Chris Codish Trio
2025-11-14 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit)
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Chris Codish is one of the most sought-after musicians working in Metro Detroit today, playing piano, organ, keyboards, and synth.
His 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.
He 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.
Chris 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.
He 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.

Tariq Gardner's Evening Star
2025-11-15 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.
Evening Star is a Space Odyssey led by Detroit Drummer and 2018 U of M SMTD graduate Tariq Gardner. The group has its roots in Detroit’s expansive musical tradition blending the city’s rich Jazz legacy. With its history of musicians being largely malleable to fit into a wide array of musical styles traveling to the different galaxies of music of the African Diaspora (jazz, neo-soul, Afro-Cuban, Negro spirituals, hip-hop etc.). Evening Star brings listeners light years into the cosmos while staying true to the roots of the Motherland.

Tariq Gardner's Evening Star
2025-11-16 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.
Evening Star is a Space Odyssey led by Detroit Drummer and 2018 U of M SMTD graduate Tariq Gardner. The group has its roots in Detroit’s expansive musical tradition blending the city’s rich Jazz legacy. With its history of musicians being largely malleable to fit into a wide array of musical styles traveling to the different galaxies of music of the African Diaspora (jazz, neo-soul, Afro-Cuban, Negro spirituals, hip-hop etc.). Evening Star brings listeners light years into the cosmos while staying true to the roots of the Motherland.

Russ Macklem's Detroit Quintet and Session
2025-11-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-26 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.

Free admittance for all Musicians participating in the jam session

Following up on his Juno Nominated debut album The South Detroit Connection Russ Macklem returns with a sophomore release that is sure to turn heads. Introducing: the Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet brings together a group of some of the best musicians Detroit has to offer: Kasan Belgrave, Alto Saxophone/ Jordan Anderson, Piano/ Noah Jackson, Bass/ Louis Jones III, Drums with Windsor/Detroit Trumpeter Russ Macklem leading the band on this set of original compositions.

This live-off-the-floor studio album is a triumph that harkens back to the music of the early 1960s. Three tunes in particular are sure to excite listeners: I Will Persevere finds the group on solid ground driving home a melody that only Macklem could compose. While Nostalgia: For A Past Life is as beautiful a ballad as anything that has been recorded in the past 50 years. And Mr. Anderson, a nod to the group’s pianist, is a frantic number that feels like it was written many decades ago.
For his debut album, The South Detroit Connection, Macklem chose to record live in a club packed with music fans but don’t be fooled by Introducing: the Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet being a studio recording. This album feels as live as live music can. Recorded in a single session in a converted church in Willis, Michigan also known as Willis Sound the band was set up tight together, looking each other in the eye. Capturing the magic of this magical group in single takes was the engineering team of Ron Skinner and Ben Lorenz. Like Macklem’s debut the album was produced by Russ Macklem and Ron Skinner and is released on TQM Recording Co.

Anthony Stanco Quartet
2025-11-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-22 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.
Born in Southeast Michigan, raised in the Blues and Soul mecca of Detroit, and tutored by the community’s finest (Rodney Whitaker, Marcus Belgrave), Stanco joins a generation of jazz musicians that both reveres the roots of the music and energetically seeks its future. With a big, brilliant sound and a fearless command of the horn, Stanco brings to mind trumpet greats such as Freddie Hubbard and Dizzy Gillespie. Stanco’s band, The Crucial Elements, has built a livelihood touring the world repeatedly as intercultural ambassadors through the US State Department’s “American Music Abroad” program. They consistently receive rave reviews about their engaging live performances and equally captivating record titled “The Crucial Elements.” Stanco continues to have an active recording career and has released his second record titled “You Know The Feeling” on the Detroit Music Factory label. When not touring or recording he is the Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Michigan State University.
anthonystanco.com

Re'Monda
2025-11-23 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.
Elegant, 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.
Influenced 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.”
Born 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.
With 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.

William Hill III
2025-11-28 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
William Hill III is a pianist, arranger, composer, and bandleader from Detroit, Michigan. Hill is a graduate of the Detroit School of Arts, and is currently studying at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music undergoing his baccalaureate education. In Hill’s pre-collage years, he has been a member of the Detroit Symphony’s Civic Youth Jazz program performing in the Creative Jazz Ensemble and the Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Michigan State University Spartan Youth Jazz Program.
Hill has had the opportunity to participate in many summer extensive jazz camps such as Jazz House Kids, Jr. Jazz Academy at Lincoln Center, Berklee Summer Programs, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Motown Lyric Project, Keeping an Eye Summer Jazz Workshop located at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and many others.
Hill is honored to receive awards from programs such as the National YoungArts Foundation, a multi-year winner in the instrumental contemporary category for the
NAACP ACT-SO National Competition, and the West Virginia University International Jazz Piano Competition. Musicians that Hill has worked alongside and have been mentored by include Marc Cary, Aaron Parks, Buster Williams, Christian McBride, Curtis Lundy, Jaleel Shaw, Jazzmeia Horn, Joe Farnsworth, Ari Hoenig, Rodney Whitaker, Wynton Marsalis,, and many more.
Hill has had the opportunity to perform at the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Smalls Jazz Club, Minton’s Playhouse, The Django, Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay (Singapore), Blue Note Tokyo, and many others to name a few. Hill’s passion in life as a musician is to spread joy to everyone around the world with the music that he produces.

Caleb Robinson and Reaching
2025-11-29 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.
Caleb Robinson and Reaching have fused the art of Jazz and R&B with their love for storytelling, creating music that embodies the unpredictable rhythms of life. Their passion and subtlety are seamlessly woven into their sound samples and visual samples. With a mission to break down barriers, Caleb Robinson and Reaching deliver a musical experience that reflects the ebbs and flows of life.

Ambassadors Big Band under the Direction of Mike Letovsky
2025-11-30 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.
Since 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!

the Swing Syndicate Jazz Lab
2025-12-03 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.

Pre Game Hang at Cliff Bell's
2025-12-04
Go next door to Volmers and watch the game with the cool kids!

Marcus Elliot Broken Seeds Vol. II
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-06 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.
Marcus Elliot (Marcus Elliot Miller) is a saxophonist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. Marcus is a 2020 Kresge Artist Fellow, awarded by Kresge Arts in Detroit. His compositions and improvisations have been described by the New York Times as “convincing and confident, evolved in touch and tone…”, and the Detroit Free Press has said, “Marcus Elliot represents next generation of jazz”. Elliot leads and co-leads many different Detroit based bands including the Marcus Elliot Quartet, Clockwork, Balance, Beyond Rebellious, and Lanula. Elliot performs in the Shigeto Live Ensemble. He is a Fellow of the Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra. He co-founded the nonprofit Polyfold Musical Arts Collective. Elliot is the director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Jazz Ensembles. Elliot received his master’s degree in improvisation from the University of Michigan.
Elliot is a disciple of the Detroit music scene. His mentors include Rodney Whitaker, Marcus Belgrave, Robert Hurst, Donald Walden, Bennie Maupin, Marion Hayden, and Karriem Riggins. After graduating with a bachelors degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, Marcus began to curate weekly performances in Detroit, showcasing some of Detroit’s young jazz musicians. Marcus self-released three albums with his ensemble, the Marcus Elliot Quartet and co-released an album with his duo project with Michael Malis, Balance.
As a Sideman, Marcus has performed with Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins, James Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Marcus Belgrave, Johnny O’Neal, Jimmy Heath, Shigeto, Thaddeus Dixon, Ettiene Charles, Mulgrew Miller, Rodney Whitaker, Talib Kweli, and many others.
Marcus was a co-founder of Polyfold; a collective of musical artists who have joined together to develop, and present creative works. Founded in Detroit, Polyfold produces concerts and recordings, hosts outreach events and educational workshops, and fosters creative community in Detroit and beyond.
Marcus has received his Masters of Music degree at the University of Michigan, where he was awarded a graduate assistantship. He is active in the Detroit music community, collaborating with musicians in jazz, free-improvised music, techno, hip-hop, r&b, and classical music.
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Marcus Elliot Broken Seeds Vol. II
2025-12-07 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.
Marcus Elliot (Marcus Elliot Miller) is a saxophonist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. Marcus is a 2020 Kresge Artist Fellow, awarded by Kresge Arts in Detroit. His compositions and improvisations have been described by the New York Times as “convincing and confident, evolved in touch and tone…”, and the Detroit Free Press has said, “Marcus Elliot represents next generation of jazz”. Elliot leads and co-leads many different Detroit based bands including the Marcus Elliot Quartet, Clockwork, Balance, Beyond Rebellious, and Lanula. Elliot performs in the Shigeto Live Ensemble. He is a Fellow of the Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra. He co-founded the nonprofit Polyfold Musical Arts Collective. Elliot is the director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Jazz Ensembles. Elliot received his master’s degree in improvisation from the University of Michigan.
Elliot is a disciple of the Detroit music scene. His mentors include Rodney Whitaker, Marcus Belgrave, Robert Hurst, Donald Walden, Bennie Maupin, Marion Hayden, and Karriem Riggins. After graduating with a bachelors degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, Marcus began to curate weekly performances in Detroit, showcasing some of Detroit’s young jazz musicians. Marcus self-released three albums with his ensemble, the Marcus Elliot Quartet and co-released an album with his duo project with Michael Malis, Balance.
As a Sideman, Marcus has performed with Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins, James Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Marcus Belgrave, Johnny O’Neal, Jimmy Heath, Shigeto, Thaddeus Dixon, Ettiene Charles, Mulgrew Miller, Rodney Whitaker, Talib Kweli, and many others.
Marcus was a co-founder of Polyfold; a collective of musical artists who have joined together to develop, and present creative works. Founded in Detroit, Polyfold produces concerts and recordings, hosts outreach events and educational workshops, and fosters creative community in Detroit and beyond.
Marcus has received his Masters of Music degree at the University of Michigan, where he was awarded a graduate assistantship. He is active in the Detroit music community, collaborating with musicians in jazz, free-improvised music, techno, hip-hop, r&b, and classical music.
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U of D - Just Jazz!
2025-12-10 18:00
There will be one performance at 8:00pm and Dinner will be available until 9pm. Our doors will be open at 5pm.

Soulful Holidays with the Sean Dobbins Organ Trio +
2025-12-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:30
There will be two separate seatings at 7:30pm & 9:30pm for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
With

Athena Johnson, vocals
Clif Metcalf, Hammond B3
Ian Blunden, Guitar

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.

Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite
2025-12-14 17:30 - 19:30
SORRY BUT THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT, LOOK FOR ITS RETURN IN 2026
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.
Cliff Bells Jazz Orchestra presents the full performance of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite ! The Orchestra is being directed by Josh James and features a 18 member big band orchestra of our favorite Detroit jazz musicians. Come celebrate the holiday season with us for this rare performance of Duke’s classic arrangement and reconstruction of the Pyotr Tchaikovsky masterpiece!

Jauron Perry and Session
2025-12-17 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.

Olivia Van Goor's Waiting for Santa
2025-12-18 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 jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor has a new holiday jazz record called “Waiting For Santa”. A collection of originals and lesser-known classics, the album is unlike any other in your collection. As Detroit bassist and educator Jeff Pedraz wrote in the liner notes, “…together, this ensemble creates a recording that isn’t overproduced, but instead reflects the essence of childhood-innocent, simple, sweet and full of joy and playfulness.” Olivia is touring the album in Michigan in surrounding states, with Cliff Bell’s as the premier Detroit location. Additionally, December 18th at Cliff Bell’s is the only show in Detroit to hear the whole record top to bottom with the same rhythm section: Mike Harrison on piano, Reuben Stump on bass, and Dave Zwolinski on drums. “Waiting For Santa” is available everywhere you listen to music, with CD, Vinyl, and merch available at the show.
www.oliviavangoor.com
www.instagram.com/oliviavangoormusic

James Carter Organ Trio Presents: Yule Log of Soul & Swing
2025-12-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-20 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.

Program to include the music of Django Reinhardt, lots of your favorite standards, and lots of your favorite Christmas tunes. An effusive, dynamically gifted jazz saxophonist, James Carter caused a critical uproar when he appeared on the New York jazz scene, having moved from his native Detroit in the early ’90s. Carter’s debut recording, JC on the Set, issued in Japan when he was only 23 and in the States a year later in 1993, was universally acclaimed as the finest debut by a saxophonist in decades. He has continued to build upon these early accolades, exploring the music of Django Reinhardt on 2000’s Chasin’ the Gypsy, displaying his classical skills on 2011’s Caribbean Rhapsody, and working with his soulful organ trio on 2019’s Live from Newport Jazz.
Born in 1969 in Detroit, Carter began playing at age 11 and studied early on with trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. A prodigy, he progressed quickly and by 1986 at age 17 joined Wynton Marsalis on tour. Two years later, he became a member of Lester Bowie’s Brass Fantasy upon relocating to New York. Carter issued no less than six recordings under his own name between 1993 and 2000, all of them with different focuses, from a set of standards, Conversin’ with the Elders in 1995, to an electric funk record, Layin’ in the Cut, to a simultaneously released set in tribute to Django Reinhardt, Chasin the Gypsy. Three years later, he honored the legendary Billie Holiday with Gardenias for Lady Day.
Moving from Columbia to Warner Bros., Carter’s Live at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge followed in spring 2004. Another live session, Out of Nowhere, was released in 2005 on the independent label Half Note. There were also sessions and live dates with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Cyrus Chestnut, Rodney Whitaker, Frank Lowe, the late Julius Hemphill, pop-jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Tough Young Tenors, and the Charles Mingus Big Band. In 2008, he released Present Tense on Universal Jazz. Carter followed that up a year later with the live album Heaven on Earth, featuring a jazz supergroup including, among others, organist John Medeski and bassist Christian McBride.

In 2011, Carter delivered Caribbean Rhapsody, his collaboration with classical composer Roberto Sierra featuring the piece “Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra.” Honing his craft to a jaw-dropping technical level, Carter is the master of a family of saxophones, flute and clarinet. His is a powerhouse virtuosity likened by composer Roberto Sierra to the great Paganini. It was in fact this astounding instrumental flexibility, coupled with an eclectic body of recordings that inspired the Spanish maestro to write the celebrated Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra for the 31-year-old. Written expressly for Carter and mixing Jazz, Latin and classical elements, the work showcases the multi-instrumentalist’s outstanding technical virtuosity whilst allowing him “the freedom to improvise.”
The four-movement piece sees Carter take center stage throughout, executing swift instrument transitions between Tenor and Soprano and employing a full gamut of musical expression, from furiously-fast Coltrane like tempo to a quiet ballad.
A concert album, Live from Newport Jazz, recorded with his organ trio at the long-running festival, arrived in 2019, reaching the top 10 of Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart. More eclectic projects followed, including 2022’s D(IVO), the debut album from Carter’s adventurous saxophone quartet with Tim Berne, Tony Malaby, and Ivo Perelman. He also joined Perelman for 2022’s Reed Rapture in Brooklyn. The following year, he showcased his outsized baritone saxophone skills on the solo recording Un (Unaccompanied Baritone Saxophone).
Early 2023 brought Carter to the NYC Blue Note as special guest with DJ Logic and with Galactic. His capacious ability to cross boundaries, mesh genres, and deliver it all with mindboggling energy, clarity and that “special something” that brings audiences to their feet clamoring for more.
2023 also saw James Carter bring his Quintet to Birdland in the debut presentation of Lookin’ at Lock: The Music of Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, featuring Satish Robertson on trumpet, Gerard Gibbs on piano, Hilliard Greene on bass, and Kahlil Kwame Bell on drums. Carter brings his Quintet to the Syracuse Jazz Festival on 29 June 2024 and returns to Birdland 13-17 August 2024.

the James Carter Organ Trio presents: Yule Log of Soul & Swing
2025-12-21 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.

Program to include the music of Django Reinhardt, lots of your favorite standards, and lots of your favorite Christmas tunesAn effusive, dynamically gifted jazz saxophonist, James Carter caused a critical uproar when he appeared on the New York jazz scene, having moved from his native Detroit in the early ’90s. Carter’s debut recording, JC on the Set, issued in Japan when he was only 23 and in the States a year later in 1993, was universally acclaimed as the finest debut by a saxophonist in decades. He has continued to build upon these early accolades, exploring the music of Django Reinhardt on 2000’s Chasin’ the Gypsy, displaying his classical skills on 2011’s Caribbean Rhapsody, and working with his soulful organ trio on 2019’s Live from Newport Jazz.

Born in 1969 in Detroit, Carter began playing at age 11 and studied early on with trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. A prodigy, he progressed quickly and by 1986 at age 17 joined Wynton Marsalis on tour. Two years later, he became a member of Lester Bowie’s Brass Fantasy upon relocating to New York. Carter issued no less than six recordings under his own name between 1993 and 2000, all of them with different focuses, from a set of standards, Conversin’ with the Elders in 1995, to an electric funk record, Layin’ in the Cut, to a simultaneously released set in tribute to Django Reinhardt, Chasin the Gypsy. Three years later, he honored the legendary Billie Holiday with Gardenias for Lady Day.
Moving from Columbia to Warner Bros., Carter’s Live at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge followed in spring 2004. Another live session, Out of Nowhere, was released in 2005 on the independent label Half Note. There were also sessions and live dates with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Cyrus Chestnut, Rodney Whitaker, Frank Lowe, the late Julius Hemphill, pop-jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Tough Young Tenors, and the Charles Mingus Big Band. In 2008, he released Present Tense on Universal Jazz. Carter followed that up a year later with the live album Heaven on Earth, featuring a jazz supergroup including, among others, organist John Medeski and bassist Christian McBride.

In 2011, Carter delivered Caribbean Rhapsody, his collaboration with classical composer Roberto Sierra featuring the piece “Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra.” Honing his craft to a jaw-dropping technical level, Carter is the master of a family of saxophones, flute and clarinet. His is a powerhouse virtuosity likened by composer Roberto Sierra to the great Paganini. It was in fact this astounding instrumental flexibility, coupled with an eclectic body of recordings that inspired the Spanish maestro to write the celebrated Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra for the 31-year-old. Written expressly for Carter and mixing Jazz, Latin and classical elements, the work showcases the multi-instrumentalist’s outstanding technical virtuosity whilst allowing him “the freedom to improvise.”
The four-movement piece sees Carter take center stage throughout, executing swift instrument transitions between Tenor and Soprano and employing a full gamut of musical expression, from furiously-fast Coltrane like tempo to a quiet ballad.
A concert album, Live from Newport Jazz, recorded with his organ trio at the long-running festival, arrived in 2019, reaching the top 10 of Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart. More eclectic projects followed, including 2022’s D(IVO), the debut album from Carter’s adventurous saxophone quartet with Tim Berne, Tony Malaby, and Ivo Perelman. He also joined Perelman for 2022’s Reed Rapture in Brooklyn. The following year, he showcased his outsized baritone saxophone skills on the solo recording Un (Unaccompanied Baritone Saxophone).
Early 2023 brought Carter to the NYC Blue Note as special guest with DJ Logic and with Galactic. His capacious ability to cross boundaries, mesh genres, and deliver it all with mindboggling energy, clarity and that “special something” that brings audiences to their feet clamoring for more.
2023 also saw James Carter bring his Quintet to Birdland in the debut presentation of Lookin’ at Lock: The Music of Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, featuring Satish Robertson on trumpet, Gerard Gibbs on piano, Hilliard Greene on bass, and Kahlil Kwame Bell on drums. Carter brings his Quintet to the Syracuse Jazz Festival on 29 June 2024 and returns to Birdland 13-17 August 2024.

William Hill III Home for the Holidays
2025-12-22 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.
William Hill III is a pianist, arranger, composer, and bandleader from Detroit, Michigan. Hill is a graduate of the Detroit School of Arts, and is currently studying at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music undergoing his baccalaureate education. In Hill’s pre-collage years, he has been a member of the Detroit Symphony’s Civic Youth Jazz program performing in the Creative Jazz Ensemble and the Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Michigan State University Spartan Youth Jazz Program.
Hill has had the opportunity to participate in many summer extensive jazz camps such as Jazz House Kids, Jr. Jazz Academy at Lincoln Center, Berklee Summer Programs, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Motown Lyric Project, Keeping an Eye Summer Jazz Workshop located at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and many others.
Hill is honored to receive awards from programs such as the National YoungArts Foundation, a multi-year winner in the instrumental contemporary category for the
NAACP ACT-SO National Competition, and the West Virginia University International Jazz Piano Competition. Musicians that Hill has worked alongside and have been mentored by include Marc Cary, Aaron Parks, Buster Williams, Christian McBride, Curtis Lundy, Jaleel Shaw, Jazzmeia Horn, Joe Farnsworth, Ari Hoenig, Rodney Whitaker, Wynton Marsalis,, and many more.
Hill has had the opportunity to perform at the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Smalls Jazz Club, Minton’s Playhouse, The Django, Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay (Singapore), Blue Note Tokyo, and many others to name a few. Hill’s passion in life as a musician is to spread joy to everyone around the world with the music that he produces.

Joshua Watkins Holiday Celebration
2025-12-23 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.
Join Joshua Watkins for a special show celebrating the release of his debut album, REDEMPTION. More than just a collection of songs, REDEMPTION is a powerful soundtrack to life—one that speaks to healing, growth, and the pursuit of purpose through every note. It is an honest reflection of struggle, faith, and triumph. Don’t miss your blessing.
Joshua Watkins is a masterful drummer and brilliant artist who hails from the great city of Detroit, Michigan. Being born into a vast family of musicians, it was only natural for him to become musically inclined as well. At a young age, his musical roots started in the church and since then he has grown to be extremely versatile, not only as a drummer but as a composer, producer, and bandleader. His upbringing has allowed him to be very successful in many different musical capacities. He gives thanks to his family, and all the glory to God for helping him along his journey.
The term “Ascension” embodies the journey of elevating oneself to a realm of greater significance, status, or achievement. Joshua Watkins and Ascension takes listeners on an evocative exploration of life’s peaks and troughs, navigating through trials and tribulations, experiencing the highs and lows. Throughout this captivating journey, the only trajectory is upwards.

Houston Patton Quartet presents a tribute to Karim Gideon
2025-12-26 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
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.
