The Velvet Note

Saturday, September 4th: Earth Wind and Fire Tribute *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-09-04 19:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | 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
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, 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:

Friday, August 20th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band
2021-08-20 20:00 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart performs each Friday night, 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!

Thursday, August 19th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Percussionist Ahsa Ahla
2021-08-19 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 percussionist Ahsa Ahla. Come out and jam with us– All genres welcomed!

Sunday, August 15th: The Life and Music of Lee Morgan *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! **
2021-08-15 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 eighth series of Legends of Jazz, featuring the music of Lee Morgan. 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 jazz trumpeter including his tragic demise. 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!​

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Saturday, August 14th: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin by Sugarlips Shields *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-08-14 19:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
“Sugarlips”, as L’Tanya is called by friends, family & those who have had the good fortune to hear her melodious voice. A native New Yorker whose singing credentials span from choir concerts, private parties to national competitions to international tours, Sugarlips has been humming hymns and singing songs since childhood. Her vivacious personality comes across in her music. Whatever song she sings, she makes it her own. Her musical foundation lies in the church where she is a member of the choir and can often be found belting out a solo.

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Friday, August 13th: Jacques Lesure
2021-08-13 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
June 27, 2018Jacques Lesure at the Lighthouse, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Jacques Lesure was born in Detroit and first began playing guitars at the age of 10 in his church. He was influenced by people like George Benson and Kenny Burrell. His professional career started in gospel music with The Clark Sisters, Commissioned and other prominent Detroit gospel musicians, while studying jazz at the same time. In 1980 he became fully involved in jazz. Lesure is also an author, motivational speaker and radio/podcast host. He has performed with several jazz artists, such as Jimmy Smith and Stanley Turrentine as well as Wynton Marsalis, Eric Reed, Warren Wolf and Gregory Porter. His performances can be heard in La La Land, the Academy Award winning movie.

Thursday, August 12th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Trumpeter Terence Harper
2021-08-12 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Sunday, August 8th: The Curtis Lundy Quartet with Warren Wolf
2021-08-08 19:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Once in a lifetime, comes this kind of talent on one stage, right in front of your eyes. 7pm show is SOLD OUT. Purchase 9:00pm seats below.

Saturday, August 7th: The Curtis Lundy Quartet with Vibraphonist Warren Wolf *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT! ***
2021-08-07 08:00 - 17:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Once in a lifetime, comes this kind of talent on one stage, right in front of your eyes. 7:30 show is sold out. Purchase 9:30 seats below.

Friday, August 6th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band
2021-08-06 20:00 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart performs each Friday night, featuring his unique take on world music with international musicians and genre-bending selections, with NEW BAND MEMBER Madoca on keys. Come hang with us, and take a trip around the world without converting your currency or expediting your passport!

Thursday, August 5th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Percussionist Ahsa Ahla
2021-08-05 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS. A potpourri of performers entertains you throughout the night under the musical leadership of our house band, led by percussionist Ahsa Ahla. Come out and jam with us– All genres welcomed!

Sunday, August 1st: The Fundraiser for Jazz Bassist Kevin Smith
2021-08-01 19:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
This Sunday, Musicians from all over Atlanta gather to raise money for GRAMMY-winning bassist Kevin Smith, who recently lost his home and belongings to a house fire. All door entry proceeds (paid at door) or donations go to Kevin. Feel free to stop by for a little or a lot, and be sure to donate to Kevin’s GoFundMe campaign HERE.

Saturday, July 31st: Saxophonist Reggie Hines *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-07-31 19:30 - 23:00
Bring the HEAT! Reggie Hines is an ASCAP Award Winning and Grammy nominated songwriter, producer, and international recording artist. Reggie Hines’ soulful and expressive sound has provided him the opportunity to write and perform music for a diverse roster of artists including Chaka Khan, Angie Stone, Regina Belle, and Stevie Wonder.

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Friday, July 30th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band
2021-07-30 20:00 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Thursday, July 29th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Guitarist/Singer Andrew Black *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-07-29 20:00 - 23:30 | 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!

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

Sunday, July 25th: Hollywood Actress/Singer Maria Howell with Joe Gransden
2021-07-25 19:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
This is the one of the most incredible events of the summer! Buy your tickets BELOW!

About Maria Howell: Maria Howell is an American actress and singer, born in Gastonia, North Carolina.

Maria Howell began singing at age 13 in a choir at church. She has a degree in biology from Winston-Salem State University (in Winston-Salem).

She worked as a jazz singer and made her debut at the film in The Color Purple (1985). From 1995 to 2001, she lived in Okinawa, Japan, where she performed a musical career. She has made appearances in the Fall Dead Diva series, American Wives, The Game, The Diva of the couch and Vampire Diaries, and has been the co-star of such films as Daddy’s Little Girls, Mississippi Damned (in ), The Blind Side and What to Expect If You’re Expecting a Child.

In 2012, Maria Howell was hired to play the role of Grace Beaumont in the post-apocalyptic Revolution series. In 2013, she played Ida Hayes in the Devious Maids series. The same year, she played the role of Seeder in Hunger Games: The Embrasement.

Photo by Ben Rose

About Joe Gransden: Joe has performed worldwide and released 16 CDs under his own name. Renowned first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, Gransden’s singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. Experiencing this show will be a unique opportunity for concertgoers.

Saturday, July 24th: Smooth Jazz Saxophonist Marcus Click *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-07-24 19:30 - 23:00
As a native of the Louisville, Kentucky, Marcus grew up with aspirations of becoming a pro football player, but his goals changed after having committed over 13 years of his young life to the U.S. Navy honorably. During this time, his love for jazz grew by listening and learning from the late Grover Washington, Jr., David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum, Najee, Dave Koz, the late saxophonists, Art Porter and George Howard. Marcus says on one account,” I became truly inspired by a phone call from the late George Howard, a conversation and experience I’ll never forget.” Marcus would find his way before Rebbie Jackson (a Sister of Jackson 5 & Janet Jackson) and her family during a weekend show in Las Vegas. He knew his life was being routed towards a musical journey.

Since then, Marcus has perform locally in Jacksonville, Florida and continued to travel abroad. To name a few notable events, Marcus performed for the Convoy of Hope, a Superbowl & NFL Sponsored Event. He has even opened up for Miles Jaye, R&B Artist. Notably, Marcus was the headliner for the Lincoln Foundation’s 19th Annual Night of Jazz Concert at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, located in Louisville, KY (2014) and the 2016 Derby City Jazz Festival, 2019 Jacksonville Jazz Festival and was the Headliner for the 2020 Mayor’s Jazz in the Park (Orlando FL).

During Marcus’s musical journey, he also received encouragement from famed percussionist Sheila E. and saxophonists, Nelson Rangell, Najee, Mike Phillips, his sax mentors: Joe Yorio (Toured with Peabo Bryson) & Mel Holder (Billboard Saxophonist & Stellar Award Finalist), and the late great saxman, George Howard.

Not too far in the recent past, Marcus released the single “Brand New Day” (2018), globally and to 100+ radio stations across the country. The song was composed/produced by jazz sensation, International Recording Artist/keyboardist, Jonathan Fritzen, whom also performs on the single. It debuted at #1 song, with the most spins during its 1st week in rotation on Billboard Smooth Jazz radio stations across the US. It even received air play in the UK and charted 7 consecutive weeks on The Smooth Jazz Network Top 100, along with charting #1, #5, #30 on other jazz charts.

With Marcus’s perseverance, he is set to release his latest single, “Together We Stand” – November 16, 2020, which peaked at #46 on SmoothJazz.com Top 100 and was produced by William Green and Ben Parris, whom both performed on this song, which compliments Marcus at a whole new level.

Next, Marcus will release his latest release and new single, “Sound the Alarm”, July 23, 2021 followed by his new full CD, “Brand New Day”, the Summer 2021 under the Label, TWIN RECORDS. Stay connected with Marcus via his website and/or social media for all of the latest news.

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Friday, July 23rd: RivaBlue Presents Hope "Diamond" Deans *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2021-07-23 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
WCLK Announcer RivaBlue presents Hope “Diamond” Deans, celebrating her new album “Awaken” Summer 2021 . Hope’s been working on this collection of vibrant music since before the pandemic and is excited to bring it to you with a fabulous big band sound and horn players like Tom Brown of “Jamaica funk”. She is singing great tunes with a jazzy yet funky feel. Get ready for a fun night with Hope, RivaBlue and the band!!

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Sunday, July 18th: The Kevin Oliver Quartet *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! **
2021-07-18 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Born in Atlanta, Kevin Oliver, Jr, is a bandleader and saxophonist currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at The Juilliard School. Kevin started performing at the age of 11. In addition to playing traditional concerts, he also spent time busking in downtown Atlanta at sporting events, parks and street corners eager to share his gift with the world. He was inspired to keep playing by the happiness that he saw on the faces of people who stopped to listen and meet him.

While at Juilliard, Kevin has had the opportunity to play at a wide range of venues such as Peter Jay Sharp Theater, Paul Hall, Dizzy’s Club and Jazz B in Brazil. As a bandleader, Kevin has led bands at Zibas and Gallery 992 in Atlanta and in New York City at Williamsburg Music Center and at Massawa as the final guest of NADIA’s Amplified Currents festival. As a sideman, Kevin has performed with trumpeter Etienne Charles, the Mwanzi Harriott Quintet, and with Rhonda Thomas on the main stage of the 2019 Atlanta Jazz Festival.

Kevin was a part of the inaugural year of NYO Jazz directed by Sean Jones and played concerts at Carnegie Hall and across Europe alongside Dianne Reeves and a big band of some of the brightest young musicians around the country. Some notable venues on that tour included Usher Hall (Edinburgh), Royal Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), and Konzerthaus (Berlin) just to name a few. He was also selected as a YoungArts Finalist for 2019.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Kevin also performs around New York City as a standup comedian. He hosts, produces and performs on shows such as Prior to Sunset @ The Tiny Cupboard, +1 and the Juilliard Comedy Show. He was also cast as “Crying Man 1” in the Comedy Central digital sketch “What the World is Like When Your Phone Dies”. It’s safe to say he’s an incredibly unique, multitalented artist and performer who is not to be missed.

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Saturday, July 17th: Blues Legend Bruce Katz
2021-07-17 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Copyright 2009 by Marty Katz. All rights reserved. Call 410-484-3500 for clearance prior to use. Mandatory adjacent credit: Marty Katz/baltimorephotographer.com. Active link required to http://baltimorephotographer.com

“This man is as good as it gets. One of the greatest keyboard artists I’ve ever heard.” – John Hammond

Bruce Katz is a legendary keyboardist (Hammond B3 and piano) who has released 10 CDs as a leader and has appeared on nearly 70 other CDs with the likes of John Hammond, Delbert McClinton, Ronnie Earl, Butch Trucks, Duke Robillard, Little Milton, Joe Louis Walker, David “Fathead” Newman, and many, many others.

He has also had a strong musical connection with the Allman Brothers Band, having been a member of Gregg Allman’s band for six years (2007-2013), Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band (2010-2015), Butch Trucks’s Freight Train Band (2015-2017) and Les Brers. Bruce also occasionally toured with the Allman Brothers as well.

He is a seven time BMA nominee (2008, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021) for the “Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year” award, which is the equivalent of the “Blues Grammys”. He was also nominated by Living Blues Magazine for “Outstanding Musician (Keyboard)” award in 2015 and 2019. He won the 2019 BMA for “Best Acoustic Album” for “Journeys to the Heart of the Blues”, recorded with Joe Louis Walker and Giles Robson and was nominated for “Acoustic Album” award for “Solo Ride”, his solo piano CD.

His most recent albums include, “Get Your Groove!” (American Showplace Music, 2018) and his critically acclaimed solo piano CD, “Solo Ride” (American Showplace) in August of 2019.

The Bruce Katz Band is an original, very exciting group of musicians that combine Blues, “soul-jazz”, and New Orleans inspired roots music. Based in Woodstock, NY, Bruce Katz occupies a unique space where blues and the many aspects of Americana music collide into a style of original music all his own. The band has a trademark sound, blending the B3 organ and guitar in unique and inventive ways.

The Bruce Katz Band is:

Bruce Katz – Hammond B3 organ and piano

Aaron Lieberman – guitar/vocals

Ray Hangen – drums

Saturday, July 17th: Legendary Blues Artist Bruce Katz
$34.00
Buy now

Friday, July 16th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band
2021-07-16 19:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
7:00pm and 9:00pm Shows! Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart now performs TWO shows each Friday night, featuring his unique take on world music with international musicians and genre-bending selections, with NEW BAND MEMBER Madoca on keys. Come hang with us, and take a trip around the world without converting your currency or expediting your passport!

Thursday, July 15th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Andrew Black
2021-07-15 20:00 - 23:30 | 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!

Thursday, July 15th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Guitarist/Singer Andrew Black
$20.00
Buy now

Sunday, July 11th: The Alyson Williams Experience
2021-07-11 19:00 - 22:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Entrepreneur, philanthropist and radio host, are just a few of the hats renowned Harlem raisedrecording artist Alyson Williams wears. With a voice so hauntingly pure, Alyson is able totransport you to your very own utopia while effortlessly showcasing she really can do it all.

Growing up, Alyson was surrounded by and exposed to great music. Her father, celebratedJazz trumpeter and bandleader, Bobby Booker was a major influence in her life. With a passionfor performing, Alyson was inspired to study dance. Alyson first attended Marymount ManhattanCollege and later, City University of New York. Before she knew it, she became a featuredmember of the 80’s vocal group “High Fashion” on Capital Records.

Following her path of success, Alyson instantly grabbed the attention of Def Jam labelCEO, Russell Simmons and became the first female R&B artist to sign with the label. Alysonrecorded two albums on Columbia Record’s Original Black Records label. Her first album,”Raw” spent an impressive 67 weeks on the Billboard charts, matched only by Madonna’s “Likea Prayer” and went gold in the UK. Altogether, the album produced four top five singles, oneof which is the ever popular hit, “Just Call My Name.” Next, Alyson pursued Broadway andstarred in “Rollin on the TOBA,” “One Mo Time” and the “25th Anniversary Revival of the Wiz”directed and choreographed by George Fashion.

After leaving Def Jam, Alyson collaborated with Marcus Johnson and together they producedAlyson’s third solo album, “It’s About Time.” Soon after, she launched her productioncompany, A.W.P, A Woman’s Prerogative. Alyson has most recently become an on-air radiopersonality on WHCR 90.3 FM The Voice of Harlem and has featured stand-out musicalguests.

Alyson had the honor of being mentored by the late Dr. Maya Angelou. Following Dr.Angelou’s death, Alyson was asked to perform at memorials that were given in her honor.Alyson was also invited by the United States Postal Service to perform The National Anthemand The Black National Anthem with the National Color Guard as a “Forever Stamp” wasdedicated to Dr. Angelou.

Alyson has caught the attention of several other dignitaries and celebrities including FirstLady Michelle Obama, as well as Ms. Oprah Winfrey. Alyson was hand-picked by Ms. Winfrey toperform for her students visiting from Africa on their United States college tour. Other pasticonic appearances include, Soul Train, The Jay Leno Show, BET on Jazz and the Mo’niqueShow. Alyson has also appeared in Fox Searchlight Pictures, “Black Nativity” starring alongside Academy Award-winning actors Forest Whitaker, Angela Basset and JenniferHudson.

Currently, she is in the studio completing a Jazz project titled, “Summer Nights in Harlem”featuring Christian McBride. She has also had the honor of completing four new gospelsongs. Future endeavors include an exciting R&B project, house music tracks, ablues/southern soul project and a Christmas CD. Additionally, Alyson is working on launching a jewelry line as well as a line of inspirational notecards.

Blessed with an impeccable and soulful voice, Alyson is well respected by industry royaltyand fans worldwide for her innovative mind and honest lyrics. Her ambition anddetermination to create her own opportunities is precisely why she is successful, admired bymany and is the next bankable brand. Love and light, peace and blessings, miracles and musicall define the Alyson Williams experience.

Friday, July 9th: Saxophonist Deon Yates
2021-07-09 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Deon Yates began his solo career in 2009 when he competed against up and coming contemporary jazz artist from all over the United States at the Capital Jazz Challenge in Columbia, MD. Although he did not win the competition, he was named runner-up. This gave him the drive and determination to pursue his solo career further. With the exposure garnered from the competition and being called on stage to perform with Rick Braun and Richard Elliot at the Capital Jazz Festival, Deon sparked the interest of U.S. Music Enterprises, LLC. They asked Deon if they could feature his song, “Freeway,” on their “Jazz Infusion-Session 1” compilation album. The project was released on May 23, 2010 and marked the first time Deon’s music went international.Deon spent the next couple of years performing and honing his craft. Thanks to his performances at the Capital Jazz Festival, Deon became a regular fixture with the house band on the Capital Jazz Super Cruise. With that experience and exposure, you could often find Deon on stage with artists like Nick Colionne, Paul Brown, Lin Rountree, Marion Meadows and Marc Antoine to name a few.His latest project “QUINTASTIC” is the culmination of nearly 10 years of paying dues, relationship building and persistence. The word quintastic is a noun. The definition is “a person who is aged fifty or more and is still attractive and successful, especially someone famous.” This title was chosen because Deon turned 50 in June of 2018, this is his 5th solo project and there are 5 songs on the EP.
