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

Open Streets Summer Series closes a five-mile loop to cars and invites Nashville to walk, bike, and explore from noon to 5pm Sunday July 20. From 2pm-4pm enjoy the Rougarou 6-piece New Orleans brass band for free!

Rudy's bar will be open and there will be no admission fees for the show! The six-piece Rougarou Brass Band features some of the top brass and musicians in Nashville with 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

All ages welcome as always on Sundays, so come join us at Rudy's Jazz Room for Open Streets!

More Info on Open Streets Summer Series

TONIGHT'S SHOWS
Connor Gehlert and Company
6:00pm-8:15pm, $14 at the door
Nashville local guitarist and producer, Connor Gehlert, is releasing his debut record. Following a decade of supporting his peers, Gehlert is taking a step out front and he’s set to get you moving in your seat.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, trained at Berklee College of Music and influenced by legends such as John Scofield, Charlie Hunter, Martin Medeski and Wood, Gehlert indulges in bright, funky, backbeat heavy grooves.

Connor Gehlert on Guitar
Aaron Lawson on Drums
Steve Haan on Bass
Kiran Gupta on keys
Guest vocalists Ellisa Sun & Evan Doan Jenkins
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos
9:00pm-11:15pm, $15 at the door
A Nashville favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene and electric night of Salsa dancing! Multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Rodriguez, one of Nashville's leading percussionists, bassists and favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene, plays the sounds of salsa, bachata and percussion-driven rhythms with some of the most seasoned veterans in the Nashville Latin music scene. Giovanni Rodríguez timbales/vocals, Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Yosvany Cordero (conga/bongo), Michael S. Morton (flute/vocals), Isoel Villarrubia (bass).

For this show general admission tickets are available for standing and sitting in the front section of the room near the stage with the dance floor. Tickets for bar seats and tables are available as well. General admission tickets for the front section are not guaranteed to have seats as we will have a large part of the front section seating cleared for the dance floor. General admission tickets will have standing room as well as limited seating. Only our tables and bar seats will have guaranteed seating for this show.


UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Jul 16
Bizz Bigsby
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $16 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.
The Karas Committee
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
Join the Karas Committee at Rudy’s Jazz Room for an exciting night of high-energy jazz fusion. The group plays a mix of Karas’ original compositions and arrangements, alongside reimaginations of classics by Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Stevie Wonder, and more. Come on out for burning solos, dazzling synth soundscapes, and infectious grooves brought to you by an incredible band.

Josh Karas is an exciting up and coming pianist, composer, and bandleader based in Nashville, TN. In 2022, Karas became the first Jazz Major to graduate from Vanderbilt University's award-winning program. Since then, he has exploded onto the Nashville music scene, playing and recording with a wide variety of artists including Natasha Blaine, The 12 South Band, The Sofia Goodman Group, Don Aliquo, and more. Karas is the bandleader for The Karas Committee, an original jazz fusion project. They have performed to sold out audiences at venues such as Rudy's Jazz Room, The Analog, and The 5 Spot. He is currently working on an album that combines his dynamic compositions, improvisational interludes, and interviews with musicians to explore the changing relationship between musicians and their craft once music becomes their profession.
Jul 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.
Dave Potter & Retro Groove
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
After honing his skills for more than 10 years with Jason Marsalis, Dave Potter has taken to the road as a leader with his own ensemble with a new project featuring Jazz-flavored arrangements of modern classics from Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Living Colour, Peter Gabriel, The Doobie Brothers, etc. 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 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
Jul 18
Cliff Richmond & The CliffNotes
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $14 at the door
Cliff Richmond & the CliffNotes serve up a unique blend of soulful, swinging & funky jazz, They incorporate a wide range of styles from mainstream jazz, to rhythm & blues, Latin to reggae. Founded by Cliff (guitar & vocals) the CliffNotes always features some of Nashville's most accomplished and versatile musicians and vocalists.
Ricardo Grilli Quartet
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $21 in advance, $22 at the door
Since arriving in 2012, guitarist Ricardo Grilli has been rising through the ranks and making quite an impression in New York’s Jazz scene.

He has played with world renowned artists such as Chris Potter, Chris Cheek, Mark Turner, Aaron Parks, Joe Martin, Eric Harland, Kendrick Scott, Kevin Hays, Taylor Eigsti among others. He’s also headlined in many major clubs in New York and abroad including. With a unique approach to his originals as well as standards Ricardo's music is modern, melodic, dynamic and always grooving and swinging. Ricardo Grilli plays PRS guitars.

"...a post-bop guitarist with a sideline interest in the cosmos and a taste for the ultramodern." - Nate Chinen, The New York Times

"...Grilli's considerable chops are in full effect in each setting... This is an admirable outing by a new face on the scene." - Bill Milkowski, Downbeat Magazine
The Marc Payne Quintet
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
One of the most talented young up and coming jazz pianists in Nashville, Marc Payne dazzles with beautiful chords, lines, rhythms, and harmonies.

Young at heart and old in soul, Marc has soaked up some of the most influential pianists' styles and harmonics and is able to deliver; from Art Tatum to Oscar Peterson, Sony Clark, Thelonious Monk to Hank Jones, James P. Johnson and more. Born in Virginia and having moved to north Nashville at a very young age, Marc soaked up the sounds of jazz from his father playing jazz records as he grew up. Marc began playing music when he was 11 years old on a light up keyboard and then studied gospel which led him to playing for the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church when he was 13. In his junior year at Pearl-Cohn high school Marc really started to develop an intense interest and more serious pursuit of jazz piano. From there he ended up going to Nashville School for the Arts where he graduated in 2017 to begin his professional career in music.

Some of Marc’s mentors include Jody Nardone, Imer Santiago, Lady Chapman, Chazen Brown, Nioshi Jackson, Reggie Workman and Rob Butts. Marc has shared the stage with many great artists such as Bobby Watson, Regi Wooten, Curtis Lundy, Roy Wooten, Duffy Jackson, Dick Griffen, Jimmy Owens and more, and has played on two of Shannon Callihan’s releases. Marc has played numerous venues in and around Nashville including the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Jazz on the Cumberland, Historic 15th ave Baptist church, Rudy’s Jazz Room, and travelled through Europe aboard the Sky Princess with the Terri Davis Quartet.

One of the most energetic and diverse young pianists living in Nashville, Marc always keeps the music flowing and lively with varying dynamics and interludes mixed and woven into compositions that keep pieces fresh and lively.
Jul 19
Bob Harsen Quartet w/ Jeff Berlin, Jody Nardone & Jonathan Rogerson
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 in advance, $16 at the door
Drummer Bob Harsen leads his quartet with Jody Nardone on piano, Jeff Berlin on bass and Jonathan Rogerson on guitar.

As a graduate from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelors Degree of Music in Performance, Bob Harsen has toured/Recorded/Performed with Tiger Okoshi, Randy Brecker, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Rachel Z. & Kilimanjaro while still residing in Boston. Bob also was on faculty at Berklee College of Music from 1986-88 teaching Drums & Electronic Drums, Percussion classes.

In 1988 Bob moved to Los Angeles and toured, recorded and performed with many musicians including Richard Elliot, Melissa Manchester, Peabo Bryson, Bobby Caldwell, Eric Marienthal, Brian Bromberg, Max Bennett, Mitch Forman, Frank Gambale, Lee Oskar, Glenn Hughes, Jack Sheldon Big Band & Quartet, Brandon Fields, John Patittucci, Tim Weisberg, Steve Perry, Rikki Lee Jones, Bette Midler, Sally Kellerman, Ann Margaret, David Garfield, Jon Pena, Luis Conte, Adam Cohen.

Bob has played the Montreal Drum Festival 2001, Clinics worldwide/NAMM Shows/Frankfurt Music Messe for Yamaha, Zildian, Remo, Regal Tip, Audio Technica, Pork Pie, and Meinl. Currently residing in Nashville, TN Bob does session work, gigs and clinics and is endorsed by Gretsch Drums, Regal Tip Sticks, Remo Heads, DW Hardware & Audio-Technica Microphones.

Born and raised in New Jersey, it was in junior high school that Jody Nardone began his life long love affair with jazz. Nardone attended William Paterson University of NJ, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies and Performance. Jody studied with Rufus Reid, Joe Lovano, Jim McNeely, Norman Simmons and Harold Mabern. Nardone also spent a summer studying with pianist/educator and jazz guru Kenny Werner, which he refers to as "a life changing experience." Nardone was awarded the jazz department’s Outstanding Senior award at graduation, and was a member of the school's New Jazz Ensemble, which was awarded first place in the 1991 DownBeat magazine student music awards. Nardone has performed with countless artists such as jazz legends Clark Terry, Jon Faddis, Larry Carlton, Dave Valentin and Rufus Reid, as well as saxophonists Jeff Coffin of The Dave Matthews Band and Rahsaan Barber & Everyday Magic, trumpeter Rod McGaha, drummer Chester Thompson and jazz chanteuse Annie Sellick. "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 of The Nashville Scene

Jeff Berlin is widely considered to be one of the greatest innovators of the electric bass in the world. Long associated with the "Big Three” (Clarke, Pastorius, Berlin), Jeff played with Bill Buford, Allan Holdsworth and Frank Zappa. He was a member of HBC featuring Jeff along with Dennis Chambers and Scott Henderson. Jeff is a solo artist with seven solo recordings to his credit. Jeff is the favorite bassist of Geddy Lee who called Jeff, "the greatest bass player on the planet."

Jonathan Rogerson is a guitarist and composer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Jonathan Rogerson redefines musical boundaries with his genre-blurring guitar artistry. Seamlessly fusing modern jazz, classical, and pop influences, he creates an original voice that resonates deeply. Jonathan’s lyrical melodies and compositions transcend conventions, captivating audiences while taking them on a musical journey. He has performed with jazz greats Gary Thomas, Warren Wolf, Tim Green, Kris Funn, Dave Ballou, and Joshua Davis to name a few. He has also performed with the National Symphony in Washington DC as well as performing across the country with Neo-Soul artist Russell Taylor opening for acts like Isaac Hayes and Jill Scott. Besides playing live Jonathan loves studio work, both as a session guitarist and a producer. He maintains a busy production schedule writing music for TV, films, and advertising.
Pat Coil, Joel frahm, Ted Ludwig, Jacob Jezioro & Danny Gottlieb
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $22 in advance, $23 at the door
Pianist Pat Coil leads a stellar group of acclaimed jazz musicians with Joel Frahm on saxophone, Ted Ludwig on guitar, Jacob Jezioro on bass and Danny Gottlieb on drums.

Pat Coil is an accomplished pianist, composer, producer, arranger, teacher, and highly respected studio musician. His credits span the musical spectrum of jazz, R&B, pop, country and gospel. Touring Europe, Japan, South America, Australia, Canada and the United States with exceptional artists; Pat has toured with Michael McDonald, Carmen McCrae, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Woody Herman, Larry Carlton and Olivia Newton John. Partial recording credits include: Natalie Cole, Carmen McRae, Trisha Yearwood, Ernie Watts, Michael McDonald, George Strait, Peter Cetera, Scott Henderson & Tribal Tech, Barry Manilow, Michael Feinstein, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Clay Aiken, Kristen Chenowith, Mandy Barnett, Bill Medley, Woody Herman, etc. Pat has also played on hundreds of commercials, televisions shows and film scores, and composes for several library and TV/Film companies, including music for Entertainment Tonight, Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray, Drew Barrymore and Inside Edition. Living now in Nashville, Tennessee; when not touring and working on others' projects, Pat continues to compose and produce original music, underscores and musical projects which are heard worldwide in a variety of media. Additionally, Pat served as an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University Of North Texas (UNT). He currently teaches jazz piano and improvisation at Vanderbilt Blair School Of Music. Pat has recorded several solo albums including his newest releases "Music For Humans & Other Species". Other releases include "Schemes & Dreams" (produced by Lyle Mays), "How Deep Is The Ocean" and "Everything I Love" on the Burton Avenue Music label, featuring his trio with Danny Gottlieb on drums, Jacob Jezioro on bass and Joel Frahm on sax. These are available at patcoil.com and all music media sites.

For more than 30 years, the award-winning saxophonist Joel Frahm lived in New York City, working in jazz clubs, collaborating with other musicians, and honing his craft. After three years in the Nashville music scene, Frahm joined the music faculty at Texas State University, where he continues to play the music he loves. His bold, inventive tenor sound has won fans in the U.S. and across the world. He has worked alongside Betty Carter, Kenny Barron, Freddy Cole, Dianne Schuur, Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit, Bill Charlap, Brad Mehldau, Matt Wilson, Cyrille Aimee, and many other top artists. He has played as a leader or sideman on more than 100 recordings and has appeared at jazz festivals in the United States, Europe, Israel, Canada and South America. In addition to his work as a performer, he has taught jazz classes in clinics at the University of North Carolina, the University of Connecticut, New York University, Wichita State University, the University of North Texas, Baylor University, Colorado State University, Furman University, the University of Toronto, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, the University of Manitoba and others. He also has worked at the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation program; the Sant Andreu Youth Jazz Orchestra in Barcelona, Spain; the Dave Brubeck Institute in Stockton, California; the Center for Jazz Studies at the Israel Conservatory in Tel Aviv; the Czech Jazz Workshop in Prague; and the Siena Jazz Workshop in Italy. Joel grew up in Racine, Wisconsin and moved to West Hartford, Connecticut as a high school freshman, where he became part of the acclaimed Hall High School jazz band. It was there he developed a passion for jazz, exploring the music of jazz greats such as Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Horace Silver and Wayne Shorter. In 1992, he received a bachelor's degree from the Manhattan School of Music.

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 2016, Ted was the youngest inductee into The Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame.

Jacob Jezioro began studying music seriously as a teenager. His father an established Nashville bassist, guitarist and producer was his first teacher. Jacob later attended Indiana University, where his mentors were jazz bassist Jeremy Allen and classical bassist Kurt Muroki. After completing his masters degree at Berklee, Jacob performed with pianist Danilo Perez in Panama and Costa Rica and taught high school jazz students at the Newport Jazz Festival, Panama Jazz Festival and FiJazz Festival Costa Rica. Since his return to Nashville in 2019, Jacob has recorded and performed live with his own bands and worked in a variety of styles with many artists in Nashville, most notably with pianist Pat Coil. Coil’s trio has functioned as a rhythm section with other artists on recordings by vocalist Jaimee Paul and saxophonist Joel Frahm among others. Jacob has also begun producing records under his own creative music label, Green Box Music.

Danny Gottlieb is one of the most popular drummers in jazz and contemporary music. Although best known as the drummer in the original Pat Metheny Group, during the past 30 years Danny has performed and recorded with some of the world's greatest musicians. They include: Bobby McFerrin, Sting, John McLaughlin, Gil Evans, Gary Burton, Stan Getz, Chick Corea, David Byrne, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry, Al Di Meola, The Blues Brothers Band, Booker T and the MGs, Jeff Berlin, Lew Soloff, Michael Franks, Mark Egan, Mike Stern, Dr. John, the NDR Big Band, WDR Big Band, HR Big Band, GRP Big Band, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, the George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, and many more. He is featured on more than 300 CDs to date, including four Grammy Award Winners.
Don Aliquo Trio
11:00pm-1:00am central, $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.
Jul 20
Open Streets Summer Series w/ Rougarou 6-Piece New Orleans Brass Band
2:00pm-4:00pm central, no cover
Open Streets Summer Series closes a five-mile loop to cars and invites Nashville to walk, bike, and explore from noon to 5pm Sunday July 20. On Sunday July 20 from 2pm-4pm enjoy the Rougarou 6-piece New Orleans brass band for free! Rudy's bar will be open and there will be no admission fees for the show!

The six-piece Rougarou Brass Band, led by Louisianian Brook Sutton on bass and New Orleans native Chris Walters on piano, features some of the top brass and musicians in Nashville with 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 - you'll be bopping in your seats, or on your feet!

FREE SHOW & All ages welcome as always on Sundays, so come join us at Rudy's Jazz Room for Open Streets!
Ladies of Jazz
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $18 at the door
Join one of Nashville’s favorite shows Wendy Burns Music’s Ladies of Jazz Show. Wendy Burns Music's LADIES OF JAZZ SHOW... "It's a Nashville Show to See". Featuring an exciting lineup of talent, Rudy’s Jazz Room's "Ladies of Jazz" showcase presents Nashville's favorite female vocalists collaborating together, displaying a variety of original and distinct vocal talent, backed by some of Nashville’s best and well known musicians.

Wendy Burns
Nashville's 2022 Inducted member Academy of Local Musicians Hall of Fame and 2023 & 2024 Mississippi Music Foundations Best Female Jazz vocalists of the year.

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

Annabella Gelmetti
Annabella Gelmetti is an multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her music blends folk, alternative, and jazz, with her guitar work inspired by artists like João Gilberto. Annabella regularly performs her original compositions at local venues, including The Bluebird Cafe and Aloft West End, and has led successful jazz combos such as The Act. In addition to her live performances, Annabella works as a sheet music engraver for Graphite Publishing. She enjoys cross-disciplinary collaboration and has composed over 50 musical works for dance, including a vaudeville-inspired ballet, "Curiouser & Curiouser" (2024). Her set features Brazilian pieces like João Gilberto's "Doralice" alongside original songs such as "Unfinished Business."

Johnnie Baltimore
"Johnnie is the vibe. Original voice, fearless style, and a gift for flipping every song into something fresh and timeless." – Karriem Riggins

"The personification of grace itself" - Music City Review

A returning Ladies of Jazz vocalist, Johnnie Baltimore is known for her rich tone, poised delivery, and timeless style. Rooted in tradition but never confined by it, she brings a subtle, sultry edge and a swinging spirit to every performance - creating space for deep feeling, joyful rhythm, and quiet fire. Her path into jazz began unconventionally at Michigan State University and came to life years later in Nashville, where she made her debut at Rudy’s Jazz Room with The Marc Payne Quartet. Influenced by Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan, and Diana Krall, Johnnie’s sound is intimate, playful, and unmistakably her own. With a love for ballads, bossa nova, and swinging straight-ahead tunes, she offers listeners a fresh take on classic forms—elegant, exploratory, and always emotionally true.
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.
Jul 21
Re-Evolution
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Re-Evolution is heavily influenced by traditional and classic jazz cutting edge artists such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Thelonious Monk and many more. Featuring Brian Cornish on saxophone, Regi Wooten on bass, Daryl Johnson on drums, Adam Charney on guitar and Marc Payne on piano.
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.