Cliff Bell's

LANI B. SUPREME
2025-10-24 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-10-25 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit)
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Featuring Detroit’s Own:
Marcus Elliot – Saxophone
Ian Fink – Piano
Mike Abbo – Upright Bass
Louis Jones III – Drums
L A N I B. S U P R E M E (Jelani Akil Bauman) (b. 1989; New Orleans, USA) is an internationally-performing American musician, sound artist, and educator who plays with the practice and concept of lineage as a portal into past and future. Transmuting the tension between tradition and improvisation that is the philosophical foundation of Black American music, Bauman creates sound installations, original compositions, and film and podcast scores that propel his audience into a bright future made possible by merging honor for and transgression of tradition. The great-great grandson of 19th century cornetist and music educator Professor J.B. Humphrey and grandson of Emery Humphrey Thompson, also known as Umar Sharif, who performed with such musicians as Ella Fitzgerald, Fletcher Henderson, and Lionel Hampton, Bauman began his classical training at age 13 with the trumpet, under the tutelage of Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Ronald Benko. He studied with Alvin Batiste (Cannonball Adderley, Billy Cobham, Wynton Marsalis) at the renowned New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), before completing his B.S. at Berklee College of Music and a Master’s of Music in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University. This artistic genealogy has equipped Bauman to carve a singularly contemporary sound. Bauman has performed and presented at venues, festivals, and museums in Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, including the Boston Museum of Fine Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Domaine Forget Jazz Festival in Quebec, the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Jazz a la Calle in Uruguay, the Jazz Standard in New York City, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and St. Regis Hotel in Doha, Qatar. He has also worked performed with Rihanna, Ravi Coltrane, Ellis Marsalis, Rickey Minor the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra,
Billy Porter, and many others.

LANI B. SUPREME
2025-10-26 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.
L A N I B. S U P R E M E (Jelani Akil Bauman) (b. 1989; New Orleans, USA) is an internationally-performing American musician, sound artist, and educator who plays with the practice and concept of lineage as a portal into past and future. Transmuting the tension between tradition and improvisation that is the philosophical foundation of Black American music, Bauman creates sound installations, original compositions, and film and podcast scores that propel his audience into a bright future made possible by merging honor for and transgression of tradition. The great-great grandson of 19th century cornetist and music educator Professor J.B. Humphrey and grandson of Emery Humphrey Thompson, also known as Umar Sharif, who performed with such musicians as Ella Fitzgerald, Fletcher Henderson, and Lionel Hampton, Bauman began his classical training at age 13 with the trumpet, under the tutelage of Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Ronald Benko. He studied with Alvin Batiste (Cannonball Adderley, Billy Cobham, Wynton Marsalis) at the renowned New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), before completing his B.S. at Berklee College of Music and a Master’s of Music in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University. This artistic genealogy has equipped Bauman to carve a singularly contemporary sound. Bauman has performed and presented at venues, festivals, and museums in Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, including the Boston Museum of Fine Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Domaine Forget Jazz Festival in Quebec, the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Jazz a la Calle in Uruguay, the Jazz Standard in New York City, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and St. Regis Hotel in Doha, Qatar. He has also worked performed with Rihanna, Ravi Coltrane, Ellis Marsalis, Rickey Minor the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra,
Billy Porter, and many others.

A Botanical Fortress Outpost featuring Houston Patton and Brian Allen
2025-10-29 19:30 - 21:30
This weekly experiment was a hand picked concept from the producers of Cliff Bell’s to introduce two different worlds of the Detroit improvised music scene. It features 3 ambient electronic synth artists of the Botanical Fortress Collective plus saxophonist Houston Patton and his long time collaborator, percussionist Brian Allen. The second set will be open to improvisors.
BOTANICAL FORTRESS is an existential sound movement and Improvisational post-rock orchestra. In fellowship with Art, Music, Nature and one another, we adhere to our four rules for improvisation: 1) Show up. 2) Pay Attention. 3) Tell the Truth. 4) Don’t be attached to the outcome.

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.

Brian Allen plays the drums like a boss.

The Galen Bundy Organ Trio
2025-10-30 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 Galen Bundy Organ Trio pays tribute to the evolution of the tradition over the past near century, and simultaneously seeks to expand the scope of the idiom. Influenced by such organ greats as Larry Young, Jimmy Smith, and Dr. Lonnie Smith; the trio enjoys playing music from these and many other artists, and sharing the history of the Hammond B3 with the audience. Originals by all 3 members of the trio are included as well, with the intent of exploring all that the modern jazz organ trio is capable of.

Kimmie Horne's Masquerade
2025-10-31 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.
Kimmie Horne is an International Jazz Vocalist, model, and actress. She is a native Detroiter, descendant of the legendary songstress and actor Lena Horne, and niece of the late great singer/songwriter Cleveland Horne of the “Fantastic Four.” Kimmie has left her mark in areas around the world, including, Detroit, Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, LA, San Francisco, Jamaica, Ontario, Toronto, Puerto Rico, London, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more. In addition to live performances, Kimmie touts her “High Standards,” “Loving This Jazz,” and “Live in Las Vegas” CD’s. Horne’s 2018 release of her new video, “As Long as I Live,” viewed by thousands, has received critical praise. Her songs, “I Hope You Dance,” and special arrangement of, “I Will Survive,” demonstrate her blend of talent and sophistication.
As a representative for Budweiser, luxury furriers, and celebrity spokesperson and model for Lincoln Automotive Group/Varsity Lincoln, Kimmie’s talent transcends beyond impeccable vocals alone. Her most recent acting role, is the featured singer in the much-anticipated musical thriller “One Harlem Night.” This all-star cast jazz musical, takes place at the beautiful Fisher Building in Detroit in early 2018.
Kimmie continues to expand her talents. Having launched her self-titled “Kimmie Honre Jazz Festival,” in 2016; this event has spun into a dynamic all-star musical line-up, and contributor of major charitable donations. The festival has established a relationship with, and is a supporter of, The Ronald McDonald House of Detroit organization, benefiting sick children and their families. The festival is preparing to expand nationally and internationally.
New partnerships, new music and video releases, as well as summer tours, including the annual trip to Japan, are just a few of the things on tap for Kimmie Horne. Always more to come!

The Justin Dillard Organ Trio featuring Bobby Broom
2025-11-01 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.
“Hammond Artist Justin Dillard continues to produce promising young jazz musicians intent on expanding the definition of the music…” – Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
The DOT is comprised of Hammond Artist Justin Dillard, veteran guitarist Bobby Broom, and phenomenal shooting star drummer Samuel Jewell all of Chicago. All have extensive backgrounds in every genre of music possible that extend from the great avant garde jazz tenor man Fred Anderson to Carl Thomas. The music they play is called ‘GIT down’. An art form of original music composed and arranged by Justin Dillard which at its core combines everyone from organ masters Dr. Lonnie Smith and Jimmy McGriff to The Ohio Players, Ray Charles and Sly And The Family Stone. The members of The DOT all lend a piece of the puzzle that catapults Hammond Organ music to another plateau never heard before.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-c-4bxsR62/?igsh=aXZmNngyNGIxbTRp
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGhPmJNROOz/?igsh=MTRidGNlbWR4ZXF1cA==

The Justin Dillard Organ Trio featuring Bobby Broom
2025-11-02 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.
“Hammond Artist Justin Dillard continues to produce promising young jazz musicians intent on expanding the definition of the music…” – Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
The DOT is comprised of Hammond Artist Justin Dillard, veteran guitarist Bobby Broom, and phenomenal shooting star drummer Samuel Jewell all of Chicago. All have extensive backgrounds in every genre of music possible that extend from the great avant garde jazz tenor man Fred Anderson to Carl Thomas. The music they play is called ‘GIT down’. An art form of original music composed and arranged by Justin Dillard which at its core combines everyone from organ masters Dr. Lonnie Smith and Jimmy McGriff to The Ohio Players, Ray Charles and Sly And The Family Stone. The members of The DOT all lend a piece of the puzzle that catapults Hammond Organ music to another plateau never heard before.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-c-4bxsR62/?igsh=aXZmNngyNGIxbTRp
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGhPmJNROOz/?igsh=MTRidGNlbWR4ZXF1cA==

Russ Macklem's Detroit Quintet and Session
2025-11-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-26 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.

Free admittance for all Musicians participating in the jam session

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

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

Damon Terrell
2025-11-06 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.
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.

Closed for a Private Event
2025-11-07

De'Sean Jones
2025-11-08 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.
De’Sean Jones is a Detroit based saxophonist, billboard charting recording artist and grammy nominated arranger. Over the past 20 years De’Sean has toured the world recording or performing with music Icons like Stevie Wonder, Faith Evans, along with a host of Detroit Legends; Marcus Belgrave, The Clark Sisters, Kierra Sheard and techno pioneer Mad Mike Banks of Underground Resistance.
As a bandleader & producer Jones has curated an eclectic approach that is widely viewed as progressive and undeniably rooted in the rich history of black culture. De’Sean actively pushes the boundaries of social consciousness through music in ways that are authentic, emotionally dynamic and intellectually stimulating.

All musical projects from De’Sean Jones can be accessed through his record label KNMDK Records.

Jauron Perry Quintet
2025-11-09 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.
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.

Alex Whites New Covenant
2025-11-13 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 Covenant is a project that captures the sounds and spiritual and emotional impact of the Gospel through the medium of Jazz. It features both written compositions and inspired moments of improvisation. Led by Alex White (writer, arranger, and drummer), the band includes many talented musicians from Metro Detroit and beyond, such as Rafael Statin (woodwinds and synths), Chris Sykes (bass), Antwain Kirkland (keys and auxiliary synths), Roger Jones (organ), and vocalist Kristian Fountain.

Chris Codish Trio
2025-11-14 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.
Chris Codish is one of the most sought-after musicians working in Metro Detroit today, playing piano, organ, keyboards, and synth.
His exciting mix of jazz, funk, and blues, layered with his unique voice captivates any crowd. It’s his unique ability entertain his audience while maintaining his artistic point of view that sets Chris apart.
He has been playing professionally for over 30 years, and has won over 40 Detroit Music Awards in the process. Chris honed his skills by touring internationally with some of the world’s top jazz and blues artists, including Hiram Bullock, Alexander Zonjic, Harvey Mason, Roy Ayers, The Blues Brothers, Lucky Peterson, Johnnie Bassett, Larry McCray among countless others.
Chris is an in-demand session musician as well, having recorded over 80 commercial releases, and dozens of independent albums as well. He produced the “Gentleman of the Blues” Johnnie Bassett’s final two albums for Mack Ave. Records/Sly Dog Records: The Gentleman is Back, and I Can Make That Happen. Chris has also provided keyboard for some of Detroit best artists including Carl Craig, Don Was, Sponge, Alexander Zonjic, Ben Sharkey, Laith Al-Saddi, Thornetta Davis, Johnnie Bassett, Larry McCray, and many many others as well as providing entertainment for corporate clients like Mercedes Benz, AISIN, Henry Ford House, The Detroit Medical Center, and the DAC.
He performs solo and with his eponymously named trio at and weekly house gigs at two of Metro Detroit’s finest restaurants; the famed London Chop House downtown, and Eddie V’s in Troy. He has also played Hammond organ every Sunday at Godland Unity Church in Detroit since 1997.

Tariq Gardner's Evening Star
2025-11-15 19:30 - 21:30
Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Seating for the shows begins at 6pm for the first show & 9pm for the second show.
Evening Star is a Space Odyssey led by Detroit Drummer and 2018 U of M SMTD graduate Tariq Gardner. The group has its roots in Detroit’s expansive musical tradition blending the city’s rich Jazz legacy. With its history of musicians being largely malleable to fit into a wide array of musical styles traveling to the different galaxies of music of the African Diaspora (jazz, neo-soul, Afro-Cuban, Negro spirituals, hip-hop etc.). Evening Star brings listeners light years into the cosmos while staying true to the roots of the Motherland.

Tariq Gardner's Evening Star
2025-11-16 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Evening Star is a Space Odyssey led by Detroit Drummer and 2018 U of M SMTD graduate Tariq Gardner. The group has its roots in Detroit’s expansive musical tradition blending the city’s rich Jazz legacy. With its history of musicians being largely malleable to fit into a wide array of musical styles traveling to the different galaxies of music of the African Diaspora (jazz, neo-soul, Afro-Cuban, Negro spirituals, hip-hop etc.). Evening Star brings listeners light years into the cosmos while staying true to the roots of the Motherland.

Anthony Stanco Quartet
2025-11-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-11-22 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM FOR THIS PERFORMANCE.
Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Born in Southeast Michigan, raised in the Blues and Soul mecca of Detroit, and tutored by the community’s finest (Rodney Whitaker, Marcus Belgrave), Stanco joins a generation of jazz musicians that both reveres the roots of the music and energetically seeks its future. With a big, brilliant sound and a fearless command of the horn, Stanco brings to mind trumpet greats such as Freddie Hubbard and Dizzy Gillespie. Stanco’s band, The Crucial Elements, has built a livelihood touring the world repeatedly as intercultural ambassadors through the US State Department’s “American Music Abroad” program. They consistently receive rave reviews about their engaging live performances and equally captivating record titled “The Crucial Elements.” Stanco continues to have an active recording career and has released his second record titled “You Know The Feeling” on the Detroit Music Factory label. When not touring or recording he is the Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Michigan State University.
anthonystanco.com

Re'Monda
2025-11-23 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Elegant, smooth, rich and soulful are words often used to describe renowned vocalist Re’Monda. At a young age, the native Detroiter began her musical journey under the tutelage of Motown’s legend; Earl Van Dyke. Re’Monda is a product of rich musical heritage gained by studying and sharing the stage with some of the best musical talents both in the US and abroad including Randy Scott, John E. Lawerence, Ralph Armstrong, Alexander Zonjic and Rayse Biggs.
Influenced by vibrant female musical legends such as Aretha Franklin, Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker, Gladys Knight, Sarah Vaughn, and Nancy Wilson; her seemingly effortless and sultry sound, embodies the combined musical genres of jazz, Neo soul, blues and gospel. As a featured soloist, Re’Monda has traveled the country winning numerous awards and garnering a loyal fanbase; often dominating the stage with renditions of “Ain’t No Way,” “Glad There Is You,” “Been So Long,” “The Nearness Of You” and “Neither One of Us.”
Born to perform and known for her characteristically warm and sensual vocals, Re’Monda has proven herself to be a consummate entertainer and crowd pleaser. Her most recent headlining performances include The FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation Sing Out for Kids Fundraiser, An Evening of Conversation, Friendship, and Song Benefit Concert, The University of Michigan’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration Symposium and The West Bloomfield’s Library Summer Concert Series.
With recent SOLDOUT performances in Ann Arbor’s Blue Llama Jazz Club, Re’Monda has become a French favorite, playing to well received and SOLDOUT audiences in Paris France at the Aux Troi’s Mailletz, and the Le Chat Noir. Having captivated audiences in Paris, Re’Monda has found an even more appreciative fan base in London England with upcoming 2025 Spring, Summer and Fall shows. Known for her characteristically rich and dynamic vocal abilities, Re’Monda consistently delivers show stopping performances once led by talented songstress of today and the days of yesteryears.

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

Caleb Robinson and Reaching
2025-11-29 19:30 - 21:30
There will be two separate seatings at 7:30pm & 9:30pm for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Caleb Robinson and Reaching have fused the art of Jazz and R&B with their love for storytelling, creating music that embodies the unpredictable rhythms of life. Their passion and subtlety are seamlessly woven into their sound samples and visual samples. With a mission to break down barriers, Caleb Robinson and Reaching deliver a musical experience that reflects the ebbs and flows of life.

Ambassadors Big Band under the Direction of Mike Letovsky
2025-11-30 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance. Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 5pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Since the 1950’s the Ambassadors Big Band has been presenting the finest in Big Band Era Jazz for all of south-west Michigan. The 17 piece Big Band formed in 1957 with the legendary Fred Bentz as the leader. At that time they were known as “The Ambassadors Of Good Will” and were regulars at local V.A. hospitals across Michigan. After a few years it was decided to make the band a regular swing band and the name was changed. Vocalists were later added and with the second leader, Al Townsend, the band received many excellent original arrangements. His writing has given the band it’s unique sound and style. In 1986 Mike Letovsky joined the band as a tenor sax player and a few years later he took over the lead alto sax chair. Since 1993 Mike took over leadership of the band and continues the decades long tradition of presenting the finest in Big Band Jazz!

the Swing Syndicate Jazz Lab
2025-12-03 19:00
Schedule of performances

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

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

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

Marcus Elliot Broken Seeds Vol. II
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance. Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Marcus Elliot (Marcus Elliot Miller) is a saxophonist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. Marcus is a 2020 Kresge Artist Fellow, awarded by Kresge Arts in Detroit. His compositions and improvisations have been described by the New York Times as “convincing and confident, evolved in touch and tone…”, and the Detroit Free Press has said, “Marcus Elliot represents next generation of jazz”. Elliot leads and co-leads many different Detroit based bands including the Marcus Elliot Quartet, Clockwork, Balance, Beyond Rebellious, and Lanula. Elliot performs in the Shigeto Live Ensemble. He is a Fellow of the Geri Allen Gathering Orchestra. He co-founded the nonprofit Polyfold Musical Arts Collective. Elliot is the director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Jazz Ensembles. Elliot received his master’s degree in improvisation from the University of Michigan.
Elliot is a disciple of the Detroit music scene. His mentors include Rodney Whitaker, Marcus Belgrave, Robert Hurst, Donald Walden, Bennie Maupin, Marion Hayden, and Karriem Riggins. After graduating with a bachelors degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, Marcus began to curate weekly performances in Detroit, showcasing some of Detroit’s young jazz musicians. Marcus self-released three albums with his ensemble, the Marcus Elliot Quartet and co-released an album with his duo project with Michael Malis, Balance.
As a Sideman, Marcus has performed with Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins, James Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Marcus Belgrave, Johnny O’Neal, Jimmy Heath, Shigeto, Thaddeus Dixon, Ettiene Charles, Mulgrew Miller, Rodney Whitaker, Talib Kweli, and many others.
Marcus was a co-founder of Polyfold; a collective of musical artists who have joined together to develop, and present creative works. Founded in Detroit, Polyfold produces concerts and recordings, hosts outreach events and educational workshops, and fosters creative community in Detroit and beyond.
Marcus has received his Masters of Music degree at the University of Michigan, where he was awarded a graduate assistantship. He is active in the Detroit music community, collaborating with musicians in jazz, free-improvised music, techno, hip-hop, r&b, and classical music.
,
