Abstract Sounds w/ Ester Fitz & Eliy Orcko

Abstract Sounds w/ Ester Fitz & Eliy Orcko

Fri, Oct 31

Cleveland saxophonist, Jevaughn Bogard, brings his group Abstract Sounds back to BLU Jazz for a special Halloween show! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: General Admission ($25 in advance, $30 day of show) About: Abstract Sounds is a 6pc Jazz fusion / Funk band from Cleveland, OH started by saxophonist Jevaughn Bogard. The band is a horn section driven by an amazing rhythm section that will keep you out of your seat. The goal for Abstract Sounds is to bring the dance element back to jazz and Abstract Sounds does that with their funky grooves and dance club sounds blended with rich and extended harmony that consumes you. Jevaughn has been blessed to share the stage with artist like, Aretha Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Kim Burrell , Big Daddy Kane, Benny Golson, Deitrick Haddon, Chick Corea and many more. If you're fans of the  music by artist like Micheal Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Beeges, Jill Scott, Snarky Puppy, Herbie Hancock this concert is definitely for you and with a nice selection of original music written by Jevaughn this concert was curated to touch the soul. 

Max Schlenk Quartet

Max Schlenk Quartet

Sat, Nov 01

Join us for a thrilling Saturday of classically fueled jazz featuring local saxophonist Max Schlenk and his quartet! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 day of show) Featuring: Max Schlenk: Saxophone Garret Folger: Trumpet Kevin Martinez: Bass Jeremy McCabe: Drums 

Side Step

Side Step

Fri, Nov 07

Side Step is a jazz quartet featuring saxophonists Ryan Devlin and Jordan Lerner, bassist Ian Ashby, and drummer Ryan Barski. Since 2022, the group has forged a unique sound and style, inspired by the interplay of Elvin Jones and Steve Grossman. Catch their debut at BLU Jazz+, Friday, November 7th! Ryan Devlin: Tenor Saxophone Jordan Lerner: Soprano and Tenor Saxophones Ian Ashby: Bass Ryan Barski: Drums Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 at door) 

EMP Trio ft. Bryan Olsheski

EMP Trio ft. Bryan Olsheski

Sat, Nov 08

EMP is back at Blu, this time with Cloumbus’ own Bryan Olsheski! Join EMP as they get into the fall spirit through the tunes of Vince Guaraldi, originals, standards, plus some classic EMP twists! Door: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 at door) Bryan Olsheski - Saxophone Jeejay Maccariella - Keys Thomas Johnston - Bass Evan Michael Palermo - Drums After graduating in 1995 from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music with a Bachelors in Jazz Performance, Bryan Olsheski relocated to London, England for three years. Bryan formed his own band playing original music at many of the popular jazz clubs in London, including The 606 Jazz Club, the Jazz Café and the Bulls Head Barnes. He has shared the stage with some of the most famous names in jazz such as Joe Henderson, Kenny Garrett, Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Conrad Herwig, Jack McDuff, Slide Hampton and George Benson. He has also been a featured soloist for the Temptations, The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Steve Winwood, Vaughn Weister’s Famous Jazz Orchestra, Afro-Rican Jazz Ensemble, The Four Tops and The Spinners. He has also taught as a Visiting Lecturer at Capital University and The Ohio State University. Bryan has 2 solo cd’s to his credit, both featuring Columbus’ own Bobby Floyd on organ and piano. His latest cd, ‘In The Moment’ is available for purchase on Spotify and iTunes. He is a member and frequently performs with the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus. Logan "Jeejay" Maccariella is a pianist from Toledo, OH. They have played at many venues across North America while a part of the National Tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar", as well as worked as a Cruise Ship Pianist for Holland America Line. Jeejay would like to thank the many musicians who have made an impact on their musical development that has over the years developed into a lifelong passion. Thomas Johnston is an Australian-born multi-instrumentalist and composer. Thomas composes all kinds of works of varying styles and genres for different chamber ensembles, jazz bands, wind ensembles, and orchestral ensembles. He currently is studying music composition and jazz studies at Bowling Green State University. His teachers include Dr. Christopher Dietz and Aidan Plank. Evan Michael Palermo is a Cleveland native who is currently a 4th year student at Bowling Green State University. Through the music, Evan has been heard in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit, and Paris, and more. Evan has also had the opportunity to study, create, and perform with some of the best in the craft such as Marvin "Smitty" Smith, John Riley, Ulysses Owens Jr, Stephan Crump, Jacques Lesure, Steve Kortyka, David Bixler, Dan Piccolo, Harrison Roth and many more. Through his 4 years of being a professional musician, Evan has worked freelance for major establishments such as Cedar Point, while continuing to be deeply rooted in the Cleveland and Toledo music scene. Evan can be heard regularly through his projects in the Cleveland theatre scene as a freelance percussionist, the Cleveland rock scene through Rellick, and the Ohio jazz scene through EMP. 

"Mind Reader" ft. Steven Nicholas

"Mind Reader" ft. Steven Nicholas

Thu, Nov 13

NOVEMBER 13th SHOW SOLD OUT - TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR NOVEMBER 14th SHOW For the first time in Northeast Ohio, Steven Nicholas will present his interactive theatrical mind reading experience. His performances have received awards and rave reviews for the past five years at theaters and festivals around the country. Now, you’re invited to bring your own unique thoughts and decisions to Blu Jazz and become part of this one-of-a-kind experience. Doors: 7:00pm Mind Reader: 8:30pm-9:30pm Tickets: $35 General Admission $50 VIP Reserved Front Row Seat (plus an "impossible object" and complimentary drink) About: Steven grew up in Northeast Ohio where he began performing more than thirty years ago. He studied theater at The University of Akron and UNLV before moving to Los Angeles to enter the world of professional entertainment. He has performed for dozens of Fortune 500 companies, Hollywood’s elite, and at theaters from coast to coast. "An entrancing one-man show" - No Proscenium "Mind blowing" - City Magazine "You'll be mesmerized" - Orlando Weekly PLEASE CLICK BELOW ON SECOND 7:00PM SHOW FOR VIP TICKETS 

"Mind Reader" ft. Steven Nicholas with The Jennifer James Trio

"Mind Reader" ft. Steven Nicholas with The Jennifer James Trio

Fri, Nov 14

For the first time in Northeast Ohio, Steven Nicholas will present his interactive theatrical mind reading experience. His performances have received awards and rave reviews for the past five years at theaters and festivals around the country. Now, you’re invited to bring your own unique thoughts and decisions to Blu Jazz and become part of this one-of-a-kind experience. The night will kick off with The Jennifer James Trio playing a jazz set before Steven's performance at 7:00pm. Come for dinner and enjoy the music before the Mind Reader show! Doors: 6:00pm Jennifer James Trio: 7:00pm-8:00pm Mind Reader: 8:30pm-9:30pm Tickets: $35 General Admission $50 VIP Reserved Front Row Seat (plus an "impossible object" and complimentary drink) About: Steven grew up in Northeast Ohio where he began performing more than thirty years ago. He studied theater at The University of Akron and UNLV before moving to Los Angeles to enter the world of professional entertainment. He has performed for dozens of Fortune 500 companies, Hollywood’s elite, and at theaters from coast to coast. "An entrancing one-man show" - No Proscenium "Mind blowing" - City Magazine "You'll be mesmerized" - Orlando Weekly PLEASE CLICK BELOW ON SECOND 7:00PM SHOW FOR VIP TICKETS 

The Stix Trio

The Stix Trio

Sat, Nov 15

The Stix Trio returns to BLU Jazz+, Saturday, November 15th! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 at door) The Stix Trio, 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. 

ACID CATS FAREWELL TOUR

ACID CATS FAREWELL TOUR

Thu, Nov 20

Join us as we welcome the Cats back to BLU for an explosive two-night run! Come say farewell and help us send off Cameron as he makes his move out East! Featuring: Justin Tibbs - Sax Michael Vincent - Guitar Smokeface - Bass Cameron Bickley - Drums Randy Nicholas - Bass Tommy Lehman - Trumpet Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 at the door) 

ACID CATS FAREWELL TOUR

ACID CATS FAREWELL TOUR

Fri, Nov 21

Join us as we welcome the Cats back to BLU for an explosive two-night run! Come say farewell and help us send off Cameron as he makes his move out East! Featuring: Justin Tibbs - Sax Michael Vincent - Guitar Smokeface - Bass Cameron Bickley - Drums Randy Nicholas - Bass Tommy Lehman - Trumpet Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 at the door) 

The FM Project "A Steely Dan Tribute"

The FM Project "A Steely Dan Tribute"

Sat, Nov 22

Join us as we celebrate the legendary tunes of Steely Dan, with The FM Project! Doors: 7:00 Show: 8:00pm Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 day of show) 

Dan Wilson featuring Nigel Hall

Dan Wilson featuring Nigel Hall

Sun, Nov 23

World class jazz guitarist and Akron native, Dan Wilson, returns with the legendary vocalist/keyboardist, Nigel Hall, for a very special Sunday evening at BLU Jazz+! Featuring: Dan Wilson - guitar Nigel Hall - vocals David Throckmorton - drums Cliff Barnes - piano Kip Reed - bass Doors: 6:00pm Show:7:00pm Tickets: General Admission ($30 in advance, $40 at the door) About: GRAMMY-winning Soul provider Nigel Hall is an artist who needs no introduction. Throughout his career, he’s built a mighty foundation of funk, onstage and in the studio, proving himself to be a true student of the music. His unique sound, built upon pages torn out of the golden-ages of R&B, funk and soul, have made him the musician he is today; an accomplished vocalist, keyboardist, studio musician, and member of the GRAMMY-nominated funk-jazz-soul-hip-hop-psychedelic-jam-experimental titans Lettuce. Legions of fans are already well in the know about Hall’s copious keyboard chops and powerful vocal style. 

Forecast

Forecast

Fri, Nov 28

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!