Cliff Bell's

the Swing Syndicate Jazz Lab
2026-03-04 19:00, 2026-04-01 19:00 (America/Detroit)
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.

Houston Patton Quartet and Session
2026-03-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-04-08 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.

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.

Kasan Belgrave and Session
2026-03-18 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-25 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.

Pamela Wise presents: Women In Jazz
2026-03-19 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.

Pamela Wise (Harrison) is an internationally known jazz pianist and composer. Pamela has performed concerts, taught and organized workshops, master classes throughout the USA and the Middle East. Pamela is widely known for her works in fusing afro cuban rhythms with jazz harmonies and she has received many awards for this endeavor. In addition, her diverse catalog of compositions has been recorded and produced on the legendary Tribe Record label co founded by her husband saxophonist/clarinetist Wendell Harrison as well as WenHa Music.
Pamela bumped into Wendell Harrison in a recording studio while taping some of her compositions. Wendell (who later became her husband) became interested in her music and started featuring her compositions on his recordings as well as featuring her in his ensembles. Pamela was blessed with the opportunity to be performing and composing for legendary artists such as Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Leon Thomas and Eddie Harris (to name a few).
In 1989, Pamela started forming her own ensemble with saxophonist James Carter, trumpeter Dwight Adams, bassist Jaribu Shahid, drummer Ali Muhammad and percussionist Andrew Daniels. Then Pamela received two Creative Artist Grant awards from the Arts Foundation of Michigan to write compositions demonstrating the link between Afro Cuban and jazz music. Pamela landed additional awards including; The prestigious Kresge Creative Artist Fellowship Award that came with a $25,000 prize for her work as a pianist, teacher, composer and cultural warrior. Pamela was awarded another award from the Kresge Foundation in 2019 for her production, Matrix X Detroit-The Gentrification Nation.
Another award in 2021 from New Music USA for a new composition coming from Pamela Wise along with her jazz guru husband Wendell Harrison. Harrison composed a piece with Pamela entitled AMBIGUOUS REALITIES reflecting the worldwide effects of COVID19 .

www.pamelawisemusic.com

Echoes of the Fallen
2026-03-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-21 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.
As we continue to celebrate the life of Karim Gideon, the members of his Quintet have prepared a performance of his compositions and arrangements to honor his legacy.
Karim Gideon’s musical journey began in middle school by joining the school band and learning the trumpet at the age of 10. By the time he reached high school, Karim showed a growing interest in jazz music that caught the attention of Dr. Teddy Harris Jr., who was an accomplished musician, arranger, and educator. Upon graduation, Karim would enlist in the United States Navy. While in the navy, stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, 40 miles from Tokyo, where he was working in the jazz Scene. His military career took him from Tokyo, Dubai, Norfolk, and Afghanistan. After receiving an honorable discharge from active duty, Karim pursued a degree in music at Wayne State University.

Echoes of the Fallen
2026-03-22 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.
As we continue to celebrate the life of Karim Gideon, the members of his Quintet have prepared a performance of his compositions and arrangements to honor his legacy.
Karim Gideon’s musical journey began in middle school by joining the school band and learning the trumpet at the age of 10. By the time he reached high school, Karim showed a growing interest in jazz music that caught the attention of Dr. Teddy Harris Jr., who was an accomplished musician, arranger, and educator. Upon graduation, Karim would enlist in the United States Navy. While in the navy, stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, 40 miles from Tokyo, where he was working in the jazz Scene. His military career took him from Tokyo, Dubai, Norfolk, and Afghanistan. After receiving an honorable discharge from active duty, Karim pursued a degree in music at Wayne State University.

The Orrin Evans Trio
2026-03-26 19:30 - 21:30
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.
Tickets Now On Sale!

A leader who engenders excellence in his fellow musicians. Even as triumph over hardship motivates his music-making, his irrepressible gift infuses it with joy.
-Suzann Lorge, Downbeat
For more than two decades, Yamaha pianist Orrin Evans has made an art form of the unexpected. With more than 25 albums to his credit without ever relying on the support of a major label, Evans has become the model of a fiercely independent artist who’s made a habit of rattling the jazz world’s confining cages. That determination has paid off in accolades like topping the “Rising Star Pianist” category in the 2018 DownBeat Critics Poll and two Grammy nominations. As a daring pianist, Evans combines raw-edged vigor and left-field nuance into a sound wholly his own. As an adventurous composer he traverses stylistic boundaries with abandon, drawing on full-throttle swing, deep rooted blues, expressive soul or bracing excursions into the avant-garde. As an audacious bandleader, he delights in daring fellow musicians to take bold risks, whether in mutable small group settings or his raucous Captain Black Big Band. As an inventive collaborator, his projects range from the nerve-rattling collective trio Tarbaby, to the guitar/piano duo project Eubanks-Evans-Experience, and Brazilian project Terreno Comum.

Ben Sharkey
2026-03-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-03-28 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.
One of Detroit’s premiere live entertainers over the past ten years plus, Ben Sharkey infuses his live performances with a hip and sultry fire, bringing his artful swagger to the stage with a colorful fusion of old school cool, contemporary jazz, soul and pop. Since the charismatic
vocalist posted his first raw home videos of himself singing Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra classics to YouTube in 2007, he has amassed over 5 million views worldwide for over 70 clips.
By increasingly popular demand, the Michigan native has amassed hundreds of performances at jazz hotspots like Cliff Bell’s and a five year and counting residency at the Axis Lounge at the MGM Grand Detroit. He’s been compared to everyone from Frank and Buble to Dean Martin, Mel Torme and Harry Connick, Jr. – yet he’s evolved from being a stellar vocal interpreter to master storyteller and songwriter.
Collaborating with his pianist Chris Codish, Ben has written clever, crafty tunes expressing every aspect of love, deep heartfelt connections and the sheer joy of living life to the fullest in the sexiest, naughtiest, most sensual and playful way possible. Stylistically, he lets his muse lead the way to booming percussion driven landscapes infused with jazz, pop, swing, R&B, Latin and crisp, edgy house-dance beats that make him the ultimate contemporary hipster as well as a masterful throwback artist.

The Ari and Cecil Alexander Quartet
2026-03-29 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4:00pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
…Ideas and chops and sensitivity. Everything we want to hear and everything we want to play. I was an instant fan! -Kurt Rosenwinkel
Ari and Cecil Alexander’s decade long musical collaboration has been brought to stages across the world such as the Lincoln Center and the Copenhagen jazz festival. A finalist in the 2019 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition, Cecil has been hailed by Jazz Guitar Today as “carrying the torch into the future,” and by Jazzwise as “a superb guitarist in the bop tradition, with bags of taste, swing and chops.” Holding a Scandinavian sensitivity to an American tradition, Danish-American Ari Alexander is as equally a jazz musician as she is a singer-songwriter. She was inspired to pursue jazz by her vibrant musical family, including her grandmother and great-aunt, jazz vocalist Teddi King. Aarhus Jazz Festival described her 2025 performance as following: “Ari treats every note with great imagination, and especially her mastery and playful use of scat singing sets her apart from other jazz vocalists. Together, Ari and Cecil anchor a quartet and duo sound that is intimate, dynamic, and rhythmically alive. Their forthcoming album Kaleidoscope is set for release in April 2026, and it features acrobatic, energetic originals penned by Ari and Cecil as well as reconstructions of the Great American Songbook.

Lex Korten Trio featuring Robert Hurst
2026-04-02 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.

“New York pianist Lex Korten has probably worked with at least one if not several of your favorite Jazz musicians in the last few years.” – The Wire Magazine
Featuring

Robert Hurst, bass
Kayvon Gordon, drums

Lex Korten is a performer and composer from New York City who has become a pivotal pianist in his generation of the contemporary Jazz community, gathering accolades from worldwide audiences, publications and great luminary figures alike. Acknowledged by The New York Times, DownBeat, JazzTimes, WNYC and other outlets for his charismatic, vulnerable improvisatory approach and unquestionable musicianship, Korten unyieldingly seeks to nurture a deeper multidirectional experience between artists and listeners, and to honor his adopted home among the great Black American Musical art forms. His debut LP “Canopy” (Sounderscore SO 011), was recently met with widespread critical acclaim, landing on multiple year-end lists cataloguing the best releases and debuts of 2025.

Opening Day Party with the Honest to God Jug Band
2026-04-03 16:00
Baseball’s back! Join us before, during and after the game for all things Detroit baseball. The game will be on inside and the sites and sounds of the Honest to God Jug Band will be performing right after the game gets out. The Honest to God Jug Band is a blend of traditional Memphis street music mixed with New Orleans funk and eastern European party music. The band features

David Morrison on banjo, harmonica and vocals.
Silas Bruner, violin and banjo
Jacek Maczka, accordion, trumpet and vocals
Philip Salatrik, davul and bass violin
Waylon Krolczyk, Tuba
Phil Ladouceur, Tuba, Trombone and Mandolin
Tom Hankey , Trombone
Ben Green, Trumpet

Falooshh
2026-04-04 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.
​falooshh is an up and coming artist from Detroit. Her eclectic style of genre blending leaves the listener in the warmth of brassy tones while juxtaposed by serene vocal melodies. She is a multi-instrumentalist and writes and records all of her songs. Her energy is infectious live and her band is radiating with talented musicians, featuring a full horn section and backup vocals.

Closed for the Holiday
2026-04-05

Over Under Quintet
2026-04-09 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.
Michael Hudson-Casanova – alto saxophone/compositions
Norman David – soprano saxophone/compositions
Morgan Walbridge – vibraphone
Sandy Eldred – bass
Gustavo Cortiñas – drums
Over Under Quintet is a Chicago-Meets-Philadelphia band of longtime collaborators in the traditions of improvised music. Thought-provoking original compositions and fiery improvisations are guaranteed. The quintet is led by the group’s two saxophonist/composers, Michael Hudson-Casanova and Norman David.
Norman David, a veteran of the music scenes in Boston and Philadelphia, is a prolific composer and arranger, recognized for his unmatched style and unique voice. He is also a prominent saxophonist, clarinetist, author and music educator. As leader/composer or sideman at clubs, theaters, and festivals in the U.S., Canada and Europe for many years, he has appeared with numerous jazz luminaries, as well as with various all-star ensembles. He has been awarded grants in recognition of his jazz composing from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Composers Forum. He also continues to enjoy success as a composer of art music, his works having been commissioned and/or premiered by the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, the Temple University Wind Symphony, Alea III, The Network For New Music, Charles Abramovic, Jonathan Blumenfeld (Philadelphia Orchestra), and Jarred Antonacci.

Originally from Detroit, Michael Hudson-Casanova is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, improviser, and educator quickly becoming a staple in the Chicago jazz and creative music scene. His debut album as a leader, Echoes of Thought (2021), is “…an exceptional record by a killer band,” according to All About Jazz. His music blends traditional and contemporary jazz concepts, and always leaves plenty of room for dynamic improvisation with carefully chosen bandmates.

Rodney Whitaker Quartet
2026-04-10 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-04-11 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.
Internationally renowned bassist and Mack Avenue recording artist, Rodney Whitaker, currently holds the titles of Professor of Jazz Bass and Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University where he has built one of the leading jazz degree programs and performing faculty in the United States of America. He is considered one of the leading performers and teachers of the jazz double bass in the United States. Whitaker has performed and toured with over 100+ legendary performing jazz artists over the past 25+ years. Featured on more than 100+ recordings – from film to compact discs – Whitaker’s film scores, China, directed by Jeff Wray, was released on PBS Fall 2002 and Malaria and Malawi, released on PBS Fall 2010. Also, Whitaker has a DVD release featuring Michigan State University’s Jazz Department entitled, “Inside Jazz” and three new compact discs entitled, “Get Ready” & “Work To Do”—both on Mack Avenue Records and “Better Than Alright” by Michigan State University College of Music.

Erich Goebel
2026-04-12 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.
Erich Goebel is one of Detroit’s finest Blues / Rock guitarists. Known for his trademark braided beard and eye-popping finger work, Erich and his “Flying Crowbars” band are big crowd pleasers at Detroit music joints like the Stray Cat Lounge, Cadieux Café, Blue Goose Inn, and Token Lounge. Get ready for some badass Blues when Erich and his boys hit the stage!
Erich’s music career began at age 7 when he got a drum set. His passion for music didn’t stop there when he be took up the piano, clarinet, saxophone, and guitar in Middle School. But the guitar would become his instrument of choice. By age 15, Erich had formed his first band and then recorded his first song at age 16.From age 19-23, Erich played guitar for the legendary Johnny Bee Badanjek. Soon he found himself opening for the likes of Eddie Kendricks, Mark Farner, The Black Crowes, The Romantics,
Sass Jordan, Mitch Ryder, and The Cult. In his 30s, Erich became a solo artist and band leader, first in Denver and then in the LA . San Diego area. He also worked as a band leader for Earl Thomas and opened for Ray Charles, BB King, Ike Turner, Taj Mahal, Bobby Rush, Etta James,
James Cotton, and John Hammond, Jr.
In his 40s, Erich created the band, “The Flying Crowbars,” and served as its band leader. Their popularity spread and they landed some really big gigs, opening for the likes of Savoy Brown, Betty Lavette, C.J. Chenier, Thornetta Davis, and Larry McCray. He also played with and recorded with The Zydeco Hepcats, Charles Buddy Smith and The Curmudgeons.
