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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260115T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260115T213000
DTSTAMP:20251103T152641Z
CREATED:20251028T141859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T152641Z
UID:10008484-1768505400-1768512600@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Everything Yes
DESCRIPTION: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.\nADVANCED TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE \nEverything 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. \nThis powerhouse of a band brings a fresh take on the style while staying true to the roots. Let’s meet the members! \nZack 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. \nSean 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. \nCole 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. \nNathan 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.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/everything-yes/
CATEGORIES:Featured
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/winter_arc_4X4_blank-min_2500x2500.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260116T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260116T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009787-1768591800-1768599000@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-16/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260116T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260116T213000
DTSTAMP:20251118T180514Z
CREATED:20251118T180514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T180514Z
UID:10008509-1768591800-1768599000@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Allen Dennard
DESCRIPTION: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.\nAllen Dennard is a trumpeter\, composer and bandleader who was born and raised in the city of Detroit\, Michigan. Allen has made three appearances as a sideman in the Detroit Jazz Festival\, one being with the great saxophonist Wendell Harrison (2015)\, one being with Detroit bassist Ali Bey (2017)\, and lastly with the Detroit Jazz Festival All-Star Alumni Band (2019). In January 2019 Allen was chosen by the Detroit MetroTimes as one of ten artist they thought would become famous in that year. Soon after that Allen was approached with many interview requests\, one being with Detroit Public Television/ PBS and the other being with Honeysuckle Magazine\, a New York City based magazine company. Aside from that Allen has worked with several artist from the Detroit Music Factory label\, such as Gayelynn McKinney\, De’Sean Jones and Sean Dobbins. He has also worked with Detroit saxophonist David McMurray from the Blue Note record label. Adding to that\, Allen also got the opportunity to share the stage with New York based saxophonist J.D Allen\, who is with HighNote Records. \nIn October 2018 Allen had the opportunity to work with famous R&B artist Ray J\, being a member of the pit orchestra in a play that Ray J was in. In the same year Allen was chosen to be in the horn section for the MC5 reunion in Detroit\, sharing the stage with musical icons such as Wayne Kramer. Following after that Allen went on to record on one of Alice Copper’s latest albums in 2019. Allen is a bandleader and has three of his own groups\, the Allen Dennard Trio\, the Allen Dennard Quartet and the Allen Dennard Quintet.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/allen-dennard-2/2026-01-16/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Allen11.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260117T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260117T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009788-1768678200-1768685400@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-17/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260117T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260117T213000
DTSTAMP:20251118T180514Z
CREATED:20251118T180514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T180514Z
UID:10008510-1768678200-1768685400@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Allen Dennard
DESCRIPTION: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.\nAllen Dennard is a trumpeter\, composer and bandleader who was born and raised in the city of Detroit\, Michigan. Allen has made three appearances as a sideman in the Detroit Jazz Festival\, one being with the great saxophonist Wendell Harrison (2015)\, one being with Detroit bassist Ali Bey (2017)\, and lastly with the Detroit Jazz Festival All-Star Alumni Band (2019). In January 2019 Allen was chosen by the Detroit MetroTimes as one of ten artist they thought would become famous in that year. Soon after that Allen was approached with many interview requests\, one being with Detroit Public Television/ PBS and the other being with Honeysuckle Magazine\, a New York City based magazine company. Aside from that Allen has worked with several artist from the Detroit Music Factory label\, such as Gayelynn McKinney\, De’Sean Jones and Sean Dobbins. He has also worked with Detroit saxophonist David McMurray from the Blue Note record label. Adding to that\, Allen also got the opportunity to share the stage with New York based saxophonist J.D Allen\, who is with HighNote Records. \nIn October 2018 Allen had the opportunity to work with famous R&B artist Ray J\, being a member of the pit orchestra in a play that Ray J was in. In the same year Allen was chosen to be in the horn section for the MC5 reunion in Detroit\, sharing the stage with musical icons such as Wayne Kramer. Following after that Allen went on to record on one of Alice Copper’s latest albums in 2019. Allen is a bandleader and has three of his own groups\, the Allen Dennard Trio\, the Allen Dennard Quartet and the Allen Dennard Quintet.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/allen-dennard-2/2026-01-17/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Allen11.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260118T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260118T193000
DTSTAMP:20251118T180545Z
CREATED:20251118T180545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T180545Z
UID:10008508-1768757400-1768764600@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Allen Dennard
DESCRIPTION: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.\nTrumpeter Allen Dennard has one foot firmly planted in the classic jazz canon. The 2016 graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Music\, Theatre & Dance leads his own rotating jazz ensemble while also regularly playing with the likes of Detroit legends Marion Hayden\, Wendell Harrison\, and David McMurray. This April saw his first release Stepping In\, which evokes the sounds of Miles Davis’ classic quintet. \nThat said\, he’s not just a strict jazz classicist. His other foot is firmly planted in the melting pot that is the Detroit music scene. Dennard also sits in and records with acts ranging from hip-hop (Kulture) to rock ‘n’ roll (the MC5’s “MC50” 50th anniversary tour)\, blues (Robert Bradley)\, soul (Ray J)\, and gospel (J. Drew Sheard II). \nDennard comes from a musical family: His aunt Elreta Dodds played bass clarinet with the ’70s avant-garde jazz ensemble Griot Galaxy. His father sings\, his mother used to play the trumpet and piano\, and his older sister played clarinet. But Dennard says he got his start on trumpet on accident. “In 5th grade I wanted to play trombone\, but my school didn’t have enough\,” he says. “I thought that trumpet was the next best thing. From then on I just never put it down.” \nIt also helps that Detroit has an amazing legacy of mentorship within the jazz community. Dennard praises his first teacher\, jazz flutist Deblon Jackson\, for starting him off with ear training before diving into music theory. He also praises trumpeters John Douglas\, Dwight Adams\, and Rayce Biggs for helping him learn his instrument. \nBut Dennard’s biggest mentor was none other than Marcus Belgrave\, the jazz icon who died in 2015. Dennard says that connection was forged thanks to his aunt\, who was best friends with the pianist Geri Allen\, who set up Dennard’s first lesson with Marcus when he was in high school. \nIt wound up being a crucial connection. “At U of M he saved my career\,” Dennard says. When Dennard was first given his trumpet\, there was no one to teach him the correct way to play\, so he found his own way to do it. But by the time he got to college\, he found out that his embouchure\, or how the mouth is applied to the mouthpiece\, was no longer working for him.\n“That way got me really far — it got me a scholarship to U of M\,” Dennard says. “But in college my notes started cracking and I couldn’t hold a note.” Dennard compares it to being “as bad as breaking your leg if you just got there on a basketball scholarship.” He almost quit.\nAt a U-M master class\, Marcus could tell Denard was struggling\, and took him aside for private home lessons for more than a year. “He kind of sensei-ed me through\,” Dennard says. \nNow\, Dennard says he’s inspired by artists like Houston singer\, pianist\, and producer Robert Glasper. “For me personally\, Robert Glasper created this new wave of jazz that’s similar to ’70s jazz fusion\,” Dennard says. “Hip-hop evolved into other things\, and he put that in his music and created a whole new wave of other artists doing it. It’s common around Detroit.”\nDennard says he just calls it “modern music.” “I love it\,” he says. “I think it’s good for the evolution of music. Everything’s always changing — politics\, life\, all that. Music should too.” \nby Doug Coombe January 02\, 2019 Detroit Metro Times \nhttps://m.metrotimes.com/detroit/allen-dennard-takes-jazz-into-the-future/Content?oid=19038380
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/allen-dennard-3/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Allen11.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260118T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260118T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009789-1768764600-1768771800@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-18/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260119T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260119T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009790-1768851000-1768858200@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-19/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260120T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260120T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009791-1768937400-1768944600@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-20/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260121T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260121T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009792-1769023800-1769031000@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-21/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260121T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260121T213000
DTSTAMP:20251118T181257Z
CREATED:20251118T181204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T181257Z
UID:10008528-1769023800-1769031000@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Jauron Perry and Session
DESCRIPTION: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.\nJauron Perry is an upcoming Detroit trumpeter\, composer\, bandleader\, and educator in jazz studies at Michigan State University. Recognized with the Next Generation of Talent award\, Jauron has gained extensive experience working with Detroit jazz masters like Rodney Whitaker\, Regina Carter\, Wendell Harrison\, as well as sensations such as Jazzmeia Horn\, Marquis Hill\, and Wynton Marsalis\, and performing as a current Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra Fellow. He has been featured in prominent events such as the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jack Rudin Jazz Championship. Jauron recently won the 2024 Michigan Jazz Festival Rising Horn Competition\, and also toured Japan at just 19 years old. He is now a recorded artist with the new collective group Quintessential from Detroit\, MI\, on their debut album “Here We Are” and with his own band\, the Jauron Perry Quintet that won the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival Combo Competition. The quintet performed their debut set at the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival\, creating Jauron’s debut album as a bandleader.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/jauron-perry-and-session-3/2026-01-21/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Jauron-Perry-on-DJF-Main-Stage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260122T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260122T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009793-1769110200-1769117400@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-22/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260122T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260122T213000
DTSTAMP:20251118T183114Z
CREATED:20251118T182242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T183114Z
UID:10008557-1769110200-1769117400@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Jonathon Muir-Cotton
DESCRIPTION: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.\nFeaturing: \n\nJonathon Muir-Cotton-(Bass Bandleader)\nLouis Jones III- Drums\nWyatt Forhan- Trombone\nZach Sommerfeld- Guitar\nBrendon Davis- Piano (January 22rd\, 24th\, 25th)\nJordan Anderson – Piano (January 23rd)\n\nJonathon S. Muir-Cotton is a multi-award winning young\, up and coming double bassist and bassist trained in both the jazz and classical traditions; playing many genres including jazz\, funk\, gospel\, blues\, R&B and neo-soul. Under the mentorship and tutelage of great Detroit bassists like Marion Hayden\, Robert Hurst\, Rick Robinson\, Rodney Whitaker and Ralphe Armstrong\, Jonathon is working towards making his own mark in the music world.  \nJonathon has continued to garner great opportunities to perform internationally\, with consistent rotations in  Detroit\, New York\, Ann Arbor\, and many other venues across the country. Jonathon is a student at Michigan State University pursuing his Bachelors in Jazz Studies.  \nJust this summer Jonathon made is tv scoring debut for the show Mo Season 2 on Netflix! Show was produced by Common\, Karriem Riggins\, Mohammed Amher.  \nJonathon is currently touring with artist such as Christian Sands\, Ulssyess Owens\, Luther Allison\, Domo Branch\, Ashley Pezzotti\, Brandon Woody. \nMuir-Cotton has performed/ toured with various renowned artists\, including  Common\,Karriem Riggins\,\, Christian Sands\, \, Ulyesses Owens Jr Joe Farnsworth\, \, Luther Allison\, Ali Jackson\, Esperanza Spalding\, Ian Finkelstein\, Soul Science Lab\, and Kamau Kenyatta. He has his own talented and versatile extended band Expressions\, and is an often sought bassist for other artists\, their bands\, and studio work. Jonathon continues to hone his craft\, hopes to tour the world\, and eventually become a music educator\, teaching jazz at the collegiate level as well as be an inspiration and give back to the next generation of students and aspiring musicians.  \n 
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/jonathon-muir-cotton/2026-01-22/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_9281.pdf.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260123T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260123T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009794-1769196600-1769203800@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-23/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260123T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260123T213000
DTSTAMP:20251118T183114Z
CREATED:20251118T182242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T183114Z
UID:10008558-1769196600-1769203800@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Jonathon Muir-Cotton
DESCRIPTION: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.\nFeaturing: \n\nJonathon Muir-Cotton-(Bass Bandleader)\nLouis Jones III- Drums\nWyatt Forhan- Trombone\nZach Sommerfeld- Guitar\nBrendon Davis- Piano (January 22rd\, 24th\, 25th)\nJordan Anderson – Piano (January 23rd)\n\nJonathon S. Muir-Cotton is a multi-award winning young\, up and coming double bassist and bassist trained in both the jazz and classical traditions; playing many genres including jazz\, funk\, gospel\, blues\, R&B and neo-soul. Under the mentorship and tutelage of great Detroit bassists like Marion Hayden\, Robert Hurst\, Rick Robinson\, Rodney Whitaker and Ralphe Armstrong\, Jonathon is working towards making his own mark in the music world.  \nJonathon has continued to garner great opportunities to perform internationally\, with consistent rotations in  Detroit\, New York\, Ann Arbor\, and many other venues across the country. Jonathon is a student at Michigan State University pursuing his Bachelors in Jazz Studies.  \nJust this summer Jonathon made is tv scoring debut for the show Mo Season 2 on Netflix! Show was produced by Common\, Karriem Riggins\, Mohammed Amher.  \nJonathon is currently touring with artist such as Christian Sands\, Ulssyess Owens\, Luther Allison\, Domo Branch\, Ashley Pezzotti\, Brandon Woody. \nMuir-Cotton has performed/ toured with various renowned artists\, including  Common\,Karriem Riggins\,\, Christian Sands\, \, Ulyesses Owens Jr Joe Farnsworth\, \, Luther Allison\, Ali Jackson\, Esperanza Spalding\, Ian Finkelstein\, Soul Science Lab\, and Kamau Kenyatta. He has his own talented and versatile extended band Expressions\, and is an often sought bassist for other artists\, their bands\, and studio work. Jonathon continues to hone his craft\, hopes to tour the world\, and eventually become a music educator\, teaching jazz at the collegiate level as well as be an inspiration and give back to the next generation of students and aspiring musicians.  \n 
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/jonathon-muir-cotton/2026-01-23/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_9281.pdf.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260124T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260124T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009795-1769283000-1769290200@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-24/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260124T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260124T213000
DTSTAMP:20251118T183114Z
CREATED:20251118T182242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T183114Z
UID:10008559-1769283000-1769290200@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Jonathon Muir-Cotton
DESCRIPTION: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.\nFeaturing: \n\nJonathon Muir-Cotton-(Bass Bandleader)\nLouis Jones III- Drums\nWyatt Forhan- Trombone\nZach Sommerfeld- Guitar\nBrendon Davis- Piano (January 22rd\, 24th\, 25th)\nJordan Anderson – Piano (January 23rd)\n\nJonathon S. Muir-Cotton is a multi-award winning young\, up and coming double bassist and bassist trained in both the jazz and classical traditions; playing many genres including jazz\, funk\, gospel\, blues\, R&B and neo-soul. Under the mentorship and tutelage of great Detroit bassists like Marion Hayden\, Robert Hurst\, Rick Robinson\, Rodney Whitaker and Ralphe Armstrong\, Jonathon is working towards making his own mark in the music world.  \nJonathon has continued to garner great opportunities to perform internationally\, with consistent rotations in  Detroit\, New York\, Ann Arbor\, and many other venues across the country. Jonathon is a student at Michigan State University pursuing his Bachelors in Jazz Studies.  \nJust this summer Jonathon made is tv scoring debut for the show Mo Season 2 on Netflix! Show was produced by Common\, Karriem Riggins\, Mohammed Amher.  \nJonathon is currently touring with artist such as Christian Sands\, Ulssyess Owens\, Luther Allison\, Domo Branch\, Ashley Pezzotti\, Brandon Woody. \nMuir-Cotton has performed/ toured with various renowned artists\, including  Common\,Karriem Riggins\,\, Christian Sands\, \, Ulyesses Owens Jr Joe Farnsworth\, \, Luther Allison\, Ali Jackson\, Esperanza Spalding\, Ian Finkelstein\, Soul Science Lab\, and Kamau Kenyatta. He has his own talented and versatile extended band Expressions\, and is an often sought bassist for other artists\, their bands\, and studio work. Jonathon continues to hone his craft\, hopes to tour the world\, and eventually become a music educator\, teaching jazz at the collegiate level as well as be an inspiration and give back to the next generation of students and aspiring musicians.  \n 
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/jonathon-muir-cotton/2026-01-24/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_9281.pdf.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260125T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260125T173000
DTSTAMP:20260125T203641Z
CREATED:20251118T182510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T203641Z
UID:10008563-1769362200-1769362200@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Jonathon Muir-Cotton
DESCRIPTION:Canceled to to weather\nJonathon S. Muir-Cotton is a multi-award winning young\, up and coming double bassist and bassist trained in both the jazz and classical traditions; playing many genres including jazz\, funk\, gospel\, blues\, R&B and neo-soul. Under the mentorship and tutelage of great Detroit bassists like Marion Hayden\, Robert Hurst\, Rick Robinson\, Rodney Whitaker and Ralphe Armstrong\, Jonathon is working towards making his own mark in the music world.  \nJonathon has continued to garner great opportunities to perform internationally\, with consistent rotations in  Detroit\, New York\, Ann Arbor\, and many other venues across the country. Jonathon is a student at Michigan State University pursuing his Bachelors in Jazz Studies.  \nJust this summer Jonathon made is tv scoring debut for the show Mo Season 2 on Netflix! Show was produced by Common\, Karriem Riggins\, Mohammed Amher.  \nJonathon is currently touring with artist such as Christian Sands\, Ulssyess Owens\, Luther Allison\, Domo Branch\, Ashley Pezzotti\, Brandon Woody. \nMuir-Cotton has performed/ toured with various renowned artists\, including  Common\,Karriem Riggins\,\, Christian Sands\, \, Ulyesses Owens Jr Joe Farnsworth\, \, Luther Allison\, Ali Jackson\, Esperanza Spalding\, Ian Finkelstein\, Soul Science Lab\, and Kamau Kenyatta. He has his own talented and versatile extended band Expressions\, and is an often sought bassist for other artists\, their bands\, and studio work. Jonathon continues to hone his craft\, hopes to tour the world\, and eventually become a music educator\, teaching jazz at the collegiate level as well as be an inspiration and give back to the next generation of students and aspiring musicians.  \n 
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/jonathon-muir-cotton-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Make-a-protest-sign-that-says-_Closed-do-to-Weather_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260125T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260125T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009796-1769369400-1769376600@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-25/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260125T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260125T200000
DTSTAMP:20260125T203605Z
CREATED:20251023T174741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T203605Z
UID:10008481-1769371200-1769371200@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Bill Laurance (Solo Piano)
DESCRIPTION:To Be Rescheduled\nGrammy Award-winning pianist\, composer\, and producer Bill Laurance is internationally celebrated for his genre-defying sound and innovative collaborations. With over 25\,000 followers on Facebook and 40\,200 on Instagram\, Bill has cultivated a devoted global audience drawn to his distinctive blend of jazz\, classical\, and electronic music.\nAs a founding member of Snarky Puppy\, Bill has earned five Grammy Awards\, including Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Empire Central (2023)\, Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2020)\, Culcha Vulcha (2017)\, and Sylva (2016)\, as well as Best R&B Performance in 2014 for the Snarky Puppy collaboration with Lalah Hathaway.\nBill’s versatility has made him a sought-after collaborator and composer across film\, television\, and dance. His music has featured in international ad campaigns for Apple and Sky\, and in films such as Un Traductor (2018) and Initials S.G. (2019)\, for which he composed several original themes. He also collaborated closely with the late David Crosby\, including on the acclaimed documentary Remember My Name (2019).\nLaurance’s compositions have been reimagined by renowned ensembles such as the WDR Big Band Cologne and Metropole Orkest and commissioned for performances at the Cello Biennale. He has composed extensively for contemporary dance\, working with Alvin Ailey’s Hope Boykin (ReDefine US\, From The Inside OUT\, 2021; Here WE Are\, 2020) and companies including Matthew Bourne’s Adventures in Motion Pictures\, Phoenix Dance\, Northern Ballet Theatre\, and English National Ballet.\nHis solo work explores the intersections of acoustic and electronic music\, often framed by conceptual and narrative themes. A prodigious performer since childhood—playing his first Soho residency at just 14—Bill’s musical journey has been marked by curiosity and fearless experimentation. His creative partnership with Michael League continues to flourish through their duo projects and collaborative performances around the world.\nIn recent years\, Bill has released two celebrated albums: Keeping Company (with Michael League\, 2024) and his 12th solo album\, Lumen (2025). Together\, they mark the latest chapters in a career defined by innovation\, collaboration\, and an ever-evolving musical vision.\n\n \nhttps://billlaurance.com/ \nhttps://billlaurance.bandcamp.com/
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/bill-laurance-solo-piano/
CATEGORIES:Featured
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Make-a-protest-sign-that-says-_Closed-do-to-Weather_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260126T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260126T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009797-1769455800-1769463000@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-26/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260127T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260127T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009798-1769542200-1769549400@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-27/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260128T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260128T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009799-1769628600-1769635800@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-28/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260128T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260128T213000
DTSTAMP:20260306T153204Z
CREATED:20251219T173746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T153204Z
UID:10008585-1769628600-1769635800@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Kasan Belgrave and Session
DESCRIPTION: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\nSaxophonist 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. \nThe 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. \nIn 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. \nKasan 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. \nBelgrave 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.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/kasan-belgrave-and-session/2026-01-28/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/kasan2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260129T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260129T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009800-1769715000-1769722200@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-29/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260129T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260129T213000
DTSTAMP:20251118T184650Z
CREATED:20251118T184649Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T184650Z
UID:10008301-1769715000-1769722200@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Langston Kitchen's Mahogany Collective
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\n\n\n\nBorn in Detroit\, possessing familial roots in Harlem\, and known for his big sound on the bass\, Langston Marcelles Kitchen is the winner of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award\, Essentially Ellington Regional Best Musicianship Award\, and the Detroit Jazz Festival Collegiate Combo Competition. He is a Geri Allen Fellow and jazz major at Michigan State University\, under the tutelage of University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass and Director of Jazz Studies\, Rodney Whitaker. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWithin a short period of time\, he has begun to master his instrument and has studied under some of the most respected jazz musicians\, including Robert Hurst\, Xavier Davis\, Sean Dobbins\, and Marcus Printup and has performed with Michael Dease\, Dan Wilson\, Xavier Davis\, Walter Blanding\, and Randy Napoleon. In the words of Louis Armstrong\, “To jazz\, or not to jazz\, there is no question!” Kitchen loves jazz and is driven by his pursuit to play with conviction\, purpose\, and feeling. He has performed at Smalls Jazz Club\, the Detroit Jazz Festival\, Jazz Festival at Caramoor\, East Lansing Summer Solstice\, the Roxy Bar\, City Opera House\, the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe\, Cliff Bell’s\, and Blue Llama Jazz Club. With the goals of becoming a touring musician and a distinguished professor\, Kitchen continues to pursue his dreams and hopes to one-day help young musicians with the same spirit of reciprocity that his mentors share with him.  \n\n\n\n\n  \n 
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/langston-kitchens-mahogany-collective-and-session-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Langston-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260130T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260130T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009801-1769801400-1769808600@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-30/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/avedon-2-1-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260130T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260130T213000
DTSTAMP:20260127T190018Z
CREATED:20251118T183900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T190018Z
UID:10008564-1769801400-1769808600@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Hearts and Minds
DESCRIPTION: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.\n“. . . raucous and scintillating” – Nate Chinen\, Jazz Times  \nSoon after the catchy synth-bass line that opens Electroradiance\, listeners will start to suspect they’re in for something different. The synth-bass line has a herky-jerky contour that does fit a basic pattern of power-rock bands over the decades\, but the bass clarinet melody that follows? Not so much. And halfway through\, when the bass line becomes a vamp\, and the improvisation enters a realm of altissimo squawks and thrillingly convoluted deep runs – well\, we’re not in Kansas anymore\, are we? Electror diance\, the captivating new collection of grooves and freedom from Chicago trio Hearts & Minds\, teems with such episodes. “Future Told” marches to a humorously ominous riff rooted in the cartoonish melodies of Raymond Scott in the 1930s. The dance-inducing beat of “Step’n” supports a stuttering melody from bass clarinet – and then some whole-tone keyboard swaths\, pockmarked by synthesized percussion blips – before shifting to a fast swing beat and back again. That same dynamic comes into play on “Slippery Slope\,” while a modified New Orleans street beat drives “Shreveport”. On the other hand\, though\, “Treeline” opens with a mournful melody and retains its lovely rubato tempo for the first portion; and the title track offers a space-agey tone poem – night-lonely and a little eerie – in which synthesized keyboard sounds and bass clarinet gargles become almost interchangeable. Hearts & Minds is the brash and ballsy brainchild of Jason Stein and Paul Giallorenzo\, who have remained friends since they met as grade-school classmates almost three decades ago. Employing an unusual\, not to say bizarre\, instrumentation\, they make music that loops the solar system but maintains an irresistibly grounded pulse (despite the lack of a bassist). Giallorenzo’s keyboard work reaches back to the fledgling electronics of the 60s to encompass synth lines as well as asymmetrical tones and textures\, which embrace Stein’s rangy command of bass clarinet techniques. Joining them for the first time on disc\, drummer Chad Taylor simmers or percolates\, utilizing his wealth of experience with such artists as Chicago tenor-sax legend Fred Anderson and his Chicago Underground cohorts Jeff Parker and Rob Mazurek. Taylor’s history made him the perfect choice to replace Hearts & Minds’ original drummer\, Frank Rosaly (who moved to Europe shortly after the trio’s debut recording). Working with Fred Anderson allowed him to learn from a free-jazz contemporary of Cecil Taylor\, Ornette Coleman\, and Pharoah Sanders\, whose pioneering improvisations of the 1960s are one touchstone for Hearts & Minds. And Taylor’s collaborations with trumpeter-electronicist Rob Mazurek honed his ability to support and shape music made by electronics – the other major inspiration for Hearts & Minds\, whose music\nreverberates with memories of Sun Ra and the jazz fusion of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. \nAs the title of the opening track indicates\, this ability to go “Back And Forth” between two seemingly opposed camps distinguishes Hearts & Minds – as does the ability to find a fusion path that skirts them both. This same dialectic applies to the name of the band itself\, as these musicians seek to achieve an aesthetic unification of expressionistic energy (heart) and intellectual formalism (mind) – all with a 21st-century voice that refers to but does not imitate past influences. \n \nJason Stein​ is among the mere handful of improvisers who play the bass clarinet exclusively (rather than doubling on it as a change of pace). He occasionally performs for more people in one night than most jazz musicians see in a year: his free-jazz trio Locksmith Isidore has opened arena shows for comedian Amy Schumer (his half-sister). In addition to that trio and his own quartet\, he contributes to several of the leading bands on Chicago’s new-music scene\, and has brought a vital voice to the freest of free-jazz jams. But he has also stated a fondness for playing actual tunes\, such as those that fill the repertoire of Hearts & Minds. And while several of these songs provide a section for free improvisation\, their initial frameworks provide a uniquely inviting showcase for Stein’s extraordinary expertise on the bass clarinet\, which ranges from powerful post-bop lines to ear-grabbing wails in the altissimo range. Chicago writer Neil Tesser notes that his playing has “a rawboned swagger particular to Chicago jazz in all its manifestations – from the trad playing of Bud Freeman and Jimmy McPartland in the 20s\, through the tenor titans of the 50s\, through the adventurers who formed the AA CM in the 60s\, and right up to the city’s renowned modern cadre of new-music improvisers.” \nPaul Giallorenzo\,​ in addition to leading his own groups – particularly his GitGo quintets and the widely admired acoustic piano trio heard on the 2018 album Flow – has emerged as a leading virtuoso on the analog synthesizer. Giallorenzo’s work has been praised for its “inside-out” nature – his ability to push the boundaries of “conventional” jazz toward more freedom but also\, on the other side\, to bring a measure of structure to more avant-garde material. In addition\, he is a co-founder of Elastic Arts\, an important Chicago performance space and gallery\, where he curates concert series\, produces individual programs\, and performs. Writing in the online journal Point Of Departure\, John Litweiler said\, “His solos and aggressive duets are gems of after-Bop\, after-Bley melody\,” while AllAboutJazz.org lauded music that “smudges the lines between the tradition and the avant-garde.” Stein and Giallorenzo first met in sixth grade in Rockville Centre\, a mid-sized Long Island suburb of New York City. Giallorenzo attended Northwestern University just north of Chicago; Stein\, studying at University of Michigan\, traveled frequently to Chicago before graduation\, then moved there in the early 2000s. Each settled quickly into the city’s burgeoning jazz/new-music environment\, which by then was attracting attention throughout North America and Europe. They first performed in the format that evolved into Hearts & Minds in 2003; Frank Rosaly came on as drummer in 2005\, ably succeeded by Chad Taylor\,​ who grew up in Chicago and now lives in New York. His discography includes more than a dozen albums under the Chicago Underground rubric\, starting with the Chicago Underground Duo formed by him and Rob Mazurek; multiple albums recorded with Fred Anderson\, guitarist Jeff Parker\, and award-winning flutist and composer Nicole Mitchell; and one of the most critically respected albums of 2017\, trumpeter Jamie Branch’s Fly Or Die. \n \nChad Taylor is a prominent American jazz and experimental drummer and composer who made his initial mark on the Chicago music scene in the 1990s. He is a founding member of the long-running Chicago Underground ensembles (Duo\, Trio\, Quartet\, Orchestra) with multi-instrumentalist Rob Mazurek.\nBorn in 1973 in Tempe\, Arizona\, Taylor grew up in Chicago and began his professional performing career there at age 16. He is known for his versatile and “big-hearted Chicago swing feel” combined with a detailed New York style\, performing with a wide range of acclaimed artists including Fred Anderson\, Pharoah Sanders\, Marc Ribot\, Jeff Parker\, Jaimie Branch\, and James Brandon Lewis. Though he left Chicago in 2001 and currently lives in Philadelphia\, his work with the Chicago Underground collective and other Chicago-based musicians has left a lasting impact. In addition to his collaborative work\, Taylor leads his own groups\, including the Chad Taylor Trio and Circle Down.\nChad Taylor is also an educator and a scholar\, holding a master’s degree in Jazz History and Research from Rutgers University. As of 2024\, he serves as the director of the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/hearts-and-mind/2026-01-30/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260131T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260131T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009802-1769887800-1769895000@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:ELEW
DESCRIPTION: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.\nWith Detroit’s own Louis Jones on the drums and Noah Jackson on bass. \nA native of Camden\, New Jersey\, Eric Lewis began his musical studies at 2 years old and would ultimately receive the Rodger’s and Hammerstein full merit scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. A Dean’s List student\, upon graduation\, he toured the world\, recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra\, Elvin Jones\, Cassandra Wilson\, Roy Hargrove\, and John Hendricks among others. In 1999\, Eric won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition\, at the time\, the most coveted prize in all of Jazz. A decade into his career\, he reemerged as ELEW and began fusing his piano techniques with rock guitar-based ideas and experimental prepared piano methods\, generating a powerful crossover brand he coined “Rockjazz”. Over the course of multiple award winning\, critically acclaimed albums\, ELEW has re-imagined songs by The Killers\, Nirvana\, Coldplay and Michael Jackson to name a few. Throughout his career he has built an elite fanbase of some of the most distinguished leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio\, Gerard Butler\, Barack and Michele Obama\, Prince Albert II\, Will Smith\, Eli Roth\, Al Pacino and the list goes on… Inspired by the European masters of Baroque Counterpoint\, ELEW has innovated the technique of simultaneously executing two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation. \nHe has named this technique Counterbop. His album Cubism – ELEW plays Rosenwinkel\, a solo piano exploration of contemporary jazz legend Kurt Rosenwinkel provides perspective an insight into the nature of what Counterbop is and how it may be implemented. In addition to piano performance\, appearing in and scoring for film\, ELEW is a prominent international DJ. He has has created disco infernos for multiple events such as The World Economic Forum\, TED\, Art Basel\, A-list Oscar parties\, the Monte-Carlo Gala\, the Cannes Film Festival and multiple celebrity birthdays and weddings. In some cases\, ELEW places the turntables within the piano\, seamlessly executing transitions and improvisations all while generating a pleasing frenzy on the dance floor. This has lead to him creating yet another brilliant innovation he calls Piano Turntablism . He literally plays two different yet recognizable songs simultaneously as a Dj would but on the Piano. All while maintaining the type of euphoric atmosphere one would experience at an over-the-top Las Vegas mega club or an epic music\nfestival. ELEW is a genuine master of the piano and artistic genius.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/elew/2026-01-31/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260131T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260131T213000
DTSTAMP:20260127T190018Z
CREATED:20251118T183900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T190018Z
UID:10008565-1769887800-1769895000@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Hearts and Minds
DESCRIPTION: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.\n“. . . raucous and scintillating” – Nate Chinen\, Jazz Times  \nSoon after the catchy synth-bass line that opens Electroradiance\, listeners will start to suspect they’re in for something different. The synth-bass line has a herky-jerky contour that does fit a basic pattern of power-rock bands over the decades\, but the bass clarinet melody that follows? Not so much. And halfway through\, when the bass line becomes a vamp\, and the improvisation enters a realm of altissimo squawks and thrillingly convoluted deep runs – well\, we’re not in Kansas anymore\, are we? Electror diance\, the captivating new collection of grooves and freedom from Chicago trio Hearts & Minds\, teems with such episodes. “Future Told” marches to a humorously ominous riff rooted in the cartoonish melodies of Raymond Scott in the 1930s. The dance-inducing beat of “Step’n” supports a stuttering melody from bass clarinet – and then some whole-tone keyboard swaths\, pockmarked by synthesized percussion blips – before shifting to a fast swing beat and back again. That same dynamic comes into play on “Slippery Slope\,” while a modified New Orleans street beat drives “Shreveport”. On the other hand\, though\, “Treeline” opens with a mournful melody and retains its lovely rubato tempo for the first portion; and the title track offers a space-agey tone poem – night-lonely and a little eerie – in which synthesized keyboard sounds and bass clarinet gargles become almost interchangeable. Hearts & Minds is the brash and ballsy brainchild of Jason Stein and Paul Giallorenzo\, who have remained friends since they met as grade-school classmates almost three decades ago. Employing an unusual\, not to say bizarre\, instrumentation\, they make music that loops the solar system but maintains an irresistibly grounded pulse (despite the lack of a bassist). Giallorenzo’s keyboard work reaches back to the fledgling electronics of the 60s to encompass synth lines as well as asymmetrical tones and textures\, which embrace Stein’s rangy command of bass clarinet techniques. Joining them for the first time on disc\, drummer Chad Taylor simmers or percolates\, utilizing his wealth of experience with such artists as Chicago tenor-sax legend Fred Anderson and his Chicago Underground cohorts Jeff Parker and Rob Mazurek. Taylor’s history made him the perfect choice to replace Hearts & Minds’ original drummer\, Frank Rosaly (who moved to Europe shortly after the trio’s debut recording). Working with Fred Anderson allowed him to learn from a free-jazz contemporary of Cecil Taylor\, Ornette Coleman\, and Pharoah Sanders\, whose pioneering improvisations of the 1960s are one touchstone for Hearts & Minds. And Taylor’s collaborations with trumpeter-electronicist Rob Mazurek honed his ability to support and shape music made by electronics – the other major inspiration for Hearts & Minds\, whose music\nreverberates with memories of Sun Ra and the jazz fusion of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. \nAs the title of the opening track indicates\, this ability to go “Back And Forth” between two seemingly opposed camps distinguishes Hearts & Minds – as does the ability to find a fusion path that skirts them both. This same dialectic applies to the name of the band itself\, as these musicians seek to achieve an aesthetic unification of expressionistic energy (heart) and intellectual formalism (mind) – all with a 21st-century voice that refers to but does not imitate past influences. \n \nJason Stein​ is among the mere handful of improvisers who play the bass clarinet exclusively (rather than doubling on it as a change of pace). He occasionally performs for more people in one night than most jazz musicians see in a year: his free-jazz trio Locksmith Isidore has opened arena shows for comedian Amy Schumer (his half-sister). In addition to that trio and his own quartet\, he contributes to several of the leading bands on Chicago’s new-music scene\, and has brought a vital voice to the freest of free-jazz jams. But he has also stated a fondness for playing actual tunes\, such as those that fill the repertoire of Hearts & Minds. And while several of these songs provide a section for free improvisation\, their initial frameworks provide a uniquely inviting showcase for Stein’s extraordinary expertise on the bass clarinet\, which ranges from powerful post-bop lines to ear-grabbing wails in the altissimo range. Chicago writer Neil Tesser notes that his playing has “a rawboned swagger particular to Chicago jazz in all its manifestations – from the trad playing of Bud Freeman and Jimmy McPartland in the 20s\, through the tenor titans of the 50s\, through the adventurers who formed the AA CM in the 60s\, and right up to the city’s renowned modern cadre of new-music improvisers.” \nPaul Giallorenzo\,​ in addition to leading his own groups – particularly his GitGo quintets and the widely admired acoustic piano trio heard on the 2018 album Flow – has emerged as a leading virtuoso on the analog synthesizer. Giallorenzo’s work has been praised for its “inside-out” nature – his ability to push the boundaries of “conventional” jazz toward more freedom but also\, on the other side\, to bring a measure of structure to more avant-garde material. In addition\, he is a co-founder of Elastic Arts\, an important Chicago performance space and gallery\, where he curates concert series\, produces individual programs\, and performs. Writing in the online journal Point Of Departure\, John Litweiler said\, “His solos and aggressive duets are gems of after-Bop\, after-Bley melody\,” while AllAboutJazz.org lauded music that “smudges the lines between the tradition and the avant-garde.” Stein and Giallorenzo first met in sixth grade in Rockville Centre\, a mid-sized Long Island suburb of New York City. Giallorenzo attended Northwestern University just north of Chicago; Stein\, studying at University of Michigan\, traveled frequently to Chicago before graduation\, then moved there in the early 2000s. Each settled quickly into the city’s burgeoning jazz/new-music environment\, which by then was attracting attention throughout North America and Europe. They first performed in the format that evolved into Hearts & Minds in 2003; Frank Rosaly came on as drummer in 2005\, ably succeeded by Chad Taylor\,​ who grew up in Chicago and now lives in New York. His discography includes more than a dozen albums under the Chicago Underground rubric\, starting with the Chicago Underground Duo formed by him and Rob Mazurek; multiple albums recorded with Fred Anderson\, guitarist Jeff Parker\, and award-winning flutist and composer Nicole Mitchell; and one of the most critically respected albums of 2017\, trumpeter Jamie Branch’s Fly Or Die. \n \nChad Taylor is a prominent American jazz and experimental drummer and composer who made his initial mark on the Chicago music scene in the 1990s. He is a founding member of the long-running Chicago Underground ensembles (Duo\, Trio\, Quartet\, Orchestra) with multi-instrumentalist Rob Mazurek.\nBorn in 1973 in Tempe\, Arizona\, Taylor grew up in Chicago and began his professional performing career there at age 16. He is known for his versatile and “big-hearted Chicago swing feel” combined with a detailed New York style\, performing with a wide range of acclaimed artists including Fred Anderson\, Pharoah Sanders\, Marc Ribot\, Jeff Parker\, Jaimie Branch\, and James Brandon Lewis. Though he left Chicago in 2001 and currently lives in Philadelphia\, his work with the Chicago Underground collective and other Chicago-based musicians has left a lasting impact. In addition to his collaborative work\, Taylor leads his own groups\, including the Chad Taylor Trio and Circle Down.\nChad Taylor is also an educator and a scholar\, holding a master’s degree in Jazz History and Research from Rutgers University. As of 2024\, he serves as the director of the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/hearts-and-mind/2026-01-31/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image0-3.jpeg
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