James O'Donnell has been entertaining Detroit audiences with his special brand of music for more than three decades...

Experience the vibrant pulse of live jazz with a trio of exceptional musicians who bring a unique blend of cultural influences and virtuosic talent to the stage. Ray Ureña, a multi-instrumentalist and composer, infuses his performances with the rich rhythms of his Caribbean heritage, showcasing intricate improvisations and original compositions that span Latin, World, and Jazz genres. Alongside him, soprano Pia Broden Williams captivates with her versatile voice, transitioning seamlessly from opera to jazz, and gracing stages from the U.S. to international festivals. Completing the ensemble, saxophonist and flutist Michelle Ureña enriches the soundscape with her dynamic arrangements and performances, reflecting her extensive experience in jazz, Latin, and classical music. Together, they create an unforgettable musical journey, celebrating the diverse sounds and stories of their roots. Don’t miss the chance to witness their captivating live performance.

Sean Blackman’s unique World Music style is influenced by his deep passion for traditional ethnic music from around the world and of course, growing up in Detroit -- Jazz, Blues, Rock and Soul. Blackman works with internationally renowned performers as well as Detroit’s finest and always brings a cross-culture approach to his shows and recordings.

James O'Donnell has been entertaining Detroit audiences with his special brand of music for more than three decades...

The “C” Notes is a long established jazz trio in Detroit, regularly performing at local jazz clubs and restaurants. The group specializes is both classic jazz standards, as well as more modern jazz/rock classics. The Trio features Mark LoDuca Sr. on piano and vocals, Robert Conner on bass and Julian VanSlyke on drums. All veterans of the local jazz seen.

Nate Topolewski has established himself as a well-known artist in the Detroit music scene. He’s a regular at all the iconic clubs like Aretha’s Jazz Café, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Bert’s Market Place, Cliff Bells, and Woodbridge Pub. He’s jammed with Martha Reeves, Lady Champagne, and The Ralphe Armstrong Trio. Ralphe once said of Nate, “He sounds like Joe Henderson on the doggone tenor saxophone.” And James Carter gave Nate the nickname, “Mr. True-Tone”. Nate has also brought his own band, The 313 Group, to Music Hall Ampetheater, Meadow Brook Hall, and was the house band at Bert's Motown Bistro. ​Nate was a session musician recording with Olujimi Tafafaona and Adeboye Adegbenro and will be on the upcoming In The Tradition and Baba BG Afrobeat albums. He visited New Orleans and joined Charlie Halloran at both The Palm Court and Zony Mash Beer Project. He took the stage at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica with The Alligator Beach Band. And not only did Nate get to open the 2022 and 2023 Detroit Jazz Festival, he had the honor of leading his own set with the J.C. Herd All-Stars. Although Nate is passionate about his own band, he loves playing with other musicians and is experienced in a variety of music genres. He only plays vintage saxophones including a 1919 Buescher True-Tone tenor, 1923 alto, 1906 soprano, and 70’s baritone. ​Besides the names listed above, Nate’s other mentors include: Dominic Bierenga, Vincent Chandler, John Clayton, Scott Gwinnell, Marcus Elliot, Gayelynn McKinney, Bill Meyer, and Chuck Newsome.

With their natural performing ability and dynamic vocals and instrumentation, Elevation ft. Chiara is one of the premiere R&B/Pop/Jazz groups in the area. Hailing from Detroit, the members have been performing together for a decade and perform with some of the best musicians in and around metro Detroit. In their impressive professional career, Elevation ft. Chiara has performed all over metro-Detroit to much fanfare. They have been featured at Savoy Detroit, The Aretha Jazz Café, the David Whitney Hotel, Bert’s Jazz Room, Hammer & Nail, and numerous private events. Their sound fuses traditional R&B and pop with smooth jazz fusion and some dance music.

Djangophonique is a musical project born out of reverence for the Parisian Jazz Manouche style that was made popular by the legendary Sinti guitarist Django Reinhardt and his Quintette du Hot Club de France. While remaining steeped in the rich and virtuosic tradition, the group brings this music into the present with stunning improv, spontaneity and musical interaction. Hot swing, lush ballads, musette waltzes, jazz standards, boleros, and moody minor pieces are all fused together with theatrical flair and musical humor.

Vocalist Dawn Giblin concentrates here on her real love, the 1920s – 1940s jazz and popular music that gave the whole world a huge fantastic repertoire through the singing of Connee Boswell, Billie Holiday, Mildred Bailey and Ella Fitzgerald. “Dawn is

Paul Keller, a prolific composer and arranger, provides much of the material for this popular band. Keller's incredible swing feel is rock solid and his virtuosic bass solos must be heard to be believed. Duncan McMillan's swinging and tasteful pianistic prowess is on prominent display. Sean Dobbins supplies high-energy rhythmic fireworks that propel this amazing trio's music into orbit!

Paul Keller, a prolific composer and arranger, provides much of the material for this popular band. Keller's incredible swing feel is rock solid and his virtuosic bass solos must be heard to be believed. Duncan McMillan's swinging and tasteful pianistic prowess is on prominent display. Sean Dobbins supplies high-energy rhythmic fireworks that propel this amazing trio's music into orbit!

John “T-Bone” Paxton is a veteran trombonist and vocalist professionally active in Southeastern Michigan for many years. He is the featured singer and trombone soloist with the award-winning jazz ensemble, the Planet D Nonet. John is a 2nd generation musician and a son of the “Jazz Age.” His soulful sense of swing, phrasing, and his ability to interpret and bring personal meaning to a lyric allows him to connect to his audience at an emotional level, both as a vocalist and as an instrumentalist. John was integral member of the Sun Messengers band for decades, leaving to