Music City's Authentic Jazz Club
Serving classic New Orleans prohibition cocktails, local brews, and New Orleans cuisine.
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS
Sundays-Thursdays: 5pm-7pm $8 Wells, $8 House Wines
Mondays: 9pm-Close $8 Cuba Libres, $12 Estrella & Shot of Lunazul Blanco
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Celebrate the season with the heartwarming music of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Vince Guaraldi’s unforgettable jazz score fills the room with cheerful, playful melodies that perfectly capture the humor and warmth of this Peanuts classic. Experience these beloved tunes in the welcoming, intimate atmosphere of Rudy’s Jazz Room, and enjoy an evening of live jazz, good company, and seasonal cheer.
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Nir Felder Thanksgiving Trio w/ Matt Penman & Keith Carlock
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Rudy’s with an extraordinary trio led by acclaimed guitarist Nir Felder, joined by two of the most distinguished musicians in contemporary jazz: bassist Matt Penman and drummer Keith Carlock. Together, these three internationally renowned artists bring their individual voices to the Rudy’s stage for a special Thanksgiving performance.
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Come join us at Rudy’s Jazz Room for an Old Fashioned Christmas, featuring the "Siren of the South" Miss Stephanie Adlington! Celebrate the season with some spectacular live jazz including favorite Holiday standards and a collection of old New Orleans Christmas classics. Indulge in one of our seasonal Old Fashioned cocktails while enjoying a delicious New Orleans inspired holiday menu.
Take joy in the most wonderful time of the year with an Old Fashioned Christmas and some classic holiday jazz at Rudy’s Jazz Room!
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A Charlie Brown Christmas with The Alex Murphy Trio
The Charlie Brown Christmas Special is an American cultural icon, and is synonymous with the holiday season. The music, characters, and message have resonated since its airing in 1965. This soundtrack is praised due to the scoring and playing of the fantastic jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. Without Vince’s touch we wouldn’t have this American classic.
Join the Alex Murphy Trio featuring acclaimed vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa for an evening enjoying the Charlie Brown Christmas Special soundtrack played live.
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Celebrate New Years Eve at Rudy's Jazz Room with "The Get Down" and the Wooten Brothers!
Let the world renowned Wooten Brothers, Regi & Joseph Wooten and band, bring in your new year with the funkiest live music at Nashville's most exclusive live music venue with the best New Years Eve party in Music City! Dancing and live music with The Wooten Brothers, New Orleans themed hors d’oeuvres, champagne for the midnight toast, photo booth and more!
More Info and TicketsTONIGHT'S SHOWS
Sarah Jane Nelson
6:00pm-8:15pm, $18 in advance, $20 at the door
Step into an intimate cabaret experience where the magic of the theater meets original jazz and blues songwriting. This isn't just a concert—it is a deeply personal, narrative-driven evening of song and storytelling. Breaking the traditional concert barrier, Sarah Jane Nelson connects directly with the audience, weaving raw, funny, and poignant autobiographical stories through a powerhouse musical performance featuring a sizzling quintet of Nashville’s premier jazz musicians.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, Nelson grew up immersed in an eclectic mix of country, jazz, blues, musical theater, rock, and gospel. While these genres varied, they shared a singular, defining thread that shaped her artistry: the power of storytelling. Inspired by the raw emotional depth of idols like Ella Fitzgerald, Dolly Parton, Billie Holiday, Eva Cassidy, Carole King, and Aretha Franklin, she set out to master the craft of narrative song.
At just 17, Nelson moved to New York City to pursue musical theater. Within a few years, she was starring on Broadway and leading the First National Tour of the Tony Award-winning musical SWING!, earning widespread critical acclaim:
"The show's knock-'em-dead singer is Sarah Jane Nelson, a sultry blonde who can zero in on the ache in a lyric." — The Miami Herald
"Sultry Jazz Goddess" — RAVE LA
"First Rate Singer" — The Hollywood Reporter
"Nelson is sexy, funny, sweet, sultry, and intense all at the same time..." — LA New Times
Following a successful chapter in theater, film, and television across New York and Los Angeles, Nelson relocated to Nashville, pivoting her focus toward songwriting and recording. Her distinct voice and emotionally raw lyrics have earned her prominent features in publications such as American Songwriter, Wide Open Country, Americana Highways, and Country Music People (UK). Sarah Jane was also the winner of MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Competition and a finalist for both the Kerrville Folk Festival and the International Songwriting Competition.
Currently, Nelson is preparing for the release of her seventh studio album while simultaneously writing her eighth—a collection of original jazz songs developed through her residency at Rudy’s Jazz Room. Fusing her theatrical showmanship, interactive stage presence, and diverse musical roots, Nelson delivers a captivating, one-of-a-kind cabaret performance that has made her one of the most beloved resident artists at Rudy’s.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, Nelson grew up immersed in an eclectic mix of country, jazz, blues, musical theater, rock, and gospel. While these genres varied, they shared a singular, defining thread that shaped her artistry: the power of storytelling. Inspired by the raw emotional depth of idols like Ella Fitzgerald, Dolly Parton, Billie Holiday, Eva Cassidy, Carole King, and Aretha Franklin, she set out to master the craft of narrative song.
At just 17, Nelson moved to New York City to pursue musical theater. Within a few years, she was starring on Broadway and leading the First National Tour of the Tony Award-winning musical SWING!, earning widespread critical acclaim:
"The show's knock-'em-dead singer is Sarah Jane Nelson, a sultry blonde who can zero in on the ache in a lyric." — The Miami Herald
"Sultry Jazz Goddess" — RAVE LA
"First Rate Singer" — The Hollywood Reporter
"Nelson is sexy, funny, sweet, sultry, and intense all at the same time..." — LA New Times
Following a successful chapter in theater, film, and television across New York and Los Angeles, Nelson relocated to Nashville, pivoting her focus toward songwriting and recording. Her distinct voice and emotionally raw lyrics have earned her prominent features in publications such as American Songwriter, Wide Open Country, Americana Highways, and Country Music People (UK). Sarah Jane was also the winner of MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Competition and a finalist for both the Kerrville Folk Festival and the International Songwriting Competition.
Currently, Nelson is preparing for the release of her seventh studio album while simultaneously writing her eighth—a collection of original jazz songs developed through her residency at Rudy’s Jazz Room. Fusing her theatrical showmanship, interactive stage presence, and diverse musical roots, Nelson delivers a captivating, one-of-a-kind cabaret performance that has made her one of the most beloved resident artists at Rudy’s.
Rudy's Jazz Jam
9:00pm-11:15pm, $12 at the door
Rudy's hosts the official pro jazz jam. Come out and experience some of music city's best as they take the stage with Nashville's next generation of jazz performers! You will hear a variety of young, old, new and undiscovered players showing what they can do on stage. Part of the jazz tradition and what jazz embodies is the unknown and spontaneous exploration of new musical territory with new musicians sitting in live on stage; you never know who or what to expect other than the unexpected!
We welcome all ages to this show and have a $10 food or beverage minimum.
We welcome all ages to this show and have a $10 food or beverage minimum.
UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Nov 9
Nashville Trio w/ Eddie Barbash, Jeff Picker & Mark Raudabaugh
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $13 in advance, $15 at the door
Eddie Barbash (Cory Wong, Jon Batiste), Jeff Picker (Nickel Creek, Ricky Skaggs), and Mark Raudabaugh (Sierra Hull) play jazz in a way that only three Nashvillians could — fiddle tunes become jazz standards and classic jazz is crooned with old soul.
Jeff Picker is an in-demand double bassist, bass guitarist, composer, and bandleader in Nashville, TN. Hailed as the “designated bassist to the stars,” (The Willamette Week) Jeff is a touring member of platinum-selling, genre-bending bluegrass band Nickel Creek (Chris Thile, Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins). He spent 5 years as a member of Country Music Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry star Ricky Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder, and one year as a member of IBMA Award-winning bluegrass ensemble East Nash Grass. He appears frequently on the Grand Ole Opry with various artists and as a member of the staff band. Jeff has also appeared on over 50 records in styles ranging from bluegrass to country to jazz to Americana, and has performed or recorded on a freelance basis with dozens of other artists including Rodney Crowell, Sarah Jarosz, Skip Ewing, The Infamous Stringdusters, Mark O’Connor, John Jorgensen, Tim O’Brien, Sierra Hull, Jake Workman, Jacob Jolliff, and Jordan Tice. His first solo album, “With the Bass in Mind,” debuted at #13 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart. Hailed as “remarkable,” (Bluegrass Today) this collection of original compositions deftly weaves together Jeff’s formative training in jazz within his adopted home format of the bluegrass string band. His follow-up 2022 release, “Liquid Architecture,” co-produced by Viktor Krauss (Bill Frisell, Lyle Lovett), takes these sounds one step further, utilizing unique instrumentations and offering cinematic arrangements of genre-less melodies. When not on tour, Jeff works extensively in clubs and studios around Nashville, TN.
Hailed by Jon Batiste as "one of the world’s most important saxophonists," 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 and the Wongnotes. His unmistakable sound is featured on the Oscar and Grammy-winning soundtrack of Soul. He has performed at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden to the Village Vanguard and has headlined both the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and the Umbria Jazz Festival. Barbash's versatile sound has led him to collaborate with musicians in many styles. At 18 he joined the sextet of legendary jazz drummer Chico Hamilton and the quintet of emerging jazz star Jon Batiste. In his 20's he fell in love with American traditional music and began touring with bluegrass phenom Sierra Hull. He's a frequent guest with funk band Vulfpeck and indie rocker Sam Evian. In 2016 he performed a duet on national TV with Yo-Yo Ma and in 2024 he performed the world premier of "Songs Of Nature," a concerto for saxophone and choir by Pulitzer Prize winning composer Paul Moravec.
Eddie has released 5 albums: "For Murray and Lillian", a collection of crooning melodies dedicated to his late grandparents, arranged by Kyle Athayde for an octet of four strings and jazz quartet; "Eddie Barbash Live Parts 1-4", a selection of the best performances of 6 years of leading bands in NYC; "Live With Jim, Joe, and Dave", a snapshot of one night of improvised music in Brooklyn, recorded directly to tape in one of the borough's hippest local haunts; and most recently "Larkspur", an album of classic fiddle tunes for solo saxophone. Eddie was born in West Islip, NY and was raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, Atlanta, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He lives in Nashville.
Nashville based drummer, Mark Raudabaugh, is a versatile and skilled musician who stays busy touring and recording. Mark has worked with Sierra Hull, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Coffin, Marcus King, Oliver Wood, Lee Fields, Nigel Hall, Lindsay Lou, Eddie Barbash, John Mailander, Seth Walker, Grant Green Jr., Kevin Scott, Kristina Train, Roosevelt Collier, Jimmy Hall, Jennifer Hartswick, Charles Walker and The Dynamites, Papa Mali, Bobby Lee Rodgers and The CodeTalkers, and many more. He has also had the honor to sit in with Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Zac Brown, Robert Randolph, Sam Bush, Keller Williams, Anders Osborne, Ketch Secor (Old Crown Medicine Show), Steve Kimock, Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), and many more. Mark began playing drums while living in England during the early 90’s. After moving back to the States, he attended Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL where he was involved in both the marching and jazz bands. He later received a jazz scholarship to Florida State University where he studied under Leon Anderson Jr. During that time, he had the opportunity to perform with Wyclef Gordon, Ellis Marsalis, and Manuel Valera to name a few. Since graduating from FSU, Mark has toured throughout the US, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Bangladesh. When not on the road, Mark stays busy gigging/recording throughout the Southeast area.
Jeff Picker is an in-demand double bassist, bass guitarist, composer, and bandleader in Nashville, TN. Hailed as the “designated bassist to the stars,” (The Willamette Week) Jeff is a touring member of platinum-selling, genre-bending bluegrass band Nickel Creek (Chris Thile, Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins). He spent 5 years as a member of Country Music Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry star Ricky Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder, and one year as a member of IBMA Award-winning bluegrass ensemble East Nash Grass. He appears frequently on the Grand Ole Opry with various artists and as a member of the staff band. Jeff has also appeared on over 50 records in styles ranging from bluegrass to country to jazz to Americana, and has performed or recorded on a freelance basis with dozens of other artists including Rodney Crowell, Sarah Jarosz, Skip Ewing, The Infamous Stringdusters, Mark O’Connor, John Jorgensen, Tim O’Brien, Sierra Hull, Jake Workman, Jacob Jolliff, and Jordan Tice. His first solo album, “With the Bass in Mind,” debuted at #13 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart. Hailed as “remarkable,” (Bluegrass Today) this collection of original compositions deftly weaves together Jeff’s formative training in jazz within his adopted home format of the bluegrass string band. His follow-up 2022 release, “Liquid Architecture,” co-produced by Viktor Krauss (Bill Frisell, Lyle Lovett), takes these sounds one step further, utilizing unique instrumentations and offering cinematic arrangements of genre-less melodies. When not on tour, Jeff works extensively in clubs and studios around Nashville, TN.
Hailed by Jon Batiste as "one of the world’s most important saxophonists," 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 and the Wongnotes. His unmistakable sound is featured on the Oscar and Grammy-winning soundtrack of Soul. He has performed at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden to the Village Vanguard and has headlined both the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and the Umbria Jazz Festival. Barbash's versatile sound has led him to collaborate with musicians in many styles. At 18 he joined the sextet of legendary jazz drummer Chico Hamilton and the quintet of emerging jazz star Jon Batiste. In his 20's he fell in love with American traditional music and began touring with bluegrass phenom Sierra Hull. He's a frequent guest with funk band Vulfpeck and indie rocker Sam Evian. In 2016 he performed a duet on national TV with Yo-Yo Ma and in 2024 he performed the world premier of "Songs Of Nature," a concerto for saxophone and choir by Pulitzer Prize winning composer Paul Moravec.
Eddie has released 5 albums: "For Murray and Lillian", a collection of crooning melodies dedicated to his late grandparents, arranged by Kyle Athayde for an octet of four strings and jazz quartet; "Eddie Barbash Live Parts 1-4", a selection of the best performances of 6 years of leading bands in NYC; "Live With Jim, Joe, and Dave", a snapshot of one night of improvised music in Brooklyn, recorded directly to tape in one of the borough's hippest local haunts; and most recently "Larkspur", an album of classic fiddle tunes for solo saxophone. Eddie was born in West Islip, NY and was raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, Atlanta, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He lives in Nashville.
Nashville based drummer, Mark Raudabaugh, is a versatile and skilled musician who stays busy touring and recording. Mark has worked with Sierra Hull, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Coffin, Marcus King, Oliver Wood, Lee Fields, Nigel Hall, Lindsay Lou, Eddie Barbash, John Mailander, Seth Walker, Grant Green Jr., Kevin Scott, Kristina Train, Roosevelt Collier, Jimmy Hall, Jennifer Hartswick, Charles Walker and The Dynamites, Papa Mali, Bobby Lee Rodgers and The CodeTalkers, and many more. He has also had the honor to sit in with Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Zac Brown, Robert Randolph, Sam Bush, Keller Williams, Anders Osborne, Ketch Secor (Old Crown Medicine Show), Steve Kimock, Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), and many more. Mark began playing drums while living in England during the early 90’s. After moving back to the States, he attended Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL where he was involved in both the marching and jazz bands. He later received a jazz scholarship to Florida State University where he studied under Leon Anderson Jr. During that time, he had the opportunity to perform with Wyclef Gordon, Ellis Marsalis, and Manuel Valera to name a few. Since graduating from FSU, Mark has toured throughout the US, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Bangladesh. When not on the road, Mark stays busy gigging/recording throughout the Southeast area.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
A Nashville favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene and electric night of Salsa dancing! Multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Rodriguez, one of Nashville's leading percussionists, bassists and favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene, plays the sounds of salsa, bachata and percussion-driven rhythms with some of the most seasoned veterans in the Nashville Latin music scene. Giovanni Rodríguez timbales/vocals, Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Yosvany Cordero (conga/bongo), Michael S. Morton (flute/vocals), Isoel Villarrubia (bass).
For this show general admission tickets are available for standing and sitting in the front section of the room near the stage with the dance floor. Tickets for bar seats and tables are available as well. General admission tickets for the front section are not guaranteed to have seats as we will have a large part of the front section seating cleared for the dance floor. General admission tickets will have standing room as well as limited seating. Only our tables and bar seats will have guaranteed seating for this show.
For this show general admission tickets are available for standing and sitting in the front section of the room near the stage with the dance floor. Tickets for bar seats and tables are available as well. General admission tickets for the front section are not guaranteed to have seats as we will have a large part of the front section seating cleared for the dance floor. General admission tickets will have standing room as well as limited seating. Only our tables and bar seats will have guaranteed seating for this show.
Nov 11
PT Gazell & The Side Effects
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Hot, swingin, smooth, original, clean, lyrical, faster than a speeding bullet, diatonically chromatic, one of a kind, masterful, the swinginest, Oh yeah, like what? Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman, Louie Jordan, Ben Webster, Sweets Edison, ...that's what!
With 6 Solo CDs under his belt, including his double Grammy nominated 2011 and 2016 releases, “2 Days Out” and “A Madness To The Method,” PT Gazell continues to expand the musical boundaries for the harmonica. Using his own signature model instrument, the Gazell Method diatonic, he proves that the harmonica is capable of much more than what most of us believe.
PT likes to think of his performances and CDs as an ongoing musical conversation between himself and his fans. Judging by the music he delivers, he’s quite a compelling and articulate speaker. No other player combines his phrasing, his melodic style, his song choices and his improvisational abilities… His singular style may draw comparisons to others, but in the end, it’s a style all his own.
Join PT Gazell & The Side Effects for two sets of Gazell method inspired Jazz Standards, American Songbook Selections and Swing Classics. PT will be ably assisted by Jimmy Sullivan on Bass, Andy Reiss on Guitar and Chris Brown on Drums.
Dig It!
With 6 Solo CDs under his belt, including his double Grammy nominated 2011 and 2016 releases, “2 Days Out” and “A Madness To The Method,” PT Gazell continues to expand the musical boundaries for the harmonica. Using his own signature model instrument, the Gazell Method diatonic, he proves that the harmonica is capable of much more than what most of us believe.
PT likes to think of his performances and CDs as an ongoing musical conversation between himself and his fans. Judging by the music he delivers, he’s quite a compelling and articulate speaker. No other player combines his phrasing, his melodic style, his song choices and his improvisational abilities… His singular style may draw comparisons to others, but in the end, it’s a style all his own.
Join PT Gazell & The Side Effects for two sets of Gazell method inspired Jazz Standards, American Songbook Selections and Swing Classics. PT will be ably assisted by Jimmy Sullivan on Bass, Andy Reiss on Guitar and Chris Brown on Drums.
Dig It!
Regi Wooten & Friends
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
Known as “The Teacha”, Regi Wooten is one of the most innovative, talented and dynamic musicians around the scene, and has pushed the boundaries of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and even bluegrass to some of the most extreme musical limits. From picking, slapping, strumming, thumping, and tapping to some of the most ear bending advanced chords you’ll hear on any instrument, Regi has earned world-wide notoriety and comparisons to other innovators such as Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Chuck Berry. Perfecting, creating and discovering new techniques and jazz theory while incorporating and layering into strong funk grooves for keen listeners to uncover and pick up on is one of his many notable fortes.
At only nine years old Regi started teaching his younger brother Victor Wooten bass guitar and Joseph Wooten keyboards, and soon the Wooten Brothers Band was formed featuring; Regi on ukelele, Roy on drums, Rudy on Saxophone, Joe on Keys and Victor on bass. Regi was ten years old at the time, Roy was nine, Rudy was eight, Joseph was five and Victor was two. The rest, as they say, is Musical History.
Assembling a cast of Nashville's best, Regi Wooten and Friends dig deep into the roots of funk, jazz, blues, rock, and soul. You never know who might jump on stage! Don't miss a beat!
At only nine years old Regi started teaching his younger brother Victor Wooten bass guitar and Joseph Wooten keyboards, and soon the Wooten Brothers Band was formed featuring; Regi on ukelele, Roy on drums, Rudy on Saxophone, Joe on Keys and Victor on bass. Regi was ten years old at the time, Roy was nine, Rudy was eight, Joseph was five and Victor was two. The rest, as they say, is Musical History.
Assembling a cast of Nashville's best, Regi Wooten and Friends dig deep into the roots of funk, jazz, blues, rock, and soul. You never know who might jump on stage! Don't miss a beat!
Nov 12
Hot Club Happy Hour - Gypsy Jazz Thursdays
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $14 in advance, $15 at the door
Every Thursday we honor our New Orleans and French roots and Rudy’s comes alive with a variety of small groups in the style of gypsy jazz swing. We bring you music inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with "Hot Club" gypsy jazz swing. Known for fierce tempos and effortless improvisation, our Hot Club Gypsy Thursdays are sure to entertain, inspire, and bring you back to some authentic "jazz manouche" with groups either led or curated by New Orleans LA native Brook Sutton.
There’s no better place to chill, cozy up and relax after work. Imbibe French Quarter inspired cocktails or a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and enjoy some gumbo and beignets, while listening to the rhythm and mood of hot club jazz in Nashville’s most intimate and romantic room.
There’s no better place to chill, cozy up and relax after work. Imbibe French Quarter inspired cocktails or a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and enjoy some gumbo and beignets, while listening to the rhythm and mood of hot club jazz in Nashville’s most intimate and romantic room.
The Sofia Goodman Trio
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $12 in advance, $15 at the door
“Sofia Goodman is definitely one to listen out for, both as a composer and a drummer.” - Simon Defty (Simply Jazz Talk)
Sofia Goodman is a drummer, composer and bandleader residing in Nashville, TN. Her unique sound has been internationally recognized in press sources such as Jazzwise, DownBeat, Jazziz and more. Since 2017, her group has toured the U.S. and Canada, with performances being received at iconic venues like The Kennedy Center, and she has been a repeat artist at several acclaimed jazz festivals. As an experienced bandleader and arranger, she has developed repertoire for her trio, quartet, septet, octet and more. DownBeat magazine recently nominated her as Rising Star Drummer of the Year in August ‘26.
Goodman started playing drums in middle school. In high school she was placed in esperanza spalding’s student ensemble at Berklee College of Music, where she was encouraged and inspired by the Grammy award-winning artist and luminary. Goodman has released three albums on Joyous Records. Goodman has been honored with NIMA’s Best Jazz Group award, The Pathways to Jazz Grant, The New Music USA Creator Fund Grant, The South Arts Spotlight Grant and Jazz Roads Grant and the CMA Performance Plus Grant. Her mentor, renowned saxophonist Jeff Coffin, calls her “the real deal.” She is currently serving as the first Artist in Residence at The Nashville Jazz Workshop.
Goodman will be joined by Matt Twaddle on piano and Santino Tafarella on bass. For more information visit thesofiagoodmangroup.com
Sofia Goodman is a drummer, composer and bandleader residing in Nashville, TN. Her unique sound has been internationally recognized in press sources such as Jazzwise, DownBeat, Jazziz and more. Since 2017, her group has toured the U.S. and Canada, with performances being received at iconic venues like The Kennedy Center, and she has been a repeat artist at several acclaimed jazz festivals. As an experienced bandleader and arranger, she has developed repertoire for her trio, quartet, septet, octet and more. DownBeat magazine recently nominated her as Rising Star Drummer of the Year in August ‘26.
Goodman started playing drums in middle school. In high school she was placed in esperanza spalding’s student ensemble at Berklee College of Music, where she was encouraged and inspired by the Grammy award-winning artist and luminary. Goodman has released three albums on Joyous Records. Goodman has been honored with NIMA’s Best Jazz Group award, The Pathways to Jazz Grant, The New Music USA Creator Fund Grant, The South Arts Spotlight Grant and Jazz Roads Grant and the CMA Performance Plus Grant. Her mentor, renowned saxophonist Jeff Coffin, calls her “the real deal.” She is currently serving as the first Artist in Residence at The Nashville Jazz Workshop.
Goodman will be joined by Matt Twaddle on piano and Santino Tafarella on bass. For more information visit thesofiagoodmangroup.com
Nov 13
The Adam Larson Trio
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $16 in advance, $18 at the door
Saxophonist-Composer Adam Larson began composing as a teenager, writing contrafacts over some of his favorite jazz standards. A fan of multiple genres of music touching the corners of R&B, Rap, Classical, Jazz and a bit of everything in between, Larson has since written nearly 200 original compositions that lean on his affinity for genre-blending sounds, motifs and ear-candy, garnering him critically-acclaimed distinctions from Downbeat Magazine as a "prolific composer and a compositional prowess for lyricism" and from The New York Times as a composer whose "compositions are thoughtful, with ample breathing room for any soloists". All About Jazz also noted "he possesses a rhythmic sophistication and compositional cleverness that should help him distinguish himself from the pack of young tenorists on the current scene".
Adam Larson - saxophone
Ethan Assad - bass
Samuel Robbs - drums
Adam Larson - saxophone
Ethan Assad - bass
Samuel Robbs - drums
The Adam Larson Trio
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $23 in advance, $24 at the door
Saxophonist-Composer Adam Larson began composing as a teenager, writing contrafacts over some of his favorite jazz standards. A fan of multiple genres of music touching the corners of R&B, Rap, Classical, Jazz and a bit of everything in between, Larson has since written nearly 200 original compositions that lean on his affinity for genre-blending sounds, motifs and ear-candy, garnering him critically-acclaimed distinctions from Downbeat Magazine as a "prolific composer and a compositional prowess for lyricism" and from The New York Times as a composer whose "compositions are thoughtful, with ample breathing room for any soloists". All About Jazz also noted "he possesses a rhythmic sophistication and compositional cleverness that should help him distinguish himself from the pack of young tenorists on the current scene".
Adam Larson - saxophone
Ethan Assad - bass
Samuel Robbs - drums
Adam Larson - saxophone
Ethan Assad - bass
Samuel Robbs - drums
Miles Damaso Trio
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Miles Damaso is a percussionist, music educator, and composer-arranger based out of Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to leading his own group, he recently has been the drummer for the Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective and the J.C. Clements Band. Miles also frequently performs with groups throughout the south and midwest playing a wide variety of music. He's had the chance to perform at world renowned venues, such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Lincoln Center, and alongside great musicians including Clayton Anderson, Joel Frahm, Emmet Cohen, Yasushi Nakamura, Heather French Henry (Miss America 2000), Pat Coil, Charlie Ballantine, John Raymond, Greg Ward, Frank Glover, Mark Buselli, and Kevin Burt
Miles is privileged to have had won numerous awards, including the NYJE Composition Contest twice, which aims to promoting the creation of new, fun, and educational jazz big band music. Miles has also been given the Austin B. Caswell Award, given annually to the best undergraduate music history project at Indiana University, as well as the Outstanding Instrumentalist Award at Kirkwood Community College.
Having recently completed a MM degree at Middle Tennessee State University and BM degree at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Miles is continuing a full-time career composing, performing, and privately teaching in the Nashville area.
Miles is privileged to have had won numerous awards, including the NYJE Composition Contest twice, which aims to promoting the creation of new, fun, and educational jazz big band music. Miles has also been given the Austin B. Caswell Award, given annually to the best undergraduate music history project at Indiana University, as well as the Outstanding Instrumentalist Award at Kirkwood Community College.
Having recently completed a MM degree at Middle Tennessee State University and BM degree at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Miles is continuing a full-time career composing, performing, and privately teaching in the Nashville area.
Nov 14
Private Event
5:30pm-7:15pm central
Rudy's will be closed for a private event
Bob Harsen Quartet w/ David Goldblatt, Paulo Oliveira & Brian Allen
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $20 in advance, $21 at the door
Drummer Bob Harsen leads an outstanding ensemble of veteran musicians whose collective credits span the worlds of jazz, fusion, Brazilian music, film, television and popular music, featuring pianist David Goldblatt, guitarist Paulo Oliveira and bassist Brian Allen.
As a graduate from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelors Degree of Music in Performance, Bob Harsen has toured/Recorded/Performed with Tiger Okoshi, Randy Brecker, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Rachel Z. & Kilimanjaro while still residing in Boston. Bob also was on faculty at Berklee College of Music from 1986-88 teaching Drums & Electronic Drums, Percussion classes.
In 1988 Bob moved to Los Angeles and toured, recorded and performed with many musicians including Richard Elliot, Melissa Manchester, Peabo Bryson, Bobby Caldwell, Eric Marienthal, Brian Bromberg, Max Bennett, Mitch Forman, Frank Gambale, Lee Oskar, Glenn Hughes, Jack Sheldon Big Band & Quartet, Brandon Fields, John Patittucci, Tim Weisberg, Steve Perry, Rikki Lee Jones, Bette Midler, Sally Kellerman, Ann Margaret, David Garfield, Jon Pena, Luis Conte, Adam Cohen.
Bob has played the Montreal Drum Festival 2001, Clinics worldwide/NAMM Shows/Frankfurt Music Messe for Yamaha, Zildian, Remo, Regal Tip, Audio Technica, Pork Pie, and Meinl. Currently residing in Nashville, TN Bob does session work, gigs and clinics and is endorsed by Gretsch Drums, Regal Tip Sticks, Remo Heads, DW Hardware & Audio-Technica Microphones.
Pianist, composer and arranger David Goldblatt brings decades of experience spanning jazz, film, television and popular music. Throughout his career, Goldblatt has worked with an extraordinary range of artists, including Diana Ross, Gino Vannelli, Mark Isham, Tribal Tech, Madeleine Peyroux, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stanley Clarke, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, Joe Sample, John Patitucci and Frank Gambale. He served as music director, arranger and keyboardist for Diana Ross, co-produced and performed with Gino Vannelli, and worked as bandleader for *The Dennis Miller Show*. His extensive studio career also includes keyboard performances on numerous major motion-picture soundtracks, while his work as a composer and arranger has appeared in television, documentaries, independent films and other media. As a recording artist, Goldblatt has released projects including *Facing North*, featuring David T. Walker, Paul Jackson Jr., Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton, as well as the solo piano album *Our Songs*.
A native of São Paulo, Brazil, guitarist, composer and educator Paulo OliveiraSean Jones, and Mike Manieri. He is a professor of music at Belmont University, where he coordinates the guitar department.
Hailing from Columbus, Indiana, Brian Allen started playing the bass at age eleven. His playing won him several awards throughout high school, including the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz award. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to attend Musicians Institute. There he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music and also won the outstanding student of the year. Brian Allen was most recently on tour with Jonathan Davis of Korn in 2018. He is one of Nashville’s top recording bassists. He was nominated Bass Player of the year by the Academy of Country Music in 2018. Brian is also teaching a clinic series that will be touring in 2019 called Rhythm Section Master Class. Brian has performed a diverse range of live shows as well as recording sessions. His playing spans the musical spectrum from jazz to rock and everything in between.
As a graduate from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelors Degree of Music in Performance, Bob Harsen has toured/Recorded/Performed with Tiger Okoshi, Randy Brecker, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Rachel Z. & Kilimanjaro while still residing in Boston. Bob also was on faculty at Berklee College of Music from 1986-88 teaching Drums & Electronic Drums, Percussion classes.
In 1988 Bob moved to Los Angeles and toured, recorded and performed with many musicians including Richard Elliot, Melissa Manchester, Peabo Bryson, Bobby Caldwell, Eric Marienthal, Brian Bromberg, Max Bennett, Mitch Forman, Frank Gambale, Lee Oskar, Glenn Hughes, Jack Sheldon Big Band & Quartet, Brandon Fields, John Patittucci, Tim Weisberg, Steve Perry, Rikki Lee Jones, Bette Midler, Sally Kellerman, Ann Margaret, David Garfield, Jon Pena, Luis Conte, Adam Cohen.
Bob has played the Montreal Drum Festival 2001, Clinics worldwide/NAMM Shows/Frankfurt Music Messe for Yamaha, Zildian, Remo, Regal Tip, Audio Technica, Pork Pie, and Meinl. Currently residing in Nashville, TN Bob does session work, gigs and clinics and is endorsed by Gretsch Drums, Regal Tip Sticks, Remo Heads, DW Hardware & Audio-Technica Microphones.
Pianist, composer and arranger David Goldblatt brings decades of experience spanning jazz, film, television and popular music. Throughout his career, Goldblatt has worked with an extraordinary range of artists, including Diana Ross, Gino Vannelli, Mark Isham, Tribal Tech, Madeleine Peyroux, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stanley Clarke, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, Joe Sample, John Patitucci and Frank Gambale. He served as music director, arranger and keyboardist for Diana Ross, co-produced and performed with Gino Vannelli, and worked as bandleader for *The Dennis Miller Show*. His extensive studio career also includes keyboard performances on numerous major motion-picture soundtracks, while his work as a composer and arranger has appeared in television, documentaries, independent films and other media. As a recording artist, Goldblatt has released projects including *Facing North*, featuring David T. Walker, Paul Jackson Jr., Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton, as well as the solo piano album *Our Songs*.
A native of São Paulo, Brazil, guitarist, composer and educator Paulo OliveiraSean Jones, and Mike Manieri. He is a professor of music at Belmont University, where he coordinates the guitar department.
Hailing from Columbus, Indiana, Brian Allen started playing the bass at age eleven. His playing won him several awards throughout high school, including the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz award. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to attend Musicians Institute. There he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music and also won the outstanding student of the year. Brian Allen was most recently on tour with Jonathan Davis of Korn in 2018. He is one of Nashville’s top recording bassists. He was nominated Bass Player of the year by the Academy of Country Music in 2018. Brian is also teaching a clinic series that will be touring in 2019 called Rhythm Section Master Class. Brian has performed a diverse range of live shows as well as recording sessions. His playing spans the musical spectrum from jazz to rock and everything in between.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
The Geoff Pfeifer Quartet, gritty, edgy, the real deal NYC style jazz. Saxophonist Geoff Pfeifer brings some of Nashville's top jazz cats out, and you'll be sure to feel the energy. Playing a mix of original material and Wayne Shorter tunes.
Geoff Pfeifer, a Nashville based musician and composer, has been living and performing in Nashville since 2005. Geoff studied saxophone with Ted Nash and Ralph Lalama and composition with Mike Holober and Jim McNeely. He is a saxophonist and arranger with the R&B band Chubby and The Dots and plays the 2nd Tenor Saxophone chair in The Establishment Big Band. Geoff has shared the stage with David Liebman, Jim McNeeley, David Amram, Chico O’Farrill, Arturo O’Farrill, Frank Kimbrough, Ben Allison, Michael Blake among many other musicians.
Geoff Pfeifer, a Nashville based musician and composer, has been living and performing in Nashville since 2005. Geoff studied saxophone with Ted Nash and Ralph Lalama and composition with Mike Holober and Jim McNeely. He is a saxophonist and arranger with the R&B band Chubby and The Dots and plays the 2nd Tenor Saxophone chair in The Establishment Big Band. Geoff has shared the stage with David Liebman, Jim McNeeley, David Amram, Chico O’Farrill, Arturo O’Farrill, Frank Kimbrough, Ben Allison, Michael Blake among many other musicians.
Nov 15
Wendy Burns’ Ladies of Jazz Show
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $15 in advance, $18 at the door
Join one of Nashville’s favorite shows Wendy Burns Music’s Ladies of Jazz Show. Wendy Burns Music's LADIES OF JAZZ SHOW... "It's a Nashville Show to See". Featuring an exciting lineup of talent, Rudy’s Jazz Room's "Ladies of Jazz" showcase presents Nashville's favorite female vocalists collaborating together, displaying a variety of original and distinct vocal talent, backed by some of Nashville’s best and well known musicians.
Wendy Burns
Creator and producer of The Ladies Of Jazz Show, a multi year running show at Rudy’s Jazz Room.
2024 NIMA Award winner / 2022 ALM Nash Hall of Fame Inductee / 2023 & '24 Mississippi Awards Best Jazz / 2025 Southern Music Awards nominee.
Flute playing jazz vocalist Wendy Burns of Nashville TN has studied and performed songs from the 1940's Jazz Big Band era since the age of 9 years old. She has been described as having a unique voice that fits the era. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and has sessioned and performed with many of the Nashville classic country greats. With a deep passion for jazz standards.
Wendy believes there's beauty in staying true to the melodies as they were written. Her set list includes songs from the "Great American Songbook", jazz standards, and a number of her fabulous original pieces that reminisce of cherished jazz classics you've never heard. Wendy's influences are Judy Garland, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, The Andrew Sisters, and Helen Forrest, to name a few. You will also hear some of her original tunes in vaudeville fashion featuring "Grover" her ukulele.
"She expertly delivers jazz vocals in traditional speakeasy style and displays her exceptional talent on flute as well. She does an excellent job, a true entertainer, she holds her audience and has them laughing with her patter between songs." - Gary Cobb, Nashville Tn
"When singing the classics, I’ve always tried to sing the melodies as close to the original version as possible. I feel you can get closest to the composer's feelings by doing that and by staying within it that realm. To think that someone in a time long ago did their best to put their feelings and words of love on a sheet of paper so that generations ahead would hear it just as it was written is a golden key to a door of a time before that we all need to experience" - Wendy Burns
Louise Kelton
Louise Kelton discovered her love of jazz through its rich harmonies, expressive phrasing, and emotional honesty. After a distinguished career in public service, she devoted herself to the study of jazz, spending years in workshops and private vocal study while developing a deeply personal approach to the music. Inspired by artists such as Shirley Horn, Sarah Vaughan and Cassandra Wilson, Louise brings a warm contralto voice and an intimate storytelling style to the stage. Her performances invite listeners into an evening of conversation through song, celebrating life, love, warmth, hope and joy. For Louise, every song tells a story and every performance is an opportunity to share that story with honesty and heart.
Hannah Levy
Hannah Levy is a Nashville-based jazz artist, background and session vocalist, and educator. She has been singing and performing jazz standards since childhood when her late father would accompany both her and her sister on guitar. She is grateful to have studied with many amazing teachers, including Sheila Jordan, Laurie Antonioli, and Jazzmeia Horn. It is an honor to participate in the evolution of this fearless, profound art form, and an absolute joy to get to do so alongside the sparkling Wendy Burns! More information can be found at hannahlevymusic.com.
Wendy Burns
Creator and producer of The Ladies Of Jazz Show, a multi year running show at Rudy’s Jazz Room.
2024 NIMA Award winner / 2022 ALM Nash Hall of Fame Inductee / 2023 & '24 Mississippi Awards Best Jazz / 2025 Southern Music Awards nominee.
Flute playing jazz vocalist Wendy Burns of Nashville TN has studied and performed songs from the 1940's Jazz Big Band era since the age of 9 years old. She has been described as having a unique voice that fits the era. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and has sessioned and performed with many of the Nashville classic country greats. With a deep passion for jazz standards.
Wendy believes there's beauty in staying true to the melodies as they were written. Her set list includes songs from the "Great American Songbook", jazz standards, and a number of her fabulous original pieces that reminisce of cherished jazz classics you've never heard. Wendy's influences are Judy Garland, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, The Andrew Sisters, and Helen Forrest, to name a few. You will also hear some of her original tunes in vaudeville fashion featuring "Grover" her ukulele.
"She expertly delivers jazz vocals in traditional speakeasy style and displays her exceptional talent on flute as well. She does an excellent job, a true entertainer, she holds her audience and has them laughing with her patter between songs." - Gary Cobb, Nashville Tn
"When singing the classics, I’ve always tried to sing the melodies as close to the original version as possible. I feel you can get closest to the composer's feelings by doing that and by staying within it that realm. To think that someone in a time long ago did their best to put their feelings and words of love on a sheet of paper so that generations ahead would hear it just as it was written is a golden key to a door of a time before that we all need to experience" - Wendy Burns
Louise Kelton
Louise Kelton discovered her love of jazz through its rich harmonies, expressive phrasing, and emotional honesty. After a distinguished career in public service, she devoted herself to the study of jazz, spending years in workshops and private vocal study while developing a deeply personal approach to the music. Inspired by artists such as Shirley Horn, Sarah Vaughan and Cassandra Wilson, Louise brings a warm contralto voice and an intimate storytelling style to the stage. Her performances invite listeners into an evening of conversation through song, celebrating life, love, warmth, hope and joy. For Louise, every song tells a story and every performance is an opportunity to share that story with honesty and heart.
Hannah Levy
Hannah Levy is a Nashville-based jazz artist, background and session vocalist, and educator. She has been singing and performing jazz standards since childhood when her late father would accompany both her and her sister on guitar. She is grateful to have studied with many amazing teachers, including Sheila Jordan, Laurie Antonioli, and Jazzmeia Horn. It is an honor to participate in the evolution of this fearless, profound art form, and an absolute joy to get to do so alongside the sparkling Wendy Burns! More information can be found at hannahlevymusic.com.
Rudy's Jazz Jam
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $12 at the door
Rudy's hosts the official pro jazz jam. Come out and experience some of music city's best as they take the stage with Nashville's next generation of jazz performers! You will hear a variety of young, old, new and undiscovered players showing what they can do on stage. Part of the jazz tradition and what jazz embodies is the unknown and spontaneous exploration of new musical territory with new musicians sitting in live on stage; you never know who or what to expect other than the unexpected!
We welcome all ages to this show and have a $10 food or beverage minimum.
We welcome all ages to this show and have a $10 food or beverage minimum.