018\, his debut album “Flashback” which was released in 2022 and nominated for a Detroit Music Award in 2023\, and his latest 2025 release “Black Valley” that was released on Motor City Wine’s record label in Detroit\, MI. Allen has three of his own groups\, the Allen Dennard Trio\, the Allen Dennard Quartet and the Allen Dennard Quintet. All groups have been headliners in venues around Detroit\, Metro-Detroit\, the entire state of Michigan and within the Midwest.  \nAllen still resides in Detroit\, focusing on furthering his musical career in the local\, national and international music scene. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/allen-dennard-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/allen-dennard.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260815T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260815T220000 DTSTAMP:20260717T181651Z CREATED:20260603T182409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T181651Z UID:10000335-1786820400-1786831200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Kevin Jones and Tenth World DESCRIPTION:Sat | Aug 15 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Tenth World is a group formed by Kevin Jones and pianist/composer\, Kelvin Sholar through a partnership created back in 1999 in New York City. Together Jones and Sholar formed a collective of young talented master musicians on the cusp of realizing a new and creative sound that combined the harmonic sensibilities of Jazz and Soul with the rhythms of the African Diaspora. The nucleus of Tenth World formed around Kelvin Sholar’s group Esoterica which was a quartet. Other members were added; Saxophonist Brian Horton\, Drummer Jaimeo Brown\, Trumpeter Kevin Louis and both Bassists Damon Warmack out of Detroit and Joshua David Barrett out of New Jersey worked interchangeably. \nJones and Sholar’s first attempt at recording a project was a project called Land Of Eternal Tranquil Light which proved to be a bit too eclectic spanning to wide a variety of genres. Their next recording project was entitled “Tenth World” which was picked up by Motema Music and produced by percussionist Babatunde Lea and Kelvin Sholar. This recording went on to be widely acclaimed and proved to be a seminal sound of the label and stands as a monument to the compositional and musicianship of the members. Included on that album were George Makinto; formerly Miriam Makeba’s musical director on flute\, piano and percussion and acclaimed percussionist Luisito Quintero who both would join the band at different intervals during their tenure. \nA second album was recorded called\, “Tenth World Live” which drew even more acclaim for the group. During 2007 and 2008 many of the members left New York to pursue individual goals. Kelvin moved to Berlin\, Germany where he now lives\, Kevin Louis went back to his home town of New Orleans where he teaches\, Brian Horton is now ready to receive his Doctorate in Music out of the University of North Texas and Jaimeo Brown has his own successful trio which is called “Transcendence”\, Josh David Barrett has his own band called Judah Tribe and also plays with the Wailers. \nMore recently Kevin has relocated to Michigan and reformed this group with a variety of musicians both local and from afar. \nThe band is now set to record a forth album as the members have agreed to come together to break new ground. Some of the material for this album is already recorded they plan to finish this album in the coming months. \nThis group has played a host of festivals and clubs throughout the world. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/kevin-jones-tenth-world/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kevin-jones.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260816T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260816T210000 DTSTAMP:20260714T155342Z CREATED:20260618T132350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T155342Z UID:10000345-1786903200-1786914000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Braxton Cook DESCRIPTION:Sun | Aug 16 \n\n Sets 6pm & 8pm\n$85 Dinner & Show\n$40 Cover Only\n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n When the vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Braxton Cook first started working on the album that would become Not Everyone Can Go\, his life was going through a number of transitions that he just couldn’t ignore. Last year\, Cook spent lots of time on the road – in Europe and Asia\, along with two United States tours. “I was just very busy\, and trying to juggle that with family\, it was a lot to manage\,” Cook said. In a moment of self-reflection\, he looked back on the past year\, noticed a theme emerging\, and came to this conclusion: It was OK to let go of things that weren’t serving him any longer. Transitions were natural as he stepped into fatherhood. “It was only pushing me more in that direction of understanding\,” he continued. “There’s grief that comes along with having to let certain things go to make time for the things I truly value.” \nOne can hear Cook breaking through on Not Everyone Can Go\, a mix of jazz and R&B that feels indebted to similar hybrids of yesteryear. Musically\, the album conjures images of bright evening sunshine\, when the temperature begins to cool. Not quite Quiet Storm\, instead\, Not Everyone Can Go dabbles between the margins\, which won’t surprise those who’ve followed Cook to this point. Across albums like Somewhere In Between\, No Doubt and Who Are You When No One Is Watching?\, he’s made a career of blurring the lines between genres\, landing on a sound that isn’t one thing\, in particular. While that’s made his music tough to pin down\, that also makes it all the more intriguing. That you can’t label it just R&B or just jazz lends to the music’s attraction. \nThe making of the album also represents a breakthrough for Cook. It was the most collaborative process of his career where he further integrated into his musical network in Los Angeles. Vocal features include NNAVY (“Weekend”) and Marie Dahlstrom (“All My Life”)\, and additional producers include Bubele on “Bad\,” Austin Brown of Hablot Brown on “We’ve Come So Far”\, and bassist Kaveh Ragestar (Kneebody) on “All My Life.” Musically\, he and his bandmates would improvise and let the energy flow however it needed. One can hear this free-flow on the album’s instrumental tracks – “Zodiac\,” “Kingdom Come\,” “My Sun” (featuring Elijah Cook)\, and “Josh’s Tune.” \nLyrically\, parts of the album address Cook’s realization that life will get better\, that even though it’s challenging right now\, “the future is bright\,” as he sings on the track “My Everything\,” the album’s first single. “It’s about a man who continued to selfishly follow his own dreams at the sake of missing the big picture\,” Cook said. “And I’m telling myself\, ‘We’re going to work through a rough patch here\, but things will turn around.” To emphasize that creative focus\, Not Everyone Can Go follows the trek of conflict\, from where a romantic relationship is going through challenges to when the couple makes it to the other side. The album soundtracks that journey without placing blame on one person or the other. Rather\, Cook assesses his own role in the disconnect\, as if doing the necessary self work to show up fully for his significant other. “I put ‘My Everything’ near the beginning to establish the conflict\,” he said. “Then we work our way through it. By the time we get to ‘We’ve Come So Far\,’ it’s a moment of gratitude and a breath in the record – a pop song that’s like\, ‘Wait a second\, we’re going to be alright.'” \n The album’s second half incorporates love songs about the rediscovery of affection. The track “Bad\,” which takes sonic cues from late-’90s R&B\, with its slow\, body-rolling pace and lush electric keys\, finds Cook singing about dating his partner with renewed romance. The same goes for “All My Life.” Here\, the singer sounds transfixed\, akin to the time when you see your partner again\, after the storm has passed and the connection feels fresh once more. These songs speak to the kind of cycle found in most relationships\, when the day-to-day gets shaky and serious decisions need to be made. But where some decide to part ways in search of someone new\, Cook\, through these songs\, opts to fight for love. Because the partnership is too genuine and there’s a lot of history at stake. “The last part of the album is the action for me\,” Cook said. “It’s the act of rebuilding these relationships the way that I want and the way that I see them\, and that’s what those love songs are about. ‘Bad’ is very much about taking my wife back out on a date. As if we were just courting each other all over again.” \nUltimately\, though\, Not Everyone Can Go is about embracing change\, that when seasons arrive where moves are inevitable\, you have to lean into them. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/braxton-cook/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/braxton-cook.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260819T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260819T213000 DTSTAMP:20260707T154525Z CREATED:20260707T154525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T154525Z UID:10000349-1787166000-1787175000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Third Coast Swing DESCRIPTION:Wed | Aug 19 \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. \nVocals- Ella J\nGuitar- Erik Mclyntre\nGuitar- Stephen Plummer\nBass- Kaedin Plummer\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/third-coast-swing-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/third-coast-swing-august.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260820T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260820T213000 DTSTAMP:20260805T171009Z CREATED:20260720T181000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T171009Z UID:10000371-1787252400-1787261400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Newk's Time: A Tribute to Sonny Rollins DESCRIPTION:THURS | Aug 20 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n About the Artist \n With two sets featuring two different lineups\, this musical tribute will feature Andrew Bishop\, Dan Bennett and Tim Haldeman on saxophone\, Dave Sharp and Andy Peck on Bass\, Rick Roe on Piano\, Jesse Kramer on drums\, with other special featured guests. For the 7pm set\, a quintet line-up will explore the vast and vibrant catalog of the “Saxophone Colossus.” The 8:30pm set will feature a tribute to A Night at the “Village Vanguard\,” a live album recorded at the Village Vanguard in New York City on November 3\, 1957\, and released on Blue Note the following year\, and will feature Andrew Bishop\, Jesse Kramer and Andy Peck. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sonny-rollins/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sonny-rollins.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260821T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260821T213000 DTSTAMP:20260707T154929Z CREATED:20260707T154929Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T154929Z UID:10000350-1787338800-1787347800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:La Tanya Hall Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Aug 21 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Vocalist La Tanya Hall’s versatility in a variety of musical genres has allowed her to travel the world and work with some of the world’s most celebrated artists\, including Steely Dan\, Seal\, Diana Ross\, Bobby McFerrin\, Michael McDonald\, Quincy Jones\, Rob Thomas\, Michael Feinstein\, Patti Labelle\, Harry Belafonte\, Steve Tyrell and Aretha Franklin. She has also appeared as a solo artist in her own right with the American Composers Orchestra\, The Denver Symphony\, and the St. Louis Symphony and at jazz clubs around the world. Her new record\, Say Yes (Blue Canoe Records) debuted in November of 2020 and has garnered rave reviews\, including being named one of the top ten vocal jazz albums for 2020. \nHall is also an active educator\, teaching clinics in Basel\, Switzerland for the Stimmen (Voice) Festival\, as well as teaching master classes on vocal performance and the Great American Songbook for various institutions in the US. She created the first vocal jazz degree program at Oberlin Conservatory eight years ago and continues to teach there as an associate professor of jazz voice. In addition\, she was an adjunct professor at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in Manhattan for 12 years. \nLa Tanya is an accomplished actress\, having lent her skills to numerous voice-over projects\, Broadway shows\, movie and television appearances. TV shows include Blue Bloods (Sabine Winston)\, Law & Order\, 100 Centre Street\, The Sopranos and Now and Again. Broadway and theater appearances include Cotton Club Parade with jazz master Wynton Marsalis; the role of Deena in the last national tour of Dreamgirls; Promises\, Promises for City Center Encore Series; and Sally in A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/la-tanya-hall-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/la-tanya-hall.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260822T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260822T220000 DTSTAMP:20260707T155126Z CREATED:20260707T155126Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T155126Z UID:10000351-1787425200-1787436000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sean Dobbins Organ Trio ft. Tiffany Gridiron DESCRIPTION:Sat | Aug 22 \n\n Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n The Sean Dobbins Organ Trio ft. vocalist Tiffany Gridiron! \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-8/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SeanDobbinsBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260823T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260823T203000 DTSTAMP:20260618T152031Z CREATED:20260618T152031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T152031Z UID:10000346-1787508000-1787517000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sunny Wilkinson Jazz Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sun | Aug 23 \n\n Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Sunny Wilkinson has taken her place in that elite group of jazz vocalists who have stretched the boundaries and found themselves “one of a kind.” \nSunny has sung with music icons such as The Count Basie Orchestra\, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass\, Clark Terry\, Mark Murphy\, Milt Hinton\, Curtis Fuller and many more.  She has recorded four CDs as leader and numerous guest appearances. “Into the Light\,” her newest CD\, is all about family-not just Wilkinson’s immediate family\, but her extended musical family as well. Featuring her Michigan band\, Ron Newman on piano\, Ed Fedewa on Bass\, and Larry Ochiltree on Drums\, it comprises a stylistic mix of tunes that resonate with Wilkinson because of the stories they tell. The CD features her crystalline voice and impressive ability to convey the heart of a lyric with unadorned honesty. Look for it at CD baby\, Amazon.com. \nSunny has also made significant contributions in jazz education.  She was the head of the vocal jazz program at Michigan State University for eighteen years.  Presently she is adjunct faculty at Western Michigan University and an artist in residence at the University of Michigan. She developed a mentoring program for young women jazz musicians called “Sisters in Jazz” that was taken to an international level through IAJE.  Sunny is very proud of her former students\, many of whom are now the heads of vocal jazz programs at universities around the country and have successful careers as jazz performers and recording artists. \nAn inspirational voice in jazz\, Sunny has a rich stage history\, having performed at jazz festivals\, with symphony orchestras\, and at clubs and music programs across the country. \nLooking ahead\, Ms. Wilkinson is excited and passionate about continuing to share her unique sound with audiences and students everywhere. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sunny-wilkinson-jazz-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sunny-wilkinson.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260826T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260826T213000 DTSTAMP:20260612T150003Z CREATED:20260612T150003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T150003Z UID:10000344-1787770800-1787779800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Aya Sekine Trio DESCRIPTION:Wed | Aug 26 \n\n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Japanese Jazz Pianist Aya Sekine\, with over three decades of cross-continental experience\, has solidified her position as one of Asia’s most illustrious Jazz figures. Recently\, Sekine has relocated to Detroit\, Michigan after being approved for an artist permanent residency (EB-1) in the United States based on her Extraordinary Ability. From her classical piano roots to prestigious stages in New York City and beyond\, Sekine’s journey is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences and seasoned expertise. Renowned for her unique style\, often hailed as genre-bending\, Sekine effortlessly weaves together traditional jazz and abstract expression\, infusing her music with a playful charm and a touch of mischief. Her performances capture audiences in with warmth and allure\, while she swings hard\, and adding her original colour to the classics. Whether collaborating with diverse artists or leading her own band\, Sekine’s magnetic stage presence and transcendent musical mixture continue to captivate audiences\, cementing her status as an iconic figure in the global jazz community. \nAya Sekine – Piano\nJaribu Shahid – Bass\nJonathan Barahal Taylor – Drums\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/aya-sekine-trio-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Aya-Sekine-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260827T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260827T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T182545Z CREATED:20260603T182545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182545Z UID:10000336-1787857200-1787866200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Stephen Rush Trio DESCRIPTION:THURS | Aug 27 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Stephen Rush is a Professor at the University of Michigan\, where he has taught since 1987. He studied with third-stream pioneer Gunther Schuller\, David Liptak and Samuel Adler\, and is the author of the new book\, “Free Jazz\, Harmolodics and Ornette Coleman\,” which includes extensive interviews with Ornette. \nRush’s compositional output includes seven operas\, chamber music (some of which is standard repertory)\, orchestra work and over 150 scores for dancers. His compositions have been recorded and performed worldwide by the Warsaw and Detroit Symphonies and members of the New York and Cleveland Philharmonics\, and recently\, classical ensembles in Spain\, Korea\, and Switzerland. As a performer\, Rush has presented his multi-media work in Japan\, Europe (Florence\, Berlin\, and Budapest\, etc.)\, Latin America\, and India. He has over 35 CD’s to his credit ranging from electronic experimental music\, orchestra performances\, chamber music\, and jazz. He works often with his electronic group\, “Crystal Mooncone” with Chris Peck and Jon Moniaci\, as well as with his acoustic jazz group\, “Naked Dance” with Andrew Bishop and Jeremy Edwards. \nHe is a distinguished Professor of Music at the University of Michigan\, where he has taught for 35 years.   \nRush is the director of the Digital Music Ensemble (DME) at the University of Michigan. With DME\, Rush has premiered works by John Cage\, Philip Glass\, and LaMonte Young\, and has recorded with Pauline Oliveros and “Blue” Gene Tyranny. The group has also worked with Alvin Lucier\, Robert Ashley\, and Elliott Sharp.  DME is widely known for its site-specific work\, “Gypsy Pond Music”\, which is performed annually at the University of Michigan and elsewhere. \nStephen Rush works frequently as a jazz musician\, performing with Roscoe Mitchell\, Henry Grimes\, Steve Swell\, Eugene Chadbourne\, the late Peter Kowald\, and his own New York-based-trio Yuganaut\, with Tom Abbs and Geoff Mann (on Nessa Records with Roscoe Mitchell). He has recorded with Art Ensemble of Chicago.  His first book\, Better Get It In Your Soul\, discusses radical approaches to Christian liturgy. \nHe has studied South Indian Classical vocal music for twenty years with Sharada Kumar (Ann Arbor)\, Shashi Kumar (Varanasi\, India) and Kamala Rajalakshmi (Mysore\, India).  For the last seven years he has taken a dozen students to India for one month in the summer to study Classical Indian Dance and Music\, as well as Yoga\, Philosophy and Sociology.  His work in this area is recognized internationally\, including frequent requests to speak about Indian Music and Culture in the U.S. and in India\, with an invitation to be the keynote speaker at the International Peace Conference in Mysore\, India\, 2011. \nHe also has an interesting side-career\, having publicly interviewed such varied luminaries as Laurie Anderson\, Ravi Shankar\, La Monte Young\, Archbishop Desmond Tutu\, Ornette Coleman\, Ryoji Ikeda\, the Kronos Quartet\, and revered Swami Chinmayananda. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/stephen-rush-trio/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/stephen-rush.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260828T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260828T220000 DTSTAMP:20260618T142921Z CREATED:20260603T182709Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T142921Z UID:10000337-1787943600-1787954400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Xavier Davis Quartet DESCRIPTION:Fri | Aug 28\nSets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n RESERVE TABLE \n\nAbout the Artist\nXavier Davis’ professional career as a Jazz pianist took off when the legendary vocalist Betty Carter spotted his outstanding talent at the 1994 International Association of Jazz Educators convention in Boston while he was performing with his college ensemble. It was her who brought Xavier to New York\, hiring him exclusively as the pianist of her working trio.  Today\, Xavier is one of the most accomplished Jazz pianists world wide.  Having led master classes and clinics all over the world and coming from a family of music educators\, passing on knowledge and skills to young musicians is very important to Xavier. As such\, he is proud to be Associate Professor of Jazz Piano at Michigan State University. Xavier was also member of the teaching staff in the Jazz department of the Juilliard School of Music in New York for six years prior to that. \nXavier’s development as a musician has been greatly influenced by the inspiration and guidance he has received from Carl Allen\, James Williams\, and Billy Hart\, whom he sees and respects as his great mentors.  In addition to Betty and Carl\, Xavier has performed and recorded with many other world-famous Jazz artists like the legendary Freddie Hubbard\, Tom Harrell\, Christian McBride\, Regina Carter\, Stefon Harris\, Abbey Lincoln\, Wynton Marsalis\, Don Byron\, Nat Adderley\, Nicholas Payton\, Jon Faddis\, Jimmy Greene\, Steve Turre\, Al Foster\, and Jeremy Pelt among others. During the 1999 – 2000 season\, Xavier worked with the Boy’s Choir of Harlem as their Musical Director. He also played keyboard for the television series “Cosby.” His talent has been featured on more than 50 albums.  Xavier is part of the Christian McBride Big Band and was featured on Christian’s album ‘The Good Feeling’\, which won a GRAMMY award in 2012. \nAs a bandleader\, Xavier has released two critically acclaimed albums – ‘Dance of Life’ and ‘The Innocence of Youth’. “The pianist [Xavier Davis] simply knows how to make every note on his instrument sing\, and he invariably finds the richest area of the keyboard for voicing his chords.” says writer Bob Blumenthal. Jazz Times reviewer John Murph writes “…the music exudes a mature\, nonchalant ease and cozy empathy that make this…a rewarding listen.” Down Beat gave the CD\, “Dance of Life\,” four stars\, stating\, “Davis steps out with an accomplished debut.”  Xavier is currently working on his long awaited follow-up to these albums. \nIn 2005\, Xavier became the first person to receive the prestigious “New Works Grant” twice from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation under the auspices of Chamber Music America. He has won awards at several festivals as well as in Down Beat magazine. \nBeing a gifted composer\, arranger\, and producer of music\, Xavier has composed and arranged music for outstanding artists like Carl Allen\, Regina Carter\, and Hans Schuman. He has co-produced the album “Wise Children” by Tom Harrell and recently produced the new album of singer Lizzie Thomas.  Xavier is also a passionate and experienced film and commercial music composer/producer. \n\n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/xavier-davis-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/xavier-davis.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260829T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260829T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T182814Z CREATED:20260603T182814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182814Z UID:10000339-1788030000-1788039000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Ben Paterson Organ Trio ft. Randy Napoleon DESCRIPTION:Sat | Aug 29 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Combining a joyful swing feel with an impeccable touch\, Steinway Artist Ben Paterson has established himself as one of the most exciting pianists on the Jazz scene today\, garnering international acclaim for his superb musicianship and engaging performances.  Originally from Philadelphia\, Ben studied both classical and jazz music before moving to the great city of Chicago\, absorbing the unique blend of Jazz and Blues that can only be found in the Windy City.  \nNow based in New York\, Ben is poised to bring his unique talents and style to a wider audience\, performing regularly at top notch venues around town\, and at clubs and festivals around the world. \nStarting in 2005\, Ben was honored to join the band of NEA Jazz Master Von Freeman\, performing with him regularly until Von’s passing in August 2012. Other notable collaborations include work with Catherine Russell\, Bobby Broom\, Houston Person\, Samara Joy\, Johnny O’Neal\, Red Holloway\, Eldee young\, Peter Bernstein\, Jerry Weldon and Ed Cherry to name a few\, with performances opening for groups like Steely Dan and B.B. King. \nIn 2018 Ben was named as the First Place Winner of the Ellis Marsalis International Jazz Piano Competition\, with judges including Ellis and Branford Marsalis\, Arturo O’Farrill and Jonathan Batiste.  In 2019 he performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center as part of their tribute to Oscar Peterson\, playing alongside John Clayton\, Jeff Hamilton\, and fellow pianists including Benny Green and Kenny Barron.   In 2023 Ben was the pianist on the Grammy Winning record ‘Linger Awhile’ from Samara Joy\, joined by David Wong on bass and Kenny Washington on drums. \nBen has released 9 CD’s under his own name: Breathing Space (OA2 Records 2007) Blues For Oscar (Meetinghouse Records 2012)\, Essential Elements (MAXJAZZ 2013)\, For Once In My Life (Origin 2015)\, That Old Feeling (Cellar Live 2018)\, Live at Van Gelder’s (Cellar Live 2018)\,  I’ll Be Thanking Santa (Meetinghouse Records 2019)\,  Just The Way We Are (2024)\, and Cookin In The Couve’ (Cellar Live 2024). \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/ben-paterson-organ-trio-ft-randy-napoleon/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ben-paterson.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260830T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260830T203000 DTSTAMP:20260603T183045Z CREATED:20260603T183045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T183045Z UID:10000340-1788112800-1788121800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Alonso Umana Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sun | Aug 30 \n\n Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n “He has a sensibility and sensitivity to playing and communicating on stage that is rare…” – Walter Blanding \nAlonso Umana\, born in Costa Rica and raised in Mexico\, started playing drums at the age of 10. With the help of the Tuition Assistance Scholarship provided by the Latin Grammy Foundation\, Alonso completed his Bachelor’s Degree at the City College of New York in 2020. He has studied with notable musicians such as Greg Hutchinson\, Carl Allen\, Ali Jackson\, Antonio Sánchez\, Adam Cruz\, and Obed Calvaire. Alonso has shared the stage with renowned artists like Brian Lynch\, Xavier Davis\, Walter Blanding\, Rodney Whitaker\, Randy Napoleon and Steve Wilson. \nAfter graduating he earned the right to study and be mentored by Ali Jackson\, famous jazz drummer. Jackson also became the Producer of Alonso’s debut album “Rule of Nature”\, released in 2022. Nowadays Alonso plays in the most important clubs of Mexico City and is a valuable artist in the scene. \nIn 2024 before returning to the United States to do a Master’s degree at Michigan State University he released his sophomore album “Fo’Nection”\, produced in Mexico City. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/alonso-umana-quartet-1/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/alonso.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260902T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260902T220000 DTSTAMP:20260806T205731Z CREATED:20260805T184745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T205731Z UID:10000359-1788375600-1788386400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Aris Chalin Piano Duo DESCRIPTION:Wed | Sep 2 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8pm | Free Cover! \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n This September\, join us for dinner\, or date night\, with Piano Wednesdays at Blue LLama. Enjoy no cover\, our full dinner menu\, plus a special $95 Dinner for Two with your choice of 1 appetizer\, 2 entrees\, and 1 dessert to share. \nAris Chalin is an award-winning jazz pianist and keyboardist based in South-East MI. His music seeks to challenge the conventional barriers between genres\, while still remaining true to the craft and soul of jazz. His newest single “Constellations\,” a collaboration with producer/artist Eyan Kills explores electronic\, funk\, and ambient textures. \nHis musical influences hail as much from classical and jazz as they do from hip-hop\, rock\, electronic and many more\, from Oscar Peterson to Parliament to Pink Floyd. Aris is currently based in the Ann Arbor/Detroit area and tours the Midwest and Northeast to showcase his music. His groups have been featured in different venues around the area\, such as the Blue LLama Jazz Club\, Dabney and Co.\, Merriman’s Playhouse\, and the North American International Auto Show COBO Center in Detroit. \nAris is also a collaborative partner with Expressive E’s “Osmose” keyboard project\, bringing their flagship keyboard to live performance. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/aris-chalin-piano-duo/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/aris-chanlin.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260903T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260903T220000 DTSTAMP:20260716T180427Z CREATED:20260716T180427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T180427Z UID:10000363-1788462000-1788472800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Max Bowen DESCRIPTION:Thurs | Sept 3 \n\n Set at 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Max Bowen is a jazz guitarist based in southeast Michigan. Born and raised in Ann Arbor\, Max is an alumnus of Community High School’s award-winning jazz program. After receiving a BA in Philosophy from Lawrence University\, Max lived in Milwaukee where he performed with the WAMI nominated Match Stick\, the hip-hop collective Ruby Yacht and his trio. As part of Ruby Yacht\, Max opened for Future Islands during their 2017 North American tour. Returning to Ann Arbor in fall 2017\, Max completed a Masters of Music at the University of Michigan studying under Miles Okazaki. \nSince re-settling in Michigan\, Max has performed and/or recorded with Detroit luminaries such as Vincent Chandler\, Marion Hayden\, Leonard King\, and Musique Noire. Additionally\, Max teaches guitar privately\, focusing on music theory and improvisation. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/max-bowen-1/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MaxBowenBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260904T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260904T220000 DTSTAMP:20260715T151742Z CREATED:20260715T151742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T151742Z UID:10000357-1788548400-1788559200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Erinn Alexis' Huron Collective DESCRIPTION:Fri | Sep 4 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Erinn Alexis is a saxophonist\, composer\, educator\, and bandleader hailing from Detroit\, MI. A graduate of Wayne State University with a degree in Jazz Performance\, Erinn’s musical background is heavily steeped in the traditions of Detroit music. She grew up honing her skills by playing saxophone in church and continued to grow throughout her journey under such mentors as Wendell Harisson\, Marcus Belgrave\, and Ralphe Armstrong. \nErinn Alexis brings a soulful musicality to every performance\, drawing from the traditions of gospel and jazz while infusing her own modern voice. Erinn performs regularly with her quartet\, delivering engaging sets that resonate with the audiences at local venues such as The Congregation Detroit\, Moondog Cafe\, and Miss Eva’s. She is a member of several ensembles including the Dr. Prof. Leonard King Orchestra\, Dee Dee Bridgewater Big Band\, Jessica Care Moore’s Black Women Rock and the Ferndale Community Concert Band. \nErinn Alexis’ latest project\, The Huron Collective\, is a collection of original compositions inspired by the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Through this work\, Erinn channels her creative journey and experiences in a way that most authentically reflects her artistic voice as both a saxophonist and composer. “The Huron Collective” features Ingrid Racine on trumpet\, Barry Chambliss II on piano\, Sam Copperman on bass\, and\, special guest\, Brandon Williams on drums.” \nErinn Alexis – Saxophones\nIngrid Racine – Trumpet\nBarry Chambliss II – Piano/Keys\nSam Copperman – Bass\nCaleb Robinson – Drums\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/erinn-alexis-huron-collective/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/erinn-alexis.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260905T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260905T213000 DTSTAMP:20260709T200903Z CREATED:20260709T200903Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T200903Z UID:10000352-1788634800-1788643800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Isis Damil DESCRIPTION:Sat | Sep 5 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Isis Damil is a Detroit-bred singer-songwriter whose artistry lives at the intersection of soul\, spirituality\, and self-definition. Anchored by fiery mezzo-soprano vocals and wrapped in jazzy R&B textures\, her music explores love\, intuition\, and feminine power with both tenderness and authority. Each song reflects her evolution-not just as an artist\, but as a woman deeply attuned to her inner world. \nCommanding and magnetic on stage\, Isis transforms performance into ritual. Inspired by the legacy and modernity of artists such as Tina Turner\, Chaka Khan\, Prince\, she creates music that invites women to untame their inner spirit animals\, trust their instincts\, and redefine femininity on their own terms. Her presence is immersive\, her delivery fearless\, and her artistry unmistakably her own. \nRaised by musicians\, Isis has been singing since childhood\, with her professional journey beginning in 2012 at Detroit’s legendary Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. Since then\, she has shared stages with acclaimed artists including Macy Gray\, Darren Criss\, Raheem DeVaughn\, Brian McKnight\, J. Moss\, Don Was\, and Dave McMurray. Her performances span iconic venues and festivals such as the Detroit Jazz Festival\, Concert of Colors\, Arts\, Beats & Eats\, African World Festival\, the Detroit Institute of Arts\, Motor City Sound Board\, Masonic Temple\, Cliff Bell’s\, and the 50th International African Arts Festival in Brooklyn\, NY. \nBeyond the stage\, Isis’s artistry extends into screen and storytelling. She was featured in a national 2020 Ford Escape commercial\, as well as WDIV Local 4’s Go 4 It campaign\, where she was named a 2023 competition winner. In 2021\, she starred as the lead actress in The True Meaning of Christmas\, a musical stage play written by Christopher Laird\, and earned 3rd place in AMPLIFY: The Sound of Detroit. \nA graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications\, Isis Damil is also an instrumentalist\, host\, and actress-an artist whose work is rooted in intention\, legacy\, and the courage to be fully seen. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/isis-damil-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/isis-damil.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260906T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260906T203000 DTSTAMP:20260803T184700Z CREATED:20260803T184700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T184700Z UID:10000386-1788717600-1788726600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Paul Vornhagen Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sun | Sep 6 \n\n Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n “On the recent Paul Vornhagen Quartet release recorded live at the Blue LLama Jazz Club\, Vornhagen has a cool tone on tenor\, swinging away…and also an impressive flute player.” -LOS ANGELES JAZZ SCENE \nPaul VornHagen is an accomplished jazz saxophonist\, flutist\, and vocalist who has won Detroit Music Awards on six separate occasions and categories: Jazz Reeds\, Talent Deserving Wider Recognition\, Instrumentalist\, World Music Recording (2) and Jazz Recording.  Presently living in Ann Arbor\, Michigan where  Paul got his start on the flute in 1972 performing with the University of Michigan dance department as an accompanist.  Mostly self-taught initially\, he studied music at  City College Of San Francisco in 1978-79 followed by classes at the Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.  He has since traveled far and wide from the shores of Hawaii and Mexico to the jazz clubs of San Francisco\, Chicago\, New York City\, Havana (Cuba)\, Paris (France)\, England and the US Virgin Islands. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/paul-vornhagen-quartet-4/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9662.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260909T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260909T213000 DTSTAMP:20260806T205840Z CREATED:20260805T184546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T205840Z UID:10000388-1788980400-1788989400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jacob Hart Piano Duo DESCRIPTION:Wed | Sep 9 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8pm | Free Cover! \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n This September\, join us for dinner\, or date night\, with Piano Wednesdays at Blue LLama. Enjoy no cover\, our full dinner menu\, plus a special $95 Dinner for Two with your choice of 1 appetizer\, 2 entrees\, and 1 dessert to share. \nJacob Hart is a 17-year-old multi downbeat award-winning pianist\, composer\, and arranger\, hailing from Detroit\, Michigan. He has performed at the Michigan Jazz Festival\,  the Detroit Jazz Festival\, and the Toledo-Peacock jazz festival\, with artists like Herlin Riley\, Ryan Devlin\, and others. Jacob has opened for several famous jazz artists such as Herbie Hancock\, Branford Marsalis\, and Terence Blanchard. He has also performed at several known jazz clubs in the area\, including Baker’s Keyboard Lounge\, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe\, the Blue Llama\, and Cliff Bell’s. Hart is a student at the esteemed Detroit School of Arts and also takes part in many Detroit jazz programs\, such as the DSO Civic Jazz Orchestra and the MSU Spartan Youth Jazz Program. On top of all of this\, Jacob is releasing his second album\, “Short Circuit” in the near future\, so stay on the look out! \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jacob-hart-piano-duo-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/jacob-hart.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260910T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260910T213000 DTSTAMP:20260726T164042Z CREATED:20260726T164042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260726T164042Z UID:10000366-1789066800-1789075800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Two James Spirits Dinner & Show with Evening Star DESCRIPTION:Thurs | Sep 10 \n\n Doors 5:30pm | Dinner 6pm | Show 8:30pm | $125 Ticket \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Enjoy a special five-course collaboration dinner from Blue LLama and Two James Distillery\, capped off by a live set from Evening Star! \n5:30pm – Doors\n6:00pm – Five-course dinner\, each course paired with a Two James cocktail\n8:30pm – Evening Star takes the stage\nEvening Star is led by Detroit drummer Tariq Gardner\, playing music of the African Diaspora – jazz\, neo-soul\, Afro-Cuban\, spirituals\, and hip-hop – with an Afro-futuristic sound built on original compositions and reworked classics from the Black American songbook. The group were 2025 finalists in WDET’s Sounds Like Detroit showcase and continue to tour nationally behind their releases Gateway Drug and Vice Tape. \n$125 includes five courses\, five drink pairings\, and your music cover. \nAbout the Menu\nFive courses\, each paired with a Two James Distillery cocktail:\n\nHamachi Crudo – umeboshi\, cucumber\npaired with: Old Cockney Gin “Tonic”\nSeared Scallop – fennel\, bouillabaisse sauce\npaired with: Nain Rouge Absinthe “Chrysanthemum”\nDuck Breast – roasted pineapple\, vanilla\npaired with: Dr. Bird Rum “Daiquiri”\nGail Force Citrus Gin sorbet intermezzo\nGrilled New York Strip – Stoney Creek Farms mushrooms\npaired with: J. Riddle Peated Bourbon “Boulevardier”\nOpera Cake\npaired with: Coffee Liqueur “Martini”\n\nAbout the Artist\nEvening Star is a Space Odyssey led by Detroit Drummer Tariq Gardner. The group has its roots in Detroit’s expansive musical tradition\, blending the city’s rich Jazz legacy with its history of musicians being largely malleable to fit into a wide array of musical styles traveling to the different galaxies of music of the African Diaspora (jazz\, neo-soul\, Afro-Cuban\, spirituals\, hip-hop\, etc.). Evening Star brings listeners light years into the cosmos while staying true to the roots of the Motherland. The band has an afro-futuristic aesthetic with the mission that simply makes music the forefront of positive outlets with original compositions as well as arrangements on popular songs from the Black American Canon. In 2025\, they became finalists in NPR Detroit’s ( WDET) Sounds Like Detroit contest and music Showcase.\nEvening Star currently has two releases: Their 2023 freshman project\, “Gateway Drug\,” and their 2024 Sophomore project\, “Vice Tape\,” featuring poet Joel “Fluent” Greene. They are currently performing festivals nationwide and looking forward to the recording of their third release. \nTariq Gardner – Drums\nCaelin Amin – Bass\nLeRoy Mickens – Piano\nMax Bowen – Guitar\nColeman Ward – Vocals\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/evening-star/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/space-odyssey.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260911T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260911T220000 DTSTAMP:20260630T134424Z CREATED:20260630T134424Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T134424Z UID:10000343-1789153200-1789164000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Tyreek McDole DESCRIPTION:Fri | Sep 11 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm\n$95 Dinner & Show\n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Tyreek McDole is a multi-award-winning Haitian-American vocalist from Central Florida whose soulful baritone and deeply reflective artistry are making waves across the New York and international music scenes. Rooted in the belief that music is one of the highest forms of communication\, McDole approaches performance as a space for healing\, reflection\, and collective dreaming – treating each concert as both offering and ritual.\nHe first gained national recognition at the 2018 Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center\, where he received the Outstanding Vocalist Award presented by Wynton Marsalis. In 2023\, he won first place at the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition\, becoming only the second male winner in the competition’s history and joining the ranks of standout vocalists such as Samara Joy.\nSince then\, McDole has shared the stage with Jeff Goldblum\, Rodney Whitaker\, Theo Croker\, Maurice Brown\, Joey Alexander\, Terri Lyne Carrington\, Nicholas Payton\, and Nick Jonas\, among many others\, and has appeared at leading venues and festivals worldwide.\nA graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, he developed his craft under the mentorship of master artists such as Gary Bartz\, Sullivan Fortner and Weedie Braimah\, grounding his sound in the lineage of Black American Music while pushing its language forward.\nHis critically acclaimed debut album\, Open Up Your Senses\, blends original compositions with freedom songs\, spirituals\, and works that speak to justice\, unity\, and ancestral memory. The record reached #1 on JazzWeek charts\, earned four stars from DownBeat\, and has been praised for its emotional depth and spiritual resonance.\nWith a voice steeped in warmth\, gravity\, and soul\, McDole creates performances that are both intimate and expansive – honoring tradition while inviting listeners toward reflection\, healing\, and shared imagination.\nThis is not simply a concert\, but a healing space – a ritual and an invitation to open your senses.\nHe wishes you peace\, love\, and light.\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tyreek-mcdole/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/tyreek-mcdole-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR