The Stix Quintet returns to BLU Jazz+, Friday, January 17th! The Stix Quintet, led by Nehemiah (Stix) Baker, combines elements of neo soul, funk and R&B into a sound tapestry that brings out infectious grooves and danceable rhythms to get you up out your seat. Pianist Liam Speaks, saxophonist Alex Lati-Thiam, guitarist Ayden Cohen and Stix all met through the Tri-C Jazzfest Academy program, an experience bringing amazing opportunities like insight from legends such as Christian McBride and Terence Blanchard. All brought together by Everett “Guitarslim” Clark’s adventurous basslines, the Stix Quintet is a fresh, groove-oriented take on jazz and funk. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission 

Lyrics & Laughs: The Experience is coming to Blu Jazz in downtown Akron on Saturday, January 18, 2025—and this is one event you do not want to miss! Prepare yourself for an evening of soulful vibes and side-splitting laughter. Your night kicks off with comedy sets that keep it real and raw, featuring the electric Marcus Martin, whose high-energy performances and no-holds-barred storytelling have made him one of Ohio’s most exciting comedians. Also bringing the laughs is the hilarious Tone Tone, ready to keep the good times rolling. Between the laughter, melt into the sultry, smooth sounds of Esther Fitz, an award-winning vocalist and songwriter with a knack for captivating audiences. From jazz to soul, her voice brings fire, passion, and unforgettable energy to every performance. Doors open at 7 PM, and the show starts at 8 PM sharp. Tickets are just $20 in advance, available from Blu Jazz, Will Blake, or Jerome Moss. This isn’t just a show—it’s an experience. Bring your crew, grab your tickets, and make it a night to remember. Come for the Lyrics. Stay for the Laughs. Experience the Vibe. Seats are limited, so don’t wait—secure your spot 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. 

On Friday, January 24th, Jazz drummer, Nick Puin, brings his quartet to BLU Jazz! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8-10:30 pm Tickets: $20 General Admission Randi Shane - vocals Ed Michaels - tenor saxophone Martie Witczak - piano Dr. Steve Stanziano - bass Nick Puin- drums Come on out and hear music from The Great American Songbook and some great jazz! 

Please join Russell Thompson and Free Agent as they perform live on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 8:00 p.m., at the premier downtown entertainment venue, Blu Jazz+, 47 East Market Street, in Akron, OH. Doors: 7:00pm, Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door. General Admission seating. Russell Thompson and Free Agent is a band from Cleveland, OH, recognized for their unique fusion of instrumental jazz, funk, and R&B. Established in 1984 by saxophonist Russell Thompson, the band has collaborated with premier artists like Jeff Lorber, Glen Jones, and Miki Howard. They have also opened for notable performers such as Charlie Wilson, Bobbi Humphrey, Ramsey Lewis, Wayman Tisdale, Bob Baldwin, and LeVert among others. 

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)!  This session will feature local saxophonist, composer, and instructor, Bobby Selvaggio with Nick Paparone (guitar), Zaire Dardin (drums), and Jordan McBride (bass). 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. 

Friday, January 31st, jazz vocalist Maria Jacobs returns to BLU Jazz with her quartet! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00-10:30pm Tickets: $20 General Admission About: Maria Jacobs is a nationally acclaimed jazz and Christian recording artist, celebrated for her soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting. With nine solo albums and 15 singles to her name, Maria’s rich musical journey spans both the jazz and Christian genres. Her ninth album, Back at the Bop Stop, was accepted Grammy review in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards,®️ highlighting her artistry and vocal prowess. Her upcoming 10th album, Perfect Is Your Will (set for release in early 2025), marks her first full Christian project, showcasing her evolving musical path and spiritual devotion. Several of her Christian singles have gained national recognition, appearing on the Smooth Jazz Holiday Charts. Beyond her career as a performer, Maria Jacobs is also a dedicated educator, serving as a vocal jazz professor at Kent State University and as a licensed music educator for Open Tone Music, serving inner Akron and Cleveland communities, in partnership With H2O Systems. In addition to her musical achievements, Maria is an author. Her debut book, Tell Them About Me, recounts her triumph over bipolar disorder, offering hope and inspiration through her personal story of faith and healing, soon to be released s an audio book. Maria Jacobs continues to inspire audiences with her authentic voice, both in song and in spirit, bridging the worlds of jazz and Christian music with grace and passion. 

Local promoter and comedian Darnell "Dart" Mitchell is celebrating his birthday at BLU Jazz featuring DJ Moe Lee, with headliner Roni Shanell , and fellow comics Melanie Hearn, Chris Harvey, Rob Allen. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 Advance, $25 Door 

Thursday, February 6th! Thomas Schinabeck will be bringing his Quintet to BluJazz+ featuring Tonmmy Lehman (trumpet), Zaire Dardin (drums), Jordan McBride (bass), Tim Picard (guitar). The group will be presenting a special set of music consisting of Schinabeck’s original music primarily. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission Thomas Schinabeck is a saxophonist and composer from Cleveland, Ohio. He currently attends the Peabody Conservatory where he studies privately with Tim Green. He has had the opportunity to share the stage with Warren Wolf, Terence Blanchard, Sean Jones, Fran Vielma, Dominick Farinacci, Patrick Bartley, and others. Thomas hopes to create music that is uplifting and helps people feel better. 

Legendary tenor saxophonist and his dynamic 18-piece "Band That Swings" make a roarin' return to the Rubber City in celebration of his milestone 80th birthday, marking a decade of Ernie performing at BLU Jazz+! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $30 General Admission Experience one of the most energetic and talented groups in the Midwest converge for an unforgettable night of blues, bop, ballads, boogie and shout! Great musicianship, stylish distinction, and transcendent energy are a hard combination to beat, so don’t miss your chance to hear this band live right here in Akron! This is going to be one “for the books!” Get your tickets today and celebrate Ernie’s milestone birthday with us!   The audiences of Northeast Ohio consider the FTBB to be a treasure. Their feeling is based on more than just regional pride, as they have had the opportunity to compare them, on a number of occasions, to some of the great bands of the day. A resurgence of the “battle of the bands” marketing concept has found them representing the area in duels with Roger Humphries’ swinging Pittsburgh band, George Gee’s polished New York City aggregation, and the great Count Basie Orchestra. The Fat Tuesday Big Band has always been able to successfully defend its turf. Great musicianship, stylish distinction, and transcendent energy are a hard combination to beat. Get your tickets today & come show Ernie some birthday love! 

Evan Palermo is back at Blu Jazz, this time with the EMP Trio and special guest Adam Hanna. Down in Bowling Green, Evan and the EMP Trio have spent the past year curating a sound with one main goal: Redefine what jazz can be in modern-day music. Get ready for a night of high-energy music, featuring a mix of jazz standards, jazz-rock, hip-hop, originals, and everything in between. The trio is thrilled to be joined by emerging artist Adam Hanna who looks to make his Blu Jazz debut with the trio. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission About: EMP Trio: Luca Albano (keys), Thomas Johnston (bass), Evan Palermo (drums). Featuring Adam Hanna (Saxophone) “Music, to me, is a communication of soul, and everything I do is aimed at the goal of creating a powerful connection between the performer, music, and audience”. This is a quote from Adam Hanna, who is an active performer, composer/arranger, and educator in east-coast and midwest cities alike. During his career, Adam has accomplished countless performances with a diverse range of repertoire; five have been premiers of original works. Adam currently is pursuing his masters in both classical and jazz saxophone at Bowling Green State University. 

Soulful & funky Cleveland native saxophonist, Eddie Baccus Jr., returns to BLU Jazz for a heartfelt and healing night of saxophone and smooth jazz! Bring your Valentine or come alone, we would love to spend the evening with you! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $45 General Admission About: 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. 

The Dave Banks Big Band returns to BluJazz on February 15 with an amazing Beatles tribute, big band style! You will hear versions of Beatles songs done by Tom Jones, Michael Buble, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, and Maynard Ferguson, along with fresh arrangements by Mike Tomaro, Eric Richards, Chas Baker, Grammy Award winning composer John Daversa and Emmy winning composer Gary Schreiner! The amazing Charlie Kadair will debut with the DBBB on vocals! This is a DO NOT MISS show! Our two last shows sold out, so grab your tickets early! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $30 GENERAL ADMISSION 

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! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission 

With five highly acclaimed albums, 50+ live dates per year, a #1 Billboard hit single and multiple Billboard charting songs over the past thirty years, New York guitarist JJ Sansaverino has reached millions touring the world with his “Benson meets Santana” musical style. Join us as we welcome JJ back to BLU Jazz! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $40 General Admission About: An innovative and extraordinary composer and performer, JJ has a "take no prisoners" performance attitude, gracing the stage night after night touring, bringing his vibe of Smooth Jazz, Traditional Jazz, Blues, R&B and Reggae. A Berklee School of Music graduate and award winner, he has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Maxi Priest, George Clinton, Gerald Albright, Randy Brecker, Victor Bailey, the Marley Family, and even performed for Sir Paul McCartney's wedding in 2002. JJ is continuing his international touring through 2024 supporting his latest album release “Soul Energy” from Innervision Records while celebrating his latest radio hits “Keep It Moving” “Miami”, and “Ride With Me” which have topped the Billboard Charts. One of his current collaborations is with Reggae icon Maxi Priest, where the two teamed up for a stunning original song “Blessed With A Melody” which has already topped the Jazz and Reggae Charts. JJ continues recording of his sixth album “Conversations” for release later this year and is very excited about the release of his new radio single “Love Can’t Wait” which is sure to soar to the top of the charts.