Community Calendar

Ron Brooks began his jazz journey after high school in Ann Arbor. Brooks went to EMU for his undergrad and followed it up with Masters and PHD work at the University of Michigan. While in college, Brooks competed in the Notre Dame Inter-Collegiate Jazz Festival with the Bob James Trio.

After the festival, iconic producer Quincy Jones gave the trio an opportunity to record on Mercury Records. Brooks’ next step was to record with the Contemporary Jazz Quintet, a Detroit-based ensemble that released two fantastic albums on Blue Note Records, followed by one more on Strata Records, the independent jazz label founded by CJQ pianist, Detroit’s own Kenny Cox. 2020 saw the release of The Black Hole, a previously unreleased set from CJQ that had been recorded at the Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival.

In between then and now, the stage was set for Brooks to enjoy great success in opening Ann Arbor’s own jazz club, The Bird of Paradise, a venue which saw wide recognition for almost 20 years. At the Bird, Brooks enjoyed playing with and listening to world-renowned jazz musicians, as did the Ann Arbor jazz-loving community.

Join us for a free happy hour concert!
Karim Gideon is a distinguished trumpeter with an extensive jazz background, having honed his craft under the tutelage of esteemed legends such as Dr. Teddy Harris Jr. and Harold McKinney. A U.S. Navy veteran and Wayne State University alumnus, Karim leads a dynamic quartet that consistently captivates audiences at premier venues across Detroit.

Celebrate the holiday season with Marlena Studer and her jazz ensemble, featuring Cliff Monear, Paul Keller, Sean Dobbins, Chris Kendall and Steve Ragsdale. You're invited to get in the holiday spirit as they “Deck the Halls” with a dollop of “Frim Fram Sauce” - the first three guests arriving at each set wearing a festive hat will receive a free copy of her CD, Jazzy Little Christmas.

MARLENA STUDER

Marlena Studer is an Ann Arbor-based jazz vocalist and composer who made her stage debut with the acclaimed big band Jubilation in New Orleans, where she discovered her love for the Great American Songbook. After moving to Michigan, she recorded her first album “Crazy He Calls Me” with the renowned Cliff Monear Trio and later released the food-and-wine inspired “Sip It Slowly” and the festive “Jazzy Little Christmas.” Known for her heartfelt interpretations, Marlena brings fresh energy to jazz standards, aiming to make the lyrics resonate and the moods linger.

The Easy Street Jazz Band has played Dixieland jazz for over 50 years right here in Ann Arbor. Leader/trombonist Terry Kimura picks familiar tunes from the traditional jazz repertoire and blows the dust off some forgotten gems from Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Walter Donaldson, Hoagy Carmichael and other great composers from the early part of the 20th century. Kimura, Matt Collar (tr), Chris Tabaczynski (reeds) Pete Siers (percussion), Rod McDonald (guitar and banjo), Paul Keller (bass), and a guest pianist play great jazz for listening and dancing fun.

Live jazz with award winning cuisine

Live jazz with award winning cuisine

Live jazz with award winning cuisine

10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. For listening or dancing.

The Easy Street Jazz Band has played Dixieland jazz for over 50 years right here in Ann Arbor. Leader/trombonist Terry Kimura picks familiar tunes from the traditional jazz repertoire and blows the dust off some forgotten gems from Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Walter Donaldson, Hoagy Carmichael and other great composers from the early part of the 20th century. Kimura, Matt Collar (tr), Chris Tabaczynski (reeds) Pete Siers (percussion), Rod McDonald (guitar and banjo), Paul Keller (bass), and a guest pianist play great jazz for listening and dancing fun.