Soulful Holidays with the Sean Dobbins Organ Trio +
2025-12-13 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.
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, 2026-01-21 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.
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.

Roger Jones & Higher Calling
2025-12-27 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.
Roger L. Jones II is a native of Flint Mi. Since 1989 he has worked professionally with various artists in the USA, Japan, and Turkey. Roger discovered his musical abilities when he was a youngster at church. His gospel background provided a spring board to his passion for playing jazz music. The church Greater Holy Temple COGIC where his father is pastor, was like a musical battle ground for young musicians. Roger cites his non- gospel influences as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and McCoy Tyner. After graduating from high school, Roger attended Oberlin Conservatory in Oberlin Ohio. While attending Oberlin, Roger’s understanding and musicianship grew exponentially. Many performance opportunities were afforded, and his reputation grew. Since this time, Roger has performed and “sat in” with various musical icons associated with jazz and other musical styles. Some of these individuals include Wynton Marsalis, Joe Henderson, Wallace Roney, and JJ Johnson to name a few.
Roger has developed into a cutting-edge band leader. His band, “Roger Jones & Higher Calling” is comprised of phenomenal musicians dedicated to inventing fresh and innovative ways to approach the execution of music. Mixed with a soulful and modern approach, the music of this band is innovative, relevant to the current generation, and swings ridiculously hard. There is no doubt that Roger L. Jones II will be heralded as one of the most explosive and innovative pianists of his generation.

Kasan Belgrave
2025-12-28 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.
Featuring:

Brendon Davis, piano
Jon Muir-Cotton, bass
Caleb Robinson, drums

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.

William Hill 111
2025-12-29 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM 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 Ensembe and the Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Michigian State Univeristy 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 Univeristy International Jazz Piano Competition. Musicians that Hill has worked alongside and have been mentored by include Marion Hayden, Ralphe Armstrong, Wendell Harrison, Joe Farnsworth, Marc Cary, Aaron Parks, Ari Hoenig, Wynton Marsalis, Buster Williams, Christian McBride and many more.
Hill has had the opportunity to perform at the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Cliff Bells, Blue Llama Jazz Club, Montclair Jazz Festival, Smalls Jazz Club, The Django, 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.

Smoke Jones
2025-12-30 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.

New Year's Eve Celebration featuring Drey Skonie and the kLOUDS
2025-12-31 19:30 - 2026-01-01 00:00
Doors open at 6pm. Showtimes are at 7:30p, 10:30p. We also will have a countdown at midnight to ring in the New Year with a 3rd set of music.
Drey Skonie and The kLOUDs Band a.k.a. “Skonie and The kLOUDs” emphasis on the loud. Hailing from the motor city, Detroit, MI. Skonie and The kLOUDs are retro style band, with a new flare. They call themselves the new, old school.
In the past few years, The kLOUDs Band has been shaking up the Detroit Music Scene making the industry take notice. In 2023 Drey Skonie lead singer of the band won “Artist Of The Year” at Motown Museum’s Hitsville Next Amplify Sound Of Detroit singing competition. Then only a month later Skonie and The kLOUDS were also crowned winners of Masterpiece Sound Studios’ Cover Song Contest in honor of the late, legendary Motown songwriter and producer Sylvia Moy with their captivating rendition of Moy’s classic Stevie Wonder Motown hit, “I Was Made To Love Her”. During the competition, Drey met Jackie Wilson’s daughter Brenda Wilson, who was a judge for the competition. Brenda then knew from Drey’s showmanship, that she wanted Drey to play her Dad. Fast forward Drey now plays Jackie Wilson in a TV series entitled “Higher And Higher” coming soon.
The latest album “Rolling Skone” is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and more. They have appeared on stages from The D to Los Angeles rocking crowds with a multifaceted soul, funk, RnB, and techno sound.
Currently “Skonie and The kLOUDs” are recording live in the studio. You can also hear new material and watch performances of the band on YouTube, as well as Instagram @dreyskonie and @thekloudsband.

Trunino Lowe Quintet featuring Rodney Whitaker
2026-01-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-03 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.
Featuring:

Trunino Lowe – Trumpet/ Band Leader
Rodney Whitaker – Bass
Ian Finklestein – Piano
Louis Jones III – Drums
Jeffrey Trent – Saxophone

Trunino has performed with some of the finest musicians the world has to offer. He’s played with the likes of Marion Hayden, Wendell Harrison, Marcus Elliot, Rodney Whitaker, Ralphe Armstrong, Pamela Wise, Kris Johnson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynn Carrington, Jazzmeia Horn ( playing on her upcoming release ), Karriem Riggins, Endea Owens, Russell Hall, Sean Jones, Stefon Harris, Carl Allen, Charles Tolliver, Willerm Delisfort, & others. A JAS Academy student in 2021, A member of the Paradise Big Band led by Kris Johnson and He’s performed on some very prestigious stages such as, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (NYC), Jazz Showcase (CHI), Detroit Jazz Festival, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (DET). He’s Also performed internationally in France, Germany, and Denmark. Trunino believes that music has the ability to enhance our lives and guide us to different levels of consciousness, ultimately improving human interactions on personal, social, and cultural levels globally.

Internationally renowned bassist and Origin Records 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 world. He is considered one of the leading performers and teachers of the jazz double bass in the United States. He is also the Artistic Director of the Michigan State University Professors of Jazz, former Artistic Advisor of Jazz @ Wharton Center, Director of Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Jazz Orchestra and a former member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Whitaker received his first national recognition performing with the Harrison/Blanchard Quintet.
Rodney is one of the hardest working and swinging bass players on the scene and has recorded with great musicians such as Roy Hargrove, Pat Metheny and Wynton Marsalis. 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”. In 2011, he was nominated for an EMMY for the ‘Original Music’ category, “Malawi and Malaria: Fighting to Save the Children” produced by Robert Gould and Sue Carter.
A proven and committed jazz educator, Whitaker has presented numerous master classes across the nation at locations such as Duke University, Howard University, University of Iowa, University of Michigan, Barbican in London, the New School (NY), Lincoln Center, and the Detroit International Jazz Festival. In addition, he is a consultant with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in the development of the jazz education department, and has served on the faculties of University of Michigan and Julliard Institute of Jazz.

Trunino Lowe Quintet featuring Rodney Whitaker
2026-01-04 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
Featuring:

Trunino Lowe – Trumpet/ Band Leader
Rodney Whitaker – Bass
Ian Finklestein – Piano
Louis Jones III – Drums
Jeffrey Trent – Saxophone

Trunino has performed with some of the finest musicians the world has to offer. He’s played with the likes of Marion Hayden, Wendell Harrison, Marcus Elliot, Rodney Whitaker, Ralphe Armstrong, Pamela Wise, Kris Johnson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynn Carrington, Jazzmeia Horn ( playing on her upcoming release ), Karriem Riggins, Endea Owens, Russell Hall, Sean Jones, Stefon Harris, Carl Allen, Charles Tolliver, Willerm Delisfort, & others. A JAS Academy student in 2021, A member of the Paradise Big Band led by Kris Johnson and He’s performed on some very prestigious stages such as, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (NYC), Jazz Showcase (CHI), Detroit Jazz Festival, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (DET). He’s Also performed internationally in France, Germany, and Denmark. Trunino believes that music has the ability to enhance our lives and guide us to different levels of consciousness, ultimately improving human interactions on personal, social, and cultural levels globally.

Internationally renowned bassist and Origin Records 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 world. He is considered one of the leading performers and teachers of the jazz double bass in the United States. He is also the Artistic Director of the Michigan State University Professors of Jazz, former Artistic Advisor of Jazz @ Wharton Center, Director of Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Jazz Orchestra and a former member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Whitaker received his first national recognition performing with the Harrison/Blanchard Quintet.
Rodney is one of the hardest working and swinging bass players on the scene and has recorded with great musicians such as Roy Hargrove, Pat Metheny and Wynton Marsalis. 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”. In 2011, he was nominated for an EMMY for the ‘Original Music’ category, “Malawi and Malaria: Fighting to Save the Children” produced by Robert Gould and Sue Carter.
A proven and committed jazz educator, Whitaker has presented numerous master classes across the nation at locations such as Duke University, Howard University, University of Iowa, University of Michigan, Barbican in London, the New School (NY), Lincoln Center, and the Detroit International Jazz Festival. In addition, he is a consultant with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in the development of the jazz education department, and has served on the faculties of University of Michigan and Julliard Institute of Jazz.

the Swing Syndicate Jazz Lab
2026-01-07 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.

Alise King
2026-01-08 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.

Alise King is a multi award winning R&B Soul Artist who has opened for the likes of Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, George Clinton, Monica, Kelly Price, Musiq Soulchild, Bobby Brown, Dej Loaf, Rickey Smiley, Cece Peniston, Todrick Hall, DruHill, 702, NEXT, Brownstone, Cynthia Erivo, Shanice, Christopher Williams, Adina Howard, Michel le, Glen Jones, Chant’e Moore & Tinashe just to name a few. Alise has traveled touring & performing around the world… She has graced stages in North Carolina, Washington, D.C., Oregon, Minnesota, Indiana, Tennessee, New York, California, Boston, Atlanta, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and more! Ms. King is more than just a powerhouse vocalist with empeccable stage presence! She is a creative with a purpose and a passion for people! She is the true the embodiment of SOUL! Alise continues to use her gift of song to bring the ultimate entertainment experience, spread love, positivity and peace to people across the world! Alise King is the definition of a D.I.V.A … a Divine Instrument Vocalizing her Ability! Alise was awarded The Spirit of Detroit Award by The Entire Detroit City Council for being a trailblazer and leaving such a stellar imprint for others to follow by using her musical talents to give back to her hometown!

The Detroit Jazz Project
2026-01-09 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.
The Detroit Jazz Project is the creation of Mark Hershberger who began studying Jazz and playing in the University AFRAM Big learning from greats including Marcus Belgrave, Sam Sanders, Jimmy Allen, Doc Holiday, and Ed Pickens. The big band hosted special guest legends such as the Jones brothers. He later studied Jazz and Classical Music and played in the Jazz and Concert Bands at Eastern Michigan University. During and after attending The University of Michigan, Mark led and played in multiple Jazz groups in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Mark began playing professionally as a solo artist and in small latin jazz groups and then formed a music publishing company in 1980. He performed in Motown with STAX greats such as “Sam and Dave” and Cecil Womack.
In his early twenties he began in Ann Arbor playing Jazz clubs such as Del Rio, Jazz West, Delta Lady, The Ark, and The Ann Arbor Art Fair. Through the years of performing and recording he expanded his
reach and performed at historic Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit and The Flint Jazz Festival as well as the legendary Bert’s Place and The Detroit International Jazz Festival. He also performed venues in Ann Arbor and in London. Mark has worked with artists such as Gayleynn McKinny, Ibrahim Jones, Jerry LeDuff, Badal Roy, Martha Reeves, George Clinton, Marion Hayden, Michael Colone and Muruga Booker.to name a few. He has earned a Detroit Music Award for “Outstanding World Recording Group” with artist Muruga Booker as well as “Outstanding Modern Jazz Group” with The Detroit Jazz Project.

Gwenyth Hayes
2026-01-10 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.
Gwenyth Hayes, a bassist, song stylist, vocalist, and recording artist hailing from Ann Arbor, captivates audiences throughout the Metro Detroit area with her distinctive performances. Gwenyth’s unique reinterpretations showcase a fusion of classic tunes and soulful covers & originals across various genres, and are centered by her sultry vocals, groove-infused bass lines, and tight instrumental arrangements.
Since 2012, Gwenyth’s ensembles have graced numerous festivals and venues across Southeastern Michigan, Chicago, and Honolulu, including: Arts, Beats, and Eats, Dally In The Alley, Harvest Festival, Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Ann Arbor Jazz Festival, University of Michigan’s Gift of Arts, and the North Atlantic Blues Festival.
In 2023, Gwenyth was inducted as a fellow with the Amplify Fellowship based in Washtenaw, a recognition that granted her valuable resources to begin finalizing her forthcoming recording project set for release in 2024. Alongside this, Gwenyth is an active member of Detroit Bass Players and has been prominently featured in various publications, including Buddy Guy’s Legends Magazine, University of Michigan’s Newsletter, Ann Arbor News, and Big City Rhythm and Blues Magazine.

Throughout her musical journey, she has served as a professional bassist, lending support to fellow artists in the realms of blues, pop, and soul. Notable milestones in her career include opening for B.B. King alongside Murali Coryell, the son of the late Larry Coryell, and subsequently embarking on a tour with Murali. Additionally, she graced the stage at The Chicago Blues Festival in both 2010 and 2013 with Quintus McCormick and Khalif “Wailin'” Walter. Her participation in the 2009 Detroit Blues Festival at Chene Park Amphitheater, now recognized as the Aretha Franklin Park, further underscores her impactful contributions.
During her residency in Chicago from 2010 to 2013, Gwenyth performed regularly as a blues bassists at renowned venues such as Buddy Guy’s Legends, Kingston Mines, and B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted, with Alligator and Delmark Records recording artists Maurice John Vaughn, Quintus McCormick, & Toronzo Cannon. Later, her musical pursuits extended to touring with Detroit Music Awarding winning recording artist Laura Rain and the Caesars and performing with other notable metro detroit artists.
Gwenyth’s musical roots trace back to her upbringing in a family deeply connected to music, exposing her to a diverse range of genres, from classical and jazz to rock and R&B. With her mother and grandmother as pianists and her father, William Hayes, a renowned conductor, composer, educator, and performer, along with her brother, Matt Hayes, a celebrated drummer, music is woven into the fabric of her life.
Her modern approach to music serves as a conduit for reinventing popular soul, jazz, soft rock, and blues standards, infusing them with a sensual and contemporary vibe. Gwenyth’s sound resonates with diverse audiences, aiming to evoke nostalgia for many generations to come.

Mason Bays
2026-01-11 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.

Featuring:

Colin McCahill– alto/soprano sax
Hayden Cusmano– guitar
Matthew Balos– piano
Jackson Stone– bass
Roland Chandler– percussion
Chris White– drums

Mason Bays is a Detroit based Jazz Musician who’s introduction to jazz began in the 9th grade in the Goodrich HS Jazz Band. He attended and graduated from Oakland University, with Bachelor of Arts in Music, with a minor in Jazz studies. He has performed at OU with Regina Carter, Scott Gwinell, John Douglas, Rayse Biggs, and others with Pat Cronley, Bill Myers, Gwen Hemphill, John Hill, Gary Greenfelder Orchestra, Kennebec Avenue Group and many others.
All of these influences led him to form his own jazz/funk ensemble that has appeared at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, Homegrown Brewing Company, Grav Cap, Arts Beats and Eats festival, and now he debuts his band for the first time at Cliff Bell’s!

Houston Patton Quartet and Session
2026-01-14 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.

Everything Yes
2026-01-15 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.
ADVANCED TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Everything Yes is an American jazz fusion band spearheaded by the drummer Zack Graybeal, known famously as ZackGrooves on his platforms, Sean Reeser, prolific composer, producer and tenor sax master & Cole Sipe, composer, sound engineer and magistral bassist.
This powerhouse of a band brings a fresh take on the style while staying true to the roots. Let’s meet the members!
Zack Graybeal (DRUMS) : Born in Atlanta GA, there was no question that this man was destined for greatness. His unstoppable determination and discipline are a force to be reckoned with. He spent his entire education at East Carolina University in the top bands at the school. He is exactly as he presents himself on YouTube. There is no filter or mask that could ever cover his unique and raw personality.
Sean Reeser (MAIN COMPOSER & TENOR SAX) : From York PA, this genius producer and tenor saxophone master first met Zack at East Carolina when they were both given the same audition slot. This was the beginning of Everything Yes. Just like Zack, Sean spent his time at ECU in all the top bands. Their styles and discipline heavily influenced each other during this crucial time. His vast knowledge of theory and composition are an integral part of the unique sound Everything Yes brings.
Cole Sipe (BASS): Also from York PA, Cole and Sean have been playing together since they were fifteen. Having both attended the Inspire Studio of the Arts, an excellent school in York directed by Cole’s father Curt, they bring over a decade of musical kinship to Everything Yes that most bands would kill to have. Cole’s moves and grooves bring life to the room. His style and finesse on the bass is the perfect fit and a staple of the EY sound.
Nathan Graybeal (ALTO SAX): A young artist from North Carolina, most well-known for his YouTube persona “Saxologic”. Originally an avid artist then animator, he has transferred his love for art to saxophone. He spreads his infectious passion to inspire others to find the joy of improving in music. Nathan obtained a bachelor’s degree in both jazz and classical saxophone performance from East Carolina University. He attended the Frost School of Music at University of Miami for his Masters and currently attends University of Memphis for his DMA.

Allen Dennard
2026-01-16 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-01-17 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.
Allen Dennard is a trumpeter, composer and bandleader who was born and raised in the city of Detroit, Michigan. Allen has made three appearances as a sideman in the Detroit Jazz Festival, one being with the great saxophonist Wendell Harrison (2015), one being with Detroit bassist Ali Bey (2017), and lastly with the Detroit Jazz Festival All-Star Alumni Band (2019). In January 2019 Allen was chosen by the Detroit MetroTimes as one of ten artist they thought would become famous in that year. Soon after that Allen was approached with many interview requests, one being with Detroit Public Television/ PBS and the other being with Honeysuckle Magazine, a New York City based magazine company. Aside from that Allen has worked with several artist from the Detroit Music Factory label, such as Gayelynn McKinney, De’Sean Jones and Sean Dobbins. He has also worked with Detroit saxophonist David McMurray from the Blue Note record label. Adding to that, Allen also got the opportunity to share the stage with New York based saxophonist J.D Allen, who is with HighNote Records.
In October 2018 Allen had the opportunity to work with famous R&B artist Ray J, being a member of the pit orchestra in a play that Ray J was in. In the same year Allen was chosen to be in the horn section for the MC5 reunion in Detroit, sharing the stage with musical icons such as Wayne Kramer. Following after that Allen went on to record on one of Alice Copper’s latest albums in 2019. Allen is a bandleader and has three of his own groups, the Allen Dennard Trio, the Allen Dennard Quartet and the Allen Dennard Quintet.

Allen Dennard
2026-01-18 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.
Trumpeter Allen Dennard has one foot firmly planted in the classic jazz canon. The 2016 graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance leads his own rotating jazz ensemble while also regularly playing with the likes of Detroit legends Marion Hayden, Wendell Harrison, and David McMurray. This April saw his first release Stepping In, which evokes the sounds of Miles Davis’ classic quintet.
That said, he’s not just a strict jazz classicist. His other foot is firmly planted in the melting pot that is the Detroit music scene. Dennard also sits in and records with acts ranging from hip-hop (Kulture) to rock ‘n’ roll (the MC5’s “MC50” 50th anniversary tour), blues (Robert Bradley), soul (Ray J), and gospel (J. Drew Sheard II).
Dennard comes from a musical family: His aunt Elreta Dodds played bass clarinet with the ’70s avant-garde jazz ensemble Griot Galaxy. His father sings, his mother used to play the trumpet and piano, and his older sister played clarinet. But Dennard says he got his start on trumpet on accident. “In 5th grade I wanted to play trombone, but my school didn’t have enough,” he says. “I thought that trumpet was the next best thing. From then on I just never put it down.”
It also helps that Detroit has an amazing legacy of mentorship within the jazz community. Dennard praises his first teacher, jazz flutist Deblon Jackson, for starting him off with ear training before diving into music theory. He also praises trumpeters John Douglas, Dwight Adams, and Rayce Biggs for helping him learn his instrument.
But Dennard’s biggest mentor was none other than Marcus Belgrave, the jazz icon who died in 2015. Dennard says that connection was forged thanks to his aunt, who was best friends with the pianist Geri Allen, who set up Dennard’s first lesson with Marcus when he was in high school.
It wound up being a crucial connection. “At U of M he saved my career,” Dennard says. When Dennard was first given his trumpet, there was no one to teach him the correct way to play, so he found his own way to do it. But by the time he got to college, he found out that his embouchure, or how the mouth is applied to the mouthpiece, was no longer working for him.
“That way got me really far — it got me a scholarship to U of M,” Dennard says. “But in college my notes started cracking and I couldn’t hold a note.” Dennard compares it to being “as bad as breaking your leg if you just got there on a basketball scholarship.” He almost quit.
At a U-M master class, Marcus could tell Denard was struggling, and took him aside for private home lessons for more than a year. “He kind of sensei-ed me through,” Dennard says.
Now, Dennard says he’s inspired by artists like Houston singer, pianist, and producer Robert Glasper. “For me personally, Robert Glasper created this new wave of jazz that’s similar to ’70s jazz fusion,” Dennard says. “Hip-hop evolved into other things, and he put that in his music and created a whole new wave of other artists doing it. It’s common around Detroit.”
Dennard says he just calls it “modern music.” “I love it,” he says. “I think it’s good for the evolution of music. Everything’s always changing — politics, life, all that. Music should too.”
by Doug Coombe January 02, 2019 Detroit Metro Times
https://m.metrotimes.com/detroit/allen-dennard-takes-jazz-into-the-future/Content?oid=19038380

Jonathon Muir-Cotton
2026-01-22 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.
Featuring:

Jonathon Muir-Cotton-(Bass Bandleader)
Louis Jones III- Drums
Wyatt Forhan- Trombone
Zach Sommerfeld- Guitar
Brendon Davis- Piano (January 22rd, 24th, 25th)
Jordan Anderson – Piano (January 23rd)

Jonathon S. Muir-Cotton is a multi-award winning young, up and coming double bassist and bassist trained in both the jazz and classical traditions; playing many genres including jazz, funk, gospel, blues, R&B and neo-soul. Under the mentorship and tutelage of great Detroit bassists like Marion Hayden, Robert Hurst, Rick Robinson, Rodney Whitaker and Ralphe Armstrong, Jonathon is working towards making his own mark in the music world.
Jonathon has continued to garner great opportunities to perform internationally, with consistent rotations in Detroit, New York, Ann Arbor, and many other venues across the country. Jonathon is a student at Michigan State University pursuing his Bachelors in Jazz Studies.
Just this summer Jonathon made is tv scoring debut for the show Mo Season 2 on Netflix! Show was produced by Common, Karriem Riggins, Mohammed Amher.
Jonathon is currently touring with artist such as Christian Sands, Ulssyess Owens, Luther Allison, Domo Branch, Ashley Pezzotti, Brandon Woody.
Muir-Cotton has performed/ toured with various renowned artists, including Common,Karriem Riggins,, Christian Sands, , Ulyesses Owens Jr Joe Farnsworth, , Luther Allison, Ali Jackson, Esperanza Spalding, Ian Finkelstein, Soul Science Lab, and Kamau Kenyatta. He has his own talented and versatile extended band Expressions, and is an often sought bassist for other artists, their bands, and studio work. Jonathon continues to hone his craft, hopes to tour the world, and eventually become a music educator, teaching jazz at the collegiate level as well as be an inspiration and give back to the next generation of students and aspiring musicians.
