Community Calendar

Ann Arbor's premier jazz big band, The Paul Keller Orchestra, performs EVERY MONDAY at Ann Arbor's "secret" jazz club, Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 W. Stadium Boulevard (between Liberty and Pauline). PKO is celebrating their their Silver Season - 25 years of presenting great big band jazz and showcasing some of southeast Michigan's greatest jazz musicians! String bassist Paul Keller leads his awesome 15-piece jazz ensemble which includes trumpeters Paul Finkbeiner, Brandon Cooper, Jimmy Smith and Luther Bird, trombonists Terry Kimura, Tony Buccili and Brooks Barnes, saxophonists Keith Kaminski, Bobby Streng, Steve Wood and Mark Kieme, drummer Pete Siers and pianist Duncan McMillan. The PKO plays a wide variety of music ranging from "prehistoric jazz" from McKinney's Cotton Pickers and Jelly Roll Morton to classic material from Duke Ellington and Count Basie, to more modern fare, original music from the band's excellent composers and occasional appearances from various vocalists including PKO's own charming singer Sarah D'Angelo. Zal Gaz Grotto offers good food and a full bar, all at reasonable prices. No steps. Safe, free parking. Come join the Paul Keller Orchestra and be a part of a beloved Ann Arbor Monday night jazz tradition!

BIG BAND JAZZ THIS MONDAY, September 19 - Ann Arbor, MI It's that time of year again! The Paul Keller Orchestra ROARS BACK TO LIFE THIS Monday, September 19, 2016 at their home Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 W. Stadium Boulevard (between Liberty and Pauline - on the west side of Ann Arbor). Tonight's performance marks the beginning of PKO's 28th season! PKO plays great big band jazz every Monday at Zal Gaz Grotto from 7-10 PM. Come to Zal Gaz Grotto this Monday and enjoy your favorite local jazz heroes as they play their hearts out for you - exciting, powerful, creative, explosive, familiar, surprising, classic, old-fashioned and modern, ever-swinging big band jazz at it's best! Showtime is 7 till 10 PM Your $10 at the door helps to pay the 15 musicians. Everyone under 18 years old will be admitted FREE OF CHARGE. Good food and drinks available at Zal Gaz Grotto - all reasonably priced. Air conditioning, no steps, free parking, friendly service. See you there - THIS Monday and every Monday from 7-10 PM.

Pianist Rick Roe, bassist Rob Bickley, and drummer Jesse Kramer perform a mix of jazz standards and original music every Monday night at the Ravens Club in downtown Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor's favorite traditional jazz band led by trombonist Terry Kimura--happy music for listening and dancing

The Jesse Kramer Trio performs an eclectic mix of Jazz every Tuesday in the intimate setting of the Aut Bar. Featuring Jesse Kramer (drums), Bobby Streng (sax), Damon Warmack (bass) and other special guests. Great food and drinks available.

Conga player and composer Alberto Nacif was born in the isthmus state of Oaxaca on Mexico’s west coast where Cuban derived rhythms were part of everyday music. Nacif and the superlative musicians who make up the sizzling Latin Jazz septet AGUANKO now have a new, all original Latin Jazz recording titled “Pattern Recognition”, produced by Jose “Pepe” Espinosa, and released in July 2018.

JONATHAN TAYLOR is a Detroit-based drummer, improviser, composer, and educator. A tireless collaborator, Taylor has performed with luminaries of creative music, such as Wadada Leo Smith, Dave Liebman, Michael Formanek, Tomeka Reid, Jaribu Shahid, and John Lindberg.

MARCUS ELLIOT is a saxophonist, composer, improviser, and educator based in Detroit, Michigan. His compositions and improvisations have been described by the New York Times as “convincing and confident, evolved in touch and tone…”, and the Detroit Free Press has said, “Marcus Elliot represents next generation of jazz”.

GAYELYNN MCKINNEY is one of the most accomplished drummers in Detroit. The daughter of the legendary jazz pianist and composer, Harold McKinney, Gayelynn McKinney has played for renowned international music artists like Aretha Franklin, Freda Payne, Chaka Khan, Benny Golson, Roy Hargrave, Larry Coryell, Marcus Belgrave, Ralphe Armstrong, Roy Ayers, and Geri Allen.

Local 10-piece big band led by trumpeter/cornetist Chris Smith specializes in the big band music of the late 1920s and early 1930s associated with Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver. Great listening and dancing. Full bar available.