Cliff Bell's

New Year's Eve Celebration featuring Drey Skonie and the kLOUDS
2025-12-31 19:30 - 2026-01-01 00:00 (America/Detroit)
Doors open at 6pm. Showtimes are at 7:30p, 10:30p. We also will have a countdown at midnight to ring in the New Year with a 3rd set of music.
Drey Skonie and The kLOUDs Band a.k.a. “Skonie and The kLOUDs” emphasis on the loud. Hailing from the motor city, Detroit, MI. Skonie and The kLOUDs are retro style band, with a new flare. They call themselves the new, old school.
In the past few years, The kLOUDs Band has been shaking up the Detroit Music Scene making the industry take notice. In 2023 Drey Skonie lead singer of the band won “Artist Of The Year” at Motown Museum’s Hitsville Next Amplify Sound Of Detroit singing competition. Then only a month later Skonie and The kLOUDS were also crowned winners of Masterpiece Sound Studios’ Cover Song Contest in honor of the late, legendary Motown songwriter and producer Sylvia Moy with their captivating rendition of Moy’s classic Stevie Wonder Motown hit, “I Was Made To Love Her”. During the competition, Drey met Jackie Wilson’s daughter Brenda Wilson, who was a judge for the competition. Brenda then knew from Drey’s showmanship, that she wanted Drey to play her Dad. Fast forward Drey now plays Jackie Wilson in a TV series entitled “Higher And Higher” coming soon.
The latest album “Rolling Skone” is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and more. They have appeared on stages from The D to Los Angeles rocking crowds with a multifaceted soul, funk, RnB, and techno sound.
Currently “Skonie and The kLOUDs” are recording live in the studio. You can also hear new material and watch performances of the band on YouTube, as well as Instagram @dreyskonie and @thekloudsband.

Trunino Lowe Quintet featuring Marion Hayden
2026-01-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-03 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE 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.
Featuring:

Trunino Lowe – Trumpet/ Band Leader
Marion Hayden – Bass / Featured Artist
Ian Finklestein – Piano
Louis Jones III – Drums
Jeffrey Trent – Saxophone

Marion Hayden has officially added the 2025 Kresge Eminent Artist award to her long list of achievements. The annual award is regarded as metro Detroit’s highest arts honor. Born in Detroit, MI, a crucible of jazz, Marion Hayden is one of the nation’s finest proponents of the acoustic bass. Mentored by master trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, Hayden began performing jazz at the age of 15. She has performed with such diverse luminaries as Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Wilson, Geri Allen, Regina Carter, Steve Turre, Lester Bowie, David Allen Grier, James Carter, Dorothy Donegan, Joe Williams, Lionel Hampton, Frank Morgan, Jon Hendricks, Hank Jones, Bobby Hutcherson, Larry Willis, Vanessa Rubin, Sheila Jordan, Mulgrew Miller, Annie Ross and many others. She is a co-founder of the touring jazz ensemble Straight Ahead- the first all woman jazz ensemble signed to Atlantic Records. She is a member of the Detroit International Jazz Festival All-Star Ambassadors touring ensemble.

Widely recognized as a standard bearer of culture and artistic history, Hayden received a 2019 Art X Grant and a Creators of Culture Grant for original musical works. She was Artistic Director
for a 2018 Knight Arts Foundation Grant encouraging young women in jazz. In 2016 Hayden was honored for her work as a performer and educator with the prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship- a
1 year fellowship and grant award given an elite group of creative artists. She was the recipient of a 2016 Jazz Hero Award.- a national award given by the Jazz Journalists Association-
recognizing people who have made a significant contribution through their artistry and community engagement.

Trunino Lowe is a Grammy Nominated Trumpeter. He is a composer, bandleader, improviser, and educator Born & raised in Detroit, Michigan. Trunino is a Fellow of the Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra, Ravinia Steins Jazz Fellow, and founded the Trunino Lowe Quartet. Finding his love for music began early, but it wasn’t until he attended DSA that he realized he wanted to pursue being a professional musician as a career. Lowe attended Michigan State University under the direction of Rodney Whitaker where he gained new knowledge that expanded his communication and palette with the history of music. It is Trunino’s goal and passion to mentor Detroit’s Youth and help them accomplish their vision for themselves. Being a product of the Detroit music scene he has had the pleasure of being mentored by Detroit Artists such as Rodney Whitaker, Marion Hayden, Naima Shamborguer, Kris Johnson, Vincent Chandler, Marcus Elliot, DeSean Jones, Mahogany Jones, Dwight Adams, & Rayse Biggs. Being a mental health advocate is very important to Trunino and he will use being a part of the jazz lineage of Detroit to continue the Legacy and bring healing to the people.

Trunino has performed with some of the finest musicians the world has to offer. He’s played with the likes of Marion Hayden, Wendell Harrison, Marcus Elliot, Rodney Whitaker, Ralphe Armstrong, Pamela Wise, Kris Johnson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynn Carrington, Jazzmeia Horn ( playing on her upcoming release ), Karriem Riggins, Endea Owens, Russell Hall, Sean Jones, Stefon Harris, Carl Allen, Charles Tolliver, Willerm Delisfort, & others. A JAS Academy student in 2021, A member of the Paradise Big Band led by Kris Johnson and He’s performed on some very prestigious stages such as, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (NYC), Jazz Showcase (CHI), Detroit Jazz Festival, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (DET). He’s Also performed internationally in France, Germany, and Denmark. Trunino believes that music has the ability to enhance our lives and guide us to different levels of consciousness, ultimately improving human interactions on personal, social, and cultural levels globally.

Trunino Lowe Quintet featuring Marion Hayden
2026-01-04 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm
Featuring:

Trunino Lowe – Trumpet/ Band Leader
Marion Hayden – Bass / Featured Artist
Ian Finklestein – Piano
Louis Jones III – Drums
Jeffrey Trent – Saxophone

Marion Hayden has officially added the 2025 Kresge Eminent Artist award to her long list of achievements. The annual award is regarded as metro Detroit’s highest arts honor. Born in Detroit, MI, a crucible of jazz, Marion Hayden is one of the nation’s finest proponents of the acoustic bass. Mentored by master trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, Hayden began performing jazz at the age of 15. She has performed with such diverse luminaries as Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Wilson, Geri Allen, Regina Carter, Steve Turre, Lester Bowie, David Allen Grier, James Carter, Dorothy Donegan, Joe Williams, Lionel Hampton, Frank Morgan, Jon Hendricks, Hank Jones, Bobby Hutcherson, Larry Willis, Vanessa Rubin, Sheila Jordan, Mulgrew Miller, Annie Ross and many others. She is a co-founder of the touring jazz ensemble Straight Ahead- the first all woman jazz ensemble signed to Atlantic Records. She is a member of the Detroit International Jazz Festival All-Star Ambassadors touring ensemble.

Widely recognized as a standard bearer of culture and artistic history, Hayden received a 2019 Art X Grant and a Creators of Culture Grant for original musical works. She was Artistic Director
for a 2018 Knight Arts Foundation Grant encouraging young women in jazz. In 2016 Hayden was honored for her work as a performer and educator with the prestigious Kresge Artist Fellowship- a
1 year fellowship and grant award given an elite group of creative artists. She was the recipient of a 2016 Jazz Hero Award.- a national award given by the Jazz Journalists Association-
recognizing people who have made a significant contribution through their artistry and community engagement.

Trunino Lowe is a Grammy Nominated Trumpeter. He is a composer, bandleader, improviser, and educator Born & raised in Detroit, Michigan. Trunino is a Fellow of the Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra, Ravinia Steins Jazz Fellow, and founded the Trunino Lowe Quartet. Finding his love for music began early, but it wasn’t until he attended DSA that he realized he wanted to pursue being a professional musician as a career. Lowe attended Michigan State University under the direction of Rodney Whitaker where he gained new knowledge that expanded his communication and palette with the history of music. It is Trunino’s goal and passion to mentor Detroit’s Youth and help them accomplish their vision for themselves. Being a product of the Detroit music scene he has had the pleasure of being mentored by Detroit Artists such as Rodney Whitaker, Marion Hayden, Naima Shamborguer, Kris Johnson, Vincent Chandler, Marcus Elliot, DeSean Jones, Mahogany Jones, Dwight Adams, & Rayse Biggs. Being a mental health advocate is very important to Trunino and he will use being a part of the jazz lineage of Detroit to continue the Legacy and bring healing to the people.

Trunino has performed with some of the finest musicians the world has to offer. He’s played with the likes of Marion Hayden, Wendell Harrison, Marcus Elliot, Rodney Whitaker, Ralphe Armstrong, Pamela Wise, Kris Johnson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynn Carrington, Jazzmeia Horn ( playing on her upcoming release ), Karriem Riggins, Endea Owens, Russell Hall, Sean Jones, Stefon Harris, Carl Allen, Charles Tolliver, Willerm Delisfort, & others. A JAS Academy student in 2021, A member of the Paradise Big Band led by Kris Johnson and He’s performed on some very prestigious stages such as, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (NYC), Jazz Showcase (CHI), Detroit Jazz Festival, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (DET). He’s Also performed internationally in France, Germany, and Denmark. Trunino believes that music has the ability to enhance our lives and guide us to different levels of consciousness, ultimately improving human interactions on personal, social, and cultural levels globally.

the Swing Syndicate Jazz Lab
2026-01-07 19:00, 2026-02-04 19:00, 2026-03-04 19:00, 2026-04-01 19:00, 2026-05-06 19:00, 2026-06-03 19:00
Schedule of performances

7:00 – 7:45 high school jazz band performance
8:15 – 9:15 Swing Syndicate Big Band performance
9:30 – 10:00 Jam session hosted by the Swing Syndicate

Swing Syndicate is a 16 piece Big Band formed by Travis Cook and Mike Wiese. Both seasoned veterans of the Metro-Detroit jazz scene, Cook and Wiese wanted to play in a band that performed with power and style to make an indelible impression on the Detroit jazz scene. The resulting group is a hard-hitting combination of Metro-Detroit’s finest talent performing traditional Big Band Jazz at it’s finest.
In coordination with Cliff Bell’s commitment to Jazz mentorship the Swing Syndicate will be featuring a different High School Jazz Band to perform with them every month. All performances will be followed by a open Jam Session. If you’re a local band director and would be interested in having your High School Band perform at Cliff Bell’s please reach out to Phil@cliffbells.com.

The Detroit Jazz Project
2026-01-09 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
The Detroit Jazz Project is the creation of Mark Hershberger who began studying Jazz and playing in the University AFRAM Big learning from greats including Marcus Belgrave, Sam Sanders, Jimmy Allen, Doc Holiday, and Ed Pickens. The big band hosted special guest legends such as the Jones brothers. He later studied Jazz and Classical Music and played in the Jazz and Concert Bands at Eastern Michigan University. During and after attending The University of Michigan, Mark led and played in multiple Jazz groups in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Mark began playing professionally as a solo artist and in small latin jazz groups and then formed a music publishing company in 1980. He performed in Motown with STAX greats such as “Sam and Dave” and Cecil Womack.
In his early twenties he began in Ann Arbor playing Jazz clubs such as Del Rio, Jazz West, Delta Lady, The Ark, and The Ann Arbor Art Fair. Through the years of performing and recording he expanded his
reach and performed at historic Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit and The Flint Jazz Festival as well as the legendary Bert’s Place and The Detroit International Jazz Festival. He also performed venues in Ann Arbor and in London. Mark has worked with artists such as Gayleynn McKinny, Ibrahim Jones, Jerry LeDuff, Badal Roy, Martha Reeves, George Clinton, Marion Hayden, Michael Colone and Muruga Booker.to name a few. He has earned a Detroit Music Award for “Outstanding World Recording Group” with artist Muruga Booker as well as “Outstanding Modern Jazz Group” with The Detroit Jazz Project.

Gwenyth Hayes
2026-01-10 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE 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.
Gwenyth Hayes, a bassist, song stylist, vocalist, and recording artist hailing from Ann Arbor, captivates audiences throughout the Metro Detroit area with her distinctive performances. Gwenyth’s unique reinterpretations showcase a fusion of classic tunes and soulful covers & originals across various genres, and are centered by her sultry vocals, groove-infused bass lines, and tight instrumental arrangements.
Since 2012, Gwenyth’s ensembles have graced numerous festivals and venues across Southeastern Michigan, Chicago, and Honolulu, including: Arts, Beats, and Eats, Dally In The Alley, Harvest Festival, Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Ann Arbor Jazz Festival, University of Michigan’s Gift of Arts, and the North Atlantic Blues Festival.
In 2023, Gwenyth was inducted as a fellow with the Amplify Fellowship based in Washtenaw, a recognition that granted her valuable resources to begin finalizing her forthcoming recording project set for release in 2024. Alongside this, Gwenyth is an active member of Detroit Bass Players and has been prominently featured in various publications, including Buddy Guy’s Legends Magazine, University of Michigan’s Newsletter, Ann Arbor News, and Big City Rhythm and Blues Magazine.

Throughout her musical journey, she has served as a professional bassist, lending support to fellow artists in the realms of blues, pop, and soul. Notable milestones in her career include opening for B.B. King alongside Murali Coryell, the son of the late Larry Coryell, and subsequently embarking on a tour with Murali. Additionally, she graced the stage at The Chicago Blues Festival in both 2010 and 2013 with Quintus McCormick and Khalif “Wailin'” Walter. Her participation in the 2009 Detroit Blues Festival at Chene Park Amphitheater, now recognized as the Aretha Franklin Park, further underscores her impactful contributions.
During her residency in Chicago from 2010 to 2013, Gwenyth performed regularly as a blues bassists at renowned venues such as Buddy Guy’s Legends, Kingston Mines, and B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted, with Alligator and Delmark Records recording artists Maurice John Vaughn, Quintus McCormick, & Toronzo Cannon. Later, her musical pursuits extended to touring with Detroit Music Awarding winning recording artist Laura Rain and the Caesars and performing with other notable metro detroit artists.
Gwenyth’s musical roots trace back to her upbringing in a family deeply connected to music, exposing her to a diverse range of genres, from classical and jazz to rock and R&B. With her mother and grandmother as pianists and her father, William Hayes, a renowned conductor, composer, educator, and performer, along with her brother, Matt Hayes, a celebrated drummer, music is woven into the fabric of her life.
Her modern approach to music serves as a conduit for reinventing popular soul, jazz, soft rock, and blues standards, infusing them with a sensual and contemporary vibe. Gwenyth’s sound resonates with diverse audiences, aiming to evoke nostalgia for many generations to come.

Mason Bays
2026-01-11 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance.
Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Featuring:

Mason Bays — trumpet
Colin McCahill— alto sax
Hayden Cusmano— guitar
Matthew Balos— piano
Jackson Stone— bass
Chris White— drums
Roland Chandler— percussion

Mason Bays is a Detroit based Jazz Musician who’s introduction to jazz began in the 9th grade in the Goodrich HS Jazz Band. He attended and graduated from Oakland University, with Bachelor of Arts in Music, with a minor in Jazz studies. He has performed at OU with Regina Carter, Scott Gwinell, John Douglas, Rayse Biggs, and others with Pat Cronley, Bill Myers, Gwen Hemphill, John Hill, Gary Greenfelder Orchestra, Kennebec Avenue Group and many others.
All of these influences led him to form his own jazz/funk ensemble that has appeared at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, Homegrown Brewing Company, Grav Cap, Arts Beats and Eats festival, and now he debuts his band for the first time at Cliff Bell’s!

Everything Yes
2026-01-15 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
ADVANCED TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Everything Yes is an American jazz fusion band spearheaded by the drummer Zack Graybeal, known famously as ZackGrooves on his platforms, Sean Reeser, prolific composer, producer and tenor sax master & Cole Sipe, composer, sound engineer and magistral bassist.
This powerhouse of a band brings a fresh take on the style while staying true to the roots. Let’s meet the members!
Zack Graybeal (DRUMS) : Born in Atlanta GA, there was no question that this man was destined for greatness. His unstoppable determination and discipline are a force to be reckoned with. He spent his entire education at East Carolina University in the top bands at the school. He is exactly as he presents himself on YouTube. There is no filter or mask that could ever cover his unique and raw personality.
Sean Reeser (MAIN COMPOSER & TENOR SAX) : From York PA, this genius producer and tenor saxophone master first met Zack at East Carolina when they were both given the same audition slot. This was the beginning of Everything Yes. Just like Zack, Sean spent his time at ECU in all the top bands. Their styles and discipline heavily influenced each other during this crucial time. His vast knowledge of theory and composition are an integral part of the unique sound Everything Yes brings.
Cole Sipe (BASS): Also from York PA, Cole and Sean have been playing together since they were fifteen. Having both attended the Inspire Studio of the Arts, an excellent school in York directed by Cole’s father Curt, they bring over a decade of musical kinship to Everything Yes that most bands would kill to have. Cole’s moves and grooves bring life to the room. His style and finesse on the bass is the perfect fit and a staple of the EY sound.
Nathan Graybeal (ALTO SAX): A young artist from North Carolina, most well-known for his YouTube persona “Saxologic”. Originally an avid artist then animator, he has transferred his love for art to saxophone. He spreads his infectious passion to inspire others to find the joy of improving in music. Nathan obtained a bachelor’s degree in both jazz and classical saxophone performance from East Carolina University. He attended the Frost School of Music at University of Miami for his Masters and currently attends University of Memphis for his DMA.

Bill Laurance (Solo Piano)
2026-01-25 20:00
There will be one seating for this performance from 8pm to 9:30pm. Reservations will begin at 7pm.
Advanced Tickets Available Here
Attending the University of Leeds, he majored in classical composition, exploring jazz, funk and drum’n’bass in addition to classical music. Since then he has honed the melodic immediacy of this approach, along with his intense improvisational prowess, forging a distinctive personal style that embraces English classical, electronica and jazz-rock sensibilities, alongside gritty contemporary grooves.
In the early-noughties, a twenty-something Laurance was trying to make a living on the Leeds music scene, when an unremarkable but timely pick-up gig presented itself with a young Michael League in singer Michael Solomon Williams’ band. Gigs in the north of England forged a friendship with League, who happened to be looking for a new piano player, and League invited Laurance to the US to record the first Snarky Puppy album, The Only Constant, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Since then, Laurance has clocked up recordings and or performances with such renowned artists as David Crosby, Morcheeba, Salif Keita, Terence Blanchard, Susana Baca, Lalah Hathaway, Laura Mvula, Jacob Collier, Musiq Soul Child, Khalid Sansi, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, Carlos Malta, The Metropole Orchestra and the WDR Big Band. He has also worked extensively in the dance world with companies including Alvin Ailey, Ballet Rambert, Matthew Bourne’s Adventures in Motion Pictures, Phoenix Dance, Northern Ballet Theatre and the English National Ballet. He has also composed music for a variety of different clients including Apple, Sky, Nokia and Hewlett Packard.
He is a champion of cutting-edge keyboard developments and is endorsed by: Moog, Mellotron, Sequential, Korg, Nord, Roli Seaboard, Yamaha, Roland, Arp Odyssey, Keyscape, Sound Brenner, Native Instruments and MXR. Alongside Laurance’s touring as a solo artist and with Snarky Puppy, Laurance is the Artist in residence at Morley College London. He is is a passionate educator and continues to give clinics at music institutions all over the world.

https://billlaurance.com/
https://billlaurance.bandcamp.com/
