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This Month’s Highlights

Here you’ll find the shows and events this month that I think are the real standouts, unique events that you won’t find every day in the city.

Roland Barber Quintet – Celebrating Duke Ellington, and Beyond! – Saturday, July 6 – 7:30 PM (Jazz Cave – NJW) ($35)

Acclaimed Nashville jazz trombonist Roland Barber has assembled an exciting new quintet, and here they perform a set to celebrate the music of Duke Ellington, in recognition of the Duke’s 125^th birthday. The quintet features some of Nashville’s top talent, including Alex Murphy on keys, Jack Aylor on bass, Dan Hitchcock on saxophone, and Christian Burgs on drums.

Summer Wind – A Tribute to the Sounds of Sinatra – Saturday, July 6 – 8:00 PM (3^rd and Lindsley) ($15 advance / $20 day-of / $125 tables)

A group of some of Nashville’s finest crooners joins together for a tribute to Frank Sinatra, the Rat Pack, and the musical era that defined them. Featuring Sinatra Bar & Lounge headliner Richard Jacques, as well as popular Nashville vocalists Keith Sargent, Michelle Murray, and Kyle Henry, the group honors the legend of vocal jazz music, while also stepping out into the wider musical era, blending Sinatra hits with timeless songs from the Great American Songbook.

Jazz Under the Stars – Friday, July 19 – 7:00 PM (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens) ($65)

A part of their Under the Stars concert series, which features a diverse array of performances, this date is the Jazz Night. The evening will feature an outdoor jazz concert surrounded by the beautiful Cheekwood Gardens, and guests will have access to food trucks as well as vendors of wine and local beers.

Jazz on the Cumberland w/ The Deshan Jones Jazz Quartet – Sunday, July 21 – 5:30 PM (Free)

Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival – Saturday, July 20 ($20+) Details of this event are actually still forthcoming, but I still wanted to include it to get it on everyone’s calendar. Last year’s headliner was iconic blues crooner Sir Charles Jones, with supporting acts like Bizz & Everyday People and Cherelle. This year’s festival will surely offer the same high caliber of performances.

Sunny Side – Thursday, July 25 – 9:00 PM (Rudy’s) ($15)

Sunny Side is a 7-piece jazz band from New Orleans. The group brings a full New Orleans-style jazz experience, with three-part harmonies, a solid rhythm section, and an energetic vocalist and dancer. Presenting music inspired by some of the founding jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller, among others, the group is sure to give a stellar performance.

Ryan Devlin Trio (2 performances) – Friday, July 26 & Saturday, July 27 – 8:00 PM (Rudy’s) ($22)

Visiting from Boston, MA, saxophonist Ryan Devlin comes to the Rudy’s stage for two performances with his trio, featuring Ian Ashby on bass and Caleb Montague on drums. At only 26 years of age, Devlin has already made a name for himself with performances with The Orlando Jazz Orchestra, Davis Whitfield Jr, Mike Bond, Ulysses Ownes Jr, and many other world-class jazz musicians and ensembles.

MonoNeon – Tuesday, July 30 – 8:00 PM (Exit/In)

Stepping outside of the strict jazz tradition, bass virtuoso and experimental musician MonoNeon comes to Exit/In. The Memphis native is known for his online presence as well as being one of the last musicians to work with Prince. He has collaborated with artists such as Mavis Staples, George Clinton, Mac Miller, and more, and has performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, and many more..

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Arrington Vineyards

Music in the Vines Series – Every Saturday (3:00-7:00 PM) & Sunday (1:00-5:00 PM)

Starting in April, Arrington Vineyards will feature concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. Acts range from Andrew Carney & the Essentials to Art Four Sale Band to the Reed Pittman Band. There will also be live jazz on Fridays (4:30-8:30 PM) for Arrington’s Food Truck Fridays!

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City Winery Nashville

Nashville’s City Winery is a beautiful venue that consistently features top-talent acts that span genres from Jazz to Americana to Hip Hop. The below performances showcase a mix of several genres, but will certainly be of interest to any jazz audience. Enjoy these concerts accompanied by a stellar selection of wine and delicious bites.

The Lounge

Albert Castiglia – Thursday, July 18 – 7:00 PM ($20 advance / $25 day-of)

Praised as the “heir apparent” to the title of King of the Blues by the Miami New Times, Albert Castiglia has made quite a name for himself in the world of blues guitar. With over a dozen solo albums to his name, Castiglia has already built a storied career for himself, having performed for audiences all across the country. His 2019 album Masterpiece won the Blues Music Award for Blues Rock Album of the Year. Anyone interested in the long tradition of blues guitar music should definitely keep this one on their calendar.

An Evening with Matt Von Roderick – Sunday, July 29 – 7:00 PM ($30 advance / $35 day-of)

Matt Von Roderick is a crooner-trumpeter who calls back to legends like Chet Baker, and yet brings a distinctly modern sound to his music. His debut album, CELESTIAL HEART, released last year, blends the sounds of classic jazz with those of rock and electronica. This album featured titans of the industry, including legendary drummer Jim Keltner and orchestrator Gil Goldstein. Von Roderick simultaneously honors the tradition, while paving his own path into the future.

Main Stage

Ravi Coltrane ft. Gadi Lehavi & Ele Howell (detailed above)

Robert Glasper (2 performances) (detailed above)

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The Nashville Jazz Workshop

Moving on to Music City’s other great jazz venue, the Jazz Cave at the NJW is a venue with world-class acoustics, which consistently ranks in Downbeat Magazine’s list of Great Jazz Venues in the world. Tickets can be purchased through the Workshop website.

Jazz Cave

Roland Barber Quintet – Celebrating Duke Ellington, and Beyond! – detailed above

NJW Presents Gtar Phil – Friday, July 12 – 7:30 PM ($35)

Phil Hughley is a Nashville-based guitarist who has become a go-to for sessions as well as touring. He has recorded or performed with acts like TajMo (collaborative act between Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’), CeCe Winans, The McCrary Sisters, and more. Mostly recently he performed with the Nashville Symphony during its four-night debut of The Jonah People: A Legacy of Struggle & Triumph. Now he comes to the Jazz Cave with his own ensemble for a stellar performance.

Green Hill Music Celebration – Saturday, July 13 – 7:30 PM ($35)

The NJW celebrates the long-time partnership it has enjoyed with Nashville-based record label Green Hill Music, together fostering a nurturing environment for musical development and cultural enrichment. The celebration of more than 30 years of partnership includes performances by Roger Spencer, Lori Mechem, Chris Brown, Sam Levine, Jaimee Paul, Matt Belsante, and Phillip Keveren.

Chantae Cann at the NJW – Saturday, July 27 – 7:30 PM ($35)

Stellar young vocalist Chantae Cann comes to the Jazz Cave. Cann’s debut album landed at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts, and she quickly followed this up with a Top 10 sophomore album. Praised for her ability to connect emotionally with her audience, this performance is sure to be one that moves you.

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Rudy’s Jazz Room

And now we move on to Nashville’s premier jazz club, with its cozy, intimate setting. I’ll start with some of the unique highlights for this month, then follow up with the great regular acts performing. Please note that some shows are one dollar cheaper if you purchase advance tickets. I have listed the door price for all shows.

Rudy’s Highlights

Below are the performances for this month that I’ve picked out as the real can’t-miss shows, some featuring touring artists from out of state, others featuring local artists giving specialized, unique performances. Below are the performances for this month that I’ve picked out as the real can’t-miss shows, some featuring touring artists from out of state, others featuring local artists giving specialized, unique performances.

Roland Barber Quintet – Celebrating Duke Ellington, and Beyond! – detailed above

NJW Presents Gtar Phil – Friday, July 12 – 7:30 PM ($35)

Phil Hughley is a Nashville-based guitarist who has become a go-to for sessions as well as touring. He has recorded or performed with acts like TajMo (collaborative act between Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’), CeCe Winans, The McCrary Sisters, and more. Mostly recently he performed with the Nashville Symphony during its four-night debut of The Jonah People: A Legacy of Struggle & Triumph. Now he comes to the Jazz Cave with his own ensemble for a stellar performance.

Green Hill Music Celebration – Saturday, July 13 – 7:30 PM ($35)

The NJW celebrates the long-time partnership it has enjoyed with Nashville-based record label Green Hill Music, together fostering a nurturing environment for musical development and cultural enrichment. The celebration of more than 30 years of partnership includes performances by Roger Spencer, Lori Mechem, Chris Brown, Sam Levine, Jaimee Paul, Matt Belsante, and Phillip Keveren.

Chantae Cann at the NJW – Saturday, July 27 – 7:30 PM ($35)

Stellar young vocalist Chantae Cann comes to the Jazz Cave. Cann’s debut album landed at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts, and she quickly followed this up with a Top 10 sophomore album. Praised for her ability to connect emotionally with her audience, this performance is sure to be one that moves you.

Rudy’s Regulars

Pat Coil Quartet (2 performances) – Saturday, July 6 & Saturday, July 27 – 5:30 PM ($15)

Renowned Nashville pianist Pat Coil will perform twice this month in the quartet format, each time with a different lineup of all-star musicians. The first performance will feature Pat Bergeson (guitar), Luke Woodle (drums), and Baily Johnstone (bass), while the second performance will feature Marc Widenhofer (drums), Rob Linton (bass), and Dan Hitchcock (saxophone).

Don Aliquo Trio (2 performances) – Saturday, July 6 & Friday, July 26 – 11:00 PM ($10)

One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Aliquo will be performing with his trio on two occasions this month, in both trio and quartet formats.

Jonathan Wires Quartet (2 performances) – Sunday, July 7 – 6:00 PM ($15) & Saturday, July 20 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Prominent Nashville bassist and educator Jonathan Wires leads a quartet featuring Adam Davis on guitar, Steve Pardo on sax, and Madison George on drums.

Re-Evolution – Mondays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 – 6:00 PM ($12)

This five-piece band is heavily influenced by classic jazz cutting-edge artists like Thelonius Monk, Wes Montgomery, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and more. The band consists of Brian Cornish on saxophone, Regi Wooten on bass, Daryl Johnson on drums, Adam Charney on guitar and Alex Murphy on piano.

Regi Wooten & Friends – Wednesdays, July 10, 17 & 31 – 9:00 PM ($15)

Coming from a distinctly talented musical family, Regi Wooten is one of the most innovative and dynamic musicians on the scene today, pushing the boundaries of the traditional genres. Equally at home playing Hendrix as Wes Montgomery, Wooten assembles a group of some of Nashville’s best musicians to offer a night steeped in funk, jazz, soul, blues and rock.

Geoff Pfeifer Quartet (2 performances) – Friday, July 12 & Saturday, July 27 – 11:00 PM ($10)

Playing a mix of Wayne Shorter tunes and originals, Geoff Pfeifer brings gritty, edgy, genuine NYC-style jazz to Rudy’s stage with his Quartet.

Cliff Richmond & the CliffNotes – Thursday, July 18 – 9:00 PM ($14)

Guitarist and vocalist Cliff Richmond’s band always features some of Nashville’s top talent, and presents a great blend of soulful, swinging, and funky jazz.

Dana Robbins Quintet – Friday, July 19 – 5:30 PM ($15)

GRAMMY-winning saxophonist Dana Robbins pays tribute to the Soul Jazz sound of the late 60’s and early 70’s, celebrating artists such as Les McCann, Eddie Harris, Jimmy Smith, and more. Robbins has either recorded or performed with many artists, including Keb’ Mo’, Aretha Franklin, Taj Mahal, Keith Urban, and more. Her band features David Santos (bass), Wes Little (drums), Phil Hughley (guitar), and Darius Mines (piano/B3 organ).

Stephanie Adlington – Friday, July 19 – 8:00 PM ($23 Cover)

Another frequent visitor to the Rudy’s stage, award-winning vocalist, songwriter and vocal coach Stephanie Adlington is known as the “Siren of the South,” with an “unrivaled” take on the Great American Songbook.

Jody Nardone Trio (2 performances) – Saturday, July 20 – 5:30 PM & Sunday, July 28 – 6:00 PM

Prominent Nashville pianist Jody Nardone brings his trio to Rudy’s for a classic jazz set. With a growing national reputation, Nardone seamlessly shifts from the “whispered beauty of Bill Evans to the percussive flights of McCoy Tyner.” (Michael McCall, Nashville Scene)

Sully’s Swingin’ Sunday Supper – Sunday, July 21 – 6:00 PM ($12)

Every other Sunday, Rudy’s features a Sunday dinner, with one of Music City’s top bassists Jimmy Sullivan leading a swingin’ jazz band featuring rotating special guests, for which a unique dinner special is served just for the show.

Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos – Every Monday – 9:00 PM ($15)

A favorite on the Nashville Latin and jazz scene, multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Rodriguez presents an electric night of salsa, along with his band consisting of Rodriguez (bass/vocals), Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Jesus Agreda (Timbales), Lorenzo Molina Ruiz (Trumpet), and Manuel ‘Manotas’ Ramierez (multi-Percussion).

Hot Club Gypsy Jazz – Every Thursday – 6:00 PM ($12)

Every Thursday night, Rudy’s honors its New Orleans and French roots by celebrating the vibrant music of Gypsy Jazz. These nights feature a variety of small groups either led or curated by New Orleans native Brook Sutton, all performing music in the style of the great Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. The bar will feature French Quarter-inspired cocktails as well as gumbo and beignets. Come out for as authentic a night as you can get without a trip to the French Quarter.

Rudy’s Jazz Jam – Every Sunday – 9:00 PM ($10)

I couldn’t make a list of Rudy’s events without including a shout-out for the regular weekly Jazz Jam the club hosts every Sunday night. Whether you are a jazz musician and you want to jam with your fellow artists, or you just want to come and enjoy what the local talent has to offer, the Jazz Jam is a great way to end your weekend.

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Sambuca Restaurant

Sambuca is a New American restaurant in Nashville’s Gulch district, featuring nightly live music. Below are the appearances that will interest the jazz listener!

Ben Graves (2 performances) – Monday, July 1 & Monday, July 29 – 6:00 PM

An incredibly eclectic and versatile musician, Ben Graves has performed music in genres from classical to jazz to hard rock, weaving all of this experience together into a unique style.

Thea Danos – Saturday, July 6 – 7:00 PM

Nashville native Thea Danos specializes in jazz and Brazilian bossa nova, a style she is intimately familiar with as she has spent extensive time in Brazil performing and perfecting her Portuguese singing. Danos likely will be the closest one can get to authentic Brazilian bossa nova in Nashville.

Steve Roper (2 performances) – Sunday, July 7 – 6:00 PM & Friday, July 26 – 7:00 PM

For three years, Steve Roper was the band leader and music director for the Steven Roper and the B.B. King Allstars band at the B.B. King Club here in Music City. His primary genres are jazz and blues, but his skillset extends well beyond these styles to R&B and even country.

Leif Shires – Wednesday, July 10 – 6:00 PM

Modern jazz trumpeter Leif Shires will perform twice this month. Shires, who has performed with many artists including Tom Jones, the Secret Sisters, Kelly Lang, and many others, now presents a traditional, straight-ahead jazz sound that is sure to be a great accompaniment to a delicious meal.

Jazz Over Dinner Series w/ Michael Fair – Tuesday, July 23 – 7:00 PM.

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The Underdog Nashville

The Guthrie Trapp Trio – Mondays, July 1, 22, 29 – 8:00 PM ($10)

One of Nashville’s preeminent guitar talents will perform several times at the Underdog. More blues and country than jazz, Trapp’s intricate and highly technical guitar playing will surely interest those who love the technicality of jazz music. His trio features Jordan Perlson on drums and Tim Marks on bass.

The Jack Ruch Organ Trio – Every Thursday – 8:00 PM ($10)

Guitarist Jack Ruch, organist Adam Wakefield, and drummer Nioshi Jackson make up this soul and blues trio. The music you’ll hear here makes up the core of jazz’s roots, so any jazz fan should feel right at home listening to this trio.

Regular Nashville Hangs

Bohemia After Dark: Live Jazz Band with Andrew Golden – Every Monday – 8:00 PM (Old Glory)

Dinner & A Show – Live Jazz Band – Every Friday – 7:00 PM (Flamingo Cocktail Club)

Eastside Jam – Every Sunday – 9:00 PM (Inglewood Lounge)

This is not a traditional jazz jam playing standards, but rather an improv jam, but any jazz player or listener will still be interested!