Cliff Bell's

Vincent Chandler and Jazz Warriors Big Band
2025-02-01 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit)
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.
Vincent Chandler is a trombonist, educator, composer, scat singer, band leader and mentor from Detroit, MI. While in High School, Vincent worked with a local Blues and Salsa Band of which flourished into work with Detroit’s local and international heroes, including Kenn Cox, Donald Walden, Harold McKinney, Wendell Harrison, Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, Regina Carter, Marion Hayden, Robert Hurst and James Carter. Vincent has performed nationally with Roy Hargrove, Joe Henderson, Stefon Harris, J@LC feat.Wynton Marsalis, Geri Allen, JD Allen, The Oliver Lake Big Band and The Ambrose Akinmusire Big Band. He was a featured artist on the 2009 Playboy Jazz Festival, where he performed with Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock and Keb’ Mo. He was a featured soloist on Roy Hargrove’s only Big Band CD, called “Emergence.”
He earned his Undergraduate and Graduate degree from the University of Michigan. Vincent held teaching positions at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Claflin University, South Carolina State University and he is currently a Lecturer of Jazz Studies at Wayne State University and the Director of the DSO Civic Jazz Orchestra.

Vincent Chandler and Jazz Warriors Big Band
2025-02-02 17:30 - 19:30
Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Seating for the shows begins at 4pm for the first show & 7pm for the second show.
Vincent Chandler is a trombonist, educator, composer, scat singer, band leader and mentor from Detroit, MI. While in High School, Vincent worked with a local Blues and Salsa Band of which flourished into work with Detroit’s local and international heroes, including Kenn Cox, Donald Walden, Harold McKinney, Wendell Harrison, Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, Regina Carter, Marion Hayden, Robert Hurst and James Carter. Vincent has performed nationally with Roy Hargrove, Joe Henderson, Stefon Harris, J@LC feat.Wynton Marsalis, Geri Allen, JD Allen, The Oliver Lake Big Band and The Ambrose Akinmusire Big Band. He was a featured artist on the 2009 Playboy Jazz Festival, where he performed with Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock and Keb’ Mo. He was a featured soloist on Roy Hargrove’s only Big Band CD, called “Emergence.”
He earned his Undergraduate and Graduate degree from the University of Michigan. Vincent held teaching positions at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Claflin University, South Carolina State University and he is currently a Lecturer of Jazz Studies at Wayne State University and the Director of the DSO Civic Jazz Orchestra.

Houston Patton Quartet and Session
2025-02-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-26 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.
Musicians pay no cover when they bring their instrument.
Saxophonist Houston Patton is a rising star in Detroit’s Jazz community. Following in the footsteps of his father, Houston began playing the saxophone at a very young age. Under the mentorship and tutelage of saxophonists such as Harry Patton, Daryl Beebe, Jordan Vanhemert, Wendell Harrison, and Andrew Bishop, Houston has explored many genres ranging from gospel to hard bop.
Patton started his professional career at the age of 20, performing with Kevin Jones & Tenth World, at Grand Rapids jazz club, GRNoir. This led to many more opportunities as a sideman and bandleader in the Grand Rapids and Detroit music scenes. To this day, Patton continues to perform with Kevin Jones & Tenth World, and a host of Detroit and West Michigan Groups.
In 2023, Houston spent four months in New York as a student in the “New York Arts Program.” During this time he interned as an assistant to Brandon Ross, and as an archiver and stage manager at Roulette Intermedium. This time also allowed him to explore the jazz scene, by playing at countless jam sessions, which led to gigs with notable musicians such as drummer, Winard Harper, and pianist, JC Hopkins. Houston leads ensembles of varying sizes, playing at venues, such as Cliff Bell’s, Blue Llama, and GRNoir. He has also performed sets at The Muskegon Shoreline Jazz Festival, the Lansing Shoreline Jazz Festival, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, Preservation Hall, Mahogany Jazz Hall, Minton’s Playhouse, and a host of other notable venues.
In April 2024, Patton released his first album as a band leader, entitled “Here We Are” featuring a quintet of young Detroit jazz musicians named, “Quintessential”. Patton decided to officially form this group after a series of successful gigs with these specific musicians. After a very special night at Detroit’s Cliff’s Bells, Quintessential received a standing ovation. There was a clear desire for the group to record their sound, so in January of 2024 Quintessential decided to have their original compositions recorded by Benjamin Green. Along with Houston on saxophone, the album features Jauron Perry on trumpet, Dylan Sherman on bass, William Hill III on Rhodes, and Samuel Melkonian on drums.
Houston plays on SYOS mouthpieces.

Nate Winn Group
2025-02-06 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-07 19:30 - 21:30
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.
A consummate musician, Nathaniel Winn discovered his passion for the drums in church at the age of 4. Since then, the Detroit, Michigan native has never looked back. Nate has had the pleasure to work with many well-known musicians such as Danilo Perez, Robert Hurst, Pat Metheny and Joshua Redman. Nate’s versatile, but unique style has earned him the opportunity appear on numerous albums.
Nate’s style is influenced by Jazz, Blues and his Gospel upbringing, along with some of his favorite drummers: Brian Blade, Kendrick Scott, and Calvin Rodgers.

Nate graduated from Wayne State University and Berklee College of Music with a bachelor’s in music and a master’s in jazz performance, respectively. Currently, he spends time traveling the world to spread the message of love and hope through music.

Post Imperial Jazz Band
2025-02-13 19:30 - 21:30
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.
An early devote of traditional American guitar styles, Nick Schillace began studying fingerpicking techniques at the Augusta Heritage Workshop in West Virginia with artists including John Jackson, John Cephas, Steve James, Roy Book Binder, Del Ray, and many others shortly after picking up a guitar in 1984.
Nick spent a decade adapting these techniques to acoustic and electric guitar, and later banjo, before entering the music program at Wayne State University, ultimately earning a masters degree with a focus on 20th Century American music identity.
Centering his research on the late guitarist and composer John Fahey, Nick explored the intersection of folk and vernacular influences and how these influences develop into a cultivated style for artists. This research still informs the way he approaches his own music, as well as his work as an educator via Orion Music Studio and Detroit Folk Workshop.
Interested parties can download the PDF file of the thesis here. Please note: the file for the final version was lost many years ago so this version may have grammatical and spelling type errors.
In demand as a soloist as well as an ensemble player, Nick works in a variety of collaborations, most notably Lac La Belle, with his wife Jennie Knaggs, and the traditional jazz ensemble Post Imperial Jazz Band. He has recorded several albums as a soloist and in ensembles and has made several tours of the US and Europe.

Valentine's Day Dinner and A Show
2025-02-14 17:00 - 22:00
Cliff Bell’s named one of the most romantic restaurants in the US for Valentine’s Day. See the list HERE!
Cover charge for admittance is $25.00 and our seasonal menu will be available for dinner. Seating times are limited to 90min. Shows start at 5pm and run until 10pm. With sets every hour on the hour.
Music by Vlad Tovbin’s Caravan featuring Pia Broden Williams
Vlad Tovbin’s Caravan was founded by Ukrainian born guitarist Vladimir Tovbin who then moved to United States in the 90’s and has since been one of the most entertaining band leaders in the region. Rooted in traditional Ukrainian Folk then mixed with Jazz-Manouche and American Swing, his dynamic collective of musicians brings a rich blend of these traditions together for a unique and fiery performance.
Pia Broden Williams is a classically trained coloratura soprano from Flint, Michigan, with over 15 years of teaching experience at the Flint School of Performing Arts. She holds a master’s degree in vocal performance from Michigan State University and dual bachelor’s degrees in music and philosophy from the University of Michigan. Williams has performed internationally in opera, jazz, and theater, with notable roles such as Olympia, Serpina, Adina, and Lauretta. A skilled jazz vocalist, she actively performs at festivals and with various ensembles. Williams regularly appears at prominent venues in Detroit and currently sings with the Stardusters Big Band and Canja de Boa, a Brazilian music collective. She lives in metro-Detroit with her family.

Russ Macklem
2025-02-15 19:30 - 21:30
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.
Featuring:
Making his home on the cross-border music scene in Detroit and Windsor, trumpet player/composer/jazz musician/educator Dr. Russ Macklem is a musical seeker, on a quest for truth and authenticity in art and life. This quest has taken Russ around North America: from his hometown of Kelowna, BC to Montreal, Boston, Toronto, St. Louis, Miami, and currently the Windsor/Detroit area. Russ has performed with acclaimed artists and ensembles in many genres including Jimmy Heath, Cecil McBee, Dave Holland, The Marley Bros (Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian), John Williams, Quincy Jones, amongst many others.
A virtuoso performer, Russ is equally skilled as a lead and jazz trumpeter, and has performed in professional productions of musicals such as In the Heights. His lead trumpet playing is featured on the two most recent albums by the University of Miami Concert Jazz Band: Europa: Explorations for Jazz Ensemble and Justin Morell: Concerto for Guitar and Jazz Orchestra featuring Adam Rogers. As a jazz musician, Russ is a stylist on the trumpet, honing his individual voice on the instrument for over 20 years. He is inventive and exciting improvisor and composer, with roots in the Black Music tradition. As an educator, Russ has taught at the University of Miami Frost School of Music where he was a Teaching Assistant. He also taught with Young Musicians Unite, a Miami-based non-profit providing musical instruction in inner-city schools. In addition, Russ has taught at summer camps, given masterclasses, and taught privately in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Russ is a sessional lecturer at the University of Windsor.

J Rowe / Jordan Schug Sextet
2025-02-20 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.
The J Rowe / Jordan Schug Sextet performs all original compositions, written by Rowe & Schug. The ambitious arrangements explore the mostly untapped vein of British progressive jazz groups of the early 70s such as Soft Machine and Ian Carr’s Nucleus while staying firmly rooted in the classic sounds of Detroit heroes Marcus Belgrave, Larry, Nazaro, Roy Brooks and Lyman Woodard to name a few.
Being that the co/leaders of the group are the rhythm section (Rowe on Drums, Schug on double bass) the compositions rely heavily on their navigation. Having equal sonic space divided between the percussion and drum kit give the group a very strong, driving, rhythmic pulse, a sound often associated with Latin music and in some areas of rock / jazz fusion groups. Along with the Trumpet and the Saxophone, many parts of their compositions feature Mellotron. This unique installment dynamically adds an extra texture to live performances.
The Sextet has only been together since winter of 2022/2023 but, have already wrapped up recording their debut album MISSANT, with producer/engineer, Warren Defever (of His Name Is Alive fame) here in Detroit. MISSANT will be released in the Fall/Winter of 2024.

Ben Sharkey
2025-02-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-22 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.
One of Detroit’s premiere live entertainers over the past ten years plus, Ben Sharkey infuses his live performances with a hip and sultry fire, bringing his artful swagger to the stage with a colorful fusion of old school cool, contemporary jazz, soul and pop. Since the charismatic
vocalist posted his first raw home videos of himself singing Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra classics to YouTube in 2007, he has amassed over 5 million views worldwide for over 70 clips.
By increasingly popular demand, the Michigan native has amassed hundreds of performances at jazz hotspots like Cliff Bell’s and a five year and counting residency at the Axis Lounge at the MGM Grand Detroit. He’s been compared to everyone from Frank and Buble to Dean Martin, Mel Torme and Harry Connick, Jr. – yet he’s evolved from being a stellar vocal interpreter to master storyteller and songwriter.
Collaborating with his pianist Chris Codish, Ben has written clever, crafty tunes expressing every aspect of love, deep heartfelt connections and the sheer joy of living life to the fullest in the sexiest, naughtiest, most sensual and playful way possible. Stylistically, he lets his muse lead the way to booming percussion driven landscapes infused with jazz, pop, swing, R&B, Latin and crisp, edgy house-dance beats that make him the ultimate contemporary hipster as well as a masterful throwback artist.

Olivia Van Goor
2025-02-27 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.
Olivia Van Goor’s love of jazz music led her to Southeast Michigan where she blossomed into a one-of-a kind performer. Her voice is clearly influenced by the greats like Sarah Vaughan, Anita O’Day, and Mel Tormé. She walks a fine line between preserving the essence of jazz and infusing it with her personal artistry. Olivia takes command of every stage because of the trusting relationships she has built with instrumentalists far and wide. Her long list of collaborators include accomplished musicians such as pianist Scott Gwinnell, bassist Paul Keller, and guitarist Randy Napoleon. She has independently produced many recordings including an arrangement of Burt Bacharach’s “Close To You” that has recently reached 20K views on Youtube.

Andre Wright Group
2025-02-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-01 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.
André Wright is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He is an American USA Jazz inherited Drummer. André got his start playing drums at the age of 10 in the Pentecostal church known as the St. James Church of God in Christ located in Toledo, Ohio. It was in this church where André experienced first hand the talents of the amazing musicians that came through the church doors. Musical greats such as Andre Crouch, Thomas Whitfield, and the great Hawkins family were just some of talents that performed. Through these incredible performances, André was able to inherit that great foot stomping, back-beat feel!

Andre Wright Group
2025-03-02 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.
André Wright is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He is an American USA Jazz inherited Drummer. André got his start playing drums at the age of 10 in the Pentecostal church known as the St. James Church of God in Christ located in Toledo, Ohio. It was in this church where André experienced first hand the talents of the amazing musicians that came through the church doors. Musical greats such as Andre Crouch, Thomas Whitfield, and the great Hawkins family were just some of talents that performed. Through these incredible performances, André was able to inherit that great foot stomping, back-beat feel!

Louis Jones III and Session
2025-03-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-19 19:30 - 21:30
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.

Louis M. Jones III stands out as one of the most prominent drummers hailing from the bustling city of Detroit. Starting with just two wooden spoons, Louis quickly established himself as a natural musician, honing his craft with sticks, brushes, and mallets as he grew more and more experienced. By the age of 11, he realized his true passion and knew that he would pursue music as a full-time career.
Throughout his life, Louis has had the good fortune of being surrounded by and mentored by some of Detroit’s most legendary musicians. In particular, he gleaned inspiration and valuable knowledge from the likes of Wendell Harrison, Marion Hayden, and Sean Dobbins, all of whom have left their mark on him in some way.
As a young musician coming of age in Detroit, Louis’ father encouraged him to immerse himself in the vibrant and multifaceted local music scene, taking in all genres and styles as he developed his own sound. Thanks to his early experiences and upbringing, Louis has become a remarkably versatile drummer, capable of playing with equal passion and skill across all genres.
Louis’s impressive resume includes collaborations with a variety of well-known artists, including Wayne Shorter, Keyon Harrold, Karriem Riggins, Elzhi, and Omar Sosa, to name just a few. Sharing stages and studios with such accomplished musicians continues to inspire and push Louis to new creative heights.
While his sideman work is in high demand across Detroit, Louis is also passionate about giving back and sharing his knowledge and skills with others. In addition to teaching, he spends time composing and mentoring young musicians in the Detroit area, inspiring and shaping the next generation of talent.
With his impressive talent and unyielding dedication to his craft, Louis Jones III represents the very best of Detroit’s rich musical heritage.

DJANGOPHONIQUE
2025-03-06 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-07 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-08 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.
Djangophonique is an award winning project that delivers the infectious joy, and expressive freedom that is at the heart of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche. With respect for the tradition and a fearless creativity that bends the conventions of the style, Djangophonique is keeping the Hot Club revival alive and well. The result is a sound that’s unmistakable to fans of the music, and alluring to the uninitiated—a sound that can bring the lively energy of a Parisian dance hall to the quietest listening room or captivate a buzzing festival audience with the aching nostalgia of a shimmering ballad. Djangophonique has been described as “…the cleanest, most genuine manouche jazz that can be heard in Michigan” (Local Spins). Led by guitar player Andrew Brown, a true disciple of the style, the project has cultivated a community of musicians who channel the tenacious agility that the music demands. In 2022 the group released their first studio album, “Introducing Djangophonique,” which featured Tyler Rindo on Clarinet and Jorian Olk-Szost on double-bass and won Best Jazz Album, Traditions Award, as well as earning them Artist Of The Year at the WYCE Jammies. In 2023 guitarist Nicholas Martin joined the ensemble on rhythm guitar and the group began a new chapter with the addition of vocalist Katie Smith, who’s soulful approach channels the mystery and appeal of an unplaceable era. With a second studio album and a full concert schedule in the works for 2024, Djangophonique is poised to forge a connection with an expansive audience through the resonance of their artistry.
YouTube https://youtu.be/7s4AfkGdFC8?feature=shared
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/djangophonique
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/djangophonique
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@djangophonique
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ylOKGQ6ClCTXTpxhTVvVt
Bandcamp https://djangophonique.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/djangophonique/1492799498

William Hill the Third's Trio
2025-03-09 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.
William Hill III is a pianist, arranger, composer, and bandleader from Detroit, Michigan. Hill is a graduate of the Detroit School of Arts, and is currently studying at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music undergoing his baccalaureate education. In Hill’s pre-collage years, he has been a member of the Detroit Symphony’s Civic Youth Jazz program performing in the Creative Jazz Ensemble and the Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Michigan State University Spartan Youth Jazz Program.
Hill has had the opportunity to participate in many summer extensive jazz camps such as Jazz House Kids, Jr. Jazz Academy at Lincoln Center, Berklee Summer Programs, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Motown Lyric Project, Keeping an Eye Summer Jazz Workshop located at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and many others.
Hill is honored to receive awards from programs such as the National YoungArts Foundation, a multi-year winner in the instrumental contemporary category for the
NAACP ACT-SO National Competition, and the West Virginia University International Jazz Piano Competition. Musicians that Hill has worked alongside and have been mentored by include Marc Cary, Aaron Parks, Buster Williams, Christian McBride, Curtis Lundy, Jaleel Shaw, Jazzmeia Horn, Joe Farnsworth, Ari Hoenig, Rodney Whitaker, Wynton Marsalis,, and many more.
Hill has had the opportunity to perform at the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Smalls Jazz Club, Minton’s Playhouse, The Django, Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay (Singapore), Blue Note Tokyo, and many others to name a few. Hill’s passion in life as a musician is to spread joy to everyone around the world with the music that he produces.

Bokani Dyer Trio
2025-03-13 19:30 - 21:30
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.
Advanced Reservations Now Available
This rising star on the South African scene and international stage merges modernistic language with traditional streams with this malleable trio, creating a unique signature that’s both indebted to his homeland’s history and free of clichés. –Dan Bilavsky, All About Jazz
Bokani Dyer is an acclaimed pianist, composer, and bandleader and has stood as one of the most formidable and creative talents in South Africa. In the exploration of the musical tradition, and the music’s present role in culture and society, he has been a significant force of his generation asking and diving deeply into the complex question of identity in South Africa. Award-winning composer, hailed as the future of South African Jazz when he won the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year right at the outset of his career in 2011, keeps garnering accolades worldwide. His trio album Neo Native won the SAMA award for best jazz album in 2019. That year, he was also invited to perform at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as part of the Piano Trio Festival.
In his musical endeavours, he finds new and innovative means to embrace traditions as examples to guide and build a more equitable and empathetic future. His unique piano-playing style expresses that notion, while in his musical concepts he embraces the contemporary musical world in a highly creative way. His most recent recorded offering is Radio Sechaba (Brownswood, 2023), in which he merges many of his musical influences, and it showcases his exploration of vocal and lyrical expression.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEqn2WaP6zQ
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsj9WRPayY8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm5t-1xvKyA
In spring 2025 Bokani is bringing his music to the American audiences in a classic trio setting – expect the unexpected, infectious rhythms, melodic explorations hailing back to the rich and various African traditions, groove, and virtuosic, innovative piano playing.

The Scott Gwinnell Dectet
2025-03-14 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-15 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.
Scott Gwinnell is a professional jazz pianist residing in Detroit, MI. Scott, has been performing since the age of 16 in venues and on concert stages, local to international. Scott has recorded and performed as a bandleader and sideman on over 50 professionally released recordings. As a recording artist for Detroit Music Factory, Scott has released two award-winning albums, Cass Corridor Story and Mulgrew-ology, the latter winning three Detroit Music Awards for outstanding recording, artist, and composer. The recording rose to #32 in the international jazz charts and played on radio stations around the world. Mulgrew-ology was recorded by the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra, a 16 piece, big band organized by Gwinnell in 1999. The ensemble is dedicated to playing compositions and arrangements by the leader. As a pianist, Gwinnell has performed/toured/recorded with: Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, John Clayton, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Aretha Franklin, Elaine Stritch, Delfayeo Marsalis, and Jon Hendricks, for whom Gwinnell was three year musical director.

The Scott Gwinnell Dectet
2025-03-16 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4:30pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Scott is a band-leader, composer/arranger, pianist, and educator. As a performer, Scott has played on over 20 professionally released recordings including 5 under his own name. Basement Vibes (2002), Scott Gwinnell Trio (2006), the award-winning Brush Fire (2008), Cass Corridor Story (2011- Detroit Music Factory) and Mulgrew-ology (2018- Detroit Music Factory).
Scott has toured/recorded/performed with the following jazz luminaries: Joe Lovano, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Liebman, Richie Cole, Jimmy Heath, Billy Hart, Terry Gibbs, John Clayton, Steve Turre, Marcus Belgrave, and Jon Hendricks, for whom Scott was three year music director.
As a composer/arranger, Scott has written over 400 works, from solo piano, big band, symphony orchestra, to marching band. He has received awards/recognition from Downbeat Magazine, International Association of Jazz Educators, and Detroit Music Awards, who have granted him 11 awards over the past 10 years. Scott writes for his 16-piece big band, “The Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra”, and the 10 piece, “The Scott Gwinnell Dectet.” Both have held residency at Cliff Bells, one of Detroit’s famous jazz clubs.
As an educator, Scott’s credentials and reputation have led him to full and part time collegiate professorships at: University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Wayne County Community College, and Oakland University, where he presently serves as a lecturer, instructor of jazz piano, theory, arranging and director of the Oakland University Jazz Singers. Scott is also the director for Music Hall’s Jazz Vocal Education Program. He has given clinics and adjudicated at schools and festivals around the country, and holds a private studio for a select group of talented pianists, composers, and arrangers.

the Alex Harding Quartet
2025-03-20 19:30 - 21:30
Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Seating for the shows begins at 6pm for the first show & 9pm for the second show.
Featuring:

Zen Zadravec, piano
Djallo Djkate, drums
Jaribu Shahid, bass
Alex Harding, sax

Detroit-born baritone saxophonist Alex Harding first became active in jazz circles in his youth. Early on he studied with established jazz figures Yusef Lateef and Beans Bowles and was playing gigs with Donald Byrd and Wynton Marsalis before he was out of high school. Throughout the ’90s, 2000s, and 2010s, Harding toured, performed, and recorded without pause, collaborating with countless names in both jazz and pop circles that included everyone from the Marshall Allen-led Sun Ra Arkestra to work with David Lee Roth.
Harding was born in 1967 in Detroit, Michigan. After hearing Grover Washington, Jr. as a kid, he took up tenor saxophone, eventually switching over to baritone in high school. Though sax was his primary instrument, he would occasionally double on bass clarinet. He was already performing regularly around Detroit in his teenage years while studying with local jazz greats. By his early twenties he was performing internationally. He left Detroit for New York in the early ’90s, joining Julius Hemphill’s Saxophone Sextet and performing around town with Lester Bowie, Frank Lacy, Hamiet Bluiett’s Baritone Group, the Mingus Big Band, and many others. He also took part in shows and festival appearances with the Sun Ra Arkestra and the Roy Hargrove Big Band. He recorded multiple albums with longtime friend pianist Lucian Ban, including 2002’s Somethin’ Holy and a 2008 collaboration between the two friends and Romanian electronic musician Silent Strike entitled 3am. In the late 2000s he joined the Broadway production of FELA!!! both in New York and on tour. He eventually returned to Detroit, but stayed incredibly active in the studio and on the road. Harding and Ban reunited in 2019 for another collaborative album, Dark Blue.
