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
UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Apr 24
Viktor Krauss
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $10 at the door
Eclectic composer bassist Viktor Krauss was born in Champaign, IL, in 1969. His youth was spent listening to soundtracks and instrumental music, eventually leading him to the piano and trumpet. After witnessing the power and ominous presence of the double bass at a middle school concert, he found his true calling. Krauss has been a presence in Nashville Tennessee since 1992 with nearly 500 album credits as either a bassist, composer/songwriter or producer. On tour, Viktor has been Lyle Lovett's primary bassist since 1994. Starting with 1996's "Nashville", Krauss began a long tenure with Jazz great Bill Frisell. Other albums with Frisell include "Gone, Just Like a Train", "Good Dog, Happy Man", "East/West" and "Disfarmer." Other artists over his career have included James Taylor, Tom Jones, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow, Carly Simon and Jerry Douglas. In 2022, Viktor joined Robert Plant and Alison Krauss as a multi-instrumentalist (electric guitar, piano) on the multi-continent “Raise the Roof” tour.
In 2004, Krauss recorded his solo debut of his original compositions, Far From Enough featuring an all-star band consisting of Frisell, Jerry Douglas, Steve Jordan, and sister Alison (peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard® Contemporary Jazz Chart). Krauss' second album, II , which featured core band guitarist Dean Parks and drummer Matt Chamberlain emerged three years later. Last year, new duo recording of original material with lever harpist extraordinaire Maeve Gilchrist "Vignette". Primarily instrumental music, Viktor cites that this music could be described as "a soundtrack without a movie with nods to 'jazz and classic rock'." In 2006, Viktor was awarded a fellowship for the prestigious Film Composers' Lab at the Sundance Institute and his film composing credits include music for directors Ken Burns and the late Robert Altman. Viktor's original compositions from his solo recordings are used daily as musical "bumpers" for National Public Radio between programs.
In 2004, Krauss recorded his solo debut of his original compositions, Far From Enough featuring an all-star band consisting of Frisell, Jerry Douglas, Steve Jordan, and sister Alison (peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard® Contemporary Jazz Chart). Krauss' second album, II , which featured core band guitarist Dean Parks and drummer Matt Chamberlain emerged three years later. Last year, new duo recording of original material with lever harpist extraordinaire Maeve Gilchrist "Vignette". Primarily instrumental music, Viktor cites that this music could be described as "a soundtrack without a movie with nods to 'jazz and classic rock'." In 2006, Viktor was awarded a fellowship for the prestigious Film Composers' Lab at the Sundance Institute and his film composing credits include music for directors Ken Burns and the late Robert Altman. Viktor's original compositions from his solo recordings are used daily as musical "bumpers" for National Public Radio between programs.
Regi Wooten & Friends
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
Known as “The Teacha”, Regi Wooten is one of the most innovative, talented and dynamic musicians around the scene, and has pushed the boundaries of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and even bluegrass to some of the most extreme musical limits. From picking, slapping, strumming, thumping, and tapping to some of the most ear bending advanced chords you’ll hear on any instrument, Regi has earned world-wide notoriety and comparisons to other innovators such as Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Chuck Berry. Perfecting, creating and discovering new techniques and jazz theory while incorporating and layering into strong funk grooves for keen listeners to uncover and pick up on is one of his many notable fortes.
At only nine years old Regi started teaching his younger brother Victor Wooten bass guitar and Joseph Wooten keyboards, and soon the Wooten Brothers Band was formed featuring; Regi on ukelele, Roy on drums, Rudy on Saxophone, Joe on Keys and Victor on bass. Regi was ten years old at the time, Roy was nine, Rudy was eight, Joseph was five and Victor was two. The rest, as they say, is Musical History.
Assembling a cast of Nashville's best, Regi Wooten and Friends dig deep into the roots of funk, jazz, blues, rock, and soul. You never know who might jump on stage! Don't miss a beat!
At only nine years old Regi started teaching his younger brother Victor Wooten bass guitar and Joseph Wooten keyboards, and soon the Wooten Brothers Band was formed featuring; Regi on ukelele, Roy on drums, Rudy on Saxophone, Joe on Keys and Victor on bass. Regi was ten years old at the time, Roy was nine, Rudy was eight, Joseph was five and Victor was two. The rest, as they say, is Musical History.
Assembling a cast of Nashville's best, Regi Wooten and Friends dig deep into the roots of funk, jazz, blues, rock, and soul. You never know who might jump on stage! Don't miss a beat!
Apr 25
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
Every Thursday we honor our New Orleans and French roots and Rudy’s comes alive with a variety of small groups in the style of gypsy jazz swing. We bring you music inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with "Hot Club" gypsy jazz swing. Known for fierce tempos and effortless improvisation, our Hot Club Gypsy Thursdays are sure to entertain, inspire, and bring you back to some authentic "jazz manouche" with groups either led or curated by New Orleans LA native Brook Sutton.
There’s no better place to chill, cozy up and relax after work. Imbibe French Quarter inspired cocktails or a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and enjoy some gumbo and beignets, while listening to the rhythm and mood of hot club jazz in Nashville’s most intimate and romantic room.
Every Thursday we honor our New Orleans and French roots and Rudy’s comes alive with a variety of small groups in the style of gypsy jazz swing. We bring you music inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with "Hot Club" gypsy jazz swing. Known for fierce tempos and effortless improvisation, our Hot Club Gypsy Thursdays are sure to entertain, inspire, and bring you back to some authentic "jazz manouche" with groups either led or curated by New Orleans LA native Brook Sutton.
There’s no better place to chill, cozy up and relax after work. Imbibe French Quarter inspired cocktails or a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and enjoy some gumbo and beignets, while listening to the rhythm and mood of hot club jazz in Nashville’s most intimate and romantic room.
The MF Art of Listening
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
MF Art Of Listening Featuring - Musicians creating a musical conversation on the spot. Getting back to the original love of what draws musicians into music. Trusting the music and musicians to guide and discover what it means to improvise much in the same way we communicate verbally. Drummer extraordinaire Marcus Finnie assembles a unique group of very special artists for this show, comprised of elite session artists or musicians on tour in the Nashville vicinity. Featuring Marcus Finnie on drums, Mike Elizondo on bass, Chris McHugh on drums and Joseph Allen Wooten on keys.
As a Memphis native and Nashville resident, Marcus Finnie has toured the world with Kirk Whalum, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Brett Eldredge, Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, Lady Antebellum, Larry Carlton, Donna Summer, India Arie, Kurt Elling, Billy Preston, Earl Klugh, Beegie Adair, Dave Koz and many others. Marcus has also recorded with Grammy and Stellar Award nominated and winning artists’ Jacob Whitesides, Kent Lattimore, Ledisi, Andy Mineo, Kirk Whalum, Keb Mo & Taj Mahal, India Arie, Joss Stone, Butch Walker, Charlie Peacock, Michael McDonald, and several others.
Mike Elizondo is a Grammy Award winning producer, songwriter and musician who has collaborated with major artists across many genres. In addition to an 11-year partnership with Dr. Dre, Elizondo has produced songs for Eminem, Carrie Underwood, Fiona Apple, 50 Cent, Keith Urban, Twenty-One Pilots, Ed Sheeran, Gary Clark Jr., and Regina Spektor. In 2016, Lin-Manuel Miranda asked him to produce three songs on the Hamilton Mixtape. His recent productions include Brothers Osborne, Lauren Daigle, Madison Cunningham, Turnstile, Joy Oladokun, and reuniting with Lin-Manuel Miranda to co-produce the music for Disney’s ENCANTO, which he received a Grammy for Best Compilation for Visual Media in 2023. He also received a Grammy for Madison Cunningham’s album “Revealer”, which won a Grammy for Best Folk Album.
Chris McHugh (born 1964) is an American musician from Camden, NJ. He began his career as the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart[1] from 1986 to 1989. McHugh toured and played as a session drummer with artists such as Aaron Neville, Peter Frampton, Jewel (singer), Alabama (band) Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn and numerous others. His recording credits span over 40 years with 93 platinum and 15 gold certifications. Chris McHugh is on the Nashville "A" list of session drummers with over 3200 credits, 24 billion streams and has played live on several genres with country and pop artists of the music industry. He has toured with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith,and Garth Brooks. McHugh has toured as Music Director/drummer for Keith Urban and has been the session drummer for seven of Urban's studio albums.
Joseph Allen Wooten, a loving husband and father, keyboardist, writer, arranger, producer, educator, motivational speaker, and author, is a 3-time Grammy Award nominated artist, and since 1993 is the keyboardist/vocalist for The Steve Miller Band. Born to Dorothy and Elijah "Pete" Wooten, Joseph is the 2nd youngest of the 5 Wooten Brothers, all musicians: 5-time Grammy Award Winning bassist, Victor Wooten; 5-time Grammy Award Winner and drummer/inventor Roy "Futureman” Wooten; guitarist Elijah "Regi" Wooten aka "The Teacha," and the late saxophonist Rudy Wooten. Joseph’s early elementary school years were spent with his siblings playing nightclubs and sharing the stage with Curtis Mayfield, War, and other major artists of the time as “The Wooten Brothers." In the ’70s, there were more major artists to share the stage with: The Temptations, The SOS Band, Stephanie Mills, Dexter Wansel, Ramsey Lewis, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and others.
As the ’80s arrived, the brothers caught the ear of the popular R&B artist/producer Kashif where they recorded an album entitled "The Wootens" for Arista Records. Joseph’s unmatched talent and undeniable groove landed him the position of band leader, musical director, and keyboardist for Kashif. During that time with Arista Records, Joseph sang back ground vocals for Whitney Houston on her debut and Kenny G, and co-wrote with Kashif and brother Roy "Call Me Tonight" which was Grammy nominated for Instrumental of the Year. Joseph contributed numerous compositions on Victor’s Grammy nominated CD, "Yin Yang". During this time, when the family moved East, Joseph and his brothers had a residency at Busch Gardens, where Joseph honed his skills not only as a keyboardist, but, as an accordion player, arranger, and composer as he composed over 40 pieces of music for every individual cast member.
Joseph is now the keyboard player/vocalist for the legendary Steve Miller Band, playing large venues around the world. Whenever his extensive touring schedule allows, he also serves as keyboardist to his brother Victor Wooten, and fronts his own band, Joseph Wooten & The Hands of Soul. Joseph is also a member of an elite group of hand picked musicians called Freedom Sings, organized by the First Amendment Center in Washington D.C., presenting a multi-media experience celebrating The First Amendment and free expression. In addition to releasing several of his own albums and singles, Joseph continues to be very active composing, producing, and recording vocals and keyboards for other artists.
In 2017, he published his book, “It All Matters: What I Believe, Words That I Live By.” This collection of thoughts and concepts, originally recorded over the years in Joseph’s personal journal, is intended to make people think and give insight into who Joseph Wooten is as a person. When he is not traveling from city to city, Joseph can often be found speaking to students in middle school, high school, and college, about character development, self esteem, self respect, and personal growth using his own life experiences as examples. Recently Joseph played for career military Veterans and Gold Star families at the Field Of Dreams moviesite. He also had the privilege to do a TEDx Talk in Memphis, Tennessee called "Why It All Matters.”
As a Memphis native and Nashville resident, Marcus Finnie has toured the world with Kirk Whalum, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Brett Eldredge, Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, Lady Antebellum, Larry Carlton, Donna Summer, India Arie, Kurt Elling, Billy Preston, Earl Klugh, Beegie Adair, Dave Koz and many others. Marcus has also recorded with Grammy and Stellar Award nominated and winning artists’ Jacob Whitesides, Kent Lattimore, Ledisi, Andy Mineo, Kirk Whalum, Keb Mo & Taj Mahal, India Arie, Joss Stone, Butch Walker, Charlie Peacock, Michael McDonald, and several others.
Mike Elizondo is a Grammy Award winning producer, songwriter and musician who has collaborated with major artists across many genres. In addition to an 11-year partnership with Dr. Dre, Elizondo has produced songs for Eminem, Carrie Underwood, Fiona Apple, 50 Cent, Keith Urban, Twenty-One Pilots, Ed Sheeran, Gary Clark Jr., and Regina Spektor. In 2016, Lin-Manuel Miranda asked him to produce three songs on the Hamilton Mixtape. His recent productions include Brothers Osborne, Lauren Daigle, Madison Cunningham, Turnstile, Joy Oladokun, and reuniting with Lin-Manuel Miranda to co-produce the music for Disney’s ENCANTO, which he received a Grammy for Best Compilation for Visual Media in 2023. He also received a Grammy for Madison Cunningham’s album “Revealer”, which won a Grammy for Best Folk Album.
Chris McHugh (born 1964) is an American musician from Camden, NJ. He began his career as the drummer of Christian rock band White Heart[1] from 1986 to 1989. McHugh toured and played as a session drummer with artists such as Aaron Neville, Peter Frampton, Jewel (singer), Alabama (band) Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn and numerous others. His recording credits span over 40 years with 93 platinum and 15 gold certifications. Chris McHugh is on the Nashville "A" list of session drummers with over 3200 credits, 24 billion streams and has played live on several genres with country and pop artists of the music industry. He has toured with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith,and Garth Brooks. McHugh has toured as Music Director/drummer for Keith Urban and has been the session drummer for seven of Urban's studio albums.
Joseph Allen Wooten, a loving husband and father, keyboardist, writer, arranger, producer, educator, motivational speaker, and author, is a 3-time Grammy Award nominated artist, and since 1993 is the keyboardist/vocalist for The Steve Miller Band. Born to Dorothy and Elijah "Pete" Wooten, Joseph is the 2nd youngest of the 5 Wooten Brothers, all musicians: 5-time Grammy Award Winning bassist, Victor Wooten; 5-time Grammy Award Winner and drummer/inventor Roy "Futureman” Wooten; guitarist Elijah "Regi" Wooten aka "The Teacha," and the late saxophonist Rudy Wooten. Joseph’s early elementary school years were spent with his siblings playing nightclubs and sharing the stage with Curtis Mayfield, War, and other major artists of the time as “The Wooten Brothers." In the ’70s, there were more major artists to share the stage with: The Temptations, The SOS Band, Stephanie Mills, Dexter Wansel, Ramsey Lewis, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and others.
As the ’80s arrived, the brothers caught the ear of the popular R&B artist/producer Kashif where they recorded an album entitled "The Wootens" for Arista Records. Joseph’s unmatched talent and undeniable groove landed him the position of band leader, musical director, and keyboardist for Kashif. During that time with Arista Records, Joseph sang back ground vocals for Whitney Houston on her debut and Kenny G, and co-wrote with Kashif and brother Roy "Call Me Tonight" which was Grammy nominated for Instrumental of the Year. Joseph contributed numerous compositions on Victor’s Grammy nominated CD, "Yin Yang". During this time, when the family moved East, Joseph and his brothers had a residency at Busch Gardens, where Joseph honed his skills not only as a keyboardist, but, as an accordion player, arranger, and composer as he composed over 40 pieces of music for every individual cast member.
Joseph is now the keyboard player/vocalist for the legendary Steve Miller Band, playing large venues around the world. Whenever his extensive touring schedule allows, he also serves as keyboardist to his brother Victor Wooten, and fronts his own band, Joseph Wooten & The Hands of Soul. Joseph is also a member of an elite group of hand picked musicians called Freedom Sings, organized by the First Amendment Center in Washington D.C., presenting a multi-media experience celebrating The First Amendment and free expression. In addition to releasing several of his own albums and singles, Joseph continues to be very active composing, producing, and recording vocals and keyboards for other artists.
In 2017, he published his book, “It All Matters: What I Believe, Words That I Live By.” This collection of thoughts and concepts, originally recorded over the years in Joseph’s personal journal, is intended to make people think and give insight into who Joseph Wooten is as a person. When he is not traveling from city to city, Joseph can often be found speaking to students in middle school, high school, and college, about character development, self esteem, self respect, and personal growth using his own life experiences as examples. Recently Joseph played for career military Veterans and Gold Star families at the Field Of Dreams moviesite. He also had the privilege to do a TEDx Talk in Memphis, Tennessee called "Why It All Matters.”
Apr 26
Caravan Tales
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $14 at the door
If you're missing traveling, the music of "Caravan Tales" mixes rhythms, sounds, and songs from different cultures in the world through the jazz idiomatic realm. A voyage of eclectic impressions, melodic emotions, and exotic grooves.
Jerome Degey is a platinum and gold album producer, arranger, and guitarist from Paris-France, now living in Nashville. With his French and Afro-Caribbean family heritage and a long immersion into the Brazilian culture, he naturally blends jazz, soul, world music, and "popular songs" in his musical choices.
Born in Italy to Dominican parents, Giovanni Rodriguez is a Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer-arranger, and session musician based in Nashville. He is also the bandleader of the "Music City Latin Orchestra," "Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos," and "Music City Soul Breakers."
As a Memphis native and Nashville resident, Marcus Finnie has toured the world with Kirk Whalum, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Brett Eldredge, Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, Lady Antebellum, Larry Carlton, Donna Summer, India Arie, Kurt Elling, Billy Preston, Earl Klugh, Beegie Adair, Dave Koz and many others. Marcus has also recorded with Grammy and Stellar Award nominated and winning artists’ Jacob Whitesides, Kent Lattimore, Ledisi, Andy Mineo, Kirk Whalum, Keb Mo & Taj Mahal, India Arie, Joss Stone, Butch Walker, Charlie Peacock, Michael McDonald, and several others.
Charles Treadway is considered the top organist in Nashville. He has played with the finest jazz and blues musicians and beyond in various settings and is reminiscent of Jimmy Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, Jimmy McGriff, and other greats.
Jerome Degey is a platinum and gold album producer, arranger, and guitarist from Paris-France, now living in Nashville. With his French and Afro-Caribbean family heritage and a long immersion into the Brazilian culture, he naturally blends jazz, soul, world music, and "popular songs" in his musical choices.
Born in Italy to Dominican parents, Giovanni Rodriguez is a Grammy Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer-arranger, and session musician based in Nashville. He is also the bandleader of the "Music City Latin Orchestra," "Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos," and "Music City Soul Breakers."
As a Memphis native and Nashville resident, Marcus Finnie has toured the world with Kirk Whalum, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Brett Eldredge, Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, Lady Antebellum, Larry Carlton, Donna Summer, India Arie, Kurt Elling, Billy Preston, Earl Klugh, Beegie Adair, Dave Koz and many others. Marcus has also recorded with Grammy and Stellar Award nominated and winning artists’ Jacob Whitesides, Kent Lattimore, Ledisi, Andy Mineo, Kirk Whalum, Keb Mo & Taj Mahal, India Arie, Joss Stone, Butch Walker, Charlie Peacock, Michael McDonald, and several others.
Charles Treadway is considered the top organist in Nashville. He has played with the finest jazz and blues musicians and beyond in various settings and is reminiscent of Jimmy Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, Jimmy McGriff, and other greats.
Pascal Le Boeuf's "Ritual Being" Jazz + Classical Ensemble
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $24 in advance, $25 at the door
GRAMMY-nominated pianist and composer Pascal Le Boeuf presents his latest project "Ritual Being" a 5-piece jazz/classical hybrid ensemble of Nashville's finest musicians.
More about Pascal Le Boeuf: Described as "sleek, new" and "hyper-fluent" by the New York Times, Pascal Le Boeuf (he/him) is a Grammy-nominated composer, jazz pianist, and electronic artist whose works range from modern improvised music to hybridizing chamber music with production-based technology. Recent projects include commercial recordings and videos with JACK Quartet, Nu Deco Ensemble, Akropolis Reed Quintet, Christian Euman, Hub New Music, Barbora Kolářová, Todd Reynolds, Sara Caswell, Jessica Meyer, Nick Photinos, Four/Ten Media, Bec Plexus featuring Ian Chang (of Son Lux), Dayna Stephens, and Justin Brown. As a keyboardist, Pascal performed as support for D’Angelo’s Black Messiah US tour and Clean Bandit’s Rather Be tour with Australian pop artist Meg Mac. He actively performs and records with Le Boeuf Brothers, Friction Quartet, Allan Harris, and his piano trio "Pascal's Triangle" featuring bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Justin Brown. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice in Music and Technology at the Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music, and a Harold W. Dodds Honorific Fellow and Ph.D. candidate in music composition at Princeton University.
Pascal Le Boeuf (piano/compositions)
Annaliese Kowert (violin)
Sari Reist (cello)
Ethan Jodziewics (bass)
Marcus Finnie (drums)
More about Pascal Le Boeuf: Described as "sleek, new" and "hyper-fluent" by the New York Times, Pascal Le Boeuf (he/him) is a Grammy-nominated composer, jazz pianist, and electronic artist whose works range from modern improvised music to hybridizing chamber music with production-based technology. Recent projects include commercial recordings and videos with JACK Quartet, Nu Deco Ensemble, Akropolis Reed Quintet, Christian Euman, Hub New Music, Barbora Kolářová, Todd Reynolds, Sara Caswell, Jessica Meyer, Nick Photinos, Four/Ten Media, Bec Plexus featuring Ian Chang (of Son Lux), Dayna Stephens, and Justin Brown. As a keyboardist, Pascal performed as support for D’Angelo’s Black Messiah US tour and Clean Bandit’s Rather Be tour with Australian pop artist Meg Mac. He actively performs and records with Le Boeuf Brothers, Friction Quartet, Allan Harris, and his piano trio "Pascal's Triangle" featuring bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Justin Brown. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice in Music and Technology at the Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music, and a Harold W. Dodds Honorific Fellow and Ph.D. candidate in music composition at Princeton University.
Pascal Le Boeuf (piano/compositions)
Annaliese Kowert (violin)
Sari Reist (cello)
Ethan Jodziewics (bass)
Marcus Finnie (drums)
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
The Geoff Pfeifer Quartet, gritty, edgy, the real deal NYC style jazz. Saxophonist Geoff Pfeifer brings some of Nashville's top jazz cats out, with Matt Endahl on piano, Jimmy Sullivan on bass and Marcus Finnie on drums 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 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.
Apr 27
Jonathan Wires Quartet
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 at the door
A stellar lineup with Jonathan Wires on bass, Adam Davis on guitar, Steve Pardo on sax and Madison George 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.
Jody Nardone Trio
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $21 in advance, $22 at the door
"Thanks to a dynamic style that can shift from the whispered beauty of Bill Evans to the percussive flights of McCoy Tyner, Nardone has emerged as one of Nashville's preeminent jazz pianists. His reputation is also blowing up nationwide, where he is receiving raves in Downbeat and Jazziz for his role in the Crimson Jazz Trio, a Nashville-to-L.A. combo led by former King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace and former Vital Information bassist Tim Landers."
-Michael McCall, Nashville Scene
-Michael McCall, Nashville Scene
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.
“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.
Apr 28
Sully's Swingin' Sunday Supper
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Join us for Sully's Swingin' Sunday Supper, where one of Music City's top jazz and instrumental bassists Jimmy Sullivan leads a swingin' band with different special guest artists and Rudy's serves up a unique and delectable supper special just for the show!
Harmonic adaptability and rhythmic flexibility are the key attributes of any first rate bassist. Though a native born Virginian, Jimmy Sullivan has ascended to the top ranks of Music City's rhythm section comrades, proving himself a versatile and imaginative bassist on multiple occasions. He's excelled in numerous idiomatic sessions, though jazz remains a priority and key musical love. Still, he's flourished while working, recording and/or performing with such top country, rock and pop stars as Lee Ann Womack, Mandy Barnett, Mark Collie, Jason Petty, Becky Warren, Anne McCue. Calbe Caudle and Ben De La Cour among others. But most recently he's become an area favorite backing one of Nashville's most popular and beloved jazz vocalists, Stephanie Adlington.
Sullivan grew up in Reston, Virginia. Despite not having any musicians in the family, Sullivan still became enamored with music at an early age. Teaching himself to play by ear, his early apprentice came as both a singer and instrumentalist. He performed in a choir while also playing piano and clarinet. But his primary instrument became bass at 15, where he began on electric. Soon came formal jazz studies at Northern Virginia Community college, where he obtained a two-year degree before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
At VCU not only did Jimmy receive the seasoning and grounding from an exceptional program founded by the late, great, pianist/composer Ellis Marsalis, he was required to master the acoustic. That was the final step in Sullivan becoming a full-time bassist. Over the next six years, while living in Richmond, he worked in multiple settings and with a host of bands playing the full musical spectrum from classical and jazz to soul, gospel and hip-hop.
Interestingly, upon initially moving to New York, Sullivan didn't initially immerse himself in jazz like many new arrivals. Instead, folk and the gamut of styles known as Americana were how he made his livelihood for much of the next decade, while also getting married. It wasn't util 2017 that he arrived in Nashville, still married and not really even contemplating being a full-time musician much longer. But while his then wife was pursing a singer/songwriting career, a funny thing happened to Jimmy Sullivan. He moved from trying to decide whether to sell his bass to attending jam sessions, meeting fellow players and re-discovering his love for music. The flexibility that he had previously acquired made it easy for him to fit into all the contexts and situations that one encounters in a city like Nashville. Not only did he begin attracting attention from the country and western swing world, but also discovered a growing and intense jazz scene.
While he's now working regularly with Stephanie Adlington, he's also played with other Music City jazz stalwarts like Annie Selleck, Laura Mayo and Jamie Paul as well as international artists Laila Biali and Carol Welsman. He's become good friends and consistently shared the bandstand with Andy Reiss, Marcus Finnie, Geoff Pfiefer and Don Aliquo.
Jimmy Sullivan's now acclaimed not only in Nashville but throughout the region and state as a topflight player. He's already won one Nashville Music Industry Award as Best Jazz Instrumentalist in 2018, and others are sure to follow. But most importantly, Jimmy Sullivan's ferocity on the bandstand, and joy and love of playing music are infectious, and anyone who sees and hears him will immediately discover it as well as the inspiring and motivational power of great performance.
Harmonic adaptability and rhythmic flexibility are the key attributes of any first rate bassist. Though a native born Virginian, Jimmy Sullivan has ascended to the top ranks of Music City's rhythm section comrades, proving himself a versatile and imaginative bassist on multiple occasions. He's excelled in numerous idiomatic sessions, though jazz remains a priority and key musical love. Still, he's flourished while working, recording and/or performing with such top country, rock and pop stars as Lee Ann Womack, Mandy Barnett, Mark Collie, Jason Petty, Becky Warren, Anne McCue. Calbe Caudle and Ben De La Cour among others. But most recently he's become an area favorite backing one of Nashville's most popular and beloved jazz vocalists, Stephanie Adlington.
Sullivan grew up in Reston, Virginia. Despite not having any musicians in the family, Sullivan still became enamored with music at an early age. Teaching himself to play by ear, his early apprentice came as both a singer and instrumentalist. He performed in a choir while also playing piano and clarinet. But his primary instrument became bass at 15, where he began on electric. Soon came formal jazz studies at Northern Virginia Community college, where he obtained a two-year degree before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
At VCU not only did Jimmy receive the seasoning and grounding from an exceptional program founded by the late, great, pianist/composer Ellis Marsalis, he was required to master the acoustic. That was the final step in Sullivan becoming a full-time bassist. Over the next six years, while living in Richmond, he worked in multiple settings and with a host of bands playing the full musical spectrum from classical and jazz to soul, gospel and hip-hop.
Interestingly, upon initially moving to New York, Sullivan didn't initially immerse himself in jazz like many new arrivals. Instead, folk and the gamut of styles known as Americana were how he made his livelihood for much of the next decade, while also getting married. It wasn't util 2017 that he arrived in Nashville, still married and not really even contemplating being a full-time musician much longer. But while his then wife was pursing a singer/songwriting career, a funny thing happened to Jimmy Sullivan. He moved from trying to decide whether to sell his bass to attending jam sessions, meeting fellow players and re-discovering his love for music. The flexibility that he had previously acquired made it easy for him to fit into all the contexts and situations that one encounters in a city like Nashville. Not only did he begin attracting attention from the country and western swing world, but also discovered a growing and intense jazz scene.
While he's now working regularly with Stephanie Adlington, he's also played with other Music City jazz stalwarts like Annie Selleck, Laura Mayo and Jamie Paul as well as international artists Laila Biali and Carol Welsman. He's become good friends and consistently shared the bandstand with Andy Reiss, Marcus Finnie, Geoff Pfiefer and Don Aliquo.
Jimmy Sullivan's now acclaimed not only in Nashville but throughout the region and state as a topflight player. He's already won one Nashville Music Industry Award as Best Jazz Instrumentalist in 2018, and others are sure to follow. But most importantly, Jimmy Sullivan's ferocity on the bandstand, and joy and love of playing music are infectious, and anyone who sees and hears him will immediately discover it as well as the inspiring and motivational power of great performance.
Rudy's Jazz Jam
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $10 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 29
Jessica Heim & Russell Hospedales: Just Us
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $15 at the door
With exceptionally similar melodious (and harmonious) beginnings, both from a very young age and through it all, Jessica Heim and Russell Hospedales have stayed true to their hearts and their shared passion. In combining the incredibly rich performance experiences of the pair locally, nationwide and in Europe this past holiday season, Jessica and Russell are sure to keep audiences entertained and musically satisfied amidst jazz favorites with a theatrical flare in their project, Just Us.
Singer, actress, puppeteer, host and model, Middle Tennessee native Jessica Heim began her career in the Music City Scene session singing and performing with country music artists and songwriters. In 2008, she accepted her first contract as a featured vocalist on a major cruise line and traded her “land life” for a nomadic one on the sea and beyond. Between cruise ship contracts, she moved to New York City where she entertained at some Big Apple staples including Symphony Space, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and Shetler Studios. Bitten by the travel bug and thirsting for more, she sang and danced on Sesame Street Live! International tour, at theme parks and in national and statewide tours and industrial productions. For the past four years, she has vocal headlined Big Band concerts in Czech Republic.
When she isn’t world adventuring, Jessica is sure to be in the Nashville vicinity making music in a myriad of ways through section-leading and guest-singing in downtown Nashville churches, creating colorful art in all its forms in her youth musical development and entertainment classes and emoting from local theater stages. Ultimately, regardless if she’s two minutes down the road or on the other side of the world, Jessica’s desire is to share her ardor for the human race’s musical ties with all generations across all borders.
With pipes as smooth as velvet and a style reminiscent of the greats of old, Jazz crooner Russell Hospedales is often referred to by his musical peers as “Buttah”. His presence, vocal prowess and ability to mesmerize and captivate audiences everywhere he goes have garnered comparisons to Sinatra in his prime. A strong fascination for radio jingles, as well as the harmonies that accompanied them, compelled Russell to start arranging at the young age of 13 and continues to inspire him to incorporate what he heard then into his current and ever-growing library of original vocal group arrangements.
Russell studied at The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in New York City and has sung with many vocal groups throughout the years, thus making a name for himself both as a solo singer and a vocal arranger in NYC and the Nashville area. His arrangements have become well known for their intricate and chromatic stylings with lush and crunchy (close harmonies) voicings that his fans and fellow singers refer to as “one-of-a-kind genius”. In addition to Russell’s regular solo appearances all around Nashville and its surrounding areas, he can be found arranging, singing, recording and performing with the Chattanooga-based gospel quartet, ARMD VASILIOS.
Euphonic instrumentation by and special thanks to the first-rate and finest:
Chris Mondak (Bass)
Josh Karas (Piano)
Ryan Brasley (Drums)
Singer, actress, puppeteer, host and model, Middle Tennessee native Jessica Heim began her career in the Music City Scene session singing and performing with country music artists and songwriters. In 2008, she accepted her first contract as a featured vocalist on a major cruise line and traded her “land life” for a nomadic one on the sea and beyond. Between cruise ship contracts, she moved to New York City where she entertained at some Big Apple staples including Symphony Space, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and Shetler Studios. Bitten by the travel bug and thirsting for more, she sang and danced on Sesame Street Live! International tour, at theme parks and in national and statewide tours and industrial productions. For the past four years, she has vocal headlined Big Band concerts in Czech Republic.
When she isn’t world adventuring, Jessica is sure to be in the Nashville vicinity making music in a myriad of ways through section-leading and guest-singing in downtown Nashville churches, creating colorful art in all its forms in her youth musical development and entertainment classes and emoting from local theater stages. Ultimately, regardless if she’s two minutes down the road or on the other side of the world, Jessica’s desire is to share her ardor for the human race’s musical ties with all generations across all borders.
With pipes as smooth as velvet and a style reminiscent of the greats of old, Jazz crooner Russell Hospedales is often referred to by his musical peers as “Buttah”. His presence, vocal prowess and ability to mesmerize and captivate audiences everywhere he goes have garnered comparisons to Sinatra in his prime. A strong fascination for radio jingles, as well as the harmonies that accompanied them, compelled Russell to start arranging at the young age of 13 and continues to inspire him to incorporate what he heard then into his current and ever-growing library of original vocal group arrangements.
Russell studied at The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in New York City and has sung with many vocal groups throughout the years, thus making a name for himself both as a solo singer and a vocal arranger in NYC and the Nashville area. His arrangements have become well known for their intricate and chromatic stylings with lush and crunchy (close harmonies) voicings that his fans and fellow singers refer to as “one-of-a-kind genius”. In addition to Russell’s regular solo appearances all around Nashville and its surrounding areas, he can be found arranging, singing, recording and performing with the Chattanooga-based gospel quartet, ARMD VASILIOS.
Euphonic instrumentation by and special thanks to the first-rate and finest:
Chris Mondak (Bass)
Josh Karas (Piano)
Ryan Brasley (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. Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Jesus Agreda (Timbales), Lorenzo Molina Ruiz (Trumpet), Manuel 'Manotas' Ramierez (multi-Percussion), and Giovanni Rodriguez (bass/vocals).
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.