BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Blue LLama - ECPv6.17.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://bluellamaclub.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Blue LLama
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Detroit
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260715T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260715T220000
DTSTAMP:20260520T133232Z
CREATED:20260520T133232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T133232Z
UID:10000326-1784142000-1784152800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Sarah D'Angelo & Cliff Monear
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Jul 15	\n\n	Sets 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Vocalist/clarinetist Sarah D’Angelo is a relative new-comer to Detroit’s jazz scene but she is quickly making new fans out of everyone who experiences her passionate and intelligent singing. Sarah’s warm personality and bright smile light up the stage and make an instant connection with audiences. Sarah always includes in her performances a bit of her excellent clarinet playing\, a talent and skill which makes her presentation even more special. \nCliff Monear is a jazz pianist based in Michigan\, known for his performances\, teaching\, and work with Steinway & Sons. He is the exclusive Steinway & Sons representative for the Michigan jazz community. He performs with his group\, The Cliff Monear Trio\, and also as a soloist and with other musicians. He teaches at Wayne State University. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sarah-dangelo-cliff-monear-4/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CliffMonearCliffMonear.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260716T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260716T213000
DTSTAMP:20260710T135526Z
CREATED:20260526T155417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T135526Z
UID:10000330-1784228400-1784237400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Moises Borges & Ava Preston
DESCRIPTION:THURS | Jul 16	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	When Ava Preston and Moises Borges are on stage together you are transported to another place and time. Instantly\, you are warmed by tropical breezes and seaside memories.  They weave a rich tapestry of velvet and haze\, of sweetness and lost love. Ava and Moises’ voices alternate\, balance and blend smoothly taking us on the scenic route of this South American musical journey.  These forever classic Brazilian tunes\, and Moises’ seemingly timeless originals\, tap into a feeling so many of us long for\, a musical vacation\, rejuvenation\, relaxation\, entertainment\, enjoyment\, fun\, nostalgia.  Their performances are powerful and delicate\, from intimate vocal and guitar duo engagements to groovy\, energetic and danceable ensembles with the addition of percussion\, sax\, bass and piano. Last April\, Ava was the Winner of the 2026 Blues Alley International Ella Fitzgerald Competition. A Bossa Nova & Jazz organic blend.\nGet Tickets!\nMoises Borges\nBased in Cleveland\, Ohio for over two decades\, Moises Borges is a gifted guitarist and vocalist born in Bahia\, Brazil\, He grew up experimenting with rhythms such as Bolero\, Baião\, Xote\, Afoxé\, Frevo\, Forró\, especially Samba and Bossa Nova which are basic to his performances\, his soothing voice and charm make for a wonderful evening of entertainment for all lovers of Brazilian Jazz.\nPerforming either solo or with his band\, Borges is a wonderful storyteller\, and a vivid\, funny performer who plays mostly in the Samba and Bossa Nova traditions\, interpreting his original songs and soulfully delivering classics by Jobim\, Gilberto\, Bosco and many others. “Far away from his native Brazil\, the music of his homeland is very much alive when he is on stage.” \nAva Preston\nAva is a vocalist and songwriter who enjoys writing and performing jazz\, blues\, pop/rock and indie songs as a solo artist and as a featured guest with various combos and bands throughout the Cleveland and Akron area.\nAva is a 2023 YoungArts Finalist and Silver Award Winner for Jazz Voice and is an 11x Downbeat SMA winner\, 6x for Vocal Jazz Soloist and 5x for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist. She performed at the 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival as the vocalist for the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/moises-borges-ava-preston/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ava-moises.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260717T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260717T220000
DTSTAMP:20260427T170854Z
CREATED:20260427T170854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T170854Z
UID:10000319-1784314800-1784325600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Gene Dunlap Band
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Jul 17	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Gene Dunlap is a diverse “Grammy Award Nominated” musician. He began his music career at age four when his father taught him to play the drums. Dunlap honed his craft at Detroit Mumford High School. During this time\, he teamed up with his friend and fellow musician\, guitarist Earl Klugh. Together\, forming the Earl Klugh Trio\, The duo performed in local clubs with other musicians. Although they eventually chose separate musical paths\, Gene Dunlap continued to perform and write music. His talents as a writer\, composer and producer caught the attention of Capitol Records. \nAt Capitol\, Dunlap recorded three solo albums: It’s Just the Way I Feel\, Party In Me and Tired of Being a Nice Guy. Which enabled him to write and produce much of his own material. \nAfter recording his solo projects\, Dunlap reunited with Earl Klugh and the duo began recording and touring together. Klugh and Dunlap have collaborated on ten albums throughout their careers.Gene Dunlap has also been involved in a variety of projects with other major recording artist including touring and recording with Ronnie Laws\, Hubert Laws\, George Benson\, Roy Ayers\, Grant Green\, The London Philharmonic Orchestra\, The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra\, Noel Pointer\, Bob James\, Bobby Lyle\, Marcus Miller\, Mary Wilson\, Tina Marie\, George Duke and Patrice Rushen. \nAfter releasing “Groove With You” on Avenue JazzRecords.Dunlap stopped recording professionally to teach School in Detroit.In 2002\, Gene Dunlap returned to the studio and released Tales of the Phatman. And most recently in 2005\, he released Peaceful Days. Gene Dunlap’s music is a combination of late night groove\, contemporary jazz and smooth R&B. He manages to have fun with his music while retaining his artistic integrity. Gene Dunlap is an artist for our time that continues to grow and serve the public through his love of music. \nGene Dunlap play Gretsch drums and Bosphorus cymbals. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/gene-dunlap-band-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gene-dunlap.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260718T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260718T213000
DTSTAMP:20260427T185213Z
CREATED:20260427T171338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T185213Z
UID:10000320-1784401200-1784410200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Tiffany Gridiron
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Jul 18\nSets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n RESERVE TABLE   \nAbout the Artist\nTiffany Gridiron is a gifted jazz vocalist and songwriter who radiates joy and generosity on stage\, even when singing the most haunting of songs. Her sultry vocals and playful approach have excited audiences in the United States\, Japan\, Finland and South Korea.   \nTiffany’s love of singing began as a child in her family church where both of her parents served as musicians. In her early twenties\, inspired by the debut album of Jill Scott\, Tiffany sought out voice lessons that serendipitously put her in contact with the amazing jazz vocalist and educator Sunny Wilkinson. Through jazz standards\, Sunny introduced Tiffany to a world of poetry and improvisation that would profoundly impact the rest of her life. Studying works of  Billie Holiday\, Ella Fitzgerald\, Sarah Vaughn and many other vocal legends helped Tiffany to find her own voice and style.  \nTiffany recorded five CDs of jazz standards\, released by SONY RECORDS in Japan that have featured such greats as pianists Hank Jones\, Tadataka Unno\, drummer Omar Hakim\, and many others.   \nIn 2019\, Tiffany’s longtime friend and collaborator Kris Johnson approached her about producing a project where her gifts as a songwriter could be featured.  The result was “From My Heart to Yours”\, Tiffany’s  most personal album to date. Released in September of 2023 on all digital platforms\, five of the album’s eight songs feature lyrics penned by Tiffany Gridiron and co-composed by Kris Johnson. Kris also arranged\, played trumpet and served as producer on the project\, with Brendon Davis (piano)\, Jonathan Muir-Cotton (bass)\, Nate Winn (drums)\, and Vivienne Smith (background vocals) also adding their breathtaking artistry to this material.  \nYou can now catch Tiffany at venues in the Midwest and East coast\, performing her originals\, jazz standards\, and other songs that explore the nuances of  the human condition. Her deep appreciation for music as a tool for healing\, inspires Tiffany  to use her voice to nurture connections between people and hearts. \n\n RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/tiffany-gridiron/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TiffanyGridironBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260719T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260719T220000
DTSTAMP:20260619T163249Z
CREATED:20260527T191640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T163249Z
UID:10000323-1784484000-1784498400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Bryan Eng Trio
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Jul 19	\n\n	Doors 5pm | Show 6pm\n$95 Dinner & Show\n$50 Cover Only\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	If you see Eng on the schedule\, it’s a guarantee you’ll be entertained.” -Broadway World \n“Eng’s star wattage is undeniable.” -Chicago Sun-Times \nFrom New York City\, multifaceted jazz pianist\, singer\, composer\, and actor Bryan Eng is quickly emerging as one of the most accomplished young entertainers of his generation. With performances at the Kennedy Center\, Jazz at Lincoln Center\, Birdland\, and appearances on Broadway and television (Law & Order\, Chicago Fire)\, Eng has already made his mark on some of the world’s most iconic stages. He is also the youngest resident performer at the famed Carlyle Hotel\, where BroadwayWorld hailed him as “the heir apparent to evenings with Bobby Short.” \nEng’s dynamic career spans from headlining performances at the Met Gala Party and Tony Awards Party to opening for legends Chaka Khan and Sheryl Crow. Most recently\, he was the recipient of the Julie Wilson Award for Emerging Artists\, presented at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall. His artistry has also taken him abroad\, including a featured performance in the French Riviera on the Dave Koz Somma Cruise. \nA Northwestern University graduate\, Eng first gained acclaim in Chicago\, where he held multiple performance residencies and starred at award-winning regional theaters-prompting the Chicago Sun-Times to declare that “Eng’s star wattage is undeniable.” After relocating to New York City\, he joined the Broadway cast of Plaza Suite alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick\, cementing his reputation as a versatile and magnetic performer. \nNow a rising star in New York’s jazz and cabaret scene\, Eng continues to captivate audiences at the Carlyle and across the country with his acclaimed Bryan Eng Trio. As BroadwayWorld notes\, “If you see Eng on the schedule\, it’s a guarantee you’ll be entertained.” \nMENU\nFirst Course:\nBEEF CARPACCIO: arugula\, tonnato\nOr\nROMAN-JEWISH STYLE ARTICHOKES\nMain Course:\nJOHN DORRY: corn pudding\nOr\nCHICKEN BALLOTINE: garbanzo\, sesame\nDessert:\nBLUEBERRY-LEMON SPONGE\nOr\nDOUBLE CHOCOLATE CAKE\n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/bryan-eng/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bryan-eng.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260722T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260722T213000
DTSTAMP:20260424T181908Z
CREATED:20260424T181908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T181908Z
UID:10000306-1784746800-1784755800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Oliver Mayman Quartet
DESCRIPTION:WED | Jul 22	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	From Ann Arbor\, MI\, and now based in Philadelphia\, Oliver Mayman is a vibraphonist\, composer\, and educator. Beginning on the drums and piano\, the vibraphone was an apt discovery as a teenager – the instrument essentially fusing the mechanics of drumming with the harmonic capabilities of the piano. He has since become a distinguished voice on the instrument\, reimagining its role in music through an inventive technical approach and a discerning creative ear. \nHe has performed as a bandleader across the Midwest and East Coast at storied venues like Cliff Bell’s\, the Blue LLama\, and Chris’ Jazz Cafe\, and has also been featured in several larger\, iconic events like the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Additionally a sought-after accompanist and sideman\, he has performed in countless other venues with various groups\, and aims to play the vibraphone as a suitable alternative to the piano\, capable of fully assuming a rhythmically and harmonically supportive role in any setting. \nHe also has extensive experience as an educator\, teaching a handful of vibraphone students in addition to being on faculty at vibesworkshop.com\, the largest online vibraphone community in the world. With a unique approach and pedagogical method to the instrument\, he advocates his own novel dampening techniques\, adaptations of pianistic ideas\, and other innovative 4-mallet concepts. He is also the author of “Dampening Studies\,” a comprehensive method for dampening on the vibraphone\, and presented on this subject in a 2023 PASIC clinic. \nIn 2022\, he was selected as a Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition jazz winner. He was also a member of the 2022 JM Jazz World Orchestra\, which tours Europe each summer. In 2021\, he won the Italy Percussive Arts Society jazz vibraphone competition\, the largest of its kind. He earned a B.M. from Temple University in 2023\, studying with Tony Miceli and Bruce Barth\, and endorses Malletech instruments and mallets. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/oliver-mayman-quartet/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/OliverMaymanPhoto.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260723T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260723T213000
DTSTAMP:20260424T182027Z
CREATED:20260424T182027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182027Z
UID:10000307-1784833200-1784842200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Kenji Lee Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Thur | Jul 23	\n\n	Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Kenji Lee is a Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist\, composer-improviser\, arts advocate\, and educator merging the intersections of art\, community\, and equity. Lee “has quickly become a mainstay in the local jazz and improvisational music scene\, while also making a name for himself nationally.” (A2 Pulp). \nAs a saxophonist and double-bassist\, Lee has performed with many of the leading forces in Jazz and Creative Music including Wayne Horvitz\, Pete Siers\, Robert Hurst\, Dr. Prof. Leonard King\, Marion Hayden\, Kayvon Gordon\, Mr. B\, Lex Korten\, RJ Spangler and the Planet D Nonet\, Jeff Pedraz\, and Andy Milne. \nLee’s debut full-length album\, “Kyudo”\, inspired by the Japanese martial art of archery\, features his Fortune Teller Trio (Lee on saxophones\, Andy Peck on double bass and Jonathan Barahal Taylor on percussion) with special guest\, vocalist Estar Cohen. The album was released to critical acclaim and the ensemble was subsequently selected as a featured artist at both the 2023 Detroit International Jazz Festival and Edgefest 28 in Ann Arbor. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/kenji-lee-quartet/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/kenji-lee-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T183000
DTSTAMP:20260521T151754Z
CREATED:20260424T183156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T151754Z
UID:10000310-1784908800-1784917800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Swing Happy Hour: Kerrytown Stompers
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Jul 24	\n\n	5:00 – 6:30pm | No Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	The Kerrytown Stompers are thrilled to return to the Blue Llama Jazz Club to bring Swingin’ “Hot Jazz”\, performed by an All-Star Sextet. Specializing in Early Jazz from 1917 to 1940\, you will hear\, see and feel the reason this music has become so important in American culture. This music is instantly uplifting and fun. Not to be missed! \nDave Kosmyna- cornet\nRay Heitger- clarinet\nChris Smith- trombone\nChris Tabaczynski- bass saxophone\nAlex Belhaj- guitar\nPete Siers- drums\, washboard\n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/swing-happy-hour-kerrytown-stompers-7/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kerrytown-stompers.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260724T220000
DTSTAMP:20260424T182154Z
CREATED:20260424T182154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182154Z
UID:10000311-1784919600-1784930400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Jocelyn Gould
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Jul 24	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	2021 JUNO Award winner Jocelyn Gould has been called “a leader in the next generation of great mainstream jazz guitarists” by Howard Paul\, CEO of Benedetto Guitars. Her joyful energy has captivated audiences around the world and her passion for music is as infectious as her unique ability to connect with audiences. Jocelyn has absorbed the influences of the jazz guitar greats and has woven them into an exciting personal sound\, citing Wes Montgomery\, Grant Green\, Joe Pass and Kenny Burrell as primary influences on the guitar. \nJocelyn has performed and recorded internationally as a leader and with GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Freddy Cole\, JUNO-winning trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg\, DownBeat Trombonist of the Year Michael Dease\, Etienne Charles\, Jon Gordon\, Rodney Whitaker\, Randy Napoleon and Diego Rivera. \nJocelyn’s debut album\, Elegant Traveler\, won the 2021 JUNO Award for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo. \nGolden Hour\, Jocelyn’s sophomore album\, showcases her virtuosic guitar playing and dynamic compositions\, and introduces her voice. It has received international critical acclaim and radio play including extensive play on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Golden Hour reached #1 on Canadian and #9 on North American college radio jazz charts. Jocelyn’s Golden Hour Tour took place in June 2022 with performances at 11 Canadian Jazz Festivals. \nJocelyn toured extensively in 2022\, including a 6-week American tour featuring the music of Bessie Smith\, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. She will begin 2023 with a two-month North American tour from Florida to Alaska as one of four guitarists featured in a concert of solo guitar. \nJocelyn Gould is a Benedetto-endorsed artist. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jocelyn-gould/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jocelyn-gould.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260726T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260726T203000
DTSTAMP:20260424T182433Z
CREATED:20260424T182433Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T182433Z
UID:10000312-1785088800-1785097800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Paul Vornhagen Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Jul 26	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	“On the recent Paul Vornhagen Quartet release recorded live at the Blue LLama Jazz Club\, Vornhagen has a cool tone on tenor\, swinging away…and also an impressive flute player.” -LOS ANGELES JAZZ SCENE \nPaul VornHagen is an accomplished jazz saxophonist\, flutist\, and vocalist who has won Detroit Music Awards on six separate occasions and categories: Jazz Reeds\, Talent Deserving Wider Recognition\, Instrumentalist\, World Music Recording (2) and Jazz Recording.  Presently living in Ann Arbor\, Michigan where  Paul got his start on the flute in 1972 performing with the University of Michigan dance department as an accompanist.  Mostly self-taught initially\, he studied music at  City College Of San Francisco in 1978-79 followed by classes at the Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.  He has since traveled far and wide from the shores of Hawaii and Mexico to the jazz clubs of San Francisco\, Chicago\, New York City\, Havana (Cuba)\, Paris (France)\, England and the US Virgin Islands. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/paul-vornhagen-quartet-3/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9662.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260729T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260729T213000
DTSTAMP:20260516T234636Z
CREATED:20260424T182547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260516T234636Z
UID:10000313-1785351600-1785360600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Michael Dease  Organ Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Jul 29	\n\n	Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Michael Dease-baritone saxophone/trombone\nChris Collins-tenor & baritone saxophone\nJim Alfredson-hammond organ\nKeith Hall-drums\nMichael Dease is one of the world’s eminent trombonists\, lending his versatile sound and signature improvisations to over 200 recordings and groups as diverse as Grammy winning artists David Sanborn\, Christian McBride\, Michel Camilo\, and Alicia Keys. Born in Augusta\, GA\, he played the saxophone and trumpet before choosing the trombone at age 17. In 2001\, Dease moved to New York City to become part of the historic first class of jazz students at The Juilliard School\, earning both Bachelors and Masters degrees\, and quickly established a reputation as a brilliant soloist\, sideperson\, and bandleader.Best Next Thing (Posi-Tone\, 2022)\, Dease’s newest release\, his ninth on Posi-Tone\, gathers together an assemblage of exceptional musicians to help him interactively explore the essence of the blues and reframe the abstract truths of jazz as the “Best Next Thing “for today’s audience of listeners. \nDease\, the winner of the 69th Annual DownBeat Magazine Poll for Trombonist of the Year and multi-Grammy award winner\, is also a sought-after lead\, section and bass trombonist with today’s leading jazz orchestras. His experiences include bands led by Christian McBride\, Roy Hargrove\, Nicholas Payton\, Charles Tolliver\, Rufus Reid\, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. However\, it is on the frontline of quintets and sextets led by master musicians like The Heath Brothers\, Winard Harper\, Renee Rosnes\, Bill Charlap\, Claudio Roditi\, and Lewis Nash\, where Dease has revitalized the trombone’s image. Not content to simply improvise\, Dease arranges and composes for many different bands\, constantly adjusting his tone and timbre to add just the right flavor to the music. \nDease’s unique blend of curiosity\, hard work and optimism has helped him earn worldwide recognition\, including awards from ASCAP\, The International Trombone Association\, Yamaha\, Eastern Trombone Workshop\, New York Youth Symphony\, Hot House Magazine\, Michigan State University\, among others. Dease was profiled in Cicily Janus’ book\, The New Face of Jazz: An Intimate Look at Today’s Living Legends (Random House). His experience in the studio has led him to produce several recording sessions for emerging artists\, often composing and writing liner notes for the releases. \nDease’s singular talent has made him an effective and prolific teacher\, resulting in invitations\, master classes and residencies at University of North Texas\, Scranton University\, University of Iowa\, Florida State College\, Broward College\, and many institutions abroad. He serves as Professor of Jazz Trombone at the renowned Michigan State University jazz program and has also been on faculty at Queens College – CUNY\, The New School and North-eastern University. Many of Dease’s current and former students are enjoying successful careers in the music world. \nAlways an informed\, but forward-thinking musician\, Dease learned the craft from trombone legends Wycliffe Gordon and Joseph Alessi. His associations have run the entire spectrum of musical experience: Alicia Keys\, Paul Simon\, Paul Schaffer and the CBS Orchestra\, Elton John\, Neal Diamond\, Illinois Jacquet\, Slide Hampton & The World of Trombones\, Fred Wesley\, Maceo Parker\, WDR Big Band\, George Gruntz\, Billy Harper\, and numerous others. \nDease enjoys spending every possible minute with his extraordinary wife and Professor of Percussion at MSU\, Gwendolyn Dease\, and their daughters Brooklyn & Charley. Michael Dease is a Yamaha Performing Artist and uses Pickett Brass and Vandoren mouthpieces exclusively. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/michael-dease-3/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/michael-dease.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260730T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260730T213000
DTSTAMP:20260625T171541Z
CREATED:20260424T182642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T171541Z
UID:10000314-1785438000-1785447000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Zen Zadravec Quintet
DESCRIPTION:THURS | Jul 30\nSets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n RESERVE TABLE  \n\nAbout the Artist\nWith a rich international career spanning decades and continents\, pianist and composer Zen Zadravec has established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz. Performing worldwide as a bandleader\, collaborator\, and educator\, his work is grounded in the belief that music functions as a form of creative communication-an expressive language shaped by human experience and guided by a clear humanistic perspective.  \nZadravec’s musical identity reflects a synthesis of tradition and forward motion. Drawing inspiration from masters such as Chick Corea\, Herbie Hancock\, Kenny Barron\, and Kenny Kirkland\, he has developed a personal sound that combines sophisticated harmonic language\, expressive melodic development\, and a strong rhythmic foundation. His approach emphasizes clarity of intent\, with composition and improvisation working together as integrated elements of a unified artistic voice.  \nOver the course of his career\, Zadravec has performed and collaborated with a wide range of leading figures in the international jazz community\, including Ron Carter\, Louis Hayes\, Karriem Riggins\, Ali Jackson\, Mike Pope\, Mark Whitfield Jr.\, Mark Gross\, Derrick Gardner\, Vincent Gardner\, Freddie Hendrix\, Sean Jones\, Steve Turre\, and Conrad Herwig. His work has also reached broader audiences through appearances on major radio and television platforms such as The Whoopi Goldberg Radio Show (WKTU)\, The Wendy Williams Show\, and NBC’s Today Show alongside Gloria Gaynor.  \nHe currently leads two original projects: the Zen Zadravec Quintet and the fusion-oriented ensemble Human Revolution\, both of which are actively performing on the international stage. His latest release\, New Paradigm (Marmite Records)\, continues to generate international attention\, further establishing his presence within the contemporary jazz landscape.  \nIn addition to his performance and compositional work\, Zadravec remains deeply committed to education\, mentoring emerging musicians and contributing to the ongoing development of the jazz tradition. His performances reflect a balance of artistic maturity\, contemporary expression\, and a direct connection with audiences-reinforcing his role as a compelling and evolving voice in modern jazz.  \n\n RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/zen-zadravec-quintet/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/zen-zadravec-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260731T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260731T220000
DTSTAMP:20260618T144725Z
CREATED:20260424T182801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T144725Z
UID:10000308-1785524400-1785535200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Paxton/Spangler Septet
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Jul 31	\n\n	Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	This recording by the Paxton/Spangler septet lives up to its name\, Ugqozi\, which translates from isiZulu as “inspiration.” This inspiration is layered and can be felt and understood on various levels. On the outside there is the special attention to South African jazz\, a very longstanding interest for both T-Bone Paxton and RJ Spangler. I remember myself playing with them as a young man in the 70s when they were revealing their inspiration gathered by progressive big band music by the likes of Chris McGregor’s Brotherhood of Breath or Sun Ra’s Intergalactic Arkestra in groups such as Kuumba (Kiswahili for “Creativity”- again the idea of ugqozi) and later\, the Sun Messengers. There\nis also the sense of inspiration revealed in the synergy between the septet and the various guest artists (Including Kirk Krahnke whose collaboration with the leaders also harkens back in the day to the 70s). The simpatico musicians blended seamlessly to assist in a band sound\, a unique flavor that all great bands must achieve\, through instrumental blend\, arrangements\, aesthetic understanding and much more.\n“Water No Get Enemy” brings us to the sounds of Fela Kuti’s Nigeria. The grit and funk of Alex Harding’s baritone playing reminds us that his was the anchoring voice of the Broadway hit “Fela.” Dan Bennett gives us a Kuti-esque solo in sound and range\, more peripatetic than display of velocity. That bari sax! Ugozi is indeed an important release\, balancing accessibility with progressive yearning. Wenzekhale!\n-Salim Washington\, 2022\n“The Paxton/Spangler Septet express a deep cultural understanding of the socio-political realities that were at play in South Africa. They have taken seminal works by one of South Africa’s most revered jazz icons and entered a human story replete with pain\, suffering\, joy and hope.”\n-Butchie Seroto\, Music in Africa (South Africa)\n“This feeling of freedom is captured perfectly in The Paxton/Spangler Septet’s interpretations. Not to keep this feeling of joy would be a crime to South African jazz\, but the Detroit group nail it.”\n-Robbie McGrail\, Jazz Revelations (UK)\n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/paxton-spangler-septet/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/paxton-spangler.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260801T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260801T220000
DTSTAMP:20260608T161821Z
CREATED:20260608T161821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T161821Z
UID:10000331-1785610800-1785621600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Chris Collins & DJF All-Stars: In Music & Spirit; John Coltrane
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Aug 1	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Chris Collins and the Detroit Jazz Fest All Stars present “In Music and Spirit; John Coltrane” for this special Japan Tour Homecoming Performance! \nThe 2026 Detroit Jazz Festival All-Star  Band is comprised of leading Detroit Jazz Festival artists from varied generations and backgrounds. This iteration of the All-Stars celebrate the Coltrane Centennial (1926-2026) performing original works inspired by Coltrane’s spirit and new interpretations of Coltrane’s compositions. \nChris Collins- saxophones\nCliff Monear- Piano\nNick Calandro- Bass\nDavid Taylor- Drums\nGreg Comonal- Guitar\n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/djf-all-stars/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/djf-john-coltrane.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260802T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260802T203000
DTSTAMP:20260630T154718Z
CREATED:20260603T180924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T154718Z
UID:10000329-1785693600-1785702600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Todd Marcus - Virginia MacDonald Quintet
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Aug 2	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Todd Marcus – bass clarinet\nVirginia MacDonald – clarinet\nXavier Davis – piano\nBlake Meister – bass\nEric Kennedy – drums\nSince 2022\, Baltimore bass clarinetist Todd Marcus and Toronto clarinetist Virginia MacDonald have been performing and touring together across the United States and Canada with their quintet. Their work together presents a lush ensemble that showcases the range of beauty and power by the clarinet in a modern jazz context\, with repertoire comprised of original compositions by both bandleaders. They have performed at jazz festivals and prominent venues internationally including Smalls Jazz Club\, the Toronto Jazz Festival\, the International Clarinet Association\, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. \nPlaying the clarinet is challenging (due technical and volume complexities) which leads most woodwind musicians to use saxophones and avoid using clarinets in more intense modern jazz. While the clarinet has a rich history in traditional New Orleans and Dixieland music\, swing era big band contexts\, and avant-garde free playing\, it is significantly underutilized in modern straight-ahead jazz. \nMarcus and MacDonald have filled this gap for the clarinet in modern jazz.  Their unique solo and compositional voices have established a prominence and international reputation on their instruments in jazz today. Their musical partnership showcases the versatility of the clarinet and captures audiences with a new and unique musical experience. \n“Mr. Marcus is probably the most inventive bass clarinetist working in straight-ahead jazz today…[and] lives in Baltimore\, where he is a guiding light on the city’s jazz scene who doubles as an activist and organizer.”  – New York Times \n“[Virginia] is one of the only people I’ve heard get that completely soulful essence that you get on the saxophone; she gets it on the clarinet. She’s got her own voice.” Grammy Award winning trombonist Michael Dease\, London Jazz News \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/todd-marcus-quintet/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/todd-virgina.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260805T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260805T213000
DTSTAMP:20260603T181451Z
CREATED:20260603T181451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T181451Z
UID:10000328-1785956400-1785965400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Lisa Sung Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Aug 5	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Lisa Sung is an award-winning jazz educator and performer who received the highest artistic development award\, the John Sites Jazz Award\, in 2022.   \nLisa has performed and recorded with Terell Stafford\, Rodney Whitaker\, Ron McClure\, Stafford Hunter\, Rob Smith\, Thomas Knific\, Diego Rivera\, Dmitri Methany\, Jordan VanHemert\, John Webber\, and many other prominent musicians. Lisa’s passion is to interpret Asian Melodie into jazz. Her latest album Half Moon consists of traditional Korean children’s songs. \nMs. Sung is an adjunct professor at Calvin University and Aquinas College. She also directs Calvin University’s jazz band and co-directs the gospel choir. This fall\, Ms. Sung began her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program at the University of Michigan and was honored with the prestigious Rachem Merit Fellowship. Lisa studied at Temple University with Terell Stafford\, and Thomas Lawton\, and completed her graduate studies at NYU with Ron McClure\, and Don Friedman.  \nShe was recently sponsored by JSJA and had a successful Indonesia\, Korea\, and Vietnam tour. Lisa Sung Trio was featured in CNN Indonesia\, where they played a variety of Indonesian Children’s Songs and music from Lisa Sung’s latest album Half Moon. Lisa’s quartet also performed Vietnamese Children’s Songs at the first International Jazz Festival in Nha Trang which was broadcast nationally.  \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/lisa-sung-quartet-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/lisa-sung-piano.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T213000
DTSTAMP:20260608T162330Z
CREATED:20260608T162330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T162330Z
UID:10000341-1786042800-1786051800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Blou Reed
DESCRIPTION:Thurs | Aug 6	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Make your night at Blue LLama Jazz Club with Blou Reed! \nBlou Reed is a band which combines the funk stylings of Roy Hargrove and Endea Owens with the beat and groove of The Jazz Messengers. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/blou-reed-1/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blou-reed.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T213000
DTSTAMP:20260610T134301Z
CREATED:20260603T181633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T134301Z
UID:10000332-1786129200-1786138200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Olivia Van Goor Sings the Music of Anita O'Day
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Aug 7	\n\n	Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Olivia Van Goor returns to the Blue LLama Jazz Club honoring one of her greatest vocal inspirations: Anita O’Day. A self-described “song stylist\,” Anita brought a bold\, innovative sound to jazz that captivated Olivia early in her career. Through iconic recordings like “Tea for Two” and “Sweet Georgia Brown\,” as well as hidden gems such as “Waiter\, Make Mine Blues” and “Hershey Bar\,” Olivia will trace Anita’s remarkable journey-a story of both triumph and turbulence. Joined by a stellar jazz trio\, Olivia invites you to experience the legacy of a woman who defied the mold of the typical “girl singer” and reshaped the sound of vocal jazz forever. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/olivia-van-goor-quartet-5/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ovg.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260808T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260808T220000
DTSTAMP:20260603T181855Z
CREATED:20260603T181855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T181855Z
UID:10000333-1786215600-1786226400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Shahida Nurullah & Good Company
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Aug 8	\n\n	Sets at 7pm and 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Shahida’s vocal talent has been praised in Downbeat magazine\, the New York Times\, the Detroit Free Press and Finland’s Rytmi magazine\, which included her name in a poll alongside such legends as Sarah Vaughan and fellow Detroiter Betty Carter. Like everything else\, Shahida has been more than equal to the task\, returning to the stage with a triumphant appearance at the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival and numerous southeast Michigan club appearances and even winning a starring role in a staging of the musical play “After Hours: Great Legends! Great Music!”  \nShe sings the blues so beautifully. She also sings jazz\, samba\, bossa nova\, show tunes\, and more. Her vocal talent surpasses the challenges of any music in the popular American songbook. Not to mention singing in three different languages. Shahida Nurulla has wowed audiences from her native Detroit to New York to Paris to Amsterdam and further.    \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/shahida-nurullah-good-company-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shahida-nurullah.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260809T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260809T203000
DTSTAMP:20260622T174048Z
CREATED:20260622T174048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T174048Z
UID:10000347-1786298400-1786307400@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Jordan Anderson Trio
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Aug 9	\n\n	Sets 6pm and 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Known for his dynamic bandstand presence and creative approach to improvisation\, Jordan Anderson is a musical force of his generation. Born in Minneapolis\, Minnesota\, Jordan began piano lessons at the age of 7 and by his early teens he sought tutelage from some of Twin Cities’ leading voices in Black American Music\, most notably Detroit’s own Solomon Parham. He took his talents to the University of Michigan\, furthering his pianistic skills Benny Green and Andy Milne. After completing his Masters of Fine Arts in jazz studies at Michigan State University\, Jordan moved to Detroit where he can be found performing in a variety of styles ranging from straight-ahead jazz to house and hip-hop. \nHe is a frequent member of groups led by notable Detroit musicians such as Vincent Chandler\, Allen Dennard\, Russ Macklem\, and Kasan Belgrave to name a few. Within these ensembles\, Jordan can be found playing piano\, keyboards\, synth bass and organ. In October 2024\, Jordan recorded his debut record – a trio project of straight-ahead and contemporary original material. The album is set for\nrelease in spring 2025. Jordan was a winner of the Rubato International Piano Competition in August 2023.\nHe is also a prolific educator in Michigan and had the distinct honor of holding the jazz piano chair for Interlochen’s summer jazz camp in 2022 and 2023. Most recently\, Jordan has been selected as a mentor-fellow for Stanford’s summer jazz workshop 2024-2025. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jordan-anderson-trio-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jordan-anderson.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260812T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260812T213000
DTSTAMP:20260707T154016Z
CREATED:20260707T154016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T154016Z
UID:10000348-1786561200-1786570200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Jauron Perry
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Aug 12	\n\n	Sets at 7pm & 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Jauron Perry is an upcoming Detroit trumpeter\, composer\, bandleader\, and educator in jazz studies at Michigan State University. Recognized with the Next Generation of Talent award\, Jauron has extensive experience working with Detroit jazz masters like Rodney Whitaker\, Regina Carter\, Wendell Harrison\, as well as sensations such as Christian McBride\, Wynton Marsalis\, Xavier Davis\, Walter Blanding\, and Michael Dease. He is a Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra Fellow. Jauron has shared the stage with popular artists\, appearing in the Motown Hitsville band opening for The Commodores\, playing for T-Pain in the Urban Art Orchestra\, and playing for Shakira at the Little Caesars Arena. He has been featured in prominent events such as the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival. Jauron won the 2024 Michigan Jazz Festival Rising Horn Competition and the Detroit Jazz Festival’s International Collegiate Combo Competition. He also toured Japan at just 19 years old. \nConsistently working with his own band\, the Jauron Perry Quintet\, he performs across Michigan and is working towards breaking into other scenes around the country. The quintet recorded live during their debut set at the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival\, creating Jauron’s debut album. The Jauron Perry Quintet is making a significant impact on the Metro-Detroit scene. Their dynamic performances garner much attention\, and Jauron sets his sights on broader horizons to take his band to bigger stages and festivals. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/jauron-perry/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-25-at-11.32.24 AM.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260813T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260813T213000
DTSTAMP:20260603T182059Z
CREATED:20260603T182059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182059Z
UID:10000338-1786647600-1786656600@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Aguankó
DESCRIPTION:Thu | Aug 13	\n\n	Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Aguanko is a Latin jazz septet from the Detroit area\, led by percussionist and composer Alberto Nacif. The band’s music is deeply rooted in Cuban jazz and features original compositions that blend jazz with Son-Salsa rhythms. Nacif\, who was born in Oaxaca\, Mexico\, began playing percussion at a young age and has studied with renowned Cuban masters. Aguanko has gained national and international recognition for their music\, including performances with prominent jazz musicians and multiple award nominations. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/aguanko-5/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/aguanko.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T220000
DTSTAMP:20260603T182220Z
CREATED:20260603T182220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182220Z
UID:10000334-1786734000-1786744800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Allen Dennard Quintet
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Aug 14	\n\n	Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Allen Dennard is a trumpeter\, composer\, recording artist\, bandleader and activist who was born and raised in the city of Detroit\, Michigan. At the age of 9 Allen decided to join his elementary school’s band\, John Trix Elementary. From then on he never put the trumpet down\, finding a whole new passion for instrumental music. In 5th grade Allen was introduced to jazz\, but his understanding and liking toward it was not yet found. Throughout middle school Allen decided to stop playing jazz and took up classical music instead. Little did he know that in the near future he’d come to find himself feeling restricted while playing classical music. Throughout high school\, he still chose to play classically\, but around the 10th grade he decided to dive back into jazz. From then on he chose jazz as his musical style. He began to study players such as Freddie Hubbard\, Miles Davis\, Woody Shaw\, Lee Morgan\, and Roy Hargrove just to name a few. Around his senior year of high school Allen had the privilege of being mentored by the great Marcus Belgrave\, one of Detroit’s own legendary trumpeters and educators. Since then\, Allen’s involvement in jazz increased exponentially. \nDennard has released three recorded projects as a band leader in his musical career thus-far\, one being his debut project “Stepping In” which was released in 2018\, his debut album “Flashback” which was released in 2022 and nominated for a Detroit Music Award in 2023\, and his latest 2025 release “Black Valley” that was released on Motor City Wine’s record label in Detroit\, MI. Allen has three of his own groups\, the Allen Dennard Trio\, the Allen Dennard Quartet and the Allen Dennard Quintet. All groups have been headliners in venues around Detroit\, Metro-Detroit\, the entire state of Michigan and within the Midwest.  \nAllen still resides in Detroit\, focusing on furthering his musical career in the local\, national and international music scene. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/allen-dennard-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/allen-dennard.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260815T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260815T220000
DTSTAMP:20260603T182409Z
CREATED:20260603T182409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T182409Z
UID:10000335-1786820400-1786831200@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Kevin Jones and Tenth World
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Aug 15	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Tenth World is a group formed by Kevin Jones and pianist/composer\, Kelvin Sholar through a partnership created back in 1999 in New York City. Together Jones and Sholar formed a collective of young talented master musicians on the cusp of realizing a new and creative sound that combined the harmonic sensibilities of Jazz and Soul with the rhythms of the African Diaspora. The nucleus of Tenth World formed around Kelvin Sholar’s group Esoterica which was a quartet. Other members were added; Saxophonist Brian Horton\, Drummer Jaimeo Brown\, Trumpeter Kevin Louis and both Bassists Damon Warmack out of Detroit and Joshua David Barrett out of New Jersey worked interchangeably. \nJones and Sholar’s first attempt at recording a project was a project called Land Of Eternal Tranquil Light which proved to be a bit too eclectic spanning to wide a variety of genres. Their next recording project was entitled “Tenth World” which was picked up by Motema Music and produced by percussionist Babatunde Lea and Kelvin Sholar. This recording went on to be widely acclaimed and proved to be a seminal sound of the label and stands as a monument to the compositional and musicianship of the members. Included on that album were George Makinto; formerly Miriam Makeba’s musical director on flute\, piano and percussion and acclaimed percussionist Luisito Quintero who both would join the band at different intervals during their tenure. \nA second album was recorded called\, “Tenth World Live” which drew even more acclaim for the group. During 2007 and 2008 many of the members left New York to pursue individual goals. Kelvin moved to Berlin\, Germany where he now lives\, Kevin Louis went back to his home town of New Orleans where he teaches\, Brian Horton is now ready to receive his Doctorate in Music out of the University of North Texas and Jaimeo Brown has his own successful trio which is called “Transcendence”\, Josh David Barrett has his own band called Judah Tribe and also plays with the Wailers. \nMore recently Kevin has relocated to Michigan and reformed this group with a variety of musicians both local and from afar. \nThe band is now set to record a forth album as the members have agreed to come together to break new ground. Some of the material for this album is already recorded they plan to finish this album in the coming months. \nThis group has played a host of festivals and clubs throughout the world. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/kevin-jones-tenth-world/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/kevin-jones.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260816T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260816T210000
DTSTAMP:20260714T155342Z
CREATED:20260618T132350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T155342Z
UID:10000345-1786903200-1786914000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Braxton Cook
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Aug 16	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 8pm\n$85 Dinner & Show\n$40 Cover Only\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	When the vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Braxton Cook first started working on the album that would become Not Everyone Can Go\, his life was going through a number of transitions that he just couldn’t ignore. Last year\, Cook spent lots of time on the road – in Europe and Asia\, along with two United States tours. “I was just very busy\, and trying to juggle that with family\, it was a lot to manage\,” Cook said. In a moment of self-reflection\, he looked back on the past year\, noticed a theme emerging\, and came to this conclusion: It was OK to let go of things that weren’t serving him any longer. Transitions were natural as he stepped into fatherhood. “It was only pushing me more in that direction of understanding\,” he continued. “There’s grief that comes along with having to let certain things go to make time for the things I truly value.” \nOne can hear Cook breaking through on Not Everyone Can Go\, a mix of jazz and R&B that feels indebted to similar hybrids of yesteryear. Musically\, the album conjures images of bright evening sunshine\, when the temperature begins to cool. Not quite Quiet Storm\, instead\, Not Everyone Can Go dabbles between the margins\, which won’t surprise those who’ve followed Cook to this point. Across albums like Somewhere In Between\, No Doubt and Who Are You When No One Is Watching?\, he’s made a career of blurring the lines between genres\, landing on a sound that isn’t one thing\, in particular. While that’s made his music tough to pin down\, that also makes it all the more intriguing. That you can’t label it just R&B or just jazz lends to the music’s attraction. \nThe making of the album also represents a breakthrough for Cook. It was the most collaborative process of his career where he further integrated into his musical network in Los Angeles. Vocal features include NNAVY (“Weekend”) and Marie Dahlstrom (“All My Life”)\, and additional producers include Bubele on “Bad\,” Austin Brown of Hablot Brown on “We’ve Come So Far”\, and bassist Kaveh Ragestar (Kneebody) on “All My Life.” Musically\, he and his bandmates would improvise and let the energy flow however it needed. One can hear this free-flow on the album’s instrumental tracks – “Zodiac\,” “Kingdom Come\,” “My Sun” (featuring Elijah Cook)\, and “Josh’s Tune.” \nLyrically\, parts of the album address Cook’s realization that life will get better\, that even though it’s challenging right now\, “the future is bright\,” as he sings on the track “My Everything\,” the album’s first single. “It’s about a man who continued to selfishly follow his own dreams at the sake of missing the big picture\,” Cook said. “And I’m telling myself\, ‘We’re going to work through a rough patch here\, but things will turn around.” To emphasize that creative focus\, Not Everyone Can Go follows the trek of conflict\, from where a romantic relationship is going through challenges to when the couple makes it to the other side. The album soundtracks that journey without placing blame on one person or the other. Rather\, Cook assesses his own role in the disconnect\, as if doing the necessary self work to show up fully for his significant other. “I put ‘My Everything’ near the beginning to establish the conflict\,” he said. “Then we work our way through it. By the time we get to ‘We’ve Come So Far\,’ it’s a moment of gratitude and a breath in the record – a pop song that’s like\, ‘Wait a second\, we’re going to be alright.'” \n The album’s second half incorporates love songs about the rediscovery of affection. The track “Bad\,” which takes sonic cues from late-’90s R&B\, with its slow\, body-rolling pace and lush electric keys\, finds Cook singing about dating his partner with renewed romance. The same goes for “All My Life.” Here\, the singer sounds transfixed\, akin to the time when you see your partner again\, after the storm has passed and the connection feels fresh once more. These songs speak to the kind of cycle found in most relationships\, when the day-to-day gets shaky and serious decisions need to be made. But where some decide to part ways in search of someone new\, Cook\, through these songs\, opts to fight for love. Because the partnership is too genuine and there’s a lot of history at stake. “The last part of the album is the action for me\,” Cook said. “It’s the act of rebuilding these relationships the way that I want and the way that I see them\, and that’s what those love songs are about. ‘Bad’ is very much about taking my wife back out on a date. As if we were just courting each other all over again.” \nUltimately\, though\, Not Everyone Can Go is about embracing change\, that when seasons arrive where moves are inevitable\, you have to lean into them. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/braxton-cook/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/braxton-cook.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260819T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260819T213000
DTSTAMP:20260707T154525Z
CREATED:20260707T154525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T154525Z
UID:10000349-1787166000-1787175000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Third Coast Swing
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Aug 19	\n\n	Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Third Coast Swing has been playing the music of The late Belgium born Romani Gypsy\, Django Reinhardt & his band\, The Hot Club Of Paris 1930′-1940’s. Think Louis Armstrong with a French accent. Third Coast Swing has changed it up a bit and is currently touring with the Detroit native Dave Bennett\, Violinist Grant Flick \, Vocalist Ella Jury Jarvis\, & Pianist Andrew Henley. Ella and our guitarist Kaedin Plummer did a deep dive on early jazz classics by Fitzgerald\, Sarah Vaughan and Billy Holiday and then arranged these songs to fit Third Coast Swings eclectic style. \nThird Coast Swing has performed with National Touring acts such as Frank Vignola\, Denis Chang\, Jimmy Grant\, Dave Bennett\, The Midwest Gypsy Jazz Fest in Madison\, WI in April 2022 and Feb 2023. Third Coast has been playing MI festivals as of late and would love to continue that tradition in 2023. \nVocals- Ella J\nGuitar- Erik Mclyntre\nGuitar- Stephen Plummer\nBass- Kaedin Plummer\n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/third-coast-swing-3/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/third-coast-swing-august.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260821T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260821T213000
DTSTAMP:20260707T154929Z
CREATED:20260707T154929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T154929Z
UID:10000350-1787338800-1787347800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:La Tanya Hall Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Fri | Aug 21	\n\n	Sets 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Vocalist La Tanya Hall’s versatility in a variety of musical genres has allowed her to travel the world and work with some of the world’s most celebrated artists\, including Steely Dan\, Seal\, Diana Ross\, Bobby McFerrin\, Michael McDonald\, Quincy Jones\, Rob Thomas\, Michael Feinstein\, Patti Labelle\, Harry Belafonte\, Steve Tyrell and Aretha Franklin. She has also appeared as a solo artist in her own right with the American Composers Orchestra\, The Denver Symphony\, and the St. Louis Symphony and at jazz clubs around the world. Her new record\, Say Yes (Blue Canoe Records) debuted in November of 2020 and has garnered rave reviews\, including being named one of the top ten vocal jazz albums for 2020. \nHall is also an active educator\, teaching clinics in Basel\, Switzerland for the Stimmen (Voice) Festival\, as well as teaching master classes on vocal performance and the Great American Songbook for various institutions in the US. She created the first vocal jazz degree program at Oberlin Conservatory eight years ago and continues to teach there as an associate professor of jazz voice. In addition\, she was an adjunct professor at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in Manhattan for 12 years. \nLa Tanya is an accomplished actress\, having lent her skills to numerous voice-over projects\, Broadway shows\, movie and television appearances. TV shows include Blue Bloods (Sabine Winston)\, Law & Order\, 100 Centre Street\, The Sopranos and Now and Again. Broadway and theater appearances include Cotton Club Parade with jazz master Wynton Marsalis; the role of Deena in the last national tour of Dreamgirls; Promises\, Promises for City Center Encore Series; and Sally in A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/la-tanya-hall-quartet/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/la-tanya-hall.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260822T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260822T220000
DTSTAMP:20260707T155126Z
CREATED:20260707T155126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T155126Z
UID:10000351-1787425200-1787436000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Sean Dobbins Organ Trio ft. Tiffany Gridiron
DESCRIPTION:Sat | Aug 22	\n\n	Sets at 7pm & 9pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	The Sean Dobbins Organ Trio ft. vocalist Tiffany Gridiron! \nSean Dobbins got his start as sought-after Detroit area jazz sideman at a young age\, when he would regularly play with Blue Note artist Louis Smith. As Sean’s Career progressed\, he found himself the recipient of many awards and accolades including the “Woody Herman Jazz Award”\, an award for outstanding musicianship\, as well as the Louis Armstrong Scholarship. Due to Sean’s great talent both as a player and an educator\, he has been the focus of countless news articles\, jazz radio programs\, and documentaries. \nThough still young by jazz standards\, Dobbins has amassed an impressive list of playing companions. He has performed/toured/recorded with Johnny Basset\, Benny Golson\, Dr. Lonnie Smith\, Frank Morgan\, Joey DeFrancesco\, George Cables\, James “Blood” Ulmer\, Marcus Belgrave\, Larry Willis\, Rodney Whittaker\, Claude Black\, Johnny O’Neal\, Paul Keller\, Tad Weed\, Kurt Krahnke\, Jon Hendricks\, David “Fathead” Newman\, Donald Walden\, Cyrus Chesnut\, Barry Harris\, David Baker\, Randy Johnston\, Marion Hayden\, Mose Allison\, and a host of other great musicians. \nSean’s sound can best be described as hard-driving\, solid rhythm with refreshing melodic sensibility. Some of Sean’s influences include Art Blakey\, Jeff Hamilton\, Jeff “Tain” Watts\, Ed Thigpen\, Sonny Payne\, as well as Detroit area greats Gerald Cleaver and the one and only Elvin Jones. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sean-dobbins-8/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SeanDobbinsBNW.jpg-sqLg.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260823T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260823T203000
DTSTAMP:20260618T152031Z
CREATED:20260618T152031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T152031Z
UID:10000346-1787508000-1787517000@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Sunny Wilkinson Jazz Quartet
DESCRIPTION:Sun | Aug 23	\n\n	Sets 6pm & 7:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Sunny Wilkinson has taken her place in that elite group of jazz vocalists who have stretched the boundaries and found themselves “one of a kind.” \nSunny has sung with music icons such as The Count Basie Orchestra\, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass\, Clark Terry\, Mark Murphy\, Milt Hinton\, Curtis Fuller and many more.  She has recorded four CDs as leader and numerous guest appearances. “Into the Light\,” her newest CD\, is all about family-not just Wilkinson’s immediate family\, but her extended musical family as well. Featuring her Michigan band\, Ron Newman on piano\, Ed Fedewa on Bass\, and Larry Ochiltree on Drums\, it comprises a stylistic mix of tunes that resonate with Wilkinson because of the stories they tell. The CD features her crystalline voice and impressive ability to convey the heart of a lyric with unadorned honesty. Look for it at CD baby\, Amazon.com. \nSunny has also made significant contributions in jazz education.  She was the head of the vocal jazz program at Michigan State University for eighteen years.  Presently she is adjunct faculty at Western Michigan University and an artist in residence at the University of Michigan. She developed a mentoring program for young women jazz musicians called “Sisters in Jazz” that was taken to an international level through IAJE.  Sunny is very proud of her former students\, many of whom are now the heads of vocal jazz programs at universities around the country and have successful careers as jazz performers and recording artists. \nAn inspirational voice in jazz\, Sunny has a rich stage history\, having performed at jazz festivals\, with symphony orchestras\, and at clubs and music programs across the country. \nLooking ahead\, Ms. Wilkinson is excited and passionate about continuing to share her unique sound with audiences and students everywhere. \n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/sunny-wilkinson-jazz-quartet/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sunny-wilkinson.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260826T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260826T213000
DTSTAMP:20260612T150003Z
CREATED:20260612T150003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T150003Z
UID:10000344-1787770800-1787779800@bluellamaclub.com
SUMMARY:Aya Sekine Trio
DESCRIPTION:Wed | Aug 26	\n\n	Sets at 7pm and 8:30pm | $25 Cover \n			\n							RESERVE TABLE\n					\n			\n\n			About the Artist	\n	Japanese Jazz Pianist Aya Sekine\, with over three decades of cross-continental experience\, has solidified her position as one of Asia’s most illustrious Jazz figures. Recently\, Sekine has relocated to Detroit\, Michigan after being approved for an artist permanent residency (EB-1) in the United States based on her Extraordinary Ability. From her classical piano roots to prestigious stages in New York City and beyond\, Sekine’s journey is marked by a rich tapestry of experiences and seasoned expertise. Renowned for her unique style\, often hailed as genre-bending\, Sekine effortlessly weaves together traditional jazz and abstract expression\, infusing her music with a playful charm and a touch of mischief. Her performances capture audiences in with warmth and allure\, while she swings hard\, and adding her original colour to the classics. Whether collaborating with diverse artists or leading her own band\, Sekine’s magnetic stage presence and transcendent musical mixture continue to captivate audiences\, cementing her status as an iconic figure in the global jazz community. \nAya Sekine – Piano\nJaribu Shahid – Bass\nJonathan Barahal Taylor – Drums\n\n				\n	\n			\n							RESERVE TABLE
URL:https://bluellamaclub.com/event/aya-sekine-trio-3/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bluellamaclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Aya-Sekine-1.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR