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
Come join us at Rudy’s Jazz Room for an Old Fashioned Christmas, featuring the "Siren of the South" Miss Stephanie Adlington! Celebrate the season with some spectacular live jazz including favorite Holiday standards and a collection of old New Orleans Christmas classics. Indulge in one of our seasonal Old Fashioned cocktails while enjoying a delicious New Orleans inspired holiday menu.
Take joy in the most wonderful time of the year with an Old Fashioned Christmas and some classic holiday jazz at Rudy’s Jazz Room!
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A Charlie Brown Christmas with The Alex Murphy Trio
The Charlie Brown Christmas Special is an American cultural icon, and is synonymous with the holiday season. The music, characters, and message have resonated since its airing in 1965. This soundtrack is praised due to the scoring and playing of the fantastic jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. Without Vince’s touch we wouldn’t have this American classic.
Join the Alex Murphy Trio for an evening enjoying the Charlie Brown Christmas Special soundtrack played live.
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New Years Eve "The Get Down" with the Wooten Brothers!
Celebrate New Years Eve at Rudy's Jazz Room with "The Get Down" and the Wooten Brothers! Dancing and live music with The Wooten Brothers, New Orleans themed hors d'oeuvres, champagne for the midnight toast, photo booth, and more! General Admission & Table Seating options available. Get your tickets now before they sellout!
Purchase ticketsTONIGHT'S SHOWS
Sully's Swingin' Sunday Supper
6:00pm-8:15pm, $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, Mark Collie, Ashley Campbell, and Mandy Barnett among others.
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).
He's now a regular performer at Rudy’s Jazz Room working regularly with Music City jazz stalwarts like Stephanie Adlington, Annie Sellick, PT Gazell and Andrew Carney as well as international artists such as Laila Biali, Nicole Zuraitis, Alexis Cole, Carol Welsman and Matt Panayides. He's become good friends and consistently shared the bandstand with world class musicians such as Joel Frahm, Andy Reiss, Jody Nardone, Pat Bergeson, Marcus Finnie and Jordan Perlson.
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, Mark Collie, Ashley Campbell, and Mandy Barnett among others.
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).
He's now a regular performer at Rudy’s Jazz Room working regularly with Music City jazz stalwarts like Stephanie Adlington, Annie Sellick, PT Gazell and Andrew Carney as well as international artists such as Laila Biali, Nicole Zuraitis, Alexis Cole, Carol Welsman and Matt Panayides. He's become good friends and consistently shared the bandstand with world class musicians such as Joel Frahm, Andy Reiss, Jody Nardone, Pat Bergeson, Marcus Finnie and Jordan Perlson.
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, $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.
UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Nov 11
The Marc Payne Trio
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 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, and Rob Butts. Marc has shared the stage with many great artists such as Bobby Watson, Regi Wooten, Curtis Lundy, Roy Wooten, Duffy Jackson 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, and Rudy’s Jazz Room.
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.
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, and Rob Butts. Marc has shared the stage with many great artists such as Bobby Watson, Regi Wooten, Curtis Lundy, Roy Wooten, Duffy Jackson 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, and Rudy’s Jazz Room.
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.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
A Nashville favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene and electric night of Salsa dancing! Multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Rodriguez, one of Nashville's leading percussionists, bassists and favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene, plays the sounds of salsa, bachata and percussion-driven rhythms with some of the most seasoned veterans in the Nashville Latin music scene. Giovanni Rodríguez timbales/vocals, Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Yosvany Cordero (conga/bongo), Michael S. Morton (flute/vocals), Isoel Villarrubia (bass).
For this show general admission tickets are available for standing and sitting in the front section of the room near the stage with the dance floor. Tickets for bar seats and tables are available as well. General admission tickets for the front section are not guaranteed to have seats as we will have a large part of the front section seating cleared for the dance floor. General admission tickets will have standing room as well as limited seating. Only our tables and bar seats will have guaranteed seating for this show.
For this show general admission tickets are available for standing and sitting in the front section of the room near the stage with the dance floor. Tickets for bar seats and tables are available as well. General admission tickets for the front section are not guaranteed to have seats as we will have a large part of the front section seating cleared for the dance floor. General admission tickets will have standing room as well as limited seating. Only our tables and bar seats will have guaranteed seating for this show.
Nov 13
Nigel Cathéy Quartet "Standards Sessions"
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Trumpeter, arranger, educator and Birmingham native Nigel Cathey presents a collection of jazz standards in quartet setting. Nigel is known for curating an authentic, vibrant, and memorable experience. Playing the works of Tadd Dameron, Cole Porter, and Miles Davis, this trio is excited to bring you “Standards Sessions”.
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!
Nov 14
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $13 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.
Cliff Richmond & The CliffNotes
9:00pm-11:15pm 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.
Nov 15
Ari Hoenig Trio
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $20 in advance, $25 at the door
"He's got Rhythm of every variety...trickles of rhythm seeping into all the cracks and at regular intervals he changes the rhythm, pouring it out or stoppering it, turning its emphasis around, subdividing or refocusing it and making it follow the melody." - Ben Ratliff New York Times
"Ari Hoenig is one of the most maniacally obsessive, spasmodic and musical drummers in jazz." - Jazz Times
"Postbop daredevil Ari Hoenig turns jazz drumming into a thrilling high-wire act." - Time Out New York
"Ari Hoenig’s Punk Bop is an altogether different take on jazz." - Downbeat Magazine
"Drummer Ari Hoenig is an unalloyed pleasure, matching rhythmic verve with a keen ear for melody" - Steve Smith, Jazziz Magazine
“Rhythm is a contact sport for Ari Hoenig...expansive technique, propulsive time and deep musicality...his style is characterized by a crisp attack and quick attentive reflexes." - Nate Chinen, New York Times
Ari Hoenig is a jazz drummer, composer, and educator known for his unusual and intense approach to drumming emphasizing complex rhythms in direct harmony with other group members. Ari is widely noted particularly for his drumming not being relegated to just keeping tempo, or being a side issue to the music he plays in, but rather for elevating drumming as an indispensable part of the performance.
Born on November 13, 1973 in Philadelphia, Ari Hoenig, was exposed at an early age to a variety of musical experiences and by age fourteen was honing his skills in Philly clubs. After attending the University of North Texas for three years, Ari transferred to William Patterson College in New Jersey and soon found himself playing for legendary Philadelphia organist Shirley Scott and working regularly in New York City.
Shortly thereafter, Ari moved into Brooklyn and began playing extensively with a variety of groups, including Jean Michel Pilc Trio, Kenny Werner Trio, Chris Potter Underground, Kurt Rosenwinkel Group, Joshua Redman Elastic band, Jazz Mandolin Project and bands led by Wayne Krantz, Mike Stern, Richard Bona and Pat Martino.
Both of Ari's self-produced solo drum CDs, "Time Travels" (2000) and "The Life Of A Day" (2002), document his exploratory nature and they represent an ambitious tribute to the melodic possibilities of the drum set. Today, Ari continues to build on the concepts of these two records by playing largely improvised solo concerts using a simple four-piece drum kit without help from extraneous percussion instruments.
The Ari Hoenig Quartet was formed at the end of 2002 while playing every Monday night at the New York Village jazz club Fat Cat. The band featured Jacques Schwarz-Bart on tenor sax, Jean Michel Pilc on piano, and Matt Penman on bass. They released two records on the Smalls Records label: "The Painter" (2004) and the DVD "Kinetic Hues" (2005)
In 2006 Ari signed a multi-record deal with Dreyfus Records and released his first record for them called “Inversations" (2006) which features the trio of Jean Michel Pilc and Johannes Weidenmueller. “Bert’s Playground” (2008), Ari’s second record for Dreyfus, features Ari’s Punk Bop Band joined by Chris Potter. Jonathan Kreisberg, Matt Penman, Will Vinson, Gilad Hekselman and Orlando le Fleming also represent on this one.
His next record project was for “Smalls Live”, a record label set up in 2009 to document some of the music being performed at the “Smalls Jazz Club” in New York where Ari has appeared regularly since 2003. Ari chose his Punk Bop Band to make the live record “Punk Bop Live at Smalls (2010)”. The Punk Bop Band features Will Vinson on alto, Jonathan Kreisberg on guitar and fellow Jazz Mandolin Project alumni, Danton Boller on bass and Tigran Hamasyan.
In 2018, Ari released a standards record called NY Standard (a tribute to playing standards in New York). In 2019, Conners Days (his first full trio record) was released. It features Nitai Hershkovits on piano and Or Bareket on bass. Both of these are on the Fresh Sound label and have received widespread acclaim.
In 2022 Ari teamed up with arranger/pianist Ben Markley to record an album of his compositions with a full 19 piece big band from the Denver area and released “Ari’s Funhouse” (OAM). The same year the trio recording “Golden Treasures” (Fresh Sound) was released featuring Ari’s current trio of Gadi Lehavi and Ben Tiberio, documenting Ari’s composing and other general musical activities during the pandemic. The record is indicative of Ari’s cinematic style of songwriting.
Ari also co-leads a variety of projects. Pilc, Moutin, Hoenig (The Three headed monster) released Threedom in 2011 on the Motema label. He has had various projects with partner Gael Horellou including the jazz electronica project “Nasty Factorz” with a self titled record released in 2016 and “Live” with the quartet featuring Horellou, released in 2019. Ari has also co-led various duo’s with Chris Potter, Edmar Casteneda, JD Walter and Dan Weiss. His recordings as a side-artist total around 120 to date.
Ari Hoenig - Drums
Jacob Duncan - Saxophones
Ryan McGillicuddy - Bass
"Ari Hoenig is one of the most maniacally obsessive, spasmodic and musical drummers in jazz." - Jazz Times
"Postbop daredevil Ari Hoenig turns jazz drumming into a thrilling high-wire act." - Time Out New York
"Ari Hoenig’s Punk Bop is an altogether different take on jazz." - Downbeat Magazine
"Drummer Ari Hoenig is an unalloyed pleasure, matching rhythmic verve with a keen ear for melody" - Steve Smith, Jazziz Magazine
“Rhythm is a contact sport for Ari Hoenig...expansive technique, propulsive time and deep musicality...his style is characterized by a crisp attack and quick attentive reflexes." - Nate Chinen, New York Times
Ari Hoenig is a jazz drummer, composer, and educator known for his unusual and intense approach to drumming emphasizing complex rhythms in direct harmony with other group members. Ari is widely noted particularly for his drumming not being relegated to just keeping tempo, or being a side issue to the music he plays in, but rather for elevating drumming as an indispensable part of the performance.
Born on November 13, 1973 in Philadelphia, Ari Hoenig, was exposed at an early age to a variety of musical experiences and by age fourteen was honing his skills in Philly clubs. After attending the University of North Texas for three years, Ari transferred to William Patterson College in New Jersey and soon found himself playing for legendary Philadelphia organist Shirley Scott and working regularly in New York City.
Shortly thereafter, Ari moved into Brooklyn and began playing extensively with a variety of groups, including Jean Michel Pilc Trio, Kenny Werner Trio, Chris Potter Underground, Kurt Rosenwinkel Group, Joshua Redman Elastic band, Jazz Mandolin Project and bands led by Wayne Krantz, Mike Stern, Richard Bona and Pat Martino.
Both of Ari's self-produced solo drum CDs, "Time Travels" (2000) and "The Life Of A Day" (2002), document his exploratory nature and they represent an ambitious tribute to the melodic possibilities of the drum set. Today, Ari continues to build on the concepts of these two records by playing largely improvised solo concerts using a simple four-piece drum kit without help from extraneous percussion instruments.
The Ari Hoenig Quartet was formed at the end of 2002 while playing every Monday night at the New York Village jazz club Fat Cat. The band featured Jacques Schwarz-Bart on tenor sax, Jean Michel Pilc on piano, and Matt Penman on bass. They released two records on the Smalls Records label: "The Painter" (2004) and the DVD "Kinetic Hues" (2005)
In 2006 Ari signed a multi-record deal with Dreyfus Records and released his first record for them called “Inversations" (2006) which features the trio of Jean Michel Pilc and Johannes Weidenmueller. “Bert’s Playground” (2008), Ari’s second record for Dreyfus, features Ari’s Punk Bop Band joined by Chris Potter. Jonathan Kreisberg, Matt Penman, Will Vinson, Gilad Hekselman and Orlando le Fleming also represent on this one.
His next record project was for “Smalls Live”, a record label set up in 2009 to document some of the music being performed at the “Smalls Jazz Club” in New York where Ari has appeared regularly since 2003. Ari chose his Punk Bop Band to make the live record “Punk Bop Live at Smalls (2010)”. The Punk Bop Band features Will Vinson on alto, Jonathan Kreisberg on guitar and fellow Jazz Mandolin Project alumni, Danton Boller on bass and Tigran Hamasyan.
In 2018, Ari released a standards record called NY Standard (a tribute to playing standards in New York). In 2019, Conners Days (his first full trio record) was released. It features Nitai Hershkovits on piano and Or Bareket on bass. Both of these are on the Fresh Sound label and have received widespread acclaim.
In 2022 Ari teamed up with arranger/pianist Ben Markley to record an album of his compositions with a full 19 piece big band from the Denver area and released “Ari’s Funhouse” (OAM). The same year the trio recording “Golden Treasures” (Fresh Sound) was released featuring Ari’s current trio of Gadi Lehavi and Ben Tiberio, documenting Ari’s composing and other general musical activities during the pandemic. The record is indicative of Ari’s cinematic style of songwriting.
Ari also co-leads a variety of projects. Pilc, Moutin, Hoenig (The Three headed monster) released Threedom in 2011 on the Motema label. He has had various projects with partner Gael Horellou including the jazz electronica project “Nasty Factorz” with a self titled record released in 2016 and “Live” with the quartet featuring Horellou, released in 2019. Ari has also co-led various duo’s with Chris Potter, Edmar Casteneda, JD Walter and Dan Weiss. His recordings as a side-artist total around 120 to date.
Ari Hoenig - Drums
Jacob Duncan - Saxophones
Ryan McGillicuddy - Bass
Ari Hoenig Trio
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $30 in advance, $35 at the door
"He's got Rhythm of every variety...trickles of rhythm seeping into all the cracks and at regular intervals he changes the rhythm, pouring it out or stoppering it, turning its emphasis around, subdividing or refocusing it and making it follow the melody." - Ben Ratliff New York Times
"Ari Hoenig is one of the most maniacally obsessive, spasmodic and musical drummers in jazz." - Jazz Times
"Postbop daredevil Ari Hoenig turns jazz drumming into a thrilling high-wire act." - Time Out New York
"Ari Hoenig’s Punk Bop is an altogether different take on jazz." - Downbeat Magazine
"Drummer Ari Hoenig is an unalloyed pleasure, matching rhythmic verve with a keen ear for melody" - Steve Smith, Jazziz Magazine
“Rhythm is a contact sport for Ari Hoenig...expansive technique, propulsive time and deep musicality...his style is characterized by a crisp attack and quick attentive reflexes." - Nate Chinen, New York Times
Ari Hoenig is a jazz drummer, composer, and educator known for his unusual and intense approach to drumming emphasizing complex rhythms in direct harmony with other group members. Ari is widely noted particularly for his drumming not being relegated to just keeping tempo, or being a side issue to the music he plays in, but rather for elevating drumming as an indispensable part of the performance.
Born on November 13, 1973 in Philadelphia, Ari Hoenig, was exposed at an early age to a variety of musical experiences and by age fourteen was honing his skills in Philly clubs. After attending the University of North Texas for three years, Ari transferred to William Patterson College in New Jersey and soon found himself playing for legendary Philadelphia organist Shirley Scott and working regularly in New York City.
Shortly thereafter, Ari moved into Brooklyn and began playing extensively with a variety of groups, including Jean Michel Pilc Trio, Kenny Werner Trio, Chris Potter Underground, Kurt Rosenwinkel Group, Joshua Redman Elastic band, Jazz Mandolin Project and bands led by Wayne Krantz, Mike Stern, Richard Bona and Pat Martino.
Both of Ari's self-produced solo drum CDs, "Time Travels" (2000) and "The Life Of A Day" (2002), document his exploratory nature and they represent an ambitious tribute to the melodic possibilities of the drum set. Today, Ari continues to build on the concepts of these two records by playing largely improvised solo concerts using a simple four-piece drum kit without help from extraneous percussion instruments.
The Ari Hoenig Quartet was formed at the end of 2002 while playing every Monday night at the New York Village jazz club Fat Cat. The band featured Jacques Schwarz-Bart on tenor sax, Jean Michel Pilc on piano, and Matt Penman on bass. They released two records on the Smalls Records label: "The Painter" (2004) and the DVD "Kinetic Hues" (2005)
In 2006 Ari signed a multi-record deal with Dreyfus Records and released his first record for them called “Inversations" (2006) which features the trio of Jean Michel Pilc and Johannes Weidenmueller. “Bert’s Playground” (2008), Ari’s second record for Dreyfus, features Ari’s Punk Bop Band joined by Chris Potter. Jonathan Kreisberg, Matt Penman, Will Vinson, Gilad Hekselman and Orlando le Fleming also represent on this one.
His next record project was for “Smalls Live”, a record label set up in 2009 to document some of the music being performed at the “Smalls Jazz Club” in New York where Ari has appeared regularly since 2003. Ari chose his Punk Bop Band to make the live record “Punk Bop Live at Smalls (2010)”. The Punk Bop Band features Will Vinson on alto, Jonathan Kreisberg on guitar and fellow Jazz Mandolin Project alumni, Danton Boller on bass and Tigran Hamasyan.
In 2018, Ari released a standards record called NY Standard (a tribute to playing standards in New York). In 2019, Conners Days (his first full trio record) was released. It features Nitai Hershkovits on piano and Or Bareket on bass. Both of these are on the Fresh Sound label and have received widespread acclaim.
In 2022 Ari teamed up with arranger/pianist Ben Markley to record an album of his compositions with a full 19 piece big band from the Denver area and released “Ari’s Funhouse” (OAM). The same year the trio recording “Golden Treasures” (Fresh Sound) was released featuring Ari’s current trio of Gadi Lehavi and Ben Tiberio, documenting Ari’s composing and other general musical activities during the pandemic. The record is indicative of Ari’s cinematic style of songwriting.
Ari also co-leads a variety of projects. Pilc, Moutin, Hoenig (The Three headed monster) released Threedom in 2011 on the Motema label. He has had various projects with partner Gael Horellou including the jazz electronica project “Nasty Factorz” with a self titled record released in 2016 and “Live” with the quartet featuring Horellou, released in 2019. Ari has also co-led various duo’s with Chris Potter, Edmar Casteneda, JD Walter and Dan Weiss. His recordings as a side-artist total around 120 to date.
Ari Hoenig - Drums
Jacob Duncan - Saxophones
Ryan McGillicuddy - Bass
"Ari Hoenig is one of the most maniacally obsessive, spasmodic and musical drummers in jazz." - Jazz Times
"Postbop daredevil Ari Hoenig turns jazz drumming into a thrilling high-wire act." - Time Out New York
"Ari Hoenig’s Punk Bop is an altogether different take on jazz." - Downbeat Magazine
"Drummer Ari Hoenig is an unalloyed pleasure, matching rhythmic verve with a keen ear for melody" - Steve Smith, Jazziz Magazine
“Rhythm is a contact sport for Ari Hoenig...expansive technique, propulsive time and deep musicality...his style is characterized by a crisp attack and quick attentive reflexes." - Nate Chinen, New York Times
Ari Hoenig is a jazz drummer, composer, and educator known for his unusual and intense approach to drumming emphasizing complex rhythms in direct harmony with other group members. Ari is widely noted particularly for his drumming not being relegated to just keeping tempo, or being a side issue to the music he plays in, but rather for elevating drumming as an indispensable part of the performance.
Born on November 13, 1973 in Philadelphia, Ari Hoenig, was exposed at an early age to a variety of musical experiences and by age fourteen was honing his skills in Philly clubs. After attending the University of North Texas for three years, Ari transferred to William Patterson College in New Jersey and soon found himself playing for legendary Philadelphia organist Shirley Scott and working regularly in New York City.
Shortly thereafter, Ari moved into Brooklyn and began playing extensively with a variety of groups, including Jean Michel Pilc Trio, Kenny Werner Trio, Chris Potter Underground, Kurt Rosenwinkel Group, Joshua Redman Elastic band, Jazz Mandolin Project and bands led by Wayne Krantz, Mike Stern, Richard Bona and Pat Martino.
Both of Ari's self-produced solo drum CDs, "Time Travels" (2000) and "The Life Of A Day" (2002), document his exploratory nature and they represent an ambitious tribute to the melodic possibilities of the drum set. Today, Ari continues to build on the concepts of these two records by playing largely improvised solo concerts using a simple four-piece drum kit without help from extraneous percussion instruments.
The Ari Hoenig Quartet was formed at the end of 2002 while playing every Monday night at the New York Village jazz club Fat Cat. The band featured Jacques Schwarz-Bart on tenor sax, Jean Michel Pilc on piano, and Matt Penman on bass. They released two records on the Smalls Records label: "The Painter" (2004) and the DVD "Kinetic Hues" (2005)
In 2006 Ari signed a multi-record deal with Dreyfus Records and released his first record for them called “Inversations" (2006) which features the trio of Jean Michel Pilc and Johannes Weidenmueller. “Bert’s Playground” (2008), Ari’s second record for Dreyfus, features Ari’s Punk Bop Band joined by Chris Potter. Jonathan Kreisberg, Matt Penman, Will Vinson, Gilad Hekselman and Orlando le Fleming also represent on this one.
His next record project was for “Smalls Live”, a record label set up in 2009 to document some of the music being performed at the “Smalls Jazz Club” in New York where Ari has appeared regularly since 2003. Ari chose his Punk Bop Band to make the live record “Punk Bop Live at Smalls (2010)”. The Punk Bop Band features Will Vinson on alto, Jonathan Kreisberg on guitar and fellow Jazz Mandolin Project alumni, Danton Boller on bass and Tigran Hamasyan.
In 2018, Ari released a standards record called NY Standard (a tribute to playing standards in New York). In 2019, Conners Days (his first full trio record) was released. It features Nitai Hershkovits on piano and Or Bareket on bass. Both of these are on the Fresh Sound label and have received widespread acclaim.
In 2022 Ari teamed up with arranger/pianist Ben Markley to record an album of his compositions with a full 19 piece big band from the Denver area and released “Ari’s Funhouse” (OAM). The same year the trio recording “Golden Treasures” (Fresh Sound) was released featuring Ari’s current trio of Gadi Lehavi and Ben Tiberio, documenting Ari’s composing and other general musical activities during the pandemic. The record is indicative of Ari’s cinematic style of songwriting.
Ari also co-leads a variety of projects. Pilc, Moutin, Hoenig (The Three headed monster) released Threedom in 2011 on the Motema label. He has had various projects with partner Gael Horellou including the jazz electronica project “Nasty Factorz” with a self titled record released in 2016 and “Live” with the quartet featuring Horellou, released in 2019. Ari has also co-led various duo’s with Chris Potter, Edmar Casteneda, JD Walter and Dan Weiss. His recordings as a side-artist total around 120 to date.
Ari Hoenig - Drums
Jacob Duncan - Saxophones
Ryan McGillicuddy - Bass
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.
Nov 16
The Pat Coil Quartet w/ Pat Bergeson, Baily Johnstone & Ryan Brasley
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $16 in advance, $17 at the door
Pianist Pat Coil has toured Japan, South America, Europe and the U.S. with such artists as Michael McDonald, Carmen McCrae, Olivia Newton John, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Woody Herman and many others. Pat has recorded with many artists including Natalie Cole, Trisha Yearwood, Ernie Watts, Carmen McCrae, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Peter Cetera, Woody Herman, Scott Henderson, and Michael McDonald.
During his L.A. years, Pat played on many movie and TV scores, including Star Trek - Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Murphy Brown, Dionne Warwick & Friends, Growing Pains, Major Dad, Spencer For Hire, The Grammy Awards and many more. He played for various artists on the Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall, & Conan O’Brien. Living now in Nashville TN, Pat continues his successful career composing, recording, performing, producing, arranging and teaching. He has composed, produced and performed on hundreds of underscores heard on a variety of media all over the world. Pat taught jazz piano, combos, and improvisation at Middle Tennessee State University, and was an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University Of North Texas.
Pat has recorded six solo jazz albums of his own, the third one being a collaboration with Lyle Mays. “True North” and his new album “Birdhouse” are available at patcoil.com, cdbaby.com and I-Tunes. Pat currently tours with Michael McDonald and Lynda Carter. He also makes numerous appearances with his own group. Pat has a new release of his original music, “Music For Humans….and Other Species”. For more information, please visit patcoil.com.
Guitarist and Harmonica player Pat Bergeson grew up in Batavia Illinois and moved to NYC where he honed his Jazz skills for 10 years. He was brought to Nashville by Chet Atkins in 1993 after hearing him on a demo tape. Pat recorded was featured on two of Chet's recordings "Read My Licks" and "Sneaking Around" with Jerry Reed. He has since worked with Lyle Lovett, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Suzy Bogguss, Tommy Emmanuel, Joey DeFrancesco, Annie Sellick, Alison Krauss ,Bill Frisell, Michael McDonald, Madeleine Peyroux, Benny Golson, etc.
Baily Johnstone is an up and coming bassist, composer, and bandleader in the Nashville area. Born in Colorado but hailing from Tullahoma, Tennessee, Baily possesses an understanding and love of many kinds of music such as jazz, swing, r&b, funk, bluegrass, old-time fiddle music, and contest style fiddle. A recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, he had the opportunity to play with Adam Nussbaum, Brian Lynch, and Tamir Hendelman. He has also shared the stage with Pat Coil, Joel Frahm, Don Aliquo, Alex Murphy, Marcus Finnie, and Cedric Dent.
Originating from Chicago, Illinois, drummer, percussionist, educator and composer Ryan Brasley has a career spanning over the last 15 years. Ryan began his musical journey in the Indie/ Alternative rock world as a founding member of The Giving Moon. During this time he had the opportunity to perform across the country working with artists such as Eddie Money, Edgar Winters, and producer Gary Hoey who oversaw the creation of the bands first album. As he grew older, Ryan discovered a passion for jazz and improvised music which lead him to pursue and complete a degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. During his education, Ryan had the privilege of studying under world renowned factually such as Rich Thompson, Gary Versace, Bill Dobbins, Harold Danko, and others. Over the course of his degree, Ryan not only had the chance to perform with world class artists but also had frequent opportunities to teach in the greater Rochester, NY community. Since moving to Nashville, TN in the last 3 years, Ryan has maintained and active schedule teaching from his private studio and freelancing, performing regularly with local artists such as Don Aliquo, Joel Frahm, Pat Coil, Jonathan Wires, as well as being a regular performer at the famed Skulls Rainbow Room.
During his L.A. years, Pat played on many movie and TV scores, including Star Trek - Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Murphy Brown, Dionne Warwick & Friends, Growing Pains, Major Dad, Spencer For Hire, The Grammy Awards and many more. He played for various artists on the Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall, & Conan O’Brien. Living now in Nashville TN, Pat continues his successful career composing, recording, performing, producing, arranging and teaching. He has composed, produced and performed on hundreds of underscores heard on a variety of media all over the world. Pat taught jazz piano, combos, and improvisation at Middle Tennessee State University, and was an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University Of North Texas.
Pat has recorded six solo jazz albums of his own, the third one being a collaboration with Lyle Mays. “True North” and his new album “Birdhouse” are available at patcoil.com, cdbaby.com and I-Tunes. Pat currently tours with Michael McDonald and Lynda Carter. He also makes numerous appearances with his own group. Pat has a new release of his original music, “Music For Humans….and Other Species”. For more information, please visit patcoil.com.
Guitarist and Harmonica player Pat Bergeson grew up in Batavia Illinois and moved to NYC where he honed his Jazz skills for 10 years. He was brought to Nashville by Chet Atkins in 1993 after hearing him on a demo tape. Pat recorded was featured on two of Chet's recordings "Read My Licks" and "Sneaking Around" with Jerry Reed. He has since worked with Lyle Lovett, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Suzy Bogguss, Tommy Emmanuel, Joey DeFrancesco, Annie Sellick, Alison Krauss ,Bill Frisell, Michael McDonald, Madeleine Peyroux, Benny Golson, etc.
Baily Johnstone is an up and coming bassist, composer, and bandleader in the Nashville area. Born in Colorado but hailing from Tullahoma, Tennessee, Baily possesses an understanding and love of many kinds of music such as jazz, swing, r&b, funk, bluegrass, old-time fiddle music, and contest style fiddle. A recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, he had the opportunity to play with Adam Nussbaum, Brian Lynch, and Tamir Hendelman. He has also shared the stage with Pat Coil, Joel Frahm, Don Aliquo, Alex Murphy, Marcus Finnie, and Cedric Dent.
Originating from Chicago, Illinois, drummer, percussionist, educator and composer Ryan Brasley has a career spanning over the last 15 years. Ryan began his musical journey in the Indie/ Alternative rock world as a founding member of The Giving Moon. During this time he had the opportunity to perform across the country working with artists such as Eddie Money, Edgar Winters, and producer Gary Hoey who oversaw the creation of the bands first album. As he grew older, Ryan discovered a passion for jazz and improvised music which lead him to pursue and complete a degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. During his education, Ryan had the privilege of studying under world renowned factually such as Rich Thompson, Gary Versace, Bill Dobbins, Harold Danko, and others. Over the course of his degree, Ryan not only had the chance to perform with world class artists but also had frequent opportunities to teach in the greater Rochester, NY community. Since moving to Nashville, TN in the last 3 years, Ryan has maintained and active schedule teaching from his private studio and freelancing, performing regularly with local artists such as Don Aliquo, Joel Frahm, Pat Coil, Jonathan Wires, as well as being a regular performer at the famed Skulls Rainbow Room.
The Ted Ludwig Quartet
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $20 at the door
"Ludwig’s jazz is a carefully distilled product, like the finest Gin. He is rhythmically and metrically perfect. He is the definition of swing." - All About Jazz Magazine
"Ludwig has a soulful melodic style with a great harmonic palate and he can flat burn up the fingerboard with mindboggling technique!" - JAZZIZ magazine
"Ted Ludwig is one superb jazz guitarist. His fluid heartfelt melodic style coupled with a strong harmonic sophistication has made him a compelling and impressive jazz musician. As Ludwig’s fingers caress and dance across his 7-string guitar, the New Orleans native delivers a passion and precision that is jazz guitar playing at its most engaging and accessible best" - Offbeat Magazine, 2013
Acclaimed seven-string jazz guitarist Ted Ludwig has been a part of the jazz scene in New Orleans since 1997. Throughout that time period, he has performed for numerous club performances, festivals, and recordings. He has released 4 albums as a leader and many more as a versatile sideman and co leader.
Ted earned his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from the University of New Orleans Jazz Studies Program, under the direction of the legendary pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. He received an ASCAP award, the Louis Armstrong award, and the Overture to the Cultural Season award for his outstanding musicianship and creativity. Inspired by the recordings of Joe Pass, Pat Martino, and Wes Montgomery, Ludwig soon became one of the most sought after guitarists in the New Orleans jazz scene, working professionally as a soloist, and accompanist.
He has performed with notable contemporaries such as; Ellis Marsalis, Peter Bernstein, Bob Dorough, Larry Coryell, Nathan East, Nicholas Payton, Howard Alden, Mundell Lowe, Rick Margitza, Julian Labro, Steve Masakowski, John Ellis, Tony Dagradi, Mike Pellera, Jason Marsalis, Ron Eschete’, Johnny Vidacovich, Herlin Riley, and many more.
In 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Ludwig created his own eclectic Jazz Trio gaining instant accolades from critics and musicians alike for his astonishing virtuosity and prolific originality.
Since 2007, Ted has maintained a fruitful association with the Infrared Record Label. He has recorded, produced, and released four albums as a leader and has continuously performed on many other recordings as a co-leader and sideman. In 2016, Ludwig had the great opportunity to perform with orchestra an original Jazz Guitar Concerto entitled “Katrina”. The piece was composed by D.J. Sparr and commissioned by The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Ted received rave reviews for his performances of the concerto.
"Ludwig has a soulful melodic style with a great harmonic palate and he can flat burn up the fingerboard with mindboggling technique!" - JAZZIZ magazine
"Ted Ludwig is one superb jazz guitarist. His fluid heartfelt melodic style coupled with a strong harmonic sophistication has made him a compelling and impressive jazz musician. As Ludwig’s fingers caress and dance across his 7-string guitar, the New Orleans native delivers a passion and precision that is jazz guitar playing at its most engaging and accessible best" - Offbeat Magazine, 2013
Acclaimed seven-string jazz guitarist Ted Ludwig has been a part of the jazz scene in New Orleans since 1997. Throughout that time period, he has performed for numerous club performances, festivals, and recordings. He has released 4 albums as a leader and many more as a versatile sideman and co leader.
Ted earned his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from the University of New Orleans Jazz Studies Program, under the direction of the legendary pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. He received an ASCAP award, the Louis Armstrong award, and the Overture to the Cultural Season award for his outstanding musicianship and creativity. Inspired by the recordings of Joe Pass, Pat Martino, and Wes Montgomery, Ludwig soon became one of the most sought after guitarists in the New Orleans jazz scene, working professionally as a soloist, and accompanist.
He has performed with notable contemporaries such as; Ellis Marsalis, Peter Bernstein, Bob Dorough, Larry Coryell, Nathan East, Nicholas Payton, Howard Alden, Mundell Lowe, Rick Margitza, Julian Labro, Steve Masakowski, John Ellis, Tony Dagradi, Mike Pellera, Jason Marsalis, Ron Eschete’, Johnny Vidacovich, Herlin Riley, and many more.
In 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Ludwig created his own eclectic Jazz Trio gaining instant accolades from critics and musicians alike for his astonishing virtuosity and prolific originality.
Since 2007, Ted has maintained a fruitful association with the Infrared Record Label. He has recorded, produced, and released four albums as a leader and has continuously performed on many other recordings as a co-leader and sideman. In 2016, Ludwig had the great opportunity to perform with orchestra an original Jazz Guitar Concerto entitled “Katrina”. The piece was composed by D.J. Sparr and commissioned by The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Ted received rave reviews for his performances of the concerto.
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.
Nov 17
Wendy Burns Sings "The Great American Songbook"
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $18 at the door
Be prepared to be transported back in time as Wendy Burns sings "The Great American Songbook" featuring the jazz classic songs that have stood the test of time. Songs written as far back as 1920 and going as far as the 1960’s. Legendary composers and lyricists to be celebrated will be Hoagy Carmichael, George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jule Styne, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen and more. A curated selection of some of Wendy's favorite tunes that made her fell in love with jazz. Wendy will be joined with an ALL STAR BAND, masters at their craft and love for jazz; Brian Allen on bass, Melvin Macias on piano and Bryan Brock on drums. Join us as we celebrate the songs that many generations have fallen in love to.
2024 NIMA Best Jazz Vocalist winner, 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
2024 NIMA Best Jazz Vocalist winner, 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
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.