There will be two separate seatings at 7:30pm & 9:30pm for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Join us all year to celebrate 20 years since the re-opening of historic Cliff Bell’s! It’s amazing how fast these past two decades have gone! From the early late-night, cigarette-smoke-filled, standing-room-only days to the more refined dinner theatre we are today, we are incredibly thankful. Thankful for the people of Detroit for supporting us and live Jazz as we cross this milestone under the current ownership of Paul Howard, Carolyn Howard and Scott Lowell, their management and staff. We also give thanks to the musicians of Detroit and around the world especially those who have been performing here since the early days and now consider this home base for live Jazz in Detroit, thank you all!
We’re kicking off our anniversary with three nights of Jam Sessions hosted by some of the original guardians of our stage. Drummer, educator and composer Sean Dobbins performs and hosts the exact date of the anniversary February 5th. One of the greatest pianists to every play on our stage, Mike Jellick will be returning from New York on Friday February 6th. And closing out the weekend on Saturday Feb. 7th is De’Sean Jones who has, over-the-years, grown into one of the most fascinating innovators and collaborators that Detroit offers.
Jazz drummer Sean Dobbins got his start as sought-after Detroit area jazz sideman at a young age, when he would regularly play with Blue Note artist Louis Smith. As Sean’s Career progressed, he found himself the recipient of many awards and accolades including the “Woody Herman Jazz Award”, an award for outstanding musicianship, as well as the Louis Armstrong Scholarship. Due to Sean’s great talent both as a player and an educator, he has been the focus of countless news articles and jazz radio programs.
Though 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.
Sean’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, and also Detroit area greats Gerald Cleaver and the one and only Elvin Jones. A product of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, Sean has stayed devoted to education throughout his life. Early mentor Louis Smith, an Ann Arbor Public Schools band teacher, impressed the importance of a good education upon Sean at an early age. Sean is known in his community as a band director, drum teacher and positive influence for many.