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
TONIGHT'S SHOWS
The Phil DeGreg Trio
5:30pm-7:15pm, $14 at the door
Pianist Phil DeGreg is a longtime presence on the Cincinnati jazz scene. A graduate of Yale and the University of North Texas, he subsequently toured the world with Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, After returning to his hometown of Cincinnati, he taught for twenty-seven years in the College-Conservatory of Music jazz program and led the house trio at Cincinnati's legendary Blue Wisp Jazz Club. He has performed with Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Conrad Herwig, Ira Sullivan, Arturo Sandoval and countless others, and has made 15 CDs. He visits Brazil regularly and performs Brazilian repertoire, jazz standards, and adaptations of pop songs.
Phil DeGreg - piano
Jacob Jezioro - bass
Larry Aberman - drums
Phil DeGreg - piano
Jacob Jezioro - bass
Larry Aberman - drums
ACE Horns
8:00pm-10:15pm, $22 in advance, $23 at the door
Nashville's Roy Agee, Evan Cobb, and Emmanuel Echem have worked together as a touring and session horn section for years. The ACE Horns is a creative project spotlighting original tunes and arrangements from the imaginations of all three hornists, featuring a funky rhythm section with Jon Cowherd, Akil Thompson and Jordan Perlson and a comedic old lady named Memaw* (*nope).
Woodwind specialist Evan Cobb is a leading force in Nashville’s vibrant musical scene. Known foremost for his saxophone playing, Cobb is adept at the flute, oboe, and clarinet. Evan Cobb is in demand as a jazz player, session player, and horn section member. He has performed with a wide array of artists including Lauren Daigle, Steven Tyler, Chris Stapleton w Maren Morris & Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin, Brett Eldredge, Cage the Elephant, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, and the Nashville Symphony. He has numerous television appearances and as a Nashville session player, Evan Cobb can be heard on dozens of recordings ranging from funk to country to Netflix comedies, movies, and everything in between. Cobb has been an active music educator of private lessons in Nashville for 15 years and created the original Nashville Jazz Workshop Summer Camp for teenagers. Currently Evan tours with Eric Church and spends his down time at home with his loving wife Erin and two children.
Emmanuel Echem is a trumpeter, composer, and arranger living and working in Nashville, TN. A rare native to the area, Echem has firmly established himself in the music community as a capable lead and section player, as well as an adept soloist with a unique and soulful improvisational style which frequently draws comparisons to trumpet masters such as Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, and Roy Hargrove. The sound of his trumpet has been heard at venues and festivals around the world, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Radio City Music Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and more, in addition to a number of televised performances that have aired nationally and internationally on PBS, ABC, Late Night with Seth Meyers, the JUNO Awards, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Marilyn Denis Show. His list of performance and recording credits span a wide range of genres, and include artists such as Boyz II Men, Patti Labelle, Justin Timberlake, Sister Sledge, Kirk Franklin, Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Lauren Daigle, Brett Eldredge, Joss Stone, Charlie Wilson, Maren Morris, Lady A, LeAnn Rimes, Lukas Nelson, Darius Rucker, Dumpstaphunk, Dan + Shay, Tony Vega, Frankie Negrón, the Neal Morse Band ft. Mike Portnoy, Roy "Futureman" Wooten and the Circle of Harmony Orchestra, and the Nashville Jazz Orchestra.
Nashville, TN based trombone player Roy Agee is a musical phenom, an absolute powerhouse! Trombonist for the late musical genius Prince from 2012 until his tragic death in 2016, Roy Agee continues to stun audiences with his raw power and ability to connect on a deeply emotional musical level. Two-time Grammy winning vocalist Lauren Daigle knows all about Roy’s talents as he has been the Musical Director of her horn section since 2018. During his 20+ year career, Roy has had the opportunity to play with some of music’s greatest pioneers including The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, Motown legend Stevie Wonder, bassist Esperanza Spalding, saxophonist Maceo Parker, vocalist Natalie Cole, blues virtuoso Keb Mo, pop artist Cee-Lo Green, The Black Keys guitarist/producer Dan Auerbach, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members The Who, jam band gurus Phish, and the genius of the modern banjo Bela Fleck.
Woodwind specialist Evan Cobb is a leading force in Nashville’s vibrant musical scene. Known foremost for his saxophone playing, Cobb is adept at the flute, oboe, and clarinet. Evan Cobb is in demand as a jazz player, session player, and horn section member. He has performed with a wide array of artists including Lauren Daigle, Steven Tyler, Chris Stapleton w Maren Morris & Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin, Brett Eldredge, Cage the Elephant, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, and the Nashville Symphony. He has numerous television appearances and as a Nashville session player, Evan Cobb can be heard on dozens of recordings ranging from funk to country to Netflix comedies, movies, and everything in between. Cobb has been an active music educator of private lessons in Nashville for 15 years and created the original Nashville Jazz Workshop Summer Camp for teenagers. Currently Evan tours with Eric Church and spends his down time at home with his loving wife Erin and two children.
Emmanuel Echem is a trumpeter, composer, and arranger living and working in Nashville, TN. A rare native to the area, Echem has firmly established himself in the music community as a capable lead and section player, as well as an adept soloist with a unique and soulful improvisational style which frequently draws comparisons to trumpet masters such as Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, and Roy Hargrove. The sound of his trumpet has been heard at venues and festivals around the world, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Radio City Music Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and more, in addition to a number of televised performances that have aired nationally and internationally on PBS, ABC, Late Night with Seth Meyers, the JUNO Awards, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Marilyn Denis Show. His list of performance and recording credits span a wide range of genres, and include artists such as Boyz II Men, Patti Labelle, Justin Timberlake, Sister Sledge, Kirk Franklin, Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Lauren Daigle, Brett Eldredge, Joss Stone, Charlie Wilson, Maren Morris, Lady A, LeAnn Rimes, Lukas Nelson, Darius Rucker, Dumpstaphunk, Dan + Shay, Tony Vega, Frankie Negrón, the Neal Morse Band ft. Mike Portnoy, Roy "Futureman" Wooten and the Circle of Harmony Orchestra, and the Nashville Jazz Orchestra.
Nashville, TN based trombone player Roy Agee is a musical phenom, an absolute powerhouse! Trombonist for the late musical genius Prince from 2012 until his tragic death in 2016, Roy Agee continues to stun audiences with his raw power and ability to connect on a deeply emotional musical level. Two-time Grammy winning vocalist Lauren Daigle knows all about Roy’s talents as he has been the Musical Director of her horn section since 2018. During his 20+ year career, Roy has had the opportunity to play with some of music’s greatest pioneers including The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, Motown legend Stevie Wonder, bassist Esperanza Spalding, saxophonist Maceo Parker, vocalist Natalie Cole, blues virtuoso Keb Mo, pop artist Cee-Lo Green, The Black Keys guitarist/producer Dan Auerbach, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members The Who, jam band gurus Phish, and the genius of the modern banjo Bela Fleck.
Don Aliquo Trio
11:00pm-1:00am, $10 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.
“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.
UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Apr 12
Jody Nardone Trio
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $16 in advance, $17 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
Pat Coil Trio feat. Ted Ludwig
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $21 at the door
Pianist Pat Coil and his trio featuring guitarist Ted Ludwig, woth Brian Allen on bass and Jordan Perslon on drums.
Pianist Pat Coil has toured Japan, South America, Europe and the U.S. with such artists as Michael McDonald, Carmen McCrae, Olivia Newton John, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Woody Herman and many others. Pat has recorded with many artists including Natalie Cole, Trisha Yearwood, Ernie Watts, Carmen McCrae, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Peter Cetera, Woody Herman, Scott Henderson, and Michael McDonald.
During his L.A. years, Pat played on many movie and TV scores, including Star Trek - Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Murphy Brown, Dionne Warwick & Friends, Growing Pains, Major Dad, Spencer For Hire, The Grammy Awards and many more. He played for various artists on the Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall, & Conan O’Brien. Living now in Nashville TN, Pat continues his successful career composing, recording, performing, producing, arranging and teaching. He has composed, produced and performed on hundreds of underscores heard on a variety of media all over the world. Pat taught jazz piano, combos, and improvisation at Middle Tennessee State University, and was an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University Of North Texas.
Pat has recorded six solo jazz albums of his own, the third one being a collaboration with Lyle Mays. “True North” and his new album “Birdhouse” are available at patcoil.com, cdbaby.com and I-Tunes. Pat currently tours with Michael McDonald and Lynda Carter. He also makes numerous appearances with his own group. Pat has a new release of his original music, “Music For Humans….and Other Species”. For more information, please visit patcoil.com.
Acclaimed seven-string jazz guitarist Ted Ludwig has been a part of the jazz scene in New Orleans since 1997. Throughout that time period, he has performed for numerous club performances, festivals, and recordings. He has released 4 albums as a leader and many more as a versatile sideman and co leader.
Ted earned his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from the University of New Orleans Jazz Studies Program, under the direction of the legendary pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. He received an ASCAP award, the Louis Armstrong award, and the Overture to the Cultural Season award for his outstanding musicianship and creativity. Inspired by the recordings of Joe Pass, Pat Martino, and Wes Montgomery, Ludwig soon became one of the most sought after guitarists in the New Orleans jazz scene, working professionally as a soloist, and accompanist.
He has performed with notable contemporaries such as; Ellis Marsalis, Peter Bernstein, Bob Dorough, Larry Coryell, Nathan East, Nicholas Payton, Howard Alden, Mundell Lowe, Rick Margitza, Julian Labro, Steve Masakowski, John Ellis, Tony Dagradi, Mike Pellera, Jason Marsalis, Ron Eschete’, Johnny Vidacovich, Herlin Riley, and many more.
In 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Ludwig created his own eclectic Jazz Trio gaining instant accolades from critics and musicians alike for his astonishing virtuosity and prolific originality.
Since 2007, Ted has maintained a fruitful association with the Infrared Record Label. He has recorded, produced, and released four albums as a leader and has continuously performed on many other recordings as a co-leader and sideman. In 2016, Ludwig had the great opportunity to perform with orchestra an original Jazz Guitar Concerto entitled “Katrina”. The piece was composed by D.J. Sparr and commissioned by The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Ted received rave reviews for his performances of the concerto.
In 2016, Ted was the youngest inductee into The Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame.
Pianist Pat Coil has toured Japan, South America, Europe and the U.S. with such artists as Michael McDonald, Carmen McCrae, Olivia Newton John, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Woody Herman and many others. Pat has recorded with many artists including Natalie Cole, Trisha Yearwood, Ernie Watts, Carmen McCrae, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Peter Cetera, Woody Herman, Scott Henderson, and Michael McDonald.
During his L.A. years, Pat played on many movie and TV scores, including Star Trek - Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Murphy Brown, Dionne Warwick & Friends, Growing Pains, Major Dad, Spencer For Hire, The Grammy Awards and many more. He played for various artists on the Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall, & Conan O’Brien. Living now in Nashville TN, Pat continues his successful career composing, recording, performing, producing, arranging and teaching. He has composed, produced and performed on hundreds of underscores heard on a variety of media all over the world. Pat taught jazz piano, combos, and improvisation at Middle Tennessee State University, and was an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University Of North Texas.
Pat has recorded six solo jazz albums of his own, the third one being a collaboration with Lyle Mays. “True North” and his new album “Birdhouse” are available at patcoil.com, cdbaby.com and I-Tunes. Pat currently tours with Michael McDonald and Lynda Carter. He also makes numerous appearances with his own group. Pat has a new release of his original music, “Music For Humans….and Other Species”. For more information, please visit patcoil.com.
Acclaimed seven-string jazz guitarist Ted Ludwig has been a part of the jazz scene in New Orleans since 1997. Throughout that time period, he has performed for numerous club performances, festivals, and recordings. He has released 4 albums as a leader and many more as a versatile sideman and co leader.
Ted earned his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from the University of New Orleans Jazz Studies Program, under the direction of the legendary pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. He received an ASCAP award, the Louis Armstrong award, and the Overture to the Cultural Season award for his outstanding musicianship and creativity. Inspired by the recordings of Joe Pass, Pat Martino, and Wes Montgomery, Ludwig soon became one of the most sought after guitarists in the New Orleans jazz scene, working professionally as a soloist, and accompanist.
He has performed with notable contemporaries such as; Ellis Marsalis, Peter Bernstein, Bob Dorough, Larry Coryell, Nathan East, Nicholas Payton, Howard Alden, Mundell Lowe, Rick Margitza, Julian Labro, Steve Masakowski, John Ellis, Tony Dagradi, Mike Pellera, Jason Marsalis, Ron Eschete’, Johnny Vidacovich, Herlin Riley, and many more.
In 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Ludwig created his own eclectic Jazz Trio gaining instant accolades from critics and musicians alike for his astonishing virtuosity and prolific originality.
Since 2007, Ted has maintained a fruitful association with the Infrared Record Label. He has recorded, produced, and released four albums as a leader and has continuously performed on many other recordings as a co-leader and sideman. In 2016, Ludwig had the great opportunity to perform with orchestra an original Jazz Guitar Concerto entitled “Katrina”. The piece was composed by D.J. Sparr and commissioned by The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Ted received rave reviews for his performances of the concerto.
In 2016, Ted was the youngest inductee into The Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame.
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.
Apr 13
Wendy Burns' "Sentimental Journey" - A Tribute to Doris Day
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $18 at the door
Wendy Burns and friends Present "Sentimental Journey", a tribute to Doris Day, a brilliant and intimate setlist of Doris Day’s musical history. Join Wendy Burns for an evening of nostalgic melancholy as she celebrates the life, the voice, and the songs of the forever loved, Doris Day, singing her favorite Doris Day tunes, backed by an all Star band of world class musicians. Luca Chiappara on bass, Melvin Macias on piano, Bryan Brock on drums, Aaron Lessard on guitar and a special appearance by the fantastic vocalist Rique, paying tribute to Frank Sinatra.
Doris Day, was a classic jazz vocalist, and silver screen Hollywood legend known for her stellar movie appearances and her magical voice. The first in Hollywood to be named "America’s Sweetheart". Doris Day remains one of the most cherished of Hollywood with songs you'll remember like "Day by Day", "Que Sera Sera", "Secret Love" and "Sentimental Journey", you’ll step back in time to the beginning of her career. In 1945 she recorded her first single "Sentimental Journey" which became an anthem for the soldiers in World War II. Now in 2025 we still celebrate and love her.
Wendy Burns
2024 NIMA AWARD for BEST JAZZ VOCALIST, 2022 Inducted member Nashville Academy of Local Musicians Hall of Fame and 2023 Mississippi Music Foundation Award winner for Best Female Jazz Artist. 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, and as a hopeless romantic, Wendy believes there's beauty in staying true to the melodies as they were written.
"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
Doris Day, was a classic jazz vocalist, and silver screen Hollywood legend known for her stellar movie appearances and her magical voice. The first in Hollywood to be named "America’s Sweetheart". Doris Day remains one of the most cherished of Hollywood with songs you'll remember like "Day by Day", "Que Sera Sera", "Secret Love" and "Sentimental Journey", you’ll step back in time to the beginning of her career. In 1945 she recorded her first single "Sentimental Journey" which became an anthem for the soldiers in World War II. Now in 2025 we still celebrate and love her.
Wendy Burns
2024 NIMA AWARD for BEST JAZZ VOCALIST, 2022 Inducted member Nashville Academy of Local Musicians Hall of Fame and 2023 Mississippi Music Foundation Award winner for Best Female Jazz Artist. 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, and as a hopeless romantic, Wendy believes there's beauty in staying true to the melodies as they were written.
"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
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.
Apr 14
Nate Spratford and Ordinary People
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Ordinary People is inspired by a concept which unites us all – despite all our perceived differences, we are all the same. We are all just ordinary people. People from different walks of life, different struggles, no matter how important or insignificant each accomplishment or task feels, we are all taking things as they come, rising to the occasion, completing tasks, overcoming daily struggles. Our lives exist day-to-day and moment-to-moment. We all perceive these moments differently, and with our differences come different struggles – we must work to find our deficiencies, and balance them with our strengths, fighting a battle and carving a path that is unique to ourselves. We are all Ordinary People.
Ordinary People is led by Nate Spratford, a saxophonist, composer, and student at Vanderbilt University. A native of the Chicago suburbs, Nate relocated to Nashville in 2023 to study jazz performance and composition with Jeff Coffin at Vanderbilt, and quickly turned heads in the city’s tight-knit jazz scene as an empowered young improviser. He has played at Nashville venues such as City Winery, Rudy’s Jazz Room, SoHo House, Americano Lounge, Urban Cowboy, and Analog at Hutton Hotel. Through Vanderbilt, he has brushed paths with jazz luminaries such as Wadada Leo Smith, Jonathan Barber, John Fedchock, and Sean Jones. Nate has shared the stage with Jeff Coffin, Rod McGaha, Jeff Bradshaw, Ari Hoenig, and numerous Nashville-based jazz artists. He has studied primarily with Coffin and Chicago saxophonist Nate Lepine, while also receiving instruction from former Miles Davis band saxophonist Bill Evans and NEA Jazz Master George Coleman. He was also recently named a semi-finalist in the 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition.
Nate Spratford - alto saxophone
David Williford - tenor saxophone
Daniel Kuk - piano
Ian Nussdorfer - bass
Christian Kyle Burgs - drums
Ordinary People is led by Nate Spratford, a saxophonist, composer, and student at Vanderbilt University. A native of the Chicago suburbs, Nate relocated to Nashville in 2023 to study jazz performance and composition with Jeff Coffin at Vanderbilt, and quickly turned heads in the city’s tight-knit jazz scene as an empowered young improviser. He has played at Nashville venues such as City Winery, Rudy’s Jazz Room, SoHo House, Americano Lounge, Urban Cowboy, and Analog at Hutton Hotel. Through Vanderbilt, he has brushed paths with jazz luminaries such as Wadada Leo Smith, Jonathan Barber, John Fedchock, and Sean Jones. Nate has shared the stage with Jeff Coffin, Rod McGaha, Jeff Bradshaw, Ari Hoenig, and numerous Nashville-based jazz artists. He has studied primarily with Coffin and Chicago saxophonist Nate Lepine, while also receiving instruction from former Miles Davis band saxophonist Bill Evans and NEA Jazz Master George Coleman. He was also recently named a semi-finalist in the 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition.
Nate Spratford - alto saxophone
David Williford - tenor saxophone
Daniel Kuk - piano
Ian Nussdorfer - bass
Christian Kyle Burgs - drums
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.
Apr 16
Bizz Bigsby
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $15 at the door
Join Bizz Bigsby for an evening of engaging stories and great songs sharing his life’s journey. Happy, sad, good times, bad times. His songs tell his story.
A native of North Nashville, Bizz came to music naturally. He is the eldest son of Nashville R&B icon Jimmy Church, who invited a young Bizz to tour with him and his band. While running lights for his dads’ show, the lead singer got sick, and his dad asked Bizz to fill in for two nights. Those two shows turned into 5 years, opening for such artists as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Little Richard.
Bizz is an accomplished artist and songwriter, whose music is influenced by everyone from Bill Withers to George Jones to James Taylor. As a performer, he has played on the biggest stages in Nashville and throughout the US and Canada. His songs follow his path through love, addiction, fatherhood, cancer, and recovery and “The emotions are real. The stories are true. The songs are from my heart.”
A native of North Nashville, Bizz came to music naturally. He is the eldest son of Nashville R&B icon Jimmy Church, who invited a young Bizz to tour with him and his band. While running lights for his dads’ show, the lead singer got sick, and his dad asked Bizz to fill in for two nights. Those two shows turned into 5 years, opening for such artists as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Little Richard.
Bizz is an accomplished artist and songwriter, whose music is influenced by everyone from Bill Withers to George Jones to James Taylor. As a performer, he has played on the biggest stages in Nashville and throughout the US and Canada. His songs follow his path through love, addiction, fatherhood, cancer, and recovery and “The emotions are real. The stories are true. The songs are from my heart.”
The MF Art of Listening w/ Allana Rocklin, Carl Rydlund & Alex Murphy
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
MF Art Of Listening Featuring - Musicians creating a musical conversation on the spot. Getting back to the original love of what draws musicians into music. Trusting the music and musicians to guide and discover what it means to improvise much in the same way we communicate verbally. Drummer extraordinaire Marcus Finnie assembles a unique group of very special artists for this show, comprised of elite session artists or musicians on tour in the Nashville vicinity. Marcus leads the band with Allana Rocklin, Carl Rydlund and Alex Murphy.
Marcus Finnie
As a Memphis native and Nashville resident, Marcus Finnie has toured the world with Kirk Whalum, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Brett Eldredge, Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, Lady Antebellum, Larry Carlton, Donna Summer, India Arie, Kurt Elling, Billy Preston, Earl Klugh, Beegie Adair, Dave Koz and many others. Marcus has also recorded with Grammy and Stellar Award nominated and winning artists’ Jacob Whitesides, Kent Lattimore, Ledisi, Andy Mineo, Kirk Whalum, Keb Mo & Taj Mahal, India Arie, Joss Stone, Butch Walker, Charlie Peacock, Michael McDonald, and several others.
Allana Rocklin
Playing upright, electric, fretless and midi bass, Alana Rocklin is known for her relentless groove, deep tone, and unique approach. Alana is currently the bassist for electronic/rock pioneers STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), and has been a full time member since 2014. Other artists Alana has recorded and/or toured with include: Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Rick Ross, Neyo, Andre 3000, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, sub- ID, Bela Fleck, Nanci Griffith, JD Souther, Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), Victor Wooten/The Wooten Brothers, Ben Sollee, and many more.
Carl Rydlund
Carl Rydlund is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, conductor, guitarist and has been teaching at Belmont University School of Music since August 2021. After completing a Bachelor degree in Music Composition from the University of Colorado, Carl moved to Los Angeles to study at the legendary Grove School of Music. Upon completing a two-year program in arranging and film composition, Carl started performing for record, TV, and film sessions on guitar. Performing on thousands of sessions over the next five years. The next ten years also included work as an arranger and as a copyist at Joann Kane Music and Disney. The last fifteen years he has been focusing on film, video games and live orchestral work as an arranger/orchestrator, conductor, and guitarist. His many clients include Hans Zimmer/Remote Control Productions, Hildur Guðnadóttir, EA Games, Riot Games, Josh Groban, Warner Brothers, Disney, Universal and Fox Studios. His wide and varied experience, having worked on well over 1500 movies as well as his ability to adapt to an ever changing business and technology landscape has made him one of the most sought after studio musicians in the world.
Alex Murphy
Hailing from Chicago, Alex grew up in a family of musicians with parents who emphasized musical exploration at an early age. He grew up in an area where the arts were strongly supported and he had the support to grow his passion for jazz. That passion led him into continued study at DePaul University in Chicago where he was under the tutelage of Ron Perrillo and Dana Hall. Alex has studied with masters Aaron Goldberg, Bill Charlap, Mark Colenburg, and Pascal LeBoeuf. Alex’s performance portfolio continues to grow. He has performed at national staples including the Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Green Mill, Rudys Jazz Room, Snug Harbor, and was featured in a master class at the Chicago Symphony with piano great Bill Charlap. He has been featured in the Chicago Jazz Festival and other jazz festivals nationally. Alex has had the opportunity to share the stage with artists MAJOR, Iam Tongi, Gabrielle Cavassa, Mark Colenburg, Bobby Broom, Adonis Rose, Chester Thompson, Joel Frahm, Dezron Douglas, Dave Douglas, and supporting Nicholas Payton at a residency at DePaul. From a growing studio portfolio with jazz, pop, r&b, and hip hop artists as well as his continued pursuit of live performance, Alex has expanded his talent into the Nashville music scene collaborating with a variety of artists in many genres. Most recently Alex can be seen featured on NPR’s “Top Shelf” for a Tiny Desk submission that he helped produce with artist and Nashville native Brian Brown. Alex’s relationship with Brian has made a distinct voice for Alex’s artistry combining his love for various Black American Music.
Marcus Finnie
As a Memphis native and Nashville resident, Marcus Finnie has toured the world with Kirk Whalum, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Brett Eldredge, Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, Lady Antebellum, Larry Carlton, Donna Summer, India Arie, Kurt Elling, Billy Preston, Earl Klugh, Beegie Adair, Dave Koz and many others. Marcus has also recorded with Grammy and Stellar Award nominated and winning artists’ Jacob Whitesides, Kent Lattimore, Ledisi, Andy Mineo, Kirk Whalum, Keb Mo & Taj Mahal, India Arie, Joss Stone, Butch Walker, Charlie Peacock, Michael McDonald, and several others.
Allana Rocklin
Playing upright, electric, fretless and midi bass, Alana Rocklin is known for her relentless groove, deep tone, and unique approach. Alana is currently the bassist for electronic/rock pioneers STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), and has been a full time member since 2014. Other artists Alana has recorded and/or toured with include: Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Rick Ross, Neyo, Andre 3000, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, sub- ID, Bela Fleck, Nanci Griffith, JD Souther, Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), Victor Wooten/The Wooten Brothers, Ben Sollee, and many more.
Carl Rydlund
Carl Rydlund is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, conductor, guitarist and has been teaching at Belmont University School of Music since August 2021. After completing a Bachelor degree in Music Composition from the University of Colorado, Carl moved to Los Angeles to study at the legendary Grove School of Music. Upon completing a two-year program in arranging and film composition, Carl started performing for record, TV, and film sessions on guitar. Performing on thousands of sessions over the next five years. The next ten years also included work as an arranger and as a copyist at Joann Kane Music and Disney. The last fifteen years he has been focusing on film, video games and live orchestral work as an arranger/orchestrator, conductor, and guitarist. His many clients include Hans Zimmer/Remote Control Productions, Hildur Guðnadóttir, EA Games, Riot Games, Josh Groban, Warner Brothers, Disney, Universal and Fox Studios. His wide and varied experience, having worked on well over 1500 movies as well as his ability to adapt to an ever changing business and technology landscape has made him one of the most sought after studio musicians in the world.
Alex Murphy
Hailing from Chicago, Alex grew up in a family of musicians with parents who emphasized musical exploration at an early age. He grew up in an area where the arts were strongly supported and he had the support to grow his passion for jazz. That passion led him into continued study at DePaul University in Chicago where he was under the tutelage of Ron Perrillo and Dana Hall. Alex has studied with masters Aaron Goldberg, Bill Charlap, Mark Colenburg, and Pascal LeBoeuf. Alex’s performance portfolio continues to grow. He has performed at national staples including the Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Green Mill, Rudys Jazz Room, Snug Harbor, and was featured in a master class at the Chicago Symphony with piano great Bill Charlap. He has been featured in the Chicago Jazz Festival and other jazz festivals nationally. Alex has had the opportunity to share the stage with artists MAJOR, Iam Tongi, Gabrielle Cavassa, Mark Colenburg, Bobby Broom, Adonis Rose, Chester Thompson, Joel Frahm, Dezron Douglas, Dave Douglas, and supporting Nicholas Payton at a residency at DePaul. From a growing studio portfolio with jazz, pop, r&b, and hip hop artists as well as his continued pursuit of live performance, Alex has expanded his talent into the Nashville music scene collaborating with a variety of artists in many genres. Most recently Alex can be seen featured on NPR’s “Top Shelf” for a Tiny Desk submission that he helped produce with artist and Nashville native Brian Brown. Alex’s relationship with Brian has made a distinct voice for Alex’s artistry combining his love for various Black American Music.
Apr 17
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.
Andrew Golden Presents: Golden Hour
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 in advance, $18 at the door
Golden Hour is a cosmic collision of jazz, funk, and electronic soul, orbiting somewhere between a late-night MTA bus ride and a celestial dreamscape. Led by trumpet and synth-wielding explorer Andrew Golden, the band channels the pulse of public transit—the syncopated hiss of air brakes, the low hum of idling engines, the fleeting connections between strangers—into a sonic experience that feels both infinite and deeply rooted in the moment.
Joining Golden on this interstellar journey are Nashville’s finest groove architects: Kevin Gastonguay (Cory Wong) on keyboards, Alec Newnam (Margo Price) on bass, and Nate Felty (Zach Top) on drums. Together, they navigate soundscapes that shift like streetlights on a midnight bus route, blending tight funk grooves with atmospheric synth textures and soaring trumpet melodies. Whether you’re watching the world blur past a rain-streaked window or drifting through the cosmos, Golden Hour is your soundtrack to the in-between—where time slows, colors glow, and music becomes the journey itself.
Joining Golden on this interstellar journey are Nashville’s finest groove architects: Kevin Gastonguay (Cory Wong) on keyboards, Alec Newnam (Margo Price) on bass, and Nate Felty (Zach Top) on drums. Together, they navigate soundscapes that shift like streetlights on a midnight bus route, blending tight funk grooves with atmospheric synth textures and soaring trumpet melodies. Whether you’re watching the world blur past a rain-streaked window or drifting through the cosmos, Golden Hour is your soundtrack to the in-between—where time slows, colors glow, and music becomes the journey itself.
Apr 18
Andy Reiss Quintet w/ Roland Barber, Dan Hitchcock, Jacob Jezzerio & Chris Brown
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 at the door
Guitarist Andy Reiss brings a fabulous quintet with some of Nashville's top jazz musicians including Roland Barber on trombone, Dan Hitchcock on reeds, Jacob Jezioro on bass and Chris Brown on drums.
Grammy awarded guitarist Andy Reiss is a member of the Time Jumpers and a prolific recording session musician in Nashville (Slim Pickens, the Jordanaires, Pete Wade, Charlie McCoy, Pig Robbins, Bob Moore, and Drake, Reba McEntire and Linda Davis). Andy has now been an active member of the Nashville community for more than 35 years. He left his hometown of San Francisco to pursue his passion for music as a career in 1980. He was brought up in a household listening to mainly traditional classical music (he even has an ancestor that was a German composer and guitarist in the 1700s!) He began his formal music education with the piano at age 7, moving to the guitar at 10. Being lucky enough to have grown up in in San Francisco during the 1960s, he would forever be influenced by the thriving music scene of the time. Some of the many concerts that were complete eye-opening experiences were B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and of course, pyschedelic luminaries such as The Grateful Dead and The Jefferson Airplane. This is also when he discovered jazz, and his guitar work became heavily influenced by greats such as Charlie Christian, Joe Pass, and Kenny Burrell.
After arriving in Nashville, he was fortunate enough to have two influential A-Team advocates, the legendary producer and steel guitarist Pete Drake, and the visionary Harold Bradley, the guitarist who, along with his brother Owen, built the first recording studio on Nashville’s Music Row, and served as a long time President of the local Musician’s Union. Andy’s first recording session was for the actor Slim Pickens, a session that was an overwhelming initiation, involving many A-Team pickers such as Drake, Charlie McCoy, Bob Moore, Pete Wade, Pig Robbins and the Jordanaires.
He has since become a studio mainstay, playing on hundreds of records, with artists including Miranda Lambert, John Oates, Amy Grant, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Leon Russell. Returning to his early jazz influences, he also has recorded with many jazz greats, including Pete Christlieb, Beegee Adair, Benny Golson, and as a member of “Bad Rhythm“, an exciting trio with drummer Danny Coots and pianist Brian Holland. He has also toured extensively with both the legendary Slim Whitman and Reba McEntire, and is a member of the Time Jumpers, a Western Swing Super Group on Rounder Records. The Time Jumpers have enjoyed a 20 year Monday night residency at various night clubs in Nashville, and have been nominated for six Grammy awards, winning one in 2017, for Roots Song of the Year. The band has also toured internationally, playing venues as diverse as Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa and Carnegie Hall.
Grammy awarded guitarist Andy Reiss is a member of the Time Jumpers and a prolific recording session musician in Nashville (Slim Pickens, the Jordanaires, Pete Wade, Charlie McCoy, Pig Robbins, Bob Moore, and Drake, Reba McEntire and Linda Davis). Andy has now been an active member of the Nashville community for more than 35 years. He left his hometown of San Francisco to pursue his passion for music as a career in 1980. He was brought up in a household listening to mainly traditional classical music (he even has an ancestor that was a German composer and guitarist in the 1700s!) He began his formal music education with the piano at age 7, moving to the guitar at 10. Being lucky enough to have grown up in in San Francisco during the 1960s, he would forever be influenced by the thriving music scene of the time. Some of the many concerts that were complete eye-opening experiences were B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and of course, pyschedelic luminaries such as The Grateful Dead and The Jefferson Airplane. This is also when he discovered jazz, and his guitar work became heavily influenced by greats such as Charlie Christian, Joe Pass, and Kenny Burrell.
After arriving in Nashville, he was fortunate enough to have two influential A-Team advocates, the legendary producer and steel guitarist Pete Drake, and the visionary Harold Bradley, the guitarist who, along with his brother Owen, built the first recording studio on Nashville’s Music Row, and served as a long time President of the local Musician’s Union. Andy’s first recording session was for the actor Slim Pickens, a session that was an overwhelming initiation, involving many A-Team pickers such as Drake, Charlie McCoy, Bob Moore, Pete Wade, Pig Robbins and the Jordanaires.
He has since become a studio mainstay, playing on hundreds of records, with artists including Miranda Lambert, John Oates, Amy Grant, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Leon Russell. Returning to his early jazz influences, he also has recorded with many jazz greats, including Pete Christlieb, Beegee Adair, Benny Golson, and as a member of “Bad Rhythm“, an exciting trio with drummer Danny Coots and pianist Brian Holland. He has also toured extensively with both the legendary Slim Whitman and Reba McEntire, and is a member of the Time Jumpers, a Western Swing Super Group on Rounder Records. The Time Jumpers have enjoyed a 20 year Monday night residency at various night clubs in Nashville, and have been nominated for six Grammy awards, winning one in 2017, for Roots Song of the Year. The band has also toured internationally, playing venues as diverse as Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa and Carnegie Hall.
Rory and Nalani Jazz Trio
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $20 at the door
Rory Hoffman (piano, guitar, saxophone & vocals) and Nalani, (bass & vocals) are a masterful combo that reaches back to the classics and pulls them forth with their own contemporary interpretation of the great American song book. Their playful and heartfelt vocal duets coupled with a surprising versatility of instrumentation, vocal expression, and musical chemistry will tease, inspire, and touch you.
Rory Hoffman
Nashville based multi-instrumentalist Rory Hoffman was raised on a small ranch in North Dakota where he grew up recording and touring with the family Gospel band. He started teaching himself to play guitar and piano at age 3 and by age 5 he was the drummer in the family band. He currently plays over a dozen stringed, keyboard and wind instruments.
Rory has played the Grand Ole Opry numerous times, as a soloist and as a sideman with Ricky Skaggs, Kathy Mattea and John Cowan. Working with these stars and others has enabled him to play several notable festivals, including Telluride with John Cowan, and Djangofest as part of the John Jorgenson quintet. Kacey Musgraves has asked Rory to play on her Christmas album, and to be part of the 2016 tour promoting that release. He has performed in Norway, Italy and Jamaica thus far and deeply enjoys any opportunities to travel the world, experiencing the culture and sharing music. When not out on the road touring, Rory is proud to be in several local Nashville bands, including 50 Shades of Hay, and the Gypsy hombres.
"Just Jazz Guitar" and "Guitar Player" magazines have written feature articles about Hoffman's unique guitar style. Rory is 2-time winner of Musician of the Year from Nashville's ICMA, and is a 2012 inductee into the South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame.
Rory's personal musical career was jumpstarted in 1999 upon winning Grand Champion Instrumentalist at the Christian Artist Seminar in the Rockies. In 2001 he traveled to Nashville for the first time to record his Gospel instrumental CD, "Blind Faith". He then helped form Depot Music Productions, based in Mobridge South Dakota. There he self-produced his second album "fishin'", this time choosing country music as his theme. While with Depot Music, Rory produced several other studio projects for local and regional artists.
Rory moved to Nashville in the spring of 2008. Three years later in 2011 he released his 3rd album, "Swing Expedition". On this project, he demonstrates his abilities and inventiveness on almost every instrument he plays. Tunes range from a gypsy jazz arrangement of a Star Wars Theme, a bossa nova rendition of a classic country song, to an all-harmonica treatment of a Cole Porter Standard.
Tour de Fourth, Rory's latest album, entered the world in 2016. Rather than focus on a certain style of music, this album features music that demonstrates Rory's skill and diverse interests in country, western swing, jazz, polka, latin, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and gospel music. It is a mix of original songs, and fresh arrangements of standards. Rory is proud to feature over 25 friends, all superb Nashville musicians.
Nalani
Originally from Niwot, Colorado and now based in Nashville, bassist Nalani grew up around music with excellent mentors, becoming determined to keep music in her life and has been enjoying an ever-blossoming career. As young as 12, she would sit in on band rehearsals and perform at local venues. Getting the live experience was key to her development as a musician, and so was her determination.
After traveling to Nashville for the first time and attending five-time Grammy winner Victor Wooten's Bass Nature Camp Nalani was at a pivot point in her life, and soon after was able to learn, gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from musicians such as the Wooten brothers, Marcus Miller, Rhonda Smith, Michael Manring, Steve Bailey, Anthony Wellington, the legendary Chuck Rainey, James Moody, Roy Hargrove and David Sanborn.
At Bass Nature Reunion Camp, Esperanza Spalding helped inspire Nalani to choose William Paterson University and she made the move to New Jersey. After graduating, she lived and worked in New York, performing weekly in Asbury Park in Jersey with a Latin Jazz Band, and ended up honing her skills as a solo act while living in San Angelo, Texas. In San Angelo, Nalani opened for Samantha Fish in front of a crowd of 5,000 people, and in December 2013 the Wooten Brothers invited her to be a guest on their tour bus to experience living on the road, traveling from venue to venue. The Wooten Brothers welcomed her and mentored her wholeheartedly. It was this trip that inspired Nalani to study from “the Teacha” Regi Wooten, and ultimately inspired her to move to Nashville to study under his mastery, devoting herself to music as her career.
After a short acoustic tour in the fall of 2014, Nalani quickly established herself in the Nashville music community and at various jams. She took advantage of Regi Wooten’s mentorship at every chance, and in the first couple of years of living in Nashville, got many opportunities to play in various acts of every genre. She served as musical director for various artists and started getting more high-profile gigs with artists such as Kevin Max of DC Talk. The connections Nalani made at Bass Nature Camp, Marcus Miller’s Jazz cruises, and the NAMM Show became valuable elements of her musical life. She adopted Chuck Rainey as her “Bass Godfather” and assisted at his Rhythm Intensive summer camp, where she connected with many musicians, including Bobby Vega of Tower of Power, and legendary session player, Jerry Jemmott. In 2017 Nalani was taken under the masterful wings of established players Tom Barney (Saturday night life, Steely Dan, Lion king on Broadway) and Bakithi Kumalo (bass for Paul Simon).
Nalani is a truly exciting performer and entertainer, the energy she gets from her bandmates and the crowd is both liberating and fun and is reverberated back to listeners tenfold. Nalani's style embodies and pulls from a lot of the old school stuff that makes people dance and the intensity of rock and roll, and she merges genres; jazz roots for improvisation, funk for groove, and rock for intensity and entertainment. With her background in jazz and ample experience in funk and motown, she's an electrifying and experimental performer.
Rory Hoffman
Nashville based multi-instrumentalist Rory Hoffman was raised on a small ranch in North Dakota where he grew up recording and touring with the family Gospel band. He started teaching himself to play guitar and piano at age 3 and by age 5 he was the drummer in the family band. He currently plays over a dozen stringed, keyboard and wind instruments.
Rory has played the Grand Ole Opry numerous times, as a soloist and as a sideman with Ricky Skaggs, Kathy Mattea and John Cowan. Working with these stars and others has enabled him to play several notable festivals, including Telluride with John Cowan, and Djangofest as part of the John Jorgenson quintet. Kacey Musgraves has asked Rory to play on her Christmas album, and to be part of the 2016 tour promoting that release. He has performed in Norway, Italy and Jamaica thus far and deeply enjoys any opportunities to travel the world, experiencing the culture and sharing music. When not out on the road touring, Rory is proud to be in several local Nashville bands, including 50 Shades of Hay, and the Gypsy hombres.
"Just Jazz Guitar" and "Guitar Player" magazines have written feature articles about Hoffman's unique guitar style. Rory is 2-time winner of Musician of the Year from Nashville's ICMA, and is a 2012 inductee into the South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame.
Rory's personal musical career was jumpstarted in 1999 upon winning Grand Champion Instrumentalist at the Christian Artist Seminar in the Rockies. In 2001 he traveled to Nashville for the first time to record his Gospel instrumental CD, "Blind Faith". He then helped form Depot Music Productions, based in Mobridge South Dakota. There he self-produced his second album "fishin'", this time choosing country music as his theme. While with Depot Music, Rory produced several other studio projects for local and regional artists.
Rory moved to Nashville in the spring of 2008. Three years later in 2011 he released his 3rd album, "Swing Expedition". On this project, he demonstrates his abilities and inventiveness on almost every instrument he plays. Tunes range from a gypsy jazz arrangement of a Star Wars Theme, a bossa nova rendition of a classic country song, to an all-harmonica treatment of a Cole Porter Standard.
Tour de Fourth, Rory's latest album, entered the world in 2016. Rather than focus on a certain style of music, this album features music that demonstrates Rory's skill and diverse interests in country, western swing, jazz, polka, latin, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and gospel music. It is a mix of original songs, and fresh arrangements of standards. Rory is proud to feature over 25 friends, all superb Nashville musicians.
Nalani
Originally from Niwot, Colorado and now based in Nashville, bassist Nalani grew up around music with excellent mentors, becoming determined to keep music in her life and has been enjoying an ever-blossoming career. As young as 12, she would sit in on band rehearsals and perform at local venues. Getting the live experience was key to her development as a musician, and so was her determination.
After traveling to Nashville for the first time and attending five-time Grammy winner Victor Wooten's Bass Nature Camp Nalani was at a pivot point in her life, and soon after was able to learn, gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from musicians such as the Wooten brothers, Marcus Miller, Rhonda Smith, Michael Manring, Steve Bailey, Anthony Wellington, the legendary Chuck Rainey, James Moody, Roy Hargrove and David Sanborn.
At Bass Nature Reunion Camp, Esperanza Spalding helped inspire Nalani to choose William Paterson University and she made the move to New Jersey. After graduating, she lived and worked in New York, performing weekly in Asbury Park in Jersey with a Latin Jazz Band, and ended up honing her skills as a solo act while living in San Angelo, Texas. In San Angelo, Nalani opened for Samantha Fish in front of a crowd of 5,000 people, and in December 2013 the Wooten Brothers invited her to be a guest on their tour bus to experience living on the road, traveling from venue to venue. The Wooten Brothers welcomed her and mentored her wholeheartedly. It was this trip that inspired Nalani to study from “the Teacha” Regi Wooten, and ultimately inspired her to move to Nashville to study under his mastery, devoting herself to music as her career.
After a short acoustic tour in the fall of 2014, Nalani quickly established herself in the Nashville music community and at various jams. She took advantage of Regi Wooten’s mentorship at every chance, and in the first couple of years of living in Nashville, got many opportunities to play in various acts of every genre. She served as musical director for various artists and started getting more high-profile gigs with artists such as Kevin Max of DC Talk. The connections Nalani made at Bass Nature Camp, Marcus Miller’s Jazz cruises, and the NAMM Show became valuable elements of her musical life. She adopted Chuck Rainey as her “Bass Godfather” and assisted at his Rhythm Intensive summer camp, where she connected with many musicians, including Bobby Vega of Tower of Power, and legendary session player, Jerry Jemmott. In 2017 Nalani was taken under the masterful wings of established players Tom Barney (Saturday night life, Steely Dan, Lion king on Broadway) and Bakithi Kumalo (bass for Paul Simon).
Nalani is a truly exciting performer and entertainer, the energy she gets from her bandmates and the crowd is both liberating and fun and is reverberated back to listeners tenfold. Nalani's style embodies and pulls from a lot of the old school stuff that makes people dance and the intensity of rock and roll, and she merges genres; jazz roots for improvisation, funk for groove, and rock for intensity and entertainment. With her background in jazz and ample experience in funk and motown, she's an electrifying and experimental performer.
Alex Murphy w/ Brian Brown & Jarren Blair
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Hailing from Chicago, Alex grew up in a family of musicians with parents who emphasized musical exploration at an early age. He grew up in an area where the arts were strongly supported and he had the support to grow his passion for Jazz, R&B, Blues, Gospel and Hip-Hop. While in Chicago Alex fell in love with Hip-Hop and its connection to Jazz. That passion led him into continued study at DePaul University in Chicago where he was under the tutelage of Ron Perrillo and Dana Hall. Alex has studied with masters Aaron Goldberg, Bill Charlap, Mark Colenburg, and Pascal LeBoeuf.
Alex’s performance portfolio continues to grow. He has performed at national staples including the Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Green Mill, Rudys Jazz Room Snug Harbor, and was featured in a master class at the Chicago Symphony with piano great Bill Charlap. He has been featured in the Chicago Jazz Festival and other jazz festivals nationally. Alex has had the opportunity to share the stage with artists Nicholas Payton, Dave Douglas, Bobby Broom, Mark Colenburg, Adonis Rose, Chester Thompson, Joel Frahm, Dezron Douglas, Pharezz Whitted, Mark Colby, and Gabrielle Cavassa. From a growing studio portfolio with jazz, pop, r&b, and hip hop artists as well as his continued pursuit of live performance, Alex is expanding his talent into the Nashville music scene collaborating with a variety of artists in many genres.
Alex’s performance portfolio continues to grow. He has performed at national staples including the Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Green Mill, Rudys Jazz Room Snug Harbor, and was featured in a master class at the Chicago Symphony with piano great Bill Charlap. He has been featured in the Chicago Jazz Festival and other jazz festivals nationally. Alex has had the opportunity to share the stage with artists Nicholas Payton, Dave Douglas, Bobby Broom, Mark Colenburg, Adonis Rose, Chester Thompson, Joel Frahm, Dezron Douglas, Pharezz Whitted, Mark Colby, and Gabrielle Cavassa. From a growing studio portfolio with jazz, pop, r&b, and hip hop artists as well as his continued pursuit of live performance, Alex is expanding his talent into the Nashville music scene collaborating with a variety of artists in many genres.