The Velvet Note

Thursday, October 28th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Guitarist/Singer Andrew Black
2021-10-28 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
A potpourri of performers entertains you throughout the night under the musical leadership of our house band, led by singer and guitarist Andrew Black. Come out and jam with us– All genres welcomed!

Wednesday, October 27th: JazzyCrab!
2021-10-27 16:30 - 22:00
This is your chance to try our acclaimed Chesapeake Bay, Jumbo Lump crabcakes, all night long! Great deals on food and drink, live music (8-10), and NO ENTRY FEE! Come on out with your gang and enjoy! Reservations are NOT REQUIRED, but if you want to make one, call 855.5.VELVET. Featured Artist– Guitarist/Singer Kristin Tinsley.

Sunday, October 24th: Legends of Jazz Presents Branford Marsalis' Crazy People Music
2021-10-24 19:00 - 20:30
***** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!! ****

The Velvet Note presents another segment of its ninth series of Legends of Jazz, featuring the music of Branford Marsalis. 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 great American composer and saxophonist. 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!​

**** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***

Saturday, October 23rd: Yakou N'Guessen
2021-10-23 19:30 - 23:00
SHOW TIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. A native of the Ivory Coast of West Africa, N’Guessen grew up in a family where his mother sang in the church choir and his father was an avid jazz fan who listened to John Coltrane and Count Basie. N’Guessen began playing the percussion at church at age 7. He Started played drumset at age 9. By 15 he was making money as a drummer and decided to pursue a career in music. He holds a master’s degree in musicology from the Institut National Superieur des Arts et de l’Action Culturelle (INSAAC) in Abidjan.

After playing in jazz clubs in Cote d’ Ivoire, he spent almost a decade playing jazz and teaching in Morocco. He was part of a jazz festival organized by the King of Morocco and has a chance to meet international luminaries such as Quincy Jones and George Benson.

N’Guessan is influenced as a composer by jazz and by the music of his native country. He says there are 62 tribes in Cote d’Ivoire/Ivory Coast and each has a language that is musical. He brings these strands together in what he calls World Music. He will be sharing original compositions along with artists’ originals, he collaborated with and African songs in his concert at The Velvet Note.

Friday, October 22nd: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band
2021-10-22 20:00 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Showtime: ONE SHOW 8pm – `10pm. Canadian guitarist Bill Hart and his international bandmates put jazz fusion on a whole new level.

Thursday, October 21st: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Andrew Black
2021-10-21 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Sunday, October 17th: The Bob Bakert Band
2021-10-17 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Come out and enjoy Sunday dinner and drinks with us as one of our fan favorites Bob Bakert brings together an evening of rock, soul, jazz, blues and other high energy versions of your favorite classics.

Saturday, October 16th: GRAMMY-Winner Shaun Martin from Snarky Puppy
2021-10-16 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30-9:00PM AND 9:30 – 11:00PM

Multiple Grammy Award winner Shaun Martin is well known for his work with Kirk Franklin and as a key member of Snarky Puppy, his creative stamp can be heard on projects with musical legends Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Fred Hammond, Tamela Mann, Kim Burrell, God’s Property, and more.

Thursday, October 14th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Guitarist/Singer Andrew Black
2021-10-14 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Sunday, October 10th: Sharon Clark and the Chris Grasso Trio
2021-10-10 19:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
TWO SHOWS: 7:00pm and 9:00pm. Don’t miss this rare Atlanta appearance by the remarkable vocalist Sharón Clark. She has brought festival and concert audiences to their feet across the globe, and wherever she performs, the critics take notice:

“New and amazing . . . an absolute triumph”!

— Will Friedwald, Wall Street Journal

“You can’t underestimate the transformation of what seems like an ordinary song when an interpreter like Sharón Clark tears it apart and peers inside.”

— Stephen Holden, New York Times

“A revelation . . . I never thought I’d hear a singer with the range, musicality and command of tone and timbre that was Sarah at her best, but now I have.”

–JazzTimes

Saturday, October 9th: The Rod Harris, Jr. Quartet
2021-10-09 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Showtimes: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. 7:30 is SOLD OUT!!! PURCHASE 9:30 SEATS BELOW. Jazz guitarist Rod Harris Jr. brings his acclaimed catalog and powerful group to Good Times for a night of modern jazz and all-around great music. Harris has performed everywhere and garnered critical praise, in addition to being nominated for Grammys. He’s a force to be reckoned with on his instrument, and is certainly one of the best guitar players going today.

Friday, October 8th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band
2021-10-08 20:00 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart launches his brand new variety show featuring his unique take on world music with international musicians and genre-bending selections. Come hang with us, and take a trip around the world without converting your currency or expediting your passport!

Sunday, October 3rd: A Night at The Movies Starring Svetlana *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-10-03 19:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Show Times: 7:00pm – 8:30pm and 9:00pm – 11:00pm.

Svetlana’s Night at the Movies is a program based on her chart-topping record (#1 on Billboard US Traditional Jazz Charts) – the concert takes listeners on a dynamic musical journey consisting of innovative jazz arrangements of movie sound-tracks ranging from the American Movie classics, French New Wave and Soviet Cinema, to modern day Academy Award-winners, and Animated films – presented by Svetlana’s award-winning New York Collective. Film and music both express a fleeting beauty. Night at the Movies reflects these moments of joy and passion, sharp humor and reflection, and most of all, fantasy. The concert will transport the audience to the carnival of sound, seamlessly moving from sophisticated retrospection to a rowdy “exuberant, foot-stomping music combining swing and pop-singer/songwriter sensibilities (WPIX11TV)

ABOUT SVETLANA. Svetlana is an “erudite, purist torchy jazz chanteuse” (Lucid Culture), that leads her “subtle, compelling, eclectic jazz combos” (NY Music Daily) playing music that is firmly based in the jazz tradition but is also for “here and now” (New York Music Daily), “sophisti-pop… exuberant, foot-stompin’ music that combines swing with pop-singer/songwriter sensibilities”. (WPIX11 News). Russian by birth — American by music: NYC-based, critically acclaimed vocalist Svetlana and her “New York City darlings” (Time Out NY) New York Collective is conquering the world with a sound that blends swing, straight-ahead jazz, strong vocal delivery, and exciting unpredictable improvisational aspects of her virtuoso band. She is on a mission to uplift, connect, and spread the joy of music. Svetlana and her band have headlined sold out shows in the premier venues and festivals across the US and internationally gaining critical acclaim from audiences and press alike by presenting exhilarating shows that combine Svetlana’s exciting vocals, with the the power, and unpredictable improvisational aspects of her various ensembles – taking the audience on a carnival of sounds, seamlessly moving from sophisticated, sultry retrospection to a rowdy, joyous party and include repertoire that span a of American popular music (from jazz, to rock, movie sound-tracks and more) and her originals. Svetlana’s last record, Night at the Movies, debuted #1 on the US Billboard Traditional Jazz Album Charts.

**** SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!! ****

Saturday, October 2nd: Robin Latimore
2021-10-02 09:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW AVAILABLE– 9:30pm. Robin started singing as a little girl for devotion at her mother’s revival services and in church. “When your mom is the minister, you don’t have a choice”. It was her parents who sparked her musical interest. Her dad had a passion for traditional and contemporary jazz as well as big band swing, and her mom pushed gospel and inspirational music.

Thursday, September 30th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Pianist Randy Hoexter
2021-09-30 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
A potpourri of performers entertains you throughout the night under the musical leadership of our house band, led by Pianist Randy Hoexter. Come out and jam with us– All genres welcomed!

Saturday, September 25th: Brazillian Jazz Featuring Sofia Kriger
2021-09-25 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
A night featuring the classics of Brazilian Jazz incorporating bossa nova, MPB, samba, and more….Featuring guest artist Brazilian Singer Sofia Kriger from New York and Atlanta’s Singer/Guitarist Sander Pinheiro. Come melt away with us and join us for a night remember.

Band: Sofia Kriger- vocals

Sander Pinheiro – vocals and guitar

Ramon Pooser- bass

Shawn Cox – drums

Friday, September 24th: CLOSED for a Private Event
2021-09-24 20:00 - 23:00

Thursday, September 23rd: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Guitarist Bill Hart
2021-09-23 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
A potpourri of performers entertains you throughout the night under the musical leadership of our house band, led by guitarist Bill Hart. Come out and jam with us– All genres welcomed!

Sunday, September 19th: Sweet Soul Sister
2021-09-19 19:00 - 22:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Sweet Soul Sister is a five-piece, Atlanta-based pop/funk/rock band fronted by songwriter/actress Dominique Brittain. Their show features innovative arrangements of hits by Stevie Wonder, Hall & Oates, John Mayer, Joss Stone & Billy Squier. They will also perform original songs including their new single “Crayons” (available on all music services). Sweet Soul Sister’s high-concept videos are known for emphasizing the band’s ability to be both powerful and sensual within the same measure of music.

*The band will be adding saxophonist Ryan Whitehead exclusively for this performance.

Saturday, September 18th: An Encore Performance ---Joyce Licorish!!
2021-09-18 19:30 - 23:00
The winner of the 2021 Cobb Idol competition is Joyce Licorish, and she’s here at The Velvet Note! This powerhouse singer brings jazz, soul and R&B together for one magical evening. Ms. Licorish is an internationally known singer, actress, plus model, voiceover talent, Amazon Bestselling Author of The Forgotten Timepiece, filmmaker and director.

Sunday, September 12th: Legends of Jazz Presents a Celebration of John Coltrane *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-09-12 19:00 - 20:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
The Velvet Note presents another segment of its ninth series of Legends of Jazz, featuring the music of John Coltrane. 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 great American saxophone. 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!​

*** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***

Friday, September 10th: La Lucha, with Special Guest Ona Kirei
2021-09-10 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
La Lucha is a Tampa Bay based trio that consists of three best friends from three different parts of the world: Colombia (Alejandro Arenas), Mexico (John O’Leary), & United States (Mark Feinman). Their music ventures boldly into a wide variety of musical styles, offering an appealing and fun mix of genres under the jazz umbrella. The combination of their musical versatility and varied musical influences makes for compelling virtuosic performances. Through an engaging stage presence and high level of interaction, La Lucha brings the audience into their world.

La Lucha was awarded Creative Loafing’s “Best of the Bay Jazz Ensemble” in 2013, 2014 & 2015; the “Think Small to Think Big Grant,” by Creative Pinellas; featured presenters at TEDxTampa Bay (2014), TEDxUSF (2015) & TEDxDouglasville (2017); and were honored by a grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, to present a multi- media project raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.

The trio has extensive national and international performance experience, including a tour of Italy and France with performances at the “Umbria Jazz Festival” and “Jazz a Juan” in Juan Les Pins. Some highlighted festival performances include; the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, Sarasota Jazz Festival, New Smyrna Beach Jazz Fest, Thin Man Watts Jazz Fest, Chestertown Jazz Festival (Maryland) along with various performances in concert halls throughout the south and mid-atlantic United States. Their debut album, A Cup of Fuzzy Water was released in 2009 and their second self-titled album was released in June 2012. Their third album, Standards, Not-Standards, featuring vocalist Jun, was released in January 2015 on Blue Line Music, and Pa’ Lante, which features all original music, was released in September 2108 on Fuzzy Water Music.

Joining La Lucha is Barcelona born vocalist and composer Ona Kirei. Ona has performed across Europe in countries such as Spain, France, and the UK. She moved to the United States four years ago and is quickly becoming one of the premier performers with her ownprojects, including “Iberia” and a bass & vocal duo, “Orilla.

Sunday, August 5th: Earth Wind and Fire Tribute
2021-09-05 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Do you remember….the twenty-first night of September? By POPULAR DEMAND, we are bringing the Ray Howard Band back in 2021 for their tribute to the beloved EW&F. This is not just a concert or a show–it’s a PARTY! Here’s your chance to get your jazz-funk-disco-soul groove on, accompanied by some of the hottest musicians around. Bandleader Ray Howard pulls out all of the stops in this weekend-long- tribute to EARTH, WIND & FIRE–one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the twentieth century.

*** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! .

Saturday, September 4th: Earth Wind and Fire Tribute *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-09-04 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Do you remember….the twenty-first night of September? By POPULAR DEMAND, we are bringing the Ray Howard Band back in 2021 for their tribute to the beloved EW&F. This is not just a concert or a show–it’s a PARTY! Here’s your chance to get your jazz-funk-disco-soul groove on, accompanied by some of the hottest musicians around. Bandleader Ray Howard pulls out all of the stops in this weekend-long- tribute to EARTH, WIND & FIRE–one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the twentieth century.

*** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***

Thursday, September 2nd: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Trumpeter Terence Harper with Special Guest
2021-09-02 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
A potpourri of performers entertains you throughout the night under the musical leadership of our house band, led by Trumpeter Terence Harper. Come out and jam with us– All genres welcomed!

Saturday, August 28th: The Nicholas Payton and John Roberts Experience *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-08-28 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
GRAMMY-Award-winning Nicholas Payton is widely considered one of the greatest artists of our time. Hailed as a virtuoso before he was even out of high school, his maturation and talent has earned him praise and accolades, as well as insured his place in musical history.When he was barely in his 20s, Nicholas Payton made his major-label recording debut as a leader with From This Moment (Verve). Since then, Payton has consistently committed himself to developing his distinct voice.

He appears in the final episode of HBO’s Treme as an actor and musician performing his composition, “The Backward Step.”Nicholas is a Distinguished Artist and Visiting Lecturer at Tulane University. He has taught master classes, clinics and workshops at over 40 institutions, including Berklee College of Music, The Connecticut Forum (with Beverly Sills, Bobby Weir and Trey Anastasio), Cornell University, Institute of Superior Arts (Havana, Cuba), Loyola University, Northwestern University, Oberlin College & Conservatory, Skidmore College, Stanford University, Thelonious Monk Institute, et. al.

A highly sought-after drummer, John “Lil’ John” Roberts thrives in the industry as the ultimate heartbeat.

John, native of Philadelphia, quickly became noted as a child prodigy playing alongside Christian McBride and Joey Defranceso at the age 16. The trio was part of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, a project created and directed by Wynton Marsalis, comprised of the country’s 22 best young jazz musicians. In 2020 the trio had a Reunion Residency including Kirk Rosenwinkel at the Blue Note.

Under full scholarship at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in 1991, Lil’ John studied for 2 years and started his touring career with Hip Hop Artists DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith). From there, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he started recording and touring with Dionne Farris, Xscape, Monica, The Goodie MOB, and Joi. At the request to fill in for Jonathan Moffet, John began touring with Janet Jackson at the age of 23 and continued to tour with her for two decades.

His television credits include: houseband drummer for the Monique Show, Queen Latifah Show, Ray Charles Tribute (Live at the Staples Center), Tribute to Quincy Jones, American Idol, American Music Awards, Black Music Honors Show, MTV Music Awards, Billboard Awards, Image Awards, Trumpet Awards, VH1 Fashion Awards, BET Soultrain Awards, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Chris Rock Show, Oprah, Ellen Degeneres, Good Morning America, Good Day Atlanta, Jimmy Kimmel, Arsenio Hall, The View, Saturday Night Live, Pre Grammy Show, several seasons of BET’s Sundays Best, Apollo Live, BET Comicview, Stevie Wonder’s “A House Full of Toys” Tribute and more.

These two musical greats will be accompanied by The Senators, including Phil Davis and Tres Gilbert

*** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***

Friday, August 27th: The Nicholas Payton and John Roberts Experience
2021-08-27 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
GRAMMY-Award-winning Nicholas Payton is widely considered one of the greatest artists of our time. Hailed as a virtuoso before he was even out of high school, his maturation and talent has earned him praise and accolades, as well as insured his place in musical history.When he was barely in his 20s, Nicholas Payton made his major-label recording debut as a leader with From This Moment (Verve). Since then, Payton has consistently committed himself to developing his distinct voice.

He appears in the final episode of HBO’s Treme as an actor and musician performing his composition, “The Backward Step.”Nicholas is a Distinguished Artist and Visiting Lecturer at Tulane University. He has taught master classes, clinics and workshops at over 40 institutions, including Berklee College of Music, The Connecticut Forum (with Beverly Sills, Bobby Weir and Trey Anastasio), Cornell University, Institute of Superior Arts (Havana, Cuba), Loyola University, Northwestern University, Oberlin College & Conservatory, Skidmore College, Stanford University, Thelonious Monk Institute, et. al.

A highly sought-after drummer, John “Lil’ John” Roberts thrives in the industry as the ultimate heartbeat.

John, native of Philadelphia, quickly became noted as a child prodigy playing alongside Christian McBride and Joey Defranceso at the age 16. The trio was part of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, a project created and directed by Wynton Marsalis, comprised of the country’s 22 best young jazz musicians. In 2020 the trio had a Reunion Residency including Kirk Rosenwinkel at the Blue Note.

Under full scholarship at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in 1991, Lil’ John studied for 2 years and started his touring career with Hip Hop Artists DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith). From there, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he started recording and touring with Dionne Farris, Xscape, Monica, The Goodie MOB, and Joi. At the request to fill in for Jonathan Moffet, John began touring with Janet Jackson at the age of 23 and continued to tour with her for two decades.

His television credits include: houseband drummer for the Monique Show, Queen Latifah Show, Ray Charles Tribute (Live at the Staples Center), Tribute to Quincy Jones, American Idol, American Music Awards, Black Music Honors Show, MTV Music Awards, Billboard Awards, Image Awards, Trumpet Awards, VH1 Fashion Awards, BET Soultrain Awards, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Chris Rock Show, Oprah, Ellen Degeneres, Good Morning America, Good Day Atlanta, Jimmy Kimmel, Arsenio Hall, The View, Saturday Night Live, Pre Grammy Show, several seasons of BET’s Sundays Best, Apollo Live, BET Comicview, Stevie Wonder’s “A House Full of Toys” Tribute and more.

These two musical greats will be accompanied by The Senators, including Phil Davis and Tres Gilbert.

Thursday, August 26th: Open Mic Jam Hosted By Terence Harper
2021-08-26 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Sunday, August 22nd: The Bob Bakert Band
2021-08-22 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Saturday, August 21st: The 4 Korners
2021-08-21 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
An original live instrumental music band, The 4 Korners play jazz fusion, though they prefer to call their sounds “Journey Music.” The ensemble is composed of Clarence “T-lee” Hill on keys, James “JT” Thompson on bass, Isaac “Ike” Thompson on guitar, and Jerrod “J-rod” Sullivan on drums. They are connected in a variety of ways, and their bonds are strengthened by their shared passion for playing music that creates experiences. JT and Ike are brothers, and along with J-rod, they are from Cartersville, a town in Bartow County, Georgia. Clarence is from Acworth, another town in Bartow County, and JT, Ike, and Clarence have been friends for more than twenty years, first meeting at a musical held at New Beginning Church in Emerson in 2000. J-rod came on board in 2013 as the band’s new drummer, two years after their 2011 formation. Having toured with major artists, The 4 Korners dropped their first album, an eponymous indie record, in 2014, and in 2015 they signed with Ropeadope Records. Their first and to date only album with Ropeadope Records, Portal of Gold, was released in October 2016. In July 2017, they released a single, “Phraseology,” on their own. The 4 Korners are known for playing with an inimitably high level of energy. When you are listening to The 4 Korners, you are being transported to someplace else, someplace that only you can see, someplace that you share with the world at large. Find your journey and enjoy the ride!

First show is SOLD OUT! Purchase 9:30 seats below:
