THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7th! Sensational jazz vocalist and band leader, Olivia Van Goor, returns to BLU with her jazz quintet, featuring Andrew Wegierski on trombone! Line-up: Olivia Van Goor - Vocals Andrew Wegierski - Trombone Rock Wehrmann - Piano Rob Sobnosky - Bass Brad Billmaier - Drums Olivia Van Goor is a Detroit-based jazz vocalist, band leader, arranger, and composer. She has built a reputation for not only being an excellent vocalist, but a creative force to be reckoned with. Her hard work has yielded two EPs, first “When the Shadows Fall” in 2021 and the second being “Don’t Be Mad At Me” in August of 2023. These recordings have taken her to tour in surrounding major cities such as Ann Arbor, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Southbend, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. Additionally, she received “Best Vocalist” for the Preservation of Jazz Excellence Award in Detroit, nominations by the Detroit Music Awards and recognition by many Michigan-based publications. Beyond recording, she has produced the show “Duets” with vocalist/bassist Reuben Stump exploring the history of vocal jazz duets and some of her own arrangements as well as an “Anita O’Day Tribute” in which she pays tribute to the legendary vocalist Anita O’Day. She has worked with musicians like Detroit pianist Scott Gwinnell, 2-time JUNO award winning vocalist Caity Gyorgy, and prolific Ann Arbor string bassist Paul Keller. Olivia continues to collaborate with many Michigan leaders in jazz in addition to surrounding midwest musicians to spread musical joy. Olivia moved to Southeast Michigan in the winter of 2017 with her family, and fell in love with the Detroit music scene. She has performed at historic Detroit clubs such as Cliff Bell’s and Aretha’s Jazz Cafe at Music Hall, along with the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor. Rich with history and phenomenal world-class musicians, she has found a home where she continues to progress her craft. Raised in Hudson, OH, Olivia learned how to play piano, sing in choirs, and eventually how to perform as a soloist. The love for music grew as she explored different avenues: choir, rock bands, and musical theatre. However, one outlet stood out against them all: jazz. In 2019, Olivia graduated from Denison University in Granville, OH with a bachelor’s degree in music & economics. She used that time to explore voice as her main instrument, learning from Dr. Stephanie Henkle and Dr. Carolyn Redman. She sang in the jazz ensembles under the instruction of saxophonist Pete Mills, and interned at Jazz Arts Group Columbus. Doors: 7:00pm, Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 purchased in advance, $25 purchased day of show. 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8th: Internationally reknown, composer and bassist, Max Johnson, returns to BLU Jazz with his trio, featuring Neta Raanan (tenor saxophone), and Eliza Salem (drumset)! Described as “an intrepid composer, architect of sound and beast of the bass…” (Brad Cohan, NYC Jazz Record) composer, bassist, and improviser Max Johnson is one of the most prolific music makers in the jazz, bluegrass, improvised music, and contemporary classical worlds. Johnson has released nearly 20 albums and performed over three thousand concerts internationally with artists like Anthony Braxton, Geri Allen, Mary Halvorson, David Grisman, Tyshawn Sorey, Ingrid Laubrock, Henry Grimes, Candido Camero, Sam Bush, Nels Cline, and many more. He has composed commissions for the Jerome Foundation, Society of Composers Inc, University of Glasgow, has been featured on over seventy albums, and can be heard in Spike Lee’s Academy Award winning film, “The BlacKkKlansman”. For this concert, Max Johnson presents his incredible new trio with Neta Raanan on tenor saxophone and Eliza Salem on drumset, celebrating their 2024 album, "I'll see you again". This trio explores Johnson’s more traditional jazz compositions inspired by innovators Charles Mingus, Mal Waldron, and Thelonious Monk, while always featuring Johnson's unique energetic and chaotic soundworld. "Multi-faceted bassist Max Johnson helms a terrific trio... Here and elsewhere, evidence of Johnson's composer's ear surfaces in how cannily he extracts maximum impact from the three voices." - John Sharpe, The New York City Jazz Record 

Soulful & funky Cleveland native saxophonist and "Pieces of a Dream" alumnus returns home by way of Maryland to BLU Jazz+! As a touring member of Pieces of a Dream for a decade and a half, Baccus Jr had the opportunity to perform with and alongside a virtual who’s who in the traditional jazz, urban jazz and R&B words: Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, War, Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun, Grover Washington Jr, Bobby Watson, Greg Abate, Lester Bowie, EWF(Earth, Wind and Fire), Regina Carter, Dianne Reeves, Vesta Williams, Norman Conners, India Arie, George Benson, Miki Howard, Jean Carne, David Sanborn, Brian McKnight, Will Downing, Phil Perry, Najee, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Marcus Belgrave, Benny Golson, Russell Ferrante, Bobby Lyle, Jeff Lorber, Ricky Lawson, Aaron Graves (Piano “Little Jimmy Scott”), Lenny Castro, Rachelle Ferrelle, Lil’ John Roberts, Phil Davis, Chris Coleman, Andre Gouche’, Giovanni Hildago, Eric Marienthal, James Carter, Curtis Fuller, Regina Belle, Miki Howard, Allyson Williams, Norman Connors, Atlantic Starr, Ronny Jordan, Rhonda Smith (Prince’s Bass Player), Gerald Veasley, Average White Band, Stevie Wonder, Peter White, Walter Beasley and more recently Four80East, Brian Simpson, Lindsey Webster, Cameo, Brother 2 Brother, Glenn Jones, Cabo Frio, Groove Frequencies, Christian De Mesones, Bene Music, Utopian Dreams and Joe Lovano. On a national and international scale, Baccus Jr has shined on the stages of many noteworthy venues including: The World Trade Center-NYC; Blue Note-NYC & Tokyo; Kimbles East-Oakland; Yoshis-Oakland; Cotton Club-Tokyo; Tangier-Akron; Sydney Opera House-Sydney; Chene Park-Detroit; Village Vanguard-NYC, Spaghettini-Orange County; The Forum-Inglewood; Helwig Winery Amphitheater-LA; Gillys-Dayton; Kuumbwa Jazz Center-Santa Cruz. Eddie’s band has performed with singer Vesta at the awards ceremony for the annual “100 Black Men” event in Ohio to an audience of 2,000 and has toured behind Angela Bofill and Frank McComb. He has also played the national and international jazz festival circuit to include but not limited to: Montreux Jazz Festival; Copenhagen Jazz Festival; North Sea Jazz Festival; Umbria Jazz Festival; Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival; Capital Jazz Festival & Cruise; San Antonio River Walk; DC Jazz Festival; Jazz in the Gardens; Toronto Jazz Festival; Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival; Hampton Jazz Festival; Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival; Reno Jazz Festival; Jacksonville Jazz Festival; Newport Jazz Festival With the release of “Living the Dream”, Baccus Jr will be embarking on his first solo tour in 2019. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm 

Join us as we continue our Tuesday night blues jam session tradition, hosted by NE Ohio all-star blues musicians John Markovic, Ryan Neuman, & Erik Diaz! Bring your axe or horn & wail the blues as part of this ongoing musical series at BLU! This week's “BLU-esday Tuesday” Blues Jam band carries 60+ years of combined experience in and around the Greater Akron Blues scene. They enjoy blending their deep roots & varied influences to bring hot, stylish electric blues to the stage – always listening, always feeding off each other’s energy and always laying down soulful, groove-laden blues with feeling. FREE ADMISSION!! Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. 

The BLU Jazz Jam is for musicians and music lovers alike! Come hang and experience this exciting forum for musical expression. Bring your “axe” and play through tunes, pick up licks, trade 4’s, and enjoy the camaraderie of having a gathering place for the area’s finest professional jazz musicians (as well as the up-and-comers)!  Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $10 General Admission (proceeds to musicians) *** Free for students and participating musicians *** UNDER 18 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT 

Detroit soul jazz flutist & Billboard chart-topping sensation brings her red hot band back to the Rubber City in a sizzlin' return to BLU! Althea was born December 25th in Detroit, Michigan and began her musical journey at the tender age four. She studied classical music while attending Howard University in Washington D.C. and later gained further musical inspiration from the accomplishments of Yusef Lateef, Ian Anderson, and her father, one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers, Dezie McCullers. She has since developed her own creative style. For more than 10 years she was employed as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff (Detroit, Michigan). Today, she is a full-time performing/recording artist and some regard her as a “master of her craft” and one of the world’s most exciting solo improvisational flutists. In May 2013, she released her fifth project “In The Flow”. Collaborating with Grammy award winning producer Michael Broening, (producer for legendary icons George Benson and Paul McCartney) she cowrote the title track. That single became her biggest hit and reached number one ranking on both the Billboard Chart and the Smooth Jazz Chart. Althea Rene made history by becoming the first flute player in the history of Billboard Chart to reach the number one spot. In April 2015, Althea Rene recorded her first live project. She and her rhythm section annihilated the stage of the beautiful Detroit Public Library with a free concert. Music fans from all over Michigan enjoyed a scorching hot performance. A compilation of some of her greatest hits, “Live in Detroit” is arguably her strongest work to date. Get your tickets early and join us for an unforgettable night of feel good music with Althea and her band! 

Esterle has performed in a wide variety of musical groups from symphony orchestras to jazz big bands throughout the Midwest. He has backed up such popular artists as Bobby Caldwell, Olivia Newton-John, Sandy Duncan, Ray Charles, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Frankie Avalon, Martha Reeves, The Platters, The Fifth Dimension, The Four Lads, Rich Little, Joan Rivers, Guy Lombardo, Hal Linden and Red Skelton. He has also performed for Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. 

Join us as we continue our Tuesday night blues jam session tradition, hosted by NE Ohio all-star blues musicians John Markovic, Ryan Neuman, & Erik Diaz! Bring your axe or horn & wail the blues as part of this ongoing musical series at BLU! This week's “BLU-esday Tuesday” Blues Jam band carries 60+ years of combined experience in and around the Greater Akron Blues scene. They enjoy blending their deep roots & varied influences to bring hot, stylish electric blues to the stage – always listening, always feeding off each other’s energy and always laying down soulful, groove-laden blues with feeling. FREE ADMISSION!! Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. 

Meet "Aaron Smith & RDAA," a dynamic band founded by drummer, Aaron Smith, driven by a passion for original jazz, fusion, and soul music. Hailing from the Midwest, with roots in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky, the band has captivated audiences in cities like Cleveland, Akron, Indianapolis, and Nashville. Their unique and inspiring sound, crafted by each member's distinct style, has garnered a growing fan base, with overwhelming love from audiences at every show! 

Barbados native award-winning smooth jazz saxophonist & Billboard chart-topping recording artist blends Caribbean rhythms from his roots with skillful horn textures in a roarin' return to BLU! 

Join us as we continue our Tuesday night blues jam session tradition, hosted by NE Ohio all-star blues musicians John Markovic, Ryan Neuman, & Erik Diaz! Bring your axe or horn & wail the blues as part of this ongoing musical series at BLU! This week's “BLU-esday Tuesday” Blues Jam band carries 60+ years of combined experience in and around the Greater Akron Blues scene. They enjoy blending their deep roots & varied influences to bring hot, stylish electric blues to the stage – always listening, always feeding off each other’s energy and always laying down soulful, groove-laden blues with feeling. FREE ADMISSION!! Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. 

Billboard chart-topping bassist, producer & contemporary jazz recording artist grooves his way back from Kansas City to the Rubber City for a very special one-night-only BLU return! A dynamic lead bass player from Kansas City, bassist Julian Vaughn is rapidly becoming a major player in the contemporary jazz genre. Vaughn has made a name for himself as bassist in the smooth jazz genre which is dominated by saxophone players. ** THIS SHOW WILL FEATURE TWO SEPARATELY TICKETED PERFORMANCES ** Doors: 7:00pm First Performance: 8:00pm-9:30pm Second Performance: 10:00pm-11:30pm Tickets: $50 General Admission (per performance) 

Cleveland contemporary jazz sensations bring their high-energy funk, rock, reggae & pop in a highly-anticipated return to the Rubber City! Featuring Lem Adams (Vibes), Riley Richard (Sax), Kevin Byous (Guitar), Gary Stevenson (Bass), Alphonso McDuffie (Keys), and John Turner (Drums). Join us at BLU for the return of this hard-hitting group, get your tickets now! 

Join us as we continue our Tuesday night blues jam session tradition, hosted by NE Ohio all-star blues musicians John Markovic, Ryan Neuman, & Erik Diaz! Bring your axe or horn & wail the blues as part of this ongoing musical series at BLU! This week's “BLU-esday Tuesday” Blues Jam band carries 60+ years of combined experience in and around the Greater Akron Blues scene. They enjoy blending their deep roots & varied influences to bring hot, stylish electric blues to the stage – always listening, always feeding off each other’s energy and always laying down soulful, groove-laden blues with feeling. FREE ADMISSION!! Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. 

Cleveland's in-demand smooth & soul jazz sensations make a sizzlin' Friday night return for a not-to-miss evening at BLU! Hubb’s Groove is a sensational group from Cleveland that plays jazz, soul, gospel, classical and R&B music. The band was founded in 1995 under the name “Moment’s Notice,” and featured founding band members Rodney Hubbard, Cliff Coleson, David Heman, Eddie Baccus Jr. and Robert Hubbard Jr. The band has shared the stage with legendary performers such as Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Earth Wind & Fire, Wayman Tisdale and Pieces of a Dream, to name a few.   Join us at BLU as some of Northeast Ohio’s finest smooth jazz players assemble in the BLU Zone for a memorable evening of great music! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm 

Join Kate DeL and her Christmas Quintet for an evening of jazz fo celebrate the release of her new holiday album "Cheers to Christmas". Guests can look forward to classic holiday tunes interpreted with a contemporary, yet classic approach featuring original arrangements. This cozy event offers a blend of sophisticated music and seasonal warmth, making it a perfect way to embrace the holidays. Don’t miss this fantastic album release show! Vocals: Kate DeL Keys: Andru Dennis Sax: Tim Harker Bass: Vinny Vivacqua Drums: Zaire Darden. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm 

Join us as we continue our Tuesday night blues jam session tradition, hosted by NE Ohio all-star blues musicians John Markovic, Ryan Neuman, & Erik Diaz! Bring your axe or horn & wail the blues as part of this ongoing musical series at BLU! This week's “BLU-esday Tuesday” Blues Jam band carries 60+ years of combined experience in and around the Greater Akron Blues scene. They enjoy blending their deep roots & varied influences to bring hot, stylish electric blues to the stage – always listening, always feeding off each other’s energy and always laying down soulful, groove-laden blues with feeling. FREE ADMISSION!! Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. 

The Pickle Mafia is a dynamic trio from New York, garnering nationwide attention through their groundbreaking, unique brand of Arena Jazz Fusion. The visual appeal the band brings to audiences across the globe is an important element that adds to their musical artistry. Charlie Lindner started The Pickle Mafia with Marco Cirigliano and Ben Chilbert in May of 2019. The band performs original cutting edge jazz tunes and arrangements of popular artists from Nirvana to Chick Corea and electronic danceable originals! Performances can vary from intimate grand piano sit down shows to straight up dance parties! Just in a short time the group has played 80+ shows across NYC, Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Southern tier, ADK, Vermont, and more. 

Join us as we continue our Tuesday night blues jam session tradition, hosted by NE Ohio all-star blues musicians John Markovic, Ryan Neuman, & Erik Diaz! Bring your axe or horn & wail the blues as part of this ongoing musical series at BLU! This week's “BLU-esday Tuesday” Blues Jam band carries 60+ years of combined experience in and around the Greater Akron Blues scene. They enjoy blending their deep roots & varied influences to bring hot, stylish electric blues to the stage – always listening, always feeding off each other’s energy and always laying down soulful, groove-laden blues with feeling. FREE ADMISSION!! Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.