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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260731T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260731T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009983-1785526200-1785533400@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two independent melodies which precisely detail harmonic forms bursting with idiomatic verisimilitude and wide ranging historical references while flawlessly maintaining the idiosyncratic Afrocentric timing at the core of Jazz improvisation.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/2026-07-31/
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:20260731T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260731T213000
DTSTAMP:20260723T162425Z
CREATED:20260501T160856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T162425Z
UID:10009495-1785526200-1785533400@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Allen Theory
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation \nPerformances are at 7:30p & 9:30p. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6p for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9p.\nAllenTheory is the musical partnership of husband and wife duo Brian and Shamara Allen — a sound rooted in faith\, love\, and divine timing\, born from a shared calling that began long before they officially met.\nSince forming\, AllenTheory has brought their music to stages across Michigan\, including Dabney & Co. (Kalamazoo)\, Dreamstone Studios (Grand Rapids)\, and Cliff Bell’s (Detroit). Their debut single\, “I Love You\,” released June 21st\, previews their upcoming album dropping this September\, featuring fan favorites like “Be Mine\,” “Phases\,” and “Forever.” Through every song\, AllenTheory invites listeners into a story of purpose\, partnership\, and praise — where love and faith are not only expressed\, but heard.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/brian-allen-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image0.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260801T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260801T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009984-1785612600-1785619800@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/2026-08-01/
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:20260801T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260801T213000
DTSTAMP:20260722T193744Z
CREATED:20260508T145151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T193744Z
UID:10009498-1785612600-1785619800@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Ambassadors Big Band under the Direction of Mike Letovsky
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation\nShowtimes 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.\nSince the 1950’s the Ambassadors Big Band has been presenting the finest in Big Band Era Jazz for all of south-west Michigan.  The 17 piece Big Band formed in 1957 with the legendary Fred Bentz as the leader. At that time they were known as “The Ambassadors Of Good Will” and were regulars at local V.A. hospitals across Michigan.  After a few years it was decided to make the band a regular swing band and the name was changed.  Vocalists were later added and with the second leader\, Al Townsend\, the band received many excellent original arrangements.  His writing has given the band it’s unique sound and style.  In 1986 Mike Letovsky joined the band as a tenor sax player and a few years later he took over the lead alto sax chair.  Since 1993 Mike took over leadership of the band and continues the decades long tradition of presenting the finest in Big Band Jazz!
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/ambassadors-big-band-under-the-direction-of-mike-letovsky-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Amb-April-2010.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260802T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260802T193000
DTSTAMP:20260722T193847Z
CREATED:20260508T145236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T193847Z
UID:10009499-1785691800-1785699000@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Re'Monda
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation\nShowtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.\nElegant\, smooth\, rich and soulful are words often used to describe renowned vocalist Re’Monda. At a young age\, the native Detroiter began her musical journey under the tutelage of Motown’s legend; Earl Van Dyke. Re’Monda is a product of rich musical heritage gained by studying and sharing the stage with some of the best musical talents both in the US and abroad including Randy Scott\, John E. Lawerence\, Ralph Armstrong\, Alexander Zonjic and Rayse Biggs.\nInfluenced by vibrant female musical legends such as Aretha Franklin\, Phyllis Hyman\, Anita Baker\, Gladys Knight\, Sarah Vaughn\, and Nancy Wilson; her seemingly effortless and sultry sound\, embodies the combined musical genres of jazz\, Neo soul\, blues and gospel. As a featured soloist\, Re’Monda has traveled the country winning numerous awards and garnering a loyal fanbase; often dominating the stage with renditions of “Ain’t No Way\,” “Glad There Is You\,” “Been So Long\,” “The Nearness Of You” and “Neither One of Us.”\nBorn to perform and known for her characteristically warm and sensual vocals\, Re’Monda has proven herself to be a consummate entertainer and crowd pleaser. Her most recent headlining performances include The FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation Sing Out for Kids Fundraiser\, An Evening of Conversation\, Friendship\, and Song Benefit Concert\, The University of Michigan’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration Symposium and The West Bloomfield’s Library Summer Concert Series.\nWith recent SOLDOUT performances in Ann Arbor’s Blue Llama Jazz Club\, Re’Monda has become a French favorite\, playing to well received and SOLDOUT audiences in Paris France at the Aux Troi’s Mailletz\, and the Le Chat Noir. Having captivated audiences in Paris\, Re’Monda has found an even more appreciative fan base in London England with upcoming 2025 Spring\, Summer and Fall shows. Known for her characteristically rich and dynamic vocal abilities\, Re’Monda consistently delivers show stopping performances once led by talented songstress of today and the days of yesteryears.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/remonda-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/rnn.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260802T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260802T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009985-1785699000-1785706200@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/2026-08-02/
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:20260803T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260803T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009986-1785785400-1785792600@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/2026-08-03/
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:20260804T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260804T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009987-1785871800-1785879000@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/2026-08-04/
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:20260805T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260805T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009988-1785958200-1785965400@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/2026-08-05/
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:20260805T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260805T213000
DTSTAMP:20260722T193945Z
CREATED:20260515T144117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T193945Z
UID:10009501-1785958200-1785965400@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Hayden Cusmano Trio and Session
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation \nPerformances are at 7:30 pm& 9:30 pm. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.\nHayden Cusmano is a Detroit based jazz guitarist\, bandleader\, and composer. An active presence in the Metro Detroit music scene\, Cusmano has performed at notable venues including Dirty Dog Jazz Café\, Cliff Bell’s\, Aretha’s Jazz Café\, and the Detroit Jazz Festival. Whether leading or accompanying\, he brings a dynamic and responsive energy to every performance. He studied at Wayne State University under guitarist Chuck Newsome\, where he had the opportunity to learn from respected Detroit artists such as Paul Keller\, Vincent Chandler\, and Scott Gwinnell\, as well as internationally acclaimed musicians including Brian Blade\, Karriem Riggins\, and Jason Moran. These experiences helped shape his musical voice and broaden his artistic perspective. Deeply influenced by the jazz guitar tradition\, Cusmano draws inspiration from legends such as Wes Montgomery\, John Scofield\, and George Benson. Their impact can be heard in his phrasing\, harmonic approach\, and stylistic versatility. His musicianship has been recognized at the national level\, earning Outstanding Soloist honors at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s Essentially Ellington Festival (2017)\, the Savannah Jazz Festival (2019)\, and Middle Tennessee State University’s Illinois Jacquet Jazz Festival (2024). Cusmano leads his own trio\, as well as a jazz fusion quartet named DICHI along with saxophonist Colin McCahill. He holds a weekly residency at The Ebenezer in Downtown Plymouth\, where he continues to develop his sound and connect with audiences in an intimate setting.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/hayden-cusmano-trio-and-session/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_5967-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009989-1786044600-1786051800@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/2026-08-06/
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:20260806T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260806T213000
DTSTAMP:20260722T194042Z
CREATED:20260515T143505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T194042Z
UID:10009500-1786044600-1786051800@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Erinn Alexis' Huron Collective
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation \nPerformances are at 7:30 pm& 9:30 pm. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.\nThe Huron Collective Personnel: \n\nCaleb Robinson – Drums\nIngrid Racine – Trumpet\nMichael Abbo – Bass\nBarry Chambliss II – Piano\nErinn Alexis – Saxophones\n\n\n\nErinn Alexis is a saxophonist\, composer\, educator\, and bandleader hailing from Detroit\, MI. A graduate of Wayne State University with a degree in Jazz Performance\, Erinn’s musical background is heavily steeped in the traditions of Detroit music. She grew up honing her skills by playing saxophone in church and continued to grow throughout her journey under such mentors as Wendell Harisson\, Marcus Belgrave\, and Ralphe Armstrong. \nErinn Alexis brings a soulful musicality to every performance\, drawing from the traditions of gospel and jazz while infusing her own modern voice. Erinn performs regularly with her quartet\, delivering engaging sets that resonate with the audiences at local venues such as The Congregation Detroit\, Moondog Cafe\, and Miss Eva’s. Erinn is an in-demand performer\, sharing the stage at numerous high-profile venues\, including The Blue Llama\, the historic Baker’s Keyboard Lounge\, the Carr Center\, Arts Beats And Eats Festival\, Aretha’s Jazz Cafe in the Music Hall and Orchestra Hall\, to name just a few. She is a member of several ensembles including the Dr. Prof. Leonard King Orchestra\, Dee Dee Bridgewater Big Band\, Jessica Care Moore’s Black Women Rock and the Ferndale Community Concert Band. Beyond the stage\, Erinn is committed to music education and community engagement. She teaches private lessons and conducts masterclasses and clinics for middle and high school students throughout the Detroit area\, fostering the next generation of musicians and helping young players develop their skills\, confidence\, and creativity. \nErinn continues to grow her artistic reach through performance\, collaboration\, and mentorship—dedicated to both preserving and evolving the jazz tradition.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/erinn-alexis/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/QB1_0423_1107_ErinnWhitsett_Q30-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009990-1786131000-1786138200@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/2026-08-07/
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:20260807T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260807T213000
DTSTAMP:20260722T194132Z
CREATED:20260515T144503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T194132Z
UID:10009502-1786131000-1786138200@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Chris Codish Trio
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation \nPerformances are at 7:30 pm& 9:30 pm. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.\nChris Codish is one of the most sought-after musicians working in Metro Detroit today\, playing piano\, organ\, keyboards\, and synth. \nHis exciting mix of jazz\, funk\, and blues\, layered with his unique voice captivates any crowd. It’s his unique ability entertain his audience while maintaining his artistic point of view that sets Chris apart. \nHe has been playing professionally for over 30 years\, and has won over 40 Detroit Music Awards in the process. Chris honed his skills by touring internationally with some of the world’s top jazz and blues artists\, including Hiram Bullock\, Alexander Zonjic\, Harvey Mason\, Roy Ayers\, The Blues Brothers\, Lucky Peterson\, Johnnie Bassett\, Larry McCray among countless others. \nChris is an in-demand session musician as well\, having recorded over 80 commercial releases\, and dozens of independent albums as well. He produced the “Gentleman of the Blues” Johnnie Bassett’s final two albums for Mack Ave. Records/Sly Dog Records: The Gentleman is Back\, and I Can Make That Happen. Chris has also provided keyboard for some of Detroit best artists including Carl Craig\, Don Was\, Sponge\, Alexander Zonjic\, Ben Sharkey\, Laith Al-Saddi\, Thornetta Davis\, Johnnie Bassett\, Larry McCray\, and many many others as well as providing entertainment for corporate clients like Mercedes Benz\, AISIN\, Henry Ford House\, The Detroit Medical Center\, and the DAC. \nHe performs solo and with his eponymously named trio at and weekly house gigs at two of Metro Detroit’s finest restaurants; the famed London Chop House downtown\, and Eddie V’s in Troy. He has also played Hammond organ every Sunday at Godland Unity Church in Detroit since 1997.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/chris-codish-trio-5/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/chris-codish-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260808T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260808T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009991-1786217400-1786224600@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/2026-08-08/
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:20260808T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260808T213000
DTSTAMP:20260722T194222Z
CREATED:20260518T135444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T194222Z
UID:10009504-1786217400-1786224600@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Tariq Gardner's Evening Star
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation \nPerformances are at 7:30 pm& 9:30 pm. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.\nEvening Star is a Space Odyssey led by Detroit Drummer and 2018 U of M SMTD graduate Tariq Gardner. The group has its roots in Detroit’s expansive musical tradition blending the city’s rich Jazz legacy. With its history of musicians being largely malleable to fit into a wide array of musical styles traveling to the different galaxies of music of the African Diaspora (jazz\, neo-soul\, Afro-Cuban\, Traditional American Gospel\, hip-hop etc.). Evening Star brings listeners light years into the cosmos while staying true to the roots of the Motherland.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/tariq-gardners-evening-star-4-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/tg2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260809T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260809T193000
DTSTAMP:20260722T194316Z
CREATED:20260515T145035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T194316Z
UID:10009505-1786296600-1786303800@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:the Hughes/Smith Quintet
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation\nShowtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p. Doors open at 4:30pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.\n“…inspired by the grand Motor City jazz scene of the 1950s and early ’60s\, these players update and extend that tradition with excellent writing\, arranging\, and playing for the 21st century.”\n–Thom Jurek\, allmusic.com \nThe Hughes/Smith Quintet is a powerhouse modern jazz ensemble that bridges the legendary hard-bop legacy of Detroit with a sharp\, contemporary edge. Co-led by two of the Motor City’s most versatile musicians—saxophonist James Hughes and trumpeter/arranger Jimmy Smith—the band has been a defining fixture of the Midwestern jazz landscape since forming in 2012.\nAcclaimed Sounds & Evolution Rooted in the driving rhythms and deep grooves of the 1970s Blue Note era\, the quintet’s catalog maps over a decade of compositional evolution. \nThe quintet’s front line is backed by a rhythm section composed of longtime Detroit anchors:\n• James Hughes (Saxophones): One of Detroit’s most original voices\,  Hughes is a first-call freelance saxophonist and a founding member of The Woodward Horns. He holds a Masters of Music from Wayne State University and has worked with notable artists such as Aretha Franklin\, Josh Groban\, and jazz legends like Jimmy Heath and Arturo Sandoval. \n• Jimmy Smith (Trumpet): Among the most sought-after musicians in the Midwest\, Smith is an original voice rooted in the hard-bop tradition and a founding member of The Woodward Horns. He holds a Masters degree in jazz performance from The Aaron Copland School of Music and is a first- call freelancer who has shared the stage with artists ranging from The Temptations to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. \n• Phil Kelly (Piano/Fender Rhodes): A soulful mainstay and longtime Detroit staple who layers the band’s tracks with vintage textures. \n• Takashi Iio (Bass): Provides the warm\, driving foundation; a Detroit Music Award nominee for Outstanding Jazz Instrumentalist. \n• Nate Winn (Drums): Drives the ensemble with an “eternal groove” and explosive\, interactive rhythm work. \nAcclaimed Sounds & Evolution\nRooted in the driving rhythms and deep grooves of the 1970s Blue Note era\, the quintet’s catalog maps over a decade of compositional evolution. Their studio releases have consistently earned national attention: \n• From Here On Out (2013): The band’s debut studio album\, establishing their signature blend of straight-ahead swing and tight horn\narrangements. \n• Ever Up & Onward (2015): A breakthrough sophomore effort chosen as one of AllMusic’s “Favorite Jazz Albums” of 2015. The record yielded Detroit Music Award nominations for Outstanding Jazz Recording and Outstanding Traditional Jazz Artist/Group. \n• Motion (2018): A fiery collection of all-original tunes that reached #1 on the Roots Music Report’s weekly Top 50 Jazz Album Chart. All About Jazz praised the record as a “prodigious composition” delivered with “verve by an outstanding group of musicians”. \n• The Gates (2019): Recorded under the collaborative banner of the Yao/Smith/Hughes Sextet\, this project blends modern concepts with classic Detroit grit. In a glowing review for JazzTimes\, critic Dan Bilawsky celebrated the release as “a well-wrought affair” and “a thing of beauty”. \nPerformance & Community Residency\nThe quintet has maintained a prominent presence on both local and international stages. A cornerstone of their legacy was a four-year residency hosting the “Lotus Jam” at the Black Lotus in Clawson\, which served as a vital hub for the Detroit jazz scene. The ensemble’s reach extends through regional and international performances\, including featured spots at the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Michigan Jazz Festival. Additionally\, they can be found swinging regularly at legendary jazz clubs like Cliff Bell’s\, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe\, and Motor City Wine. \n 
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/the-hughes-smith-quintet-5/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/HSQ-promo-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260809T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260809T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009992-1786303800-1786311000@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/2026-08-09/
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:20260810T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260810T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009993-1786390200-1786397400@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/2026-08-10/
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:20260811T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260811T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009994-1786476600-1786483800@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/2026-08-11/
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:20260812T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260812T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009995-1786563000-1786570200@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/2026-08-12/
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:20260812T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260812T213000
DTSTAMP:20260722T194520Z
CREATED:20260722T194520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T194520Z
UID:10008522-1786563000-1786570200@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Houston Patton Quartet and Session
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation\nSHOWTIMES 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.\nMusicians pay no cover when they bring their instrument. \nSaxophonist Houston Patton is a rising star in Detroit’s Jazz community. Following in the footsteps of his father\, Houston began playing the saxophone at a very young age. Under the mentorship and tutelage of saxophonists such as Harry Patton\, Daryl Beebe\, Jordan Vanhemert\, Wendell Harrison\, and Andrew Bishop\, Houston has explored many genres ranging from gospel to hard bop.  \nPatton started his professional career at the age of 20\, performing with Kevin Jones & Tenth World\, at Grand Rapids jazz club\, GRNoir. This led to many more opportunities as a sideman and bandleader in the Grand Rapids and Detroit music scenes. To this day\, Patton continues to perform with Kevin Jones & Tenth World\, and a host of  Detroit and West Michigan Groups.  \nIn 2023\, Houston spent four months in New York as a student in the “New York Arts Program.” During this time he interned as an assistant to Brandon Ross\, and as an archiver and stage manager at Roulette Intermedium. This time also allowed him to explore the jazz scene\, by playing at countless jam sessions\, which led to gigs with notable musicians such as drummer\, Winard Harper\, and pianist\, JC Hopkins. Houston leads ensembles of varying sizes\, playing at venues\, such as Cliff Bell’s\, Blue Llama\, and GRNoir. He has also performed sets at The Muskegon Shoreline Jazz Festival\, the Lansing Shoreline Jazz Festival\, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe\, Preservation Hall\, Mahogany Jazz Hall\, Minton’s Playhouse\, and a host of other notable venues.  \nIn April 2024\, Patton released his first album as a band leader\, entitled “Here We Are” featuring a quintet of young Detroit jazz musicians named\, “Quintessential”. Patton decided to officially form this group after a series of successful gigs with these specific musicians. After a very special night at Detroit’s Cliff’s Bells\, Quintessential received a standing ovation. There was a clear desire for the group to record their sound\, so in January of 2024 Quintessential decided to have their original compositions recorded by Benjamin Green. Along with Houston on saxophone\, the album features Jauron Perry on trumpet\, Dylan Sherman on bass\, William Hill III on Rhodes\, and Samuel Melkonian on drums.  \nHouston plays on SYOS mouthpieces.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/houston-patton-quartet-and-session-4/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Houston_Patton_BnW.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260813T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260813T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009996-1786649400-1786656600@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/2026-08-13/
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:20260813T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260813T213000
DTSTAMP:20260722T194722Z
CREATED:20260722T194721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T194722Z
UID:10009507-1786649400-1786656600@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Michael Malis Quintet
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation \nShowtimes 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.\nMichael Malis is a composer\, pianist\, and music educator based in Detroit MI. A multi-faceted musical artist\, he performs as a jazz musician\, composes for the concert stage\, and contributes to multidisciplinary collaborations. \n2020 saw a proliferation of Malis’ work as a solo artist. In July of 2020\, Malis released Dualisms\, a multimedia project containing recordings\, videos\, and an accompanying 16 page zine of writings\, artwork\, and ephemera. Consisting of brand new original compositions\, Dualisms features performances by Malis in duet with saxophonist Kaleigh Wilder\, percussionist Thom Monks\, and vocalist Denzel Donald\, and features artwork by Zara Teicher. Each of the works presented in Dualisms were premiered at New Music Detroit’s 12th annual Strange Beautiful Music Festival in September 2019. All About Jazz praised Dualisms as “an extraordinary multimedia project which illustrates some of the remarkable ways artists in the age of COVID-19 found new approaches to displaying their craft and connecting with their audience.” \nHis March 2020 release\, Three Pieces for Piano\, was praised by the Southeast Michigan Jazz Association as “thrilling music\, with shifting harmonic and rhythmic qualities that require prodigious precise technique and the kind of generic versatility that few pianists achieve.” \nAs a composer\, Malis has been commissioned by Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings\, Chamber Music Society of Detroit\, Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival\, Detroit Composers’ Project\, Virago\, Hole in the Floor\, and others. His piece Five Stations\, premiered in May 2019\, featured Malis and saxophonist Marcus Elliot alongside a string quartet of musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. His string quartet\, Emerge\, was premiered at the Detroit Institute of Arts in 2018. His piece for piano and cello\, Coda\, was premiered by Detroit Symphony Orchestra principle cellist Wei Yu in 2018. \nIn April 2019\, Malis and Elliot\, who join forces under the duo known as “Balance\,” undertook a collaborative performance piece with former Detroit poet laureate Bill Harris. The piece\, which featured drummer Gerald Cleaver\, set Harris’ collection of short stories I Got to Keep Moving. According to AllAboutJazz.com\, “what was most striking about the synergy between Harris and the band was the sheer beauty of the music: the stark contrast between the grim realities of Harris’s story and the band’s melodic core\, located in Elliot’s exultant phrases and Malis’s evocative runs\, was stirring. And much of the music’s strength was found in the spirit of resilience and defiance that permeates Harris’s text.” The duo’s 2017 eponymous album was praised by the Detroit Metro Times as “contemporary jazz of the highest order\, a benchmark for where the genre can go.” \nIn July of 2015\, Malis’ self-released debut album as a leader\, Lifted from the No of All Nothing\, was called by The Detroit Free Press “an uncommonly mature and distinctive debut.” It was described by Hot House Jazz Guide (NYC) as “cover[ing] a broad range of free expression. [Malis] bridges the gap between original composed\, complex material and the spontaneity of improvisation.” In September 2016\, his trio made their debut at the Detroit International Jazz Festival. \nAs a pianist\, he has shared the stage with a diverse array of musicians\, including notables such as Marcus Belgrave\, Gerald Cleaver\, Jaribu Shahid\, John Lindberg\, William Hooker\, A. Spencer Barefield\, Tyshawn Sorey\, Ken Filiano\, J.D. Allen\, Andrew Bishop\, Dennis Coffey\, and Marion Hayden. He has performed at the Yokohama Jazz Promenade (Yokohama\, Japan)\, the Kennedy Center\, Birdland (NYC)\, and The Stone (NYC).
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/michael-malis-quintet-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Michael-Malis-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T170000
DTSTAMP:20260722T194822Z
CREATED:20260615T133524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T194822Z
UID:10009552-1786726800-1786726800@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:U of D Happy Hour
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation\nThis performance will run from 5pm to 6pm with reservations beginning at 4pm.\nThe renown UDJO—University of Detroit Jesuit Jazz Orchestra—opens for the U of D Jesuit Jazz Faculty at a special happy hour performance. Come experience the next generation of jazz musicians as they perform for and with some of Detroit’s leading jazz musicians and mentors. Your patronage contributes to the University of Detroit Jesuit Jazz Program. 
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/u-of-d-happy-hour-2/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/U_of_D_Jesuit_Seal.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009997-1786735800-1786743000@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/2026-08-14/
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:20260814T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260814T213000
DTSTAMP:20260722T194912Z
CREATED:20260722T194912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T194912Z
UID:10009510-1786735800-1786743000@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Michael Malis Quintet
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation \nShowtimes 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.\nMichael Malis is a composer\, pianist\, and music educator based in Detroit MI. A multi-faceted musical artist\, he performs as a jazz musician\, composes for the concert stage\, and contributes to multidisciplinary collaborations. \n2020 saw a proliferation of Malis’ work as a solo artist. In July of 2020\, Malis released Dualisms\, a multimedia project containing recordings\, videos\, and an accompanying 16 page zine of writings\, artwork\, and ephemera. Consisting of brand new original compositions\, Dualisms features performances by Malis in duet with saxophonist Kaleigh Wilder\, percussionist Thom Monks\, and vocalist Denzel Donald\, and features artwork by Zara Teicher. Each of the works presented in Dualisms were premiered at New Music Detroit’s 12th annual Strange Beautiful Music Festival in September 2019. All About Jazz praised Dualisms as “an extraordinary multimedia project which illustrates some of the remarkable ways artists in the age of COVID-19 found new approaches to displaying their craft and connecting with their audience.” \nHis March 2020 release\, Three Pieces for Piano\, was praised by the Southeast Michigan Jazz Association as “thrilling music\, with shifting harmonic and rhythmic qualities that require prodigious precise technique and the kind of generic versatility that few pianists achieve.” \nAs a composer\, Malis has been commissioned by Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings\, Chamber Music Society of Detroit\, Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival\, Detroit Composers’ Project\, Virago\, Hole in the Floor\, and others. His piece Five Stations\, premiered in May 2019\, featured Malis and saxophonist Marcus Elliot alongside a string quartet of musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. His string quartet\, Emerge\, was premiered at the Detroit Institute of Arts in 2018. His piece for piano and cello\, Coda\, was premiered by Detroit Symphony Orchestra principle cellist Wei Yu in 2018. \nIn April 2019\, Malis and Elliot\, who join forces under the duo known as “Balance\,” undertook a collaborative performance piece with former Detroit poet laureate Bill Harris. The piece\, which featured drummer Gerald Cleaver\, set Harris’ collection of short stories I Got to Keep Moving. According to AllAboutJazz.com\, “what was most striking about the synergy between Harris and the band was the sheer beauty of the music: the stark contrast between the grim realities of Harris’s story and the band’s melodic core\, located in Elliot’s exultant phrases and Malis’s evocative runs\, was stirring. And much of the music’s strength was found in the spirit of resilience and defiance that permeates Harris’s text.” The duo’s 2017 eponymous album was praised by the Detroit Metro Times as “contemporary jazz of the highest order\, a benchmark for where the genre can go.” \nIn July of 2015\, Malis’ self-released debut album as a leader\, Lifted from the No of All Nothing\, was called by The Detroit Free Press “an uncommonly mature and distinctive debut.” It was described by Hot House Jazz Guide (NYC) as “cover[ing] a broad range of free expression. [Malis] bridges the gap between original composed\, complex material and the spontaneity of improvisation.” In September 2016\, his trio made their debut at the Detroit International Jazz Festival. \nAs a pianist\, he has shared the stage with a diverse array of musicians\, including notables such as Marcus Belgrave\, Gerald Cleaver\, Jaribu Shahid\, John Lindberg\, William Hooker\, A. Spencer Barefield\, Tyshawn Sorey\, Ken Filiano\, J.D. Allen\, Andrew Bishop\, Dennis Coffey\, and Marion Hayden. He has performed at the Yokohama Jazz Promenade (Yokohama\, Japan)\, the Kennedy Center\, Birdland (NYC)\, and The Stone (NYC).
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/michael-malis-quintet-3/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Michael-Malis-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260815T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260815T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T143521Z
CREATED:20250708T210750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T143521Z
UID:10009998-1786822200-1786829400@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/2026-08-15/
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:20260815T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260815T213000
DTSTAMP:20260722T194953Z
CREATED:20260520T174417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T194953Z
UID:10009511-1786822200-1786829400@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:The Northwoods Improvisers
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation\nShowtimes 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.\n\nThe Northwoods Improvisers first came together in 1976. Early versions of the band played collective electro-acoustic improvised music. In 1980 the band switched to an all acoustic instrumentation which has remained to this day. Mike Gilmore and Mike Johnston were founding members of the ensemble. Nick Ashton joined in 1986.  The Northwoods Improvisers Sextet consists of Mike Johnston on bass\, Nick Ashton on drums\, Donovan Boxey on saxophones\, Dominic Bieringa on saxophones\, Jack O’Brien on cello and Mike Khoury on violin.\n\nThe Northwoods Improvisers have performed with several key musicians in their field\, including Bill Smith\, Eugene Chadbourne\, Danny Spencer\, Eddie Gale and most notably\, working with the late Detroit composer Faruq Z. Bey formerly of Griot Galaxy.  The group has released several CDs on the UK’s ARC label as well as on Entropy Stereo and Sagittarius A Star records based in Italy.\n\nThis most recent version of the sextet included the long standing rhythm section of bassist and drummer Mike Johnston and Nick Ashton\, both very accomplished musicians with decades of collective history between them.  Donovan Boxey and Dominic Bierenga bring a double saxophone attack with the two switching to different wind instruments between them.  Together\, they exceed the sum of their parts.  Mike Khoury and Jack O’Brien along with Mike Johnston comprise a string section and bring the lushness of arco strings to the mix along with Eastern sensibilities.\n\nThe Northwoods Improvisers Sextet bring together through composed pieces with collective improvisation\, eastern modes\, and Native American elements to create music with references to indigenous sounds and the music of those who have been historically underrepresented in history.  The Northwoods Improvisers Sextet has recently completed work on a new album which will be issued in September of 2023.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/the-northwoods-improvisers-4/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/The-Northwoods-Improvisers.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260816T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260816T193000
DTSTAMP:20260722T195050Z
CREATED:20260520T173625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T195050Z
UID:10009506-1786901400-1786908600@cliffbells.com
SUMMARY:Cliff Bell's Big Band Performs the music of Radiohead
DESCRIPTION:Make a Reservation\nPerformances are at 5:30pm & 7:30pm. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.\nLead by acclaimed saxophonist\, composer\, and arranger JOSHUA JAMES\, the CBBB is the house big band for Detroit’s historic Cliff Bells jazz club. Compiled from a rotating roster of professionals and professors from across the state\, this ensemble boasts some of the hottest musicians active on both the local and national jazz\, hip-hop\,\nLatin\, world\, rock\, electronic\, and avant garde music scenes. \nThe Cliff Bells Big Band seeks to highlight the dynamic relationship between the improvisational performer (soloist) and the composer\, presenting historic and contemporary compositions steeped in a rich tradition of thoughtfully crafted music for swingin’—and burnin’!— musicians. Past programs include the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s Nutcracker Suite\, along with an in depth retrospective on the music of Sun Ra. For this program the CBBB will tackle the music of the Radiohead as viewed through the lens of the Radiohead Jazz Project\, a series of arrangements commissioned and coordinated by noted arrangers BOB CURNOW and FRED STURM. Each arrangement draws from the rich breadth of Radiohead’s oeuvre\, from OK Computer to Kid A to In Rainbows and beyond. Each arrangement stays true to the art-rock aesthetic of the band while expanding the sonic palette into the world of the jazz big band. Like the compositions and arrangements from such masters of large-ensemble writing like Duke Ellington\, Billy Strayhorn\, Charles Mingus\, Oliver Nelson\, Stan Kenton\, these works will push the boundaries—and audience expectations—of how a jazz big band can sound.
URL:https://cliffbells.com/event/cliff-bells-big-band-performs-the-music-of-radio-head/
CATEGORIES:Featured
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://cliffbells.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CBBB-Radiohead-Show-1.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR