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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261010T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261010T213000
DTSTAMP:20260901T153840Z
CREATED:20260731T163016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T153840Z
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SUMMARY:Sean Dobbins
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Oct 10	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Sean 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. Sean is a professor of music in jazz studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Dobbins got his start as a sought-after Detroit-area jazz sideman at a young age\, when he would regularly play with Blue Note artist Louis Smith. Dobbin’s sound can best be described as hard-driving\, solid rhythm with refreshing melodic sensibility. Some of his influences include Art Blakey\, Jeff Hamilton\, Sonny Payne\, Ed Thigpen\, and Detroit-area greats Gerald Cleaver and Elvin Jones.  \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sean-dobbins-9/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261011T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261011T213000
DTSTAMP:20260909T160253Z
CREATED:20260608T160326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T160253Z
UID:10000324-1791741600-1791754200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Joshua Redman Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Oct 11	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 8pm\n$125 Dinner & Show\n$75 Cover Only\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Joshua Redman acknowledges that the title of his new Blue Note album\, Words Fall Short\, could be viewed ironically. His previous and widely acclaimed where are we was his first to pair a vocalist with one of his many monumental Quartets; yet Words Fall Short is anything but a comment on the saxophonist’s last triumph. More accurately\, his latest offering is an organic next step\, a collection of previously unheard originals brought to life by inspiring new collaborators. “It’s impossible for me to will a project into being\,” he says of the wide-ranging adventures he has embarked upon in what is now his fourth decade as a recording artist. “This album came out of a working environment that inspired me to dig into compositions that hadn’t found a home yet.” \nThe process began as the first leg of Redman’s where are we tour concluded and pianist Aaron Parks\, bassist Joe Sanders\, and drummer Brian Blade each left to honor other commitments. In building a new rhythm section\, Redman found himself drawn to younger players he had recently encountered. Bassist Philip Norris and drummer Nazir Ebo came aboard first\, and Redman quickly knew he had made the right moves. “Not since Christian McBride can I recall experiencing an acoustic jazz bassist who seemingly has it all together at such a young age\,” he says of Norris\, “and Nazir has groove in spades\, a groove that is super-flexible\, in the flow of the moment\, and with an innate sense of architecture that always serves the song.” By the summer of 2023\, pianist Paul Cornish had completed the quartet’s transformation. “Paul is the perfect balance of empath and contrarian\, challenging everyone to break away from established patterns\, while still always making the music feel good and natural in the moment.” \nAs the new quartet performed steadily over the next several months\, Redman felt a vibe developing\, one brought to fruition by a stack of music the saxophonist created during the pandemic. “My dry writing periods lead me to question whether I’m really a ‘Composer\,”’ he confesses. “I might not have a gig for months\, but I touch my horn every day. I don’t compose regularly\, but during the pandemic I had nothing but time to develop ideas… Still\, until I can play a tune with other human beings\, it remains more theory than a reality.” \nRedman’s unheard new music made the transition in September 2024\, when his new quartet had logged almost a year of performances. “We were at a soundcheck\, and I decided to try one of the tunes. It felt good\, and I said\, ‘Let’s try another.’ After we ran through maybe three more in ten minutes\, I realized that we were ‘ready.'” \nCornish\, Norris\, and Ebo impress on each of the album’s eight tracks. While they have moments to emerge and take the spotlight\, they also provide a distinctive ensemble personality\, one in which spontaneity and sensitivity keep the music fluid yet coherent. They are a rhythm section with character\, one in sync with the priorities of their leader. “My approach to bandleading is unchanged\,” Redman says. “Play with the best musicians I can find\, virtuosos who have mastered all the different jazz vocabularies\, but who are also great listeners and collaborators – who know how to express their individual brilliance through group improvisation and collective interaction.” \nThat description applies equally well to the guest artists heard on three tracks. Two of those\, “So It Goes” and “Icarus\,” grew out of Redman the Composer’s desire to give each piece added depth. “I was sort of struggling with the melody to ‘So It Goes'” he says of the track featuring saxophonist Melissa Aldana\, “and immediately thought of Melissa\, who has such a gift for lyrical expression… the way she uses breath and air and contour to really give melodies shape and make them come alive… I sent her the tune… and once I knew she was game\, I began torethink the overall approach as more conversational.” As to the misguided perception that any encounter between two tenors is a ‘battle\,’ he adds that “I’ve never been a fan of that sort of thing. I realize of course that it’s part of the so-called ‘tradition.’ So\, yeah\, I’ll bring my axe if I must\, but I prefer to come in peace!… I really feel like what Melissa and I created here is the antithesis of conflict.” \nRedman first heard trumpeter Skylar Tang – who is featured on the funky\, nine-meter “Icarus” – when she was just a sophomore in high school. “She had huge ears\,” he recalls\, “and she already had tremendous patience\, a deep maturity and sensitivity… Every note had a meaning.” Tang is now a student in a joint Columbia University/Julliard School program. When Redman invited her to attend a soundcheck before the quartet’s Jazz at Lincoln Center concert\, he texted her the sheet music for “Icarus” on a whim the night before. “She came in the next day with the whole thing memorized… She played it perfectly… and sounded like she understood the song better than I did! Once again I heard how that melody benefitted from the presence of another voice\, and we recorded it with her a few weeks later.” \nThe final track\, “Era’s End” (a lyrical recasting of the instrumental album-opener “A Message To Unsend”)\, finds vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa matching her stunning contribution to where are we on only the second recorded composition with both words and lyrics by Joshua Redman. “Writing lyrics is tough\,” he emphasizes\, “and I can’t be satisfied until someone like Gabrielle convinces me that they work. I said ‘never again’ when I finished writing ‘After Minneapolis’ for the last album\, and that was clearly not the case… I could tell early on as the music for ‘Era’s End’ emerged that it would not be a walk in the park\, and then the lyrics that followed were just so dark… but Gabrielle’s gift for expressing melancholy really found the beauty (and perhaps also the hope) in the tune’s darkness. Maybe the lyrics describe the end of a love affair… Maybe they are a metaphor for another sort of loss or mourning or resolution…” \nSeveral of the titles are borrowed from passages Redman admires in books by Cormac McCarthy (“Borrowed Eyes”)\, W.G. Sebald (“Over the Jelly-Green Sea”) and Kurt Vonnegut (“So It Goes”). The album’s title track is taken from Yiyun Li’s PEN/Jean Stein Award winning Where Reasons End. “The novel is short and incisively beautiful\, a conversation the author imagines with a son who recently committed suicide\,” Redman explains. “She grapples with language and how to understand the incomprehensible; and at the end she tells her son that ‘Words fall short\, yes\, but sometimes their shadows can reach the unspeakable.’ That’s also true of notes\, of ideas\, of actions… Any attempt to express our meanings and feelings will never fully succeed\, as perfection is unattainable. But it’s that struggle\, that fallibility\, that makes us so marvelously and exquisitely human.” \nFor Joshua Redman\, the shifting moods of wistfulness\, aspiration\, sadness and resolve contained in Words Fall Short signify his embrace of what he describes as “the beauty of human imperfection. We face huge questions about what our future looks like\,” he stresses\, “and a mathematical approach to language has even left us questioning what it means to be ‘intelligent’ or ‘productive’ or ‘creative.’ At heart I’m a humanist\, and I believe in the shadows of the words\, the things you can’t crunch with technology.” Words Fall Short is Redman’s latest exploration of the words – and the shadows. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/joshua-redman-quartet/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261014T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261014T213000
DTSTAMP:20260902T201439Z
CREATED:20260902T201439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T201439Z
UID:10000382-1792004400-1792013400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Paul Keller's Ray Brown Tribute
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Oct 14	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | Free Cover! \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			About the Artist	\n	This October\, 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. \nJoin Paul Keller for this special tribute to legendary jazz bassist\, Ray Brown! \nJazz string bassist Paul Keller wear many hats: He is a well-respected master of his instrument; he is a prolific composer and an outstanding arranger of music for small and large ensembles; he is an educator\, an entertainer and impresario; he is a lover of\, a student of\, and a proponent of The Great American Songbook; he is a successful bandleader of several different groups and he is an in-demand sideman who has performed all over the world with a myriad of jazz luminaries. Paul has earned the nick-name “The House Bass Player For The State Of Michigan” as each year\, he logs so many miles traveling across the state to perform at various music venues. Since 1989\, Paul has led his 15-piece Paul Keller Orchestra every Monday night in Ann Arbor – that over 1\,300 Monday nights! The PKO plays original\, obscure and classic big band material from the entire history of jazz . Under Paul’s expert leadership\, the PKO has garnered popular and critical acclaim including several Detroit Music Awards for excellence in performing arts. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/paul-keller-ray-brown-tribute/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261015T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261015T213000
DTSTAMP:20260831T165340Z
CREATED:20260831T165340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T165340Z
UID:10000408-1792090800-1792099800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Aguankó
DESCRIPTION:Thu | Oct 15	\n\n	Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\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	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/aguanko-6/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261016T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261016T220000
DTSTAMP:20260825T170343Z
CREATED:20260825T170343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T170343Z
UID:10000383-1792177200-1792188000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Don Hicks & Friends
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Oct 16	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Enjoy Blue LLama’s own! Blue LLama’s proprieter Don Hicks on trumpet and his friends bring down the house in Ann Arbor\, Michigan for two special sets. Bring yourself plus a friend or two and spend an October night with us! \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/don-hicks-and-friends-3/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261017T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261017T213000
DTSTAMP:20260803T190431Z
CREATED:20260803T190431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T190431Z
UID:10000374-1792263600-1792272600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Tumbao Bravo
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Oct 17	\n\n	Sets at 7pm and 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Formed in August 2003 by reedman Paul VornHagen\, Tumbao Bravo has released five critically acclaimed CDs of mostly original compositions that have been featured on all the major jazz public radio stations throughout the United States.   Winner of the 2005\, 2007 and 2013 Detroit Music Awards for Best Jazz Recording and Best World Music Band\, this combo has performed at all the major Michigan jazz/music festivals including Detroit\, Michigan\, Lansing\, Birmingham\, Raisin River\, Great Lakes Folk\, Blissfest\, Wheatland Dance and Ann Arbor to name a few. \nThe title cut of their 2009 Cd was used as a soundtrack for the USA Network TV show\, Burn Notice. Five of their songs were also used in the soundtrack for the feature length romantic comedy\, “Bride Plus 1” released in 2018 and filmed in Los Angeles.   In September 2018\, the band released their 5th Cd\, “El Nido-The Nest” which was featured on many National Public Radio (NPR) programs including the top rated\, JAZZ AFTER HOURS and Miami\, Florida’s WDNA-a mecca for latin jazz recordings. All band members have won or been nominated for individual Detroit Music Awards as well  teachers at U of Michigan\, Washtenaw CC\, Jazz Camps and music studios.  For the past 12 years\, Tumbao Bravo has been presenting a  program called “The Rhythms of Cuba”  at numerous libraries throughout southeastern Michigan and the San Francisco Bay area. Other music  performance venues include Chicago\, Toledo\, OH\, Windsor\, CAN and Oklahoma. Presently\, the band performs monthly at the stellar  jazz club in Ann Arbor called THE BLUE LLAMA  as well as the DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAFE in Grosse Pte Woods and the new LUCILLE’S JAZZ LOUNGE in Toledo\, OH.  Our newest band members include Armando Vega on congas and Kurt Schreitmueller on piano. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tumbao-bravo-4/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261018T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261018T220000
DTSTAMP:20260909T195737Z
CREATED:20260909T195737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T195737Z
UID:10000430-1792346400-1792360800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Tim Ries Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Oct 18	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Saxophonist\, composer\, arranger\, producer and educator Tim Ries received degrees from both The University of North Texas (BM) and The University of Michigan (MM). He has had a unique and varied career\, which began in 1983 with the great Maynard Ferguson. \nTim moved to New York City in 1985 and since that time his performing and recording credits include a who’s who of jazz\, rock\, pop and world music icons: The Rolling Stones from 1999 to the present\, Stevie Wonder\, Paul Simon\, Donald Fagen\, Michael Jackson\, Blood\, Sweat and Tears\, Rod Stewart\, Lyle Lovette\, and jazz greats Red Garland\, Donald Byrd\, Hank Jones\, Jack DeJohnette\, Phil Woods\, Tom Harrell\, Chico Hamilton\, Michael Brecker\, Joe Henderson\, Tony Bennett\, Louie Bellson\, Dave Liebman\, Al Foster\, John Patitucci\, Danilo Perez\, Bela Szakcsi Lakatos and Maria Schneider. \nTim was a member of the Prism Saxophone Quartet from 1993-2003. He has released 9 CDs as a leader. His last two discs\, Tim Ries Quintet and Tim Ries Quintet Vol II\, are live perfomances at Smalls Jazz Club. In 2005 and 2008 respectively\, he released The Rolling Stones Project (Concord) and Stones World (Sunnyside)\, both are his versions of Stones classics arranged in jazz and world music genres. Both CDs have drawn rave reviews across the globe. \nSome of the guest artists featured on these discs include: all four Rolling Stones\, Norah Jones\, Sheryl Crow\, Milton Nascimento\, Sara Baras\, Bill Frisell\, John Scofield\, Jack DeJohnette\, Lisa Fischer\, Bernard Fowler\, Larry Goldings\, Franck Amsallem\, Eddie Palmieri\, Brian Blade and Ana Moura. His latest colaborations are performing with the great flamenco dancer Sara Baras and with The East Gipsy Band from Budapest. \nTim has taught saxophone and composition at The New School\, Rutgers University\, The City University of New York and The University of Toronto. \nTim Ries plays Francois Louis mouthpieces\, reeds and ligatures and The Virtuoso tenor and alto saxophones by RS Berkely. \nLineup:\nTim Ries- Saxophones\nDwight Adams- Trumpet\nRodney Whitaker- Bass\nNate Winn- Drums\n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tim-ries-quartet/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261021T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261021T220000
DTSTAMP:20260831T184100Z
CREATED:20260831T184100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T184100Z
UID:10000413-1792609200-1792620000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Date Night: Aris Chalin Piano Duo
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Oct 21	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 8pm | Free Cover! \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	This October\, join us for dinner\, or date night\, with Wednesday Date Nights 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	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/aris-chalin-piano-duo-2/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261022T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261022T213000
DTSTAMP:20260825T170651Z
CREATED:20260821T151458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T170651Z
UID:10000402-1792695600-1792704600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Kenji Lee Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Thur | Oct 22	\n\n	Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\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	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/kenji-lee-quartet-copy/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261023T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261023T183000
DTSTAMP:20260831T183253Z
CREATED:20260831T183253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T183253Z
UID:10000412-1792771200-1792780200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Swing Happy Hour: Kerrytown Stompers
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Oct 23	\n\n	5:00 – 6:30pm | No Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\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	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/swing-happy-hour-kerrytown-stompers-11/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261023T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261023T213000
DTSTAMP:20260803T190704Z
CREATED:20260803T190704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T190704Z
UID:10000375-1792782000-1792791000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Tiffany Gridiron
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Oct 23	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Tiffany 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				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tiffany-gridiron-2/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261024T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261024T213000
DTSTAMP:20260803T191105Z
CREATED:20260803T191105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T191105Z
UID:10000376-1792868400-1792877400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Demetrius Nabors
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Oct 24	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Demetrius “Krayon” Nabors is a prominent pianist\, composer\, producer\, and arranger\, celebrated in both the Detroit area and the national contemporary jazz scene. His music reflects a rich tapestry of influences\, including gospel\, jazz\, classical\, and blues\, all of which are evident in his compositions and performances. A two-time winner of the Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Musician\, Demetrius holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Jazz Studies from the University of Michigan. His talents have taken him to stages in Europe and Africa\, as well as to national television\, including a memorable appearance on the former “Arsenio Hall” show. \nHis exceptional skills have drawn the attention of numerous high-profile artists\, including R&B singer KEM\, flutist Althea Rene\, guitarist Tim Bowman\, and trumpeter Willie Bradley. Demetrius’s productions have achieved notable success on the Billboard charts\, including two #1 hits for KEM’s singles “Nobody” and “It’s You” (2014)\, a #2 for Willie Bradley’s “It’s On Now” (2020)\, a #5 for Althea Rene’s “Barbara Mae” (2019)\, and a #1 for Tim Bowman’s “Fireball” (2021). Additionally\, “Nobody” was nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 57th Grammy Awards. \nDemetrius’s discography features five critically acclaimed releases: “A Journey Within Part I” (2011)\, “Christmas with Krayon” (2012)\, “A Journey Within Part II” (2014)\, “Perseverance” (2021)\, and “Evolution EP” (2022). \nHe thrives on the energy of live performance\, a passion that shines through in his music and resonates deeply with his dedicated fan base. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/demetrius-nabors-2/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261025T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261025T203000
DTSTAMP:20260831T170331Z
CREATED:20260831T170331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T170331Z
UID:10000409-1792951200-1792960200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Jacob Hart Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Oct 25	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Jacob 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	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jacob-hart-quartet/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261028T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261028T213000
DTSTAMP:20260831T175037Z
CREATED:20260831T175037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T175037Z
UID:10000410-1793214000-1793223000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Steve Nelson + Kzoo Jazz Collective
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Oct 28	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Described as “the most completely realized and original performer on the vibraphone\,” Steve Nelson began his career in Pittsburgh\, Pennsylvania choosing an instrument not often seen on the bandstand. He was introduced to the vibraphone in high school by George A. Monroe\, a steel worker by day\, and a gifted vibraphonist in the Milt Jackson tradition. Along with early instruction in jazz\, Monroe also taught him the piano. Steve dedicates “Blues for George A.(opens in new tab)” to his teacher on his album\, Full Nelson(opens in new tab).(opens in new tab) \nA career spanning five decades\, Steve has distinguished himself by making consequential contributions to the improvisatory development of his instrument\, as well as the tradition of jazz. By the early ’70s he was performing regularly and honed his skills alongside local Pittsburgh luminaries as drummers Roger Humphries and J.C. Moses\, trumpeter Tommy Turrentine\, saxophonists Eric Kloss and Nathan Davis. He completed his Master’s at Rutgers University’s Jazz Studies program helmed by Kenny Barron\, music education pioneers bassist Larry Ridley and drummer Ted Dunbar. Steve’s debut recording was James Spaulding Plays the Legacy of Duke Ellington\, and throughout the early ’80s he worked with Kenny Barron\, David “Fathead” Newman\, Bobby Watson\, and was featured in the George Shearing big band. Steve has been the instrumentalist of choice for the most iconic jazz artists as Kenny Barron\, Jackie McLean\, Lewis Nash\, James Williams\, Curtis Lundy\, and Mulgrew Miller (Wingspan Sextet) and Dave Holland (Dave Holland Quintet and Big Band) with whom he has shared decades long collaborations through composing\, performing and touring. Steve continues to tour and record with Donald Brown\, Renee Rosnes\, Geoffrey Keezer and Jeremy Pelt\, among others.​ \n​​Recognized for his inventive and fluidly harmonic approach and chromatic quality\, Steve is acknoeledged as one of the pre-eminent modernist vibraphone and marimba players. He has appeared on numerous recordings and performed at concert venues and festivals worldwide including Carnegie Hall\, Jazz at the Lincoln Center\, JVC Jazz Festival\, Montreux Jazz Festival\, Montreal International Jazz Festival\, Newport Jazz Festival\, Netherlands International Jazz Festival\, Village Vanguard\, and festivals across Asia and Australia. He has over a dozen original recordings as a bandleader\, and has lent a distinct compositional signature to several albums of legendary bandleaders. Steve is currently a member of 2025 Grammy Nominated Kenny Barron Quartet. In 2021\, Steve received a commission from the Doris Duke Foundation supported New Jazz Works program.​ \nHe is a dedicated and beloved educator with prior positions at Princeton University\, William Paterson University\, and Conservatorium van Amsterdam. He appears on the documentary Sparni\, as mentor to a talented vibraphone student struggling with mental health. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/steve-nelson-kzoo-jazz-collective/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261029T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261029T220000
DTSTAMP:20260831T181038Z
CREATED:20260831T181038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T181038Z
UID:10000411-1793300400-1793311200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Alex Harding & Organ Nation
DESCRIPTION:Thu | Oct 29	\n\n	Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Alex Harding was born on April 5\, 1967 in Detroit\, Michigan. At the age of six\, Alex knew what he wanted to do in his lifetime: to be a musician. He started to pursue his dream. Alex started on the tenor sax as a child\, but as time went by he mastered playing the tenor\, soprano\, alto\, baritone\, clarinet and flute. Mr. Harding took band classes in elementary and middle school\, entering musical competitions and shows. He chose to attend Northwestern High School so he could study music under the direction of Mr. Ernest Rogers\, a renowned musician. It was during high school that Alex decided to make the baritone sax and bass clarinet his main instruments.Alex Harding studied music in his early years with Yusef Lateef\, Beans Bows and Herbie Williams\, and had a chance to play with Wynton Marsalis and Donald Byrd while still in high school. Alex went on to win music scholarships to the University of Massachusetts and the Aspen School of Music. Alex’s first European engagement in 1990 was in Porgy and Bess. A year later\, he went to Mexico to the Arts and Music Festival with percussionist Francisco Mora. \nAfter settling in New York in 1993\, and a stint touring with Phatoms\, a Haitian group\, Alex joined Julius Hemphill’s Saxophone Sextet. He also began performing with Muhal Richard Abrams\, Craig Harris\, Lester Bowie\, Frank Lacey\, Oliver Lake and David Murray’s Big Band. \nIn 1996\, Alex joined Hamiet Bluiett’s Baritone Group and appeared with the Mingus Big Band\, Jayne Cortez Firespitters and Lester Bowie’s Hip-Hop Philharmonic. He also recorded with Greg Osby\, Frank Lowe\, David Lee Roth and Rodney Whittaker. The following year\, Alex recorded At Doctor King’s Table with the Julius Hemphill Sextet\, a CD with Hamiet Bluiett’s Baritone Group\, and he made his debut with the Sun Ra Arkestra under Marshall Allen’s leadership. In 1998\, Alex was part of the Sun Ra All-Star Project that premiered at the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival. More recently Alex has performed with the Roy Hargrove Big Band and with Aretha Franklin. \nIn the October ’97 issue of Jazz Times\, the review of Hamiet Bluiett’s Baritone Band said that Alex Harding: “…attacked the music with steamroller momentum and uncommon ferocity…it was sheer fireworks.” \nA powerful and innovative saxophonist\, Alex Harding has a unique and contemporary baritone sound. The sincerity of his musical expression and the dynamism of his performance reach out and touch the human spirit and soul. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/alex-harding-organ-nation/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261030T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261030T220000
DTSTAMP:20260903T153722Z
CREATED:20260803T191229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T153722Z
UID:10000377-1793386800-1793397600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Rodney Whitaker Group
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Oct 30	\n\n	Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Internationally renowned bassist and Mack Avenue recording artist\, Rodney Whitaker is one of the world’s renowned double bass performers\, educators\, mentors and is dedicated to inspiring and growing the next generation of jazz educators and musicians. \nA Detroit native\, he grew up in the city soaking in the sounds of jazz and classical music and working with the finest musicians in the city.  Building on his Detroit roots and enormous talent\, Whitaker went on to earn an international reputation as one of the world’s finest jazz double bass performers. He completed a seven-year tenure as bassist with the Wynton Marsalis’ Sextet\, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has toured the world over the last twenty-six years\, collaborating with over 100+ legendary performing jazz artists and leading symphony orchestras across the world. \nFeatured on more than 100+ recordings – from film to compact discs – Whitaker’s film scores\, China\, directed by Jeff Wray\, was released on PBS Fall 2002 and Malaria and Malawi\, released on PBS Fall 2010. In 2011\, he was nominated for an EMMY for the ‘Original Music’ category\, “Malawi and Malaria: Fighting to Save the Children” produced by Robert Gould and Sue Carter.  Whitaker collaborated with musicians Phil Dwyer and Alan Jones on “Let Me Tell You About My Day\,” produced by Alma Records and was nominated for a Juno Award in 2006 for Traditional Jazz Album of the Year\, Canada’s equivalent to the United State of America’s Grammy. \nHe is a full professor of jazz double bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University where he has built one of the leading jazz degree granting programs offering both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Jazz Performance. \nLineup:\nRodney Whitaker- Bass\nRockelle Whitaker- Voice\nSarah Whitaker- Drums\nDwight Adams- Trumpet\nAlvin Paige- Tenor Sax\nRufus Ferguson- Piano\n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/rodney-whitaker-group-3/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261031T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261031T220000
DTSTAMP:20260904T151559Z
CREATED:20260904T151559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T151559Z
UID:10000425-1793473200-1793484000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Dave McMurray
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Oct 31	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Dave McMurray’s move to Blue Note Records is a reunion of sorts\, given the long history the saxophonist shares with the label’s president\, and fellow Detroit native\, Don Was. McMurray was a member of Was’ genre-defying unit Was (Not Was)\, first working together on the band’s self-titled 1981 debut. He’s played on all of the band’s albums and many other Was produced projects in the years since. \nWhen Was signed McMurray to Blue Note\, the saxophonist says that he gave him no imperatives as to which artistic paths to take. “It was one of those situations in which he just said\, ‘Do it\,'” McMurray explains. \nMcMurray has cemented his reputation for versatility by playing with a vast array of musicians that include B.B. King\, The Rolling Stones\, Bob Dylan\, Iggy Pop\, Patti Smith\, Bonnie Raitt\, Johnny Hallyday\, Gladys Knight\, Albert King\, Nancy Wilson\, KEM\, Bootsy Collins\, Herbie Hancock\, Geri Allen\, and Bob James. McMurray sounds as assured and inspired in a rock\, R&B\, funk\, pop or folk setting as he does playing hard bop. \nMcMurray attributes his saxophone sound and improvisational approach to growing up in Detroit. “Every time I hear an instrumentalist from Detroit play\, it feels like they are singing. I don’t care if it’s Yusef Lateef\, James Carter or Kenny Garrett. All of those saxophonists incorporated incredible technique too. But they had this singing quality in their playing. I think people hear that and connect with that aspect of it\,” McMurray says. \nFor sure\, McMurray stands on Detroit’s mighty music legacy that includes the influential Motown sound\, P-Funk\, numerous rock acts such as Stooges and the MC5\, electronica-music pioneers Carl Craig\, Moodymann and Theo Parrish; and hip-hop icons – J Dilla\, Eminem and Slum Village. And let’s not forget the legion of jazz artists from Detroit that include Elvin Jones\, Betty Carter\, Milt Jackson\, Regina Carter and Geri Allen. \nMcMurray’s journey into music began when he started playing clarinet as kid\, and inspired by his older brother’s interest in the saxophone he decided he wanted to learn that instrument\, too. He counts seeing Cannonball Adderley perform on The Steve Allen Show as a defining moment in his childhood. While in high school\, McMurray attended Cranbook Academy of Arts’ noted summer program\, Horizons Upward Bound. He eventually got a scholarship to attend the private school. McMurray furthered his education by attending Wayne State University\, where he earned degrees in psychology and urban studies. \nWhile making his way on Detroit’s bustling music scene\, McMurray played with the avant-garde jazz ensemble\, Griot Galaxy\, founded in 1972 by saxophonist Faruq Z. Bey. But McMurray’s catholic taste in music opened the doors for him to explore beyond the realms of jazz. “Any music that I heard – and continue to hear – I can see myself playing it\,” McMurray asserts. “It could be rock\, jazz\, R&B\, whatever.” And that’s a good explanation for his multifaceted career. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/dave-mcmurray-3/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261101T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261101T213000
DTSTAMP:20260910T185401Z
CREATED:20260910T185401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T185401Z
UID:10000431-1793556000-1793568600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Detroit Jazz Project
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Nov 1	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	The Detroit Jazz Project is the creation of Mark Hershberger who began studying Jazz and playing in the  University AFRAM Big learning from greats including Marcus Belgrave\, Sam Sanders\, Jimmy Allen\, Doc Holiday\, and Ed Pickens.  The big band hosted special guest legends such as the Jones brothers. He later studied Jazz and Classical Music and played in the Jazz and Concert Bands at Eastern Michigan University. During and after attending The University of Michigan\,   Mark led and played in multiple Jazz groups in Ann Arbor and Detroit.  Mark began playing professionally as a solo artist and in small latin jazz groups and then formed a music publishing company in 1980.  He performed in Motown with STAX greats such as “Sam and Dave” and Cecil Womack. \nIn his early twenties he began in Ann Arbor playing Jazz clubs such as Del Rio\, Jazz West\, Delta Lady\, The Ark\, and The Ann Arbor Art Fair. Through the years of performing and recording he expanded his reach and performed at historic Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit and The Flint Jazz Festival as well as the legendary Bert’s Place and The Detroit International Jazz Festival.  He also performed venues in Ann Arbor and in London. Mark has worked with artists such as Gayleynn McKinny\, Ibrahim Jones\, Jerry LeDuff\, Badal Roy\, Martha Reeves\, George Clinton\, Marion Hayden\, Michael Colone and Muruga Booker.to name a few.  He has earned a Detroit Music Award for “Outstanding World Recording Group” with artist Muruga Booker as well as “Outstanding Modern Jazz Group” with The Detroit Jazz Project. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/detroit-jazz-project-2/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261104T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261104T220000
DTSTAMP:20260901T135604Z
CREATED:20260831T162838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T135604Z
UID:10000389-1793818800-1793829600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Marquis Hill
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Nov 4	\n\n	Set 7pm  | $95 Dinner & Show  \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	From his beginnings as one of Chicago’s most thrilling young trumpeters\, to his current status as an internationally renowned musician\, composer and bandleader\, Marquis Hill has worked tirelessly to break down the barriers that divide musical genres. Contemporary and classic jazz\, hip-hop\, R&B\, Chicago house\, neo-soul-to Hill\, they’re all essential elements of the profound African American creative heritage he’s a part of. “It all comes from the same tree\,” he says. “They simply blossomed from different branches.” \nThat mission to bring styles together\, complemented by Hill’s absolute mastery of his instrument\, is a through line connecting his many achievements. It can be heard on his latest album\, Modern Flows Vol. II\, with its seamless blend of jazz interplay\, hip-hop-infused rhythms and socially conscious spoken-word. It’s integral to The Way We Play\, his Concord Jazz debut from 2016\, where Hill and his musicians reinvent jazz standards using their generation’s wide- ranging influences. It marks the four records Hill self-released before November of 2014\, when he won the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz competition and became a presence on the global scene virtually overnight. And it defines the revelatory live dates by Hill’s longtime working group\, the Blacktet\, which the Chicago Tribune called “a remarkably polished\, immensely attractive ensemble.” \nFor Hill\, playing and listening without limits has long been an instinct. “It comes naturally; that’s the way I hear the music\,” he says. “I came up in a household where my mom played Motown\, R&B\, Isley Brothers\, Barry White\, Marvin Gaye. Then I received my first jazz record\, by Lee Morgan\, and that was added to the collection. … I truly believe that the music is all the same.” \nBorn in Chicago in 1987 and raised on the city’s culturally rich South Side\, Hill began playing drums at age 4\, before switching to trumpet in the 6th grade. He attended high school at Kenwood Academy\, excelling in its revered jazz-performance program\, and was mentored by Bobby Broom\, Willie Pickens\, Tito Carrillo and other Chicago greats through the Ravinia Jazz Scholars program. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/marquis-hill-1/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261106T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261106T180000
DTSTAMP:20260812T193857Z
CREATED:20260812T193857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T193857Z
UID:10000395-1793980800-1793988000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series: Rick Roe with Laith Al Saadi
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Nov 6	\n\n	Set 5:01pm | Free Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Join us for WEMU’s 5:01 Jazz Series with Rick Roe and special guest Laith Al Saadi. \nRick Roe is a jazz pianist\, composer\, performer\, and educator in the southeastern Michigan music community. He has produced and co-produced over a dozen recordings with original compositions and jazz classics with some of the most accomplished jazz musicians in the world.  \nMonkʼs Modern Music\, Rickʼs first recording on his RNR Unknown Records label\, has become highly regarded by many jazz greats around the world. It features Rodney Whitaker and Greg Hutchinson. His subsequent recordings have also received praise for his compositions and arrangements of jazz classics and popular culture hits.  \nHis teaching experience includes being an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies and Jazz Piano at Michigan State University from 2001-2011\, and he has been a guest artist and clinician at the University of Arizona\, North Texas University\, the University of Nevada\, Las Vegas\, Juilliard Jazz in N.Y.\, and the University of Michigan.  \nRick has performed with jazz greats Wynton Marsalis\, Marcus Belgrave\, Frank Morgan\, Louis Hayes\, Clark Terry\, Louis Smith\, Rodney Whitaker\, Donald Walden\, Greg Hutchinson\, Karriem Riggins\, Robert Hurst\, Buster Williams\, Emily Remler\, Wycliffe Gordon\, Barbara Morrison\, Wess Anderson\, Jon Faddis\, Walter Blanding\, Randy Gelispie\, Ron Brooks\, George Davidson\, Wendall Harrison\, Vincent York\, Michael Dease\, Gerald Cleaver\, Frank Foster\, Joe Magnarelli\, Derrick Gardner\, Joe Farnsworth\, James Carter\, Jim Snidero\, Randy Napoleon\, Dwight Adams\, and many more.  \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/rick-roe-501/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261106T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261106T220000
DTSTAMP:20260910T205212Z
CREATED:20260910T205212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T205212Z
UID:10000415-1793991600-1794002400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Anthony Stanco
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Nov 6	\n\n	Sets at 7pm and 9pm | $25 Cover \nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Anthony Stanco is a trumpet virtuoso from Southeast Michigan whose artistry is rooted in Detroit’s rich musical legacy. Mentored by Marcus Belgrave and Rodney Whitaker\, he has emerged as a dynamic performer\, bandleader\, and educator\, leading his own quintet and touring internationally with appearances at the Java Jazz Festival\, Cairo Jazz Club\, and beyond. As a U.S. State Department cultural ambassador\, Stanco has shared his music throughout South Africa\, Indonesia\, and more. \nHis 2024 release\, Stanco’s Time (Origin Records)\, features an all-star lineup including Joe Farnsworth and Rodney Whitaker\, and his 2025 live album\, In the Groove: Live at The Alluvion\, captures the energy and spontaneity of his band onstage. Stanco is Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Michigan State University\, a Bach Trumpet endorsing artist\, and a 2024 Jazz Road Tours grant recipient. Learn more at www.anthonystanco.com. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/anthony-stanco-3/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261108T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261108T213000
DTSTAMP:20260824T155840Z
CREATED:20260810T165513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T155840Z
UID:10000394-1794160800-1794173400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Caity Gyorgy
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Nov 8	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 8:30pm\n$95 Dinner & Show\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Caity Gyorgy (pronounced George) is a three-time JUNO award-winning Canadian vocalist known for singing bebop and swing music. She has performed internationally\, including at all the major Canadian festivals\, Tucson Jazz Festival\, Tokyo’s famed Cotton Club\, Live From Emmett’s Place\, and featured with Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal and UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra in Finland. \nGyorgy is currently signed to Brooklyn label La Reserve Records and has released five albums of original and standard music\, including her three JUNO award-winning albums Now Pronouncing\, Featuring\, Hello! How Are You?\, and her 2024 JUNO-nominated album with pianist Mark Limacher You’re Alike\, You Two. As a collaborator\, she has recorded and performed with musicians including Christine Jensen\, Laila Biali\, Jocelyn Gould\, Ira Coleman\, Bryn Roberts and Pat LaBarbera. \nIn addition to being a performer\, Gyorgy is an avid writer and composes songs in the style of the Great American Songbook. Her compositions have been sung by other vocalists around the world\, and have won multiple awards including the Grand Prize in the jazz category of the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. \nGyorgy is also a sought after clinician and is currently on faculty as a vocal jazz instructor at the Yukon Summer Music Camp in Whitehorse\, Yukon and the Interprovincial Music Camp in McKellar\, Ontario. Her strong social media presence also sees her utilising platforms like Instagram (83k followers) and TikTok (122k followers) to engage with the next generation of jazz students\, encouraging them to scat with her or join her\, virtually\, in the recording studio. \nHer album “Hello! How Are You?” features Gyorgy accompanied by her regular piano trio and was released in August\, 2024. It was the 2025 JUNO Award-winner for “Best Jazz Album of the Year”. Her upcoming album “Asking For Trouble” is out 11 April 2025 on La Reserve Records and features pianist Mark Limacher. The duo celebrates the music of the incomparable composer and lyricist Frank Loesser. \nCheck out her interview with WEMU. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/caity-gyorgy/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261122T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261122T210000
DTSTAMP:20260831T163106Z
CREATED:20260831T163106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T163106Z
UID:10000392-1795370400-1795381200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Janis Siegel
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Nov 22	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 8pm\n$95 Dinner & Show\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\nFor nearly 60 years\, Janis Siegel’s voice has been an undeniable force in the world of jazz and popular music. A founding member of THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER\, Janis’ powerful and versatile voice became one of the groups most recognized trademarks – singing lead on some of their biggest hits including “Boy From New York City”\, “Operator”\, “Chanson D’Amour”\, “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone”\, “Mystery”\, “Spice of Life” and “Birdland”. Performing for audiences around the world\, TMT and Siegel amassed a large international fan base and garnered consistently high critical praise\, including 10 GRAMMY awards and 18 nominations. \nSiegel has also enjoyed an eclectic solo career\, spawning more than a dozen finely crafted solo albums and participating in numerous collaborative projects with some of the world’s most renowned musicians\, producers\, composers\, and arrangers. She also co-hosts WBGO’s SINGERS UNLIMITED radio program with Lezlie Harrison and VOCAL GUMBO – a virtual music program celebrating the vocal arts with Lauren Kinhan of the New York Voices. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/janis-siegel/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261128T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261128T213000
DTSTAMP:20260908T190614Z
CREATED:20260907T162731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T190614Z
UID:10000367-1795892400-1795901400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Stella Cole
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Nov 28	\n\n	Shows 7pm & 9pm\n$125 Dinner & Show\nReserve Table(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	With a voice that bridges generations\, Stella Cole has cultivated over 2 million social media followers through her fresh interpretations of timeless songs by iconic artists\, including Judy Garland\, Frank Sinatra\, and Nat “King” Cole. Often described as a Laufey-meets-Bublé sensation\, Cole brings a fresh interpretation of classic repertoire to a new generation.  \nWhile she was raised in rural Illinois on Hollywood musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and The Wizard of Oz\, Cole told ELLE that she “never expected this life\,” earning praise for her soulful interpretations of the Great American Songbook from legends including James Taylor\, DavidFoster\, and Michael Bublé. She’s performed on The TODAY Show\, Live with Kelly and Mark\, Tamron Hall\, and stages thoroughout the U.S.\, Europe\, and Asia.  \n“It’s amazing to think that this music can be a balm for people’s stress and anxiety\,” says Stella. “Don’t forget\, these songs helped people get through the Great Depression and World War II. That’s the most gratifying thing of all\, experiencing how this music can help people.” Cole is authentic and faithful to the traditions in which these songs have been heard for all these years\, but with a personal charisma that transcends the generations. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/stella-cole-sat/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261129T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261129T213000
DTSTAMP:20260908T190523Z
CREATED:20260907T162508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T190523Z
UID:10000368-1795975200-1795987800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Stella Cole
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Nov 29	\n\n	Show 6pm\n$125 Dinner & Show\nReserve Table(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	With a voice that bridges generations\, Stella Cole has cultivated over 2 million social media followers through her fresh interpretations of timeless songs by iconic artists\, including Judy Garland\, Frank Sinatra\, and Nat “King” Cole. Often described as a Laufey-meets-Bublé sensation\, Cole brings a fresh interpretation of classic repertoire to a new generation. \nWhile she was raised in rural Illinois on Hollywood musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and The Wizard of Oz\, Cole told ELLE that she “never expected this life\,” earning praise for her soulful interpretations of the Great American Songbook from legends including James Taylor\, DavidFoster\, and Michael Bublé. She’s performed on The TODAY Show\, Live with Kelly and Mark\, Tamron Hall\, and stages thoroughout the U.S.\, Europe\, and Asia. \n“It’s amazing to think that this music can be a balm for people’s stress and anxiety\,” says Stella. “Don’t forget\, these songs helped people get through the Great Depression and World War II. That’s the most gratifying thing of all\, experiencing how this music can help people.” Cole is authentic and faithful to the traditions in which these songs have been heard for all these years\, but with a personal charisma that transcends the generations. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/stella-cole-sun/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261205T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261205T220000
DTSTAMP:20260907T162327Z
CREATED:20260907T162327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T162327Z
UID:10000393-1796497200-1796508000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Christian Sands Trio
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Dec 5	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm\n$95 Dinner & Show\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Christian Sands – Steinway Artist and five-time Grammy Nominee – is an emerging jazz force. His abundant piano technique perfectly matches his conception\, accomplishing a much deeper musical goal: a fresh look at the entire language of jazz. Whether it’s stride\, swing\, bebop\, progressive\, fusion\, Brazilian or Afro-Cuban\, Sands develops the past while providing unusual and stimulating vehicles for the present… and for the future. He expresses himself through an extensive vocabulary of patterns\, textures and structures\, all the while maintaining a strong sense of understatement\, sensitivity\, taste and swing. \nJazz history is filled with stirring torch songs and ballads – brilliant expressions of suffering after love has gone awry. The jazz record shelf even contains some classic album-long explorations of melancholy. But it’s hard to find precedent in pianist Christian Sands’ new Embracing Dawn\, his fifth full-length effort for Mack Avenue Records. Embracing Dawn trails 2023’s acclaimed Christmas Stories and 2020’s GRAMMY-nominated Be Water. Following that album’s release\, the New York Times commented\, “Equipped with a crisp but forceful touch\, he seems always to be flowing in new directions\, integrating elements of prog rock\, gospel and Western classical into a forward-tumbling jazz conception.” Embracing Dawn furthers Sands’ uniquely cultivated jazz language\, where agile post-bop meets soulful bluesy tinges and gorgeous swells of strings. Sands’ love of classical orchestration\, he explains\, is rooted in his lifelong obsession with film. \nSince arriving on the scene\, Sands has shared the stage with such jazz luminaries as Wynton Marsalis\, Dianne Reeves\, Shelia E\, Warren Wolf\, Tia Fuller\, Gary Burton\, Stefan Harris\, Terri Lyne Carrington\, Jason Moran\, Geri Allen\, Ben Williams\, Randy Brecker\, Steve Johns\, Avery Sharpe\, James Moody\, Bill Evans (sax)\, Russell Malone\, Terence Blanchard\, Louis Hayes\, Patti Austin\, Marcus Baylor\, Craig Handy\, Carl Allen\, Kirk Whalum\, and Wycliffe Gordon\, as well as iconic cellist Yo-Yo Ma. \nThe power and prowess of his playing has taken him from the Kennedy Center in Washington\, D.C.\, to the world renowned Newport Jazz Festival\, Detroit Jazz Festival\, to New York’s celebrated jazz clubs such as the Village Vanguard\, Jazz Standard\, Blue Note and Dizzy’s Club; to international jazz clubs all over the world. Sands was Artist in Residence at the Monterey Jazz Festival from 2020-2022\, Creative Director of Octave Music – Erroll Garner Estate from 2017-2021\, and Musical Director of the Monterey Festival Band On Tour from 2019-2022. \nSands invents and re-invents himself with sonorities which define each moment\, rhythms which impel his music forward\, structures which are surprising and fascinating – and never for a moment un-musical. He personifies the rising musicality and spiritual aspirations of a singularly gifted musical soul. “To whom much is given\, much is expected.” Christian Sands doesn’t disappoint. \n\n					\n	\nRESERVE TABLE(opens in new tab)
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/christian-sands-trio/
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