Join us as we support graduating senior and trumpeter, Ephraim Miller, as he performs his composition recital featuring "The Birth of The Cool Ensemble and Duer Court Rhythm Section! Doors: 6:00pm Show: 7:30pm ** Free Admission ** 

Esto Jazz featuring saxophonist, Robert Esterle, brings their variety of contemporary jazz, pop, standards and original compositions back to BLU! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission About: 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. 

Dan Bruce (guitar), Jordan McBride (bass), and Gabe Jones (drums) are OHM! The trio features high energy original improvised music and unique arrangements of their favorite tunes, all set to forceful and distinctive grooves. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission About: By embracing the influence of his heroes from the jazz tradition and retaining his own musical personality, guitarist Daniel Bruce has developed a unique and impressive musical voice. A recent transplant to Ohio after spending a decade as an important member of Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene, he is active throughout the Midwest and nationally as a performer, recording artist, composer and educator. Bruce moved to Chicago in 2007 after completing his master’s degree in jazz studies at the University of North Texas. He was quickly performing at a number of the city’s finest jazz venues including Andy’s, The Green Mill, The Jazz Showcase, and Harris Theatre in Millennium Park. As a jazz performer and recording artist, Bruce has had the opportunity to work with a number of eminent musicians including Seamus Blake, Ali Jackson, Lynn Seaton, Dan Wall, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Marvin Stamm, Dave Restivo, and Rose Colella. He has been a featured composer in Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine, and remains a regular contributor. Daniel released A Single Thread, his first album as a leader, in 2008 on NohJoh records. His second release is due out in the summer of 2017. Bruce’s groups have been featured in The Chi-Town Jazz Festival, The Chicago Composers Collective series, The Chicago Cultural Center Chamber Music Series, The Jazz Institute of Chicago NextGen Jazz Series, South by Southwest, the Toledo Jazz Festival, and a special live radio broadcast on WDCB FM Chicago. Bruce was awarded a Teaching Fellowship upon entrance to The University of North Texas where he taught applied jazz guitar lessons, directed two guitar ensembles and a student big band while pursuing his own studies at the University. Daniel has held faculty positions at Muskingum College, Cuyahoga Community College, Harold Washington College, St. Xavier University, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and The Chicago Academy for the Arts where he served as Music Department Chair for eight years. “Dan Bruce is a lyrical musician with a thoroughly modern bent, based on a firm grasp of the tradition.” -Bassist Lynn Seaton “A skilled, seasoned player, one capable of filling the space left by an accompanying harmonic instrument with aplomb and finesse.” -Martin Gladu, allaboutjazz.com 

Join us as we kick off University of Akron's JazzWeek! Featuring, Artist-in-Residence Sean Jones with SmokeFace, Floco Torres, and opening act "UA Birth of the Cool Ensemble" at BLU! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $15 at the door. Students FREE with ID and valid Zip Card. About: Sean Jones, Visiting Artist-in-Residence, is a versatile trumpeter, bandleader, composer, educator, and activist from Warren, Ohio. He began his musical journey in church choir before switching from drums to trumpet at age 10. Jones gained prominence as the lead trumpeter for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under Wynton Marsalis from 2004 to 2010 and became a member of the SFJAZZ Collective in 2015. He has released eight recordings with his group on Mack Avenue Records, with his latest being “Live from Jazz at the Bistro” in 2017. Throughout his career, Jones has collaborated with renowned jazz musicians such as Illinois Jacquet, Nancy Wilson, and Herbie Hancock. He has performed with major symphonies and contributed to various music festivals. As an educator, he serves as the president of the Jazz Education Network and holds a prestigious chair in Jazz Studies at The John Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute. He was previously chair of the Brass department at Berklee College of Music. 

Join us for our continued bi-weekly 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! The “BLUesday 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. Doors: 6:00pm Show: 7:00pm *Free Admission* Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Join us, parents and friends, as we welcome students from SMHS Jazz Band to the stage at Blu Jazz! This event is part of our "Kent State Jazz Studies: High School Jazz Nights at Blu". Doors: 6:30pm Show: 7:00pm Tickets: $10 General Admission Thank you for supporting Stow-Munroe High School Jazz Band! 

Join us, parents and friends, as we welcome students from BMHS Jazz Band to the stage at Blu Jazz! This event is part of our "Kent State Jazz Studies: High School Jazz Nights at Blu". Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $10 General Admission Thank you for supporting Berea-Midpark High School Jazz Band! 

Join us for a jam packed night with the high-octane jazz/funk/fusion bands, Chirp and Abstract Sounds! Doors: 7:00pm Chirp: 8:00pm-9:00pm Abstract Sounds: 9:30pm-11:00pm Tickets: $25 (presale), $30 (day of show) - G.A. About: Based in Detroit, MI, Chirp is a four-piece band that does their fair share of genre-hopping. Often playing in the styles of progressive rock/funk and jazz-fusion, their sound maintains a melodic center. The group features a wide array of originals and covers in their live sets and puts together dynamic, high-energy shows. Though their music ties in many technical elements, an equal emphasis is put on grooving and keeping people moving. Chirp takes influence from Snarky Puppy, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, James Brown, Yes, Daft Punk, Vulfpeck, and The Beatles to name a few. Chirp has been hard at work since their formation in 2015, touring and recording consistently since the project began. Their fresh sound has taken them touring across the Midwest to play a large variety of venues and festivals. Chirp is Jay Frydenlund, Brian Long, Sam Naples, and Patrick Blommel. 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 of 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. 

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

Join us, parents and friends, as we welcome students from Bedford High School to the stage at Blu Jazz! This event is part of our "Kent State Jazz Studies: High School Jazz Nights at Blu". Doors: 6:30pm Show: 7:00pm Tickets: $10 General Admission Thank you for supporting Bedford High School Jazz Ensemble! 

Soul jazz saxophone player and multi-instrumentalist from Buffalo, NY., Ellen Pieroni, brings her group The Soul Encyclopedia to BLU Jazz! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $25 General Admission About: Pieroni’s smooth-infused soul jazz band Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul, or EoS, was recently featured on NPR’s All Things Considered as one of three “jazz stand outs” for the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest, where Felix Contreras said that “soul jazz is alive and well with…Ellen Pieroni & the Encyclopedia of Soul.” Although the group is inspired by artists such as Grover Washington Jr., King Curtis, and the Crusaders, EoS puts an emphasis on new original music. The sound is driven by Pieroni’s captivating and soulful melodies, supported by thoughtful improvisation from all members over deep pocket grooves. Sparked by a mutual love of the band Stuff, The Encyclopedia of Soul was founded in 2022. The band’s first recording, I Know That’s Right (Live at The Beat Barn), featured local legend Darryl Washington (brother of Grover Washington, Jr.) on drums. On recordings and on stage, the band features a rotating cast of talented collaborators, including Adam Bronstein (guitar), Isaiah Gethers (drums), Dom Missana (bass), James Benders (bass), Jacob Nicholson (keys), Tyler James (keys), and Marvin Cj Smith (keys). Pieroni has released two albums with EoS: The Encyclopedia of Soul, Vol. I (2023) and Soul Vacation (2024). The band has played the GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, the Rochester Lilac Festival, and the Erie Jazz and Blues Festival. EoS has shared the stage with Bernard Purdie, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, BoomBox, and Sophistafunk; and Ellen recently had a reel of hers shared by Vulfpeck with the caption "800 grit sandpaper... smooth.” In addition to her music career, Pieroni is a music educator, teaching full time for 9+ years in the Buffalo Public School district, 8+ years as jazz band director at Bristol Hills Music Camp, and 3+ years at the Community Music School. She is also a promoter of local music with her company, Lavender Haze Collective. “When [Ellen] takes her solo, it really warms my heart because I hear the same soulfulness of Cannonball, or any of the sax players who played with Ray Charles back in the 50s, or the more contemporary alto saxophonist David Sanborn.” - Felix Contreras, NPR’s All Things Considered 

17-time Billboard #1 artist and producer, Adam Hawley brings his smooth jazz group back to BLU, April 19th! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $45 General Admission About: Guitarist and Producer Dr. Adam Hawley has burst on to the scene as a celebrated and innovative artist, composer and band leader. Handpicked by Maurice White (founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire) he first debuted on the legend's label Kalimba Music. Now helming his own label MBF Entertainment, Adam’s six albums and work as a producer has spawned an incredible 17 Billboard #1 Hits. Additional accolades include Mediabase artist of the year in 2024, Billboard song of year in 2022 and 2020, and a #1 album in sales as per Nielsen in 2020. Coupling this with a robust touring schedule throughout the world, the best is yet to come! 

Join us for our continued bi-weekly 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! The “BLUesday 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. Doors: 6:00pm Show: 7:00pm *Free Admission* Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Join us, parents and friends, as we welcome students from OHS Jazz Band to the stage at Blu Jazz! This event is part of our "Kent State Jazz Studies: High School Jazz Nights at Blu". Doors: 6:30pm Show: 7:00pm Tickets: $10 General Admission Thank you for supporting Orange High School Jazz Band! 

Saxophonist, Bobby Selvaggio and his jazz quartet reimagine and improvise two-sets of pop music favorites at Blu Jazz! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission Bobby Selvaggio – alto sax and pedals Zakk Jones - guitar Zaire Darden – drums Kip Reed – bass Bobby Selvaggio is one of the leading alto saxophone voices on today's jazz scene. In the words of pianist Kenny Werner, “Bobby is among the best of players out there,” and legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano praises Bobby by calling him “one of the few young saxophonists on the scene today that captures you with his strong presence, focus, and sound.” 

Cleveland's Blue Lunch returns to BLU to celebrate the sounds of the 1940's & 1950's! Join us for this special blast from the past! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $25 General Admission About: From Cleveland, OH eight virtuoso musicians perform on guitar, piano, upright bass, drums, harp, saxophones, trumpet, and trombone. In addition to their instrumental work, Blue Lunch also boasts five vocalists and includes do-wop style and gospel harmonies in their repertoire. Blue Lunch has released eight cds, Recorded Live at Wilberts, Eyes Wide Open, Not Live at the Copa, Big Sound Blues, Sideswiped, Saxophone Shootout II , Blue Lunch Special, and their newest and most recent release, Above the Fold, for Rip Cat Records of Los Angeles. Featuring Billy Seward (guitar & vocals), Pete London (harmonica & vocals), Chris Burge (tenor saxophone), Mike Sands (piano), Ray DeForest (bass), Scott Flowers (drums), Mike Rubin (trumpet), and Bob Michael (trombone). 

Thursday, March 20th, Join us for an unforgettable night of powerful poetry and evocative spoken word performances! The night will feature a special performance by Joey Pompignano. Experience raw emotion, compelling stories, and thought-provoking words as local and emerging artists take the stage to share their voices. Whether you’re a longtime poetry lover or new to the world of spoken word, this event promises to ignite your imagination and stir your soul. Doors: 6:00pm Show: 7:00pm Tickets: $10 General Admission (proceeds support our artists) 

Join us, as Texas based drummer, Bobby Falk, returns to BLU Jazz with his jazz group! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $25 General Admission Line-up: Bobby Falk (drums/percussion) Chris Borin (trumpet) Aaron Irwinksky (woodwinds) Gannon Phillips (bass) Jeff Furgo (piano) About: The Bobby Falk group is a contemporary jazz group based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, performing original music and contemporary jazz. Bobby Falk is the drummer/leader since 2006, upon starting the group in Louisville, KY, and relocating to Dallas, TX in the summer of 2015. The group primarily focuses on material blending modern and traditional jazz, with fusion influences ranging from Pat Metheny, Kenny Garrett, Rick Margitza, Michael Brecker and Steps Ahead. In addition to Bobby’s acclaimed original music, the group features writing from the other band members on a consistent basis. 

Musical mayhem comes to BLU Jazz+ and the Music Box! Bach’s hilarious cantata about the generation gap goes zany in the hands of Apollo’s Fire and director Jeannette Sorrell. A Leipzig coffeehouse is the scene of a family drama as a precocious teenage girl keeps showing up against her father’s orders. The audience becomes the coffeehouse clientele as the comedy unfolds amongst the tables. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $25 General Admission (open seating) Bring the whole family! Suitable for ages 11* to 91.