Hartford Jazz Society

Tuxedo Junction
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-05 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-29 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Guilford VFW Post 9666, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT
For over 24 years, hosting public rehearsals every Monday night, now at Guilford VFW Post 7666.
Tuxedo Junction was started in 1989 by Pete Jacobs (trumpet) and Will Tayler (drums), WWII veterans who set up an 8-piece Dixieland jazz band in the basement of the senior citizens center in Madison, CT. Pat soon joined on piano.
The band quickly grew into a full swing band as Pete added big band arrangements and people joined: everyone from high school students to retired music teachers started to fill out the sections. Tuxedo Junction moved its practice home to the Westbrook Elks briefly, and in 1997 Paul James suggested that Bill’s Seafood restaurant in Westbrook would be a great place to share the sounds of swing. After more than 20 years of Monday nights at Bill’s, originally outnumbering the customers and staff before turning it into the most happening place on the Shoreline for a Monday night, we moved outside to Town Greens, Overlook Farm in Killingworth, and the Guilford VFW.
Tuxedo Junction plays original big band arrangements from the 30’s through the present, including charts from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Sy Zentner, Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. We focus on danceable tunes from swing to waltz, foxtrot to two-step, Latin and even some rock. The band has weekly open rehearsals at local venues on the Eastern Connecticut shoreline. The public is invited to dance and listen in at no charge. We are also available for hire at public and private events throughout Connecticut.
After more than 1,001 performances, Tuxedo Junction has become a musical success story. We are now eighteen passionate musicians, men and women of all ages, following the great jazz tradition and warmly welcoming visiting jazz musicians to sit in.

Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra
2026-01-11 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Uptown Jazz Orchestra’s mission is to promote the rich cultural legacy of American music through both entertaining and educational performances. Our educational shows are designed to give young people a greater awareness of important historical figures and musical traditions. All other shows are designed specifically with the intent of folks having a good time … hands clapping, toes tapping and rump shaking!
“The UJO sound [combines] the dance-first sensibility of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band crossed with Count Basie’s early riff bands and post-1952 ‘New Testament’ orchestras [and] the sophisticated dialects of Ellington, Mingus, Coltrane and Kenny Kirkland.” – Ted Panken, DownBeat
In 2007, NEA Jazz Master and Grammy Award winning trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis formed the Uptown Jazz Orchestra (UJO) for the purpose of keeping important jazz music traditions alive; such as riff-playing, spontaneous group improvisations, and collective New Orleans instrumental polyphony. At the time, Marsalis realized that the New Orleans music community was lacking the infusion of young homegrown talent outside of the great brass band tradition, and chose to form an orchestra that could present traditional, classic, and modern compositions with authenticity. Since that time, UJO has grown into one of the premier large ensembles in the world, releasing three CDs to critical acclaim, and touring locally, nationally, and internationally.
“Delfeayo is, in many ways, the most fun of the Marsalises.” – The Buffalo News
In 2008, Marsalis founded the educational program, “Swinging with the Cool School” (a soft introduction to jazz for hip tots and adults), which was used as an experimental form of music therapy at the New Orleans Children Hospital. The Cool School has since expanded to introduce live instrumental jazz to students around the country, with the intent of helping young people develop a relationship with music that has gradually disappeared from mainstream radio and media at large. Through these performances, UJO is able to introduce students (and adults) to the wide emotional range of instrumental music.
Since 2021, UJO has produced the annual Jazz at Congo Square Festival (JACS) to celebrate New Orleans culture by presenting live performances of musicians, poets, dancers, and Black Masking Indians to local and visiting audiences. JACS Festival also features local food, arts & craft vendors. Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra plan to continue using the great legacy of American music to engage and hopefully inspire the younger generations for many years.

Baby Grand Jazz at Hartford Public Library
2026-01-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Center for Contemporary Culture (Main Floor) – Hartford Public Library, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Concerts will be held at HPL’s Downtown Library on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. from January through April, excluding Easter Sunday on April 5. Performances will take place in the Center for Contemporary Culture, 500 Main Street, Hartford. Doors open at 2:00 p.m., and each concert lasts about an hour. Shows will also be streamed on Hartford Public Library’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
2026 Lineup

January 4 – Iftah Kary Trio
January 11 – Lee Fish & Friends
January 18 – Koan
January 25 – Digba Ogunbiyi Quartet

February 1 – Matt Parker
February 8 – Meg Okura & The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble
February 15 – Jen Allen and Heart Alchemy
February 22 – Jamile Trio

March 1 – The Hartford Sound
March 8 – Nigel Bello Band
March 15 – Laszlo Gardony Trio
March 22 – Rodney Jones
March 29 – Ben Bilello Quartet
April 5 – No concert
April 12 – Japanese MicroJam
April 19 – Tyler Sherman and Friends
April 26 – Rene McLean: Music of the Spirit

Boss Baritones Ft Gary Smulyan & Frank Basile
2026-01-10 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Gary Smulyan – Baritone Saxophone
Frank Basile – Baritone Saxophone
Steve Ash – Piano
Mike Karn – Bass
Jason Tiemann – Drums
Inspired by the rich history of the great 2-tenor pairings in jazz (think Lester Young & Herschel Evans, Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt, Lockjaw Davis & Johnny Griffin, and Al Cohn & Zoot Sims), the Boss Baritones continue this tradition, but with the pairing of the tenor saxophone’s lower pitched baritone brethren.​
So who are these “Boss Baritones?” Locking horns in the front line are two of today’s finest exponents and practitioners of the baritone saxophone in jazz: Gary Smulyan and Frank Basile.​
Gary Smulyan has been steadily polishing his craft for over 40 years and is all but unanimously regarded as today’s leading baritone saxophonist. Since filling the baritone chair in Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herd in 1978, Smulyan has gone on to perform with virtually every important name in jazz since. A sampling of this lofty company includes the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, the Gene Harris Superband, B.B. King, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Michel Camilo, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, Cedar Walton, Joe Lovano, George Coleman, the Mingus Big Band, and Dave Holland. A favorite of critics and peers alike, Smulyan has consistently topped polls in Downbeat, Jazz Times, and with the Jazz Journalists Association for the past two decades. Smulyan is a 6-time Grammy winner.
Frank Basile made his way on to the New York scene in 2001 after his studies at the University of North Texas and a brief stint at the Juilliard School. He has since forged his own path following in the footsteps of his mentors such as Smulyan. Dubbed a “prized sideman” by The New Yorker, Basile has been called upon to perform with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, the Jimmy Heath Big Band, the Bob Mintzer Big Band, the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, the Christian McBride Big Band, the Count Basie Orchestra, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. As a “rising star,” Basile has consistently appeared in the Downbeat critic’s poll since 2014.
The Boss Baritones made their debut the weekend of March 6-7, 2020 at Smalls Jazz Club in New York City. This was an auspicious start for the band, but one week later, the Coronavirus pandemic would officially put it all on hold. Since the easing of restrictions and the return of normal aspects to life, the Boss Baritones have been regaining their momentum with performances in the New York City area (including numerous return engagements at Smalls) as well as their eponymous debut recording on Steeplechase Records.

Vinny Golia Trio
2026-01-10 19:30 - 21:30 | The Parlor Room, 32 Masonic St., Northampton, MA
Vinny Golia (reeds), Ken Filiano (bass), Michael TA Thompson (drums)
Vinny Golia is a composer who fuses the rich heritage of Jazz, contemporary classical and world music into his own unique compositions. As a bandleader, Golia has presented his music to concert audiences in Europe, Canada, Mexico, Japan and the United States in ensembles varying dramatically in size and instrumentation.
Mr. Golia has won numerous awards as a composer, including grants from the National Endowment of the Arts, The Lila Wallace Commissioning Program, The California Arts Council, Meet the Composer, Clausen Foundation of the Arts, Funds for U.S. Artists and the American Composers Forum. In 1982 he created the on-going 37-piece Vinny Golia Large Ensemble to perform his compositions for chamber group and jazz orchestra.
A multi-woodwind performer, Vinny’s recordings have been consistently picked by critics and readers of music journals for their yearly “ten best” lists. In 1990 he was the winner of the Jazz Times TDWR award for Bass Saxophone. In 1998 he ranked 1st in the Cadence Magazine Writers & Readers Poll and has continually placed in the Downbeat Critic’s Poll for Baritone Saxophone. In 1999 Vinny won the LA Weekly’s Award for “Best Jazz Musician.”
Jazziz Magazine has also named him as one of the 100 people who have influenced the course of Jazz in our Century. Golia has also contributed original compositions and scores to Ballet and Modern Dance works, video, theatrical productions, and film. As an educator Vinny has lectured on music & painting composition, improvisation, Jazz History, The History of Music in Film, CD & record manufacturing and self-production throughout the United States, Europe and Canada.
He currently teaches at CalArts. In 1998 Golia was appointed Regent’s Lecturer at the University of California at San Diego.
Vinny has been a featured performer with Anthony Braxton, Henry Grimes, John Carter, Bobby Bradford, Joelle Leandre, Leo Smith, Horace Tapscott, John Zorn, Tim Berne, Bertram Turetzky, George Lewis, Barre Phillips, The Rova Saxophone Quartet, Patti Smith, Harry “the Hipster” Gibson, Eugene Chadburne, Kevin Ayers, Peter Kowald, John Bergamo, George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, Misha Mengelberg, Han Bennick, Lydia Lunch, Harry Sparrney and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra amongst many others.

Jazz Jam at Cafe Nine
2026-01-10 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-01-03 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-27 16:00 - 19:00 | CT
Every Saturday, 4-7

Valley Jazz Voices
2026-01-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity, 130 Pine Street, Northampton, MA
Valley Jazz Voices, the Pioneer Valley’s longest-running community jazz vocal ensemble, will present a winter concert at the BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity. The program features selections from the Great American Songbook organized around themes of the sun, the moon, the weather and love, all arranged and sung in the group’s signature four‑part jazz harmonies. The singers will be accompanied by a jazz trio led by pianist Dylan Walter, with Wes Brown on bass and Dillon Pinard on drums.

Directed by Jeff Olmsted and founded in 2014, Valley Jazz Voices performs swing, bebop, cool, Brazilian and pop‑inspired jazz arrangements and highlights local vocal talent and community musicianship. The concert is a family‑friendly matinee that offers familiar standards presented with fresh arrangements and warm ensemble sound.
Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door; children under 12 are free. Learn more about Valley Jazz Voices at https://www.valleyjazzvoices.org/about or on YouTube at @valleyjazzvoices8965 or on Facebook @valleyjazzvoices

Hamilton de Holanda Trio
2026-01-09 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Hamilton de Holanda – Mandolin
Salomâo Soares – Piano
Big Rabello – Drums
Hamilton de Holanda is one of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians—a global ambassador, virtuoso performer, and groundbreaking improviser. Picking up the mandolin at the age of five, he redefined the 10-string version of the instrument, transforming it into a versatile voice that bridges the worlds of jazz, choro, and beyond.
The foundation of his music comes from a combination of family encouragement, formal training with a university degree in composition, and the freedom of Brasília’s choro street jams, where he grew up.
A four-time Latin Grammy winner with 17 nominations—including a Grammy nod for Best Latin Jazz Album—Hamilton is a multi-award-winning musician. In Brazil, he has achieved star status, earning widespread acclaim from critics, peers, and audiences alike.
Recognized for his unique approach to improvisation and electrifying stage presence, Hamilton’s influence continues to grow. In 2024 alone, he achieved 14 million streams across 180 countries and reached over 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
In addition to his career as a performer, Hamilton was one of the founders of the world’s first Choro School, established in Brasília in 1997. He also spearheaded a petition to Brazil’s National Congress to establish a National Day of Choro, helping to secure the genre’s cultural legacy.
Hamilton’s career is defined by his ability to blend Brazilian traditions with global sounds. His collaborations include music legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Milton Nascimento, Djavan, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Dave Matthews, John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and Hermeto Pascoal.
He has performed on some of the world’s most iconic stages, including the Grand Palais in Paris, the Smithsonian in Washington, and the Jean Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, as well as at renowned music festivals such as Montreux Jazz, Newport Jazz, Montreal, Umbria Jazz, Marciac, and North Sea Jazz, among others. His performances have also marked historic moments, including the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Summer Games and a private concert for world leaders at the G20 Summit, where he captivated kings, presidents, and prime ministers from countries such as the USA, France, Germany, Canada, India, Brazil, and many others.
His upcoming live album, recorded in the U.S. with the Hamilton de Holanda Trio, is set to be released in late March 2025. This new work adds to his extensive discography of over 40 albums, most of which were released independently. Over the years, he has also partnered with prestigious labels such as ECM and Universal, and he is currently signed to Sony Brasil. The album will feature his signature fusion of Brazilian roots and jazz improvisation, with special guest Chris Potter adding a unique dimension to the project.
Hamilton’s music connects cultures, celebrates diversity, and pushes the boundaries of sound, solidifying his place as a true innovator and cultural ambassador.

Fridays with Frank
2026-01-09 17:15 - 19:00, 2026-01-02 17:15 - 19:00, 2025-12-26 17:15 - 19:00 | Institute Library, 847 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT
Join renowned jazz historian and Jazz Haven Board member Frank Cochran for BYOB “Fridays with Frank.” Happy Hour jazz listening sessions are held every Friday from 5:15 to 7:00 pm at the Institute Library in downtown New Haven. Each Friday Frank selects iconic jazz LPs to play from the Library’s extensive collection. Discussion follows. BYOB and please give a modest donation towards the IL’s spiraling utilities. A $5.00 contribution is welcome.

Black Eyed Sally’s Jazz Jam - Anthony Rokosa 50th Birthday Bash
2026-01-07 19:00 - 22:00 | Black-eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, 350 Asylum St., Hartford, CT, 06103
Located in downtown Hartford, for the aficionado, musician, or the curious first-timer, Black Eyed Sally’s Jazz Jams are the best taste of live jazz in Hartford. Set in the southern juke joint atmosphere of Black-eyed Sally’s, these jam sessions will strike a chord as you hear what our local talent has to offer, with regular special appearances by big city jazz names. Experience the cool original music of the jam session while you enjoy the hot fierce cookin’ of Hartford’s favorite BBQ joint.
After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, regularly scheduled jazz jams have returned to Black Eyed Sally’s every Wednesday. There will be a featured jazz ensemble followed by an open jam session. Bring your axe and be ready to jam!
The music begins at 7:00 PM, jam session begins after 1st set. No cover charge most nights, under 21’s welcome.
Presented by the Hartford Jazz Society and Neefjazz Entertainment

Michael Palin's Other Orchestra
2026-01-06 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-30 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-23 20:00 - 22:00 | The Hungry Tiger, 120 Charter Oak Street, Manchester, CT
It’s a funky Big Band thang, a large jazz ensemble that rocks the house. Playing music from Tower of Power, Frank Zappa, The Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorious, Steely Dan, The Yellow Jackets, Bob Berg…..You’ll want to see them again and again!
https://www.facebook.com/OtherOrchestra/

Hartford Jazz Orchestra
2026-01-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-12-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Elicit Brewery, 165 Adams Street, Manchester, CT
Every Monday at Elicit Brewery in Manchester CT. No cover.

Baby Grand Jazz at Hartford Public Library
2026-01-04 15:00 - 16:00 | Center for Contemporary Culture (Main Floor) – Hartford Public Library, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Concerts will be held at HPL’s Downtown Library on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. from January through April, excluding Easter Sunday on April 5. Performances will take place in the Center for Contemporary Culture, 500 Main Street, Hartford. Doors open at 2:00 p.m., and each concert lasts about an hour. Shows will also be streamed on Hartford Public Library’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Dr. G’s Jazz Brunch
2026-01-04 12:00 - 15:00 | Quattro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, 14 Water Street, Guilford, CT
Dr. G’s Jazz Brunch held on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays from 12pm (noon) until 3pm at Quattro’s Italian Restaurant:

All events will also include jazz masters Jeff Fuller on bass and Barry Ries on drums &/or trumpet. “Dr. G” will provide guitar accompaniment.

Jazz at Three Sheets
2026-01-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Three Sheets, 372 Elm Street, New Haven, CT
New England Jazz Underground presents jazz on the 1st and 3rd Friday every month.

New Years Eve w/ Michelle Lordi/Matthew Parrish Quartet
2025-12-31 20:30 - 23:59 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
8:30PM and 10:45PM sets (Tickets sold separately)
Celebrate New Years Eve with an amazing Jazz Quartet featuring Vocalist Michelle Lordi and Bassist Matthew Parrish!
This show will have a 1 drink minimum per person
Michelle Lordi – Vocals
Matthew Parrish – Bass
Vincent Bourgeyx – Piano
Byron Landham – Drums
Jazz bassist Matthew Parrish has ‘come into his own’ as a sought after performer, arranger, composer, producer and instructor. Matthew brings skills and s wing as he puts his heart into every note he plays. He has a genuine warmth and loyalty to the music that transcends into every note, every tune, and every interaction with his fellow musicians.
Born in central California to hard-working, music-loving parents of four children, Matthew is the youngest to his next sibling by eleven years. With a variety of jazz, rock, and classical music being played around him since birth, whether live or recorded, and a father who played acoustic bass early in his military career, Matt was destined for a life dedicated to music. Although he started on trumpet in middle school, he switched from that instrument for the acoustic bass in a last minute decision of the heart right before his Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts music program audition. He was accepted as an acoustic bass student in jazz studies and he has never stopped learning his craft.
Matt’s young bass career is grounded in Philadelphia, PA. He had the blessing, in his late teens and early twenties, of performing with Shirley Scott, Mickey Roker, Bobby Durham, Cecil Payne, Johnny Coles, Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, Sylvia Simms, Danny Turner, and fellow young musicians, Orrin Evans and Byron Landham. Matthew went on to have the unforgettable experience of touring with legendary trombonist, Al Grey. This era also included performing with Clark Terry, Marion McPartland, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Lou Donaldson, Joe Cohn, Savion Glover, and Bill Charlap.
After the sad passing of Al, an important mentor and friend, Matthew continued to tour with the bands of Greg Osby, Jon Jang, James Newton, Stefon Harris, and Regina Carter. Matt came to be relied upon as a gifted composer and arranger in addition to his steady performing. His own works, as played by Matt on bass, are on his debut CD, ‘Circles’ (Hipnotic Records), as well as on recordings from Regina Carter and Dave Leonhardt, Denise Montana, and Ben Schachter.
Matthew also has recorded with musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paquito D’Rivera, Clark Terry, Etta Jones, James Williams, Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, James Newton, Miri Ben-Ari, Gary Thomas, Vana Gierig, Orrin Evans, and Houston Person
Vocalist Michelle Lordi has received international accolades and heavy rotation on jazz radio stations in the US and abroad for her recording projects, “Drive” (2015) and “Dream A Little Dream” ( 2017),“Break Up With The Sound“(2019) and “ Two Moons” ( 2023)
Whether she’s performing with bebop jazz legends, exploring experimental soundscapes in her original music or delivering her taut, mesmerizing jazz interpretations of pop ballads, Lordi’s profound love of the music she chooses to sing and the musicians she creates with is evident in every note of her vividly expressive and elegantly communicative voice.
Michelle has performed in performance venues, jazz clubs and festivals across the US such as the Mann Music Center, The Kimmel Center, The Deer Head Inn, Chris’ Jazz Café, Philadelphia Museum of Art, South, Zlock Performing Arts Center (PA), 55 Bar, Birdland, Cornelia Street Café, Jazz Forum, Maureen’s, Mezzrow, Minton’s, SMOKE Jazz & Supper Club, Smalls,(NY), DazzleJazz (CO) , BluJazz, Bop Stop (OH) The Drake (MA) Cliff Bell’s, Dirty Dog Jazz Café, (MI) The Jazz Cruise (FL) & Le Duc Des Lombards (France)
In 2019 Michelle Lordi was nominated in three categories ( Best Band, Rising Star & Female Jazz Vocalist) in the Hot House New York City Readers Jazz Awards. She has performed and/or recorded with musical luminaries such as Orrin Evans, Sumi Tonooka, Eric Wortham II, JD Allen, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Larry McKenna, Greg Osby, Houston Person, Matthew Parrish, Buster Williams, Eric Revis, Ben Wolfe, Matt Davis, Nir Felder, Steve Cardenas, Ian Macaulay, Tim Motzer, Miles Okazaki, Sonny Troy, Nasheet Waits, Gene Jackson, Jerome Jennings, Donald Edwards, Wayne Smith, Jr. EJ Strickland, Rudy Royston and many others. Lordi has also collaborated with producer/guitarist Warren Defever ( His Name Is Alive).

Nat Reeves Trio w/ Jordan Williams & Jeff "Tain" Watts
2025-12-27 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Join us for a special night of jazz with Bassist Nat Reeves and his Trio!
Nat Reeves – Bass
Jordan Williams – Piano
Jeff “Tain” Watts – Drums
For over 40 years, Nat Reeves has been one of the top bassists in jazz. His supportive and stimulating playing has uplifted a countless number of sessions and recording dates (most notably with the great altoists Jackie McLean and Kenny Garrett). He has lead his own CDs State of Emergency and Blue Ridge. Both as a performer and an educator, he has made a strong impact on the jazz world.
Nat Reeves was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia. “My grandfather played the banjo, mandolin and guitar. One day I picked up his guitar and started playing the bass part. He noticed and, for my 16th birthday, he bought me an electric bass.” Nat had grown up hearing bluegrass, rock and soul records but did not get an opportunity to listen to jazz until he was already a bassist. “As a teenager, I listened closely to the radio, learning everything by ear. Originally I gravitated towards soul artists such as Marvin Gaye and the music of the time. In high school, I worked for a time with a band called the Dynatones. We learned all of the top 40 songs as soon as they came out. Whenever a new hit record was released, we would purchase the recording, go in the basement, put it on the turntable, and learn the song. Quite often the same day we would play the song for dances.”
Nat admired Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius and all of the top electric bassists of the time, being interested in all of the styles. “As a bassist it is my function to concentrate on the foundation of the band and make everybody else sound good. To become a better bass player and learn more about the instrument, I started listening to jazz. In jazz there is much more freedom to create one’s own bass part and to develop my own bass sound. It is my job to always learn and not merely play the bass but be a bass player, projecting more than just my notes and always sounding fresh and alive.”
When he was 22 and living in Richmond, Virginia, Nat joined a band led by trumpeter Tom Mitchell and guitarist Randy Johnston. Johnny Coles, trumpeter for Ray Charles who frequently sat in with the band, convinced Nat to switch to acoustic bass. Without taking a lesson, Nat taught himself the new instrument and quickly developed his own individual voice.
In 1979, Nat Reeves moved to New York City. “I listened, played on the streets, listened some more, and learned. It was at the same time that Kenny Garrett, Mulgrew Miller, Tony Reedus and James Williams also came to New York. We were all friends and played together.” He first toured with Sonny Stitt in 1982 during what would be the great saxophonist’s last tour. That year he met Jackie McLean, who became his mentor.

Bob Ahern Quartet
2025-12-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Lighthouse Inn, 6 Guthrie Pl, New London, CT
The Bob Ahern Quartet featuring drummer Bob Ahern will be performing the last Saturday of every month for 2025 at the legendary Lighthouse Inn in New London. Each month, Bob features a different Jazz celebrity. Great jazz venue and restaurant.

Duke Robillard Quartet
2025-12-26 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Join us for a special night of jazz with Guitarist Duke Robbilard and his Quartet!
Duke Robillard – Guitar
Doug James – Saxophone
Marty Ballou – Bass
Mark Teixeira – Drums
Michael John “Duke” Robillard is a distinguished American blues guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and educator, renowned for his versatility across blues, jazz, swing, and R&B. Born on October 4, 1948, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, he co-founded the influential band Roomful of Blues in 1967, which played a pivotal role in reviving jump blues and R&B.
Robillard’s career spans over five decades, during which he has released numerous solo albums, collaborated with iconic artists, and earned multiple accolades.
His Grammy nominations include Best Contemporary Blues Album for Guitar Groove-a-Rama (2007) and Best Traditional Blues Album for Stomp! The Blues Tonight (2010).
He has been honored with the W.C. Handy Award (now Blues Music Award) for Best Blues Guitarist in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004, and received the Keeping the Blues Alive Award for Producer of the Year in 2004.
Robillard’s collaborations are extensive and diverse. He has recorded and performed with legends such as Bob Dylan (appearing on Time Out of Mind), Tom Waits, Ruth Brown, Jay McShann, Pinetop Perkins, and Jimmy Witherspoon.
Additionally, he has worked with Maria Muldaur, John Hammond, and produced albums for artists like Joe Louis Walker, Billy Boy Arnold, and Otis Clay.
In 1990, Robillard replaced Jimmie Vaughan in The Fabulous Thunderbirds, further showcasing his adaptability and skill. He has also been a member of The Legendary Blues Band, which included former members of Muddy Waters’ bands, and has led his own group, The Duke Robillard Band, later known as The Pleasure Kings.
Beyond performing, Robillard is a respected producer and educator. He has produced albums for various artists and has been involved in music education, sharing his knowledge and passion for blues and jazz.
Robillard’s contributions to music have been recognized with multiple awards, including Grammy nominations and Blues Music Awards. His influence continues to resonate in the blues community, and he remains an active performer and recording artist.

Al Fenton Big Band directed by Kathy Neri
2025-12-25 18:15 - 20:15 | The Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Avenue, Bristol, CT
Enjoy the vibrant and smooth sounds of the 18 piece Al Fenton Big Band. Their open rehearsal gives you a behind-the scenes look at their musical process, followed by a performance that will have you dancing on the beautiful wooden dance floor.
BYOB: Enhance your evening by bringing your own beverages and food. Relax and enjoy a lively night out with great music and company. While you are at The Carousel Museum, take some time to visit the museum’s exhibits before or after the rehearsal to discover the rich history and artistry of carousel.
Thursday, March 27th
Thursday, April 24
Thursday, May 29
Thursday, June 26
Thursday, July 31
Thursday, August 28
Thursday, September 25th
Thursday, October 30th (Boo Bash – Costumes Encouraged)
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18th Holiday Spectacular
Admission Tickets available at the door.
Members: Free!
Adults $15
Seniors/Students $10
Kids 12 and Under: Free

Jazz at Cafe Nine
2025-12-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Cafe Nine, 250 State Street, New Haven, CT, 06510
Presented by New Haven Jazz Underground on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday every month.
