Urban Art Orchestra Featuring DJ Drew
2026-09-05 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit)
Featuring DJ Drew for a evening exploring and expanding the boundaries of Classical, Techno and Jazz.

Urban Art Orchestra is a 20+ member celebration of music from the colorful mind of composer De’Sean Jones, a world renowned Billboard Charting recording artist, 2x Grammy nominated and 3x Stellar Award winning arranger. Over the course of Jones’ 20+ year career, he has been afforded opportunities to write, produce, and tour the world extensively, collaborating with numerous music icons across a wide variety of genres. A protégé of techno pioneer, “Mad” Mike Banks (Underground Resistance), and the late great trumpet legend, Marcus Belgrave, De’Sean Jones aspires to continue to uphold the legacy of progressing music forward while being an ambassador for the rich musical history of Detroit. The UAO’s debut release “Live in Detroit Vol. 1” was recorded at Cliff Bell’s and features live strings, harp, horns, a full rhythm section, percussion, vocals, DJ’s and De’Sean himself on Tenor Saxophone.

Detroit Jazz Festival Jamm Sessions w/ Himiko Kikuchi Tottori Young Lions Trio
2026-09-05 23:30
No cover for Jazz Festival Musician or VIP Wrist Bands
Himiko Kikuchi has been active in the Japanese jazz scene since around 1970, appearing at events such as the Montreux Jazz Festival. In 2011, she launched “Tottori JAZZ,” and since
2019, she has been organizing exchange programs with the Detroit Jazz Festival. In 2025 her album “FLYING BEAGLE” became a hit, and in August 2026, she performed at the “CITY POP FESTIVAL” held in London. In November 2026, her other past albums will also be released worldwide on LP.

Urban Art Orchestra
2026-09-06 17:30
Doors for this matinee performance open at 4pm.

Urban Art Orchestra is a 20+ member celebration of music from the colorful mind of composer De’Sean Jones, a world renowned Billboard Charting recording artist, 2x Grammy nominated and 3x Stellar Award winning arranger. Over the course of Jones’ 20+ year career, he has been afforded opportunities to write, produce, and tour the world extensively, collaborating with numerous music icons across a wide variety of genres. A protégé of techno pioneer, “Mad” Mike Banks (Underground Resistance), and the late great trumpet legend, Marcus Belgrave, De’Sean Jones aspires to continue to uphold the legacy of progressing music forward while being an ambassador for the rich musical history of Detroit. The UAO’s debut release “Live in Detroit Vol. 1” was recorded at Cliff Bell’s and features live strings, harp, horns, a full rhythm section, percussion, vocals, DJ’s and De’Sean himself on Tenor Saxophone.

Urban Art Orchestra With Suprise Guest DJ TBA
2026-09-06 20:00
SUPER SPECIAL GUEST TBA!!!!
ADVANCED TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
***Please Note we will be removing tables and chairs for this event.

Urban Art Orchestra is a 20+ member celebration of music from the colorful mind of composer De’Sean Jones, a world renowned Billboard Charting recording artist, 2x Grammy nominated and 3x Stellar Award winning arranger. Over the course of Jones’ 20+ year career, he has been afforded opportunities to write, produce, and tour the world extensively, collaborating with numerous music icons across a wide variety of genres. A protégé of techno pioneer, “Mad” Mike Banks (Underground Resistance), and the late great trumpet legend, Marcus Belgrave, De’Sean Jones aspires to continue to uphold the legacy of progressing music forward while being an ambassador for the rich musical history of Detroit. The UAO’s debut release “Live in Detroit Vol. 1” was recorded at Cliff Bell’s and features live strings, harp, horns, a full rhythm section, percussion, vocals, DJ’s and De’Sean himself on Tenor Saxophone.

Houston Patton Quartet and Session
2026-09-09 19:30 - 21:30
Make a Reservation
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.

David Steele & ChromaSynthesis
2026-09-10 19:30 - 21:30
Make a Reservation
Performances are at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
David Steele is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, mix and recording engineer from Detroit Michigan. he has a musical career that spans almost 20 years. Starting with the Jazz Kids then eventually going to Detroit School of Arts playing in the Orchestra, wind symphony and jazz bands. Graduating in 2017 and Going to Europe for Blue Lake Fine arts camp international program performing prestigious venues in counties such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. He has performed in festivals such as Jazzin’ on Jefferson, Highland Park Jazz Festival, and the Detroit Jazz Festival, David’s musical influences span from the legendary Cannonball Adderley And John Coltrane to the contemporary Braxton Cook, Nate Smith and Pat Metheny . His music is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, yet it exudes a distinct ‘Detroit sound that embraces the potential for innovation within the jazz and other music genres.
ChromaSynthesis is a Detroit based music collective co-led by Saxophonist David Steele and Trumpeter Corey Watkins that primarily works in the Jazz field of music. The band brings the individual colors of each member and puts them together to make the music. The Band draws inspiration from Hard Bop, Fusion, Gospel, Hip Hop, Rock and R&B.
Featuring:
David Steele – Soprano (2), Alto(1-2 & 5-7), & Tenor Sax (4)
Corey Watkins – Trumpet & Flugelhorn (1-3 &5-7)
Tre Smith – Alto (1-3) & Tenor Sax(5-7)
Kevin Moore – Tenor Sax (1-3)
Benjamin Dannug – Piano & Keyboards
Jabari Reynolds – Bass
Sean Burden – Drums
Vincent Chandler – Trombone (5-7)
Rain Gill – Spoken Word (7)
https://dsteelemusic.bandcamp.com/album/color-theory-live-3
https://linktr.ee/Dsteelemusic

The Vlad Tovbin Trio
2026-09-11 17:30 - 19:30
Make a Reservation
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.
Ukrainian born guitarist Vladimir Tovbin 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.

Ben Sharkey
2026-09-12 19:30 - 21:30
Make a Reservation
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.

TAKE 5: ALL MALE JAZZ REVUE
2026-09-13 17:30 - 19:30
Make a Reservation
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p. Doors open at 4:30pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.

CLIFF BELL’S & SKY COVINGTON’S PRESERVATION OF JAZZ PRESENT

TAKE 5: ALL MALE JAZZ REVUE

Detroit’s Premier Male Tribute Show Makes Its Cliff Bell’s Debut

Detroit, MI — If you loved the acclaimed Satin Doll Revue, you’re going to love Take 5: All Male Jazz Revue.

Created as the brother production to Sky Covington’s wildly successful Satin Doll Revue, Take 5 was born from the same vision of preserving musical legends through live performance.

While Satin Doll celebrates the iconic women of jazz, Take 5 shines a spotlight on the unforgettable men whose voices helped shape American music.

Now, for the very first time, Take 5 makes its highly anticipated Cliff Bell’s debut on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Hosted by Detroit favorite Mike Bonner and curated by Sky Covington, this exciting production features five outstanding Detroit performers paying tribute to five legendary artists:
• Man Freeman as Bill Withers
• Darren A. Jackson as Billy Eckstine
• David Greene as Louis Armstrong
• Terry Thomas as Donny Hathaway
• Kenny Watson as Leon Thomas

From the smooth sophistication of Billy Eckstine to the soul-stirring songs of Bill Withers, from the genius of Louis Armstrong to the powerful artistry of Donny Hathaway and Leon Thomas, audiences will be treated to an evening of timeless music, unforgettable performances, and classic jazz club elegance.

Much like Satin Doll Revue, Take 5 combines live music, storytelling, theatrical presentation, and tribute performance into a unique entertainment experience that celebrates the artists who shaped generations.

Produced by The Preservation of Jazz, this special Cliff Bell’s debut promises an evening of nostalgia, sophistication, and world-class Detroit talent.

EVENT DETAILS
Take 5: All Male Jazz Revue
Sunday, September 13, 2026

Cliff Bell’s 2030 Park Avenue Detroit, Michigan

Showtimes: 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Tickets: $30
Hosted by Mike Bonner
Produced and Curated by Sky Covington

Reservations Available Through Resy
For More Information: 313.961.2543

Five Detroit artists. Five legendary voices. One unforgettable evening.

Andrew Brown and Session
2026-09-16 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.
Andrew Brown is a young up-and-coming musician, producer, educator, and artist from Dearborn, Michigan. A recent graduate of the jazz program at Michigan State University, where he studied trumpet, he currently teaches K–8 general music at a Lansing charter school during the day while performing and creating music at night. At just 22 years old, Andrew has already played with and studied under many of the leading musicians in the Detroit, national, and international jazz scenes. His music reflects influences from a wide range of genres, with the goal of ultimately bringing people together.

In 2022, Andrew released his self-produced debut album Lovely, a pop-driven exploration of heartbreak. The record featured many of his colleagues and peers from Michigan State University and received positive reviews from publications such as the Dearborn Free Press. Since then, Andrew has released a number of singles and collaborations while completing his degree, and now that he has graduated, his next major project is currently in development and scheduled to be released later this year.

In addition to his work in music production, Andrew is an active jazz trumpet performer. He has performed at notable venues in Detroit, Tokyo, and even at Lincoln Center in New York City. While at Michigan State, he studied under Anthony Stanco and Rodney Whitaker and has also learned from Detroit jazz mainstays including Kris Johnson, Vincent Chandler, Scott Gwinell, Marcus Elliot, and Rayse Biggs. Through MSU’s jazz program, Andrew has had the opportunity to perform and tour with renowned artists such as Renee Rosnes, Jazzmeia Horn, Stefon Harris, Marquis Hill, Geoffrey Keezer, Carmen Bradford, Camille Thurman, Ryan Keberle, Randy Napoleon, Michael Dease, Walter Blanding, and other members of the university’s acclaimed faculty. A finalist for both the 2025 National Trumpet Competition and the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition, Andrew is beginning to see his dedication pay off as his professional career continues to take shape.

Paul Cornish
2026-09-17 19:30 - 21:30
Make a Reservation
Showtimes are at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Make your Reservation today!
Every artist who records for Blue Note is part of a grand legacy, now in its 86th year. But pianist Paul Cornish is a torchbearer for several remarkable Blue Note legacies, all at once. Which makes You’re Exaggerating!, his powerfully lyrical trio debut for the label, a mission statement for Blue Note’s next generation.
To begin, Cornish is part of a great heritage of jazz piano that has unfolded at the label, from Blue Note’s first 78-rpm releases by Meade Lux Lewis and Albert Ammons through Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Andrew Hill, Don Pullen, Geri Allen, Jacky Terrasson, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Renee Rosnes, Aaron Parks, Gerald Clayton and beyond.
Then, he’s part of a lineage of Blue Note artists, past and present, who hail from Houston, Texas, and developed at the city’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, a.k.a. HSPVA. That more recent hall of fame includes Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Walter Smith III, Kendrick Scott, Chris Dave and James Francies. Of course, within that list there’s yet another bloodline, of musicians who’ve come to define jazz pianism in the 21st century: Moran, Glasper, Francies and, now, Cornish, who was born and raised in Houston and has been based in Los Angeles for over a decade.

Sean Dobbins
2026-09-18 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-09-19 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.
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.

Sean Dobbins
2026-09-20 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.
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.

Kasan Belgrave and Session
2026-09-23 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
Saxophonist Kasan Belgrave is a ascending talent newly emerging in the role of a compositional leader. His energetic playing style and improvisational finesse derives from influences of early bebop and jazz, as well flares of fusion and gospel. His musical prowess has more recently been shown through new innovative compositions.
The record “Dual Citizen” is an introductory reflection of Kasan’s own consciousness through experience of musical nurturing & professional practice from the Detroit jazz mentorship empire, led by his father, trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. It provides a glimpse of Kasan’s endless curiousness of sonic ingenuity.
In the formative years of his career, that same mentorship was present in the musical institutions, as he studied with Andrew Bishop, Benny Green, and Robert Hurst at the University of Michigan then held an assistantship under the direction of Diego Rivera and Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University.
Kasan has toured as a multi-woodwind instrumentalist with Jazz @ Lincoln Center w/ Wynton Marsalis, performed in multiple residencies curated by Terri Lynn Carrington, performed with Karriem Riggins, and Etienne Charles. The 27-year-old multi-woodwind instrumentalist has also made rounds performing in every corner of the Detroit music scene, immersing himself in Latin, R&B, and techno.
Belgrave is just one of many who was nurtured in the realm. The lineup for “Dual Citizen” might be the most outright product of that very circle of mentorship. Bassist Jonathan Muir-Cotton, finishing his degree at MSU, is currently rotating in Christian Sands Trio; Louis Jones aka “WavyLou”, a gun-slinging drummer who has the likes of the Haynes’ and Roach’s, recently hit with ELEW and Johnny O’Neal in Detroit; Brendon Davis, a virtuosic voice on piano shortly studying with the great Chick Corea, is established in composition and arranging of the gospel scene ; the enigmatic Allen Dennard has a trailblazing trumpet sound, recently sharing stages with Dwele and Mike Phillips; and Michael Abbo, the genial menace on both trombone and bass, recently played with Johnny Oneal and Dafnis Prieto. The close fellowship of this group is a sentiment to the power of their sound as the Kasan Belgrave Sextet.

DICHI
2026-09-25 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-09-26 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
DICHI‘s influences span a wide variety of artists including George Benson, Nicholas Payton, Butcher Brown, Cannonball Adderley, and Kenny Garrett — even drawing inspiration from vocalists such as Bob Dylan. Whether delivering fiery solos or introspective ballads, they create an experience that resonates with jazz aficionados and newcomers alike.
Check our DICHI’s debut EP features five original tracks, Woodward Groove

Fonville x Fribush
2026-09-27 17:30 - 19:30
Make a Reservation
Performances are at 5:30p & 7:30p. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Presale tickets available HERE
Fonville x Fribush is the brand new musical collaboration from acclaimed drummer Corey Fonville (Butcher Brown) and in-demand organist Sam Fribush. Like a hip-hop link up from the 90s, the pair’s collective ear, musical talents and friendship pushes the limits of the organ trio sound into a more youthful, tasty style of blue collar jazz. The trio features a rotating cast of guitarists, including Charlie Hunter, Alan Good Parker and Morgan Burrs. Songs like “I Couldn’t Love You More” and “Blue Chips” immerse audiences in Atlantic Coast soundscapes of their hometown roots in North Carolina and Virginia.
Corey Fonville climbed the ranks among the East Coast’s most sought-after drummers and producers for hip-hop, jazz and R&B in recent years. As a founding member of Butcher Brown, he’s performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk and toured the world, in addition to musical collaborations with ESPN and producing albums for artists like Ledesi, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more.
Sam Fribush is also one of the freshest young bandleaders and collaborators, known for his signature aesthetic and voice – a vintage 1957 C3 Hammond Organ. “Our intention is to take this music into the future,” Fribush says. “We’re trying to expand the rules about what organ trios can do.”
Listen to the debut Fonville x Fribush EP – ‘R&B Organ Trio’ featuring Charlie Hunter – out New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026. Fonville x Fribush will also drop their debut LP, ‘What Day Is It’ featuring Alan Good Parker, available exclusively on vinyl via WarHen Records.

Spare Parts
2026-10-01 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-10-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-10-03 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.

“These guys squeeze more out of keyboards, bass and drums than any trio you’ll find
anywhere!” Russ Davis- Modern Jazz Radio (MOJA)
Spare Parts is an instrumental trio that pushes well beyond the jazz funk spectrum in which it thrives. Driven by vintage keyboards (Kevin Kozol), electric bass (Colin Scott) and drums (Mike Bruno), Spare Parts recalls the aesthetics of the analog era through a fresh and modern approach. Known for their hard hitting grooves, dynamic improvisation and collaborations with Chicago’s finest musicians, Spare Parts has won a loyal following over the years. The band has several releases on Ropeadope Records and has received accolades from across the industry including Ukvibe.org, Notreble.com, and Modern Jazz (MOJA) Radio. Spare Parts has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and beyond, while becoming a mainstay on the Chicago scene. From dive bars to prominent jazz clubs, theaters and festivals, Spare Parts has played countless shows and held several successful residencies. Members of the band have performed with Grammy winning artists Victor Wooten, Paul Wertico, and Michael Bolton, as well as Fareed Haque, Stephen Perkins, Lenny Pickett, Bill Dickens, Javon Jackson, George Brooks, Vikku Vinayakram, V. Selvaganesh and Garaj Mahal. Spare Parts has shared the stage with George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Snoop Dogg, Vulfpeck, George Porter Jr., The Wailers, Forq, Kneebody, The New Mastersounds,
Wayne Krantz, Chester Thompson, Alan Evans, Stanton Moore, and many more.
spareapartsmusic.com

Keigo Hirakawa Quartet
2026-10-04 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Featuring:

Keigo Hirakawa – piano (@keigo_hirakawa)
Rafael Leafar – saxophone (@rafaelleafar313)
Josef Deas – bass (@josefdeas)
Nate Winn – drums (@ndw3)

Keigo Hirakawa Quartet celebrates the release of “Pixel” from Origin Records! Featuring Hirakawa (piano), Rafael Statin (saxophone), Robert Hurst (bass), and Alex White (drums), the Quartet explores original compositions written by the band members.

Over the period of 20 years as a professional jazz pianist and 7 full-length album appearances (3 as leader), Keigo Hirakawa has transformed himself from a student of the jazz masters to an artist with vision and unique sense of expressions. Though his engagements may include jazz clubs to music halls and jazz festivals, he takes the time to contribute to his home music scene through mentorship and appearances with up-and-coming talents. The jazz piano trio he leads is well-known throughout the Midwest for their willingness to be musically spontaneous on stage, exploring original compositions and redefining jazz standards to make it their own. Sought after for his articulate use of harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary and his leadership style on the bandstand, Hirakawa can be heard throughout the US and internationally.

the Planet D Nonet
2026-10-08 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-10-09 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2. CD Release Events at Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club July 18, 19, 20, sets at 7:30pm & 9:30pm 2030 Park Ave Detroit, MI 48226 Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2. is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Duke Ellington and follows the tremendous success of Planet D Nonet’s previous album, Blues to Be There: A Salute to Duke Ellington. Blues to Be There: A Salute to Duke Ellington (2023) performed exceptionally well, reaching #16 on the JazzWeek chart and surpassing PD9’s previous record with their Strayhorn CD, which peaked at #17 in 2016. The album also topped the Roots Music Report Jazz and Big Band Jazz Chart for twenty-three consecutive weeks peaking at #1 on both charts. The album also enjoyed 15 weeks on the NACC Top 30 Jazz Chart, peaking at #1 overall. Garnering significant airplay, the recording appeared on national “Best of” lists, including LA-based writer Scott Yanow’s “THE TOP JAZZ RECORDINGS OF 2023,” the Michigan Roots Music Report’s Top 200 of 2023 (#4), and Eric Hines’s WNMC Radio list (#1). JazzWeek ranked it #55 in their top 100 of the year, while the NACC chart placed it at #11 for the year end chart. Most recently, it was listed in the top 30 of 2023 on CJAM-FM’s “The Freedom Principle.” Mike Stratton of WKAR in Lansing, MI included it in his top ten for 2023, and Paul Donovan at KUVO in Denver ranked it #7 in his top ten for 2023. An organic evolution of Volume 2. While touring for the previous CD, Planet D Nonet continued adding new charts to their repertoire, realizing by last summer they had enough material for Volume 2. The project evolved organically, with some songs drawn from the movie “Anatomy of a Murder,” performed during a special tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where Duke himself once played. James O’Donnell’s performances with the East Side Rhythm Rascals inspired the inclusion of “Echoes of Harlem” and “Azalea,” arranged by Jeff Cuny. Collaborations with Andrew Homzy and Jeff Cuny brought “Rocks in my Bed” from the Ellington collection at the Smithsonian, featuring the vocals of Camille Price. Tbone Paxton delivers a spirited rendition of “Caravan” using a head arrangement from their live gigs. Rick Steiger suggested “La Plus Belle Africaine,” showcasing Duke’s modern compositions toward the end of his career. Trevor Lamb arranged this track, highlighted by a special photo of him with Ellington bassist John Lamb. This project has been a profound experience, blending historical reverence with personal connections and contemporary interpretations. Artist: Planet D Nonet Album Name: Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2 Label: Eastlawn Records, ELD-42 https://rjspangler.com/pd9.php https://www.eastlawnrecords.com/index.php

Straight Ahead
2026-10-10 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, which has produced some of the world’s greatest musicians, comes the Grammy-nominated jazz group Straight Ahead. Straight Ahead broke new ground for women in the recording industry as the first all-woman jazz band signed to a major record label- Atlantic Records. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. Featuring Alina Morr-piano, Marion Hayden- bass, Gayelynn McKinney- drums, Ingrid Racine- trumpet and Kymberli Wright- vocals Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from jazz, to Latin music and jazzy hip-hop. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy with a wide range of musical textures, moods and tempos. The ensemble has shared the concert stage with a who’s who of the music world including: Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett, George Duke, Ray Charles, the Yellowjackets, Dianne Reeves and Stanley Clark With 5 recordings to its credit, Straight Ahead has established itself as one of jazz’s most enduring and prolific groups. The group’s first two recordings for Atlantic Jazz “Look Straight Ahead” and “Body and Soul”, produced by legendary drummer/producer Lenny White, made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart “Top 20”. “Dance of the Forest Rain” their evocative 3rd release for Atlantic, produced by Bob Belden, featured guest appearances by Kenny Garrett, Brazilian percussionist Guillerme Franco and guitarist Fareed Haque. “City Cuts” includes fresh takes on Stevie Wonder’s classic “You Got It Bad” and the Stylistics “People Make the World Go ‘Round”. The latest release, “Still Swinging” includes original works from the band as well as compositions from saxophonist Jimmy Heath and the late master percussionist/composer Roy Brooks. These Grammy-nominated recording artists have travelled extensively in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe garnering rave reviews. Joy, Power, Love, Wisdom…..Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead!
Find out more here!

Straight Ahead
2026-10-11 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.
Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, which has produced some of the world’s greatest musicians, comes the Grammy-nominated jazz group Straight Ahead. Straight Ahead broke new ground for women in the recording industry as the first all-woman jazz band signed to a major record label- Atlantic Records. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. Featuring Alina Morr-piano, Marion Hayden- bass, Gayelynn McKinney- drums, Ingrid Racine- trumpet and Kymberli Wright- vocals Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, the Straight Ahead sound ranges comfortably from jazz, to Latin music and jazzy hip-hop. Their live performances are a dynamic celebration of power and joy with a wide range of musical textures, moods and tempos. The ensemble has shared the concert stage with a who’s who of the music world including: Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett, George Duke, Ray Charles, the Yellowjackets, Dianne Reeves and Stanley Clark With 5 recordings to its credit, Straight Ahead has established itself as one of jazz’s most enduring and prolific groups. The group’s first two recordings for Atlantic Jazz “Look Straight Ahead” and “Body and Soul”, produced by legendary drummer/producer Lenny White, made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart “Top 20”. “Dance of the Forest Rain” their evocative 3rd release for Atlantic, produced by Bob Belden, featured guest appearances by Kenny Garrett, Brazilian percussionist Guillerme Franco and guitarist Fareed Haque. “City Cuts” includes fresh takes on Stevie Wonder’s classic “You Got It Bad” and the Stylistics “People Make the World Go ‘Round”. The latest release, “Still Swinging” includes original works from the band as well as compositions from saxophonist Jimmy Heath and the late master percussionist/composer Roy Brooks. These Grammy-nominated recording artists have travelled extensively in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe garnering rave reviews. Joy, Power, Love, Wisdom…..Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead!
Find out more here!

Houston Patton Quartet and Session
2026-10-14 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.

Aya Sekine Trio
2026-10-15 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Aya Sekine was born in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. Jazz pianist, improvisational musician, composer/arranger, educator, visual artist, and community practitioner. The Aya Sekine Trio features Detroit’s own Jaribu Shahid on bass and Jonathan Barahal Taylor on drums. The repertoire includes Aya’s original compositions written across different parts of the world(Singapore, Japan, NY) alongside deeply personal reinterpretations of jazz standards—approached with a strong narrative voice and rhythmic depth rooted in the Black music tradition, and her background as percussion player.
A pianist who captivates international audiences with his flexible and diverse playing style, described as “genre-bending,” while rooted in bebop and straight-ahead jazz. Rooted in the context of Black American music, he has built his own unique musical world through an expression that emphasizes rhythm, emotion, and the spur of the moment.
Growing up surrounded by music, art, and fashion, he spent a long time in Singapore due to his father’s job transfer. The sensibilities nurtured in the multicultural environment of Southeast Asia form the foundation of his current multifaceted expression. Influenced by his music-loving older brother, he became familiar with various types of music, playing percussion in a brass band and in a rock band before becoming devoted to highly improvisational music, while simultaneously beginning to listen to soul, funk, Motown, and blues.
After studying jazz at Berklee College of Music, he moved to New York in 1994 and became active in the diverse local music scene. Since 2002, he has been based in Singapore, where he is active in a wide range of fields including performance, education, and community building. He has made significant contributions to the development of the local jazz environment through the establishment of live music at the live music venue “Blu Jaz Cafe” and the founding of the non-profit organization We Love Jazz SG . He has also hosted the community-based improvisation workshop “Jungle Jam” for many years, creating a space for musical exchange that transcends genres and experience levels.
In 2019, her work related to International Jazz Day was recognized, and she was invited by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz and UNESCO to perform at the Global Host Celebration in Melbourne.
Since 2018, she has expanded her expressive domain to include visual arts, developing her inner emotions and thoughts into works of art.
In 2022, she left Singapore, obtained permanent residency in the United States as an EB-1 (Education for the Arts), and after a period of activity in Japan, moved to Detroit, Michigan, USA in 2024. Currently, she collaborates with prominent local musicians such as Wendell Harrison, performs at the Detroit Jazz Festival and various other festivals, and works as a workshop instructor. She also teaches at the Michigan State University Community Music School Detroit (CMSD).
He also established Double Strut LLC in Detroit, which handles management and label functions , and released the album “High!” as the improvisational duo Junk Jazz. He also runs “Ayaschool,” a series that focuses on the process before musicians present their work, and “Brazilian Music Study Club Detroit,” a platform for Brazilian music lovers that anyone can join, continuously developing practical spaces that focus on the process and improvisation of music.

Tariq Gardner's Evening Star
2026-10-16 19:30 - 21:30
Performances are at 7:30 pm& 9:30 pm. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Evening Star is a Space Odyssey led by Detroit Drummer and 2018 U of M SMTD graduate Tariq Gardner. The group has its roots in Detroit’s expansive musical tradition blending the city’s rich Jazz legacy. With its history of musicians being largely malleable to fit into a wide array of musical styles traveling to the different galaxies of music of the African Diaspora (jazz, neo-soul, Afro-Cuban, Traditional American Gospel, hip-hop etc.). Evening Star brings listeners light years into the cosmos while staying true to the roots of the Motherland.

Johnny O'Neal
2026-10-17 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.
Legendary Detroit Pianist returns home bringing his new Quartet from NYC!
After forty-plus years as a professional pianist, vocalist and entertainer, Johnny O’Neal has earned the title of “master” with fellow musicians and audiences around the world. Highlights of his awe-inspiring career include stints with Ray Brown, Milt Jackson and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, as well as a Carnegie Hall debut in 1985 on solo piano opening for Oscar Peterson and induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1998. There is little wonder he was tapped to play virtuoso pianist Art Tatum in the Academy Award-winning Ray Charles biopic Ray.

While playing with Blakey, he accompanied some of the great jazz divas, including Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRae. Johnny has also been tapped for appearances by Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Pass, Nancy Wilson, Anita O’Day, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Burrell, Sonny Stitt, Benny Golson, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and Clark Terry, among others. Performances on the festival circuits in Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, Israel and South Africa have gained him an international following.
The Detroit native considers himself a piano player first, but was encouraged to sing in his sets more by Joe Williams. Johnny recalls Williams advising him, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” Astonishingly, he is largely self-taught. His playing evokes the influences imbued in him by his idols Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum, and he has reshaped these elements into his own very swinging and melodic approach. In live performances, he is apt to catch his audience off-guard with his blues shouting or soulfully rendered yet unpretentious vocalizations.
