DOORS 5PM | SHOWTIME 6-7PM
DOORS 7:15PM | SHOWTIME 7:30-8:15PM
Celebrate the holiday season with Marlena Studer and her jazz ensemble, featuring Cliff Monear, Paul Keller, Sean Dobbins, Chris Kendall and Steve Ragsdale. You're invited to get in the holiday spirit as they “Deck the Halls” with a dollop of “Frim Fram Sauce” - the first three guests arriving at each set wearing a festive hat will receive a free copy of her CD, Jazzy Little Christmas.
MARLENA STUDER
Marlena Studer is an Ann Arbor-based jazz vocalist and composer who made her stage debut with the acclaimed big band Jubilation in New Orleans, where she discovered her love for the Great American Songbook. After moving to Michigan, she recorded her first album “Crazy He Calls Me” with the renowned Cliff Monear Trio and later released the food-and-wine inspired “Sip It Slowly” and the festive “Jazzy Little Christmas.” Known for her heartfelt interpretations, Marlena brings fresh energy to jazz standards, aiming to make the lyrics resonate and the moods linger.
CLIFF MONEAR
Cliff Monear is an accomplished jazz pianist who has performed worldwide with top stars in entertainment. His YouTube channel “CMonear1” showcases solo and group performances alongside the Midwest’s finest jazz artists. In addition to teaching at Wayne State University, Monear serves as a sales consultant for Steinway & Sons in Michigan and Ohio. His playing has been described as a blend of relaxed swing, melodic sophistication, and harmonic creativity, leaving "exquisite tension" in his music, according to critic Mark Stryker.
PAUL KELLER
Paul Keller is an award-winning bassist who has played with jazz legends like Diana Krall, Cab Calloway, and Russell Malone. He has contributed to over 50 recordings, collaborating with artists such as Larry Vuckovich, Marcus Belgrave, and Marlena Studer. A dedicated jazz educator, Keller teaches at Wayne State University and regularly leads concerts, workshops, and clinics, earning recognition as a Jazz Musician of the Year and Outstanding Jazz Instrumentalist.
SEAN DOBBINS
Sean Dobbins began his career early as a sought-after sideman, frequently performing with Blue Note artist Louis Smith. He has received numerous honors, including the Woody Herman Jazz Award and the Louis Armstrong Scholarship. Known for his hard-driving rhythm and melodic sensibility, Dobbins draws inspiration from jazz greats like Art Blakey and Elvin Jones. An active performer and educator, Sean has been featured in news articles, radio programs, and documentaries for his contributions to jazz.
CHRIS KENDALL
Chris Kendall is a Detroit-based musician and multi-instrumentalist, excelling as a vocalist, pianist, and trombonist. Known for his versatility, Kendall performs with various ensembles, including Strictly Fine, bringing depth and adaptability to every project he joins. He most recently won the Michigan Jazz Festival's Rising Star Vocal Competition (2023)
STEVE RAGSDALE
Steve Ragsdale is a talented guitarist with decades of experience playing jazz and folk rock. He founded the group Bop Dragons and often plays with Marlena Studer as "Jazzy & Rags".
THE BAND:
Marlena Studer - Vocals
Chris Kendall - Trumpet and vocals
Cliff Monear - Piano
Paul Keller - Bass
Sean Dobbins - Drums
Steve Ragsdale - Guitar