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
Jody Nardone Trio
5:30pm-7:15pm, $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
Don Aliquo Quartet w/ Jon Cowherd, Jack Aylor & Ryan Brassley
8:00pm-10:15pm, $20 at the door
Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk...with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing”.

“Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight originals are both complex and open, which shows him expanding his boundaries not only as an instrumentalist and improviser, but also as a composer. The music is an electrifying modern outing with one foot in the future and one in the tradition.

Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd “Sun and Shield” features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire.

Notable collaborations include a duo recording with eclectic pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and quartet recordings with Roger Humphries and the late Beegie Adair. He also has recorded with his mentor, notable Pittsburgh tenor stalwart, Don Aliquo Sr. on the MCG label.

Don has performed in concerts and recordings with many world-class artists including Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Rufus Reid, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Adam Nussbaum, Donald Brown, Pete Christlieb, Scott Robinson, and Bobby Shew.

Don is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.

He has played or recorded with many notable artists including Rufus Reid, Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Jim McNeely and Obed Calvaire. Don has been described as a "fluid and articulate player with a flow of always surprising ideas complete with a dexterous technique and an incredibly smooth tenor sound." His most recent cd release (The Innocence of Spring) was recorded live with pianist Michael Jefry Stevens at Hinton Hall on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University where Aliquo is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies.

Rounding out the rhythm section is pianist Jon Cowherd, Jack Aylor on bass and Ryan Brassley on drums.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am, $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.


UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Apr 12
Wendy Burns "Little Jazz Bird" a tribute to "Blossom Dearie"
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $18 at the door
If you haven’t been to a Wendy Burns jazz show yet, you will want to be there for another one of her very special productions full of happy songs to lift your heart. With All Star band , Todd Parks , Chester Thompson, and Melvin Macias at we perform the iconic songs and musical arrangements of Blossom Dearie.

Blossom Dearie(1924–2009) was an American jazz singer and pianist known for her distinctively light, girlish voice and sophisticated bebop piano style. A fixture in New York and London supper clubs, she gained popularity in the 1950s/60s, later founding her own labelDaffodil Records, and contributing to Schoolhouse. In her early career she sang with Woody Herman and the Blue Flames-1940’s. A carefully crafted setlist of her collaborations with Johnny Mercer and Miles Davis are song of the songs you will hear.

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. Her set list includes songs from the "Great American Songbook", jazz standards, and a number of her fabulous original pieces that reminisce of cherished jazz classics you've never heard. Wendy's influences are Judy Garland, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, The Andrew Sisters, and Helen Forrest, to name a few. You will also hear some of her original tunes in vaudeville fashion featuring "Grover" her ukulele.

"She expertly delivers jazz vocals in traditional speakeasy style and displays her exceptional talent on flute as well. She does an excellent job, a true entertainer, she holds her audience and has them laughing with her patter between songs." - Gary Cobb, Nashville Tn

"When singing the classics, I’ve always tried to sing the melodies as close to the original version as possible. I feel you can get closest to the composer's feelings by doing that and by staying within it that realm. To think that someone in a time long ago did their best to put their feelings and words of love on a sheet of paper so that generations ahead would hear it just as it was written is a golden key to a door of a time before. Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic and madly in love with the idea of living back in that time." - Wendy Burns
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.
Apr 13
Christine Parri
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $15 at the door
Australian powerhouse vocalist Christine Parri relocated to Nashville in 2009. She honed her skills as a teenager in Perth, Western Australia, performing with national touring bands and as a solo artist before moving on to study under world-renowned vocal instructors in Los Angeles. Since then, she has performed with and opened up for many legendary artists around the world such as Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. She further developed her musical identity, performing across the U.S. in blues and jazz meccas.

Her songwriting style is rooted in blues music, but there's no mistaking her pop sensibility and love for jazz, R&B and soul music. All of which informed her unique blend of influences. Her original song “Stomp Clap” was featured in the CW Network’s primetime program "No Tomorrow", and the Fox Network's "Dirty Little Secrets".

Christine’s versatile songwriting and powerful vocal performances are front and center. Her voice brings to mind timeless artists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones, Chaka Khan, and Bonnie Raitt.

Her past performances at Rudy’s Jazz Room have drawn in sold out crowds and she continues to build her growing fan base here in Music City.
12 Manos feat. Melvin Macias
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
A Nashville favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene and electric night of Salsa dancing! Cuban born pianist and Composer Melvin Macias plays the sounds of salsa, bachata and percussion-driven rhythms with some of the most seasoned veterans in the Nashville Latin music scene. 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.
Apr 15
Bizz Bigsby
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $17 at the door
Join Wendell "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.

For Bizz, music has been a lifeline—a source of expression and strength through a childhood marked by tragedy and hardship. Born in North Nashville, Bizz was raised by his grandmother and her sisters, with his father - a successful musician who performed with legends like Little Richard — remaining a distant yet profound influence. Tragically, Bizz witnessed his mother being shot at age four, setting the stage for a tumultuous life that has included overcoming a lifelong battle with addiction, surviving cancer, and several near-death experiences. From an early age, music became his guiding light, and these struggles explain his unique style as a songwriter and performer.

The striking way in which he blends the soul and R&B legacy of North Nashville’s Jefferson Street with the story-telling traditions of country and blues creates a new sound that can best be described as "Urban Americana", drawing listeners in with its raw emotion and authenticity. Today, Bizz is an accomplished artist, entertainer, and songwriter, whose music is influenced by everyone from Sam Cooke to George Jones to James Taylor.

Bigsby 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 dad’s show, the lead singer got sick, and his dad asked Bizz to fill in for two nights. Those two shows turned into five years, opening for such artists as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Little Richard. This experience on stage helped shape Bizz's musical career and introduced him to a life on the road, performing in front of massive crowds.

Bigsby has found his unique voice as a songwriter since overcoming his battle with cocaine and alcohol addiction twelve years ago, and his music tells the story of his journey with at times brutal honesty. And yet, ultimately, he inspires with his message of hope and faith, leaving the listener feeling positive and inspired by the possibility of redemption.
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!
Apr 16
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.
Rougarou 6-Piece New Orleans Brass Band
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 in advance, $17 at the door
The French Quarter landed in the Gulch and it's a party on the 1st & 3rd Thursday every month 9pm at Rudy's with the Rougarou 6-piece New Orleans brass band! Nashville's only dedicated brass band night for New Orleans music. The six-piece Rougarou Brass Band, led by Louisianian Brook Sutton on bass and New Orleans native Chris Walters on piano, and featuring some of the top brass and musicians in Nashville including Roy Agee on trombone, Andrew Carney on trumpet, Chris West on saxophone and Josh Hunt on drums, bringing a mix of traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras brass music and New Orleans funk, staples and favorites, drawing on influences such as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Meters, Preservation Hall, Rebirth Brass Band, Dr. John, etc. This group will have you bopping in your seats, or on your feet!

Freezer Sazerac drink specials, red beans and rice, gumbo and shrimp po-boys and other New Orleans fare! Service industry workers show any documentation or evidence online of your employer at the door for our 1/2 price SIN door ticket discount and 1/2 price draft beer!
Apr 17
Tribute to Lee Konitz & Warne Marsh Presented by Don Aliquo
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 in advance, $18 at the door
In the late 1940s, two saxophonists quietly reshaped modern jazz. Lee Konitz (alto) and Warne Marsh (tenor) emerged from the legendary Lennie Tristano circle with a sound that was cool, lyrical, and daringly original. Instead of flash, they favored long, flowing melodic lines. Instead of cutting contests, they created intricate two-horn conversations — weaving around each other with elegance, subtle swing, and remarkable spontaneity.

Konitz, a key voice on Miles Davis’s landmark Birth of the Cool sessions, sustained a creative career for more than seven decades. Marsh became a musician’s musician — revered for his harmonic depth, fearless improvisation, and unmistakable tenor voice. Together, they helped define a sophisticated yet deeply expressive approach to jazz that still feels fresh today.

This tribute is led by acclaimed saxophonist Don Aliquo, praised for his “unfailing feel for breath and phrasing” and expressive, focused improvisations. A prolific recording artist and Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at MTSU, Aliquo brings both deep respect for the tradition and a modern spark to this music.

Joining him are Dan Hitchcock (saxophone), Bruce Dudley (piano), Jack Aylor (bass), and Ryan Brasley (drums) — a stellar ensemble poised to capture the elegant counterpoint, subtle swing, and spontaneous creativity that defined Konitz and Marsh.

Whether you’re a longtime jazz devotee or simply looking for a memorable evening of world-class live music, this early Friday performance offers beauty, interaction, and the timeless thrill of great improvisation. Ease into the weekend, settle in for dinner and drinks, and let the music carry you into the night.
Stephanie Adlington
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $22 in advance, $23 at the door
Stephanie Adlington, otherwise known as, "The Siren Of The South", is an Award Winning singer, songwriter, and vocal coach. Born and raised in Grafton, WV, Miss Stephanie is a graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London, England, and also attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and (pre-college) Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. While in London, Stephanie recorded with the folk-rock band Renaissance, which produced three critically acclaimed international albums.

“Her take on the great American songbook is unrivaled. Her sound stood up well when played next to iconic artists such as Ella Fitzgerald. Do yourself a favor and get to know and appreciate this ascendant music star” Leslie Stoval - NPR San Fransisco

Miss Stephanie has received many recent accolades, including the 2018 & 2020 Nashville Industry Music Awards for “Best Jazz Vocalist”, and 2021 Josie Award for “Best Jazz/Blues Vocalist”

“Disarmingly engaging as a songwriter, particularly with her southern Willow Sway” - Cabaret Scenes Magazine (NYC)

Known for her unique vocal styling, an evening with Miss Stephanie carries her audience back to the prohibition era - a scandalous rendezvous in a wicked speakeasy, where swagger goes and bourbon flows. Her show titled, "The Jazz, Pearls, and Bourbon Revue" is a throwback to the glorious days of old school jazz: think top-shelf juke joint meets Southern hospitality. Drink in an infusion of bourbon, Johnny Mercer, Billie Holiday, Patsy Cline, and Fats Waller and you just sidled up to the bar next to, "The Siren Of The South ''.
Alex Murphy Trio
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Hailing from Chicago, Alex Murphy 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. In high school, he had the opportunity to study under many distinguished jazz performers and educators at Birch Creek Jazz Camp and began exploring writing his own music as well as iterations of jazz greats. His passion for jazz led him into continued study at DePaul University in Chicago where he was under the tutelage of Ron Perrillo and Dana Hall. Alex was part of a very talented crop of young musicians working their way into the music scene in Chicago.

Alex’s performance portfolio continues to grow. He has performed at Chicago classics including the Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, Green Mill, and was featured in a master class at Symphony Center with jazz piano great Bill Charlap. He has been featured in the Chicago Jazz Festival and other area jazz festivals throughout the Midwest. 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, Matt Ulery, Dennis Carroll, Roger Ingram, Gabrielle Cavassa and Joe Grandsden. From a growing studio portfolio with jazz and hip hop artists as well as his continued pursuit of live performance, Alex is excited to expand his talent into the Nashville area.
Apr 18
Shaun Munday
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $12 at the door
Shaun Munday is a one-of-a kind talent. He blends soul-drenched vocals with show-stopping bass guitar technique. Shaun captures audiences with a full band sound and plays the bass better than most people play a guitar.

He is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA where he studied and performed with some of the greatest artists and educators in the industry including John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, Matthew Garrison (Herbie Hancock), Antonio Sanchez (Pat Metheny) and Jetro Da Silva (Whitney Houston).

Shaun has shared the stage with Corinne Bailey Rae, Andra Day, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, blues legend Robert Cray, reggae royalty Aston Barrett and The Wailers (Bob Marley’s band), country music star Collin Raye, Devon Allman and Yonrico Scott of the Royal Southern Brotherhood. His overall music style is inspired by Donny Hathaway, Al Green and Marvin Gaye.

Shaun released his self-titled debut album in March 2017 to rave reviews. Bass Player Magazine said, “Munday proves that he’s going to be a bass heavyweight, as his flawless slap work and his melodically challenging lines are only ever outshined by his buttery crooning.”

shaunmunday.com | YouTube Video
Bruce Dudley Quintet feat. Sandra Dudley
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $22 at the door
Pianist Bruce Dudley leads a stellar quintet featuring vocalist Sandra Dudley, with saxophonist Don Aliquo, bassist Roger Spencer and drummer Larry Aberman.

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

Jazz vocalist Sandra Dudley is a versatile, award-winning singer that has entertained audiences in clubs and concerts for more than three decades. Sandra has sung with numerous small groups, big bands, orchestras, and studio orchestras, including the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the Eastman Studio Orchestra, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, and more, performing with artists such as husband, Bruce Dudley, Fred Hersch, Lori Mechem, Duffy Jackson, Bobby Militello, Marvin Stamm, Dave Catney, Barney Kessel, Jeff Hamilton, and many others.

Besides being a seasoned jazz artist, Sandra is an educator as well, having served on the faculty of Belmont University teaching commercial voice and jazz for over 25 years. She has presented lecture/performances on great jazz vocalists, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Carmen McRae, singing the songs they popularized. She has appeared on many nationally recognized albums, including her own album Close To You, a duo album with pianist Lori Mechem called All of My Life, a tribute album of Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and with the dynamic vocal quartet Third Coast Vocals on their album 3CV. She can also be heard singing on The Jazz Orchestra of the Delta’s Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter.
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!