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 $7 Wells, $8 House Wines
Mondays: 9pm-Close $8 Cuba Libres, $12 Estrella & Shot of Lunazul Blanco
A Charlie Brown Halloween
Celebrate the season with the timeless music of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz score comes to life in an evening of soulful, swinging jazz that captures the heart of this Peanuts classic with nostalgic melodies, in the intimate setting of Rudy’s Jazz Room. The perfect way to mark the spooky season with friends, great music and community.
More Info and Tickets
Stephanie Adlington Invites You To: The Witching Hour
Come get your witchy vibes on with some ghoulish craft cocktails, New Orleans cuisine and a fabulous show with our very own Siren of the South, Stephanie Adlington. Costumes are strongly encouraged and a prize will be rewarded for "Best Costume"!
More Info and TicketsTONIGHT'S SHOWS
Miguel Alvarado Trio
6:00pm-8:15pm, $12 at the door
A restless innovator who seamlessly fuses the rich traditions of jazz with the dynamic energy of R&B, Latin, and electronic music, Miguel Alvarado is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and educator whose voice is uniquely his own. Based in Nashville, the Tampa-born artist has built a career defined by genre-bending exploration and a deeply personal creative vision.
Alvarado's musical narrative began professionally at the age of thirteen, where he became a key player in his hometown's vibrant music scenes. This early immersion in diverse genres forged a rare fluency that allows him to navigate fluidly between styles, creating a natural momentum and organic interest in his compositions. His collaborations are a testament to his versatility; in 2024, he extensively toured South Africa with the Darren English Quintet, which is set to release a new record this coming month. The group will also return to play the Cape Town Jazz Festival in March and extensively tour Europe during the coming summer.
His creative philosophy centers on an ongoing exploration of improvisation and the evolving landscape of electronic music. A two-time Downbeat Poll Award winner for his innovative jazz compositions and vocal arrangements, Alvarado's work is both critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant. His 2020 album, Idile, released on Jeff Coffin’s Ear Up Records, was lauded for its refreshing sonic palette and evocative compositions. The album is a testament to his improvisational prowess, where melodies appear in unexpected places before gracefully resolving, a signature style he also brings to his live performances. The same year, his powerful stage presence was recognized with the Nashville Industry Music Awards Jazz Performance Award.
Beyond his performance career, Alvarado holds degrees from the University of North Florida and Middle Tennessee State University. Since 2007, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of musicians, championing a modern approach to education. His expertise is also being applied to new projects, including a coming record being recorded and produced for Dave Potter's Retro Groove which will feature legendary drummer and vibraphonist Jason Marsalis. His students have gone on to perform at esteemed events like "Essentially Ellington" and collaborate with industry luminaries, a testament to his profound influence as an educator.
Alvarado continues to challenge the boundaries of contemporary jazz, with a forward-looking vision and a sound that is both deeply personal and universally accessible.
Alvarado's musical narrative began professionally at the age of thirteen, where he became a key player in his hometown's vibrant music scenes. This early immersion in diverse genres forged a rare fluency that allows him to navigate fluidly between styles, creating a natural momentum and organic interest in his compositions. His collaborations are a testament to his versatility; in 2024, he extensively toured South Africa with the Darren English Quintet, which is set to release a new record this coming month. The group will also return to play the Cape Town Jazz Festival in March and extensively tour Europe during the coming summer.
His creative philosophy centers on an ongoing exploration of improvisation and the evolving landscape of electronic music. A two-time Downbeat Poll Award winner for his innovative jazz compositions and vocal arrangements, Alvarado's work is both critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant. His 2020 album, Idile, released on Jeff Coffin’s Ear Up Records, was lauded for its refreshing sonic palette and evocative compositions. The album is a testament to his improvisational prowess, where melodies appear in unexpected places before gracefully resolving, a signature style he also brings to his live performances. The same year, his powerful stage presence was recognized with the Nashville Industry Music Awards Jazz Performance Award.
Beyond his performance career, Alvarado holds degrees from the University of North Florida and Middle Tennessee State University. Since 2007, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of musicians, championing a modern approach to education. His expertise is also being applied to new projects, including a coming record being recorded and produced for Dave Potter's Retro Groove which will feature legendary drummer and vibraphonist Jason Marsalis. His students have gone on to perform at esteemed events like "Essentially Ellington" and collaborate with industry luminaries, a testament to his profound influence as an educator.
Alvarado continues to challenge the boundaries of contemporary jazz, with a forward-looking vision and a sound that is both deeply personal and universally accessible.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos
9:00pm-11:15pm, $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.
UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Oct 8
Viktor Krauss
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Eclectic composer bassist Viktor Krauss was born in Champaign, IL, in 1969. His youth was spent listening to soundtracks and instrumental music, eventually leading him to the piano and trumpet. After witnessing the power and ominous presence of the double bass at a middle school concert, he found his true calling. Krauss has been a presence in Nashville Tennessee since 1992 with nearly 600 album credits as either a bassist, composer/songwriter or producer. Starting with 1996's "Nashville", Krauss began a long tenure with Jazz great Bill Frisell. Other albums with Frisell include "Gone, Just Like a Train", "Good Dog, Happy Man", "East/West" and "Disfarmer." Other artists over his recording and touring career have included Lyle Lovett, James Taylor, Tom Jones, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow, Carly Simon and Jerry Douglas. Since 2022, Viktor has been seen on tour with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss as a multi-instrumentalist (electric guitar, piano).
In 2004, Krauss recorded his solo debut of his original compositions, Far From Enough featuring an all-star band consisting of Frisell, Jerry Douglas, Steve Jordan, and sister Alison (peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard® Contemporary Jazz Chart). Krauss' second album, II , which featured core band guitarist Dean Parks and drummer Matt Chamberlain emerged three years later. Last year, new duo recording of original material with lever harpist extraordinaire Maeve Gilchrist "Vignette". Primarily instrumental music, Viktor cites that this music could be described as "a soundtrack without a movie with nods to 'jazz and classic rock'." In 2006, Viktor was awarded a fellowship for the prestigious Film Composers' Lab at the Sundance Institute and his film composing credits include music for directors Ken Burns and the late Robert Altman. Viktor's original compositions from his solo recordings are used daily as musical "bumpers" for National Public Radio between programs.
In 2004, Krauss recorded his solo debut of his original compositions, Far From Enough featuring an all-star band consisting of Frisell, Jerry Douglas, Steve Jordan, and sister Alison (peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard® Contemporary Jazz Chart). Krauss' second album, II , which featured core band guitarist Dean Parks and drummer Matt Chamberlain emerged three years later. Last year, new duo recording of original material with lever harpist extraordinaire Maeve Gilchrist "Vignette". Primarily instrumental music, Viktor cites that this music could be described as "a soundtrack without a movie with nods to 'jazz and classic rock'." In 2006, Viktor was awarded a fellowship for the prestigious Film Composers' Lab at the Sundance Institute and his film composing credits include music for directors Ken Burns and the late Robert Altman. Viktor's original compositions from his solo recordings are used daily as musical "bumpers" for National Public Radio between programs.
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!
Oct 9
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $14 at the door
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
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.
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.
Jake Botts and Friends
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $20 at the door
Saxophonist Jake Botts is a dynamic and versatile musician with a bebop and soul-influenced vocabulary, a unique sense of melody, and a pure, powerful, tone. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, he graduated with honors from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City in 2017. Shortly after relocating to Nashville, TN, Jake established himself as one of the premier freelance instrumentalists in Music City’s rapidly expanding creative music scene. Jake has toured throughout America, Europe, and Asia with prominent artists including Kelly Clarkson, Cory Wong, Lauren Daigle, and more. Joining him is an illustrious collection of musicians from the Nashville music scene.
Jake Botts - Saxophone
Emmanuel Echem - Trumpet
Adam McPhail - Guitar
Kevin Gastonguay - Keys
Alec Newnam - Bass
Petar Janjic - Drums
Jake Botts - Saxophone
Emmanuel Echem - Trumpet
Adam McPhail - Guitar
Kevin Gastonguay - Keys
Alec Newnam - Bass
Petar Janjic - Drums
Oct 10
Guitar & B3 Night feat. Bob Sabellico & Kyle Lehning
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $14 at the door
The Veteran guitarist Bob Sabellico, a master of multiple genres, has one of the most incredible musical origin stories. At just 16, on the outskirts of Philadelphia, he was called to replace the iconic Randy Bachman in The Guess Who, right as “American Woman” was skyrocketing up the charts. Since then, Sabellico has kept the music alive and evolving, touring with his bands and collaborating with legends like Dennis Chambers, Gerald Albright, Will Kennedy, Andy Snitzer, and Pat Martino. In the early 80s, he even helped pioneer the use of electronics and synths in live performances and recordings. You can find his albums Groove Station, Child’s Play, and Influence on all major streaming platforms. For more info go to bobsabellicomusic.com
Three-time Grammy winner Kyle Lehning is a seasoned figure in the Nashville music scene. His impressive discography reflects his enduring talent, production skills, and deep passion for music. Kyle has worked with a host of recognizable artists from his early collaborations with Waylon Jennings in the '70s to his extensive work with Randy Travis and recent projects featuring Kenny Rogers and Michael Feinstein. Beyond his studio expertise, he's also an accomplished jazz musician, showcasing his skills on the Hammond B3, influenced by legends like Jimmy Smith and Dr. Lonnie Smith. His jazz group, The Leonard Small Situation, has released four albums highlighting his musical influences.
Rounding out the band is Raymond Massey, a powerhouse drummer whose expertise has made him a cornerstone of the Nashville music scene. With years of experience in both live performances and studio recordings, Raymond’s versatile skill set spans across multiple genres, from Jazz to rock and everything in between. Known for his impeccable timing, creative fills, and dynamic range, Raymond has contributed to countless recording projects and is featured prominently on Bob's last two releases. When he's not on stage or in the studio, Raymond serves as the Director of R&D for Pearl Drums, where he shapes the future of percussion gear. His dedication to both his craft and the industry has cemented his reputation as one of the top drummers in the business.
Three-time Grammy winner Kyle Lehning is a seasoned figure in the Nashville music scene. His impressive discography reflects his enduring talent, production skills, and deep passion for music. Kyle has worked with a host of recognizable artists from his early collaborations with Waylon Jennings in the '70s to his extensive work with Randy Travis and recent projects featuring Kenny Rogers and Michael Feinstein. Beyond his studio expertise, he's also an accomplished jazz musician, showcasing his skills on the Hammond B3, influenced by legends like Jimmy Smith and Dr. Lonnie Smith. His jazz group, The Leonard Small Situation, has released four albums highlighting his musical influences.
Rounding out the band is Raymond Massey, a powerhouse drummer whose expertise has made him a cornerstone of the Nashville music scene. With years of experience in both live performances and studio recordings, Raymond’s versatile skill set spans across multiple genres, from Jazz to rock and everything in between. Known for his impeccable timing, creative fills, and dynamic range, Raymond has contributed to countless recording projects and is featured prominently on Bob's last two releases. When he's not on stage or in the studio, Raymond serves as the Director of R&D for Pearl Drums, where he shapes the future of percussion gear. His dedication to both his craft and the industry has cemented his reputation as one of the top drummers in the business.
Don Aliquo Quartet
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $20 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.
Don Aliquo - saxophone
Marc Payne - piano
Jack Aylor - bass
Ryan Brasley - 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.
Don Aliquo - saxophone
Marc Payne - piano
Jack Aylor - bass
Ryan Brasley - drums
Matt Endahl Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Since moving to Nashville in 2013 Matt Endahl became one of the most in-demand pianists in Middle Tennessee. In September of 2022 Matt moved to Ontario to pursue a PhD at the University of Guelph. Matt has performed in groups led by Jeff Coffin, Chester Thompson, Dara Tucker, Rahsaan Barber, Duffy Jackson, Christina Watson, Marcus Finnie, and many others. He’s shared the stage with legendary figures like Jimmy Heath, Henry Grimes, David Liebman, Jane Ira Bloom, Arthur Blythe, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Marcus Belgrave, Roger Humphries, Dave Douglas, Nicolas Bearde, and Karrin Allyson.
Matt Endahl - piano
Jayve Montgomery - saxophone
Jonathan Wires - bass
John Westberry - drums
Matt Endahl - piano
Jayve Montgomery - saxophone
Jonathan Wires - bass
John Westberry - drums
Oct 11
Rebecca Carlson
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $14 at the door
Singer and songwriter Rebecca Carlson was born and raised in the small town of Milford, Iowa. Both her parents were music lovers. From an early age she was singing gospel with her entire family, and she credits this with instilling in her a great passion for music and a highly developed ear for harmony and melody. She also would lose herself in her father’s immense collection of vinyl LPs, where she got a ‘home-schooling’ like no other -everything from classic blues, jazz, rock, country and soul. She was influenced by vocalists Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Linda Ronstadt and Karen Carpenter.
Rebecca was singing professionally while still in her teens, performing jazz and blues standards at local venues. At Waldorf College in Forest City IA, she studied voice and theater. This led to a stint in NYC where she performed in repertory theater and nightclubs.
In Tucson AZ, Rebecca’s powerhouse vocal style quickly established her as a high-profile and in-demand performer. For fifteen years she maintained a steady recording and touring schedule throughout the Southwestern US. She was a founding member of original blues acts The Jane Crowe Band and 22 Black, all the while maintaining her Jazz and Standards catalog at local nightclubs and theaters. Rebecca expanded her regional reputation and following considerably when she joined the ranks of Tucson’s heavyweights, recording and performing with the hi-energy Soul/R&B act The Socials as she continued to record and perform in Tucson.
Rebecca relocated to Los Angeles in 2019, intending to pursue and focus on her songwriting and her solo career. In LA Rebecca met award-winning guitarist/producer Doug Hamblin. Doug’s past work includes classic artists such as Stephen Stills, Johnny Rivers and ‘Southside Johnny’ Lyon. Rebecca and Doug began writing and recording and were immediately excited about the results. The sessions were very productive in a five-month collaboration they finished an album’s worth of all-new original material. The music covers a broad scope of classic American styles.
Upon her move to Nashville, Rebecca teamed up with coveted bassist Jimmy Sullivan to do what she does best. As a singer, Rebecca has developed a formidable turn of phrase -sometimes surreal, fanciful and wry, other times achingly intimate and heartfelt—all anchored by her knockout punch of a voice.
Rebecca was singing professionally while still in her teens, performing jazz and blues standards at local venues. At Waldorf College in Forest City IA, she studied voice and theater. This led to a stint in NYC where she performed in repertory theater and nightclubs.
In Tucson AZ, Rebecca’s powerhouse vocal style quickly established her as a high-profile and in-demand performer. For fifteen years she maintained a steady recording and touring schedule throughout the Southwestern US. She was a founding member of original blues acts The Jane Crowe Band and 22 Black, all the while maintaining her Jazz and Standards catalog at local nightclubs and theaters. Rebecca expanded her regional reputation and following considerably when she joined the ranks of Tucson’s heavyweights, recording and performing with the hi-energy Soul/R&B act The Socials as she continued to record and perform in Tucson.
Rebecca relocated to Los Angeles in 2019, intending to pursue and focus on her songwriting and her solo career. In LA Rebecca met award-winning guitarist/producer Doug Hamblin. Doug’s past work includes classic artists such as Stephen Stills, Johnny Rivers and ‘Southside Johnny’ Lyon. Rebecca and Doug began writing and recording and were immediately excited about the results. The sessions were very productive in a five-month collaboration they finished an album’s worth of all-new original material. The music covers a broad scope of classic American styles.
Upon her move to Nashville, Rebecca teamed up with coveted bassist Jimmy Sullivan to do what she does best. As a singer, Rebecca has developed a formidable turn of phrase -sometimes surreal, fanciful and wry, other times achingly intimate and heartfelt—all anchored by her knockout punch of a voice.
Marc Payne Quintet feat. Melody González
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $21 in advance, $22 at the door
Pianist Marc Payne featuring Puerto Rican composer, producer and vocalist Melody González, with Giovanni Rodriguez on bass, Blaise Hearn on trumpet and Walter Rodriguez on drums.
One of the most talented young up and coming jazz pianists in Nashville, Marc Payne dazzles with beautiful chords, lines, rhythms, and harmonies, varying dynamics and interludes mixed and woven into compositions that keep pieces fresh and lively. Young at heart and old in soul, Marc has soaked up some of the most influential pianists' styles and harmonics and is able to deliver; from Art Tatum to Oscar Peterson, Sony Clark, Thelonious Monk to Hank Jones, James P. Johnson and more. Born in Virginia and having moved to north Nashville at a very young age, Marc soaked up the sounds of jazz from his father playing jazz records as he grew up. Marc began playing music when he was 11 years old on a light up keyboard and then studied gospel which led him to playing for the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church when he was 13. In his junior year at Pearl-Cohn high school Marc really started to develop an intense interest and more serious pursuit of jazz piano. From there he ended up going to Nashville School for the Arts where he graduated in 2017 to begin his professional career in music.
Some of Marc’s mentors include Jody Nardone, Imer Santiago, Lady Chapman, Chazen Brown, Nioshi Jackson, Reggie Workman and Rob Butts. Marc has shared the stage with many great artists such as Bobby Watson, Regi Wooten, Curtis Lundy, Roy Wooten, Duffy Jackson, Dick Griffen, Jimmy Owens and more, and has played on two of Shannon Callihan’s releases. Marc has played numerous venues in and around Nashville including the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Jazz on the Cumberland, Historic 15th ave Baptist church, Rudy’s Jazz Room, and travelled through Europe aboard the Sky Princess with the Terri Davis Quartet.
Based in Cupey, Puerto Rico — composer, producer and vocalist Melody González, also known as "meloymelos" intuitively creates mystical soundscapes by blending her jazz and classical influences with afro-caribbean rhythms, latin-soul, and poetry. Her intention is to heal through music and decolonize her sound. Born in Cupey, Puerto Rico, González developed an interest in the arts from an early age. Raised among musicians and dancing, there was always a piano in Melody's home. Her paternal grandfather (Naguabo, Puerto Rico) was a classically trained pianist and Puerto Rican folk musician. Despite never receiving formal academic lessons, the artist managed to connect with the instrument - absorbing all the influences she heard around her. Her maternal grandmother was a singer of boleros and popular music since the late 1950s. Thanks to her, he was able to learn about the composer and poet Sylvia Rexach, who inspired him to connect with the art of words. Through autodidacticism, Melody has found a way to transform and transmit her own experiences into life and voice. Navigating political, spiritual and love themes, the artist seeks to break free from oppression and liberate to liberate.
In 2021, she received a scholarship to study in New York under the mentorship of artists such as Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Bobby Sanabria, Fay Victor, Sara Serpa, Marlon Saunders, among others ("The New School"). In 2023, she returns to Puerto Rico and launches her first independent musical project entitled "ME DESPRENDO". This EP embarks the artist in a process of self-recognition. Since then, her purpose has been based on building community and giving herself the task of carving out spaces on the island. In response to the collective anti-colonial, anti-racist, and transfeminist struggle of the Caribbean, the artist's purpose has been based on revealing.
One of the most talented young up and coming jazz pianists in Nashville, Marc Payne dazzles with beautiful chords, lines, rhythms, and harmonies, varying dynamics and interludes mixed and woven into compositions that keep pieces fresh and lively. Young at heart and old in soul, Marc has soaked up some of the most influential pianists' styles and harmonics and is able to deliver; from Art Tatum to Oscar Peterson, Sony Clark, Thelonious Monk to Hank Jones, James P. Johnson and more. Born in Virginia and having moved to north Nashville at a very young age, Marc soaked up the sounds of jazz from his father playing jazz records as he grew up. Marc began playing music when he was 11 years old on a light up keyboard and then studied gospel which led him to playing for the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church when he was 13. In his junior year at Pearl-Cohn high school Marc really started to develop an intense interest and more serious pursuit of jazz piano. From there he ended up going to Nashville School for the Arts where he graduated in 2017 to begin his professional career in music.
Some of Marc’s mentors include Jody Nardone, Imer Santiago, Lady Chapman, Chazen Brown, Nioshi Jackson, Reggie Workman and Rob Butts. Marc has shared the stage with many great artists such as Bobby Watson, Regi Wooten, Curtis Lundy, Roy Wooten, Duffy Jackson, Dick Griffen, Jimmy Owens and more, and has played on two of Shannon Callihan’s releases. Marc has played numerous venues in and around Nashville including the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Jazz on the Cumberland, Historic 15th ave Baptist church, Rudy’s Jazz Room, and travelled through Europe aboard the Sky Princess with the Terri Davis Quartet.
Based in Cupey, Puerto Rico — composer, producer and vocalist Melody González, also known as "meloymelos" intuitively creates mystical soundscapes by blending her jazz and classical influences with afro-caribbean rhythms, latin-soul, and poetry. Her intention is to heal through music and decolonize her sound. Born in Cupey, Puerto Rico, González developed an interest in the arts from an early age. Raised among musicians and dancing, there was always a piano in Melody's home. Her paternal grandfather (Naguabo, Puerto Rico) was a classically trained pianist and Puerto Rican folk musician. Despite never receiving formal academic lessons, the artist managed to connect with the instrument - absorbing all the influences she heard around her. Her maternal grandmother was a singer of boleros and popular music since the late 1950s. Thanks to her, he was able to learn about the composer and poet Sylvia Rexach, who inspired him to connect with the art of words. Through autodidacticism, Melody has found a way to transform and transmit her own experiences into life and voice. Navigating political, spiritual and love themes, the artist seeks to break free from oppression and liberate to liberate.
In 2021, she received a scholarship to study in New York under the mentorship of artists such as Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Bobby Sanabria, Fay Victor, Sara Serpa, Marlon Saunders, among others ("The New School"). In 2023, she returns to Puerto Rico and launches her first independent musical project entitled "ME DESPRENDO". This EP embarks the artist in a process of self-recognition. Since then, her purpose has been based on building community and giving herself the task of carving out spaces on the island. In response to the collective anti-colonial, anti-racist, and transfeminist struggle of the Caribbean, the artist's purpose has been based on revealing.
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.
Oct 12
Sarah Jane Nelson
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $18 in advance, $20 at the door
Sarah Jane Nelson was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. Her eclectic, early musical influences in country, jazz, blues, musical theater, rock, and gospel had one thing in common: storytelling through song. Ella Fitzgerald, Dolly Parton, Billie Holiday, Eva Cassidy, Carole King and Aretha Franklin all connected to the emotion of a song in a way that made Sarah Jane want to tell stories like her idols.Nelson got her start in musical theater as she headed to NYC at age 17. In a few years, she starred on Broadway and in the 1st National Tour of the Tony Award winning musical, SWING! and critics took notice.
“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” - Hollywood Reporter
“Nelson is sexy, funny, sweet, sultry, and intense all at the same time – a real tomato, as they used to say in the hip vernacular of the era when this music was first popular.” - LA New Times
After her career in theater, film, and television in LA and NYC, Nelson moved to Nashville and pivoted into songwriting and recording country and Americana music. In 2022 she released her 6th studio album and has been featured in American Songwriter, Wide Open Country, Americana Highways, and Country Music People in the UK, to name a few. She won Merefest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Competition, was a finalist for the International Song Competition, and is a two time finalist for the Kerrville Folk Festival Competition for Emerging Songwriters.
Nelson’s debut show at Rudy’s Jazz Room will harken back to her New York City Cabaret shows with an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, gospel, and original songs.
“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” - Hollywood Reporter
“Nelson is sexy, funny, sweet, sultry, and intense all at the same time – a real tomato, as they used to say in the hip vernacular of the era when this music was first popular.” - LA New Times
After her career in theater, film, and television in LA and NYC, Nelson moved to Nashville and pivoted into songwriting and recording country and Americana music. In 2022 she released her 6th studio album and has been featured in American Songwriter, Wide Open Country, Americana Highways, and Country Music People in the UK, to name a few. She won Merefest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Competition, was a finalist for the International Song Competition, and is a two time finalist for the Kerrville Folk Festival Competition for Emerging Songwriters.
Nelson’s debut show at Rudy’s Jazz Room will harken back to her New York City Cabaret shows with an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, gospel, and original songs.
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.
Oct 13
Jacob Jolliff & Jeff Picker Trio
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Jacob Jolliff is one of the world’s premier contemporary mandolinists. In 2011, he graduated from Berklee College of Music, having studied there on a full scholarship. The following year, in 2012, he won the USA’s National Mandolin Championship in Winfield, KS. A fixture of the bluegrass scene, he has performed and collaborated with Béla Fleck, Tony Trischka, Michael Daves, Grant Gordy, Wes Corbett, and Alex Hargreaves, to name a few. Additionally, throughout his 20s, he toured as a member of the groups Joy Kills Sorrow and Yonder Mountain String Band. Currently, his focus is on his own ensemble, The Jacob Jolliff Band—one of the most cutting-edge progressive acoustic groups on the scene today. In addition to several bluegrass records, Jacob has released three albums of jazz standards, experimenting with finding a place for the mandolin in that idiom.
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.
Jeff and Jacob have played extensively together over the years in various formations. They are excited to collaborate on a night of jazz standards with this unique ensemble.
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.
Jeff and Jacob have played extensively together over the years in various formations. They are excited to collaborate on a night of jazz standards with this unique ensemble.
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.