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
TONIGHT'S SHOWS
Sunny Side, 7-Piece Jazz Band from New Orleans
6:00pm-8:15pm, $15 in advance, $18 at the door
Sunny Side 7-Piece Jazz Band from New Orleans live at Rudy's Jazz Room! Sunny Side brings a full New Orleans style jazz band experience to Rudy's with 3 part harmonies, solid rhythm section, and energetic vocalist and dancer. Expect to become a part of the experience as Sunny Side engages with the energy and sound of what makes New Orleans such a special city. Rudy's dance floor will be open for swing dancing, be prepared to dance and sing!
Sunny Side is a New Orleans-based jazz band inspired by early jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and Fats Waller. The band takes its name from the 1930 jazz standard "On the Sunny Side of the Street" by Fats Waller and Jimmy McHugh—a fitting tribute to the joyful spirit they bring to every performance. Formed in 2019, Sunny Side consists of seasoned musicians who have been playing together in various New Orleans jazz projects since 2017. They deliver a New Orleans-style jazz experience featuring rich 3-part harmonies, a driving rhythm section, and a dynamic vocalist and dancer who brings the music to life. Their shows are immersive and high-energy—audiences are encouraged to dance, sing along, and soak in the joyful atmosphere that defines their hometown.
In 2025, Sunny Side will embark on their fifth national tour, performing in 16 cities over 23 days, with stops in Tennessee, Ohio, New York, Maryland, and several other states. Their performances span a variety of venues, from intimate jazz listening rooms to lively swing dance halls. Sunny Side is also preparing to release their fourth album, "The Marigny Sessions", recorded at Marigny Studios in New Orleans. The album captures the group’s signature blend of vintage charm and vibrant, contemporary influences. During the 2020–2021 quarantine, the band started a Jazz in Coliseum Square Park series in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, providing free live music during a time of isolation and uncertainty. Featuring acts like Preservation Hall Brass Band, Handmade Moments, Amigos do Samba, and Sunny Side themselves, the series became a cherished community event. It continues monthly, keeping the spirit of live local music alive.
Sunny Side is a New Orleans-based jazz band inspired by early jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and Fats Waller. The band takes its name from the 1930 jazz standard "On the Sunny Side of the Street" by Fats Waller and Jimmy McHugh—a fitting tribute to the joyful spirit they bring to every performance. Formed in 2019, Sunny Side consists of seasoned musicians who have been playing together in various New Orleans jazz projects since 2017. They deliver a New Orleans-style jazz experience featuring rich 3-part harmonies, a driving rhythm section, and a dynamic vocalist and dancer who brings the music to life. Their shows are immersive and high-energy—audiences are encouraged to dance, sing along, and soak in the joyful atmosphere that defines their hometown.
In 2025, Sunny Side will embark on their fifth national tour, performing in 16 cities over 23 days, with stops in Tennessee, Ohio, New York, Maryland, and several other states. Their performances span a variety of venues, from intimate jazz listening rooms to lively swing dance halls. Sunny Side is also preparing to release their fourth album, "The Marigny Sessions", recorded at Marigny Studios in New Orleans. The album captures the group’s signature blend of vintage charm and vibrant, contemporary influences. During the 2020–2021 quarantine, the band started a Jazz in Coliseum Square Park series in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, providing free live music during a time of isolation and uncertainty. Featuring acts like Preservation Hall Brass Band, Handmade Moments, Amigos do Samba, and Sunny Side themselves, the series became a cherished community event. It continues monthly, keeping the spirit of live local music alive.
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
Aug 10
Nashville Trio w/ Eddie Barbash, Jeff Picker & Mark Raudabaugh
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 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.
Aug 12
Melvin Macias Afro-Cuban Jazz Quintet
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $16 in advance, $18 at the door
Pianist and Composer Melvin Macias brings his Afro-Cuban Jazz Quintet to Rudy's Jazz Room for a high-energy evening of Caribbean rhythms and improvisation. Melvin will feature his original compositions and arrangements blending the sounds of his Cuban heritage with Jazz. From Puertorican Plenas to Jazz Ballads to Brazilian Partido Alto, this will be a night of Latin Jazz explosion.
Melvin Macias was born in Havana, Cuba. He initiated his piano studies at the young age of 6 at the prestigious conservatory in Havana, Manuel Saumell. Melvin studied classical piano until the age of 18 although at the age of 15 he joined his Middle School Jazz Band and continued to study Jazz in High School. He attended Florida International University where he studied Jazz performance. During this time he began to tour with different bands and famous artists from Latin America. One of these artists was the world renowned singer and composer from Mexico Juan Gabriel. Throughout his career as musical director, he worked at the Miracle Mile Theater in Miami and the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. In 2015 he recorded an album called Reflections of Time, with all original compositions. In 2018, Melvin made Nashville his new home and has worked with local artists as well as performers who visit Nashville. He has his own 9 piece Salsa Band named Nashville Latin Fusion in which he plays piano and sings. Recently, Melvin was able to gather a group of very talented, versatile musicians and formed his Afro-Cuban Jazz quintet.
Melvin Macias on piano
Bryan Meggison on sax
Walter Rodriguez on drums
Yosvany Cordero on congas
Marlon Randy on bass
Melvin Macias was born in Havana, Cuba. He initiated his piano studies at the young age of 6 at the prestigious conservatory in Havana, Manuel Saumell. Melvin studied classical piano until the age of 18 although at the age of 15 he joined his Middle School Jazz Band and continued to study Jazz in High School. He attended Florida International University where he studied Jazz performance. During this time he began to tour with different bands and famous artists from Latin America. One of these artists was the world renowned singer and composer from Mexico Juan Gabriel. Throughout his career as musical director, he worked at the Miracle Mile Theater in Miami and the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. In 2015 he recorded an album called Reflections of Time, with all original compositions. In 2018, Melvin made Nashville his new home and has worked with local artists as well as performers who visit Nashville. He has his own 9 piece Salsa Band named Nashville Latin Fusion in which he plays piano and sings. Recently, Melvin was able to gather a group of very talented, versatile musicians and formed his Afro-Cuban Jazz quintet.
Melvin Macias on piano
Bryan Meggison on sax
Walter Rodriguez on drums
Yosvany Cordero on congas
Marlon Randy on bass
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!
Aug 13
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 Beatles: A Jazz Tribute
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 in advance, $16 at the door
The Miles Damaso Quartet brings their iconic Beatles Tribute Show back to Rudy's Jazz Room for the third time. Featuring your favorite songs by the Fab Four and exciting, original arrangements played by a band of Nashville heavyweights: Don Aliquo - saxophone, Jon Cowherd - piano, Brian Allen - bass, and Miles Damaso - drums and arrangements. It's been a hard day's night, so treat yourself to a musical experience you won't soon forget!
Miles Damaso is a percussionist, music educator, and composer-arranger based out of Nashville, Tennessee. As a bandleader, he has led groups at many reputable venues including City Winery Nashville and Rudy’s Jazz Room. His shows featuring original arrangements of songs by The Beatles and Walt Disney have been highly popular. As a sideman, Miles has played with a wide variety of artists and groups including Clayton Anderson, Joel Frahm, Pat Coil, and Heather French Henry (Miss America 2000). His drumming has taken him to several well-known stages, such as Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Grand Ole Opry. 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.
Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk...with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing”. He has played or recorded with many notable artists including Rufus Reid, Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Jim McNeely and Obed Calvaire. Don has been described as a "fluid and articulate player with a flow of always surprising ideas complete with a dexterous technique and an incredibly smooth tenor sound." “Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. Aliquo is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at MTSU and is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.
Jon Cowherd is the definition of “a musician’s musician”. While the Kentucky-raised, New Orleans-schooled, New York-honed, and currently Nashville-based Cowherd is best known for his long-running partnership with drummer/bandleader Brian Blade (with whom he co-founded the Grammy nominated Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band), he is equally at ease in the roles of musical director, side man, or studio wizard. Cowherd's stellar keyboard work and singular compositional skills are driven, simply, by a lifelong drive to “just be a great musician.”
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.
Miles Damaso is a percussionist, music educator, and composer-arranger based out of Nashville, Tennessee. As a bandleader, he has led groups at many reputable venues including City Winery Nashville and Rudy’s Jazz Room. His shows featuring original arrangements of songs by The Beatles and Walt Disney have been highly popular. As a sideman, Miles has played with a wide variety of artists and groups including Clayton Anderson, Joel Frahm, Pat Coil, and Heather French Henry (Miss America 2000). His drumming has taken him to several well-known stages, such as Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Grand Ole Opry. 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.
Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk...with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing”. He has played or recorded with many notable artists including Rufus Reid, Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Jim McNeely and Obed Calvaire. Don has been described as a "fluid and articulate player with a flow of always surprising ideas complete with a dexterous technique and an incredibly smooth tenor sound." “Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. Aliquo is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at MTSU and is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.
Jon Cowherd is the definition of “a musician’s musician”. While the Kentucky-raised, New Orleans-schooled, New York-honed, and currently Nashville-based Cowherd is best known for his long-running partnership with drummer/bandleader Brian Blade (with whom he co-founded the Grammy nominated Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band), he is equally at ease in the roles of musical director, side man, or studio wizard. Cowherd's stellar keyboard work and singular compositional skills are driven, simply, by a lifelong drive to “just be a great musician.”
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.
Aug 14
An Evening of Soul & Jazz ft. Ellisa Sun, Jason Threm & Co.
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $16 in advance, $18 at the door
Join us for a special night of heartfelt storytelling and deep grooves and at Rudy’s Jazz Room. This show brings together two of Nashville’s unique musical voices for a perfect blend of jazz, R&B, and soul.
As heard on Heated Rivalry on HBO Max, Ellisa Sun’s music is a unique blend of genres that creates a textured sound with raw, heartfelt lyricism combining R&B, soul, jazz, and bossa nova. She has had several placements in hit TV shows such as The Hunting Party on NBC, L.A.’s Finest, starring Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba, and the Hulu show Dollface starring Kat Dennings and Brenda Song. Ellisa successfully raised $15,000 to support her full length album Sarabi, which features 8 original songs and a team of Nashville’s finest musicians and songwriters. Sarabi was released in February 2024 and has received acclaim from outlets such as Lefuturewave, calling it “deeply soulful”.
After a decade spent defining his creative voice as a composer, producer, and side musician, tenor saxophonist Jason Threm announces his journey as a bandleader and artist with his forthcoming LP Unapologetic. Through blending traditional jazz and blues sounds with modern funk, hip hop, and soul music; Threm creates catchy, singable melodies paired with danceable grooves while still maintaining the improvisational exploration, harmonic experimentation, and spiritual authenticity that is ever present in the music made by the iconic musicians he finds himself pursuing. Within the history of unique voices of the jazz idiom, Threm’s playing showcases a noticeable duality. Minimalist colors of Miles Davis, Lester Young, Stan Getz, and Thelonious Monk contrast with the ferocity of John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Michael Brecker, and Chris Potter. The combination of these influences with a fiercely individual musician’s mind has created a distinctive voice throughout Threm’s writing and improvisation.
In an era where the vast majority of music is being made by software synths, premade loops, heavy overproduction, and now…AI, Threm presents his art in a way that is unapologetically human. Abundant in flaws, happy accidents, and sincere reflection of a pursuit to create music of which he himself is proud, Threm brings a new voice to jazz that is personal, relatable, and real.
As heard on Heated Rivalry on HBO Max, Ellisa Sun’s music is a unique blend of genres that creates a textured sound with raw, heartfelt lyricism combining R&B, soul, jazz, and bossa nova. She has had several placements in hit TV shows such as The Hunting Party on NBC, L.A.’s Finest, starring Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba, and the Hulu show Dollface starring Kat Dennings and Brenda Song. Ellisa successfully raised $15,000 to support her full length album Sarabi, which features 8 original songs and a team of Nashville’s finest musicians and songwriters. Sarabi was released in February 2024 and has received acclaim from outlets such as Lefuturewave, calling it “deeply soulful”.
After a decade spent defining his creative voice as a composer, producer, and side musician, tenor saxophonist Jason Threm announces his journey as a bandleader and artist with his forthcoming LP Unapologetic. Through blending traditional jazz and blues sounds with modern funk, hip hop, and soul music; Threm creates catchy, singable melodies paired with danceable grooves while still maintaining the improvisational exploration, harmonic experimentation, and spiritual authenticity that is ever present in the music made by the iconic musicians he finds himself pursuing. Within the history of unique voices of the jazz idiom, Threm’s playing showcases a noticeable duality. Minimalist colors of Miles Davis, Lester Young, Stan Getz, and Thelonious Monk contrast with the ferocity of John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Michael Brecker, and Chris Potter. The combination of these influences with a fiercely individual musician’s mind has created a distinctive voice throughout Threm’s writing and improvisation.
In an era where the vast majority of music is being made by software synths, premade loops, heavy overproduction, and now…AI, Threm presents his art in a way that is unapologetically human. Abundant in flaws, happy accidents, and sincere reflection of a pursuit to create music of which he himself is proud, Threm brings a new voice to jazz that is personal, relatable, and real.
Don Aliquo Quartet w/ Marc Payne, Jack Aylor & Larry Aberman
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $20 in advance, $21 at the door
Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk...with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing.
“Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight originals are both complex and open, which shows him expanding his boundaries not only as an instrumentalist and improviser, but also as a composer. The music is an electrifying modern outing with one foot in the future and one in the tradition.
Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd “Sun and Shield” features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire.
Notable collaborations include a duo recording with eclectic pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and quartet recordings with Roger Humphries and the late Beegie Adair. He also has recorded with his mentor, notable Pittsburgh tenor stalwart, Don Aliquo Sr. on the MCG label.
Don has performed in concerts and recordings with many world-class artists including Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Rufus Reid, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Adam Nussbaum, Donald Brown, Pete Christlieb, Scott Robinson, and Bobby Shew.
Don is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.
He has played or recorded with many notable artists including Rufus Reid, Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Jim McNeely and Obed Calvaire. Don has been described as a "fluid and articulate player with a flow of always surprising ideas complete with a dexterous technique and an incredibly smooth tenor sound." His most recent cd release (The Innocence of Spring) was recorded live with pianist Michael Jefry Stevens at Hinton Hall on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University where Aliquo is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies.
Rounding out the rhythm section is pianist Marc Payne, Jack Aylor on bass & Larry Aberman on drums
“Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight originals are both complex and open, which shows him expanding his boundaries not only as an instrumentalist and improviser, but also as a composer. The music is an electrifying modern outing with one foot in the future and one in the tradition.
Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd “Sun and Shield” features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire.
Notable collaborations include a duo recording with eclectic pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and quartet recordings with Roger Humphries and the late Beegie Adair. He also has recorded with his mentor, notable Pittsburgh tenor stalwart, Don Aliquo Sr. on the MCG label.
Don has performed in concerts and recordings with many world-class artists including Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Rufus Reid, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Adam Nussbaum, Donald Brown, Pete Christlieb, Scott Robinson, and Bobby Shew.
Don is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.
He has played or recorded with many notable artists including Rufus Reid, Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Jim McNeely and Obed Calvaire. Don has been described as a "fluid and articulate player with a flow of always surprising ideas complete with a dexterous technique and an incredibly smooth tenor sound." His most recent cd release (The Innocence of Spring) was recorded live with pianist Michael Jefry Stevens at Hinton Hall on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University where Aliquo is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies.
Rounding out the rhythm section is pianist Marc Payne, Jack Aylor on bass & Larry Aberman on drums
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.
Aug 15
The Aaron Lessard Group
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 at the door
Aaron Lessard is a Nashville Jazz/Fusion guitarist. His show brings a barrage of melodic and high flying guitar along with a stunning trio to back him. A product of the Berklee College of Music, Lessard’s influences range from greats like Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Scofield, and Robben Ford. His mix of original compositions and covers bring forth a unique musicality to create a spectacular evening.
Aaron Lessard - Guitar
Brian Allen - Bass
Jody Nardone - Piano
Bob Harsen - Drums
Aaron Lessard - Guitar
Brian Allen - Bass
Jody Nardone - Piano
Bob Harsen - Drums
Jody Nardone Trio
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $21 in advance, $22 at the door
"Thanks to a dynamic style that can shift from the whispered beauty of Bill Evans to the percussive flights of McCoy Tyner, Nardone has emerged as one of Nashville's preeminent jazz pianists. His reputation is also blowing up nationwide, where he is receiving raves in Downbeat and Jazziz for his role in the Crimson Jazz Trio, a Nashville-to-L.A. combo led by former King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace and former Vital Information bassist Tim Landers."
-Michael McCall, Nashville Scene
-Michael McCall, Nashville Scene
Legend Meets Brilliance feat. Don Aliquo & Marc Payne
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Don Aliquo is a celebrated jazz artist in the greater Nashville area. Active for over two decades, he is a respected saxophonist, composer, recording artist, and educator. Pianist, Marc Payne, a Nashville native, is among a handful of young artists whose brilliance inspires and fuels the area's thriving jazz scene. Together they meet to brandish their "no holds barred" approach to the music. Get ready for an explosive night of sound as two of Nashville's jazz titans collide! Together, this dynamic duo is set to unleash their "no holds barred" approach to music, promising an evening of raw energy, spontaneous improvisation, and modernistic genres with one foot in tradition and the other in the future. Experience the thrilling sound that fuels Nashville's vibrant jazz scene!
Aug 16
Ladies of Jazz
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $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
Teri Reid
Pianist and vocalist Teri Reid is one of Nashville Tennessee's best known and most critically acclaimed solo performers and bandleaders. Teri is best known for her vast and eclectic range of material and her always impeccably professional performances. Named "Nashville's Best Piano Bar Player" three years in a row by the Nashville Scene, Reid has built a distinguished career entertaining audiences throughout Nashville and beyond.
Currently a featured weekly performer at Ray Stevens' CabaRay, Reid has been a fixture on the Nashville music scene for decades. She was a featured solo and quartet performer at F. Scott's Jazz Bar for 18 years and has also held long-running engagements at The Fifth Quarter, Mere Bulles, The Wild Boar, and The Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Her performance credits include Wine on the River, Taste of Music City, Wildhorse Saloon's "Country Christmas" series, and numerous high-profile private and charitable events for notable figures including Vince Gill and Amy Grant, former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, Keith Urban, and Nicole Kidman.
In addition to her work as a bandleader and solo artist, Reid toured nationally as a backup vocalist for country music legend Ronnie Milsap. Her television and stage appearances include the Grand Ole Opry, The Phil Donahue Show, American Magazine on The Nashville Network, and a television pilot for Music City Showcase on WSMV.
Jen Hoeft
Drummer Jen Hoeft has been in Nashville since 1992, working first with the Wooten Brothers and eventually playing on a couple of Victor Wooten’s solo records. "Go Girl Go" on Yin-Yang, and "The Sojourn of Arjuna" on What Did He Say? Two incredible original projects stole her heart for the next five years: David Spear and the Darts, and an all-original jump swing band, Bada Bing Bada Boom. For the next two years, Hoeft toured with the BNA artists, The Warren Brothers, opening up for Faith Hill. The 2000 tour peaked with being the second female drummer to ever play on Austin City Limits, in its 25-year history! Hoeft did a European tour with the famous blues artist, Earl Gaines, and then a Canadian tour with Sony artist Tara Hart. And ten years playing with the "Best Big Band in the Land" Pat Patrick Band Swings and a few cool shows with John Wayne. Hoeft now stays mostly in town playing and recording with her project, The Jenerators. "I love songs. I love the tension and release of a simple melody. I love the sparkle of lights on the drumset." writes Jen Hoeft.
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
Teri Reid
Pianist and vocalist Teri Reid is one of Nashville Tennessee's best known and most critically acclaimed solo performers and bandleaders. Teri is best known for her vast and eclectic range of material and her always impeccably professional performances. Named "Nashville's Best Piano Bar Player" three years in a row by the Nashville Scene, Reid has built a distinguished career entertaining audiences throughout Nashville and beyond.
Currently a featured weekly performer at Ray Stevens' CabaRay, Reid has been a fixture on the Nashville music scene for decades. She was a featured solo and quartet performer at F. Scott's Jazz Bar for 18 years and has also held long-running engagements at The Fifth Quarter, Mere Bulles, The Wild Boar, and The Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Her performance credits include Wine on the River, Taste of Music City, Wildhorse Saloon's "Country Christmas" series, and numerous high-profile private and charitable events for notable figures including Vince Gill and Amy Grant, former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, Keith Urban, and Nicole Kidman.
In addition to her work as a bandleader and solo artist, Reid toured nationally as a backup vocalist for country music legend Ronnie Milsap. Her television and stage appearances include the Grand Ole Opry, The Phil Donahue Show, American Magazine on The Nashville Network, and a television pilot for Music City Showcase on WSMV.
Jen Hoeft
Drummer Jen Hoeft has been in Nashville since 1992, working first with the Wooten Brothers and eventually playing on a couple of Victor Wooten’s solo records. "Go Girl Go" on Yin-Yang, and "The Sojourn of Arjuna" on What Did He Say? Two incredible original projects stole her heart for the next five years: David Spear and the Darts, and an all-original jump swing band, Bada Bing Bada Boom. For the next two years, Hoeft toured with the BNA artists, The Warren Brothers, opening up for Faith Hill. The 2000 tour peaked with being the second female drummer to ever play on Austin City Limits, in its 25-year history! Hoeft did a European tour with the famous blues artist, Earl Gaines, and then a Canadian tour with Sony artist Tara Hart. And ten years playing with the "Best Big Band in the Land" Pat Patrick Band Swings and a few cool shows with John Wayne. Hoeft now stays mostly in town playing and recording with her project, The Jenerators. "I love songs. I love the tension and release of a simple melody. I love the sparkle of lights on the drumset." writes Jen Hoeft.
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.