Coming in October!
The Jazz Beat (October 16-31)
Hello, all, and welcome back to this regular column here at Music City Review. Here, we will update you with the most can’t-miss jazz events happening in Music City, so you can be sure to catch all your favorites, as well as discover new ones along the way. Get out there and support your local musicians and keep Music City thriving! We are always looking to promote great music that may not get the attention it deserves. Have an event you think should be included in the next issue? Email me at: [email protected]
If you wish to subscribe to this guide, click here!
Amanda Raye
October 17, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Sambuca
Though her music stands out as a blend of soul and country, singer Amanda Raye has been noted for her jazz influences.
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz
October 17, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Jack Ruch Organ Trio
October 17, 2024 @ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Underdog
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.
Jake Shimabukuro w/ JD Simo & Luther Dickinson
October 17, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at The Main Stage at City Winery
October Highlight! File this under Things You Won’t Hear Every Day – a ukulele ripping out jazz, blues, and funk music. Known as a ukulele virtuoso, Hawaii native Jake Shimabukuro does just that. His newest album, set to release October 18th, is a collaboration with drummer Mick Fleetwood, founding member of Fleetwood Mac, and offers a fresh new take on the blues. This performance features guitarists JD Simo and Luther Dickinson.
Rebecca Carlson
October 17, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Jazz and blues vocalist Rebecca Carlson has made a name for herself across the country, taking stints based in New York City, Tucson, Los Angeles, and now Nashville. An extensive touring and recording career has made her quite an in-demand performer.
Ladies of Jazz
October 18, 2024 @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Another Ladies of Jazz show at Rudy’s, featuring an excellent lineup of Nashville women, including Wendy Burns, jazz flutist and vocalist, Tabitha Meeks, pianist and singer/songwriter, and Annabella Gelmetti, guitarist, singer/songwriter, and producer.
Stephanie Adlington
October 18, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Zach Douglas Plays 2000’s Pop-Punk
October 18, 2024 @ 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
On the more unique side of Rudy’s performances, trumpeter Zach Douglas will present a set of horn-driven arrangements of 2000’s pop-punk music. He will be joined by a stellar lineup of other Nashville musicians who owe at least part of their musical identity to this music, including David Williford and Jordan Morack on saxophone, flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet, Madison George on drums, Leland Nelson on bass, and Sam Farkas on guitar.
Music in the Vines
October 19, 2024 @ 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards features concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. This performance features The Lilliston Effect.
Pat Coil Trio
October 19, 2024 @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Renowned Nashville pianist Pat Coil will perform this month with his trio, featuring Jacob Jezioro on bass and Danny Gottlieb on drums.
Jazzmania 2024
October 19, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Liberty Hall
The Workshop’s annual fundraiser returns with Jazzmania 2024. The theme for this year is Ritmos de la Noche – A Latin Jazz Celebration, featuring music by the 10-piece Nashville Latin Fusion as well as a group of young musicians from the Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble. The event will also feature both live and silent auctions, with the opportunity to bid on everything from unique experiences, special dinners, vacation getaways, and paintings by noted artists.
Jody Nardone Trio
October 19, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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)
Don Aliquo Trio
October 19, 2024 @ 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Don Aliquo performs with his trio.
Music in the Vines
October 20, 2024 @ 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards features concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. This performance features The Miles Damaso Group.
Jazz on the Cumberland w/ Kharee Norcross Quartet
October 20, 2024 @ 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm at Cumberland Park
October Highlight! For the last regular Jazz on the Cumberland performance for the year, the Kharee Norcross Quartet takes the stage.
Analog Soul – Breast Cancer Tribute Pink Party
October 20, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Analog at Hutton Hotel
The Analog continues its Analog Soul series, featuring some of the city’s most promising emerging talent who are redefining soul music. This is the second annual Breast Cancer Tribute performance with Analog Soul. General admission is free, while you can reserve seating for $20.
Analog Soul
October 20, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Analog at Hutton Hotel
The Analog continues its Analog Soul series, featuring some of the city’s most promising emerging talent who are redefining soul music. Artists for this performance are still TBA. General Admission is free, while you can reserve seating for $20.
Sarah J
October 20, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Sambuca
Known for an energetic personality and audience interactions, Sarah J’s music combines R&B, pop, and contemporary jazz.
Bruce Dudley Trio
October 20, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Bruce Dudley is a Steinway Concert Artist who has over 40 years of experience performing jazz all throughout North and South America. He has recorded a number of albums as bandleader, as well as performed with big industry names like Aretha Franklin, Herb Ellis, and Crystal Gale. Both performances this month will be in trio format, the first featuring Roger Spencer on bass and Chris Brown on drums, and the second featuring Jim Ferguson on bass and Josh Hunt on drums.
Blair Jazz Combos
October 20, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Turner Recital Hall, Vanderbilt University
The jazz small groups at Vanderbilt’s Blair Music School perform, with a program featuring everything from classic jazz standards to contemporary works to original compositions by Blair students and faculty. Tickets are pay as you wish ($0-30)
Rudy’s Jazz Jam
October 20, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Erik Blue
October 21, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Sambuca
This band has been described as “the best live band in Nashville,” creating an upbeat atmosphere that keeps audiences on their feet.
Re-Evolution
October 21, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Cam Gallagher & the Tasty Soul
October 21, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at The Cobra
October Highlight! Though a local band, I wanted to shout out this group because they are one of my personal favorite emerging acts in town. Consisting of top-of-the-line musicians, this group offers a level of live performance that stands out, even here in Music City.
The Guthrie Trapp Trio
October 21, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at The Underdog
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.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos
October 21, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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).
Tower of Power w/ the Nashville Symphony
October 22, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at Schermerhorn Symphony Center
October Highlight! Iconic funk and fusion band Tower of Power celebrates the 56th anniversary of the group with a special symphonic performance of some of their biggest hits, including “What Is Hip?,” “Clever Girl,” “This Time It’s Real,” and many more. Presented with the Nashville Symphony, conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez.
Vanderbilt Blue Note & Verve Combos
October 23, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Featuring some of the premier improvising musicians in the award-winning Jazz Studies department at Vanderbilt University, the Blue Note and Verve Combos perform under the direction of jazz greats and Professors Ryan Middagh, Jeff Coffin, and Rob Linton.
Mildlife
October 23, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm at The Basement East
October Highlight! A psychedelic jazz fusion group from Melbourne, Australia stops by the intimate Basement East for what is sure to be a great performance.
Regi Wooten & Friends
October 23, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Thea Danos
October 24, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Sambuca
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.
Goose
October 24, 2024 @ 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Ascend Amphitheater
October Highlight! American jam band Goose comes to Ascend Amphitheater. Emerging in 2016 and steadily increasing their devoted following since, Goose is known for their musical exploration and phenomenal performances.
Big Bands (Belmont)
October 24, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Massey Concert Hall, Belmont University
Belmont School of Music’s two student big bands perform, presenting music from classic big band swing to modern jazz fusion.
Andrew Carney Quartet
October 25, 2024 @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Nashville-based trumpeter flugelhornist Andrew Carney performs with his quartet. Carney has had a prolific recording and performing career, having performed with artists from Pink to Aretha Franklin to Ariana Grande, and recorded on commercials for Google, Nutra Systems, among others.
Jack Pearson
October 25, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at 3rd & Lindsley Bar & Grill
October Highlight! Nashville native and former Allman Brothers guitarist Jack Pearson comes to 3rd and Lindsley for an evening of phenomenal music that ranges from blues to rock to jazz.
Naama Quartet – Wild Is Love!
October 25, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
NYC-based vocalist Naama returns to Music City for two weekend sets at Rudy’s, supporting the release of her fourth record over the summer. Naama’s voice has been described as evoking “a honeyed warmth” by DownBeat Magazine, and “consistently full of raw emotion” by NYC Jazz Record. Her quartet will feature Pat Coil on piano, Jacob Jezioro on bass, and Ryan Brasley on drums.
Marc Payne Quartet
October 25, 2024 @ 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
One of Nashville’s most talented up-and-coming pianists Marc Payne will lead his trio. Payne has been praised for his diversity and wide knowledge of many jazz styles. He has spent his life in Nashville soaking up many different sounds and styles, and this diversity comes through in his masterful playing.
Music in the Vines
October 26, 2024 @ 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards features concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. This performance features Andrew Carney and the Essentials.
Jody Nardone Trio
October 26, 2024 @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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)
Maestro Lightford as Sir Wellington
October 26, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Jazz Cave
October Highlight! Nashville-native-turned-LA-success Melvin “Maestro” Lightford has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry today, including Mickey Guyton, Corbin Blue, Keb Mo, Michael McDonald, and more. He now celebrates the release of his sophomore album, Sir Wellington, a collection of big band music composed out of Lightford’s love for the classic big band composers of yesteryear, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Quincy Jones.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet
October 26, 2024 @ 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Music in the Vines
October 27, 2024 @ 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards features concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. This performance features the Reed Pittman Band.
Analog Soul
October 27, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Analog at Hutton Hotel
The Analog continues its Analog Soul series, featuring some of the city’s most promising emerging talent who are redefining soul music. Artists for this performance are still TBA. General admission is free, while you can reserve seating for $20.
Stephanie Adlington
October 27, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Sambuca
A Nashville vocal go-to, 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.
Sully’s Swingin’ Sunday Supper
October 27, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Michael Fair
October 27, 2024 @ 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Sambuca
Smooth jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist Michael Fair performs, offering a relaxing vibe for a night out in the Gulch.
Rahsaan Barber and Everyday Magic – “Six Words” Album Release Concert
October 27, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Jazz Cave
Having performed on some of the world’s most renowned stages, saxophonist Rahsaan Barber now celebrates the release of his new album, Six Words, featuring all original compositions. His band, Everyday Magic, features Pharez Whitted (trumpet), Roland Barber (trombone), Matt Endahl (piano), Kevin Beardsley (bass), and Joshua Hunt (drums).
Parlor Greens
October 27, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
October Highlight! Parlor Greens is a fresh new organ trio who released their debut album earlier this year. Presenting a fresh interpretation of the organ trio lineup while still paying homage to the trios of yesteryear, this should be a can’t-miss show for any jazz fan. Please note that this is an opener set. Parlor Greens is opening for the band The Dip.
Erik Blue
October 28, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Sambuca
This band has been described as “the best live band in Nashville,” creating an upbeat atmosphere that keeps audiences on their feet.
Christine Parri
October 28, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Powerhouse Australian vocalist Christine Parri returns to the Rudy’s stage. Her voice has been praised as invoking Artha Franklin, Etta James, Amy Winehouse, and other iconic women vocalists. Her past Rudy’s appearances have brought in sold-out crowds, and she continues to grow her name and audience in Music City.
Christine Parri
October 29, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Parri is an Australian jazz vocalist known for her powerful performances.
Viktor Krauss
October 30, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Viktor Krauss is a bassist that has called Nashville home since 1992, and has over 600 credits to his name as either bassist, composer, or producer.
Cory Wong ft. Mark Lettieri w/ Special Guests Couch and Theo Katzman
October 30, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at The Ryman Auditorium
October Highlight! A star-studded lineup of titan jazz and fusion musicians comes to the Ryman stage for back-to-back nights. The headline names here practically need no introduction as they represent the cream of the crop of modern jazz players. Wong and Lettieri are modern guitar heroes.
Guest Artist Concert: Jon Hamar, Bass
October 30, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Turner Recital Hall, Vanderbilt University
Jon Hamar is a jazz bassist based in Knoxville, where he teaches at the University of Tennessee. Known for his versatility, Hamar boasts an extensive performance history, including performances with Ernestine Anderson, the Jeff Hamilton Trio, and the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Tickets are pay what you wish ($0-30)
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Wyatt Parks is a music industry professional and musical artist based in Nashville, TN. Originally from East Tennessee, he has played and performed music since the age of nine. He earned an Associates degree in Music from Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Industry with a Jazz Guitar focus from Middle Tennessee State University. Now living in Nashville with his two cats, he writes music as an independent artist, and occupies a vital role on the Digital Sales team at Naxos of America, a music distributor with a specialty in Classical and Jazz.
