The Jazz Beat — May 2025
Hello, all, and welcome back to this regular column here at Music City Review. Here, we will update you with the most can’t-miss jazz events happening in Music City, so you can be sure to catch all your favorites, as well as discover new ones along the way. Get out there and support your local musicians and keep Music City thriving! We are always looking to promote great music that may not get the attention it deserves. Have an event you think should be included in the next issue? Email me at: [email protected]
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This Month’s Highlights
Hello, all, and welcome back to this regular column here at Music City Review. Here, we will update you with the most can’t-miss jazz events happening in Music City, so you can be sure to catch all your favorites, as well as discover new ones along the way. Get out there and support your local musicians and keep Music City thriving! We are always looking to promote great music that may not get the attention it deserves. Have an event you think should be included in the next issue? Email me at: [email protected]
Here are the performances this month that I have picked out as really special, ones you won’t be able to catch any day of the week. They span across Nashville’s many great jazz venues and offer something of interest for everyone.
Cinco de Mayo w/ Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos – Monday, May 5 – 9:00 PM ($16) (Rudy’s)
Occupying his normal Monday-night slot at Rudy’s, Rodriguez’s set just so happens to fall on Cinco de Mayo this year, making it the perfect opportunity for an electric night of salsa music from the Nashville favorite and his band, with drink specials all night at the bar.
BadBadNotGood – Wednesday, May 7 – 8:00 PM (Brooklyn Bowl)
As frivolous as their name might seem, Toronto-based contemporary jazz group BadBadNotGood certainly deserves a place in this newsletter. The band’s music blends the lines between ‘70s soul-jazz, alternative hip-hop, and experimental electronica, embracing both old and new styles to create a very unique sound.
Sofia Goodman Trio Presents: A Tribute to Women Composers in Jazz – Friday, May 9 – 5:30 PM ($15) (Rudy’s)
Award-winning drummer, composer, and bandleader Sofia Goodman and her trio will perform a special concert celebrating the women composers in jazz music. Joined by Matt Twaddle on piano and Leland Nelson on bass, the trio will present music by composers like Melba Liston, Geri Allen, Esperanza Spalding, and many more. The Goodman Trio has toured the US and Canada, and have been widely recognized as a powerfully talented group.
Songs for Mom: Mother’s Day Matinee w/ Thea Danos & Her Mom – Sunday, May 11 – 3:00 PM ($35) (NJW)
The NJW offers the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day, with acclaimed Nashville vocalist Thea Danos alongside her own mother Donna Danos, a stellar vocalist in her own right. The duo will offer beautiful and soulful duets celebrating motherhood. The Cave will also be offering a free professional photographer on site to capture special moments with your loved ones, as well as free flowers for all moms in attendance.
Charles Wigg Walker – Friday, May 16 – 5:30 PM ($15) (Rudy’s)
Nashville’s original soul singer returns to Rudy’s for their soul and jazz series. It doesn’t get more rooted in the music than this. Walker has been a towering figure in the industry for more than fifty years, recording on legendary labels like Chess Records in Chicago. Any fan of old-school soul music will not want to miss this show.
An Evening of Hot Jazz ft Sutton, Pell, Walters & Hoffman – Friday, May 30 – 7:30 PM ($35) (NJW)
Transport yourself to the streets of Paris or New Orleans with a night of Hot Jazz, inspired by the legendary Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, featuring New Orleans native Brook Sutton on bass leads a lineup of incredible musicians, including Derek Pell on violin, Rory Hoffman on guitar/accordion, and Chris Walters on piano.
Dave Potter Sextet: The Music of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers (2 shows) – Friday, May 30 ($16) & Saturday, May 31 ($21) – 5:30 PM (Rudy’s)
Drummer Dave Potter will lead a sextet of some of Nashville’s top jazz players to celebrate the music of one of jazz music’s most legendary and iconic drummers, Art Blakey, and the band he led for many years, the Jazz Messengers. Blakey was a hugely important figure in the hard bop movement of the late 50s and on. This sextet will feature Miguel Alvarado on tenor sax, Desmond Ng on trombone, Andrew Sidberg on trumpet, Daniel Kuk on piano, and Rob Linton on bass.
Analog at Hutton Hotel
The MF Band w/ Aaron Smith & RDAA – Saturday, May 31 – 8:00 PM ($15-25)
Nashville superstar drummer Marcus Finnie brings his band to the Analog along with Aaron Smith & RDAA for what should be a stellar night of jazz by two drummer-led bands. Finnie has been playing since literal infancy, making his Beale Street debut at just four years old. He has dedicated his life to music ever since. Aaron Smith leads his band RDAA, a project of original jazz, fusion, and soul music.
Arrington Vineyards
With the warming weather Arrington Vineyards is bringing back their musical offerings in force. Every weekend you’ll be able to catch live jazz here, at both the Hillside Stage and on the Lawn. You can always find some of Nashville’s top jazz talent here, and this month is no exception. I’ve listed the acts appearing below.
Jazz on the Hillside
Friday, May 2 – 4:30-8:30 PM – The Lilliston Effect
Saturday, May 3 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
Sunday, May 4 – 1:00-5:00 PM – Miles Damaso Group
Friday, May 9 – 4:30-8:30 PM – San Rafael Band
Saturday, May 10 – 3:00-7:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Sunday, May 11 – 1:00-5:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
Friday, May 16 – 4:30-8:30 PM – Triple Dare Jazz Band
Saturday, May 17 – 3:00-7:00 PM – The Lilliston Effect
Sunday, May 18 – 1:00-5:00 PM – Miles Damaso Group
Friday, May 23 – 4:30-5:30 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Saturday, May 24 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
Sunday, May 25 – 1:00-5:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) – 12:00 -4:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Friday, May 30 – 4:30-8:30 PM – The Josh Karas Trio
Saturday, May 31 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
Jazz on the Lawn
Saturday, May 3 – 3:00 -7:00 PM – The Lilliston Effect
Sunday, May 4 – 1:00-5:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Saturday, May 10 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
Sunday, May 11 – 1:00-5:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Saturday, May 17 – 3:00-7:00 PM – The Josh Karas Trio
Sunday, May 18 – 1:00-5:00 PM – The Reed Pittman Band
Saturday, May 24 – 3:00-7:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Sunday, May 25 – 1:00-5:00 PM – The Reed Pittman Band
Saturday, May 31 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Miles Damaso Group
City Winery Nashville
Nashville’s City Winery is a beautiful venue that consistently features top-talent acts that span genres from Jazz to Americana to Hip Hop. The below performances showcase a mix of several genres, but will certainly be of interest to any jazz audience. Enjoy these concerts accompanied by a stellar selection of wine and delicious bites.
Main Stage
Rebirth Brass Band – Saturday, May 31 – 7:30 PM ($32-45)
Any band that gets Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea to describe them as “unbelievable” and “stunning” deserves a place in this newsletter. The Rebirth Brass Band was founded over 35 years ago by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier, and began its career playing on the sidewalks of the French Quarter. This is definitely the show to see if you want to experience authentic New Orleans brass music!
The Lounge
Kaki King – Monday, May 19 – 7:00 PM ($28 advance / $35 day-of-show)
While certainly not strictly jazz music, I thought I would mention this show as King’s instrumental-focused music is certainly genre-bending, and aspects of jazz certainly shine through. King has performed all over the world, including at the Kennedy Center and the London Jazz Festival.
The Nashville Jazz Workshop
Moving on to Music City’s other great jazz venue, the Jazz Cave at the NJW is a venue with world-class acoustics, which consistently ranks in Downbeat Magazine’s list of Great Jazz Venues in the world. Tickets can be purchased through the Workshop website.
Jazz Cave
Joe Gross Quartet – Friday, May 2 – 7:30 PM ($35)
With over forty years of experience, renowned trumpet and flugelhorn virtuoso Joe Gross returns to the Jazz Cave for his album release show, backed by some of Nashville’s greatest jazz talents, Pat Coil on piano, Roy Vogt on bass, and Danny Gottlieb on drums.
Lori Mechem Presents “They Say It’s Spring” – Saturday, May 10 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Longtime Nashville mainstay Lori Mechem returns to the Cave for the second installment of her quartet’s residency celebrating thirty years of playing together. This particular show will highlight music evoking the springtime. Her quartet features Roger Spencer on bass, Andy Reiss on guitar, and Chris Brown on drums.
Songs for Mom: Mother’s Day Matinee w/ Thea Danos & Her Mom – detailed above
Rahsaan Barber Quintet ft. Ted Ludwig – Friday, May 16 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Saxophonist Rahsaan Barber comes back to the Cave with his band Everyday Magic. Barber is known for his compositions that blend jazz, blues, funk, classical, and world music. His band features Matt Endahl on piano, Joshua Hunt on drums, and Kevin Beardsley on bass, and for this performance they will also be joined by special guest guitarist Ted Ludwig.
Monica Ramey Celebrates the Music of Jimmy Van Heusen – Friday, May 23 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Celebrated jazz vocalist Monica Ramey takes the stage at the Cave for a very special concert, celebrating the music of Jimmy Van Heusen. Ramey has shared stages with some of the greatest jazz talents of our time, including Rod McGaha, Lori Mechem, Jeff Coffin, and many more.
An Evening of Hot Jazz ft Sutton, Pell, Walters & Hoffman – detailed above
Rudy’s Jazz Room
And now we move on to Nashville’s premier jazz club, with its cozy, intimate setting. I’ll start with some of the unique highlights for this month, then follow up with the great regular acts performing. Please note that some shows are one dollar cheaper if you purchase advance tickets. I have listed the door price for all shows.
Rudy’s Highlights
Below are the performances for this month that I’ve picked out as the real can’t-miss shows, some featuring touring artists from out of state, others featuring local artists giving specialized, unique performances.
Rougarou 6-Piece New Orleans Brass Band – Thursday, May 1 – 9:00 PM ($14)
Continuing its running “SINdustry night” series on the first Thursday of the month, this New Orleans-style brass band returns to Rudy’s to showcase the club’s Cajun roots. Led by New Orleans native Chris Walters on piano, this band offers as authentic a brass band experience you can find without traveling to the French Quarter. Service industry workers with some form of proof of their employment will receive half off the door price and half price draft been.
Isaac Eicher Quartet – Friday, May 2 – 5:30 PM ($18)
Jazz mandolinist (yes, you read that right) Isaac Eicher finally returns to the Rudy’s stage. Eicher is a rising artist in the acoustic jazz scene, and has been recognized for taking the instrument to new heights, blending jazz, bebop, Latin music and more. His quartet features Giovanni Rodriguez on electric bass, Jesus Agreda on drums, and Will Barrow on piano.
Marc Payne Quartet (2 shows) – Friday, May 2 & Saturday, May 17 – 11:00 PM ($10)
One of Nashville’s most talented up-and-coming pianists Marc Payne will lead his trio. Payne has been praised for his diversity and wide knowledge of many jazz styles. He has spent his life in Nashville soaking up many different sounds and styles, and this diversity comes through in his masterful playing.
Bob Harsen Quartet – Saturday, May 3 – 8:00 PM ($20)
In-demand Nashville-based drummer Bob Harsen performs with his quartet. Harsen boasts a long and successful career. During his time in Los Angeles, he recorded, performed, and toured with many artists including Steve Perry, Better Midler, Melissa Machester, Max Bennett, and many more.
Daniel Kuk Trio – Monday, May 5 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Daniel Kuk is a young up-and-coming pianist who, as you can tell from other lineups listed in this newsletter, is already making waves in the scene and proving himself in-demand. He has lived in Nashville most of his life, and started studying music at a very early age. His major influences include Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, and Bud Powell. His trio will feature Baily Johnstone on bass and Ryan Brasley on drums.
Cinco de Mayo w/ Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos – detailed above
Katie Blomarz-Kimball – Wednesday, May 7 – 6:00 PM ($15)
2024 NIMA Award Winner for Best Jazz Instrumentalist, bassist Katie Blomarz-Kimball brings her group to Rudy’s for the first time. Her influences include Paul Chambers to Ray Brown to Christian McBride, her repertoire ranging from straight ahead to contemporary jazz. Her band features Dan Hitchcock on tenor sax, Josh Karas on piano, and Jordan Perlson on drums, and her longtime collaborator, beloved vocalist Abigail Flowers, will also lead on vocals for several tunes.
Colleen Orender – Wednesday, May 7 – 9:00 PM ($14)
The sultry jazz vocals of Colleen Orender return to Rudy’s, transforming the club into a smoldering Mississippi juke joint for the evening.
Jerome Degey & Friends – Thursday, May 8 – 9:00 PM ($14)
Degey is a Nashville-based guitarist originally from Paris, France. His family heritage also features Afro-Caribbean roots, and together with his longtime interest and study of Brazilian culture, these influences create a rather unique musical blend.
Sofia Goodman Trio Presents: A Tribute to Women Composers in Jazz – detailed above
Sax Nite! – Friday, May 9 – 8:00 PM ($30)
Legendary saxophonist Jeff Coffin leads an ensemble together with fellow celebrated sax player Dave Pietro for a night specifically focusing on music that highlights the instrument. They will be joined by Jordan Perlson on drums, Ty Bailie on keys, and Brian Allen on bass.
The Post Bop Chronicles: A Jazz Exploration – Friday, May 9 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Backed by a powerhouse trio, trumpeter, arranger, and educator Nigel Cathéy presents a performance exploring the music of Post Bop, an incredibly important musical movement in the history of jazz. Works by Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers, and more will be featured. Showcasing his passion for pushing musical boundaries, Cathéy will also present his own unique arrangements and premier one of his original compositions.
Ladies of Jazz – Sunday, May 11 – 6:00 PM ($18)
Nashville jazz vocalist and flutist Wendy Burns’s Ladies of Jazz series returns to Rudy’s, this time featuring drummer Jen Hoeft, who has been working in Nashville since 1992, including with the Wooten Brothers and on her own original projects, and pianist and vocalist Teri Reid, one of Nashville’s most critically acclaimed performers and bandleaders.
Baily Johnstone Trio – Monday, May 12 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Up-and-coming bassist and band leader Baily Johnstone leads his trio featuring Marlon Patton on drums and Alex Murphy on piano. The trio focuses on some of jazz’s most classic music, from composers such as Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, and others, as well as tunes from the Great American Songbook.
MILEStones: Tribute to Miles Davis – Wednesday, May 14 – 9:00 PM ($15)
The Miles Davis tribute ensemble returns to the Rudy’s stage. This quintet focuses on music from the “great quintets” that Miles led in the 50’s and 60’s.
Don Aliquo Presents: Bebop Lives! – Thursday, May 15 – 9:00 PM ($14)
Prominent Nashville saxophonist and Rudy’s regular Don Aliquo presents a special concert focused on the music of bebop, exploring the depths and history of this foundational early movement in jazz music.
Charles Wigg Walker – detailed above
Pascal’s Triangle w/ Special Guests – Friday, May 16 – 8:00 PM ($20)
Pascal Le Boeuf is a Grammy-nominated composer, pianist, and electronic artist who embraces modern technology and contemporary movements in his music. Pascal’s Triangle is a genre-bending group that features Linda May Han Oh on bass and Justin Brown on drums. This performance will also feature several special guests.
Jacob Jezioro Quartet ft. Matt Endahl – Friday, May 16 – 11:00 PM ($10)
In-demand Nashville bassist Jacob Jezioro returns as bandleader, this time in a quartet format with special guest Matt Endahl on piano. Since his relocation to Music City in 2013, Endahl has been one of the most in-demand pianists in town, and has performed in groups led by Jeff Coffin, Duffy Jackson, Rahsaan Barber, and many more.
Walters, Sutton & Hunt: Music of Ellington, Mingus, Gershwin & More – Saturday, May 17 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Chris Walters (piano), Brook Sutton (bass), and Joshua Hunt (drums) present a special performance honoring the music of jazz legends Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Oscar Peterson, George Gershwin, and more. All three of these musicians have highly successful careers in their own right, so their combination should make for a stunning show!
Alex Murphy: Exploring the Piano Trio – Thursday, May 22 – 9:00 PM ($13)
Pianist Alex Murphy brings his trio for the next installment of his Exploring the Piano Trio series, focusing on the tradition of this group format specifically.
David Cook Quartet – Saturday, May 24 – 8:00 PM ($21)
Pianist David Cook has worked across many genres in his career, from jazz to pop to blues, and currently serves as the music director for Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, and a number of other artists. As bandleader he has released three critically acclaimed records. His quartet will feature Miguel Alvarado on saxophone, Jacob Jezioro on bass, and Jordan Perlson on drums.
Joshua Constantine Quartet – Saturday, May 24 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Saxophonist Constantine is a former member of Grammy-nominated UNT One O’Clock Lab Band, and student of world-renowned saxophonist Brad Leali. Currently an active performer and educator in Nashville, Constantine tends to pay homage to the classic giants of jazz, honoring composers and performers like John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Wayne Shorter, and more. His band features Sam Smith (bass), Michael Green (drums), and Dan La Maestra (piano).
Bruce Dudley Quintet – Friday, May 25 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Bruce Dudley is an accomplished and acclaimed jazz pianist who is a Steinway Concert Artist and has been performing jazz for over forty years with many recording credits to his name, both as sideman and bandleader. This special quintet format will feature Sandra Dudley on vocals, Don Aliquo on sax, Rob Linton on bass, and Ryan Brasley on drums.
Andy Reiss Quintet – Wednesday, May 28 – 6:00 PM ($14)
Grammy-winning guitarist Andy Reiss leads a stellar quintet of some of Nashville’s top musicians, including Roland Barber (trombone), Dan Hitchcock (reeds), Roger Spencer (bass), and Chris Brown (drums). Reiss, a member of the Time Jumpers, is a prolific recording session musician in Nashville, having recorded with greats like Slim Pickens, Pig Robbins, and Rebe McEntire, among others. His long career and life in music has given him a wide range of influences, from Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead to Charlie Christian and Joe Pass.
Chris Mondak Quartet – Thursday, May 29 – 9:00 PM ($14)
Nashville-based composer and bassist Chris Mondak brings his quartet back to Rudy’s. Mondak is a graduate of the New England Conservatory and has studied with jazz legends like Cecil McBee, Dave Holland, and Bob Moses. He is known for his energetic hard-bop style compositions and performances.
Dave Potter Sextet: The Music of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers – detailed above
Ryan Devlin Quartet (2 shows) – Friday, May 30 & Saturday, May 31 – 8:00 PM ($22)
Boston-based saxophonist Ryan Devlin returns to Rudy’s, this time leading a traditional quartet band, featuring Tal Cohen on piano, Ian Ashby on bass, and John Lumpkin on drums.
Rudy’s Regulars
Don Aliquo (multiple performances)
One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Aliquo will be leading performances several times this month, both in trio and quartet format.
Don Aliquo Quartet – Friday, May 2 – 8:00 PM ($20)
This quartet format will feature Marc Payne (piano), Jack Aylor (bass), and Ryan Brasley (drums).
Don Aliquo Trio (multiple shows)
Saturday, May 3 – 11:00 PM ($10) Saturday, May 24 – 5:30 PM ($14) Friday, May 30 – 11:00 PM ($10) Saturday, May 31 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Jonathan Wires Quartet – Saturday, May 3 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Nashville bassist Jonathan Wires returns as bandleader in a quartet setting.
Sully’s Swingin’ Sunday Supper – Sundays, May 4 & 18 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Every other Sunday, Rudy’s features a Sunday dinner, with one of Music City’s top bassists Jimmy Sullivan leading a swingin’ jazz band featuring rotating special guests, for which a unique dinner special is served just for the show.
Jody Nardone Trio (2 shows) – Saturday, May 10 – 5:30 PM ($17) & Sunday, May 25 – 6:00 PM ($16)
Prominent Nashville pianist Jody Nardone brings his trio to Rudy’s for a classic jazz set. With a growing national reputation, Nardone seamlessly shifts from the “whispered beauty of Bill Evans to the percussive flights of McCoy Tyner.” (Michael McCall, Nashville Scene)
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet (2 shows) – Saturday, May 10 & Friday, May 23 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Playing a mix of Wayne Shorter tunes and originals, Geoff Pfeifer brings gritty, edgy, genuine NYC-style jazz to Rudy’s stage with his Quartet.
PT Gazell & the Side Effects – Wednesday, May 14 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Harmonica player PT Gazell returns to Rudy’s with his band the Side Effects, always redefining the way we see the instrument.
Pat Coil Quartet – Saturday, May 17 – 8:00 PM ($21)
All-star Nashville pianist Pat Coil returns with a quartet performances, though both of these will feature a special guest guitarist performing with the trio. As you all probably know by now, Coil is a highly in-demand pianist in Nashville and just about everywhere else, having toured extensively both nationally and internationally. This quartet performance will feature Steve Kovalchek (guitar), Rob Linton (bass), and Jordan Perlson (drums).
Re-Evolution – Mondays, May 19 & 26 – 6:00 PM ($12)
This five-piece band is heavily influenced by classic jazz cutting-edge artists like Thelonius Monk, Wes Montgomery, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and more. The band consists of Brian Cornish on saxophone, Regi Wooten on bass, Daryl Johnson on drums, Adam Charney on guitar and Alex Murphy on piano.
Bizz Bigsby – Wednesday, May 21 – 6:00 PM ($15)
Nashville native Bizz Bigsby shares his very personal music which tells the story of his life, influenced by everyone from Bill Withers to George Jones to James Taylor.
Regi Wooten & Friends – Wednesdays, May 21 & 28 – 9:00 PM ($15)
Coming from a distinctly talented musical family, Regi Wooten is one of the most innovative and dynamic musicians on the scene today, pushing the boundaries of the traditional genres. Equally at home playing Hendrix as Wes Montgomery, Wooten assembles a group of some of Nashville’s best musicians to offer a night steeped in funk, jazz, soul, blues and rock.
Dana Robbins Quintet – Friday, May 23 – 5:30 PM ($15)
GRAMMY-winning saxophonist Dana Robbins pays tribute to the Soul Jazz sound of the late 60’s and early 70’s, celebrating artists such as Les McCann, Eddie Harris, Jimmy Smith, and more. Robbins has either recorded or performed with many artists, including Keb’ Mo’, Aretha Franklin, Taj Mahal, Keith Urban, and more. Her band features David Santos (bass), Wes Little (drums), Phil Hughley (guitar), and Darius Mines (piano/B3 organ).
Stephanie Adlington – Friday, May 23 – 8:00 PM ($23)
Another frequent visitor to the Rudy’s stage, award-winning vocalist, songwriter and vocal coach Stephanie Adlington is known as the “Siren of the South,” with an “unrivaled” take on the Great American Songbook.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos – Every Monday (except May 5) – 9:00 PM ($15)
A favorite on the Nashville Latin and jazz scene, multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Rodriguez presents an electric night of salsa, along with his band consisting of Rodriguez (timbales/vocals), Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Yosvany Cordero (congo/bongo), Michael S. Morton (flute/vocals), and Isoel Villarrubia (bass).
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz – Every Thursday – 6:00 PM ($12)
Every Thursday night, Rudy’s honors its New Orleans and French roots by celebrating the vibrant music of Gypsy Jazz. These nights feature a variety of small groups either led or curated by New Orleans native Brook Sutton, all performing music in the style of the great Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. The bar will feature French Quarter-inspired cocktails as well as gumbo and beignets. Come out for as authentic a night as you can get without a trip to the French Quarter.
Rudy’s Jazz Jam – Every Sunday – 9:00 PM ($10)
I couldn’t make a list of Rudy’s events without including a shout-out for the regular weekly Jazz Jam the club hosts every Sunday night. Whether you are a jazz musician and you want to jam with your fellow artists, or you just want to come and enjoy what the local talent has to offer, the Jazz Jam is a great way to end your weekend.
The Underdog Nashville
Jack Ruch and Adam Wakefield Trio – Every Thursday– 7:00 PM ($10)
Jack Ruch returns this month with his organ trio, a classic jazz format.
Guthrie Trapp Trio – Mondays, May 5, 12 & 26 – 8:00 PM ($10)
One of Nashville’s preeminent guitar talents will perform several times at the Underdog. More blues and country than jazz, Trapp’s intricate and highly technical guitar playing will surely interest those who love the technicality of jazz music. His trio features Jordan Perlson on drums and Tim Marks on bass.
Corey Congilio – Friday, May 30 – 8:00 PM ($10)
Guitarist and music educator extraordinaire Corey Congilio once again returns to the Underdog. I personally have always admired his playing, and this should be a great show!
Regular Nashville Hangs
Bohemia After Dark: Live Jazz Band with Andrew Golden – Every Monday – 8:00 PM (Old Glory)
Tuesday Bluesday w/ Shantelle & The Juke Joint Band – Every Tuesday – 6:30 PM (Rawhides)
Weekly blues night with a different special guest each week.
Dinner & A Show – Live Jazz Band – Every Friday – 7:00 PM (Flamingo Cocktail Club)
Living Room Sessions – Every Friday & Saturday – 8:00 PM (W Nashville Hotel)
Regular weekly showcase featuring local indie, jazz, funk, and R&B bands.
Eastside Jam – Every Sunday – 9:00 PM (Inglewood Lounge)
This is not a traditional jazz jam playing standards, but rather an improv jam, but any jazz player or listener will still be interested!
Nightly Jazz at Skull’s Rainbow Room
Nightly Jazz at Sinatra Bar & Lounge
Live Jazz at Skye Lounge – Every Friday & Saturday – 7:30 PM
NJW at Char Steakhouse – Evenings and Sunday Brunch
- About the Author
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Wyatt Parks is a music industry professional and musical artist based in Nashville, TN. Originally from East Tennessee, he has played and performed music since the age of nine. He earned an Associates degree in Music from Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Industry with a Jazz Guitar focus from Middle Tennessee State University. Now living in Nashville with his two cats, he writes music as an independent artist, and occupies a vital role on the Digital Sales team at Naxos of America, a music distributor with a specialty in Classical and Jazz.
