Dwight Adams Quintet
2024-04-25 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.
***LATE NIGHT SET ADDED
The Third Show Begins at 11:30pm
Dwight Adams is a soul-inspired jazz trumpeter. He has played and recorded with Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, James Carter, Shawn Wallace and Donald Walden, and tours with Stevie Wonder. He has served as a jazz trumpet instructor at both Ohio State University and Michigan State University and is currently on the faculty at WSU. He landed a gig as a member of Teddy Harris’ New Breed BeBop Society at the age of 16, and is now one of the brightest stars on the Detroit jazz scene. Adams earned a full scholarship to Kentucky State University, where he majored in music education and performance.

Kasan Belgrave Residency and Session
2024-04-24 19:30 - 21:30
SHOWTIMES ARE AT 7:30PM & 9:30PM FOR THIS PERFORMANCE.
***LATE NIGHT SET ADDED for 11:30pm***
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.
Multi-woodwind-instrumentalist and Detroit native Kasan Belgrave is well-rounded within the Detroit music community. His musical heritage of passing down the knowledge and exposure of Detroit music to the youth; like his father, late trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. Kasan has worked with many greats in his young career such as the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis & Jazz @ Lincoln Center, Dee Bridgewater, Karriem Riggins, Theo Crocker, Etienne Charles, and many others; in his scholar years at University of Michigan he studied under Robert Hurst, pianist Benny Green, and Andrew Bishop, then continued his studies at MSU under the direction of Diego Rivera and Rodney Whitaker. Deeply rooted in the tradition of Black American Music, Kasan is also congruently involved in parallel domains of the strong techno scene in Detroit; he appeared on the track “On My Own” with Jon Dixon & Moodyman; he has also performed with Scott Grooves, Carl Craig, Shigeto, and Kyle Hall. Facebook – Kasan Belgrave Instagram – @baskasanball

Pamela Wise presents Women In Jazz
2024-04-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-04-18 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.
Pamela Wise-piano
Damon Warmack-bass
Ingrid Racine-trumpet
Louis M. Jones-drums
Sky Covington-vocals (all three nights)

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

Kasan Belgrave Residency and Session
2024-04-17 19:30 - 23:00, 2024-03-27 19:30 - 23:00, 2024-03-13 19:30 - 23:00
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.
Multi-woodwind-instrumentalist and Detroit native Kasan Belgrave is well-rounded within the Detroit music community. His musical heritage of passing down the knowledge and exposure of Detroit music to the youth; like his father, late trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. Kasan has worked with many greats in his young career such as the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis & Jazz @ Lincoln Center, Dee Bridgewater, Karriem Riggins, Theo Crocker, Etienne Charles, and many others; in his scholar years at University of Michigan he studied under Robert Hurst, pianist Benny Green, and Andrew Bishop, then continued his studies at MSU under the direction of Diego Rivera and Rodney Whitaker. Deeply rooted in the tradition of Black American Music, Kasan is also congruently involved in parallel domains of the strong techno scene in Detroit; he appeared on the track “On My Own” with Jon Dixon & Moodyman; he has also performed with Scott Grooves, Carl Craig, Shigeto, and Kyle Hall. Facebook – Kasan Belgrave Instagram – @baskasanball

Ellen Rowe’s “East Meets Midwest” Quartet
2024-04-14 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:

Ellen Rowe, piano
Mike Sakash, saxophone
Dennis Carroll, bass
Neil Hemphill, drums

Ellen Rowe, jazz pianist and composer, is currently the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan. Recent CDs as a leader include “Momentum-Portraits of Women In Motion” with her octet, “Courage Music”, with her quartet and special guest Ingrid Jensen and “Wishing Well”, featuring Andrew Bishop. Her new “East Meets Midwest” Quartet includes saxophonist Mike Sakash, Director of the Fryeburg Academy Jazz Program in Fryeburg, Maine and in-demand sideman throughout New England, Chicago based bassist Dennis Carroll, currently Jazz Bass Professor at DePaul University and longtime member of the Bobby Broom Quartet and drummer Neil Hemphill, also a member of the Bobby Broom Quartet as well as an active freelancer throughout the Midwest. Ellen and Mike have been working together in duo format for several years in Maine and New Hampshire and she is excited to bring this new quartet to Cliff Bell’s in advance of recording dates this summer.

Wendell Harrison & Tribe
2024-04-12 19:30 - 21:30
Showtimes are at 7:30p & 9:30p for this performance.Doors open at 5pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 9pm.
Jazz saxophonist and clarinetist Wendell Harrison has long been known for taking his music into his own hands. Co-founder of the legendary Tribe record label and collective in the 1970’s, Harrison went on to establish Rebirth Inc., a non profit jazz performance and education organization in the 80’s. Recently, Wendell has collaborated with pianist and vocalist Amp Fiddler in performing concerts and special recording projects. Also, numerous well-known jazz artists, including pianist Geri Allen, saxophonist James Carter, saxophonist Eddie Harris, vocalist Leon Thomas and trumpeter Woody Shaw, just to name a few, have performed with Wendell and participated in Rebirth’s programs. He also created the WenHa, record label and publishing company which released many of his recordings, as well as that of his wife, pianist Pamela Wise. Through his solo work and his Mama’s Licking Stick Clarinet Ensemble, Harrison has gained more widespread respect for the clarinet, this often neglected, yet versatile instrument.
Harrison was born on October 1, 1942 in Detroit and attended Northwestern High School. His classmates included trumpeter Lonnie Hillyer, saxophonist Charles McPherson and percussionist Roy Brooks, all of whom sparked his interest in jazz music. Like his classmates, Harrison began formal jazz studies with pianist Barry Harris. He also attended the Detroit Conservatory of Music which is now known as the College for Creative Studies.
While in Detroit he performed with Motown stars Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and the legendary Sammy Ward. Shortly after in 1960 the young Harrison headed for New York. He began performing for some of the world’s premier jazz artists: guitarist Grant Green, vocalist Eddie Jefferson and the great Sun Ra. He teamed up with trumpet players Marcus Belgrave , Jimmy Owens and baritone/tuba/euphonium player Howard Johnson to perform and tour with saxophonist Hank Crawford. Wendell can be heard on Hank’s earlier recordings: Double Cross, Dig These Blues, Mr. Blues, on Atlantic Records. Wendell learned how to compose, write and arrange for multi ensemble during this time in his life.
In 1970, the fast paced New York and the road began taking its’ toll on Wendell. He moved to California for a short period. While resting and practicing at the Syanon Center, he met vocalist Esther Phillips and saxophonist Art Pepper. Under the direction of Greg Dykes they recorded an album (reissued on CD ) entitled The Prince Of Peace which received world wide recognition. This experience also enhanced his writing and arranging skills. Harrison headed back to Detroit in 1971. He began teaching music at a multi arts complex for youth, Metro Arts founded by Dr. Amelita Mandingo. While teaching at Metro Arts, Wendell met pianist and composer Harold McKinney and rejoined his friend Marcus Belgrave. Wendell also met trombonist Phil Ranelin who had moved to Detroit from Indianapolis. Together they formed the Tribe record label and collective. Tribe used this vehicle to convey a growing black political consciousness. The group also included drummer and composer Doug Hammond, pianist Ken Cox and trumpeter Charles Moore. They performed together live and on each others recordings and releasing them on the Tribe record label. Tribe also published a magazine, a quarterly monthly publication dedicated to musical and political revolutionaries and political issues. The magazine was published by Harrison’s company, The Harrison Association. Tribe had pretty much disbanded in 1975, but Phil Ranelin and Wendell were instrumental and getting all of the Tribe recordings reissued to various international labels. Techno music guru Carl Craig discovered in his global travels that Tribe still was gaining popularity on the underground techno music scene internationally which was unheard of considering they haven’t performed together as Tribe in over 30 years. In 2007 Carl reproduced the Tribe group with Marcus, Wendell, Doug and Phil. They released a single on the market entitled It’s A New Day on the C2 Planet E record label. Recently, there has been several reissues on vinyl from various record labels in Japan UK , Germany and in the USA. In 2023 Adrian Young and Ali Shaheed Muhammad produced the release Phil Ranelin and Wendell Harrison 16 on the record label JAZZ IS DEAD. Tribe continues to make a strong musical presence on the international scene.
Meanwhile, Wendell and Harold McKinney founded Rebirth Inc. in 1978, another successful non profit organization whose mission is to educate the youth and the greater community about jazz through workshops and concert presentations throughout the Midwest and beyond. The organization is based in Detroit and funded by several foundations and corporations. In teaching and presenting many of Rebirth’s programs Wendell found that students needed a method to help them learn jazz improvisation to perform like the masters. So he authored the Be Boppers Method Books Volumes I & II which is an invaluable aid to young musicians wanting to build their improvisational skills. The book also includes a play along audio file /CD and is distributed internationally by Jamey Aebersold.
Harrison’s campaign for the often neglected clarinet instrument has added a new spin on his list of accomplishments. The unique Mama’s Licking Stick Clarinet Ensemble features each member of the clarinet family including Eflat soprano, Bflat, alto, bass and contra bass clarinets. Chamber Music America, a prestigious granting organization based in New York has awarded Harrison several grants in support of his unique clarinet ensemble. Some of the programs have included New Works and Creation, Jazz Residency programs an the French American Cultural Exchange projects. There are several recordings available on Mama’s Licking Stick including Rush and Hustle, Live In Concert (both which feature James Carter on bass clarinet) and Forever Duke release on the WenHa Record label.
Wendell continues to thrive as a musician, educator and entrepreneur creating new and innovative projects such as: composing new music for various ensembles, collaborating with and recording with young musicians. Detroit continues to produce the best talent in the world and that is found to be true with the great jazz master Wendell Harrison.

ONE-WORLD Jazz Orchestra
2024-04-09 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. Make your reservations here.
Guest Soloists:

Danilo Perez (Founder, Berklee Global Jazz Inst.) – Piano
Marco Pignataro (Managing Dir. Berklee Global Jazz Inst.) – Saxophone
Nate Winn (Detroit Jazz Artist) – Drummer
Chris Collins (President, Detroit Jazz Fest. Found./WSU Valade Chair in Jazz) – Woodwinds

Wayne State University Jazz, Detroit and Berklee Global Jazz Inst., Boston

Joshua Gaudin – Saxophones
Brian Urra – Violin
Dominic Waddles – Saxophones
Nadia Washington – Vocal
Brad Fritter – Trumpet
Zahili Gonzalez Zamora – Piano
Sam Novell-Regester – Trombone
Jesse Katz – Bass
Guilhem Fourty – Drums
Baris Kadem – Baglama

The One-World Jazz Orchestra, co-led by Danilo Perez (Founder and Director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute), Marco Pignataro (Managing Director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute), and Chris Collins (Valade Chair in Jazz at Wayne state Univ. and President of the Detroit Jazz Fest. Found.) Brings together aspiring artists from Berklee’s Global Institute and Wayne State Univ.’s Jazz Program with special guests to present new music that fuses jazz with diverse roots-music, styles and instrumentation from across the globe. This rich environment of sharing, collaboration, diversity and performance results in music that belongs to everyone and unites us all as a one-world culture.

DJANGOPHONIQUE
2024-04-07 17:30 - 19:30
Showtimes are at 5:30p & 7:30p for this performance.
Doors open at 4pm for dinner. Seating begins at 6pm for “Dinner & a Show”. The second show starts seating at 7pm.
Djangophonique is a virtuosic, instrumentally driven quartet led by guitar player Andrew Brown. With over a decade of national touring experience, Brown is no stranger to the stage and delivers every performance with personality and enigmatic charm. A true disciple of the style, Brown has spent countless hours immersing himself in the language of Django Reinhardt’s jazz manouche, and he’s joined on stage by bandmates that match his skill and passion for the material. The result is a sound that’s unmistakable to fans of the music, and alluring to the uninitiated—a sound that can bring the lively energy of a parisian dance hall to the quietest listening room or captivate a buzzing festival audience with a shimmering ballad. With respect for the tradition and a fearless creativity that bends the conventions of the style, Djangophonique is keeping the Hot Club revival alive and well.
Andrew Brown grew up in a house full of music. His father was a motown session musician playing with the likes of Chuck Berry and the Four Tops and his uncle was a world-class jazz bassist accompanying Art Blakey and Chet Baker among others. A steady stream of musicians passed through Brown’s childhood home, leaving a rich sediment of musical interests and influences. Though he played his first show at 9, penned a folk opera at 14, was a member of several rock bands in high school and occasionally performed monologues by Lord Buckley, it wasn’t until his early twenties that Andrew began performing professionally.
After an inspiring trip to New Orleans in 2010 Andrew co-founded The Appleseed Collective, with whom he would come to tour extensively. Appleseed played festivals and venues such as Wheatland, Sisters Folk Festival, The Ann Arbor Folk Festival, The Ark, Summercamp Music Festival, Cervantes Ballroom and many more. In 2017 Appleseed began to slow it’s touring schedule and Andrew took the opportunity to deepen his studies of gypsy jazz, seeking out and learning from authentic masters like Angelo Debarre, Sebastian Gineaux, and Gonzalo Bergara. Djangophonique played their first gig at the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor MI in 2019.
The core group of Djangophonique includes Tyler Rindo on clarinet, Erik McIntyre on rhythm guitar, and Jorian Olk-Szost on upright bass. However Djangophonique often appears in different incarnations thanks to Brown’s ever growing network of collaborators within the jazz world.
Djangophonique has played events such as Detroit Jazz Festival, Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest, Wheatland Music Festival, Arts Beats and Eats, Mackinac Island, Cliff Bell’s, and Ann Arbor Summer Festival; they have backed up scene staples like Dennis Chang and rising stars like 7 time downbeat award winner Ava Preston. Djagophonique has been nominated for Detroit Music Awards including Outstanding Traditional Jazz Artist and Outstanding Jazz Recording (for their 2020 EP Jazz Du Jour.) Their first studio album “Introducing Djangophonique” was released in 2022 and is available on CD, Vinyl, and via Digital Download.
www.djangophonique.com
YouTube Channel
Facebook Page
Instagram @djangophonique

https://djangophonique.com/

Louis Jones III
2024-03-30 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.

Louis M. Jones III stands out as one of the most prominent drummers hailing from the bustling city of Detroit. Starting with just two wooden spoons, Louis quickly established himself as a natural musician, honing his craft with sticks, brushes, and mallets as he grew more and more experienced. By the age of 11, he realized his true passion and knew that he would pursue music as a full-time career.
Throughout his life, Louis has had the good fortune of being surrounded by and mentored by some of Detroit’s most legendary musicians. In particular, he gleaned inspiration and valuable knowledge from the likes of Wendell Harrison, Marion Hayden, and Sean Dobbins, all of whom have left their mark on him in some way.
As a young musician coming of age in Detroit, Louis’ father encouraged him to immerse himself in the vibrant and multifaceted local music scene, taking in all genres and styles as he developed his own sound. Thanks to his early experiences and upbringing, Louis has become a remarkably versatile drummer, capable of playing with equal passion and skill across all genres.
Louis’s impressive resume includes collaborations with a variety of well-known artists, including Wayne Shorter, Keyon Harrold, Karriem Riggins, Elzhi, and Omar Sosa, to name just a few. Sharing stages and studios with such accomplished musicians continues to inspire and push Louis to new creative heights.
While his sideman work is in high demand across Detroit, Louis is also passionate about giving back and sharing his knowledge and skills with others. In addition to teaching, he spends time composing and mentoring young musicians in the Detroit area, inspiring and shaping the next generation of talent.
With his impressive talent and unyielding dedication to his craft, Louis Jones III represents the very best of Detroit’s rich musical heritage.

Jontavious Willis
2024-03-29 19:30 - 21:30
Doors open at 6pm 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.
Advanced tickets are available HERE.
Jontavious Willis is resolved in his mission: to reinvigorate today’s Blues with the spirit of the past. Inspired by a time when the Blues were plentiful and rhythm reigned supreme, Jontavious leverages his unique sound—a synthesis of his Georgia heritage and reverence for traditional Blues—to get the world dancing again. A Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter, Jontavious performs original, toe-tapping tunes in the style of Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel Blues. Dynamic vocals, technical prowess, and an abundance of Southern charm keep Jontavious sending jolts of vitality through the Blues community.

Allen Dennard
2024-03-24 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

Allen Dennard
2024-03-23 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-03-22 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.
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

DeSean Jones
2024-03-22 19:30 - 2024-03-23 09:30, 2024-03-21 19:30 - 2024-03-22 09:30, 2024-03-20 19:30 - 2024-03-21 09:30, 2024-03-19 19:30 - 2024-03-20 09:30, 2024-03-18 19:30 - 2024-03-19 09:30, 2024-03-17 19:30 - 2024-03-18 09:30, 2024-03-16 19:30 - 2024-03-17 09:30, 2024-03-15 19:30 - 2024-03-16 09:30 and 2 more dates
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.

The Orrin Evans Trio
2024-03-21 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.
Featuring:
Orrin Evans – Piano
Robert Hurst – Bass
Mark Whitfield Jr. – Drums
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.

The Eat It Up Trio
2024-03-17 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.
Detroit-based and undeniably swinging, the Eat It Up Trio is Michigan’s premier professional purveyor of possibly the most pleasurable music three humans can safely perform within the parameters of the law. Comprised of drummer Sean Perlmutter, bassist Trevor Lamb, and pianist/vocalist Mike Harrison, the Eat It Up trio delivers original songs and arrangements with a versatile repertoire spanning from traditional jazz to modern R&B, funk to folk country, classic rock to bebop, and all the cracks and crevices in between. Dedicated to putting on an entertaining and accessible show, the Eat It Up Trio is guaranteed to deliver a good time!

Sean Dobbins
2024-03-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-03-14 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.
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.
