Jazz Beat — April
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.
New York Voices w/ Blair Big Band & Jazz Choir – Thursday, April 2 – 7:30 PM (Ingram Hall – Vanderbilt University)
For another incredible concert in Vanderbilt’s Ingram Hall, Grammy-winning jazz vocal ensemble New York Voices visits with a performance accompanied by the student Big Band and Jazz Choir groups. Described by the Boston Herald as “the most exciting vocal ensemble in current jazz,” NYV is widely considered one of the premier vocal jazz groups in the world today.
Jeff Coffin & Ibro Dioubate: Celebrating the Music of West Africa – Friday, April 3 – 7:30 PM ($35) (NJW)
Grammy-winning saxophonist Jeff Coffin joins forces with recent Nashville transplant Ibro Dioubate to explore and pay homage to the music of West Africa, which was so foundational to the beginnings of jazz music. Dioubate is a master djembe player and is recognized internationally for sharing the rich culture of Guinea Conakry. They will be joined by an all-star band featuring Keith Carlock on drums, Bob Lanzetti of Snarky Puppy on guitar, Jon Estes on bass, Emmanuel Echem on trumpet, and Fode Sylla on drums.
Joseph Wooten and the Hands of Soul – Friday, April 3 – 8:00 PM ($30) (Rudy’s)
Wooten brother and three-time Grammy-nominated keyboardist, vocalist, and composer Joseph Wooten brings his band the Hands of Soul to Rudy’s. Wooten spent three decades as the keyboardist for the legendary Steve Miller Band, touring the world and playing some of the most iconic stages. He has now entered a new phase of his career, focusing primarily on his original music, solo projects, and production. His music blends funk, soul, and jazz, among other styles.
Moonchild – Friday, April 10 – 8:00 PM (Brooklyn Bowl)
Led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Amber Navran, Moonchild is a trio of top-notch musicians, all of whom play multiple instruments. Formed in 2011 while on tour for Navran’s solo project, the band has become known for their blend of many different musical elements, including jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and more. Their first full-length album, released in 2012, even received praise from Stevie Wonder himself.
Jonathan Butler (2 sets) – Sunday, April 12 – 5:00 PM & 8:30 PM ($50+) (City Winery)
Raised during Apartheid in South Africa, Jonathan Butler became the first black artist to be played on white South African radio. He is known for his eclectic, genre-transcending music, having received Grammy nominations in the R&B, pop, and jazz categories. You will have two chances to see him as he performs back-to-back sets at the Winery.
El Khat w/ Sofia Goodman – Saturday, April 18 – 7:00 PM (The Blue Room)
While I don’t think it would be fair to call Yemeni band El Khat “jazz,” I think there are a lot of elements of their music that will interest jazz audiences. The horn and percussive aspects are reminiscent of a lot of jazz music, and I think anyone interested in the wider range of music surrounding jazz will find something to like here. And besides, Nashville jazz star Sofia Goodman will be opening for them!
Snarky Puppy – Sunday, April 26 – 7:30 PM (Ryman Auditorium)
Snarky Puppy has certainly carved out a legendary status for themselves in the modern jazz scene, becoming the premier and perhaps most well-known jazz fusion group on the scene today. Through their innovative compositions and incredible musicianship, they have gained a cult following of jazz and fusion lovers all over the world.
Analog at Hutton Hotel
The Analog is a cozy and intimate venue at the heart of Nashville’s Hutton Hotel. Here you will find music of all types, from jazz and blues to folk to pop.
Analog Soul – Every Sunday – 7:00 PM (Free GA / $20 reserved seating)
The Analog continues its Analog Soul series, featuring some of the city’s most promising emerging talent who are redefining soul music. These shows will as usual feature Will Davenport, and this month will also feature DJ artist TIKAAFTERDARK.
Sarah Aili: All of Me Album Release Show – Thursday, April 16 – 8:00 PM
A frequent visitor to the Analog stage, singer Sarah Aili now celebrates the release of her new album All of Me, recorded live last year at Pentavarit Studios. This performance will of course focus heavily on this material, playing the album in its entirety, with an additional few select songs along the way. Aili has become known for emotional depth and for her fresh interpretations of jazz classics. She also has plans for an album of all original songs in the near future. Jazz Empowers 2026 Gala – Thursday, April 23 – 7:00 PM The annual gala for Jazz Empowers, this year the organization is celebrating reaching 50,000 students across the country. Featuring Jazz Empowers student testimonials and performances, the night will then be headlined by the Don Aliquo Group, playing the music of John Coltrane.
Arrington Vineyards
With spring finally around the corner, Arrington Vineyards brings back its weekend musical offerings. 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
Saturday, April 4 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
Sunday, April 5 – 2:00-6:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Saturday, April 11 – 3:00-7:00 PM – The Lilliston Effect
Sunday, April 12 – 2:00-6:00 PM – Miles Damaso Group
Saturday, April 18– 3:00-7:00 PM – Triple Dare Jazz Band
Sunday, April 19 – 2:00-6:00 PM – The Lilliston Effect
Saturday, April 25 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
Sunday, April 26 – 2:00-6:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Jazz on the Lawn
Saturday, April 4 – 3:00-7:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
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
Chandra Currelley – Friday, April 3 – 7:30 PM ($30+)
Known for her commanding and yet deeply personal vocal sound, Chandra Currelley has been highly acclaimed throughout her career. Recipient of the Lady Soul of Jazz Award, her career has included everything from playing major jazz festivals to collaborations with names like Bobby Brown, Howard Hewitt, and more.
Jonathan Butler – detailed above
The Lounge
Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials – Thursday, April 9 – 7:00 PM ($30)
Blues Hall of Famer Lil’ Ed Williams leads his longtime band the Blues Imperials. This band has been playing stages around the world for nearly four decades, becoming known for their energy on stage and the emotion in their music. Williams roots his playing in the tradition of great slide players like J.B. Hutto, Elmore James, and Hound Dog Taylor. This performance celebrates the band’s tenth release on Alligator Records, Slideways, which has been praised as the best of the band’s career.
Charles Langford – Saturday, April 18 – 7:00 PM ($30)
One of the Boston area’s top saxophonists and multi-woodwindists, Charles Langford has a deep understanding of the jazz tradition, having studied composition with towering figures like Barry Harris and Donald Byrd, among others. He has recorded or performed with many artists like The Temptations, Melvin Sparks, Steve Turre, and more, but he is equally known for his own compositions and releases under his own name. His latest release, the single I Told You So, is out now.
The Nashville Jazz Workshop
Moving on to Music City’s premier 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. The Cave is packed with great performances this month, so get your tickets now!
Jazz Cave
Jeff Coffin & Ibro Dioubate: Celebrating the Music of West Africa – detailed above
Jazz AM: Billie Holiday – Saturday, April 4 – 10:00 AM (FREE)
The Workshop’s free, family-friendly series of concerts continues, this time focusing on the music of Billie Holiday, one of jazz’s all-time great singers. Nashville Scene named this the Best Youth Music Series of 2025.
Some Enchanted Evening: Jaimee Paul Sings the Music of Richard Rogers – Saturday, April 18 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Nashville jazz singer Jaimee Paul graces the Workshop cave for a special tribute performance to the music of legendary composer Richard Rogers, whose timeless songs shaped the early years of American popular songwriting. From Broadway classics to beloved jazz standards, Rogers’s music has lived on through the decades. Paul, a recording artist with Green Hill Music, is known for her warm tone and deep connection to the Great American Songbook. She is joined in this performance by Pat Coil on piano, Danny Gottlieb on drums, Beth Gottlieb on percussion, Jacob Jezioro on bass, and Leif Shires on trumpet.
Jocelyn Gould Duo – Sunday, April 19 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Award-winning jazz guitarist Jocelyn Gould performs in an intimate duo setting. Gould is a 2024 JUNO Award winner, and has been praised as “a leader in the next generation of … jazz guitarists.” She cites Wes Montgomery, Gran Green, Joe Pass, and Kenny Burrell as her main influences. Gould has performed or recorded with artists such as Grammy-nominated singer Freddy Cole, Bria Skonberg, Diego River, and many others.
Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman – Friday, April 24 – 7:30 PM ($50)
Nine-time Grammy nominated singer Tierney Sutton and acclaimed pianist Tamir Hendelman celebrate their first recording as a duo, titled SPRING. The record features a number of tracks relating to the Spring season, from timeless composers and songwriters like Jobim, Gershwin, and Simon and Garfunkel..
Rudy’s Jazz Room
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 – Thursdays, April 2 & 16 – 9:00 PM ($17)
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 beer. You’ll also be able to catch this band a second time two weeks later.
Dallas Starke Celebrates Billie Holiday – Friday, April 3 – 5:30 PM ($18)
Singer Dallas Starke pays homage to one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, Billie Holiday. Starke has been a staple of the jazz scene here for two decades, and in 2024 was nominated for Best Female Jazz Vocalist by the National Music Industry Awards. She will be accompanied by her quartet.
Joseph Wooten and the Hands of Soul – detailed above
Andy James & the Jon Cowherd All Stars – Saturday, April 4 – 8:00 PM ($25)
Jazz singer Andy James presents an evening of original music and arrangements of classics alongside an all-star band including Jon Cowherd on piano, Piero Pata on percussion, Marlon Patton on drums, Chris Morrissey on bass, and Chico Pinheiro on guitar.
Legend Meets Brilliance w/ Don Aliquo & Marc Payne (2 shows) – Saturdays, April 4 & 18 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Two of Nashville’s best unite to offer their “no holds barred” approach to music, promising to bring an evening of raw energy and spontaneous music, fusing the classic traditions of jazz with contemporary styles. Don Aliquo is a celebrated saxophonist who has been active as performer, composer, educator, and recording artist for more than two decades, while Marc Payne is a young artist who has already made quite the reputation for himself as one of the most promising up-and-coming pianists in the area.
Matt Twaddle Trio – Monday, April 6 – 6:00 PM ($15)
Accomplished pianist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator Matt Twaddle leads his trio featuring bassist Ric Fierabracci and drummer Zach Dubay, with special guest appearances by Kent Crawley on guitar and Eric Wurzelbacher on tenor sax. Twaddle’s eclectic career has spanned many genres and styles, from jazz to rock to country to pop, and all of these experiences come out in his playing. Since relocating to Nashville in 2023, he has quickly become a mainstay in the jazz scene.
Vanderbilt Latin Jazz Ensemble – Wednesday, April 8 – 6:00 PM ($10)
Blair School of Music’s award-winning Latin Jazz Ensembles takes the stage at Rudy’s. Led by faculty member Marc Widenhofer, the group performs original music and classics of the genre, in the Cuban and Salsa traditions.
Sofia Goodman Group – Friday, April 10 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Internationally recognized drummer and composer Sofia Goodman leads her trio to conclude their “Presence Tour.” Goodman’s arrangements and compositions have been described as “mesmerizing and compositionally rich” (DownBeat) and she has been called a “splendid composer and drummer” (All About Jazz). As a group, the Goodman Trio has toured the US and Canada, and appeared at many notable venues and festivals. Her trio features Matt Twaddle on piano and Jacob Jezioro on bass.
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra – Friday, April 10 – 8:00 PM ($35)
Hailed as one of the most innovative steel pannists the world over, Jonathan Scales has spent his career redefining the expectations of his instrument. Presenting compositions that are complex and difficult yet accessible and danceable, Scales and his trio of top-notch performers offer a truly unique experience.
Wendy Burns “Little Jazz Bird” a tribute to “Blossom Dearie” – Sunday, April 12 – 6:00 PM ($18)
Mainstay Nashville jazz vocalist and Rudy’s regular Wendy Burns presents a very special performance, paying homage to singer Blossom Dearie, who was known for her distinctively light, girlish voice and sophisticated bebop piano style. She became a fixture in the New York scene in the 50s and 60s. Joined by Todd Parks, Chester Thompson, and Melvin Mecias, Burns will present a carefully curated setlist that honors Dearie’s career.
Christine Parri – Monday, April 13 – 6:00 PM ($15)
Powerhouse Australian vocalist Christine Parri returns to the Rudy’s stage. Her voice has been praised as invoking Artha Franklin, Etta James, Amy Winehouse, and other iconic women vocalists. Her past Rudy’s appearances have brought in sold-out crowds, and she continues to grow her name and audience in Music City.
Tribute to Lee Konitz & Warne Marsh w/ Don Aliquo – Friday, April 17 – 5:30 PM ($15)
One of Nashville’s most accomplished saxophonists pays tribute to two of the most important sax players in jazz history. Lee Konitz was a key voice on Miles Davis’s Birth of the Cool sessions, and went on to enjoy a more than seven-decade career. Warne Marsh was revered for his unmistakable voice on the tenor sax, as well as his harmonic depth and fearless improvisation. Aliquo will be joined for this tribute by Dan Hitchcock on sax, Bruce Dudley on piano, Jack Aylor on bass, and Ryan Brasley on drums.
Shaun Munday – Saturday, April 18 – 5:30 PM ($12)
Bassist Shaun Munday returns to the Rudy’s stage with his full band. Munday has studied and performed with some of the industry’s greats, including John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, and Antonio Sanchez, among others.
Lindsey Miller – Wednesday, April 22 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Nashville guitarist Lindsey Miller stays busy as a touring and session musician, and since moving to the city in 2012 has toured, performed, or recorded with artists like Brett Eldredge, Brian Blade, Keith Carlock, Jeff Coffin, and the Nashville Symphony, among many others. In the fall of 2023, she released her first recordings as leader. She now performs at Rudy’s, accompanied by Chris Donahue, Mark Douthit, Josh Hunt, and Mike Rojas.
Miguel Alvarado “State of the Saxophone: Sonny Rollins” – Thursday, April 23 – 9:00 PM ($15)
Saxophonist Miguel Alvarado presents another installment in his “State of the Saxophone” series, this time paying homage to Sonny Rollins, one of the most influential saxophonists in the history of jazz music. You can rest assured that this tribute is in good hands, as Alvarado has been praised as “an incendiary soloist of the highest order” (Huffington Post).
Ted Ludwig Quartet – Saturday, April 25 – 5:30 PM ($18)
Acclaimed seven-string jazz guitarist Ted Ludwig returns to Rudy’s, this time leading a quartet featuring Jon Cowherd on piano, Craig Akin on bass, and Josh Hunt on drums. Ludwig has been widely praised for his melodic and virtuosic playing.
Ari and Cecil Alexander Quartet – Saturday, April 25 – 8:00 PM ($23)
Cecil, guitarist, composer, and arranger, and Ari, vocalist and singer-songwriter, Alexander perform a selection of originals, classics and Great American Songbook tunes, all arranged and reimagined specifically for their quartet. Cecil Alexander is a highly accomplished guitarist, having won a number of competitions and awards. Ari Alexander is a Danish-American musician hailing from a vibrant musical family.
David Ian Trio – Monday, April 27 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Pianist and multi-instrumentalist David Ian comes back to Rudy’s. Ian has frequently come to Rudy’s during Christmas time, performing music from his Vintage Christmas series of albums, but now he comes with a traditional piano trio, performing standards from the Great American Songbook. His trio features Blake Branch on upright bass and Sean McDonald on drums.
Lanzetti, Seal, Krauss & Raudabaugh – Wednesday, April 29 – 6:00 PM ($15)
Three of Nashville’s top jazz musicians are joined by guitarist Bob Lanzetti of the legendary Grammy-winning jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy. Viktor Krauss on bass, Mike Seal on guitar, and Mark Raudabaugh on drums. This will be one to remember.
Rudy’s Regulars
Jonathan Wires Quartet (2 shows) – Wednesday, April 1 – 6:00 PM ($12) & Saturday, April 25 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Nashville bassist Jonathan Wires returns as bandleader in a quartet setting. These shows will feature Steve Pardo (sax), Adam Davis (guitar), Matt Endahl (piano), and Mark Raudabaugh (drums).
Miles Damaso Trio – Friday, April 3 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Award-winning percussionist, educator, and composer-arranger Miles Damaso leads a trio at Rudy’s. Damaso has performed with a wide range of artists throughout the South and Midwest, and graced the stages of iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Lincoln Center, appearing alongside greats like Joel Frahm, pat Coil, John Raymond, and many more.
Pat Coil
All-star Nashville pianist Pat Coil returns twice this month, in trio and quintet format. 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. His trio will feature Jacob Jezioro on bass and Danny Gottlieb on drums, with guest Don Aliquo on sax, while his quartet will feature Miguel Alvarado on sax, Ryan Brasley on drums, and Craig Akin on bass.
Pat Coil Trio w/ Don Aliquo – Saturday, April 4 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Pat Coil Quartet – Friday, April 24 – 8:00 PM ($21)
Jimmy Sullivan’s Swingin’ Scene – Sundays, April 5 & 19 – 6:00 PM ($12)
One of Nashville’s most exciting jazz bassists, Jimmy Sullivan, takes the early Saturday set for a selection of hard-swinging jazz. If you’re a frequenter of Rudy’s, you’ll probably recognize Sullivan from his bi-monthly residency here on Sundays. Over his illustrious career he has performed with top jazz talents like Laila Biali, Nicole Zuraitis, Joel Frahm, and many more.
Bruce Dudley
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 month he will lead groups three times, in quartet and quintet format, and featuring special guests. His regular quartet will feature Don Aliquo (sax), Jack Aylor (bass), and Ryan Brasley (drums). His quintet will feature Aliquo, Roger Spencer (bass), and Larry Aberman (drums), with special guest vocalist Sandra Dudley. Finally, the second quartet will feature Ian Nussdorfer (bass) and Marc Widenhofer (drums), with guest vocalist Vinéecia Buchanan.
Bruce Dudley Quartet – Thursday, April 9 – 9:00 PM ($14)
Bruce Dudley Quintet ft. Sandra Dudley – Saturday, April 18 – 8:00 PM ($22)
Bruce Dudley Quartet ft. Vinéecia Buchanan – Sunday, April 26 – 6:00 PM ($15)
Alex Murphy Trio (2 shows) – Fridays, April 10 & 17 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Quickly becoming a mainstay pianist in Nashville, Alex Murphy brings his trio back to Rudy’s.
Jody Nardone Trio – Saturday, April 11 – 5:30 PM ($17)
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)
Don Aliquo Quartet – Saturday, April 11 – 8:00 PM ($20)
One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists leads a quartet featuring Jon Cowherd on piano, Jack Aylor on bass, and Ryan Brassley on drums.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet (2 shows) – Saturday, April 11 & Friday, April 24 – 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.
Bizz Bigsby – Wednesday, April 15 – 6:00 PM ($17)
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.
Stephanie Adlington – Friday, April 17 – 8:00 PM ($23)
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.
Dana Robbins Quintet – Monday, April 20 – 6:00 PM $12)
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).
Cliff Richmond & the CliffNotes – Friday, April 24 – 5:30 PM ($14)
Guitarist and vocalist Cliff Richmond’s band always features some of Nashville’s top talent, and presents a great blend of soulful, swinging, and funky jazz.
Regi Wooten & Friends – Every Wednesday – 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.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos – Every Monday – 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
The Underdog is another great local venue located in East Nashville, where it hosts musical performances of all types, ranging from rock and punk to jazz.
Cam G & the Tasty Soul – Thursday, April 2 – 7:00 PM ($10)
Led by saxophonist Gallagher and comprised of young and energetic musicians, this is one of Nashville’s premier funk bands. Great songwriting along with killer performance chops make these shows a ton of fun.
The Broomestix – Tuesday, April 7 – 9:00 PM ($10)
The Broomestix are a nine-piece band based right here in Nashville. The band channels the many influences of all its members into a unique form of R&B, featuring a powerful horn section, catchy R&B hooks, and attention-grabbing grooves. Their full-length album, Y’all Need Anything, was released in 2019.
OmCat – Wednesday, April 15 – 9:00 PM ($10)
OmCat is one of Nashville’s best up-and-coming jam bands. Built out of what was originally a Grateful Dead tribute band, the group the began to explore improvisation through their own original music, and it became something else entirely, but still with that original love of the jam and improvisational music. Their music blends a raw rock sound with the rhythms of funk, disco, and more.
University Jazz
With the universities back in session, you’ll once again have a number of opportunities to see the student ensembles perform. Many of these groups feature students who go on to be influential members of the jazz scene here in Music City and elsewhere, so don’t count these out!
Vanderbilt University
New York Voices w/ Blair Big Band & Jazz Choir – detailed above
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!
Live Jazz at Wilburn St. Tavern – Tuesday Evenings
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
Monday Night Jazz – Every Monday – 7:00 PM (Kingdom Café & Grill)
- 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.
