BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Velvet Note - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Velvet Note X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://thevelvetnote.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Velvet Note REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220403T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220403T203000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220328T190337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220403T213129Z UID:27834-1649012400-1649017800@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Sunday\, April 3rd: Legends of Jazz Presents The Music of JJ Johnson *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! *** DESCRIPTION:ONE SHOW ONLY– 7:00PM It’s the TENTH Season of Legends of Jazz\, and in Episode 2\, The Justin Varnes Quartet plays tribute to the music of Trombonist JJ Johnson \n\n\n\nAs with the entire Legends of Jazz series\, Mr. Varnes will guide guests–in engaging\, narrative form– through the life of the artist\, as well as the impact that his life influences had on his musical legacy.   It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time.   \n\n\n\nOh\, and they’ll also play their behinds off! *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! *** URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/sunday-april-3rd-legends-of-jazz-presents-the-music-of-jj-johnson/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/C36296C8-CFCD-4B43-976F-B73B19D13695.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220402T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220402T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220323T193758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220323T193928Z UID:27821-1648927800-1648940400@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Saturday\, April 2nd: Kelley Andres' Jazzy Soul DESCRIPTION:SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. No newcomer to the art of performing\, Kelley Andre is a multi-talented Entertainer\, Singer and Songwriter. A New York native\, his infused R&B\, Jazz\, Funk\, New Soul sound and style delivers a distinct & melodic 2nd Tenor/ Baritone flavor that permeates inner souls.  \n\n\n\nLISTEN TO KELLEY ANDRE PERFORM HERE. \n\n\n\nFasten your seatbelts when Kelley Andre enters because the party is about to begin this multi talented entertainer has engulfed the entertainment world with his diverse memorable performances.  \n\n\n\nGrowing up in a house where Gospel and Jazz music were his tools of war\, Kelley commenced his musical journey at the age of six\, playing the piano.  \n\n\n\nFollowing his passion\, doors began to open in the entertainment industry. In 2005\, he was the understudy for the character Collins\, in the hit Broadway play Rent. In 2016\, Kelley played the character of Snipes\, in the off-Broadway play\, No Me Dan͂e La Raza (Don’t Mess Up Our Race). In 2019 Kelley Received the Nina Simone Artistic Excellence Award in R&B music entertainment with Citations & Accolades from NYC’s Mayor Bill De’Blasio\, Senator Kevin Parker & Borough President Eric Adams Of NYC.  \n\n\n\nKelley sang choral backgrounds for Don Henley\, Mark Anthony and Mariah Carey. Additionally has graced the stage with the likes of R&B crooners Carl Thomas \,Christopher Williams\, Calvin Richardson\, he has premiered his Organic Soul band for Tony Bennet\, Oprah Winfrey\, Ashford & Simpson\, Howard Hewett \, Case\, SWV\, Melisa Morgan and many other events. Kelley has been a staple in captivating his audiences in NYC most prominent Live Music venues. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/saturday-april-2nd-kelley-andres-jazzy-soul/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/39ADBD50-C5E1-4601-BF02-CAD5C245A981.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220401T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220401T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220323T152725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220401T053804Z UID:27812-1648841400-1648854000@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Friday\, April 1st: Funkyard X DESCRIPTION:SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. ** NOTE: 7:30 SHOW IS SOLD OUT! ** \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. It’s April Fool’s Day\, but we’re not joking around. This is the most righteous brass-funk band to come out of the midwest since Earth\, Wind and Fire\, and they’re going to throw it down at The Velvet Note! Come for the drinks\, food and fun on a TGIF\, stay for the unique and amazing music! \n\n\n\nThe Funkyard Experiment emerged in 2013 by founder Steve Johnson\, creatively inspired by these pioneers\, but with a twist of gospel\, jazz and fusion. The FunkyardX’s musical performances are soul laced and loaded with head nodding funky rhythms powered with massive energy drawn from rock influences. This combination has dazzled every audience that witnessed their musical wizardry. The FunkyardX is made up of nine musicians–analog synth players Steve Johnson & Leon Turner\, drummer Johnny Blaze Turner\, lead guitarist Chris George\, bassist Jeremiah Napier\, vocalist & rhodes player Willie Mac\, trumpeter Daniel Spearman\, saxophonist Johnny Cochran\, and trombonist Michael Spearman. The band is based in Cleveland Ohio\, the home of Bone\, Thugs & Harmony\, the legendary O’Jays\, Levert\, Avant\, and the Rude Boys. In their short time together\, the band has accumulated over 1000 subscribers on YouTube & over 2500 likes on their Facebook fan page. FunkyardX has dazzled stages at multiple festivals\, in NAMM\, the International Musician’s Summit\, they backed up Angie Stone and shared the stage with the likes of Boney James\, and Najee. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/friday-april-1st-funkyard-x/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/E43BDC86-D9E8-49A2-A428-1BA0F320B559.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220331T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220331T200000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220328T192629Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220328T192820Z UID:27837-1648756800-1648756800@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, March 31st: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Lisa Van Osch DESCRIPTION:Showtime: 8pm – 11pm (come when you’d like). Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke\, but much\, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band\, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter\, bassist Andre Manga\, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson\, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by Singer/Actress Lisa Van Osch. All genres welcomed! \n\n\n\nAbout Lisa Van Osch: Lisa Van Osch has been entertaining audiences for over twenty years as an actor and singer\, and she’s thrilled to get to rub elbows with some of the finest URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/thursday-march-31st-open-mic-jam-hosted-by-lisa-van-osch/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Relax-in-the-audience-or-take-the-stage-5.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220326T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220326T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220122T044457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220326T205657Z UID:27696-1648323000-1648335600@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Saturday\, March 26th: Lori Williams *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! *** DESCRIPTION:Acclaimed jazz vocalist Lori Williams possesses a most impressive resume as a performing artist\, educator\, songwriter\, producer\, support vocalist and musical theater actress.  Her reputation and level of respect are top shelf and unimpeachable. However\, this Washington\, D.C.-native Lori is electing to let her hair down to pursue a more relaxed passion path in the realms of the Quiet Storm and R&B-leaning Soul-Jazz. \n\n\n\nLori’s vocal instrument contains the kind of nuances that one could get lost in. From Michael J. West – The Washington City Paper\, “She has the kind of attenuation and subtlety that we associate with jazz singing instantly—a kind of jazz-vocal ‘discipline\,’ for lack of a better term. But Williams slips in hints—and sometimes dead giveaways—that she has packed away the kind of soul power that would make her a tremendous R&B or gospel singer. Perhaps it’s a sort of vocalist’s twist on Ernest Hemingway’s ‘iceberg theory’: What you hear on the surface is only about 10 percent of what’s really there. As it happens\, what is there is crystalline clarity\, perhaps the most precise articulation of any singer in town\, and a range that will\, when she runs it\, produce shivers.” \n\n\n\n**** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! *** URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/saturday-march-26th-lori-williams/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/IMG_5821.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220325T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220325T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220301T184327Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220324T204804Z UID:27776-1648236600-1648249200@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Friday\, March 25th: Dave Potter and Retro Groove CD Release Concert DESCRIPTION:SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Dave Potter is quickly becoming known as a formidable musician. He has performed with many well-known jazz artists and recorded 2 albums with Jason Marsalis\, as well as the soundtrack to a short film with bassist Delbert Felix. \n\n\n\nBorn in Danville\, VA\, Potter did not grow up into a musical family. “I got my first drumset when I was 15 years old and remained primarily self-taught until college\,” comments Potter. It was at Florida State University that he met pianist Marcus Roberts\, who would become one of his primary musical mentors. In 2005\, he was chosen from a national pool of applicants to be a member of the Louis Armstrong Quintet at the University of New Orleans. “I moved there to study with Herlin Riley. My goal was to learn as much about the jazz tradition as possible.”Unfortunately\, Mother Nature had different plans\, and his apartment\, along with most of the city\, was ravaged by the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. After a brief stint teaching jazz and percussion at his high school Alma matter\, Potter returned to Florida State to study and perform with Marcus Roberts. After graduating in 2008\, he moved to Atlanta where he maintains a busy performance schedule.Throughout his career he has played in a variety of musical situations. “In high school I started playing in funk\, hip-hop\, and rock bands and ended up getting really into 70’s fusion.” It was also in high school that Dave began to play in musical theatre productions\, concert bands\, marching percussion ensembles\, and jazz ensembles under the direction of Dr. Andrew Sioberg. Once at FSU\, he began to study Afro-Caribbean percussion with acclaimed Puerto Rican pianist Jose “Papo” Carrasco\, as well as focusing more on classical snare drum and Jazz with Leon Anderson.”This broad range of study has allowed him to become one of the most in-demand young drummers in the scene today. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/friday-march-25th-dave-potter-and-retro-groove-cd-release-concert/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/D1E28C05-1D4A-4100-B6C9-7462A79374E7_4_5005_c.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220324T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220324T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220323T174331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220323T174333Z UID:27817-1648152000-1648162800@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, March 24th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Guitarist Bill Hart DESCRIPTION:Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke\, but much\, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band\, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter\, bassist Andre Manga\, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson\, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by guitarist Bill Hart. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/thursday-march-24th-open-mic-jam-hosted-by-guitarist-bill-hart/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/9221F613-4A34-4B10-85B5-3B55733FE588.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220320T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220320T203000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220301T195354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220315T023642Z UID:27782-1647802800-1647808200@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Sunday\, March 20th: Legends of Jazz Presents The Music of Dexter Gordon *** SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! *** DESCRIPTION:ONE SHOW ONLY– 7:00PM It’s the TENTH Season of Legends of Jazz\, and in Episode 1\, The Justin Varnes Quartet plays tribute to the music of Dexter Gordon. \n\n\n\nAs with the entire Legends of Jazz series\, Mr. Varnes will guide guests–in engaging\, narrative form– through the life of the artist\, as well as the impact that his life influences had on his musical legacy.   It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time.   \n\n\n\nOh\, and they’ll also play their behinds off! \n\n\n\n** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! *** URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/sunday-march-20th-legends-of-jazz-presents-the-music-of-dexter-gordon/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BEDD260B-B8C8-46AA-84AD-66B34DF1DE93.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220318T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220319T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220301T175612Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220319T203556Z UID:27773-1647631800-1647730800@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Friday\, March 18th & Saturday\, March 19th: The Joe Farnsworth Quartet **** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! *** DESCRIPTION:FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. This extraordinary quartet makes their way from New York City to The Velvet Note\, it’s not to be missed! \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Joe Farnsworth.  One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today\, Joe is known for his blazing speed\, precision\, musical\, and melodic playing. Upon moving to New York City\, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club).  Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CD’s as leader and side-man\, jazz festivals and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders\, Horace Silver\, Harold Mabern\, McCoy Tyner\, Cedar Walton\, Diana Krall\, Benny Golson\, George Coleman\, Johnny Griffin\, Lou Donaldson\, Benny Green\, Barry Harris\, Curtis Fuller to name a few. He is currently the drummer for McCoy Tyner and a member of the Pharaoh Sanders Quartet\, Harold Mabern Trio\, and is a founding member of the renowned One for All Quintet. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Mark Whitfield.  Mark Whitfield graduated from Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music\, the world’s foremost institution for the study of Jazz and modern American music in the spring of 1987. Shortly thereafter\, he returned to his to his native New York to embark on a career as a Jazz Guitarist that has afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with such legendary artists including Dizzy Gillespie\, Art Blakey\, Quincy Jones\, Ray Charles\, Herbie Hancock\, Carmen McRae\, Gladys Knight\, Burt Bacharach\, Jimmy Smith\, Clark Terry\, Shirley Horn\, Wynton Marsalis\, Branford Marsalis\, Joe Williams\, Stanley Turrentine and his mentor\, the great George Benson. \n\n\n\nIn 1990 the New York Times dubbed Whitfield “The Best Young Guitarist in the Business”. Later that year\, Warner Bros. released his debut album “The Marksman”. The success of his debut release led to a recording career that has produced a total of 16 solo recordings and a myriad of collaborative efforts with some of the most important artists in recent years. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Peter Washington.  Peter Washington is perhaps the most recorded bassist of his generation\, with a discography of more than 450 recordings. \n\n\n\nBorn in Los Angeles in 1964\, Washington played classical bass as a teen and majored in English literature at University of California in Berkeley\, where he played in both the UC Symphony\, and the San Francisco Youth Symphony. In 1986\, while performing in San Francisco with saxophonist John Handy\, he was invited by the legendary Art Blakey to join the Jazz Messengers in New York\, and remained a member of the band until 1986. In 1990\, \n\n\n\n“Anything Peter Washington plays on gets 5 stars. He has always been one of my favorite bass players of all time. He has such a big\, big sound and such great time\, and picks such great notes.” – Christian McBride \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Davis Whitfield.  Davis Whitfield is a talented pianist on the New York scene who has accomplished a lot at a young age. The son of two musicians\, Davis was exposed to great music his entire childhood and started playing guitar at a very young age. He eventually switched to piano\, where he began practicing and studying more seriously. In 2008\, still in high school\, Whitfield was appointed the Assistant Director for the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra\, performing at the New York City club weekly. He continued his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston\, where he was a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship – a top honor at Berklee. He has since gone on tours in the United States\, France\, and this Summer will be traveling to Spain with the Felix Rossy Quintet. He also performs and travels with his father and renowned guitarist Mark Whitfield\, as well as his brother Mark Whitfield\, Jr. — the three often times traveling together as the family band. \n\n\n\n**** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! *** URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/friday-march-18th-saturday-march-19th-the-joe-farnsworth-quartet/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/THE-JOE-FARNSWORTH-QUARTET.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220317T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220317T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220315T030232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220315T030234Z UID:27803-1647547200-1647558000@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, March 17th: St. Patrick's Open Mic Jam! DESCRIPTION:Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke\, but much\, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band\, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter\, bassist Andre Manga\, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson\, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by Singer/Actress Lisa Van Osch. All genres welcomed! \n\n\n\nAbout Lisa Van Osch: Lisa Van Osch has been entertaining audiences for over twenty years as an actor and singer\, and she’s thrilled to get to rub elbows with some of the finest musicians you’ll ever hear and see. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/thursday-march-17th-st-patricks-open-mic-jam/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Untitled-design-71.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220311T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220311T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220301T013442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220301T013444Z UID:27766-1647027000-1647039600@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Friday\, March 11th: Chantae Cann DESCRIPTION:Chantae Cann photoshoot April 20th\, 2021. Photos by Lyric Lewin\n\n\n\nIf we’re being honest\, no one’s ever really just heard Chantae Cann. In truth\, you experience her. \n\n\n\n She opens her mouth and 10\,000 hours of studied mononymous legends filter through that voice\, \n\n\n\nThe Stevie. The Chaka.  The Erykah\, Jill\, India and Brandy. \n\n\n\nIt’s the church in her work. The courageous blend of an authentic soul choosing to exist in the midst of an often inauthentic industry.  Yet somehow she chooses to find strength in her vulnerability. \n\n\n\nChantae Cann\, the artist\, is both jazz and soul. Rooted in gospel\,  reflective of world rhythm and hip hop. \n\n\n\nHer debut release\, Journey to Golden\, landed at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts and #7 on the Jazz Billboard Charts in March of 2016\, and was a much welcomed introduction to the songstress.  By the time of her follow-up release\, Sol Empowered\, we were well into the story.  Earning #8 on the Jazz Billboard Charts\, this album resonates with so many because they genuinely connect to the story.  And Chantae\, if nothing else\, knows how to make a connection. Whether it’s the parents who divulge the fact that their kids listen to and sing along to her songs\, or those who express that Chantae’s artistry has gotten them through some pretty tough times. Chantae makes music that serves as a safe haven for those seeking respite and reformation. All the while undergirded with a simple\, but profound truth: Love Heals.  \n\n\n\nChantae is one of the best kept secrets in music. She’s collaborated with PJ Morton\, Masego\, Tarriona “Tank” BallSnarky Puppy\, Foreign Exchange\, and Jonathan McReynolds. Chantae has electrified stages with Cory Henry\, Robert Glasper\, and Marcus Miller. She’s opened up for India.Arie\, Tweet\, Avery Sunshine and Lalah Hathaway.   URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/friday-march-11th-chantae-cann/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/032_Chantae-edited-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220310T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220310T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220306T180836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T205803Z UID:27794-1646942400-1646953200@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, March 10th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Singer/Actor Lisa Van Osch DESCRIPTION:Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke\, but much\, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band\, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter\, bassist Andre Manga\, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson\, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by Singer/Actress Lisa Van Osch. All genres welcomed! \n\n\n\nAbout Lisa Van Osch: Lisa Van Osch has been entertaining audiences for over twenty years as an actor and singer\, and she’s thrilled to get to rub elbows with some of the finest musicians you’ll ever hear and see. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/saturday-march-10th-open-mic-jam-hosted-by-lisa-van-osch/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0324.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220306T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220306T210000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220301T011258Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220302T213304Z UID:27764-1646593200-1646600400@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Sunday\, March 6th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band DESCRIPTION:Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart performs his world music show on a rare SUNDAY night\, proving his unique take on world music and genre-bending selections. Only one performance\, so get your seats soon! URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/sunday-march-6th-the-bill-hart-international-jazz-fusion-band/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/9221F613-4A34-4B10-85B5-3B55733FE588.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220304T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220305T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220122T055727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220227T151939Z UID:27699-1646422200-1646521200@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Friday\, March 4th & Saturday\, March 5th: Shaun Munday DESCRIPTION:Shaun Munday is unlike any other artist you’ll ever see and hear onstage. He captures audiences with a full band sound and plays the bass better than most people play the guitar. He is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston\, MA where he studied and performed with some of the greatest artists and educators in the industry including John Mayer\, Esperanza Spalding\, Matthew Garrison (Herbie Hancock)\, Antonio Sanchez (Pat Metheny) and Jetro De Silva (Whitney Houston).  \n\n\n\nWatch Shaun perform HERE. \n\n\n\nShaun performs internationally and has shared the stage with Lalah Hathaway\, Corinne Bailey Rae\, Andra Day\, Mary Wilson of The Supremes\, blues legend Robert Cray\, reggae royalty Aston Barrett and The Wailers (Bob Marley’s band)\, country music star Collin Raye\, Devon Allman\, Yonrico Scott of the Royal Southern Brotherhood and the band Kansas.  URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/friday-march-4th-saturday-march-5th-shaun-sunday/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CCC6EAE3-A362-4E90-AA66-7A31CFC69095.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220303T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220303T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220228T152509Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220228T160754Z UID:27759-1646337600-1646348400@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, March 3rd: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Singer/Guitarist Cooper Tisdale DESCRIPTION:Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke\, but much\, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band\, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter\, bassist Andre Manga\, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson\, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by guitarist/singer Cooper Tisdale. Doors open at 6:30pm. The jam session goes from 8pm to 11pm. See you soon! URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/thursday-march-3rd-open-mic-jam-hosted-by-singer-guitarist-cooper-tisdale/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Shimmer-edit-coop1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220227T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220227T223000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220109T220513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220115T181740Z UID:27675-1645988400-1646001000@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Sunday\, February 27th: Wildmann's Trilogy DESCRIPTION:Michael Rainer aka Wildmann has been in the music business for over thirty years.  He’s a pro bassist\, but can also play keyboard\, drums\, lead guitar and upright bass and he sings as well.  He has toured with and opened for many major artist\, \n\nJill Scott\, KC and Jo Jo\, Chrisette Michele\, blues legend James Armstrong. He has been the music director for artist such at Carl Thomas\, Tweet\, KeKe Wyatt\, Leandrea Johnson\, Jewell and Converted and gospel well known Kim Burell . He is CEO of his record label RAINDROP RECORDS.  He has written and produced songs and projects for major and local artist as well. \n\n*Wildmann is from St. Louis\, Mo but now resides in Atlanta\, GA. where he is now making his mark throughout the state of Georgia.  He also teaches music in Powder Springs\, GA at a store called Music Guru. His students range  \n\nfrom 4years old and up.  He has his own band called Wildmann & the FunkySoul Band\, they are in the studio recording their new project now.  URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/sunday-january-16th-wildmanns-trilogy/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/123_1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220225T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220225T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220125T140702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220130T174555Z UID:27729-1645817400-1645830000@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Friday\, February 25th: Tremaine Young DESCRIPTION:SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Tremaine De’Nard Young’s guitar playing started at the age of 14 and is still going strong today. Bearer of a very unique\, self-taught sound\, with stylistic diversity\, his music follows the Jazz\, R&B\, and Gospel genres. Born January 2\, 1980 in Ft. Lauderdale\, FL\, Tre grew up playing the drums in church and was introduced to the guitar as a teen and has been in love with the instrument ever since. While studying Business Administration at Bethune-Cookman  College\, he was also a member of the world renowned Concert Chorale\, under the leadership of Dr Rebecca Walker Steele. This is where he gained a true appreciation for different types of music ranging from Bach to Gospel. In 2010 Tre began performing and touring with Jon Saxx and Endless Possibilities adding to his already considerable portfolio. Together the group\, who are the official band for the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat\, have opened for several major artist including Frankie Beverly and Maze\, Morris Day and the Times\, Anthony Hamilton\, Patti Labelle\, Charlie Wilson\, Fantasia\, The O’Jays\, Mint Condition\, Music Soulchild\, SWV and LSG just to name a few\,  and for the past 12 the featured band of Blue World Travels’ Festival at Sea Cruise. They have also made appearances at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival and Miami’s Jazz in the Gardens. Tre has 2 projects\, Rhythm and Gospel and Big Boi’s Groove\, and a newly released single titled Moving Along\, all on every digital music outlet. He has called Atlanta home for almost a decade and plans to continue to entertain well past the point of being a hous hold name.  URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/friday-february-25th-tremayne-young/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Untitled-design-67.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220224T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220224T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220218T161911Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220218T161937Z UID:27753-1645732800-1645743600@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, February 24th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by WCLK's RivaBlue DESCRIPTION:Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke\, but much\, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band\, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter\, bassist Andre Manga\, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson\, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by WCLK radio host and Bandleader RivaBlue. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/thursday-february-24th-open-mic-jam-hosted-by-wclks-rivablue/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/5DD5E375-3D31-471D-AF96-4E94590C425C_4_5005_c.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220220T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220220T223000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220124T232513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220124T232514Z UID:27718-1645383600-1645396200@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Sunday\, February 20th: Billy Thornton DESCRIPTION:SHOWTIMES: 7:00PM AND 9:00PM. Billy Thornton was brought up in a family of musicians in South Georgia\, Tifton to be specific. In the midst of farms\, pickup trucks\, and country music\, Billy and his brothers went against the grain\, learning all of the alternative rock radio hits\, playing them in any coffee shop that would let them (there was only one). With their father\, they played jazz and smooth hits at restaurants and country clubs\, and at 17\, Billy fell in love with the acoustic jazz of the 1950’s and 1960’s. It is this passion for music from all genres that has kept Billy a top call sideman bassist in the southeast for the past 15 years. \n\n\n\nAs an upright bassist\, Billy has been known to “steal the show” with his rhythmic slapping\, melodic bowing\, and expert facility as a soloist. But now he has found his voice. Literally. \n\n\n\nAs a vocalist\, he aspires to honestly portray his emotion of the moment\, sharing his nostalgia for the music while incorporating a jazz musician’s sense of freedom of harmony and rhythm. Billy’s jazz-style arrangements of pop and rock songs from the past four decades mix easily with jazz standards\, surprising his listeners at times. His renditions of song from Nat King Cole to Britney Spears inspire audiences\, transporting familiar favorites to new places of delight. The song selection vacillates easily from contemplative to whimsy\, tender to raucous; all while maintaining integrity to self and the music.   URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/sunday-february-20th-billy-thornton/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/E990AC12-520F-47BD-A8BE-5AA9704B7BD9.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220218T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220219T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220125T021508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220202T001332Z UID:27721-1645212600-1645311600@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Friday\, February 18th and Saturday\, February 19th: Willie Jones\, III feat. Houston Person DESCRIPTION:Known for his unmatched style and a knack for serving up an eclectic blend of fresh new voices\, in tandem with some of the most iconic players of our time\, drummer\, producer and educator Willie Jones III has electrified audiences worldwide. On February 18th and 19th\, The Velvet Note welcomes WJ3 Records artist Willie Jones III and his quartet; featuring the legendary soulful Saxophonist\, Houston Person! \n\n\n\nJoining Jones III (on drums) and Person (on Sax) is his powerhouse all-star unit consisting of Bassist\, Professor Rodney Jordan (Florida State University) and Piano sensation\, Keith Brown (son of the legendary Donald Brown). \n\n\n\nAbout Willie Jones III \n\n\n\nAfter founding the group Black Note in the 90’s and touring as the opening act for trumpeter and bandleader Wynton Marsalis\, Willie Jones III went on to be the preferred drummer for Wynton Marsalis\, Arturo Sandoval\, the recently departed Roy Hargrove\, Horace Silver\, Herbie Hancock\, the late great Cedar Walton and many more. In addition to performing on more than 100 recordings for other labels – including several Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning recordings since 1999\, he has recorded over 20 sides for his own WJ3 Records imprint including His newest release titled “Fallen Heroes” which pays homage to the many influences and innovators that have gone on before us. \n\n\n\n About Houston Person \n\n\n\nHouston Person has left an indelible mark on audiences the world over with his warm\, inviting and familiar style. Since the 1950’s\, Person has recorded well over 75 titles as a leader – including his latest chart-topping release titled “Houston Person -Live In Paris”. In addition\, Person has countless other recordings as a sideman with icons such as Etta Jones\, Grant Green\, Richard “Groove” Holmes and many more. He is known for uncanny ability to oscillate between popular hits by Barbara Streisand and sultry grooves by the Isley Brothers.   \n\n\n\nFrom yours ears’ first taste of Houston’s horn to the last velvety whisper from Willie’s ensemble\, you’ll enjoy this soulful musical feast served up by Willie Jones III featuring Houston Person. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/friday-february-18th-and-saturday-february-19th-willie-jones-iii-feat-houston-person/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/dd-a-heading.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220217T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220217T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220216T213613Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220216T213658Z UID:27751-1645128000-1645138800@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, February 17th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Two-Time GRAMMY Winner Saunders Sermons DESCRIPTION:Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke\, but much\, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band\, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter\, bassist Andre Manga\, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson\, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by 2-time GRAMMY Winner Trombonist/Singer and Bandleader Extraordinaire Saunders Sermons. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/thursday-february-17th-open-mic-jam-hosted-by-two-time-grammy-winner-saunders-sermons/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/055D0EBD-BB36-46A1-A9B5-52C8C8188ADD_4_5005_c.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220211T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220211T220000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220124T194949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220211T190405Z UID:27706-1644609600-1644616800@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Friday\, February 11th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band **** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! **** DESCRIPTION:ONE SHOW ONLY! Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart launches his brand new variety show featuring his unique take on world music and genre-bending selections. Only one performance\, so get your seats soon! \n\n\n\n** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! **** URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/friday-february-11th-the-bill-hart-international-jazz-fusion-band/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/9221F613-4A34-4B10-85B5-3B55733FE588.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220210T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220210T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220130T191022Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220130T191259Z UID:27737-1644523200-1644534000@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, February 10th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by GRAMMY-Winner Saunders Sermons DESCRIPTION:Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke\, but much\, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band\, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter\, bassist Andre Manga\, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson\, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by 2-time GRAMMY Winner Trombonist/Singer and Bandleader Extraordinaire Saunders Sermons. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/thursday-february-10th-open-mic-jam-hosted-by-grammy-winner-saunders-sermons/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/055D0EBD-BB36-46A1-A9B5-52C8C8188ADD_4_5005_c.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220206T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220206T203000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220124T211506Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220124T211507Z UID:27710-1644174000-1644179400@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Sunday\, February 6th: Legends of Jazz Presents Chick Corea's Light as a Feather DESCRIPTION:The Velvet Note presents another segment of its ninth series of Legends of Jazz\, featuring the music of Chick Corea’s Light as a Feather. As with the entire monthly Legends of Jazz series\, The Justin Varnes Quartet will guide guests–in engaging\, narrative form– through the life and music of this iconic\, recently departed pianist/composer. It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time\, and…\, oh… they’ll also play their behinds off!​  URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/sunday-february-6th-legends-of-jazz-presents-chick-coreas-light-as-a-feather/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/B2E3ECC5-A2C7-45B9-BB4B-FAB90C484F48.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220204T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220205T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220124T222948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220124T223002Z UID:27713-1644003000-1644102000@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:The Stephen Gordon Quartet Featuring Eric Reed Presents the Music of Thelonius Monk DESCRIPTION:FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Stephen Gordon brings his quartet featuring Eric Reed (piano)\, Stacy Dillard (saxophone) and Craig Shaw (bass)\, for two nights of performances that will focus on the music of the genius of pianist/composer/pioneer Thelonious Monk. Monk’s music will forever be embedded in the fabric of American Swing and Jazz\, and continues to this day to give one of the most prolific and masterful perspectives to melody\, harmony\, Blues and Swing\, solidifying its place into literature and required study in the personal\, intellectual study and pursuit of true art and musical inquisition world wide. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Steve Gordon.  Born on July 4th\, 1984\, Gordon grew up listening to Gospel\, Blues\, Motown\, R&B\, Soul\, Funk/Fusion\, Rock\, and some Country music.  His love of Jazz can be traced back to hearing the elements of Blues and Swing in church\, and shortly afterwards can recall being introduced to stride piano and the elemental great pianist of the turn of the 20th century like Jelly Roll Morton and Art Tatum by the age of 6.  Gordon’s first instrument was the piano\, which turned into playing the trumpet\, all brass instruments\, some woodwinds\, and then onto the drums at the age of 12.  It was at the age of 15 when he first saw trumpeter Terence Blanchard’s Sextet live at The Afro-American Culture Center\, that he knew that Jazz was the path.  Gordon graduated from Northwest School of The Arts in Charlotte\, N.C. in 2002\, and immediately sought the path to New York City.  Although he would attend Shenandoah Conservatory in 2003 (The Alma Mater of the great drummer Billy Drummond) and began working in the Washington D.C. area\, and continued working in New York.   \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Eric Reed.   Born in Philadelphia in 1970\, Reed grew up playing gospel music in his father’s storefront Baptist church\, starting at the age of five. “My father was a minister\, but he also used to sing with a gospel group in Philly called the Bay State Singers\,” Reed says\, in his website’s promotional materials. “He was my earliest musical influence\, and I also was hit heavily by Edwin Hawkins’ music of the 1970s. Gospel music remains a large part of my playing today.”  \n\n\n\nReed started playing piano at age two and began formal instruction at age seven\, but he is primarily self-taught. He often did not learn the written music\, but listened to his teachers play it first and memorized the pieces note for note. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“My neighborhood library had all kinds of hip jazz records and I was in there every day checking them out\,” Reed says. “Everything was there: Ahmad Jamal\, Erroll Garner\, Oscar Peterson\, McCoy Tyner; it was unbelievable!” By the time he was 13\, “I didn’t realize it\, but I had digested all of the jazz recordings that musicians were expected to know.” \n\n\n\nAfter four years of intense self-teaching combined with mentoring by composer Harold Battiste\, Reed could be heard around Los Angeles leading his own groups and working in the bands of Teddy Edwards\, Gerald Wilson and John Clayton. Reed has toured with Wynton Marsalis\, appeared with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra\, and performed in the bands of Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson. \n\n\n\nIn addition to leading the Eric Reed Quintet\, Reed tours the world with his ensembles and teaches jazz piano worldwide. When he’s not at the piano\, he serves as the artistic director of the concert series Jazz Composer Portraits\, at Columbia University’s Miller Theater. Reed continues to perform and record with master musicians such as Elvin Jones\, Benny Carter\, Wayne Shorter\, Ron Carter\, Cassandra Wilson\, Jimmy Heath\, Clark Terry\, and Dianne Reeves\, as well as with Natalie Cole\, Patti Labelle\, Oleta Adams\, Edwin Hawkins\, Jessye Norman and Quincy Jones. \n\n\n\nReed has recorded 12 albums: Soldier’s Hymn\, (1990)\, It’s Alright to Swing (1993)\, The Swing and I (1994)\, West Coast Jazz Summit (1995)\, Musicale (1996)\, Pure Imagination (1997)\, Manhattan Melodies (1999)\, Happiness (2001)\, E-Bop (2003)\, From My Heart (2002)\, Mercy and Grace (2003) and Merry Music (2003). Reed’s Pure Imagination stayed at No.1 on the Gavin chart for seven weeks\, which earned him the 1999 Gavin Artist of the Year award. Manhattan Melodies was also No. 1 on the Gavin chart for several weeks. Reed has written the scores for a number of films\, including Life\, One of Us Tripped\, and The Firing Squad. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/the-stephen-gordon-quartet-featuring-eric-reed-presents-the-music-of-thelonius-monk/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2E239AB6-923D-4D58-8E11-D535DEE0DB65-scaled.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220203T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220203T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220124T210218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220124T210219Z UID:27708-1643918400-1643929200@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, February 3rd: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Saunders Sermons DESCRIPTION:Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke\, but much\, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band\, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter\, bassist Andre Manga\, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson\, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by 2-time GRAMMY Winner Trombonist/Singer and Bandleader Extraordinaire Saunders Sermons. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/thursday-february-3rd-open-mic-jam-hosted-by-saunders-sermons/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/055D0EBD-BB36-46A1-A9B5-52C8C8188ADD_4_5005_c.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220128T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220128T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20211222T051057Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220125T174219Z UID:27657-1643398200-1643410800@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Friday\, January 28th: The Emmanuel Smith Trio DESCRIPTION:Emmanuel “Chops” Smith is a pianist and vocalist who has been performing professionally since he was 15 years old. He has been playing piano since age 3 and has been trained in classical\, jazz\, and contemporary music. “Chops” has performed in venues all over the Southeast including The Rialto Center of the Performing Arts\, The Margaret Mitchell House\, The Georgian Terrace Hotel\, The Georgia Aquarium\, Churchill Grounds\, The Velvet Note\, The Red Clay Theater. He has also had the pleasure and privilege to perform with Russell Malone\, Chris Potter\, Sarah Partridge and work with many different jazz personalities including Gary and Veronica Motley\, Theresa Hightower\, Mike Abene\, Bobby Shew\, Paquito D’Rivera\, Kenny Werner\, Bob Franceschini\, Bob Reynolds and Randy Brecker. \n\n\n\nAfter receiving his Jazz Studies degree from Georgia State University\, “Chops”became the current Music Director for North Decatur United Methodist Church and Faith Forward Church. He prides himself as a pianist that crosses multiple genres. Including the churches he works on a regular basis\, he travels all over the Southeast\, United States and performs in bands based out of Atlanta\, GA including the Nick Longo Band\, Artimus and Big Bling and the Funk Machine (Music Gardens). He continues to build a reputation as a bandleader with his two bands\, The CHOPS Experience and the Emmanuel “Chops” Smith Trio. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/friday-january-28th-the-emmanuel-smith-trio/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/718F66CF-24BD-45BE-9968-51B7F3E99983.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220127T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220127T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20220117T015413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220117T015414Z UID:27690-1643313600-1643324400@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Thursday\, January 27th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Natasha Brown DESCRIPTION:A potpourri of performers entertains you throughout the night under the leadership of our house band and singer Natasha Brown. Come out and jam with us– All genres welcomed! URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/thursday-january-27th-open-mic-jam-hosted-by-natasha-brown/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Relax-in-the-audience-or-take-the-stage-5.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220123T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220123T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20211221T040043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220115T174227Z UID:27635-1642964400-1642978800@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Sunday\, January 23rd: Roman Street-- CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street. Since the college years\, this brotherly jam session has developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band who many have dubbed ‘the next generation’ of Jazz Fusion. Roman Street\, named for an old roman street in the Alps where they studied guitar\, is an internationally trained instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical\, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz\, Latin\, and Nuevo Flamenco. A departure from the over-produced music that is out there today\, they keep it simple—the beautifully organic sound of acoustic instruments played by talented people who love what they are doing. With their rhythm section of Joseph and Bryan Morris\, Roman Street astounds with music that appeals to fans of many genres. \n\n\n\nTHIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED BY THE PERFORMER. ALL TICKETS WILL BE REFUNDED OR PLACED ON ACCOUNT. QUESTIONS? CALL 855.5.VELVET URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/sunday-january-23rd-roman-street/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1444DC20-F50C-4C55-BF9F-82F2A2E0AA2C.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220122T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220122T230000 DTSTAMP:20260406T090637 CREATED:20211222T034505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211222T034514Z UID:27650-1642879800-1642892400@thevelvetnote.com SUMMARY:Saturday\, January 22nd: Saunders Sermons' Soulful Night of Jazz DESCRIPTION:Born and raised in Miami Florida Saunders Sermons II is an American singer\, trombonist\, and song writer. Sermons has toured with Maxwell\, Jay Z\, Diddy and Jazz R&B saxophonist Mike Phillips just to name a few.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHe received his GRAMMY Awards for his horn arrangement work with R&B/Soul singer Maxwell and Blues Super group The Tedeschi Trucks Band. Since then he has grown to become an established independent artist with an admirable music career. URL:https://thevelvetnote.com/event/saturday-january-22nd-saunders-sermons-soulful-night-of-jazz/ LOCATION:The Velvet Note Main Stage\, 4075 Old Milton Parkway\, Alpharetta\, 30005\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevelvetnote.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/055D0EBD-BB36-46A1-A9B5-52C8C8188ADD_4_5005_c.jpeg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR