BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Blue LLama - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Blue LLama X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://bluellamaclub.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Blue LLama REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART: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:20260514T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260514T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260219T154027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T154027Z UID:10000267-1778785200-1778794200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Signal Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/signal-quartet-copy/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/signal-quartet.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260515T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260515T183000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260325T184900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T184900Z UID:10000303-1778860800-1778869800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Swing Happy Hour: Kerrytown Stompers DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/swing-happy-hour-kerrytown-stompers-5/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kerrytown-stompers.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260515T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260515T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260219T182407Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T182452Z UID:10000256-1778871600-1778882400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Detroit Jazz Fest All-Stars: Beyond Take Five DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/djf-all-stars-beyond-take-five/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/dave-brubeck.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260516T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260516T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260219T154838Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T204446Z UID:10000244-1778958000-1778967000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jeff Haas Quintet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jeff-haas-quintet-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jeff-haas-quintet-.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260517T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260517T203000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260219T155020Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T162653Z UID:10000257-1779040800-1779049800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Marlena Studer's Jazz Ensemble DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/marlena-studer/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Marlena-Studer-BNW2.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260520T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260520T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260303T160433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T160433Z UID:10000288-1779303600-1779312600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Houston Patton & Hidden Nomination DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/houston-patton-hidden-nomination-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/houston-patton.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260521T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260521T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260219T155140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T155140Z UID:10000268-1779390000-1779399000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Tumbao Bravo DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tumbao-bravo-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tumbao-bravo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260522T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260522T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260219T155358Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T151850Z UID:10000262-1779476400-1779487200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Dave McMurray DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/dave-mcmurray-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/dave-mcmurray.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260523T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260523T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260219T155554Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T155554Z UID:10000269-1779562800-1779571800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sean Dobbins & Dave Stryker DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sean-dobbins-dave-stryker/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SeanDobbinsBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260524T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260524T203000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041911 CREATED:20260313T150707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T150707Z UID:10000299-1779645600-1779654600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jacob Hart Trio DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jacob-hart-trio/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/jacob-hart.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260527T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260527T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260309T150435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T150435Z UID:10000290-1779908400-1779917400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Bob Sweet Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/bob-sweet-quartet-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/bob-sweet.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260528T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260528T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260219T155734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T155734Z UID:10000270-1779994800-1780003800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Brian Charette Trio DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/brian-charette-trio/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Brian-Charette.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260529T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260529T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260302T183605Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T140755Z UID:10000245-1780081200-1780092000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Michael Mayo DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/michael-mayo-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/michael-mayo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260530T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260530T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260219T155857Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T155857Z UID:10000271-1780167600-1780176600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Michael Dease DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/michael-dease-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/michael-dease.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260531T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260531T203000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260225T153654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T153654Z UID:10000286-1780250400-1780259400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:The NOW Trio ft. Travis Aukerman DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/the-now-trio-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/the-now-trio.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260603T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260603T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260310T192226Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T192226Z UID:10000280-1780513200-1780522200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Tristan Cappel Quintet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tristan-cappel-quintet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tristan-cappel.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260604T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260604T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260406T162029Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T165249Z UID:10000298-1780599600-1780610400@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Edmar Castaneda DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/edmar-castaneda/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/edmar-castaneda.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260605T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260605T183000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260409T142721Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T142721Z UID:10000309-1780675200-1780684200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Swing Happy Hour: Kerrytown Stompers DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/swing-happy-hour-kerrytown-stompers-6/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kerrytown-stompers.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260606T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260606T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260129T154259Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T192326Z UID:10000253-1780772400-1780783200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Straight Ahead DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/straight-ahead-7/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/straight-ahead.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260607T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260607T203000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260310T192432Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T192432Z UID:10000291-1780855200-1780864200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Alain Sullivan's SoulHeart Collective DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/alain-sullivans-soulheart-collective-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AlainSullivanBNW.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260610T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260610T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260327T163907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T164022Z UID:10000305-1781118000-1781128800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:James Gaiters Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/james-gaiters-quartet/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/james-gaiters.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260611T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260611T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260310T192930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T192930Z UID:10000292-1781204400-1781215200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Kasan Belgrave DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/kasan-belgrave/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/KasanBelgrave-Newcropped.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260310T193050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T193050Z UID:10000281-1781290800-1781301600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Jordan VanHemert DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jordan-vanhemert/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tristan-cappel-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260613T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260613T220000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260310T193355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T141701Z UID:10000282-1781377200-1781388000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Sean Dobbins All-Star Quintet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sean-dobbins-6/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SeanDobbinsBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260614T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260614T203000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260310T193516Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T193516Z UID:10000279-1781460000-1781469000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Nick Collins Trio DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/nick-collins-trio-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/nick-collins.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260617T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260617T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260316T155142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T155142Z UID:10000300-1781722800-1781731800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Third Coast Swing DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/third-coast-swing-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/third-coast-swing.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260618T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260618T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260310T195017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T204926Z UID:10000293-1781809200-1781818200@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Hannah Marks DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/hannah-marks/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hannah-marks-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260620T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260620T213000 DTSTAMP:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260326T195555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T195555Z UID:10000304-1781982000-1781991000@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Keigo Hirakawa Quartet DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/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:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260310T195301Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T201426Z UID:10000294-1782064800-1782073800@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Rossano Sportiello Trio ft. Paul Keller & Ed Metz DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/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:20260410T041912 CREATED:20260310T195532Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T195532Z UID:10000295-1782327600-1782336600@bluellamaclub.com SUMMARY:Chuck Redd DESCRIPTION:Sat | June 6 \n\n \n \n Straight Ahead\n \n \n\n\n \n \n Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n About the Artist\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Out of Detroit's lively jazz scene\, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world\, comes the ground breaking all female jazz group\, Straight Ahead. A group of strong\, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists\, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. \nWidely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music\, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from mainstream jazz R&B ballads\, avant-garde to Brazilian funk. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy. The ladies delight in changing textures\, moods\, and tempos and love to throw in the occasional musical joke! \nIntroduced in 1989 as a product of their hometown's lively jazz scene\, Straight Ahead was named the finalist in that year's "Sony Innovators" competition. The new decade saw the ladies receive their first international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreaux-Switzerland Jazz Festival. \nIn 1990\, the group recorded the first album for Atlantic Jazz\, "Look Straight Ahead"\, with made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart "Top 20". They followed that up with "Body and Soul" and in 1995 with their third album "Dance Of the Forest Rain"\, which received rave reviews that include Branford Marsalis\, who called the group "a monster outfit that truly swings!" \nThese Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording artists have traveled extensively in the United States\, the Caribbean\, and Europe\, garnering rave reviews. Recent appearances include a concert at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.\, where Ms. Sorab Modi\, a reviewer for "JazzIz" Magazine wrote that the band was"particularly impressive." (JazzIz\, August\, 1997); and the Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival\, where "This tight\, dynamic\, outfit stole the show with it's high-energy tour-de-force of musical styles." (Kansas City Star\, July 21\, 1997). Recent awards include The Motor City Music Awards HALL OF FAME and Talent Deserving Wider Recognition (Downbeat Magazine\, April\, 1997) Joy\, Power\, Love\, Wisdom...Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead! \nEach individual member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own right. Together they bring a unique musical personality to the group. Straight Ahead's founding members\, the "Rhythm Sister" - Marion Hayden on bass\, Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums are joined by an exciting line-up\, which features they dynamic Kymberli Wright on vocals and the electrifying Althea Rene on the flute. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n RESERVE TABLE\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nLEARN MORE URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/chuck-redd/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/chuck-redd.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR