The Jazz Beat — September 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
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.
Esperanza Spalding (2 shows) – Tuesday, September 1 & Wednesday, September 2 – 7:30 PM (City Winery)
An absolute legend in the contemporary jazz scene, bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding comes to the Winery for two shows, performing music from all eras of her career, featuring songs from all eight previous albums as well as her current releases, and a special preview of her forthcoming project. Due to her incredible dedication to her instrument and her craft, Spalding has enjoyed an impressive career, boasting collaborations with Wayne Shorter and Stevie Wonder, among others, as well as five Grammy awards with six additional nominations.
Will Barrow: From Bach to Bacharach to Brazil and Back – Saturday, September 12 – 7:30 PM (NJW)
Pianist and composer Will Barrow brings his deep cross-genre musical knowledge to bear in this special show for the NJW, in which he will reimagine some of the most important classical piano works through modern rhythms and improvisation. Featuring works by Bach, Grieg, Debussy, Revel, and Scriabin, the program will also then draw on Brazilian music, songs by Bacharach and Mancini, as well as Barrow’s own original compositions. Throughout his career, Barrow has worked with artists like Tommy Emmanuel, Gilbert O’Sullivan, and Benny Golson, among many others. He will be joined for this show by Brian Allen on bass, Chris Brown on drums, and Jerome Degey on guitar.
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley – Wednesday, September 23 – 7:00 PM (The Blue Room)
Here we have a real treat, something you really won’t see every day here. Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is one of the pioneers of Ghanaian Highlife music, which, similar to Afrobeat in Nigeria, is a style of music which blends Western jazz melodies and instrumentation with traditional African beats and rhythms. For the first time in the US, Ambolley leads his eight-piece band to perform in its entirety his pioneering debut album from 1975, Simigwa.
Here Come the Mummies – Saturday, September 26 – 8:00 PM (Brooklyn Bowl)
Amazingly, as the name might suggest, this is a band of mummies. Known for their energetic live performances and funk-rock sound, the band consists of various professional musicians based here in Nashville who all perform anonymously in mummy costumes. Seems they always start making their appearances in the Fall. This time find them at Brooklyn Bowl, one of my personal favorite venues.
Nicole Zuraitis Quartet – Saturday, September 26 – 8:00 PM (Rudy’s)
New York-based singer-songwriter, pianist, arranger, and producer Nicole Zuraitis is a two-time Grammy-winning, six-time Grammy-nominated artist and winner of the prestigious American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. Among her many positive reviews, All About Jazz described her as a “supreme talent… a first rate songwriter, powerhouse vocalist, and grade A pianist.” She has released seven albums to date, her sixth, How Love Begins, co-produced with legendary bassist Christian McBride, won the 2024 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album. She will be backed by Dan Pugach on drums, Idan Morim on guitar, and Sam Weber on bass. For fans of vocal jazz, this is not one to miss.
Charlie Hunter Trio – Monday, September 28 – 7:30 PM (City Winery)
Charlie Hunter is a guitarist, producer, and composer known for his innovative approach to the instrument. Gaining recognition for his ability to play beyond the normal 6-string guitar (originally an 8-string, now a 7-string) he’s become known for his full-sounding style, weaving bass lines, melodies, and chords all at once. His style draws on many genres, from jazz and blues to funk and rock. His 35-year career has included collaboration with many artists, perhaps most importantly his work with SuperBlue, alongside Kurt Elling, which has received critical acclaim.
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 (except September 27) – 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.
Arrington Vineyards
As temperatures (hopefully) start to drop as we head into the fall season, 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, September 5 – 3:00-7:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Sunday, September 6 – 2:00-6:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) – 1:00-5:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Saturday, September 12 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Triple Dare Jazz Band
Sunday, September 13 – 2:00-6:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
Saturday, September 19 – 3:00-7:00 PM – The Lilliston Effect
Sunday, September 20 – 2:00-6:00 PM – 9 Volt Romeo Band
Saturday, September 26 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Art Four Sale
Sunday, September 27 – 2:00-6:00 PM – The Lilliston Effect
Jazz on the Lawn
Saturday, September 5 – 3:00-7:00 PM – Andrew Carney Quartet
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
Esperanza Spalding – detailed above
Richard Elliot – Monday, September 7 – 7:30 PM ($48+)
Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz saxophonist Richard Elliot comes to the Winery. Elliot has been a mainstay name in the contemporary jazz scene for more than thirty years, having released twenty albums since 1989, with his most recent, Straight Up Down, releasing last year. He is known for his technical prowess and wide knowledge of various genres.
Nate Smith (2 sets) – Tuesday, September 22 – 6:00 PM & 9:00 PM ($40+)
Drummer Nate Smith has established himself as a powerhouse of his generation. His instinctive talent has brought him three Grammy nominations and collaborations with industry legends like Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Brittany Howard, the Fearless Flyers, and more. His shows blend his own original compositions with an eclectic mix of music, from jazz to R&B to hip-hop.
Charlie Hunter Trio – detailed above
Backstage Brass – Tuesday, September 29 – 7:30 PM ($18+)
This is a 12-piece brass band, focusing on paying tribute to the greatest horn bands in history. Audiences can expect to hear classic tunes from legendary acts like Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Toto, and many more.
The Lounge
Stanley Jordan – Wednesday, September 16 – 7:00 PM ($36+)
Guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan comes back to the Winery’s Lounge. In a career that has spanned four decades, Jordan has made a name for himself as a pioneer of a special guitar technique he calls “touch technique,” essentially a highly advanced form of two-hand tapping. Trained first as a pianist, Jordan wanted to add greater harmonic versatility to the guitar, leading to this unique innovation. Any guitarist will want to catch this show.
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
Pure Imagination: An Evening of Standards w/ Leif Shires & Jaimee Paul – Friday, September 4 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Join husband-and-wife duo Leif Shires (trumpet) and Jaimee Paul (vocals) for an evening focusing on the timeless classics of the Great American Songbook. Both of these musicians are known for their dedication to the form, so this will be a great way to experience these classic tunes. Shires has an extensive and widely varied career that includes touring with Jack White and Kelly Clarkson, playing on My Morning Jacket’s Grammy-nominated album, and performing for heads of state. His latest project, In My Life, was just released on August 27. Paul, on the other hand, has a voice shaped by her classical training mixed with a lifelong love of Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin. She has performed in jazz clubs and concert halls around the world.
Joshua Constantine: Celebrating Miles & Trane at 100 – Saturday, September 5 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Saxophonist Joshua Constantine, quickly becoming a very familiar face over at Rudy’s, brings his band to the Cave to celebrate two of jazz music’s most towering figures, Miles Davis and John Coltrane, who both would have turned one hundred years old this year. The band, featuring sax and trumpet backed by a swinging piano trio, will explore the songbooks of these two legendary figures.
Residency, In Pieces: Jon Cowherd – Tuesdays, September 8 & 22 – 7:30 PM ($25)
Pianist Jon Cowherd continues his residency at the Cave, this time with “Keyboard Double Trouble,” featuring Ty Bailie and Marlon Patton.
Will Barrow: From Bach to Bacharach to Brazil and Back – detailed above
Saxophone Colossus: Don Aliquo Plays the Music of Sonny Rollins – Friday, September 18 – 7:30 PM ($35)
One of Nashville’s most prominent saxophonists, Don Aliquo, presents an evening paying tribute to one of the all-time great jazz saxophone legends, Sonny Rollins, who just passed away in May of this year. Rollins, nicknamed Saxophone Colossus, is indisputably one of the greatest sax players and improvisers in jazz history, known for his ability to spin long solos that could take a standard in a totally different direction. Over a career that spanned seven decades, Rollins earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts, and Kennedy Center Honors.
The Good Life: A Tribute to the Music of Tony Bennett – Saturday, September 19 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Acclaimed Nashville vocalist Perry Danos honors the legacy of legendary singer Tony Bennett. The show will feature many of the unforgettable classics made famous by Bennett. Also featuring duets with another great Nashville singer, Thea Danos, the vocalists will be backed by a band featuring John Pahmer on piano, Ray Brasley on drums, and Drew Baddeley on bass.
Jam Session w/ Evan Cobb – Sunday, September 20 – 4:00 PM (FREE)
The Cave’s monthly jazz jam continues, hosted by Evan Cobb. All levels are welcome, as are listeners.
Too Marvelous for Words: Monica Ramey Sings the Music of Johnny Mercer – Friday, September 25 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Celebrated Nashville singer Monica Ramey continues her year-long monthly residency at the Workshop, this time singing the music of Johnny Mercer, one of the most beloved and influential songwriters in the history of American music. Mercer, originally from Georgia, became one of the most prolific writers on Tin Pan Alley in New York, producing tunes for radio, Hollywood, Broadway, and more. Many jazz musicians, especially vocalists, have paid homage to his lyrical genius over the years, and now Ramey takes her turn demonstrating why he is still one of the most important writers to ever influence popular music.
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.
Nate Spratford Quartet – Friday, September 4 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Chicago native Nate Spratford is a saxophonist and composer who relocated to Nashville just two years ago and has already made quite the name for himself in Nashville’s jazz community. He has studied and performed with some of the industry’s best, including Jeff Coffin, Rod McGaha, Ari Hoenig, and many more.
Bob Harsen Quartet – Saturday, September 5 – 5:30 PM ($16)
Drummer Bob Harsen returns to Rudy’s, this time leading a quartet. 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.
Eli Ibrahim Trio – Monday, September 7 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Quickly becoming a regular on the Rudy’s stage, pianist Eli Ibrahim leads his quartet for an evening of blues and jazz music. His trio features Ethan Assad on bass and Henry Conerway on drums.
Ted Ludwig Organ Trio – Wednesday, September 9 – 9:00 PM ($15)
Acclaimed 7-string guitarist Ted Ludwig leads a classic jazz guitar format, the organ trio, with Charles Treadway on organ and Chris Brown on drums. Ludwig has been described as “rhythmically and metrically perfect” and “the definition of swing” by All About Jazz Magazine, and “one superb guitarist” by Offbeat Magazine. He has released four albums of his own as leader and performed on many other recordings as co-leader and sideman.
Melvin Macias Afro-Cuban Jazz Quintet – Thursday, September 10 – 9:00 PM ($18)
Born and raised in Havana, where he attended the city’s prestigious Manuel Saumell Conservatory, pianist Melvin Macias now calls Nashville home. Before moving to Music City, he was based in Miami, where he had an impressive career spanning the city’s Latin music scene, including sharing stages with Celia Cruz and Juan Gabriel. His quintet plays original compositions and high-energy arrangements that draw on influences from straight-ahead jazz, as well as Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music. This band features Bryan Meggison on drums, Walter Rodriguez on drums, Yosvany Cordero on congas, and Marlon Randy on bass.
Miles Damaso Trio – Friday, September 11 – 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.
Jamey Simmons Sextet – Saturday, September 12 – 8:00 PM ($23)
Accomplished trumpeter and educator Jamey Simmons is also a well-known composer and arranger, having had his pieces performed by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Buffalo Symphony Pops, the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, and more. For this performance, his sextet will feature Dan Hitchcock on tenor sax, Desmond Ng on trombone, Kelli Cox on piano, Jack Aylor on bass, and Miles Damaso on drums.
Wendy Burns’ “Sentimental Journey”: A Tribute to Doris Day –Sunday, September 13 – 6:00 PM ($18)
Celebrated Nashville singer Wendy Burns, host of the popular Ladies of Jazz series at Rudy’s, now presents a special tribute performance to legendary vocalist Doris Day, who was both a celebrated singer and silver-screen legend. Burns is known for her dedication to preserving the timeless melodies of classic jazz tunes, so there’s hardly anyone better suited to present this music.
David Ian Trio – Monday, September 14 – 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.
Soul Meets Swing – Friday, September 18 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Becoming a frequent late-night presence at Rudy’s, trumpeter Nigel Cathey is back for a set inspired by neo-soul, hard bop, and everything in between. Featuring fresh arrangements and open improvisation, he will be joined by Marc Payne on piano, Craig Aiken on bass, and Daniel Ferreira on drums.
Miguel Alvarado Trio – Monday, September 21 – 6:00 PM ($12)
If you’ve been paying attention to this newsletter, you’ll know that top Nashville saxophonist Alvarado has been leading a monthly residency of tribute concerts these last few months, focusing on the towering figures of the jazz saxophone. Lately, though, he’s been focusing on leading his own trios.
Tudo Bem Brazilian Jazz – Thursday, September 24 – 9:00 PM ($16)
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 Brian Allen. 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. They will also joined by celebrated vocalist Crystal Miller.
Lisa Stewart and Her Jazz Combo – Friday, September 25 – 5:30 PM ($18)
Highly acclaimed Nashville singer Lisa Stewart brings her group to Rudy’s. She is a BMI Award-winning songwriter, and her most recent single “The Man You Are Today” garnered Grammy consideration. Listeners can expect an evening of timeless jazz standards and reimagined favorites. Joining her will be Alex Murphy on piano, Jack Aylor on bass, Cole Ritter on fiddle and guitar, and Ryan Brasley on drums.
Ari and Cecil Alexander Quartet – Friday, September 25 – 8:00 PM ($24)
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.
Isaiah Cross: Quartet Sketches – Friday, September 25 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Originally from New Haven, Connecticut, pianist Isaiah Cross is now a rising voice in Nashville’s jazz scene. Having premiered his new trio concept Sketches last month, he now expands that concept to a quartet setting. Joined by bassist Lucas Giordano and drummer Will Stenberg, the group is inspired by some of the legendary piano trios of the past, led by Brad Mehldau, Keith Jarret, and Ahmad Jamal, among others. This time, though, they’ll have the addition of Nate Spratford on alto sax. They will interpret classic jazz standards as well as contemporary repertoire.
Shaun Munday – Saturday, September 26 – 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.
Nicole Zuraitis Quartet – detailed above
Sofia Goodman Trio – Wednesday, September 30 – 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.
Rudy’s Regulars
Jody Nardone Trio – Wednesday, September 2 – 6:00 PM ($15) & Saturday, September 19 – 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)
Regi Wooten & Friends – Wednesdays, September 2, 23 & 30 – 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.
Rougarou 6-Piece New Orleans Brass Band – Thursdays, September 3 & 17 – 9:00 PM ($17)
Continuing its running Thursday “SINdustry night” series, 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.
Sarah Jane Nelson – Friday, September 4 – 5:30 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”.
Don Aliquo
One of Nashville’s most active saxophonists and a very familiar face at Rudy’s, Don Aliquo returns leading groups twice this month, leading both a trio and a quartet. His trio will feature Jacob Jezioro on bass and Tony Martucci on drums, while his quartet will feature Marc Payne on piano, Jack Aylor on bass, and Ryan Brasley on drums.
Don Aliquo Trio – Friday, September 4 – 8:00 PM ($20)
Don Aliquo Quartet – Saturday, September 12 – 5:30 PM ($16)
Pat Coil
All-star Nashville pianist Pat Coil returns twice this month, in trio and large sextet 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. First, he’ll lead a sextet featuring Eric Wurzelbacher (sax), Barry Green (trombone), Andrew Golden (trumpet), Craig Akin (bass), and Ryan Brasley (drums). Then, he’ll scale it back down to trio format, with Craig Akin on bass and Miles Damaso on drums.
Pat Coil Sextet – Saturday, September 5 – 8:00 PM ($24)
Pat Coil Trio – Friday, September 18 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Legend Meets Brilliance w/ Don Aliquo & Marc Payne – Saturdays, September 5 & 19 – 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.
Jimmy Sullivan’s Swingin’ Scene – Sundays, September 6 & 20 – 6:00 PM ($12)
One of Nashville’s most exciting jazz bassists, Jimmy Sullivan continues his bi-monthly residency at Rudy’s. Over his illustrious career Sullivan has performed with top jazz talents like Laila Biali, Nicole Zuraitis, Joel Frahm, and many more.
Alex Murphy Trio – Wednesday, September 9 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Quickly becoming a mainstay pianist in Nashville, Alex Murphy brings his trio back to Rudy’s.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet – Saturdays, September 12 & 26 – 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.
Cliff Richmond & the CliffNotes – Friday, September 11 – 5:30 PM ($15)
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.
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. He returns to Rudy’s twice this month, in both quartet and trio format. His quartet will feature Jeff Coffin (sax), Jack Aylor (bass), and Danny Gottlieb (drums), while his trio will feature Jim Ferguson (bass) and Marc Widenhofer (drums).
Bruce Dudley Quartet – Friday, September 11 – 8:00 PM ($25)
Bruce Dudley Trio – Wednesday, September 16 – 9:00 PM ($15)
PT Gazell & the Side Effects – Wednesday, September 16 – 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.
Stephanie Adlington – Friday, September 18 – 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.
Rebecca Carlson – Saturday, September 19 – 8:00 PM ($21)
Jazz and blues vocalist Rebecca Carlson has made a name for herself across the country, taking stints based in New York City, Tucson, Los Angeles, and now Nashville. An extensive touring and recording career has made her quite an in-demand performer.
Bizz Bigsby – Wednesday, September 23 – 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.
Dana Robbins Quintet – Sunday, September 27 – 6:00 PM ($16)
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).
Nashville Trio w/ Barbash, Picker & Raudabaugh – Monday, September 28 – 6:00 PM ($15)
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.
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 Broomestix – Tuesday, September 1 – 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, September 10 – 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.
John Radebaugh and Friends – Friday, September 11 – 7:00 PM ($10)
Another of Nashville’s premier guitarists, John Radebaugh now comes to the Underdog stage. Radebaugh blends rock, prog rock, and jazz fusion into his own unique style. He will be performing with a number of special guests.
Hank Born – Tuesdays, September 29 – 7:00 PM ($10)
Nashville-based guitarist Hank Born returns to the Underdog. Born’s playing combines elements from influences like Herbie Hancock and George Benson, making this a can’t-miss performance for any modern jazz fan.
University Jazz
Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music
Blair Big Band – Monday, September 28 – 7:30 PM (Ingram Hall)
The award-winning Blair Big Band opens its 2026-27 season. As always under the direction of Ryan Middagh, the ensemble was recently awarded its 15th and 16th Downbeat Student Music Awards, and has regularly received recognition as one of the top student ensembles in the country. The group recently released a three-song EP, Sunrise in the Spring, with the title track composed by 2026 graduate Ian Nussdorfer.
Belmont University
Faculty Jazz – Wednesday, September 16 – 7:30 PM (Massey Concert Hall)
Belmont jazz faculty perform a wide variety of jazz works.
Other Worthy Mentions
MERJ – Tuesdays, September 15 & 22 – 6:00 PM (Tennessee Brew Works)
Local Nashville jazz band MERJ will be playing three times this month. The band fuses an array of influences from straight-ahead jazz to blues, fusion, and other modern styles for a unique sound that’s both traditional and modern. The band consists of saxophonist Jordan Frederick, guitarist Rob Foglia, bassist Eddie Cartagena, and drummer Mel Flores. Their debut album is set to release this fall.
Tim Gartland Trio – Thursday, September 24 – 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.
Colin Poulton Trio – Thursday, September 10 – 6:00 PM (Urban Cowboy – Arts Arcade)
Guitarist Colin Poulton continues his trio residency at the Urban Cowboy bar (the one downtown). Featuring a rotating cast of incredible Nashville musicians, the trio plays both standards and original compositions. Poulton’s style blends a respect for the jazz tradition with modern sensibilities drawing on his Puerto Rican roots.
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.
