Cliff Bell's 20th Anniversary featuring the Sean Dobbins Organ Trio
2026-02-05 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit)
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.
We invite you to join us this weekend and throughout the year as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cliff Bell’s re-opening. Over the past two decades, Cliff Bell’s has evolved from a smokey haunt on a dark block on the edge of downtown, known only to a handful of local musicians and their fans, to an internationally recognized destination for the world’s best jazz. We are deeply grateful to the Detroit community for its ongoing support of live jazz, and to our dedicated ownership, management, and staff. Special thanks go to the musicians—both local and international—who have made Cliff Bell’s their home for live jazz in Detroit.
We’re kicking off our anniversary with three nights of Jam Sessions hosted by some of the original guardians of our stage. Drummer, educator and composer Sean Dobbins performs and hosts the exact date of the anniversary February 5th. One of the greatest pianists to every play on our stage, Mike Jellick will be returning from New York on Friday February 6th. And closing out the weekend is Marcus Elliott who held down our Wednesday night Jam session for so long we really don’t remember when it began or ended!
Jazz drummer Sean Dobbins got his start as sought-after Detroit area jazz sideman at a young age, when he would regularly play with Blue Note artist Louis Smith. As Sean’s Career progressed, he found himself the recipient of many awards and accolades including the “Woody Herman Jazz Award”, an award for outstanding musicianship, as well as the Louis Armstrong Scholarship. Due to Sean’s great talent both as a player and an educator, he has been the focus of countless news articles and jazz radio programs.

Though still young by jazz standards, Dobbins has amassed an impressive list of playing companions. He has performed/toured/recorded with Johnny Basset, Benny Golson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Frank Morgan, Joey DeFrancesco, George Cables, James “Blood” Ulmer, Marcus Belgrave, Larry Willis, Rodney Whittaker, Claude Black, Johnny O’Neal, Paul Keller, Tad Weed, Kurt Krahnke, Jon Hendricks, David “Fathead” Newman, Donald Walden, Cyrus Chesnut, Barry Harris, David Baker, Randy Johnston, Marion Hayden, Mose Allison, and a host of other great musicians.
Sean’s sound can best be described as hard-driving, solid rhythm with refreshing melodic sensibility. Some of Sean’s influences include Art Blakey, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Ed Thigpen, Sonny Payne, and also Detroit area greats Gerald Cleaver and the one and only Elvin Jones. A product of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, Sean has stayed devoted to education throughout his life. Early mentor Louis Smith, an Ann Arbor Public Schools band teacher, impressed the importance of a good education upon Sean at an early age. Sean is known in his community as a band director, drum teacher and positive influence for many.

Cliff Bell's 20th Anniversary featuring the Michael Jellick Quartet
2026-02-06 19:30 - 21:30
There will be two separate seatings at 7:30pm & 9:30pm for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
We invite you to join us this weekend and throughout the year as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cliff Bell’s re-opening. Over the past two decades, Cliff Bell’s has evolved from a smokey haunt on a dark block on the edge of downtown, known only to a handful of local musicians and their fans, to an internationally recognized destination for the world’s best jazz. We are deeply grateful to the Detroit community for its ongoing support of live jazz, and to our dedicated ownership, management, and staff. Special thanks go to the musicians—both local and international—who have made Cliff Bell’s their home for live jazz in Detroit.
We’re kicking off our anniversary with three nights of Jam Sessions hosted by some of the original guardians of our stage. Drummer, educator and composer Sean Dobbins performs and hosts the exact date of the anniversary February 5th. One of the greatest pianists to every play on our stage, Mike Jellick will be returning from New York on Friday February 6th. And closing out the weekend is Marcus Elliott who held down our Wednesday night Jam session for so long we really don’t remember when it began or ended!

Michael L. Jellick, born in New Delhi, India, and raised in Livonia, MI. Now based in NYC as well as Detroit, he has become a mainstay on the Detroit Jazz scene and beyond. A well sought-after pianist, Michael has had the pleasure of playing with, and/or recording with an incredible array of greats such as Bobby McFerrin, The Harlem National Big Band, Christian McBride, Common, Ingrid Jensen, Joel Frahm, Rodney Whitaker, James Carter, Sheila Jordan, Michelle Dorrance and Dorrance Dance, Max Pollack and Rhumba Tap, Claudia Rahardjanoto, Marcus Belgrave, Ron Blake, Karriem Riggins, Marion Hayden, Dwight Adams, Jesse Palter, as well as a versatile array of others. His ten-year long weekly Wednesday night jam with his trio at Detroit’s Northern Lights Lounge since 2011-2020 became a vibrant hub for seasoned professionals and the cultivation of aspiring musicians alike. When not performing in NYC, Detroit, and beyond, he is often found immersed in his equal love of teaching masterclasses across the U.S., working with his private students in NYC, as well as composing and arranging. Among other albums, you can also find him on the Blue Note Records release, Detroit Jazz City — an album that opens a window onto, and celebrates Detroit’s jazz legacy past and present.

Cliff Bell's 20th Anniversary with: The Marcus Elliot Quintet featuring Brandon Woody(Blue Note)
2026-02-07 19:30 - 21:30
There will be two separate seatings at 7:30pm & 9:30pm for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
We invite you to join us this weekend and throughout the year as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cliff Bell’s re-opening. Over the past two decades, Cliff Bell’s has evolved from a smokey haunt on a dark block on the edge of downtown, known only to a handful of local musicians and their fans, to an internationally recognized destination for the world’s best jazz. We are deeply grateful to the Detroit community for its ongoing support of live jazz, and to our dedicated ownership, management, and staff. Special thanks go to the musicians—both local and international—who have made Cliff Bell’s their home for live jazz in Detroit.
We’re kicking off our anniversary with three nights of Jam Sessions hosted by some of the original guardians of our stage. Drummer, educator and composer Sean Dobbins performs and hosts the exact date of the anniversary February 5th. One of the greatest pianists to every play on our stage, Mike Jellick will be returning from New York on Friday February 6th. And closing out the weekend is Marcus Elliott who held down our Wednesday night Jam session for so long we really don’t remember when it began or ended!

Multifaceted saxophonist and composer, Marcus Elliot, has emerged as one of the leading voices of the Detroit music scene. The New York Times has called him “convincing and confident, evolved in touch and tone…”, and the Detroit Free Press has said, “Marcus Elliot represents next generation of jazz”. Marcus creates music with the hope of “reminding myself and listeners that we are human beings, and what a gift that is.” He is a recipient of the Joyce Awards (2024), a prestigious award for innovative new projects by pioneered by artists spanning the visual, performing, and multidisciplinary arts that engage diverse communities in the Mid-West. He is also a recipient of the Kresge Fellowship(2020), awarded to artist that are recognized for their creative vision and commitment to excellence within a wide range of artistic disciplines. Marcus is instructor of jazz saxophone at Wayne State University and is director of the Creative Arts Orchestra at University of Michigan. Marcus has performed and/or collaborated with Terence Blanchard, Karriem Riggins, Talib Kwali, Marcus Belgrave, Brian Eno, Shigeto, Robert Hurst, Anthony Davis, Jeff Tain Watts, and many others.
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Brandon Woody is a Baltimore-born, Bach-endorsed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music flows from the rich lineage of Black music, including jazz, gospel, improvisation, and beyond, to explore themes of love, resilience, and community. Hailed by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times as a rising force in contemporary jazz, Woody signed with the legendary Blue Note Records in November 2024 and released his debut album, For The Love Of It All, in May 2025. Featuring his longtime band Upendo — Troy Long (keys), Quincy Phillips (drums), and Michael Saunders (bass) — the album showcases Woody’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Rooted in Baltimore, Woody has built his career from his hometown, drawing on its vibrant creative culture and community spirit. His work has received praise across major publications, with DownBeat highlighting his “rich and expressive” tone and the Financial Times noting the album’s emotional range “from gentle lyricism to swaggering virtuosity.” The Washington Post described Woody’s music as “staggeringly self-assured” and “radiating warmth, purpose, and a sense of place,” reflecting both the clarity of his artistic vision and his deep connection to his community.

Houston Patton Quartet and Session
2026-02-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-11 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Musicians pay no cover when they bring their instrument.
Saxophonist Houston Patton is a rising star in Detroit’s Jazz community. Following in the footsteps of his father, Houston began playing the saxophone at a very young age. Under the mentorship and tutelage of saxophonists such as Harry Patton, Daryl Beebe, Jordan Vanhemert, Wendell Harrison, and Andrew Bishop, Houston has explored many genres ranging from gospel to hard bop.
Patton started his professional career at the age of 20, performing with Kevin Jones & Tenth World, at Grand Rapids jazz club, GRNoir. This led to many more opportunities as a sideman and bandleader in the Grand Rapids and Detroit music scenes. To this day, Patton continues to perform with Kevin Jones & Tenth World, and a host of Detroit and West Michigan Groups.
In 2023, Houston spent four months in New York as a student in the “New York Arts Program.” During this time he interned as an assistant to Brandon Ross, and as an archiver and stage manager at Roulette Intermedium. This time also allowed him to explore the jazz scene, by playing at countless jam sessions, which led to gigs with notable musicians such as drummer, Winard Harper, and pianist, JC Hopkins. Houston leads ensembles of varying sizes, playing at venues, such as Cliff Bell’s, Blue Llama, and GRNoir. He has also performed sets at The Muskegon Shoreline Jazz Festival, the Lansing Shoreline Jazz Festival, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, Preservation Hall, Mahogany Jazz Hall, Minton’s Playhouse, and a host of other notable venues.
In April 2024, Patton released his first album as a band leader, entitled “Here We Are” featuring a quintet of young Detroit jazz musicians named, “Quintessential”. Patton decided to officially form this group after a series of successful gigs with these specific musicians. After a very special night at Detroit’s Cliff’s Bells, Quintessential received a standing ovation. There was a clear desire for the group to record their sound, so in January of 2024 Quintessential decided to have their original compositions recorded by Benjamin Green. Along with Houston on saxophone, the album features Jauron Perry on trumpet, Dylan Sherman on bass, William Hill III on Rhodes, and Samuel Melkonian on drums.
Houston plays on SYOS mouthpieces.

CANJA de BOA
2026-02-12 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.

CANJA de BOA is a dynamic, evolving project from guitarist Kyle Canjar. The collective blends MPB (Brazilian pop music), samba, bossa nova, afoxé, and maracatu with their own roots in American jazz. Their laid-back, fun, and summery vibe hits a high note for audiences of all ages and at a variety of venues—from prestigious jazz clubs to outdoor concerts. Core members Kyle Canjar (guitar), Pia Broden Williams (vocals), Michelle Ureña (woodwinds), and Gordon Krupsky (percussion) invite listeners to take a journey through a vibrant soundscape, celebrating the dialogue and connection between American and Brazilian musics.

the Easy Street Jazz Band
2026-02-13 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
For more than five decades, Ann Arbor-based EASY STREET JAZZ BAND has been delivering the sounds of Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Sidney Bechet, and more. Founded by the late Paul Klinger in 1970, the 7-piece ensemble has served as house band for iconic venues like the Bird of Paradise and Firefly Club and continues to play weekly at the Zal Gaz Grotto to enthusiastic crowds. As the Ann Arbor Observer wrote on the band’s 40th anniversary, “If you heard this music on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, you’d marvel at their authenticity…” Visit https://www.facebook.com/easystreetjazzband to learn more about the band.

Valentine's Day Dinner and A Show
2026-02-14 17:00 - 22:00
Cliff Bell’s named one of the most romantic restaurants in the US for Valentine’s Day. See the list HERE!
Cover charge for admittance is $30.00 and our seasonal menu will be available for dinner. Seating times are limited to 90min. Shows start at 5pm and run until 10pm. With sets every hour on the hour.
Featuring music by the legendary Lady Vonne!

Lady Vonne’s timeless voice brings back the sounds of America’s Jazz Legends. Lady Vonne had the “look” of a STAR from her earliest years as a singer performing at nightclubs in Detroit. She has sung at Comerica Park, Detroit’s Music Hall, The Detroit Convention Center, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Arts Beats & Eats, The Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival. and The Greektown and Motor City Casinos. In her youth, she sang in the church choir and played violin and clarinet in school. But it wasn’t until she began playing the hotel circuit through the Lorio Ross Agency that her singing career began to flourish. It was where she honed her craft. Eventually, she got booked to perform at signature venues like Comerica Park, The Cobo Convention Center, Detroit’s Music Hall, The Montreaux-Detroit Jazz Festival, Birmingham Jazz Festival, and The Arts Beats & Eats Festival. That experience led to becoming an Opening Act for the likes of Joe Sample, Chaka Khan, The Whispers, and Phyllis Hyman. As she advanced, she took on a much more glamorous look that properly conveyed the level of her talent. While known primarily for Jazz, Lady Vonne is adept at performing American Standards, Broadway Show Tunes and R&B. She has also performed on stage in a theatrical productions where she played the role of Phyllis Hyman and also co-starred in “When A Woman’s Fed Up.” Lady Vonne’s supreme vocal skills are enough to fill a concert space but what makes her SPECIAL as an artist is that she takes audiences back in time by telling them background stories of the singers and the songs that she pays homage to. Lady Vonne’s recent release of “My Turn to Fly” features an inspiring lyric and a vibrant orchestral arrangement that sounds like the title song of a Broadway Musical. It’s Magical.

Kimmie Horne
2026-02-15 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4:30pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Kimmie Horne is an International Jazz Vocalist, model, and actress. She is a native Detroiter, descendant of the legendary songstress and actor Lena Horne, and niece of the late great singer/songwriter Cleveland Horne of the “Fantastic Four.” Kimmie has left her mark in areas around the world, including, Detroit, Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, LA, San Francisco, Jamaica, Ontario, Toronto, Puerto Rico, London, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more. In addition to live performances, Kimmie touts her “High Standards,” “Loving This Jazz,” and “Live in Las Vegas” CD’s. Horne’s 2018 release of her new video, “As Long as I Live,” viewed by thousands, has received critical praise. Her songs, “I Hope You Dance,” and special arrangement of, “I Will Survive,” demonstrate her blend of talent and sophistication.
As a representative for Budweiser, luxury furriers, and celebrity spokesperson and model for Lincoln Automotive Group/Varsity Lincoln, Kimmie’s talent transcends beyond impeccable vocals alone. Her most recent acting role, is the featured singer in the much-anticipated musical thriller “One Harlem Night.” This all-star cast jazz musical, takes place at the beautiful Fisher Building in Detroit in early 2018.
Kimmie continues to expand her talents. Having launched her self-titled “Kimmie Honre Jazz Festival,” in 2016; this event has spun into a dynamic all-star musical line-up, and contributor of major charitable donations. The festival has established a relationship with, and is a supporter of, The Ronald McDonald House of Detroit organization, benefiting sick children and their families. The festival is preparing to expand nationally and internationally.
New partnerships, new music and video releases, as well as summer tours, including the annual trip to Japan, are just a few of the things on tap for Kimmie Horne. Always more to come!

Jauron Perry and Session
2026-02-18 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Jauron 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.

Andrew Brown and Session
2026-02-18 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Andrew Brown is a young up-and-coming musician, producer, educator, and artist from Dearborn, Michigan. A recent graduate of the jazz program at Michigan State University, where he studied trumpet, he currently teaches K–8 general music at a Lansing charter school during the day while performing and creating music at night. At just 22 years old, Andrew has already played with and studied under many of the leading musicians in the Detroit, national, and international jazz scenes. His music reflects influences from a wide range of genres, with the goal of ultimately bringing people together.

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

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

La Cecille and The Eastside Banda
2026-02-19 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
La Cecille, formerly known as Supercoolwicked (Morgan Hutson), is a multidisciplinary Detroit artist (Morgan Cecille Hutson) known for music, film, and performance that blends Black history, storytelling, and liberation, often using spirituals as a base for experimental sounds, and is celebrated for honoring inner child work and African American heritage.

The Eastside Banda is a guitar-centered ensemble and collective founded by Sasha Kashperko on Detroit’s Eastside. The group specializes in blending Detroit jazz traditions with Eastern European and Russian Chanson

The Vincent Chandler Experience
2026-02-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-21 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Vincent Chandler is a trombonist, educator, composer, scat singer, band leader and mentor from Detroit, MI. While in High School, Vincent worked with a local Blues and Salsa Band of which flourished into work with Detroit’s local and international heroes, including Kenn Cox, Donald Walden, Harold McKinney, Wendell Harrison, Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, Regina Carter, Marion Hayden, Robert Hurst and James Carter. Vincent has performed nationally with Roy Hargrove, Joe Henderson, Stefon Harris, J@LC feat.Wynton Marsalis, Geri Allen, JD Allen, The Oliver Lake Big Band and The Ambrose Akinmusire Big Band. He was a featured artist on the 2009 Playboy Jazz Festival, where he performed with Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock and Keb’ Mo. He was a featured soloist on Roy Hargrove’s only Big Band CD, called “Emergence.”
He earned his Undergraduate and Graduate degree from the University of Michigan. Vincent held teaching positions at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Claflin University, South Carolina State University and he is currently a Lecturer of Jazz Studies at Wayne State University and the Director of the DSO Civic Jazz Orchestra.

Vincent Chandler and Jazz Warriors Big Band
2026-02-22 17:30 - 19:30
Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Seating for the shows begins at 4pm for the first show & 7pm for the second show.
Vincent Chandler is a trombonist, educator, composer, scat singer, band leader and mentor from Detroit, MI. While in High School, Vincent worked with a local Blues and Salsa Band of which flourished into work with Detroit’s local and international heroes, including Kenn Cox, Donald Walden, Harold McKinney, Wendell Harrison, Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, Regina Carter, Marion Hayden, Robert Hurst and James Carter. Vincent has performed nationally with Roy Hargrove, Joe Henderson, Stefon Harris, J@LC feat.Wynton Marsalis, Geri Allen, JD Allen, The Oliver Lake Big Band and The Ambrose Akinmusire Big Band. He was a featured artist on the 2009 Playboy Jazz Festival, where he performed with Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock and Keb’ Mo. He was a featured soloist on Roy Hargrove’s only Big Band CD, called “Emergence.”
He earned his Undergraduate and Graduate degree from the University of Michigan. Vincent held teaching positions at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Claflin University, South Carolina State University and he is currently a Lecturer of Jazz Studies at Wayne State University and the Director of the DSO Civic Jazz Orchestra.

Kasan Belgrave and Session
2026-02-25 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-18 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm
Saxophonist Kasan Belgrave is a ascending talent newly emerging in the role of a compositional leader. His energetic playing style and improvisational finesse derives from influences of early bebop and jazz, as well flares of fusion and gospel. His musical prowess has more recently been shown through new innovative compositions.
The record “Dual Citizen” is an introductory reflection of Kasan’s own consciousness through experience of musical nurturing & professional practice from the Detroit jazz mentorship empire, led by his father, trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. It provides a glimpse of Kasan’s endless curiousness of sonic ingenuity.
In the formative years of his career, that same mentorship was present in the musical institutions, as he studied with Andrew Bishop, Benny Green, and Robert Hurst at the University of Michigan then held an assistantship under the direction of Diego Rivera and Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University.
Kasan has toured as a multi-woodwind instrumentalist with Jazz @ Lincoln Center w/ Wynton Marsalis, performed in multiple residencies curated by Terri Lynn Carrington, performed with Karriem Riggins, and Etienne Charles. The 27-year-old multi-woodwind instrumentalist has also made rounds performing in every corner of the Detroit music scene, immersing himself in Latin, R&B, and techno.
Belgrave is just one of many who was nurtured in the realm. The lineup for “Dual Citizen” might be the most outright product of that very circle of mentorship. Bassist Jonathan Muir-Cotton, finishing his degree at MSU, is currently rotating in Christian Sands Trio; Louis Jones aka “WavyLou”, a gun-slinging drummer who has the likes of the Haynes’ and Roach’s, recently hit with ELEW and Johnny O’Neal in Detroit; Brendon Davis, a virtuosic voice on piano shortly studying with the great Chick Corea, is established in composition and arranging of the gospel scene ; the enigmatic Allen Dennard has a trailblazing trumpet sound, recently sharing stages with Dwele and Mike Phillips; and Michael Abbo, the genial menace on both trombone and bass, recently played with Johnny Oneal and Dafnis Prieto. The close fellowship of this group is a sentiment to the power of their sound as the Kasan Belgrave Sextet.

the Planet D Nonet
2026-02-26 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-28 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM FOR THIS PERFORMANCE.
Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2. CD Release Events at Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club July 18, 19, 20, sets at 7:30pm & 9:30pm 2030 Park Ave Detroit, MI 48226 Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2. is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Duke Ellington and follows the tremendous success of Planet D Nonet’s previous album, Blues to Be There: A Salute to Duke Ellington. Blues to Be There: A Salute to Duke Ellington (2023) performed exceptionally well, reaching #16 on the JazzWeek chart and surpassing PD9’s previous record with their Strayhorn CD, which peaked at #17 in 2016. The album also topped the Roots Music Report Jazz and Big Band Jazz Chart for twenty-three consecutive weeks peaking at #1 on both charts. The album also enjoyed 15 weeks on the NACC Top 30 Jazz Chart, peaking at #1 overall. Garnering significant airplay, the recording appeared on national “Best of” lists, including LA-based writer Scott Yanow’s “THE TOP JAZZ RECORDINGS OF 2023,” the Michigan Roots Music Report’s Top 200 of 2023 (#4), and Eric Hines’s WNMC Radio list (#1). JazzWeek ranked it #55 in their top 100 of the year, while the NACC chart placed it at #11 for the year end chart. Most recently, it was listed in the top 30 of 2023 on CJAM-FM’s “The Freedom Principle.” Mike Stratton of WKAR in Lansing, MI included it in his top ten for 2023, and Paul Donovan at KUVO in Denver ranked it #7 in his top ten for 2023. An organic evolution of Volume 2. While touring for the previous CD, Planet D Nonet continued adding new charts to their repertoire, realizing by last summer they had enough material for Volume 2. The project evolved organically, with some songs drawn from the movie “Anatomy of a Murder,” performed during a special tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where Duke himself once played. James O’Donnell’s performances with the East Side Rhythm Rascals inspired the inclusion of “Echoes of Harlem” and “Azalea,” arranged by Jeff Cuny. Collaborations with Andrew Homzy and Jeff Cuny brought “Rocks in my Bed” from the Ellington collection at the Smithsonian, featuring the vocals of Camille Price. Tbone Paxton delivers a spirited rendition of “Caravan” using a head arrangement from their live gigs. Rick Steiger suggested “La Plus Belle Africaine,” showcasing Duke’s modern compositions toward the end of his career. Trevor Lamb arranged this track, highlighted by a special photo of him with Ellington bassist John Lamb. This project has been a profound experience, blending historical reverence with personal connections and contemporary interpretations. Artist: Planet D Nonet Album Name: Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2 Label: Eastlawn Records, ELD-42 https://rjspangler.com/pd9.php https://www.eastlawnrecords.com/index.php

the Planet D Nonet
2026-03-01 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2. CD Release Events at Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club July 18, 19, 20, sets at 7:30pm & 9:30pm 2030 Park Ave Detroit, MI 48226 Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2. is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Duke Ellington and follows the tremendous success of Planet D Nonet’s previous album, Blues to Be There: A Salute to Duke Ellington. Blues to Be There: A Salute to Duke Ellington (2023) performed exceptionally well, reaching #16 on the JazzWeek chart and surpassing PD9’s previous record with their Strayhorn CD, which peaked at #17 in 2016. The album also topped the Roots Music Report Jazz and Big Band Jazz Chart for twenty-three consecutive weeks peaking at #1 on both charts. The album also enjoyed 15 weeks on the NACC Top 30 Jazz Chart, peaking at #1 overall. Garnering significant airplay, the recording appeared on national “Best of” lists, including LA-based writer Scott Yanow’s “THE TOP JAZZ RECORDINGS OF 2023,” the Michigan Roots Music Report’s Top 200 of 2023 (#4), and Eric Hines’s WNMC Radio list (#1). JazzWeek ranked it #55 in their top 100 of the year, while the NACC chart placed it at #11 for the year end chart. Most recently, it was listed in the top 30 of 2023 on CJAM-FM’s “The Freedom Principle.” Mike Stratton of WKAR in Lansing, MI included it in his top ten for 2023, and Paul Donovan at KUVO in Denver ranked it #7 in his top ten for 2023. An organic evolution of Volume 2. While touring for the previous CD, Planet D Nonet continued adding new charts to their repertoire, realizing by last summer they had enough material for Volume 2. The project evolved organically, with some songs drawn from the movie “Anatomy of a Murder,” performed during a special tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where Duke himself once played. James O’Donnell’s performances with the East Side Rhythm Rascals inspired the inclusion of “Echoes of Harlem” and “Azalea,” arranged by Jeff Cuny. Collaborations with Andrew Homzy and Jeff Cuny brought “Rocks in my Bed” from the Ellington collection at the Smithsonian, featuring the vocals of Camille Price. Tbone Paxton delivers a spirited rendition of “Caravan” using a head arrangement from their live gigs. Rick Steiger suggested “La Plus Belle Africaine,” showcasing Duke’s modern compositions toward the end of his career. Trevor Lamb arranged this track, highlighted by a special photo of him with Ellington bassist John Lamb. This project has been a profound experience, blending historical reverence with personal connections and contemporary interpretations. Artist: Planet D Nonet Album Name: Echoes of Harlem: A Salute to Duke Ellington Vol 2 Label: Eastlawn Records, ELD-42
https://rjspangler.com/pd9.php
https://www.eastlawnrecords.com/index.php

the Swing Syndicate Jazz Lab
2026-03-04 19:00
Schedule of performances

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

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

DETROIT RIDDIM CREW
2026-03-05 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Detroit, MI — Detroit Riddim Crew is stepping fully Out of the Dark and into the spotlight with an official release party for their newest record, Out of the Dark, on March 5, 2026 at the legendary Cliff Bell’s in downtown Detroit. They will be joined by DJ Chuck Wren. Known for blending classic Jamaican rhythms with Detroit grit and soul, Detroit Riddim Crew has built a reputation for high-energy live shows and deep-rooted grooves. This release party celebrates their latest record, which explores themes of resilience, community, and finding light in heavy times—while still keeping the dance floor moving. The night will feature a full live performance of songs from Out of the Dark, along with fan favorites, all set in the intimate, art-deco atmosphere of Cliff Bell’s. The venue’s rich jazz history and warm sound make it the perfect setting for a night that’s equal parts reflective and explosive.

Monique Ella Rose
2026-03-06 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Monique Ella Rose returns to Cliff Bells for an unforgettable night of good ol’ soul-stirring music! Join us for an experience that will lift your spirit, move your heart, and have you jamming the night away. Monique Ella Rose is a remarkable, award-winning R&B/Soul vocalist renowned for her spine-chilling vibrato and distinctive tone. Raised in the music-rich city of Detroit, Monique’s passion for music was nurtured from an early age. Drawing inspiration from the soulful sounds that echoed through Motown’s streets, she developed a deep appreciation for the emotive power of music.
Monique’s talent has taken her on a remarkable journey, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to connect with her audience. Opening for celebrated artists such as Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, Dwele, Musiq Soulchild, Samara Joy, and more, she has captivated audiences with her soul-stirring performances.
Don’t miss this chance to witness Monique Ella Rose’s incredible talent live—it’s an experience you won’t want to forget! See ya there!

Alex Harding & Organ Nation
2026-03-07 19:30 - 21:30
Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Seating for the shows begins at 6pm for the first show & 9pm for the second show.
Detroit-born baritone saxophonist Alex Harding first became active in jazz circles in his youth. Early on he studied with established jazz figures Yusef Lateef and Beans Bowles and was playing gigs with Donald Byrd and Wynton Marsalis before he was out of high school. Throughout the ’90s, 2000s, and 2010s, Harding toured, performed, and recorded without pause, collaborating with countless names in both jazz and pop circles that included everyone from the Marshall Allen-led Sun Ra Arkestra to work with David Lee Roth.
Harding was born in 1967 in Detroit, Michigan. After hearing Grover Washington, Jr. as a kid, he took up tenor saxophone, eventually switching over to baritone in high school. Though sax was his primary instrument, he would occasionally double on bass clarinet. He was already performing regularly around Detroit in his teenage years while studying with local jazz greats. By his early twenties he was performing internationally. He left Detroit for New York in the early ’90s, joining Julius Hemphill’s Saxophone Sextet and performing around town with Lester Bowie, Frank Lacy, Hamiet Bluiett’s Baritone Group, the Mingus Big Band, and many others. He also took part in shows and festival appearances with the Sun Ra Arkestra and the Roy Hargrove Big Band. He recorded multiple albums with longtime friend pianist Lucian Ban, including 2002’s Somethin’ Holy and a 2008 collaboration between the two friends and Romanian electronic musician Silent Strike entitled 3am. In the late 2000s he joined the Broadway production of FELA!!! both in New York and on tour. He eventually returned to Detroit, but stayed incredibly active in the studio and on the road. Harding and Ban reunited in 2019 for another collaborative album, Dark Blue.

Alex Harding & Organ Nation
2026-03-08 17:30 - 19:30
Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Seating for the shows begins at 5pm for the first show & 7pm for the second show.
Detroit-born baritone saxophonist Alex Harding first became active in jazz circles in his youth. Early on he studied with established jazz figures Yusef Lateef and Beans Bowles and was playing gigs with Donald Byrd and Wynton Marsalis before he was out of high school. Throughout the ’90s, 2000s, and 2010s, Harding toured, performed, and recorded without pause, collaborating with countless names in both jazz and pop circles that included everyone from the Marshall Allen-led Sun Ra Arkestra to work with David Lee Roth.
Harding was born in 1967 in Detroit, Michigan. After hearing Grover Washington, Jr. as a kid, he took up tenor saxophone, eventually switching over to baritone in high school. Though sax was his primary instrument, he would occasionally double on bass clarinet. He was already performing regularly around Detroit in his teenage years while studying with local jazz greats. By his early twenties he was performing internationally. He left Detroit for New York in the early ’90s, joining Julius Hemphill’s Saxophone Sextet and performing around town with Lester Bowie, Frank Lacy, Hamiet Bluiett’s Baritone Group, the Mingus Big Band, and many others. He also took part in shows and festival appearances with the Sun Ra Arkestra and the Roy Hargrove Big Band. He recorded multiple albums with longtime friend pianist Lucian Ban, including 2002’s Somethin’ Holy and a 2008 collaboration between the two friends and Romanian electronic musician Silent Strike entitled 3am. In the late 2000s he joined the Broadway production of FELA!!! both in New York and on tour. He eventually returned to Detroit, but stayed incredibly active in the studio and on the road. Harding and Ban reunited in 2019 for another collaborative album, Dark Blue.

Damon Terrell
2026-03-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-13 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Multi-instrumentalist Damon Terrell is an inspirational songwriter music producer, born in Detroit MI raised in Highland Park MI by his grandmother.
Damon’s grandmother bought him his first guitar at the age of 17 and he began teaching himself to play guitar. His early influences are Prince, Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, and later Yanni and many other smooth jazz artists.

Damon Terrell began to create and develop a unique style of his own, adding a blend of funk jazz hint of rock, blues and Latin.
He composed his first album “In my life” incorporated with a variety of styles which received a stellar award nomination for “Best inspirational jazz album” plus, radio airplay across the United States and international album sales in France, Germany and Guam. The album also received a “great sound” review in the New York times. His second album “Transformation” is a twist that showcase urban 70’s millennium style and is doing exceptionally well across the U.S.
When performing on stage Damon Terrell is known for high energy intense guitar playing back bending shows with a smooth elegant style that inspire the audience to feel and enjoy the same passion and excitement he feels.

Smoke Jones
2026-03-14 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 6pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Hailing from the heart of Detroit, Smoke Jones emerges as a luminary figure in the city’s rich musical landscape. An emotive guitarist, award-winning band leader, and soulful crooner, Smoke weaves together elements of jazz, blues, and soul to create an enchanting musical tapestry that resonates deeply with audiences.
In January 2024, Smoke marked a milestone in his musical journey with the release of his debut single, “I’ll Be Good To You”, a soulful collaboration co-written by the legendary Billy Davis. This track showcases Smoke’s velvety vocals and masterful guitar work of Billy Davis and Josh Ford, setting the stage for what promises to be an illustrious career.
Smoke’s musical prowess extends beyond the studio, as evidenced by his notable collaborations and accolades. His soul-stirring performance on the 2022 Detroit Music Award-winning Outstanding Blues Recording, “Sooner Come Later”, alongside the esteemed Bobby Murray, pays homage to the rich legacy of jazz and blues. Notably, Smoke’s contribution to “Some Better Days”, penned by the acclaimed Jeff Scott, garnered a nomination for Outstanding Americana Recording at the Detroit Music Awards.
A true virtuoso, Smoke embodies the spirit of Nat King Cole in Sky Covington’s esteemed Take 5: All Male Jazz Revue, captivating audiences with his evocative interpretations and magnetic stage presence. His appearances on television and radio, including a memorable performance on the 2022 Ford Fireworks Show on WDIV alongside friend and vocalist Laura Rain, have solidified his status as a beloved musical force.
The Smoke Jones Band’s distinction as the Best Jazz/Blues Band in WDIV’s “Vote 4 The Best” Contest in 2021 serves as a testament to their unparalleled artistry and enduring appeal. From prestigious venues to bustling festivals, Smoke’s magnetic performances continue to captivate audiences across Detroit and beyond.
As anticipation builds for his latest EP, “Say Less”, Smoke prepares to unveil his latest sonic masterpiece at Cliff Bell’s in Detroit on May 4, 2024. With each soulful melody and heartfelt lyric, Smoke Jones reaffirms his rightful place as Detroit’s premier purveyor of soulful rhythms and timeless melodies.

Smoke Jones
2026-03-15 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Hailing from the heart of Detroit, Smoke Jones emerges as a luminary figure in the city’s rich musical landscape. An emotive guitarist, award-winning band leader, and soulful crooner, Smoke weaves together elements of jazz, blues, and soul to create an enchanting musical tapestry that resonates deeply with audiences.
In January 2024, Smoke marked a milestone in his musical journey with the release of his debut single, “I’ll Be Good To You”, a soulful collaboration co-written by the legendary Billy Davis. This track showcases Smoke’s velvety vocals and masterful guitar work of Billy Davis and Josh Ford, setting the stage for what promises to be an illustrious career.
Smoke’s musical prowess extends beyond the studio, as evidenced by his notable collaborations and accolades. His soul-stirring performance on the 2022 Detroit Music Award-winning Outstanding Blues Recording, “Sooner Come Later”, alongside the esteemed Bobby Murray, pays homage to the rich legacy of jazz and blues. Notably, Smoke’s contribution to “Some Better Days”, penned by the acclaimed Jeff Scott, garnered a nomination for Outstanding Americana Recording at the Detroit Music Awards.
A true virtuoso, Smoke embodies the spirit of Nat King Cole in Sky Covington’s esteemed Take 5: All Male Jazz Revue, captivating audiences with his evocative interpretations and magnetic stage presence. His appearances on television and radio, including a memorable performance on the 2022 Ford Fireworks Show on WDIV alongside friend and vocalist Laura Rain, have solidified his status as a beloved musical force.
The Smoke Jones Band’s distinction as the Best Jazz/Blues Band in WDIV’s “Vote 4 The Best” Contest in 2021 serves as a testament to their unparalleled artistry and enduring appeal. From prestigious venues to bustling festivals, Smoke’s magnetic performances continue to captivate audiences across Detroit and beyond.
As anticipation builds for his latest EP, “Say Less”, Smoke prepares to unveil his latest sonic masterpiece at Cliff Bell’s in Detroit on May 4, 2024. With each soulful melody and heartfelt lyric, Smoke Jones reaffirms his rightful place as Detroit’s premier purveyor of soulful rhythms and timeless melodies.
