Lyrics & Laughs is back at Blu Jazz in downtown Akron on Friday, May 9, 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 "Ohio Funny Chic", Megan Hill, ready to keep the good times rolling. Between the laughter, melt into the sultry, R&B sultry sounds of Tyrone G. From R&B to Soul and more, he brings a fire to the stage that is absolutely undeniable. Doors: 6:30 PM Show: 7:30 PM (sharp) Tickets: $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 Saturday, May 10th, as we celebrate the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra's 40th anniversary at BLU Jazz! To celebrate the C.J.O will be looking back and forward at the same time. Honoring the legacy of Roland Paolucci, Jack Schantz, Sean Jones and others! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $35 General Admission About: In our 40th Season, the CJO is celebrating by sharing some of the many amazing internationally recognized talents that have been nurtured by the CJO through growing and maturing its own performers and through its ever impactful Educational Outreach. All season long, the CJO has highlighted the impact of its annual cultural offerings to Northeast Ohio and the generational impact that so many of CJO's teachers have had on important jazz musicians here in our region and on the jazz culture internationally. In this final concert of our 40th season, the CJO will celebrate what has made the band such a NEO cultural institution for four decades-great, original music performed by our region's best jazz performers. Some CJO alumnae will join in, some new sounds will be featured as well as the uniquely swinging 18 piece CJO. 

The Kate DeL Quintet is shaking off the winter blues and bringing fresh spring vibes to BLU Jazz+ in Akron with an upcoming show on May 16th. Last seen at Blu for the release of Kate's debut Christmas Album, the group is trading in sleigh bells for swinging rhythms and breezy melodies, celebrating the season with their signature style. The show will feature their brand-new single, “Tell Her About It,” a jazz take on Billy Joel's classic tune, and maybe a few sneak peaks of some upcoming tunes to be released this year. It’s the perfect soundtrack for the season, and a night Akron you won’t want to miss! BAND: Kate DeL - vox Tim Harker - sax Andru Dennis - keys Vinny Vivacqua - bass Ziare Darden - drums Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission 

Celebrate the release of Morning Glories, the deeply personal new album from jazz singer, songwriter, and composer Ellie Martin. With a sound that blends rich storytelling and lyrical warmth, Martin explores themes of motherhood, transformation, and resilience. A student of jazz legends Jon Hendricks and Geri Allen, and a collaborator with members of the New York Voices, Martin brings over 20 years of artistry to the stage. Join us for an unforgettable evening of original music and heartfelt performance in the intimate, state-of-the-art setting of Blu Jazz+ Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission 

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. 

Dave and the gang return to Blujazz in Akron. This time it will be ROCKIN'! The DBBB will put their big band stamp on some of your (and our) favorite rock classics! Jerry Shoenfeld returns on vocals! This will be an energy filled, awesome experience, so don't miss it! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $30 General Admission The Dave Banks Big Band is a powerhouse 17 piece swinging big band 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. Their repertoire ranges from original compositions to standard big band favorites. Featured vocalists have included Michael Sonata, Stan Davis, Mery White, Shannon Eller, Britni Tozzi, Helen Welch, Don Dasco, John Morton, Frederick Davis and Paul Hoffman. Their library of big band music includes hit songs arranged by the best writers in the business. They have played to packed houses at Akron’s BLU Jazz+, the Cleveland Bop Stop, the Packard Music Hall, Carousel Dinner Theatre, The Tangier Ballroom and The Kent Stage. 

Professional bassist and producer, SmokeFace, brings his heavy in-the pocket grooves to BLU Jazz with his band! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Ticket: $15 (advance), $20 (day of show) - GENERAL ADMISSION 

Led by founder Kevin Robert Martinez, Reclamation Band is modern jazz with an open rural backdrop. Its unique combination of composed and improvised elements evoke an array of moods and styles, resulting in an engaging and immersive live Jazz experience. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission Personnel: Kevin Robert Martinez - Bass Daniel Bruce - Guitar Tony Spicer - Bass Clarinet Chris Coles - Alto Saxophone Tim McDonald - Tenor Saxophone Jeremy McCabe - Drums 

Join us Friday, June 6th, with the fabulous Barbara Rosene and her jazz quartet! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission Line-up: Baraba Rosene - Vocals Tommy Lehman - Trumpet Bryan Thomas - Bass Rock Wehrmann - Piano 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.” 

When Ava Preston and Moises Borges are on stage together you are transported to another place and time. Ava and Moises’ voices alternate, balance and blend smoothly taking us on the scenic route of this South American musical journey. These forever classic Brazilian tunes, and Moises’ seemingly timeless originals, tap into a feeling so many of us long for, a musical vacation, rejuvenation, relaxation, entertainment, enjoyment, fun, nostalgia. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission About: Moises Borges Based in Cleveland, Ohio for over two decades, Moises Borges is a gifted guitarist and vocalist born in Bahia, Brazil, He grew up experimenting with rhythms such as Bolero, Baião, Xote, Afoxé, Frevo, Forró, especially Samba and Bossa Nova which are basic to his performances, his soothing voice and charm make for a wonderful evening of entertainment for all lovers of Brazilian Jazz. Performing either solo or with his band, Borges is a wonderful storyteller, and a vivid, funny performer who plays mostly in the Samba and Bossa Nova traditions, interpreting his original songs and soulfully delivering classics by Jobim, Gilberto, Bosco and many others. "Far away from his native Brazil, the music of his homeland is very much alive when he is on stage." Ava Preston Ava is a vocalist and songwriter who enjoys writing and performing jazz, blues, pop/rock and indie songs as a solo artist and as a featured guest with various combos and bands throughout the Cleveland and Akron area. Ava is a 2023 YoungArts Finalist and Silver Award Winner for Jazz Voice and is an 11x Downbeat SMA winner, 6x for Vocal Jazz Soloist and 5x for Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist. She performed at the 2023 Monterey Jazz Festival as the vocalist for the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra.