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:20260620T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260620T213000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112405 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:20260430T112405 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:20260430T112405 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:20260430T112405 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:20260430T112405 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:20260430T112405 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:20260430T112406 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:20260430T112406 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260702T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260702T213000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260424T181635Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T181635Z UID:10000315-1783018800-1783027800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Nicole Heitger Quartet DESCRIPTION:Thur | Jul 2 \n\n Sets at 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n About the Artist \n The Nicole Heitger Quartet presents a blend of Dixieland\, swing and bebop\, featuring syncopated rhythms and sounds from the 1920’s through the 1940’s. Nicole has been a vocalist for over 30 years and was raised on traditional jazz. Her father\, Raymond Heitger\, has been the leader of the Cakewalkin’ Jass Band for over 50 years. She began singing with the CJB when she was sixteen years old\, performing at various concerts\, jazz festivals\, and jazz clubs. Drawing from such influences as Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday she performs the great classics of jazz history and delivers them with her powerful and precise blues-tinged vocals. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/nicole-heitger-quartet-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NicoleHeitgerBNW2.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260709T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260709T213000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260427T165347Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T165347Z UID:10000316-1783623600-1783632600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Ken Kozora Quartet DESCRIPTION:Thurs | Jul 9 \n\n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Ken Kozora grew up in an encouraging musical family environment and an excellent school music program earning scholarships to study trumpet under classical music greats Donald Green (principal-Detroit & Los Angeles Philharmonic)\, R.J. Kelley (world renowned natural horn soloist) and later with Irving Sarin (principal-Pittsburg & Israel Philharmonic). \nAs a youth\, he was a member of the Dearborn Symphony\, performed in chamber groups\, big bands\, rock bands\, ethnic bands\, etc.\, and began teaching privately as a teenager and composing contemporary music in his early twenties. His musical passion and wide interests have led him on a creative journey exploring multiple and unique instruments and ensembles. \nKen composes/performs on synthesizers\, electro/acoustic percussion\, bamboo flute\, trumpet\, bass and more in a fusion of styles from Classical to Electronic to World\, Free Jazz and beyond and has performed/collaborated/recorded with a wide roster of local and international musicians\, artists\, dance companies and filmmakers. Ken is also very active in the community and in-demand as an educator and clinician. \nPaul Vornhagen- Reeds\,\nJohn Churchville- Drums\nRobert Spalding Newcomb- Guitar/Sitar\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/ken-kozora-quartet-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ken-kozora-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260711T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260711T220000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260427T170120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T170120Z UID:10000317-1783796400-1783807200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sean Dobbins Organ Trio ft. Rob Dixon DESCRIPTION:Sat | Jul 11 \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. saxophonist Rob Dixon! \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-7/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SeanDobbinsBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260712T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260712T203000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260427T170524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T170524Z UID:10000318-1783879200-1783888200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:The Triumvirate DESCRIPTION:Sun | Jul 12 \n\n Sets at 6pm and 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n About the Artist \n The Triumvirate is an Ann Arbor based group featuring drummer Alex Sherk\, bassist Desmond Lorenz\, and pianist Zach Michalec. The group was formed while the members were attending high school together in Ann Arbor\, hailing from the Community High School jazz program. They have influences ranging from many eras of jazz\, with much of their focus on the Ray Brown trio\, the Bill Evans trio\, and the music of John Coltrane\, Miles Davis\, and Kenny Garret. Their show involves interactive arrangements of well-known jazz standards and original compositions built for a high-energy and hard swinging show. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/the-triumvirate-4/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IMG_4707.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260717T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260717T183000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260424T183156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T185055Z UID:10000310-1784304000-1784313000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Swing Happy Hour: Kerrytown Stompers DESCRIPTION:Fri | Jul 17\n5:00 – 6:30pm | No Cover \n RESERVE TABLE \n\nAbout the Artist\nThe 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- cornetRay Heitger- clarinetChris Smith- tromboneChris Tabaczynski- bass saxophoneAlex Belhaj- guitarPete Siers- drums\, washboard \n\n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/swing-happy-hour-kerrytown-stompers-7/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kerrytown-stompers.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260717T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260717T220000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260427T170854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T170854Z UID:10000319-1784314800-1784325600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Gene Dunlap Band DESCRIPTION:Fri | Jul 17 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Gene Dunlap is a diverse “Grammy Award Nominated” musician. He began his music career at age four when his father taught him to play the drums. Dunlap honed his craft at Detroit Mumford High School. During this time\, he teamed up with his friend and fellow musician\, guitarist Earl Klugh. Together\, forming the Earl Klugh Trio\, The duo performed in local clubs with other musicians. Although they eventually chose separate musical paths\, Gene Dunlap continued to perform and write music. His talents as a writer\, composer and producer caught the attention of Capitol Records. \nAt Capitol\, Dunlap recorded three solo albums: It’s Just the Way I Feel\, Party In Me and Tired of Being a Nice Guy. Which enabled him to write and produce much of his own material. \nAfter recording his solo projects\, Dunlap reunited with Earl Klugh and the duo began recording and touring together. Klugh and Dunlap have collaborated on ten albums throughout their careers.Gene Dunlap has also been involved in a variety of projects with other major recording artist including touring and recording with Ronnie Laws\, Hubert Laws\, George Benson\, Roy Ayers\, Grant Green\, The London Philharmonic Orchestra\, The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra\, Noel Pointer\, Bob James\, Bobby Lyle\, Marcus Miller\, Mary Wilson\, Tina Marie\, George Duke and Patrice Rushen. \nAfter releasing “Groove With You” on Avenue JazzRecords.Dunlap stopped recording professionally to teach School in Detroit.In 2002\, Gene Dunlap returned to the studio and released Tales of the Phatman. And most recently in 2005\, he released Peaceful Days. Gene Dunlap’s music is a combination of late night groove\, contemporary jazz and smooth R&B. He manages to have fun with his music while retaining his artistic integrity. Gene Dunlap is an artist for our time that continues to grow and serve the public through his love of music. \nGene Dunlap play Gretsch drums and Bosphorus cymbals. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/gene-dunlap-band-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gene-dunlap.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260718T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260718T213000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260427T171338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T185213Z UID:10000320-1784401200-1784410200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Tiffany Gridiron DESCRIPTION:Sat | Jul 18\nSets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n RESERVE TABLE \nAbout the Artist\nTiffany Gridiron is a gifted jazz vocalist and songwriter who radiates joy and generosity on stage\, even when singing the most haunting of songs. Her sultry vocals and playful approach have excited audiences in the United States\, Japan\, Finland and South Korea.   \nTiffany’s love of singing began as a child in her family church where both of her parents served as musicians. In her early twenties\, inspired by the debut album of Jill Scott\, Tiffany sought out voice lessons that serendipitously put her in contact with the amazing jazz vocalist and educator Sunny Wilkinson. Through jazz standards\, Sunny introduced Tiffany to a world of poetry and improvisation that would profoundly impact the rest of her life. Studying works of  Billie Holiday\, Ella Fitzgerald\, Sarah Vaughn and many other vocal legends helped Tiffany to find her own voice and style.  \nTiffany recorded five CDs of jazz standards\, released by SONY RECORDS in Japan that have featured such greats as pianists Hank Jones\, Tadataka Unno\, drummer Omar Hakim\, and many others.   \nIn 2019\, Tiffany’s longtime friend and collaborator Kris Johnson approached her about producing a project where her gifts as a songwriter could be featured.  The result was “From My Heart to Yours”\, Tiffany’s  most personal album to date. Released in September of 2023 on all digital platforms\, five of the album’s eight songs feature lyrics penned by Tiffany Gridiron and co-composed by Kris Johnson. Kris also arranged\, played trumpet and served as producer on the project\, with Brendon Davis (piano)\, Jonathan Muir-Cotton (bass)\, Nate Winn (drums)\, and Vivienne Smith (background vocals) also adding their breathtaking artistry to this material.  \nYou can now catch Tiffany at venues in the Midwest and East coast\, performing her originals\, jazz standards\, and other songs that explore the nuances of  the human condition. Her deep appreciation for music as a tool for healing\, inspires Tiffany  to use her voice to nurture connections between people and hearts. \n\n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tiffany-gridiron/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TiffanyGridironBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260722T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260722T213000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260424T181908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T181908Z UID:10000306-1784746800-1784755800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Oliver Mayman Quartet DESCRIPTION:WED | Jul 22 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n From Ann Arbor\, MI\, and now based in Philadelphia\, Oliver Mayman is a vibraphonist\, composer\, and educator. Beginning on the drums and piano\, the vibraphone was an apt discovery as a teenager – the instrument essentially fusing the mechanics of drumming with the harmonic capabilities of the piano. He has since become a distinguished voice on the instrument\, reimagining its role in music through an inventive technical approach and a discerning creative ear. \nHe has performed as a bandleader across the Midwest and East Coast at storied venues like Cliff Bell’s\, the Blue LLama\, and Chris’ Jazz Cafe\, and has also been featured in several larger\, iconic events like the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Additionally a sought-after accompanist and sideman\, he has performed in countless other venues with various groups\, and aims to play the vibraphone as a suitable alternative to the piano\, capable of fully assuming a rhythmically and harmonically supportive role in any setting. \nHe also has extensive experience as an educator\, teaching a handful of vibraphone students in addition to being on faculty at vibesworkshop.com\, the largest online vibraphone community in the world. With a unique approach and pedagogical method to the instrument\, he advocates his own novel dampening techniques\, adaptations of pianistic ideas\, and other innovative 4-mallet concepts. He is also the author of “Dampening Studies\,” a comprehensive method for dampening on the vibraphone\, and presented on this subject in a 2023 PASIC clinic. \nIn 2022\, he was selected as a Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition jazz winner. He was also a member of the 2022 JM Jazz World Orchestra\, which tours Europe each summer. In 2021\, he won the Italy Percussive Arts Society jazz vibraphone competition\, the largest of its kind. He earned a B.M. from Temple University in 2023\, studying with Tony Miceli and Bruce Barth\, and endorses Malletech instruments and mallets. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/oliver-mayman-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/OliverMaymanPhoto.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260723T213000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260424T182027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182027Z UID:10000307-1784833200-1784842200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Kenji Lee Quartet DESCRIPTION:Thur | Jul 23 \n\n Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Kenji Lee is a Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist\, composer-improviser\, arts advocate\, and educator merging the intersections of art\, community\, and equity. Lee “has quickly become a mainstay in the local jazz and improvisational music scene\, while also making a name for himself nationally.” (A2 Pulp). \nAs a saxophonist and double-bassist\, Lee has performed with many of the leading forces in Jazz and Creative Music including Wayne Horvitz\, Pete Siers\, Robert Hurst\, Dr. Prof. Leonard King\, Marion Hayden\, Kayvon Gordon\, Mr. B\, Lex Korten\, RJ Spangler and the Planet D Nonet\, Jeff Pedraz\, and Andy Milne. \nLee’s debut full-length album\, “Kyudo”\, inspired by the Japanese martial art of archery\, features his Fortune Teller Trio (Lee on saxophones\, Andy Peck on double bass and Jonathan Barahal Taylor on percussion) with special guest\, vocalist Estar Cohen. The album was released to critical acclaim and the ensemble was subsequently selected as a featured artist at both the 2023 Detroit International Jazz Festival and Edgefest 28 in Ann Arbor. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/kenji-lee-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kenji-lee-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T220000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260424T182154Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182154Z UID:10000311-1784919600-1784930400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jocelyn Gould DESCRIPTION:Fri | Jul 24 \n\n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n 2021 JUNO Award winner Jocelyn Gould has been called “a leader in the next generation of great mainstream jazz guitarists” by Howard Paul\, CEO of Benedetto Guitars. Her joyful energy has captivated audiences around the world and her passion for music is as infectious as her unique ability to connect with audiences. Jocelyn has absorbed the influences of the jazz guitar greats and has woven them into an exciting personal sound\, citing Wes Montgomery\, Grant Green\, Joe Pass and Kenny Burrell as primary influences on the guitar. \nJocelyn has performed and recorded internationally as a leader and with GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Freddy Cole\, JUNO-winning trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg\, DownBeat Trombonist of the Year Michael Dease\, Etienne Charles\, Jon Gordon\, Rodney Whitaker\, Randy Napoleon and Diego Rivera. \nJocelyn’s debut album\, Elegant Traveler\, won the 2021 JUNO Award for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo. \nGolden Hour\, Jocelyn’s sophomore album\, showcases her virtuosic guitar playing and dynamic compositions\, and introduces her voice. It has received international critical acclaim and radio play including extensive play on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Golden Hour reached #1 on Canadian and #9 on North American college radio jazz charts. Jocelyn’s Golden Hour Tour took place in June 2022 with performances at 11 Canadian Jazz Festivals. \nJocelyn toured extensively in 2022\, including a 6-week American tour featuring the music of Bessie Smith\, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. She will begin 2023 with a two-month North American tour from Florida to Alaska as one of four guitarists featured in a concert of solo guitar. \nJocelyn Gould is a Benedetto-endorsed artist. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jocelyn-gould/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jocelyn-gould.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260726T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260726T203000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260424T182433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182433Z UID:10000312-1785088800-1785097800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Paul Vornhagen Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sun | Jul 26 \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-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9662.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260729T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260729T213000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260424T182547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182547Z UID:10000313-1785351600-1785360600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Michael Dease DESCRIPTION:Wed | Jul 29 \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-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/michael-dease.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260730T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260730T213000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260424T182642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182642Z UID:10000314-1785438000-1785447000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Zen Zadravec Quintet DESCRIPTION:THURS | Jul 30 \n\n Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n Zen Zadravec\, jazz pianist\, saxophonist\, and composer views all music as a form of creative communication. The goal is to create music based on human experience. It is also to absorb as much music as possible to develop through the lens of Humanism based on the philosophies of Nichiren Buddhism. Ultimately\, Zadravec strives to create music that inspires\, encourages\, and touches people’s hearts. \nBorn in Winnipeg\, Canada in 1974\, Zadravec studied classical piano from the age of five.  At eleven he began studying the saxophone and the flute. Hearing Miles Davis transformed his life and influenced his decision to become a jazz musician. In 1992\, Zadravec attended York University’s Jazz Program and in 1997 he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. \nDuring his time at York\, he was also the recipient of two Oscar Peterson Awards for excellence as a jazz pianist. In 2000\, he earned a Graduate’s Degree in Jazz Performance at Rutgers University. Zadravec also has studied with some of the biggest names in jazz such as: Kenny Barron\, Don Thompson\, John Gittens\, Vic Juris\, Ted Dunbar and Ralph Bowen. \nVersatile\, creative\, energetic\, and dynamic\, Zen is constantly experimenting and refining his sound and musical conception through concerts\, recordings\, and education. A natural innovator and leader\, he runs two of his own bands: the Zen Zadravec Quartet and his fusion group Human Revolution. \nConceptually\, his music is always exploring beautiful melodies\, interesting chord progressions\, and rhythmic diversity. \nZadravec is also very much in demand as a side man and has performed or recorded with: Ron Carter\, Louis Hayes\, Karriem Riggins\, Ali Jackson\, Mike Pope\, Mark Whitfield Jr.\, Bijon Watson\, Mark Gross\, Derrick Gardner\, Vincent Gardner\, Todd Bashore\, Kenny Davis\, Steve Turre\, Ralph Bowen\, Sean Jones\, Conrad Herwig\, Freddie Hendrix\, Don Thompson\, Barry Elmes\, Mike Murley\, Lorne Lofsky\, Charles Fambrough\, Valery Ponomarev\, Dave Watson\, Darryl Dixon\, Gloria Gaynor\, Joan Rivers\, Bob Newhart\, Sally Kellerman\, among others. Zen has also performed on the Whoopi Goldberg Radio Show on WKTU in New York\, Wendy Williams Show\, and The Today Show with Gloria Gaynor on NBC with Kathie-Lee Gifford. \nZadravec continues to pursue the path of the performer\, the composer\, sideman\, and the artist. His jazz groups pursue a busy concert schedule in the United States\, Canada\, Europe\, and East Asia. Currently\, Zen will be releasing a new straight-ahead jazz CD entitled Human Revolution. With this new release\, he will be looking to turn heads and excite jazz audiences throughout the world. \n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/zen-zadravec-quintet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/zen-zadravec.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260731T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260731T220000 DTSTAMP:20260430T112406 CREATED:20260424T182801Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182801Z UID:10000308-1785524400-1785535200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Paxton/Spangler Band DESCRIPTION:Fri | Jul 31 \n\n Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n \n\n About the Artist \n “The Paxton/Spangler Band work a couple hundred dates a year in and around Detroit\, also traveling to perform regularly in Toledo\, Bowling Green (OH)\, Columbus (OH)\, Pittsburgh\, and of course throughout Michigan. Tbone and RJ are seasoned pros with decades of doing this under their respective belts. Matt\, Trevor and Sean are some of the very best young players on the Detroit scene today. \nI’ve been making music with John “Tbone” Paxton for many years. We used to play gigs backing up New Orleans singer/songwriter/guitar player Earl King when he’d travel north without a band. The title cut “Trick Bag” is a nod to those great days. \nThese instrumental tracks celebrate the excellent young musicians that Tbone and I hang out with these days. Check out Alex Colista on alto sax and Charlie Miller on trumpet on “Hard Times\,” a tune we associate with Detroit trumpet great Marcus Belgrave. Our longtime guitarist Matt LoRusso contributes the lone original on this collection\, “Rouge Dispensary\,” a nice showcase for his playing. Drummer Sean Perlmutter drives the band into a frenzy on “Jan Jan.” This is a song we associate with Grant Green\, also has a Detroit connection in that it was originally recorded by The Fabulous Counts\, an instrumental soul/funk group from Detroit. Baritone sax player Goode Wyche III takes a strong ride on that one\, too. Bassist Trevor Lamb offers strong support with the soulful bass line to “Way Back Home” by the Crusaders. \nThis is basically the third recorded offering from Tbone\, et al\, and the first officially under the name the Paxton/Spangler Band. Some funky stuff\, some mellow stuff\, some bluesy stuff. We hope that you dig it.”\n-RJ Spangler\nPaxton/Spangler Band\nJohn “Tbone” Paxton- vocals\, trombone\nRJ Spangler- congas and tambourine\nMatt LoRusso- guitar\nTrevor Lamb- double bass\nSean Perlmutter- drums\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/paxton-spangler-band/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/paxton-spangler.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR