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 Ted Ludwig Quartet
5:30pm-7:15pm, $15 in advance, $18 at the door
Acclaimed seven-string jazz guitarist Ted Ludwig with Jon Cowherd on piano, Craig Akin on bass and Josh Hunt on drums.
"Ludwig’s jazz is a carefully distilled product, like the finest Gin. He is rhythmically and metrically perfect. He is the definition of swing." - All About Jazz Magazine
"Ludwig has a soulful melodic style with a great harmonic palate and he can flat burn up the fingerboard with mindboggling technique!" - JAZZIZ magazine
"Ted Ludwig is one superb jazz guitarist. His fluid heartfelt melodic style coupled with a strong harmonic sophistication has made him a compelling and impressive jazz musician. As Ludwig’s fingers caress and dance across his 7-string guitar, the New Orleans native delivers a passion and precision that is jazz guitar playing at its most engaging and accessible best" - Offbeat Magazine, 2013
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.
"Ludwig’s jazz is a carefully distilled product, like the finest Gin. He is rhythmically and metrically perfect. He is the definition of swing." - All About Jazz Magazine
"Ludwig has a soulful melodic style with a great harmonic palate and he can flat burn up the fingerboard with mindboggling technique!" - JAZZIZ magazine
"Ted Ludwig is one superb jazz guitarist. His fluid heartfelt melodic style coupled with a strong harmonic sophistication has made him a compelling and impressive jazz musician. As Ludwig’s fingers caress and dance across his 7-string guitar, the New Orleans native delivers a passion and precision that is jazz guitar playing at its most engaging and accessible best" - Offbeat Magazine, 2013
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.
Ari and Cecil Alexander Quartet
8:00pm-10:15pm, $23 at the door
Cecil and Ari Alexander perform a selection of originals, classics and Great American songbook compositions all arranged specifically for quartet and reimagined for an intimate yet highly energetic and swinging night of music.
Hailing from Muskegon, MI, Cecil Alexander is an accomplished guitarist, composer, and arranger. Cecil was the 1st place winner of the 2017 Wilson Center Jazz Guitar Competition and the 2018 Lee Ritenour Six String Theory Competition. In 2019, Cecil was one of 3 finalists in the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition. Cecil has recorded/performed with Bill Charlap, Antonio Hart, Lee Pearson, Luis Perdomo, Nathan East, and Steve LaSpina. Some of his greatest influences include Jimi Hendrix, Thurston Moore, Grant Green, John Coltrane, Omar Rodriguez Lopez, and Frank Zappa. As of Fall 2021, Cecil started a teaching position at Berklee College of Music as Assistant Professor of Guitar. Further, he was recently signed to Heartcore Records, a Berlin-based label founded by legendary guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. Cecil’s debut album with Heartcore , Introducing Cecil Alexander, was released September 23rd, 2022. Most recently, Cecil has begun playing in the touring band of Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott).
Holding a Scandinavian sensitivity to an American tradition, Danish-American Ari Alexander is as equally a jazz musician as she is a singer-songwriter. She was inspired to pursue jazz after learning of her vibrant musical family, including her grandmother and great-aunt, jazz vocalist Teddi King. A Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory graduate, Ari produced her album "Muse" with her band Visen in 2022, followed by "Duos," a collection of guitar and voice duets with Cecil, in 2023.
Hailing from Muskegon, MI, Cecil Alexander is an accomplished guitarist, composer, and arranger. Cecil was the 1st place winner of the 2017 Wilson Center Jazz Guitar Competition and the 2018 Lee Ritenour Six String Theory Competition. In 2019, Cecil was one of 3 finalists in the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition. Cecil has recorded/performed with Bill Charlap, Antonio Hart, Lee Pearson, Luis Perdomo, Nathan East, and Steve LaSpina. Some of his greatest influences include Jimi Hendrix, Thurston Moore, Grant Green, John Coltrane, Omar Rodriguez Lopez, and Frank Zappa. As of Fall 2021, Cecil started a teaching position at Berklee College of Music as Assistant Professor of Guitar. Further, he was recently signed to Heartcore Records, a Berlin-based label founded by legendary guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. Cecil’s debut album with Heartcore , Introducing Cecil Alexander, was released September 23rd, 2022. Most recently, Cecil has begun playing in the touring band of Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott).
Holding a Scandinavian sensitivity to an American tradition, Danish-American Ari Alexander is as equally a jazz musician as she is a singer-songwriter. She was inspired to pursue jazz after learning of her vibrant musical family, including her grandmother and great-aunt, jazz vocalist Teddi King. A Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory graduate, Ari produced her album "Muse" with her band Visen in 2022, followed by "Duos," a collection of guitar and voice duets with Cecil, in 2023.
Jonathan Wires Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am, $10 at the door
A stellar lineup with Jonathan Wires on bass, Steve Pardo on saxophone, Adam Davis on guitar, Matt Endahl on piano and Mark Raudabaugh on drums.
Bassist, composer, and educator Jonathan Wires is originally from New Hampshire, and received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Memphis. In 2011, he pursued a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies from Middle Tennessee State University, which brought him to Nashville, TN. In addition to performing and composing, Jonathan has been an active educator at both Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Nashville State Community College. Under Jeff Coffin's Ear Up label, Jonathan released his first recording entitled "Weaving" which features Jeff Coffin, Matt Endahl, and Joshua Hunt with guest appearances by Lindsey Miller, Don Aliquo, James Westfall, and Jamey Simmons.
Bassist, composer, and educator Jonathan Wires is originally from New Hampshire, and received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Memphis. In 2011, he pursued a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies from Middle Tennessee State University, which brought him to Nashville, TN. In addition to performing and composing, Jonathan has been an active educator at both Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Nashville State Community College. Under Jeff Coffin's Ear Up label, Jonathan released his first recording entitled "Weaving" which features Jeff Coffin, Matt Endahl, and Joshua Hunt with guest appearances by Lindsey Miller, Don Aliquo, James Westfall, and Jamey Simmons.
UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Apr 26
Bruce Dudley Quartet feat. Vinéecia Buchanan
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $15 at the door
Pianist Bruce Dudley leads a stellar quartet featuring vocalist Vinéecia Buchanan, with Ian Nussdorfer on bass and Marc Widenhofer on drums.
Bruce Dudley is a Steinway Concert Artist and has been performing jazz piano for over 40 years on concert stages, in clubs, and private residences throughout North and South America. He specializes in the Great American Songbook, as well as in the rich history of American jazz styles, from Ragtime and Stride to Modernism, Post Modernism, and performance of original music. In addition to his work as a solo artist, he leads a trio, quartet, and larger ensembles, with horns and/or strings, while also enlisting the award winning voice of his wife, Sandra Dudley. An active educator, Dudley has presented clinics across Canada, the United States, and in Colombia, South America. His recordings as a leader include DPSW Quartet - Live at the Cave (2019), The Solo Sessions (2012), Mostly Monk (2010), and Semblance (1997). Dudley has also performed with artists Aretha Franklin, Crystal Gayle, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Herb Ellis, Randy Brecker, Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Ink Spots, and has played keyboards for over 35 touring Broadway shows, including Beautiful, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Guys and Dolls, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, among others. Bruce Dudley has published articles for Downbeat magazine and presented scholarly research at conferences in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. His book 25 Piano Etudes in Idiomatic Styles was published in 2021 by Keuka Waters Music. Dudley is Associate Professor of Music at Belmont University. He has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Colorado, a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Business and Technology from New York University.
"As the leader, Dudley set the evening’s tone with a supple, rich blend of assertive melodic statements, delightful accompaniment, first-rate phrasing, counterpoint and harmonizing." Ron Wynn - ArtsNash
"Dudley, whose fluent lines jet around the keyboard, absorbing motifs into the stream, without a split second of hesitation, at any point of rhythm in the bar, are stunning to listen to…" HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD
"Dudley plays the piano with such grace and authority that he has quietly become the pianists that other pianists go to hear." HOUSTON POST
Vinéecia Buchanan is an adjunct instructor of jazz voice at Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music. Her multi-genre vocal expertise is influenced by her love and study of gospel, R&B, classical music, musical theater, and jazz. Buchanan had the privilege of studying with Dr. Steve Zegree, Ly Wilder, and Duane Davis, and also sang in the Downbeat Award-winning IU Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Buchanan has shared the stage with The Manhattan Transfer’s Janis Siegel, Darmon Meader of the New York Voices, Bobby McFerrin, Ben Folds, and Foreigner. Since 2018, she has been a member and featured soloist in the Nashville Symphony Chorus. Buchanan is also the alto section leader at Westminster Presbyterian Church and in the fall is excited to begin her first season as a chorus member in the Nashville Opera and be a featured soloist with the Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra.
Vinéecia Buchanan received degrees from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with a Bachelor of Science in Voice and Vocal Pedagogy and a Master in Jazz Studies. When not singing or teaching, you might find her very occasionally playing a clarinet etude, knitting, or watching nature documentaries.
Bruce Dudley is a Steinway Concert Artist and has been performing jazz piano for over 40 years on concert stages, in clubs, and private residences throughout North and South America. He specializes in the Great American Songbook, as well as in the rich history of American jazz styles, from Ragtime and Stride to Modernism, Post Modernism, and performance of original music. In addition to his work as a solo artist, he leads a trio, quartet, and larger ensembles, with horns and/or strings, while also enlisting the award winning voice of his wife, Sandra Dudley. An active educator, Dudley has presented clinics across Canada, the United States, and in Colombia, South America. His recordings as a leader include DPSW Quartet - Live at the Cave (2019), The Solo Sessions (2012), Mostly Monk (2010), and Semblance (1997). Dudley has also performed with artists Aretha Franklin, Crystal Gayle, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Herb Ellis, Randy Brecker, Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Ink Spots, and has played keyboards for over 35 touring Broadway shows, including Beautiful, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Guys and Dolls, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, among others. Bruce Dudley has published articles for Downbeat magazine and presented scholarly research at conferences in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. His book 25 Piano Etudes in Idiomatic Styles was published in 2021 by Keuka Waters Music. Dudley is Associate Professor of Music at Belmont University. He has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Colorado, a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Business and Technology from New York University.
"As the leader, Dudley set the evening’s tone with a supple, rich blend of assertive melodic statements, delightful accompaniment, first-rate phrasing, counterpoint and harmonizing." Ron Wynn - ArtsNash
"Dudley, whose fluent lines jet around the keyboard, absorbing motifs into the stream, without a split second of hesitation, at any point of rhythm in the bar, are stunning to listen to…" HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD
"Dudley plays the piano with such grace and authority that he has quietly become the pianists that other pianists go to hear." HOUSTON POST
Vinéecia Buchanan is an adjunct instructor of jazz voice at Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music. Her multi-genre vocal expertise is influenced by her love and study of gospel, R&B, classical music, musical theater, and jazz. Buchanan had the privilege of studying with Dr. Steve Zegree, Ly Wilder, and Duane Davis, and also sang in the Downbeat Award-winning IU Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Buchanan has shared the stage with The Manhattan Transfer’s Janis Siegel, Darmon Meader of the New York Voices, Bobby McFerrin, Ben Folds, and Foreigner. Since 2018, she has been a member and featured soloist in the Nashville Symphony Chorus. Buchanan is also the alto section leader at Westminster Presbyterian Church and in the fall is excited to begin her first season as a chorus member in the Nashville Opera and be a featured soloist with the Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra.
Vinéecia Buchanan received degrees from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with a Bachelor of Science in Voice and Vocal Pedagogy and a Master in Jazz Studies. When not singing or teaching, you might find her very occasionally playing a clarinet etude, knitting, or watching nature documentaries.
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 27
David Ian Trio
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Born in Toronto, Canada to Armenian immigrant parents, David Ian (aka Dave Ghazarian) came early to music, beginning classical piano study at age five. As a teenager, he began to passionately pursue electric guitar where garage bands and rock music became his mainstay throughout his adolescent years. His early Jazz influence and guidance came from Pat Pace in Akron, Ohio where he also studied with various private classical instructors from the University of Akron.
After graduating college from The Ohio State University, he moved to Chicago where he became guitarist and co-founding member of the rock band Superchick, which earned a Grammy nomination in 2009. He spent 20 years as a touring guitarist with Superchick and other Grammy Award winning artists including Rebecca St. James, Peter Furler, and Audio Adrenaline.
David Ian has released a series of “Vintage Christmas” albums starting in 2011 with notable inspiration from Vince Guaraldi and Bill Evans.
"..a postmodern Vince Guaraldi" — The Wall Street Journal
In the spirit of these recordings and his unique collision of musical endeavors, he brings his influences to a live set of Standards largely from the Great American Songbook with his piano trio.
David Ian - Piano
Blake Branch - Upright Bass
Sean McDonald - Drums
After graduating college from The Ohio State University, he moved to Chicago where he became guitarist and co-founding member of the rock band Superchick, which earned a Grammy nomination in 2009. He spent 20 years as a touring guitarist with Superchick and other Grammy Award winning artists including Rebecca St. James, Peter Furler, and Audio Adrenaline.
David Ian has released a series of “Vintage Christmas” albums starting in 2011 with notable inspiration from Vince Guaraldi and Bill Evans.
"..a postmodern Vince Guaraldi" — The Wall Street Journal
In the spirit of these recordings and his unique collision of musical endeavors, he brings his influences to a live set of Standards largely from the Great American Songbook with his piano trio.
David Ian - Piano
Blake Branch - Upright Bass
Sean McDonald - 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 29
Lanzetti, Seal, Krauss & Raudabaugh
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $15 at the door
Bob Lanzetti is a Charleston, SC based professional guitarist, composer, producer, and educator. Formerly a Brooklyn, NY resident, Bob has performed and recorded with many artists throughout the NYC area as well as played in over 40 countries with the multi GRAMMY Award Winning jazz/funk collective, Snarky Puppy. In addition to Snarky Puppy, Bob has performed and recorded with many artists including Tommy Sims, Jerry Granelli, Brad Shepik, Jeff Coffin, Bokanté, Becca Stevens, Cory Henry, Ghost-Note (Robert “Sput” Searight/Nate Werth), Bilal, Banda Magda, and many more.
Eclectic composer/bassist Viktor Krauss has been a presence in Nashville Tennessee since 1992 with over 600 album credits as either a bassist, composer/songwriter, or producer. On tour, Viktor has been heard and seen with Lyle Lovett's Large Band from 1994-2022. 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 Krauss’ career have included James Taylor, Tom Jones, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow, Carly Simon and Jerry Douglas. 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. From 2022-2024, Viktor joined Robert Plant and Alison Krauss as a multi-instrumentalist (electric guitar, piano) on the “Raise the Roof” tour.
Mike Seal is a two-time Grammy-nominated guitarist whose playing lives at the crossroads of jazz, blues, rock and Americana. Known for a distinctive fingerstyle approach, his signature touch has earned him deep admiration among peers and listeners alike, establishing him as an articulate and harmonically rich improviser with a unique voice. His career spans an impressively wide musical landscape, from the high-octane explorations of the Jeff Sipe Trio and the Jeff Coffin Mu'tet, to extensive work on the Americana and roots circuit playing with luminaries like Jerry Douglas, John Hiatt, Sierra Hull, Viktor Krauss and Larkin Poe. After joining Douglas’s band in 2016, Seal contributed to the Grammy-nominated What If (2017) and later to Leftover Feelings (2021), Douglas’s collaboration with John Hiatt, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album.
Nashville based drummer, Mark Raudabaugh, is a versatile and skilled musician who stays busy touring and recording. Mark has worked with Sierra Hull, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Coffin, Marcus King, Oliver Wood, Lee Fields, Nigel Hall, Lindsay Lou, Eddie Barbash, John Mailander, Seth Walker, Grant Green Jr., Kevin Scott, Kristina Train, Roosevelt Collier, Jimmy Hall, Jennifer Hartswick, Charles Walker and The Dynamites, Papa Mali, Bobby Lee Rodgers and The CodeTalkers, and many more. He has also had the honor to sit in with Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Zac Brown, Robert Randolph, Sam Bush, Keller Williams, Anders Osborne, Ketch Secor (Old Crown Medicine Show), Steve Kimock, Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), and many more. Mark began playing drums while living in England during the early 90’s. After moving back to the States, he attended Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL where he was involved in both the marching and jazz bands. He later received a jazz scholarship to Florida State University where he studied under Leon Anderson Jr. During that time, he had the opportunity to perform with Wyclef Gordon, Ellis Marsalis, and Manuel Valera to name a few. Since graduating from FSU, Mark has toured throughout the US, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Bangladesh. When not on the road, Mark stays busy gigging/recording throughout the Southeast area.
Eclectic composer/bassist Viktor Krauss has been a presence in Nashville Tennessee since 1992 with over 600 album credits as either a bassist, composer/songwriter, or producer. On tour, Viktor has been heard and seen with Lyle Lovett's Large Band from 1994-2022. 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 Krauss’ career have included James Taylor, Tom Jones, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow, Carly Simon and Jerry Douglas. 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. From 2022-2024, Viktor joined Robert Plant and Alison Krauss as a multi-instrumentalist (electric guitar, piano) on the “Raise the Roof” tour.
Mike Seal is a two-time Grammy-nominated guitarist whose playing lives at the crossroads of jazz, blues, rock and Americana. Known for a distinctive fingerstyle approach, his signature touch has earned him deep admiration among peers and listeners alike, establishing him as an articulate and harmonically rich improviser with a unique voice. His career spans an impressively wide musical landscape, from the high-octane explorations of the Jeff Sipe Trio and the Jeff Coffin Mu'tet, to extensive work on the Americana and roots circuit playing with luminaries like Jerry Douglas, John Hiatt, Sierra Hull, Viktor Krauss and Larkin Poe. After joining Douglas’s band in 2016, Seal contributed to the Grammy-nominated What If (2017) and later to Leftover Feelings (2021), Douglas’s collaboration with John Hiatt, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album.
Nashville based drummer, Mark Raudabaugh, is a versatile and skilled musician who stays busy touring and recording. Mark has worked with Sierra Hull, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Bernard Purdie, Jeff Coffin, Marcus King, Oliver Wood, Lee Fields, Nigel Hall, Lindsay Lou, Eddie Barbash, John Mailander, Seth Walker, Grant Green Jr., Kevin Scott, Kristina Train, Roosevelt Collier, Jimmy Hall, Jennifer Hartswick, Charles Walker and The Dynamites, Papa Mali, Bobby Lee Rodgers and The CodeTalkers, and many more. He has also had the honor to sit in with Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Zac Brown, Robert Randolph, Sam Bush, Keller Williams, Anders Osborne, Ketch Secor (Old Crown Medicine Show), Steve Kimock, Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), and many more. Mark began playing drums while living in England during the early 90’s. After moving back to the States, he attended Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL where he was involved in both the marching and jazz bands. He later received a jazz scholarship to Florida State University where he studied under Leon Anderson Jr. During that time, he had the opportunity to perform with Wyclef Gordon, Ellis Marsalis, and Manuel Valera to name a few. Since graduating from FSU, Mark has toured throughout the US, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Bangladesh. When not on the road, Mark stays busy gigging/recording throughout the Southeast area.
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!
Apr 30
Hot Club Happy Hour - Gypsy Jazz Thursdays
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $14 at the door
Every Thursday we honor our New Orleans and French roots and Rudy’s comes alive with a variety of small groups in the style of gypsy jazz swing. We bring you music inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with "Hot Club" gypsy jazz swing. Known for fierce tempos and effortless improvisation, our Hot Club Gypsy Thursdays are sure to entertain, inspire, and bring you back to some authentic "jazz manouche" with groups either led or curated by New Orleans LA native Brook Sutton.
There’s no better place to chill, cozy up and relax after work. Imbibe French Quarter inspired cocktails or a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and enjoy some gumbo and beignets, while listening to the rhythm and mood of hot club jazz in Nashville’s most intimate and romantic room.
There’s no better place to chill, cozy up and relax after work. Imbibe French Quarter inspired cocktails or a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and enjoy some gumbo and beignets, while listening to the rhythm and mood of hot club jazz in Nashville’s most intimate and romantic room.
Melvin Macias Afro-Cuban Jazz Quintet
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $16 in advance, $18 at the door
Pianist and Composer Melvin Macias brings his Afro-Cuban Jazz Quintet to Rudy's Jazz Room for a high-energy evening of Caribbean rhythms and improvisation. Melvin will feature his original compositions and arrangements blending the sounds of his Cuban heritage with Jazz. From Puertorican Plenas to Jazz Ballads to Brazilian Partido Alto, this will be a night of Latin Jazz explosion.
Melvin Macias was born in Havana, Cuba. He initiated his piano studies at the young age of 6 at the prestigious conservatory in Havana, Manuel Saumell. Melvin studied classical piano until the age of 18 although at the age of 15 he joined his Middle School Jazz Band and continued to study Jazz in High School. He attended Florida International University where he studied Jazz performance. During this time he began to tour with different bands and famous artists from Latin America. One of these artists was the world renowned singer and composer from Mexico Juan Gabriel. Throughout his career as musical director, he worked at the Miracle Mile Theater in Miami and the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. In 2015 he recorded an album called Reflections of Time, with all original compositions. In 2018, Melvin made Nashville his new home and has worked with local artists as well as performers who visit Nashville. He has his own 9 piece Salsa Band named Nashville Latin Fusion in which he plays piano and sings. Recently, Melvin was able to gather a group of very talented, versatile musicians and formed his Afro-Cuban Jazz quintet.
Melvin Macias on piano
Bryan Meggison on sax
Walter Rodriguez on drums
Yosvany Cordero on congas
Marlon Randy on bass
Melvin Macias was born in Havana, Cuba. He initiated his piano studies at the young age of 6 at the prestigious conservatory in Havana, Manuel Saumell. Melvin studied classical piano until the age of 18 although at the age of 15 he joined his Middle School Jazz Band and continued to study Jazz in High School. He attended Florida International University where he studied Jazz performance. During this time he began to tour with different bands and famous artists from Latin America. One of these artists was the world renowned singer and composer from Mexico Juan Gabriel. Throughout his career as musical director, he worked at the Miracle Mile Theater in Miami and the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. In 2015 he recorded an album called Reflections of Time, with all original compositions. In 2018, Melvin made Nashville his new home and has worked with local artists as well as performers who visit Nashville. He has his own 9 piece Salsa Band named Nashville Latin Fusion in which he plays piano and sings. Recently, Melvin was able to gather a group of very talented, versatile musicians and formed his Afro-Cuban Jazz quintet.
Melvin Macias on piano
Bryan Meggison on sax
Walter Rodriguez on drums
Yosvany Cordero on congas
Marlon Randy on bass
May 1
Private Event
5:30pm-7:15pm central
Rudy's will be closed for a private event
Dave Potter & Retro Groove
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $21 in advance, $22 at the door
Renowned drummer Dave Potter will take you on a nostalgic groove down memory lane, celebrating your favorite 1980’s hits with music from his recently released album, Retro Groove 2. Potter performs the most tastefully arranged jazz renditions of popular 80’s classic from artists including Whitney Houston, The Doobie Brothers, Paula Abdul, Toto, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Rush, Anita Baker and more. A native of North Carolina, Dave began performing with many of his elders in the RDU area at the age of 16. After relocating to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University, Dave quickly sought out Marcus Roberts as a musical mentor, an important relationship that endures today. Dave honed his skills for more than 10 years with Jason Marsalis and has performed with Roberts, Ellis Marsalis, Marcus Printup, Russell Gunn, Takana Miyamoto, Greg Tardy and many others.
Dave Potter- drums
Miguel Alvarado - saxophones
Angelo Versace - piano
Rob "El Tón" Linton - bass
Dave Potter- drums
Miguel Alvarado - saxophones
Angelo Versace - piano
Rob "El Tón" Linton - bass
Jacob Jezioro Quartet w/ Griffin Photoglo, Dan Hitchcock & Don Aliquo
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Bassist Jacob Jezioro leads a stellar group presenting an evening of inventive, eclectic jazz with saxophonist Dan Hitchcock, saxophonist Don Aliquo and drummer Griffin Photoglo.
Jacob Jezioro began studying music with intention at age fourteen. His father an established Nashville bassist, guitarist and producer was his first teacher. Jacob later attended Indiana University, where his mentors were bassists Jeremy Allen and Kurt Muroki. After completing his masters degree at Berklee, Jacob performed with pianist Danilo Perez in Panama and Costa Rica and taught jazz students at the Newport Jazz Festival, Panama Jazz Festival and FiJazz Festival. Since his return to Nashville in 2019, Jacob has performed live with his own bands and records and performs regularly with pianist Pat Coil. Coil’s trio has recorded with guest artists such as vocalist Jaimee Paul and saxophonist Joel Frahm. Jacob has also begun producing his own projects under his label, Green Box Music, and releasing them in collaboration with Burton Avenue Music, Jacob’s father’s label.
Jacob Jezioro began studying music with intention at age fourteen. His father an established Nashville bassist, guitarist and producer was his first teacher. Jacob later attended Indiana University, where his mentors were bassists Jeremy Allen and Kurt Muroki. After completing his masters degree at Berklee, Jacob performed with pianist Danilo Perez in Panama and Costa Rica and taught jazz students at the Newport Jazz Festival, Panama Jazz Festival and FiJazz Festival. Since his return to Nashville in 2019, Jacob has performed live with his own bands and records and performs regularly with pianist Pat Coil. Coil’s trio has recorded with guest artists such as vocalist Jaimee Paul and saxophonist Joel Frahm. Jacob has also begun producing his own projects under his label, Green Box Music, and releasing them in collaboration with Burton Avenue Music, Jacob’s father’s label.
May 2
"Some Enchanted Evening" with Jaimee Paul & the Richard Rogers Songbook
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $16 in advance, $18 at the door
Jaimee Paul, jazz vocalist, along with trumpeter husband, Leif Shires, will be showcasing Jaimee’s latest album, “The Richard Rogers Songbook”. Along side some of Nashville’s finest musicians, Jacob Jezioro on bass, Ryan Brasley on drums and Mason Embry on piano, you’ll be swept away to the golden era of Broadway and Jazz, while having “Some Enchanted Evening”.
Raised in Southern Illinois, steeped in the church choir, vocalist Jaimee Paul was influenced by Gospel and Blues, cultivating a special place in her heart for jazz. She left her home town for Nashville, TN to study music business at highly acclaimed Belmont University. After graduation Jaimee quickly found work at various record labels handling marketing and radio promotion, and simultaneously she began working part time as a studio session singer. Jaimee's talent was quickly recognized, and soon she began touring as background vocalist with country superstar Wynonna, The Judd's and most recently, pop sensation, Kelly Clarkson.
In 2008 Green Hill Music signed Jaimee as their first female vocalist, and her debut record, "At Last", reached #1 on the iTunes Jazz charts. Several albums have followed, placing in the Top 10, including "Bonded": a tribute record to the 50 years of the James Bond film series, produced by multi-Grammy award winning producer, Michael Omartian. Her devotional hymns record, "Hear My Prayer" garnered a Dove award nomination for Best Inspirational Album in 2013.
Raised in Southern Illinois, steeped in the church choir, vocalist Jaimee Paul was influenced by Gospel and Blues, cultivating a special place in her heart for jazz. She left her home town for Nashville, TN to study music business at highly acclaimed Belmont University. After graduation Jaimee quickly found work at various record labels handling marketing and radio promotion, and simultaneously she began working part time as a studio session singer. Jaimee's talent was quickly recognized, and soon she began touring as background vocalist with country superstar Wynonna, The Judd's and most recently, pop sensation, Kelly Clarkson.
In 2008 Green Hill Music signed Jaimee as their first female vocalist, and her debut record, "At Last", reached #1 on the iTunes Jazz charts. Several albums have followed, placing in the Top 10, including "Bonded": a tribute record to the 50 years of the James Bond film series, produced by multi-Grammy award winning producer, Michael Omartian. Her devotional hymns record, "Hear My Prayer" garnered a Dove award nomination for Best Inspirational Album in 2013.
Dave Potter & Retro Groove
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $21 in advance, $22 at the door
Renowned drummer Dave Potter will take you on a nostalgic groove down memory lane, celebrating your favorite 1980’s hits with music from his recently released album, Retro Groove 2. Potter performs the most tastefully arranged jazz renditions of popular 80’s classic from artists including Whitney Houston, The Doobie Brothers, Paula Abdul, Toto, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Rush, Anita Baker and more. A native of North Carolina, Dave began performing with many of his elders in the RDU area at the age of 16. After relocating to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University, Dave quickly sought out Marcus Roberts as a musical mentor, an important relationship that endures today. Dave honed his skills for more than 10 years with Jason Marsalis and has performed with Roberts, Ellis Marsalis, Marcus Printup, Russell Gunn, Takana Miyamoto, Greg Tardy and many others.
Dave Potter- drums
Miguel Alvarado - saxophones
Angelo Versace - piano
Rob "El Tón" Linton - bass
Dave Potter- drums
Miguel Alvarado - saxophones
Angelo Versace - piano
Rob "El Tón" Linton - bass
Legend Meets Brilliance feat. Don Aliquo & Marc Payne
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Don Aliquo is a celebrated jazz artist in the greater Nashville area. Active for over two decades, he is a respected saxophonist, composer, recording artist, and educator. Pianist, Marc Payne, a Nashville native, is among a handful of young artists whose brilliance inspires and fuels the area's thriving jazz scene. Together they meet to brandish their "no holds barred" approach to the music. Get ready for an explosive night of sound as two of Nashville's jazz titans collide! Together, this dynamic duo is set to unleash their "no holds barred" approach to music, promising an evening of raw energy, spontaneous improvisation, and modernistic genres with one foot in tradition and the other in the future. Experience the thrilling sound that fuels Nashville's vibrant jazz scene!