BLU Jazz+'s Upcoming Shows

Join us, Friday, October 23rd, as Hubb's Groove returns to BLU for a special groove and soul tribute to Stevie Wonder!

Doors: 7:00pm

Show: 8:00pm

Tickets: $30 General Admission

About:

Meet Robert Hubbard, the extraordinary drummer and founder of the celebrated All-Star band, Hubb’s Groove. Based in Northeast, Ohio, Robert has cultivated a unique musical experience that seamlessly blends Soul, Jazz, R&B, and a touch of Gospel. With a commitment to heartfelt performances, Hubb’s Groove delivers a smooth yet high-energy sound that resonates deeply with audiences, proving that music played from the heart truly reaches the heart. Founded in 1996 in Cleveland, Ohio, originally under the name “Moments Notice,” Robert rebranded the band as “Hubb’s Groove” in 2006, setting the stage for a dynamic musical journey. Over the years, the band has had the honor of sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Earth Wind & Fire, Wayman Tisdale, TONY TONE TONI, Will Downing, Randy Crawford, and Pieces of a Dream, showcasing their versatility and talent.

Hubb’s Groove has also collaborated with other notable musicians, including Alex Bugnon, Angela Bofill, Eric Roberson, Marcus Johnson, Mike Phillips, and Sean Jones, solidifying their reputation as a sought-after ensemble in the music scene. The band has caught the attention of media personalities, with FOX 8 News anchor Wayne Dawson declaring them his favorite band. Their accolades speak volumes, including the prestigious Cleveland Best Band award in 2019 and the honor of performing at Mayor Bibb’s inaugural ball. Additionally, Hubb’s Groove has been recognized as the Best Jazz Band at The Cleveland Music Awards for three consecutive years – 2022, 2023, and 2024. Mr. Hubbard was also recognized as a 2024 Jazzfest legend at Tri-C.

The talented members of Hubb’s Groove include James Blaque on bass, Matthew Horwich and Roger Maple on saxophone, George Granville and Gerrond Masson on keyboards, Robert Hubbard Jr. on drums, and vocalists Adrianna Miller and Mazhorell Johnson. Together, they create a rich tapestry of sound that captivates audiences whenever they perform.

Native NE Ohio fusion saxophonist Matthew Alec and his high-octane, 7-piece jazz-pop supergroup The Soul Electric make their return to BLU Jazz+, on Saturday, October 14th!

Featuring:

Matthew Alec – tenor saxophone

Greg Banaszak – alto saxophone

Brian Woods – piano/vocals

Corey Conway – guitar/vocals

Miguel Tarin Torres – bass

Drew Parent – percussion

The Franchise – drums

Minus the Alien – vocals

Doors: 7:00pm

Show: 8:00pm

Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 day of show)

About:

Explosive fusion supergroup Matthew Alec and The Soul Electric bring old school swagger to their fresh, exciting, and innovative blend of jazz, pop, and funk. With three full-length albums under their belt and two more underway, the talented and diverse six-piece collective led by acclaimed saxophonist Matthew Alec are blazing new paths in modern jazz fusion.

Local bassist and producer, SmokeFace, brings his jam session to the stage at BLU! Bring your axe, share your sound, and be apart of creating original music real time. All ages welcome! This jam session will be EVERY OTHER TUESDAY!

Doors: 7:00pm

Show: 8:00pm-10:30pm

Tickets: FREE ADMISSION

Under 18 needs to be accompanied by legal guardian.

SmokeFace is a professional bassist, guitarist, and recording artist from Akron, Ohio, known for blending soulful grooves with modern, genre-bending sound. Having toured both nationally and internationally with major artists as well as leading his own projects, SmokeFace brings a high-level musical experience to every stage.

Join us on Friday, October 30th as Nathan Paul rings in Halloween weekend with a Single release party, I BE SCREAMIN, in anticipation of his forthcoming album NATHAN-PAUL & THE RIDICULOUS CLUB!

Set for release Spring 2027.

The single release at BLU Jazz+ will feat. Zaire Darden (drums), Denzel Chismar-Oliver (Bass), Noah Denton (Bass), feat. AJ Tyus (Guitar) and other special guests.

Doors: 7:00pm

Show: DJ Drum Duo (Jonathan Fields+Gabe Jones) 8:00pm-8:30pm

Nathan Paul & The R.C. 9:00pm-10:30pm

DJ Drum Duo (Jonathan Fields+Gabe Jones) 10:30pm-11:00pm

Tickets: General Admission ($25 in advance, $30 at the door)

Join us for a special Halloween performance at BLU, featuring the music of UA jazz educator, composer, and saxophonist, Chris Coles and his group, Gleam! The night will feature an opening set by ReSolve, and a costume competition during set-break (see details below!)

This is a true Halloween party. Best costume wins $200! (must purchase ticket in advance to quality for contest and prize)

GLEAM IS:

Theron Brown

Zaire Darden

Steve Kortyka

Chris Coles

Zakk Jones

Joe Leaman

Noa Denton

Patrick Graney

Ft. Floco Torres

Doors: 7:00pm

ReSolve: 7:30pm

GLEAM: 8:00pm

Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 at door)

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: General Admission ($25 in advance, $30 at the door)

About:

Aaron Smith is an independent artist who had a passion for music at a very early age. Born in Muncie Indiana he started playing by the age of two. Learning very quickly the concept of drumming he was soon playing drums consistently at church by age 6.

By the time he was 10, Aaron was recording professionally. That gave him a platform to learn more and stretch his musical abilities. At 18 Aaron was traveling nationally playing for various gospel groups, touring and eventually was given the opportunity to teach drum clinics all over the U.S. Aaron transferred from Berklee College Of Music to Indiana University to finish his college degree in music. It was in that transition where his social media presence began to grow phenomenally and he started to teach what he knew on an international scale.

He has played and recorded for a number of well-known groups and artists including Scott Guynn and Weapons, Brian Reeves & Heart After God, Doobie Powell, the widely popular Williams Singers, Funkyardx and The Franchize Band. Currently he is producing his first EP which will feature numerous independent artists to pay tribute to his hometown. He is looking forward to working with more national artists and using his social media influence to give back to the musical community by hosting drum clinics on a global scale.