The Music City Review

This Month’s Highlights

Here you’ll find the shows and events this month that I think are the real standouts, unique events that you won’t find every day in the city.

Concurrence Album Release Show – Saturday, June 1 – 8:00 PM (Rudy’s) ($25)

Experimental duo Concurrence returns to the Rudy’s stage to celebrate the release of their new album, Indivisible. Praised by Nashville Scene as city’s “best jazz band that isn’t a jazz band,” experimentation and improvisation is at the heart of their music. They will be performing with drummer and Aaron Smith and special guests for this one-time album-release event.

Jacob Collier w/ Emily King – Sunday, June 2 – 7:30 PM (Grand Ole Opry) ($40+)

Prodigious young musical talent Jacob Collier makes a stop at the Grand Ole Opry on his tour supporting the release of Djesse Vol. 4, the final volume of his ambitious project Djesse. At only 25 years of age, Collier has already established an almost legendary status for himself in the music industry, due to his unique, boundary-pushing harmonies and deep knowledge of many musical genres. I think any fan of jazz fusion should have this show on their radar.

First “Jazz Night” at the Musician’s Union – Wednesday, June 5 – 7:00 PM (Free)

The local chapter of the Musician’s Union, Local 257, is starting a Jazz Night on the first Wednesday of every month, and this month’s is the very first. An all-star band has been assembled to perform a two-hour set. The band features Jim Ferguson on bass and leading the band, Pat Coil on piano, Joel Frahm on saxophone, and Danny Gottlieb on drums. This is a free event and there is parking behind the Musician’s Union building.

June Lee Presents the Harmony of Jacob Collier – Sunday, June 9 – 3:00 PM (Jazz Cave – NJW) ($35)

Building on Jacob Collier’s appearance in Nashville earlier in the month, longtime collaborator and leading expert in advanced music theory June Lee presents a masterclass exploring Collier’s innovative harmonies. The class will feature a Q&A section, and participants will even have the chance to schedule a one-on-one class with Lee himself. For anyone interested in building on their knowledge of music theory, this event is a must.

Ravi Coltrane ft. Gadi Lehavi & Ele Howell – Wednesday, June 12 – 7:30 PM (City Winery Main Stage) ($30+)

Jazz fans have an incredible opportunity this month to see Ravi Coltrane, son of the legend John Coltrane and saxophone virtuoso in his own right. A Grammy-nominated artist, Ravi Coltrane has released six albums as a bandleader, and recorded on countless other albums as a sideman, including with Elvin Jones, Kenny Baron, McCoy Tyner, and many others. This performance will also feature incredible musicians Gadi Lehavi on piano and Ele Howell on drums. Any jazz listener should put this on their calendar right away.

Entropy – Tribute to Jeff Beck’s “Blow by Blow” ft. John Fumo – Wednesday, June 12 – 9:00 PM (Rudy’s) ($15)

Jazz fusion group Entropy returns to the Rudy’s Stage, this time collaborating with trumpeter John Fumo for a tribute to Jeff Beck’s album Blow by Blow, a legendary fusion album that has inspired countless musicians and fans. Certainly breaking out of the traditional jazz sound heard most nights at Rudy’s, this should make for an exciting night of music.

Jazz on the Cumberland w/ the Sonja Hopkins Jazz Band – Sunday, June 16 – 5:30 PM

Nashville-based jazz vocalist and songwriter Sonja Hopkins provides this month’s Jazz on the Cumberland Performance. Known for her scatting abilities and vocal texture, Hopkins encompasses the tones of both nostalgic and contemporary jazz, as well as displaying her R&B and Gospel roots.

Robert Glasper (2 performances) – Monday, June 24 – 6:00 PM & 9:30 PM ($45+)

Legendary pianist, songwriter, and arranger Robert Glasper will perform two sets on the Winery’s Main Stage. Glasper is an accomplished jazz pianist in his own right, having been signed to Blue Note Records in his twenties, but his music transcends genre, keeping the jazz focus but weaving in many other influences. He has won five Grammy awards, out of eleven total nominations, as well as a number of other notable awards. Outside of his own work, he has produced or written music for artists like Brittany Howard, Mac Miller, and Talib Kweli, among many others.

Nigel Cathéy Quintet: “Timestamp: Legends of Sound Pt. 2” – Thursday, June 27 – 9:00 PM (Rudy’s) ($14)

Trumpeter and arranger Nigel Cathéy presents an evening of hard swinging music that pays homage to the jazz legends of the past who paved the way for the musicians of today. The band will present music from Lee Morgan, Kenny Dorham, Roy Hargrove, and Nicholas Payton. The band features Gus Arnold (sax), Alex Murphy (piano), Alex Mayweather (bass), and Joshua Cook (drums).

Bruce Dudley’s 5 Piece – Saturday, June 29 – 8:00 PM (Rudy’s) ($23)

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 quintet also features more of Nashville’s top talent, including Joel Frahm on saxophone, Chester Thompson on drums, Rod McGaha on trumpet, and Jon Estes on bass.

Arrington Vineyards

Music in the Vines Series – Every Saturday (3:00-7:00 PM) & Sunday (1:00-5:00 PM)

Starting in April, Arrington Vineyards will feature concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. Acts range from Andrew Carney & the Essentials to Art Four Sale Band to the Reed Pittman Band. There will also be live jazz on Fridays (4:30-8:30 PM) for Arrington’s Food Truck Fridays!

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.

The Lounge

Mark Harris II – Tuesday, June 11 – 7:00 PM ($22 advance / $27 day-of)

Prodigious keyboardist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer Mark Harris II graces the Winery’s Lounge to present his blend of smooth jazz, fusion, and R&B. Born in Los Angeles and raised in St. Louis, Harris has been surrounded by and grounded in music his entire life. He has toured the world and opened for Grammy-winning artist Gregory Porter. He has released two notable albums and three singles.

Monica Ramey – Saturday, June 29 – 7:00 PM ($15 advance / $20 day-of)

Midwest native but long-time Nashville resident vocalist Monica Ramey is a highly-praised jazz vocalist, acclaimed for her interpretations of tunes from the Great American Songbook. Her debut album, Make Someone Happy, featured Nashville legend Lori Mechem and her trio, and was highly acclaimed, as were her two following titles, Monica Ramey and the Beegie Adair Trio and Some Enchanted Evening, both also featuring prominent Nashville musicians.

Main Stage

Ravi Coltrane ft. Gadi Lehavi & Ele Howell (detailed above)

Robert Glasper (2 performances) (detailed above)

The Nashville Jazz Workshop

Moving on to Music City’s other great jazz venue, the Jazz Cave at the NJW is a venue with world-class acoustics, which consistently ranks in Downbeat Magazine’s list of Great Jazz Venues in the world. Tickets can be purchased through the Workshop website.

Jazz Cave

Jay White Presents “Hour of Power” – Saturday, June 1 – 7:30 PM ($35)

NYC-native Jay White is a multi-talented bassist, singer and composer whose music focuses on projecting a message of love and unity. His influences include a wide array of styles from Gospel to R&B and Jazz to Country. He has graced the stage with renowned musicians like Damien Escobar, Amos Lee, and Cory Henry, among others.

The Jon Cowherd Quartet – Friday, June 7 – 7:30 PM

Originally from Kentucky, pianist Jon Cowherd cut his teeth in New Orleans and New York City, bringing a unique blend of influences to his music. Perhaps best known for a long-time collaboration with drummer Brian Blade which resulted in the Grammy-winning group Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band, Cowherd has also collaborated with a number of other musicians across genres. This quartet will feature Aaron Sterling, Joel Frahm, and Mike Elizondo.

Alex Murphy: Tribute to Robert Glasper – Saturday, June 8 – 7:30 PM ($35)

Pianist and composer Alex Murphy will present an evening of music in tribute to one of the defining voices of modern jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, Robert Glasper, who as you will have noticed is also performing this month, at City Winery. Murphy has collaborations across many genres with artists like Nicholas Payton, Joel Frahm, Pharezz Whitted, and Gabrielle Cavassa.

June Lee Presents the Harmony of Jacob Collier – detailed above

Juneteenth – Saturday, June 15 – 1:15 PM (FREE)

To celebrate Juneteenth, the Workshop will present performances by three of the best Black musicians and artists in the industry today. First, trumpeter, composer, and arranger Emmanuel Echem will perform at 1:15. Then, at 2:30, soulful vocalist Piper Jones will deliver her mix of blues, jazz, and R&B. Finally, at 3:45, guitarist Wil Merrell will present a set of his music, known for its infectious energy.

Jontavious Willis – Friday, June 21 – 7:30 PM ($35)

Hailed as a rising start in modern acoustic blues, with high praise from the legend Taj Mahal to boost that reputation, Grammy-nominated guitarist Jontavious Willis blends many blues styles, including Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel blues. For any blues lover, or those interested in the roots of Jazz music, I think this performance is a must-see.

The Lori Mechem Quartet – Saturday, June 22 – 7:30 PM ($35)

Lori Mechem returns to the Jazz Cave with her quartet featuring Roger Spencer (bass), Andy Reiss (guitar), and Larry Aberman (drums). Mechem has a long and storied career performing alongside jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, Anthony Wilson, Red Holloway, Terry Gibbs, among many others.

Rudy’s Jazz Room

And now we move on to Nashville’s premier jazz club, with its cozy, intimate setting. I’ll start with some of the unique highlights for this month, then follow up with the great regular acts performing. Please note that some shows are one dollar cheaper if you purchase advance tickets. I have listed the door price for all shows.

Rudy’s Highlights

Below are the performances for this month that I’ve picked out as the real can’t-miss shows, some featuring touring artists from out of state, others featuring local artists giving specialized, unique performances. 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.

Concurrence Album Release Show (detailed above)

Jeff Berlin – Saturday, June 1 – 5:30 PM ($15)

Considered one of the three greatest bassists of all time, alongside Clarke and Pastorius, Jeff Berlin presents a group featuring some of Nashville’s top-tier musicians including Jody Nardone on piano, Joel Frahm on saxophone, and Bob Harsen on drums.

Rebecca Carlson (2 performances) – Saturday, June 1 – 11:00 PM ($10) & Thursday, June 6 – 9:00 PM ($14)

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.

Andy Reiss Quintet – Friday, June 7 – 5:30 PM ($15)

Grammy-winning guitarist Andy Reiss leads a stellar quintet of some of Nashville’s top musicians, including Joel Frahm (sax), Andrew Carney (trumpet), Chris Autry (bass), and Danny Coots (drums). Reiss, a member of the Time Jumpers, is a prolific recording session musician in Nashville, having recorded with greats like Slim Pickens, Pig Robbins, and Rebe McEntire, among others. His long career and life in music has given him a wide range of influences, from Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead to Charlie Christian and Joe Pass.

Pascal Le Boeuf’s “Ritual Being” Jazz + Classical Ensemble – Friday, June 7 – 8:00 PM ($22)

Ritual Being returns to Rudy’s. Led by Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Pascal Le Boeuf, Ritual Being hybrid jazz-classical ensemble featuring some of Nashville’s top talent, including Annaliese Kowert (violin), Alex Krew (cello), Ethan Jodziewicz (bass), and Jordan Perlson (drums).

The Aaron Lessard Group – Saturday, June 8 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Nashville jazz/fusion guitarist Aaron Lessard will perform a mix of original compositions and covers in a trio format featuring Brian Allen on bass and Mark Raudabaugh on drums.

The Karas Committee – Wednesday, June 12 – 6:00 PM ($12)

Josh Karas’s jazz fusion group returns to Rudy’s, playing an exciting mix of Karas’s high-energy compositions and arrangements, and their interpretations of classic fusion tunes from the likes of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Stevie Wonder. Karas has been noted as one of the most promising up and coming pianists on the Nashville scene, and his group has already played for sold-out crowds.

Entropy – Tribute to Jeff Beck’s “Blow by Blow” ft. John Fumo (detailed above)

The MF Art of Listening – Friday, June 14 – 5:30 PM ($16)

This highly improvisational group makes its return to Rudy’s, led by drummer Marcus Finnie, who has assembled a highly talented group of musicians to create this unique experience. Finnie himself has toured the world with a host of artists, including Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Donna Summer, Billy Preston, and many more. Also in the band are trumpeter extraordinaire Rod McGaha, who practically needs no introduction, having performed with Max Roach himself; John Pahmer, a pianist with a remarkable career that has made him a respected figure in the industry; and Ryan Madora, Nashville-based producer, educator, writer, and bassist. She has toured and recorded with artists like indie rock icon Jennie Lewis, as well as Molly Tuttle, Zayn, and more.

Joe Barna & Sketches of Influence (2 performances) – Friday, June 14 & Saturday, June 15 – 8:00 PM ($21)

Performing both nights this weekend, drummer Joe Barna leads his group Sketches of Influence. Barna has performed with Grammy-winning artists, and has recorded over ten albums as sideman and six as bandleader.

Wendy Burns & Paul Childers Present “Jazz’s Greatest Duets” – Saturday, June 16, 2024 ($18)

Two of Nashville’s great talents present an evening celebrating the greatest tunes in jazz, some dating back all the way to the turn of the 19^th Century. Paul Childers is a versatile guitarist who blends the rock and blues styles of Hendrix and Vaughan with the traditional jazz guitar. He has toured internationally for many years and opened for acts like Vince Gill, Robert Cray, and Leann Rimes. Wendy Burns is a multi-talented vocalist and flutist who has won awards such as Best Female Jazz Artist from the Mississippi Music Foundation, and been inducted into the Nashville Academy of Local Musicians Hall of Fame.

The Kelli Cox Trio – Wednesday, June 19 – 6:00 PM ($12)

Long-time Nashville staple pianist Kelli Cox returns to the Rudy’s Stage with her trio featuring Chris Autry on bass and Luke Woodle on drums.

Caravan Tales – Thursday, June 20 – 9:00 PM ($14)

Caravan Tales blends a wide variety of influences from across the world for a unique sound. The French and Afro-Caribbean background of arranger and guitarist Jerome Degey blends with the Latin and Dominican heritage of Giovanni Rodriguez, and the two are further complimented by Willie Barthel, drummer from Colombus, and Charles Treadway, considered one of Nashville’s top organists.

Sarah Jane Nelson – Friday, June 21 – 5:30 PM ($20)

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Nelson is now based in Nashville after a long stint in NYC starting when she was 17. She has been highly praised as a first-rate singer in many publications, including The Miami Herald, RAVE LA, Hollywood Reporter, and the LA New Times.

Shaun Munday – Saturday, June 22 – 5:30 PM ($12)

Bassist and composer Shaun Munday returns to Rudy’s presenting his unique original work which centers the bass as the melodic instrument. Highly praised for his technique and melodic composition, Munday has shared the stage with Mary Wilson, Andra Day, The Wailers, and more.

The Andrew Carney Quartet – Wednesday, June 26 – 6:00 PM ($12)

Nashville-based trumpeter flugelhornist Andrew Carney performs with his quartet. Carney has had a prolific recording and performing career, having performed with artists from Pink to Aretha Franklin to Ariana Grande, and recorded on commercials for Google, Nutra Systems, among others.

Andy James & The Jon Cowherd Sextet – Wednesday, June 26 – 9:00 PM ($15)

Vocalist Andy James performs with the all-star band of the Jon Cowherd Sextet, offering originals as well as unique interpretations and arrangements of classics. The band features Jon Cowherd (piano), Alex Acuña (percussion), Jordan Perlson (drums), James Genus (bass), John Ellis (reeds), and Chico Pinheiro (guitar).

Nigel Cathéy Quintet: “Timestamp: Legends of Sound Pt. 2” (detailed above)

Bob Harsen Trio – Friday, June 28 – 5:30 PM ($14)

Accomplished drummer Bob Harsen performs with his trio. Harsen is a Berklee graduate and has toured and recorded with a wide array of artists from Max Bennett to John Patittuci to Bette Midler and more.

The Desmond Ng Group – Friday, June 28 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Ng is a new trombonist on the scene in Music City, and now performs with his original group.

The Ted Ludwig Quartet – Saturday, June 29 – 5:30 PM ($15)

Ted Ludwig is a highly praised seven-string guitarist, acclaimed in publications like All About Jazz Magazine, JAZZIZ Magazine, Offbeat Magazine, and more, and has been a consistent part of the jazz scene in New Orleans for almost thirty years. He has performed with contemporary legends from Ellis Marsalis to Peter Bernstein to Mundell Lowe and more.

Bruce Dudley’s 5 Piece (detailed above)

The Sofia Goodman Group ft. Joel Frahm – Sunday, June 30 – 6:00 PM ($15)

Award-winning Nashville drummer and composer Sofia Goodman and her group collaborate with Joel Frahm, acclaimed tenor saxophonist originally of New York City, now based in Nashville as well. Goodman’s sophomore album, Secrets of the Shore, won Best Jazz Album of 2023 by the Nashville Scene, and she has performed with greats such as Roland Barber and Pascal Le Boeuf. Her next album will be out later this year.

Rudy’s Regulars

Regi Wooten & Friends – Wednesday, June 5 & Wednesday, June 19 – 9:00 PM ($15 Cover)

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.

Chris Mondak Band – Friday, June 7 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Nashville-based bassist and composer Chris Mondak leads his band performing jazz standards as well as Chris’s energetic hard-bop style compositions.

Jody Nardone Trio – Saturday, June 8 – 5:30 PM ($17) & Saturday, June 22 – 8:00 PM ($22)

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 – Multiple Performances

One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Aliquo will be performing with his trio on two occasions this month, in both trio and quartet formats.

                Don Aliquo Quartet – Saturday, June 8 – 8:00 PM ($23)

                Don Aliquo Trio – Saturday, June 15 & Friday, June 21 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Sully’s Swingin’ Sunday Supper – Sunday, June 9 & June 23 – 6:00 PM ($12)

Every other Sunday, Rudy’s features a Sunday dinner, with one of Music City’s top bassists Jimmy Sullivan leading a swingin’ jazz band featuring rotating special guests, for which a unique dinner special is served just for the show.

Dana Robbins Quintet – Monday, June 10 – 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 – Thursday, June 13 – 9:00 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.

Geoff Pfeifer Quartet – Friday, June 14 & Saturday, June 29 – 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.

Pat Coil (2 performances)

Accomplished Nashville pianist Pat Coil will be performing twice this month, each with a different group, detailed below:

                Pat Coil Trio w/ Don Aliquo – Saturday, June 15 – 5:30 PM ($15)

                Pat Coil’s “Music For Humans” – Friday, June 28 – 8:00 PM ($23)

Re-Evolution – Mondays, June 17 & 24 – 6:00 PM ($12)

This five-piece band is heavily influenced by classic jazz cutting-edge artists like Thelonius Monk, Wes Montgomery, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and more. The band consists of Brian Cornish on saxophone, Regi Wooten on bass, Daryl Johnson on drums, Adam Charney on guitar and Alex Murphy on piano.

Stephanie Adlington – Friday, June 21 – 8:00 PM ($23 Cover)

Another frequent visitor to the Rudy’s stage, award-winning vocalist, songwriter and vocal coach Stephanie Adlington is known as the “Siren of the South,” with an “unrivaled” take on the Great American Songbook.

Jonathan Wires Quartet – Saturday, June 22 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Prominent Nashville bassist and educator Jonathan Wires leads a quartet featuring Adam Davis on guitar, Steve Pardo on sax, and Madison George on drums.

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 (bass/vocals), Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Jesus Agreda (Timbales), Lorenzo Molina Ruiz (Trumpet), and Manuel ‘Manotas’ Ramierez (multi-Percussion).

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.

Sambuca Restaurant

Sambuca is a New American restaurant in Nashville’s Gulch district, featuring nightly live music. Below are the appearances that will interest the jazz listener!

Thea Danos (2 performances) – Saturday, June 1 – 7:00 PM & Thursday, June 20 – 6:00 PM

Nashville native Thea Danos specializes in jazz and Brazilian bossa nova, a style she is intimately familiar with as she has spent extensive time in Brazil performing and perfecting her Portuguese singing. Danos likely will be the closest one can get to authentic Brazilian bossa nova in Nashville.

Stephanie Adlington (3 performances) – Saturday, June 8, Sunday, June 23 & Saturday, June 29 – 11:30 AM

Featured above in the Rudy’s section, Adlington is an award-winning jazz vocalist.

Ben Graves – Monday, June 10 – 6:00 PM

An incredibly eclectic and versatile musician, Ben Graves has performed music in genres from classical to jazz to hard rock, weaving all of this experience together into a unique style.

Ryan J Driscoll – Tuesday, June 11 – 6:00 PM

Accomplished vocalist and entertainer Ryan J Driscoll has been acclaimed for his compelling renditions of tunes from the Great American Songbook.

Steve Roper – Monday, June 17 – 6:00 PM

For three years, Steve Roper was the band leader and music director for the Steven Roper and the B.B. King Allstars band at the B.B. King Club here in Music City. His primary genres are jazz and blues, but his skillset extends well beyond these styles to R&B and even country.

Amanda Raye – Wednesday, June 19 – 6:00 PM

Although her style is a blend of soul and country, Raye’s jazz influence certainly shines through. She will present an evening of original music.

Sarah J – Wednesday, June 26 – 6:00 PM

Known for her energetic personality and audience interactions, Sarah J presents a powerful blend of R&B, contemporary jazz, and pop music. She accompanies herself on both piano and guitar.

Leif Shires – Thursday, June 27 – 6:00 PM

Modern jazz trumpeter Leif Shires will perform twice this month. Shires, who has performed with many artists including Tom Jones, the Secret Sisters, Kelly Lang, and many others, now presents a traditional, straight-ahead jazz sound that is sure to be a great accompaniment to a delicious meal.

The Underdog Nashville

The Guthrie Trapp Trio – Every Monday – 8:00 PM ($10)

One of Nashville’s preeminent guitar talents will perform several times at the Underdog. More blues and country than jazz, Trapp’s intricate and highly technical guitar playing will surely interest those who love the technicality of jazz music. His trio features Jordan Perlson on drums and Tim Marks on bass.

The Jack Ruch Organ Trio – Every Thursday – 8:00 PM ($10)

Guitarist Jack Ruch, organist Adam Wakefield, and drummer Nioshi Jackson make up this soul and blues trio. The music you’ll hear here makes up the core of jazz’s roots, so any jazz fan should feel right at home listening to this trio.

Regular Nashville Hangs

Bohemia After Dark: Live Jazz Band with Andrew Golden – Every Monday – 8:00 PM (Old Glory)

Dinner & A Show – Live Jazz Band – Every Friday – 7:00 PM (Flamingo Cocktail Club)

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!

Nashville Repertory Theater closes its 39th annual season in a promising and open-ended tone with the staging of POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. Before I start reviewing the show, I would like to clarify that my reference to the assumed/assigned genders of the characters is based on the official descriptions made by the playwright and the team that has realized the staging of this play.

Selina Filinger’s 2022 play is a farce where seven exceedingly witty women pan out in clumsy actions and humorously embarrassing events. They are all closely related to the president of the U.S. but that is not the only thing they have in common: POTUS makes an unforgivable sexually denigrating gaffe towards the first lady, one that snowballs the already fragile global political relationships and the seven of them will put everything they are and ever wanted to be at risk, to save the president’s reputation. As they try to pull the most powerful man in the United States out of the gutter that may have repercussions on world peace, they reinforce their own denigration and oppression, while each of them is in fact much worthy and capable of being the president of the country themselves.

Director Lauren Shouse who introduces the play to Nashville audiences, forwards Selina Filinger’s dedication of the play to “any woman who has ever found herself as the secondary character in a male farce.”

It is rather tragic really, to see these seven bright women chasing their tails around the stage, trying to cover up for a ubiquitous man whose only physical presence is that of his lustrous black shoes. The play is staged in two parts, with a 15-minute break in between, which offers enough time to imagine the direction the show will take during its second part. Do we anticipate the animosity between these women to wrongfully confirm the hysteria etiquette historically labeled on women as a weakness, utilized to keep them away from important leadership positions or is the play going to take a more optimistic turn?

In terms of staging, the crescent moving stage walls representing the inside of the White House, designed by Gary C. Hoff as well as the snapping instead of sliding blue-ish lights designed by Darren E. Levin enable the short scenes to sink in and flow with a smooth tempo while allowing the audience to delve into laughter.

The first lady, Margaret, played by Tamiko Robinson Steele, is brilliantly cynical due to being overqualified yet diminished to hosting sumptuous events . Chris, played by Kris Sidberry, a black journalist determined to advance in her career while a single mom of twins, bitter sweetly running around with milking pumps dangling from her top, corners and criticizes Margaret (written to be played by a black woman) as not caring about black women’s struggles, but Margaret answers something along the lines of “I don’t subscribe to identity politics”. These are very interesting threads of potential discussions that unfortunately don’t get developed in the play, as the focus is sucked by the omnipresent but physically absent POTUS.

Lauren Berst is very believable as the chief of staff Harriet, an octopus of a woman, trying to cover up for multiple diplomatic cracks from behind the scene, while Jean, the president’s handler, played by Tamara Todres appears to be on top of her game, until her achilles heel, her ex-lover Bernadette, president’s sister shows up. Bernadette, played by Rachel Agee, an ex-convict waiting for the presidential pardon, infiltrates misdemeanor in what is supposed to be the exemplary house of the rule of law.

The sound of the show, designed by Sara Johnson adds an enriching texture to the slapstick short scenes. Pop feminist songs juxtaposed by patriotic rock songs interpreted by Dusty (Quincey Lou Huerter), the farm girl, fortuitously entering the White House drama and the insecure yet ambitious Stephanie played by Darci Nalepa Elam, add much spice to the show.

The negligent annotations among the characters about their haircuts or the costumes they are assigned to (designed by Melissa K. Durmon), not sparing here POTUS’s crocs slippers, may be read as a reinforcement of the stereotype but they may also be read as a critical commentary on the judgmentalism of appearance among women. In his essay on art criticism, English art critic, novelist, painter and poet John Berger writes “Men look at women. Women watch themselves being looked at.”

At the end of the play, the seven women unite, realizing they can only stand against the patriarchy together. Their gaze is turned towards the audience. They are not watching themselves being looked at; what they see is their future selves, taking over.

I often feel conflicted about laughing at serious issues, on the other hand, laughter is a way for humans to ridicule themselves and this surely is healthy for the ego. The show was utterly entertaining, and it brought lightness to the quite heavy topics it elaborates.