Ticket purchases are non-refundable.
EVERY TUESDAY: JAZZ TRIO TUESDAYS!
Join us on Tuesday evenings for a sensational treat of jazz performance and jazz appreciation. Our Tuesday jazz trios are led by acclaimed drummer Justin Varnes. As a professor at Georgia State University, Justin combines his jazz history background with his performance talent, and introduces you to some of the best featured musicians in the area. These sessions allow you to enjoy music and learn about its orginiations. Feel free to ask questions like, “Where was that instrument made?” and “Why do people clap in the middle of that song?” Upcoming trio artists include: Mike Kelly, Dave Frackenpohl, Sam Skelton, and John Sandfort. Showtimes: 7:00pm – 9:30pm. Tickets: $10. Reservations Not Required.
EVERY THURSDAY: OPEN MIC JAM!
Come out and join us on Thursday nights in the comfort of The Velvet Note Living Room. Meet the best, most passionate local area musicians, make essential connections and relax and enjoy the scene. THIS is the area fun-spot–the place to meet others who play and/or simply enjoy great music, and it’s the ONLY Thursday night jam on the north side of town. Only $7 and no reservations necessary. All styles and genres are welcomed, so scotch on in here as a performer or spectator–it’s all fun! Host: Alvin “Stone” Maddox. Bandleader: Jared Lanham. Jam Times: 8:00pm – ’round midnight. Admission: $7
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15TH
THE VELVET NOTE PIANO BAR, STARRING KENNY HEAD
Do you have a wedding song you’d love to hear again? A tune that reminds you of your first love or
first car? Join us for
an informal evening in which the audience may select any song
to be performed.Kenny Head’s
love affair with piano started at the early age of three. His mother taught him
a Christmas song (The 1st Noel), and he was hooked. By age six, he
had a repertoire of about ten songs. His favorite toy happened to be a record
player. He would stack 45’s of Otis Redding, Louis Armstrong, Floyd Cramer and
so on. He went on to study formally with Michael Fox in Columbus Ga. for six
years. He began playing in clubs and restaurants by age fourteen. He also began
collaborating with guitarists, bassists and drummers.
Today
Kenny’s professional career spans nearly forty years. He currently tours with
the Southern Rock Band The Georgia Satellites, best known for their 1986 top
five hit single “Keep Your Hands to Yourself”.
He is a
permanent member of The Georgia Mountain Fair Band (classic Country). He also
plays with a Jimmy Buffett tribute band called Sons of Sailors. Kenny has his
own classic Rock band called Big Daddy’s Band. He played with Country artist
John Berry from 1987 to 1992. He also toured with John on his 2010 Christmas
Tour. He has substituted for many great pianists including Chuck Leavell and
Tom Grose (Tom Grose and the Varsity). He has become the substitute keyboardist
of choice due to his vast repertoire and ability to adapt to any musical
scenario.
Kenny began
teaching improvisation piano in his home town of Athens Ga. and is currently
developing online lessons in music theory and chord charts by numbers. He will
soon be offering lessons via Skype, Ustream and other similar programs.
Music has
and always will be Kenny Head’s life. And unfortunately, the age in which we
live, non-computer generated music is fast becoming a dying art form. Kenny’s goal is to assure that the artistic
blessing that he possesses is not a thing of the past.” Long live the live
performance.”
Show time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm. No reservations required. Tickets: $10
FRIDAY, MAY 17TH
ANNIE SELLICK
Annie’s jazz journey began auspiciously when she
sat in with guitarist Roland Gresham’s group at a club near the college she
attended. After her performance, the crowd rose to their feet cheering, and it
was clear she had found her calling. After working a year with that trio, she
expanded and moved back to her hometown. She honed her skills at the Nashville
Jazz Workshop, where she was offered the first-ever NJW work/study (and she now
occasionally teaches). Within a few years of her Nashville debut, she had
become a mainstay at the major jazz venues, worked with all of her favorite
jazz artists there (including Beegie Adair, Jeff Coffin, Bela Fleck and Rod
McGaha), was profiled in every major Nashville paper, and gave a celebrated
sold-out performance backed by the Nashville Symphony. 
She is a regular member
of and vocalist for the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, with whom she has also
recorded. Annie immediately caught Nashville’s attention with her her regular
jazz gigs, her ability to entertain, and her striking appearance – her
waist-length dread-locks swinging against her evening gown. Her career in jazz
has taken her through four CD’s on her own label (one with renowned jazz organist
Joey DeFrancesco), stardom in her hometown, and regular appearances in Atlanta,
New York (where she also lived), Los Angeles, Germany and Montreal, including
the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2005. In 2006, she toured briefly with Mark
O’Connor’s Hot Swing (as a sub for Roberta Gambarini). Sellick is also growing
a fan-base in Japan, going twice a year to tour the jazz clubs in the major
cities, and working with artists such as John DiMartino, David Hazeltine, Grant
Stewart, and Eddie Higgins. Appreciation for her Nashville roots lead to
another musical incarnation she calls “Annie and the Hot Club”. In
2007, she and the Hot Club of Nashville (lead by master picker Richard Smith)
released a guitar-driven swing album of all original material by local songwriter
Tom Sturdevant. “Annie and the Hot Club” has been a favorite at
European guitar festivals, including the Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Festival in
Germany. Listen to Annie’s popular “Snake Song” here!Show times: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets: $20
SATURDAY, MAY 18TH
JAZZ TRUMPETER WADE BAKER
Wade Baker received his
Undergraduate Degree (B.S. with a concentration in Jazz Studies) from the
University of Indianapolis in 2006 and his Master’s Degree from C.C.M. in Jazz
Trumpet (M.M. Jazz Studies) in ’12. Baker’s versatility makes him fit comfortably
playing with many different types of artists in many different styles on many
different instruments. He has played Bass Guitar at several of the country’s
leading blues festivals (International Blues Challenge, Bean Blossom Blues
Festival and Cincinnati Blues Festival) in addition to the many Jazz Festivals
he has been a part of playing his trumpet. Wade has also fronted his own band
playing guitar and singing at such festivals as the Olney Blues Festival, the
Cincinnati Winter Blues Festival and many more.The W.B.J.C. was formed in
October of 2009 as a means to start a new revolution in the jazz scene of
Cincinnati and abroad. It is the W.B.J.C.’s goal to play an eclectic fusion of
jazz, hip-hop, funk and groove music while keeping the integrity and spirit of
the traditions of the jazz masters we respect so much. Most of the tunes
performed live are original compositions or compositions by other band
members/close friends’ of band members which makes the listener’s experience
truly experimental, new and exclusive. In addition to playing new music, the
band also performs standard jazz repertoire with more modern arrangements of
the tunes, developed by members of the group. It is the W.B.J.C.’s main
objective to continue the growth and development of jazz music as well as make
it a more accessible vehicle for younger generations to love and appreciate
truly amazing American music.
Show times: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets: $20
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22ND
JEROME OLDS & FRIENDS
Watching Jerome Olds perform is like the sweet caress from an
older man—it’s surprisingly soulful…gentle, yet confident…never flashy, but
highly nuanced…in no hurry to get to the end…fully attentive and present in the
breath captured in each and every moment.Singer/songwriter/producer Jerome Olds has performed around the
world, from the Royal Albert Hall in London to soccer stadiums in Rio de
Janiero. He’s played with Paul Shaffer and Will Lee from the David Letterman
Show and with The Four Tops, The Temptations and Tina Turner in Atlanta’s
Chastain Park Amphitheater.
Show Times: 8:00pm and 9:30pm. Tickets: $10
FRIDAY, MAY 24TH
THE PIANO MAN: AN ACOUSTIC MUSICAL REVUE OF THE 1970′s
There Was
a Band…There Was
a Dream….There Was
a Promise….And then
Real Life Came Along. You will feel like you’re part of the show in this LIVE musical theater adventure of four high school friends reuniting for the first time in 35 years. Featuring the music of: Elton John, Billy Joel, Jim Croce, Jackson Brown, Carly Simon, Janice Ian and more!
Starring: Arthur D. Turner, Jonathan Gale, Cameron Morrison Kane and Celia McDermott. Also
featuring Tim Aucoin and Geoff Gill.
Produced and Directed by Tamara Fuller
Tickets: $25. Show Times: 7:30pm and 9:30pm
SATURDAY, MAY 25TH
THE BONAVENTURE QUARTET
The repertoire of this group is diverse,
with performances of classic standards, western swing, gypsy jazz and original
compositions all fall under the spell of the Reinhardt influence. Moviegoers
might be familiar with this style featured in the Woody Allen* film “Sweet
and Lowdown,” or “Chocolat.” Bonaventure received Creative Loafing‘s Critics Pick award for Best Local Jazz
Act.
“The swaying,
jazzy, Reinhardt/Grappelli-inspired music of the Bonaventure Quartet is a rare
treat, and this group does an amazing job of capturing that era. With former
Atlantan Amy Pike on vocals, this is a perfect combination” -James Kelly, Creative Loafing
Show times: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets: $20
SUNDAY, MAY 26TH
JOE GRANSDEN & KENNY BANKS CD RELEASE PARTY
Come join Joe Gransden and Kenny Banks for there cd release party!!
There brand new recording project entitled “Dichotomy” will be
released on May 26th right here at The Velvet Note!Joe and Kenny have been performing together for over 10 years! They are close
friends and have such a musical respect for each other that it made perfect
sense for them to record a cd. This project came together quickly. They went
into the studio one chilly January afternoon, played through some of there
favorite songs and by early evening it was finished!
The end result is a beautiful CD that takes the listener on a a soft, relaxing
journey! I hope you will enjoy this effort by these two fantastic musicians. Be
sure to reserve your tickets today as this show will sell out quickly!
Show times: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets: $20
SATURDAY, JUNE 15TH
SUPERBASS
The Achievement…The Rivalries…The Rhythm…One Stage…One Night…Once in a Lifetime
Ramon Pooser was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Atlanta, where he attended the Northside School of the Arts. Following
a successful season as a member of the Atlanta Youth Symphony and receiving a
scholarship from Thomas Thoreson (Atlanta Symphony), he went on to the Berklee
College of Music where—by recommendation of his teacher—he joined the MIT
Symphony, performing throughout New England and at Carnegie Hall. He then moved to New York where he performed
with numerous jazz greats and toured Europe and Canada, primarily as a member
of The Decoding Society. A former
visiting professor of jazz studies at Emory University, Pooser is the father of
four children and writes and records extensively.
Chris
Riggenbach received his
Bachelor’s degree in jazz studies from Georgia State University. He has studied jazz bass with Neal Starkey
and Dennis Irwin, and classical bass with Thomas Thoreson (Atlanta Symphony
Orchestra), Ralph Jones (principal bassist, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra) and Dee
Moses (principal bassist, Florida Orchestra).
Chris also studied electric bass with Russ Rodgers. Currently, Chris is a sought-after performing
bassist and teacher in the Atlanta area, and on staff as an artist affiliate at
Emory University, where he teaches jazz bass and directs jazz combos.
Craig
Shaw holds a master’s degree in jazz studies from
Georgia State University and has shared the stage with Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton
Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis and George Benson.
A dedicated student of his craft, Craig is continuously absorbing and
adapting to his musical surroundings. An ever-present, ever-popular bassist on
the Atlanta scene, Craig enjoys a rock solid reputation for knowing every song and being able to play
tirelessly.
Kevin
Smith is a native of Atlanta Georgia and earned honors
early on which included perennial All-State appearances, Honor Orchestra, and
Festival superiors in the areas of voice, orchestra and jazz. As a junior in
high school he earned a spot in the Governors Honors Program Orchestra
department. The following year he participated in what would be his first
Grammy/music Industry award winning project with local hip-hop group Outkast. In
Florida State University’s Music String Performance Program, Kevin studied classical/baroque
contrabass with Melanie Punter (Orchestra of St. Lukes/Atlanta Baroque
Orchestra) and was under the direction of Maestro Dr. Alex Jimenez (Univ.
Symphony). He also was accepted into the jazz studies departments where he
studied jazz bass with Rodney Jordan. He also studied and performed with dept.
head Leon Anderson Jr., Marcus Robers (Wynton Marsalis), Scotty Barnhart (Count
Basie, Duke Ellington Orch.), Inga Sweringen, and Dr. John Parks. Kevin also
held a chair in the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and played in the Columbus
Symphony, Albany Symphony, and Dothan Opera Orchestras.Show times: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets: $20
FRIDAY, MAY 31ST
AMP TRIO
Georgia native Matt Young brings a trio comprised
of his colleagues to the Velvet Note for an exciting night of music! After
honing their skills at the world-renowned University of North Texas Jazz
Studies program, the group comprised of Addison Frei (piano) and Perrin
Grace (bass) is excited to select from an ever-expanding cache of
original music as well Jazz and Classical repertoire. With the release of
their debut album “Flow”, AMP Trio (Armored Records) provides a captivating
musical journey that takes listeners through a variety of emotions.Pianist Addison Frei, a Yamaha Young Performing
Artist, has been awarded many accolades including a recent 1st place win
at the 2012 Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, an ASCAP Young Composers
Award, and was also a participant of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead
Program held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Bassist, Perrin Grace,
has performed in Japan and Korea and has also had experience as a member of the
2 O’clock Lab Band at UNT. Perrin’s compositions and drive helped to bring the
group together. Drummer, Matt Young, was introduced to jazz by Justin
Varnes in high school and went on to hold the GMEA All State Jazz drum
chair for 3 years before moving to Texas for college. Since then he has been a
1st place winner of the PAS International Drum Set Competition and has
performed in Spain, England, and all around the US. Matt and Addison are
currently members of the Grammy Nominated One O’clock Lab Band.
Show times: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets: $20
SATURDAY, JUNE 1ST
MARIA HOWELL
Some may be inspired to call her best kept secret, but anyone who leaves an imprint on every medium from radio, stage and television to the Hollywood screen is hardly incognito. Howell’s talent has been featured as a nightclub singer “Goldie”, in “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles”, produced by George Lucas (Chicago and NY episodes, which also features veteran actor Keith David). Other roles on the small screen include “Linda”, where she plays alongside master performers Richard Thomas (The Waltons) and Virginia Madsen (Sideways) and in “Scattered Dreams” with Tyne Daly (Judging Amy) and Alicia Silverstone (Clueless and Beauty Shop).Her credibility as a true thespian flourished when she nailed a coveted role as the daughter of Maya Angelou’s character in Langston Hughes’ “Tambourines to Glory” stage play. She has worked with famed actor, director and producer, Tyler Perry in film, “Daddy’s Little Girls” and in his TV sitcoms “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne” (TBS).
She has appeared alongside actress Regina King, as her best friend in Lifetime Television’s “Living Proof”, starring Harry Connick, Jr. More credits she adds to her resume are, “Drop Dead Diva” (Lifetime), “Past Life” (FOX), “Vampire Diaries” (CW) and “The Blind Side”, starring Sandra Bullock, “Detroit 1-8-7″ (ABC), “The Game” (BET). “Field of Vision” (NBC), “Single Ladies” (VH1), “Necessary Roughness” (USA). “What To Expect When You’re Expecting”, starring Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Rock and Dennis Quaid. She also appeared in the Hallmark Hall of Fame’s TV release of “Firelight”, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., where she plays the part of Mrs. Easle. She plays the role of “Grace” in Eric Kripke, J.J. Abrams, and Jon Favreau’s hit show, “Revolution” on NBC, which has been picked up for a 2nd season!
Maria adds her credits, the role of Atty Ida Hayes, alongside Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), Judy Reyes (Scrubs), and Susan Lucci in Marc Cherry’s “Devious Maids”(Lifetime) airing June 2013 and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, where she plays the part of “Seeder” (District 11) in theaters November 2013.
Show times: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets: $20
FRIDAY, JUNE 14TH
DEE LUCAS
National recording artist & saxophonist Dee Lucas continues to push contemporary jazz in a different direction with his unique melodic styling. This Atlanta-based saxophonist has been consistently expanding his fan base since the release of his well-received 2004 debut solo CD ‘Remembrance’ which was a tribute to the late legendary saxophonist George Howard in addition to his 2007 sophomore sensation ‘Something To Ride 2′and the 2010 release of ‘Standing Room Only’. Dee Lucas further develops his own distinctive style by bringing more of an aggressive sound to the soprano sax on top of his smooth compositions that is more than just pleasing to the ear. His latest offering ‘Rebirth of the Smooth’ is a true testimony of reincarnating contemporary jazz with a fresh and honest approach to an already competitive genre of music.
Show times: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets: $20
The Velvet Note™
