Jazz Beat – June

Wyatt Parks | June 1, 2026

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

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.

Nashville Symphony at Musicians Corner – Friday, June 5 – 8:00 PM (Centennial Park)

This free Spring/Summer concert series held in Centennial Park returns. Every year, organizers offer a great selection of artists spanning a wide array of genres. On this particular date, our very own Nashville Symphony will headline the set.

Songs You Thought You Knew w/ Roger Spencer – Sunday, June 7 – 3:00 PM (NJW)

Acclaimed long-time Nashville bassist and NJW co-founder Roger Spencer celebrates the release of his new book, Songs You Thought You Knew: Examining Transmutations in Standard and Jazz Compositions, with a free performance and talk in the Cave. Drawn on more than fifty years of performing and studying deeply the compositions of the jazz tradition, the book examines how jazz tunes have evolved over the years. As anyone who plays jazz knows, sometimes what comes to be accepted as the “standard” way of performing a song can be drastically different from how the song was originally written and performed. Spencer will talk about how the book came to be, as well as offer demonstrations.

Brazilian Jazz Tudo Bem & Guests – Monday, June 15 – 6:00 PM (Rudy’s)

If you love Latin jazz as much as I do, you won’t want to miss this set. Led by guitarist Jerome Degey, who is known for his extensive background and expertise in a wide array of world genres and styles, and backed by some of Nashville’s best, this group is sure to pay proper tribute to this beautiful music. Degey will be joined on bass by Giovanni Rodriguez, another recognized expert in Latin music, who hosts the weekly Monday Latin nights at Rudy’s with his band 12 Manos, as well as serves as director of the Music City Latin Orchestra. Rounding out the ensemble will be Will Barrow on piano and Chris Brown on drums, who each have extensive recording and performing credits to their names.

Tim Gartland Trio – Tuesday, June 16 – 6:00 PM (Tennessee Brew Works)

Blues singer, songwriter, and harmonic player Tim Gartland performs with his trio over at Tennessee Brew Works. Gartland’s harmonic work has been described as able to “send shivers down your spine,” and that there is “as much distinction in his vocals and songwriting, too.” (DownBeat Magazine) He’s released six albums under his own name, including his most recent, The Right Amount of Funky, released last year, which received wide critical praise and climbed as high as 9th on the Top 40 Blues Charts. He’s known for the deep emotion he is able to portray in his songs, both through his voice and his harmonica.

Sound as Liberation Sessions: Juneteenth Edition ft. Rod McGaha – Friday, June 19 – 7:30 PM (NJW)

This Juneteenth, as we celebrate the end of slavery and Black culture and history in general, renowned and celebrated trumpeter, visual artists, and storyteller Rod McGaha presents the inaugural Sound as Liberation Sessions at the Workshop. The band for this evening’s performance will embrace the spirit of Miles Davis in his centennial year. Not by direct performances of his works, but by embracing his spontaneity and commitment to reinvention. In fact, the entire performance will be improvised, created in the moment through listening and collective interaction. The evening will also feature original video projections created by McGaha, as well as artwork displayed throughout the venue and opportunities for the audience to engage directly with the artists.

Sound as Liberation Sessions: Regeneration w/ Rod McGaha & Mike Floss – Saturday, June 20 – 7:30 PM (NJW)

Continuing on this theme, McGaha presents a second evening of music on Juneteenth weekend, this time with his son, Mike Floss. Together, they will present a deeply personal father and son collaboration exploring the importance of multigenerational dialogue, and how music and creative expression play a role in healing in the Black community. Through music, improvisation, and spoken word, the pair will bridge generations, exploring how wisdom, struggle, hope, and artistic vision are passed forward through time.

Jazz on the Cumberland – Sunday, June 21 – 5:30 PM (Wasioto Park)

Nashville’s free, family-friendly outdoor jazz concert series returns. Held in Wasioto Park right off the river, these concerts are a great way to get out with the family and enjoy the beauty of Nashville. The artists for these shows have yet to be announced, but the organizers always feature some of the city’s top performers, so you really can’t go wrong.

Logan Metz – Tuesday, June 23 – 6:30 PM (The Basement)

Logan Metz is an eclectic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Wisconsin. His music spans a wide range of genres, from jazz and rock to folk and country, and he is known for his love of stories and telling them through music, with a passion for adapting literature into music. In fact, he earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago with his thesis, a full-length 1960’s rock opera adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello. Since then, he has toured and recorded with a number of bands, and collaborated with artists like Neil Young, Joe Walsh, Mike McCready, Bob Weir, and many others.

Fisk Food & Jazz Festival – Saturday, June 27 – 4:00 PM (Fisk University)

Fisk University’s annual Food & Jazz Festival returns this year, with free admission to the public. Originally created by Nashville’s first and only jazz radio station WFSK during Fisk’s 150th anniversary celebration, this festival has brought incredible food and top jazz performers to the University for ten years. This year’s lineup includes smooth jazz guitarist Adam Hawley, soul jazz flutist Ragan Whiteside, gospel and jazz pianist Ben Tankard, saxophonist Paula Atherton, and smooth jazz flugelhorn and trumpet artist Michael Fair and his band.

Kevin Oliver Jr. & Alex Murphy Quartet (2 shows) – Saturday, June 27 – 5:30 PM & Sunday, June 28 – 6:00 PM (Rudy’s)

Quickly becoming a mainstay Nashville pianist, Alex Murphy now teams with NYC-based saxophonist Kevin Oliver Jr. for two back-to-back weekend shows at Rudy’s. A Juilliard graduate, Oliver has shared the stage with industry leaders like Jon Batiste and the Roy Hargrove Big Band, among others. He leads his own quartet, and released his debut album, OLIVER, last year. His second album, Love and Freedom, is currently in development. The two will be joined by Jack Aylor on bass and Willie Barthel on drums.

KeiyaA – Sunday, June 28 – 7:00 PM (The Blue Room)

KeiyaA is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter originally from Chicago, where she grew up singing in the Chicago Children’s Choir until she switched to alto saxophone in the seventh grade. Although her music is definitely more in the neo-soul category, KeiyaA’s has a background in jazz studies, and cites jazz artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane as major influences, so there is certainly something here for jazz fans who listen closely. Her first album, Forever, Ya Girl, was released independently in 2020, and she released her followup, Hooke’s Law, in October of last year.

 

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 – Sunday, June 7 – 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. This will as usual feature Will Davenport, and this month will also feature DJ artist TIKAAFTERDARK.

Adam McPhail Quartet – Thursday, June 11 – 8:00 PM ($15 GA)

A seasoned side-man and session musician now performing under his own name, Adam McPhail has performed or recorded with a wide range of artists and groups over the years, including B.B. King, PJ Morton, Kirk Whalum, and Victor Wooten, among many others. His style mixes elements of blues, funk, jazz, R&B, gospel, and rock.

Sarah Aili – Friday, June 12 – 8:00 PM ($15 GA / $25 reserved seating)

Artist Sarah Aili excels in many mediums, and is known for her work in music, theater, and storytelling. She was recognized by the Nashville Scene as one of the city’s top actors for her roles in Waitress and Innocent with Nashville Rep. She continues to delve into new and different creative projects, and this month at the Analog she presents a night of original songs, timeless American Songbook classics, and unexpected covers.

 

Arrington Vineyards

As temperatures heat and we head into summer, Arrington Vineyards continues 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, June 6 – 3:00-7:00 PM – The Lilliston Effect

                Sunday, June 7 – 2:00-6:00 PM – Miles Damaso Group

                Saturday, June 13 – 3:00-7:00 PM – The Lilliston Effect

                Sunday, June 14 – 2:00-6:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band

                Saturday, June 20 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet

                Sunday, June 21 – 2:00-6:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet

                Saturday, June 27 – 3:00-7:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band

                Sunday, June 28 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Josh Karas Trio

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

Spyro Gyra – Tuesday, June 16 – 7:30 PM ($54+)

Having recently celebrated their fiftieth anniversary, legendary jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra show no signs of slowing down. With thirty-five albums and ten thousand shows under their belt, the band has become internationally recognized for their top-notch musicianship and their unique blend of jazz, funk, R&B, and pop, keeping them at the forefront of modern jazz for a generation.

Boney James (2 sets) – Sunday, June 28 – 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM ($100+)

Saxophonist, composer, and producer Boney James comes back to City Winery for two back-to-back sets. Last time he was here, he was supporting his album Slow Burn, released in 2024. Since then, he has released two more records, ‘Tis the Season and Sax in the Afternoon. James is one of the most successful contemporary jazz artists of his generation. Among his many accolades over his career are four Grammy nominations, three NAACP Image Award nominations, and four RIAA Gold Record certifications, among others.

The Lounge

Chris Cain – Thursday, June 11 – 7:00 PM ($30)

Chris Cain is a masterful guitarist and vocalist who has spent decades honing his craft and style, renowned for his smooth phrasing and stellar musicianship. Inspired early on by legends like B.B. King, Cain blends these blues influences with jazz, funk, and soul for a style that is both traditional and modern. He has earned widespread acclaim for albums like Raisin’ Cain, earning him multiple Blues Music Award nominations. He is widely considered by critics and fellow musicians alike to be one of the finest blues guitarists on the scene today.

Selwyn Birchwood – Sunday, June 14 – 7:00 PM ($26)

More for fans of blues and funk than straight-ahead jazz, guitarist and singer Selwyn Birchwood blends traditional blues with psychedelic rock and funk for a sound which fuses the deep-rooted traditions of blues with a modern edge. Birchwood is a Blues Music Award winner and an International Blues Challenge champion, and continues to push the genre forward into the modern era with his latest project, Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues, a very personal project which showcases his evolution as an artist. He will as always be joined by a tight, high-energy band to round out his signature live experience.

 

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, including many performances celebrating Black History Month, so get your tickets now!

Jazz Cave

Nicholas Krolak Past Lives Album Release Show – Friday, June 5 – 7:30 PM ($35)

Veteran Philadelphia bassist Nicholas Krolak has spent a decade cutting his teeth as a sideman in that city. Now, he’s shaping what he’s learned into his own original music. Krolak has been praised for his original writing, with many critics commenting on how it spans the entire lineage of jazz while still offering something new. Krolak’s music mixes inspiration from two seemingly competing landscapes: his love for the urban life of the city but also for the peaceful escape of the natural world.

Jazz AM: Nat King Cole – Saturday, June 6 – 10:00 AM (FREE)

The NJW’s free family-friendly Saturday morning series continues, this time focusing on the music of trumpeter Nat King Cole, one of the most important songwriters in the history of jazz.

Songs You Thought You Knew w/ Roger Spencer – detailed above

Wayne Bergeron with the Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra – Thursday, June 11 – 7:30 PM ($40)

Grammy-nominated trumpeter Wayne Bergeron performs with a Nashville staple, the Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra. First coming to prominence as lead trumpeter for Maynard Ferguson in the 80’s, Bergeron has since become one of the most recorded lead trumpet players in the world, featured on more than five hundred film and television soundtracks, as well as countless recording sessions for artists from Ray Charles to Beyoncé.

Broadway Reimagined: An Evening with Piper Jones – Friday, June 12 – 7:30 PM ($35)

Nashville vocalist Piper Jones comes to the Cave with a reinterpretation of Broadway classics. Joined on piano by mainstay pianist Alex Murphy, Jones will offer a new version of these timeless tunes, reinventing harmonies and making familiar melodies feel new.

Jeff Hamilton Trio – Wednesday, June 17 – 7:30 PM ($50)

Highly sought-after drummer Jeff Hamilton brings his trio to the Cave. Known for his versatility and originality, Hamilton has had a long and successful career which includes playing with the late great pianist Oscar Peterson, and forming the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. With over 200 recordings credits to his name, Hamilton has collaborated with a wide array of artists, including Natalie Cole and Diana Krall.

Sound as Liberation Sessions: Juneteenth Edition ft. Rod McGaha – detailed above

Sound as Liberation Sessions: Regeneration w/ Rod McGaha & Mike Floss – detailed above

Blossom’s Blues: Monica Ramey Sings the Songs of Blossom Dearie – Friday, June 26 – 7:30 PM ($35)

In the second installment of her year-long residency at the Workshop, beloved Nashville vocalist Monica Ramey presents a tribute to the singular jazz vocalist, pianist, and composer Blossom Dearie. A sort of quiet brilliance, Blossom Dearie isn’t a household name when it comes to jazz, but her work influenced everyone from Miles Davis to Bill Evans, so her influence on the history of this music is unquestionable.

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.

Nashville Trio w/ Barbash, Picker & Raudabaugh – Monday, June 1 – 6:00 PM ($12)

Three of Nashville’s best join together again for an evening of genre-spanning music. Jeff Picker is an in-demand bassist who has worked with some of the biggest names in Country and Bluegrass, including stints with Ricky Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder, and he is currently a touring member of Nickel Creek. Saxophonist Eddie Barbash was a founding member of the house band for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and currently tours the world with Cory Wong, one of the biggest names in contemporary jazz and fusion music. And drummer Mark Raudabaugh keeps himself busy touring and recording with big industry names like Jeff Coffin, Sierra Hull, Grant Green Jr., and many more. The combination of this wide array of influences and experiences promises an incredibly unique performance.

Abigail Flowers & Haley Schattschneider: Over the Moon – Wednesday, June 3 – 6:00 PM ($15)

Two of Nashville’s most talented young vocalists come together for an evening of both classic jazz and original music. Abigail Flowers is known for her precise vocal style honoring figures like Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald, her ability to sing in multiple languages, and for her vocal arrangements, which have collectively garnered over 7 million streams on Spotify alone. Her album, Only a Dream, released at the end of last year, has already gained over one million streams. Haley Schattschneider released her debut album, Over the Moon, the inspiration for this particular performance, last year. The album has enjoyed significant success, including hundreds of thousands of streams worldwide, as well as singles that reached top positions on the iTunes Jazz charts. Together, these two women will offer a mix of their unique original music and timeless jazz standards.

Rougarou 6-Piece New Orleans Brass Band – Thursdays, June 4 & 18 – 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.

Jerome Degey & Friends – Friday, June 5 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Guitarist Jerome Degey returns to Rudy’s. Originally from Paris, France, Degey has a family history that is both French and Afro-Caribbean, and his wide geographical influences come out in his unique style of playing. He has collaborated with a wide array of artists, including Jonathan Edwards, Duffy Jackson, Daniel Levy, and many more.

Shaun Munday – Saturday, June 6 – 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.

Legend Meets Brilliance w/ Don Aliquo & Marc Payne – Saturday, June 6 – 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.

Sofia Goodman Trio (2 shows) – Wednesday, June 10 & Monday, June 29 – 6:00 PM ($15)

Internationally recognized drummer and composer Sofia Goodman leads her trio, performing originals and arrangements of her favorite standards. 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 Leland Nelson on bass.

Bob Harsen Quintet – Friday, June 12 – 8:00 PM ($21)

Drummer Bob Harsen returns to Rudy’s, this time leading a quintet. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Harsen has recorded or performed with names like Tiger Okoshi, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Randy Brecker, and others.

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 twice, in trio and quartet format. His groups will feature Brian Allen on bass and Larry Aberman on drums, with guest vibraphonist Rusty Burge joining for his quartet.

                Bruce Dudley Trio – Saturday, June 13 – 5:30 PM ($16)

                Bruce Dudley Quartet ft. Rusty Burge – Saturday, June 20 – 8:00 PM ($21)

 

Soul & Swing: A Late Night Jazz Experience – Saturday, June 13 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Trumpeter Nigel Cathey returns to Rudy’s with his current quartet, the same lineup behind his recent release Evolution, featuring Matt Twaddle on piano, Leland Nelson on bass, and Daniel Ferreira on drums. The band will offer music by Lee Morgan, Thelonious Monk, and Roy Hargrove, as well as original music Cathey. Because this band has been working together with the same lineup for some time, their performances offer a trust and interplay that you don’t always see in a world where band lineups change every day.

Wendy Burns – For the Love of Jazz – Sunday, June 14 – 6:00 PM ($20)

Celebrated Nashville jazz vocalist and flutist, and creator of the multi-year running “Ladies of Jazz” show at Rudy’s, Wendy Burns now leads an evening of music. Known for her commitment to staying true to the original melodies, Burns’ set will feature many classics from the Great American Songbook and other jazz standards, as well as some of her original music. Burns lists towering figures like Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland as influences. She will be joined by Melvin Macias on piano, Walter Rodriguez on drums, and Todd Parks on bass.

Brazilian Jazz Tudo Bem & Guests – detailed above

Aaron Lessard Group – Friday, June 19 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Jazz and fusion guitarist Aaron Lessard returns to Rudy’s. His wide array of influences produce a unique style influenced by guitar greats like Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Scofield, and Robben Ford. He will be joined by a trio to back him.

Daniel Kuk Trio – Saturday, June 20 – 11:00 PM ($10)

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 Marlon Patton on drums.

Miguel Alvarado “State of the Saxophone: Sonny Stitt” – Thursday, June 25 – 9:00 PM ($15)

Saxophonist Miguel Alvarado presents another installment in his “State of the Saxophone” series, this time paying homage to Sonny Stitt, one of the few saxophonists equally influential on alto and tenor. The show will pay tribute to classic Stitt recordings like Saxophone Supremacy, Boss Tenors, and more. 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).

Vance Thompson Quintet (2 sets) – Friday, June 26 – 5:30 PM ($18) & 8:00 PM ($25)

Vibraphonist Vance Thompson performs with his quintet, featuring music from his latest album, Lost and Found, which the Times of London described as “a joyous, jubilant portrait of musical rebirth.” Thompson is the founder and director of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, and actually enjoyed a successful career as a trumpeter before a medical issue forced him to change course. He will be joined by a killer band featuring guitarist Steve Kovalcheck, pianist Taber Gable, bassist Tommy Sauter, and drummer Marcus Finnie.

Jason Johnson Quartet – Friday, June 26 – 11:00 PM ($10)

A rare Nashville native, saxophonist and woodwindist Jason Johnson is quickly becoming one of the most promising players in the city’s jazz scene. He has studied with towering figures like Evan Cobb and Jeff Coffin, and brushed paths with names like Sean Jones and Brian Blade. He was also named a semi-finalist in this year’s Yamaha Young Artists Competition.

Kevin Oliver Jr. & Alex Murphy Quartet (2 shows) – detailed above

 

Rudy’s Regulars

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. He first appears with his special “Music for Humans” project, which will feature Evan Cobb on woodwinds, Adam Nitti on bass, Wes Little on drums, and Hunter Strasser on guitar. His trio will feature Jacob Jezioro on bass and Danny Gottlieb on drums, with special guest guitarist Pat Bergeson.

              Pat Coil’s “Music for Humans” – Friday, June 5 – 8:00 PM ($21)

              Pat Coil Trio w/ Pat Bergeson – Friday, June 19 – 5:30 PM ($15)

Dana Robbins Quintet (2 shows) – Friday, June 6 – 5:30 PM ($16) & Wednesday, June 24 – 9:00 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).

Jody Nardone Trio (2 shows) – Saturdays, June 6 – 8:00 PM ($22) & June 20 – 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)

Sarah Jane Nelson – Sunday, June 7 – 6:00 PM ($20)

Vocalist Sarah Jane Nelson combines influences from country, jazz, blues, and musical theater for a unique voice that has earned her descriptions as a “knock-‘em dead singer,” “sultry jazz goddess,” and “a first rate singer”.

Joshua Constantine Quartet (3 shows) – Mondays, June 8 & 22 – 6:00 PM ($12) & Saturday, June 27 – 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 quartet will feature Sam Smith on bass, Danny McGonegle on drums, and Daniel Mandrychenko on guitar.

Jonathan Wires Quartet (2 shows) – Thursday, June 11 – 9:00 PM ($14) & Sunday, June 21 – 6:00 PM ($15)

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).

Cliff Richmond & the CliffNotes – Friday, June 12 – 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.

Miles Damaso Trio – Friday, June 12 – 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.

Stephanie Adlington – Friday, June 19 – 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.

Bizz Bigsby – Wednesday, June 24 – 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.

Don Aliquo Quartet – Saturday, June 27 – 8:00 PM ($21)

One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists appears with his quartet, this time featuring Marc Payne on piano, Jack Aylor on bass, and Josh Cook on drums.

Regi Wooten & Friends – Every Wednesday (except June 24) – 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.

The Broomestix – Tuesday, June 2 – 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.

Cam G & the Tasty Soul – Thursday, June 4 – 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.

Adam Miller – Sunday, June 21 – 8:00 PM ($10)

Australian guitarist Adam Miller returns to Nashville. Miller, who has been compared to Julian Lage and Tommy Emmanuel, is a masterful musician who seamlessly weaves jazz harmony into instrumental songs that might otherwise be considered almost pop. From his playing it is obvious Miller has mastered many different types of music, and spins all of them together for a unique sound.

 

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)

 

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