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 

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! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $45 General Admission 

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 

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 the holiday season at BLU! The nights performance will feature the incredible Mazhorell & Adrianna Miller on vocals! 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 Tickets: $40 General Admission 

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. 

Experience the magic of Christmas with jazz pop chanteuse, Corinne, as she brings her heartwarming Christmas tour to Ohio. Featuring Matt Asti (piano), Matthew Hotchkiss (bass) and Anthony Taddeo (drums). The set features “Let’s Be in Love at Christmastime,” Corinne's new single out now, which delivers a classic Christmas vibe fused with modern bossa jazz, and re-imagined holiday favorites from her 2022 EP, "In the Christmas City." Corinne is a staple of Sirius XM's, “Real Jazz Holiday” channel and the EP charted in JazzWeek’s Top 200. Come see why critics call her “Sheer Genius” (All About Jazz), “Evocative, Fresh” (JazzCorner), with “Soulful Vocals” (Music Crowns), and a “Gorgeous Voice” (Talkin’ Broadway). Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $25 General Admission "Her superb technique is a dead giveaway. But Mammana applies her superb technique gracefully, carefully, tastefully and intelligently. There are no clichés in her singing and no licks. She wisely lets the melody and lyrics speak for themselves."—JazzTimes “Her voice seems capable of pushing away storm clouds and darkness. We need this right now.”—Michael Doherty 

Ring in the holiday season with Barbara Rosene, performing Christmas classics at BLU! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $25 General Admission Line-up: Zaire Darden - Drums Joe Leaman - Piano Tim Lekan - Bass Baraba Rosene - Vocals Nick Paparone - Guitar Brad Wagner - Alto Sax About: An Ohio native, now living in New York City, Barbara Rosene has built an unequalled reputation for interpreting the great music of the 1920s through the 50s. She has shared stages with jazz icons, making music with The Harry James Orchestra, with the late Les Paul at New York’s Iridium Jazz Club, with Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks, and The Woody Allen Jazz Band, as well as directing her own New Yorkers. Barbara has performed as a guest artist with orchestras and in festivals world wide. She has played such venues as Dizzy’s, Lincoln Center's Rose Hall, Birdland, Blues Alley, The Jazz Corner, The Montreal Jazz Festival and Jazz Amarinois. Barbara has been featured on Judy Carmichael's NPR program, "Jazz Inspired", and on NPR's "Hot Jazz Saturday Night."with Rob Bamberger. She has been recognized by Backstage Magazine (Bistro Award), "Jazz Improv Magazine", and is featured in Scott Yanow’s “Great Jazz Singers.” 

Sunday, December 15th: The Dave Banks Big Band returns to BLU Jazz with an uplifting Holiday Big Band show that will be sure to get you into the spirit of the season! Come hear many of your favorite Holiday songs, arranged for big band by legends like Bob Curnow, Tommy Newsom, Tom Kubis, as well as some by our own band members! Vocalist Sandra Montevideo is featured. Bring your family and friends and know a good time will be had by all! Doors: 5:00pm Show: 6:00pm Tickets: $30 General Admission The Dave Banks Big Band is a powerhouse 17 piece swinging big band is based out of Akron, Ohio and is led by Ohio native and 20 year Las Vegas veteran trumpet artist, Dave Banks. The band boasts of having the very top players in the Northeast Ohio area. Dave fronts the band with his soaring trumpet reminding you of Doc Severinson, Harry James and Maynard Ferguson. 

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. 

Drummer, Evan Palermo and his friends hop in their sleigh and make their debut at BLU Jazz+ for a night of holiday joy! Get ready to hear some of your favorite Christmas songs (and some you may not know) with a funky, soulful, and jazzy spin. Featuring Tumaini Sango (piano), Miles Anderson (guitar), and Thomas Johnston (bass). Evan Palermo, a Cleveland-based musician, is currently pursuing his studies at Bowling Green State University. Over the past five years, Evan has established a distinguished reputation as a premier choice among local theaters, music directors, churches, amusement parks, and band leaders. His most recent endeavors, the EMP Trio and Evan Palermo & Friends aim to significantly impact the jazz community with its dynamic and evolving sound designed to captivate and inspire. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission 

Pat Harris is a vocalist extraordinaire. Singing since the age of two, her vocal styles include opera, jazz, R&B, pop, theatrical, and gospel. Pat attended college in Lucerne, Switzerland for Vocal Performance. While in Europe she studied with the famous Kurt Weil. With a vocal range spanning over five octaves, Pat's voice has the ability to reach hearts and stir emotions. She is a vocalist that can't be categorized and is well respected for her professionalism by conductors and artists alike. Some of her notable performances include The Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Pop Orchestra, The Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, The Jazz Heritage Orchestra, The Akron Symphony Orchestra, Zurich Opera House, Oprah Winfrey, President Bill Clinton at The White House, Honorable Louis Stokes, Rev, Dr. Otis Moss Jr, and many other dignitaries. Daniel Maier- piano Kevin Muhammad - bass Elijah Gilmore - drums Phil Guidort - trumpet/ sax Andrenee Fant-Priest - backup vocals Kevin Henderson- backup vocals Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $25 General Admission 

In Partnership with Tri-C JazzFest Sam Blakeslee Large Group performs Flowers For Rubber City Friday December 21st Tri-C JazzFest Academy performance 7-7:30pm Sam Blakeslee Large Group performance 8-11pm Doors: 6:00pm Tickets: $25 General Admission Personnel: Sam Blakeslee - compositions/conductor Woodwinds: Bobby Selvaggio, Nathan-Paul Davis, Chris Coles, Johnny Cochran, Brad Wagner Trumpets: Scott McKee, Garrett Folger, Tommy Lehman, Ephraim Miller Trombones: Mark Mauldin, Zach Warren, Reggie Watkins, Amber Forrer Guitar: Zakk Jones Piano: Andru Dennis Bass: Kip Reed Drums: Zaire Darden About the Sam Blakeslee Large Group: Founded in 2013, the Sam Blakeslee Large Group is an 18-piece jazz orchestra directed by award-winning, NYC-based trombonist and composer Sam Blakeslee. The Large Group has performed extensively across the Midwest and East Coast, including performances at Birdland, Tri-C JazzFest, and Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival, among others. Over the years, the Large Group has also featured guest artists and collaborations with GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis and drummer/composer Dan Pugach, GRAMMY Award-nominated Dan Wilson, as well as Dominick Farinacci, Bill Dobbins, and David Smith. As a composer, Sam has been commissioned by the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers, the University of Akron, The Bop Stop at the Music Settlement, Cuyahoga Community College, and was the recipient of the 2018 David Baker Prize in Composition from Ravinia Steans Music Institute. In May 2023, the Large Group recorded 2 albums of Blakeslee's original music in NYC. This batch of music was produced by GRAMMY-nominated trombonist/composer Alan Ferber and GRAMMY Award-winning recording engineer Brian Montgomery. More recently, the Large Group has been performing music from Flowers For Rubber City, which is an 8-movement suite that was commissioned by the University of Akron in 2023 and is dedicated to Akron's past and present jazz luminaries, with more movements, dedications, and performances forthcoming. An additional movement was recently commissioned by The Bop Stop at The Music Settlement as part of their 10th Anniversary Big Band Celebration. The Large Group will also be performing this January at the 2025 Jazz Education Network Conference in Atlanta, GA. About Tri-C JazzFest Academy: Led by internationally acclaimed musician Dominick Farinacci, the Tri-C JazzFest Academy offers performance-based programs for students ages 8 to 18 at every stage of their musical development. The program provides access to the rich musical culture of jazz and improvisation. Academy graduates have continued their studies at prestigious music schools such as the Berklee College of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, among others. The Academy's ensembles have been featured on the Tri-C JazzFest Next Gen Stage at Playhouse Square, in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center and throughout the Cleveland area. Learn more at tri-cjazzfest.com.