The Velvet Note

Thursday, February 27th: Open Mic Jam
2025-02-27 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 8:00pm. Get a jump on Valentines Day! Georgia’s LONGEST-RUNNING OPEN MIC JAM is at The Velvet Note, and you are invited! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. Bring your talent, bring date, bring your instrument, bring your clapping hands, and join the fun. Often attended by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Friday, February 28th: Andre Bernard and The Groove Therapy Band
2025-02-28 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. New York-born Trumpeter and Bandleader Andre Bernard leads the Groove Therapy Band in some of the greatest ‘old school” R&B hits of all time, authored by Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire and many more. Get ready to move to the groove and have a great time!

Saturday, March 1st: CRUZ The Dame
2025-03-01 19:30 - 23:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. CRUZ The Dame is a rising recording artist and songwriter celebrated for her genre-defying music that blends the essence of old soul with a fresh, contemporary sound. Born Crystal Ashlee in Miami, Florida, and raised in Watertown, Tennessee, her musical odyssey began in the local gospel choir, inspired by legendary figures like Aretha Franklin. From the age of four, CRUZ’s dynamic voice and magnetic stage presence caught the attention of audiences and industry icons alike, including James Brown, who recognized her destined path in the spotlight.

By age nine, CRUZ’s magnetic charm and vocal prowess graced stages such as Tootsies, Bluebird Cafe, Lowe’s Hotel, and various renowned venues across the country. She made notable appearances on Atlanta’s Peachtree Morning Show, CBS Nashville, and performed regularly at Gaylord Entertainment in Opryland as part of the Gaylord Ambassadors.

Today, CRUZ The Dame stands at the forefront of a new era in entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide with her vintage music style. Her songwriting talents have been showcased in seasons two and three of the STARZ Network hit television show, BMF. Collaborating with industry luminary Demmette Guidry, CRUZ released her EP, “Modern Sounds in Rhythm & Soul Music, Volume One,” marking a significant milestone in her career. Her latest project, “Under The Covers,” is a heartfelt tribute to her favorite female country artists who inspired her musical journey. From her Americana roots to her current prominence on global stages, CRUZ’s story embodies resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of music.

Sunday, March 2nd: Sunday Night Blues Starring The ATL Blues Cartel
2025-03-02 19:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIME: Doors open at 7pm. Music from 7:30pm – 10pm. The Atlanta area’s only fully-invitational blues jam session kicks off this month at The Velvet Note! The killah house band is comprised of blues band leaders from across the wide, all performing together and tearin’ it up. This is pre-workweek pick-me-up you’ve been waiting and hoping for.

Thursday, March 6th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Nijah Poteat
2025-03-06 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 8:00pm. Georgia’s LONGEST-RUNNING OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM is at The Velvet Note, and you are invited! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Tonight is special– with a full cast of characters in our house band, including host Nijah Poteat! Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. Bring your talent, bring date, bring your instrument, bring your clapping hands, and join the fun. Often attended by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Friday, March 7th: Mahogany--The Karl Antoine Trio
2025-03-07 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Karl Antoine is a Grammy-nominated musician and producer with over 20 years of experience in the music industry. After receiving an associate’s degree from Miami-Dade College, Karl migrated to Atlanta to pursue a career as a musician and producer. His first big break came when a song he created was placed on a then Teddy Riley produced group, Men Of Vision. Although he wasn’t properly credited on the album, this experience gave him the confidence to realize his musical talents were on par with the rest of the music industry. Karl went on to work with Charlie Wilson, Nivea, TLC, and J. Holiday, to name a few. He has also played keys for artists such as Maysa, Peabo Bryson, and TLC, among many others.

Also starring Eric “Sir Bucket” Solomon (drums) and Aaron Clay (bass)

Saturday, March 8th: Cafe Au Lait
2025-03-08 19:30 - 23:00
Cafè Au Lait is a vibrant and dynamic music collective that effortlessly blends genres to create a unique and captivating sound. The New Orleans-grown, Atlanta based group specializes in original and classic arrangements of R&B, Soul, Rock, Funk, Afro-Reggae and Jazz tunes.

Our mission is to bring people of all creeds and colors together with our infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. During a time in which violence, ignorance, and stress are killing us, music brings us together regardless of our differences, to dance, be free, and heal our community.

Cafe Au Lait’s show is crafted to be dynamic, stirring, and energetic! With soulful vocalists and a funky rhythm section, Cafè Au Lait takes listeners on an emotive and transformative musical adventure, evoking a range of feelings from blissful euphoria to bittersweet nostalgia.

Sunday, March 9th: Sunday Night Blues, Starring The ATL Blues Cartel!
2025-03-09 19:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIME: Doors open at 7pm. Music from 7:30pm – 10:30pm. The Atlanta area’s only fully-invitational blues jam session kicks off this month at The Velvet Note! The killah house band is comprised of blues band leaders from across the wide, all performing together and tearin’ it up. This is pre-workweek pick-me-up you’ve been waiting and hoping for.

Thursday, March 13th: Open Mic Jam!
2025-03-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday and Saturday, March 14th & 15th: Joe Granden's Chet Baker Sings!
2025-03-14 19:30 - 2025-03-15 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Chet Baker was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist. He is known for major innovations in cool jazz that led him to be nicknamed the “Prince of Cool”. Baker earned much attention and critical praise through the 1950s, particularly for albums featuring his vocals: Chet Baker Sings (1954) The similarities between Baker and Atlanta Jazz icon Joe Gransden are haunting. Join us for an exclusive, romantic evening of Gransden’s translation of Chet Baker’s seminal work.

Sunday, March 16th: Trio Incognito
2025-03-16 18:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. David Bixler is the leader of TRIO INCOGNITO and a renowned alto saxophonist, composer, and educator who has recently

revitalized his career with the release of three new recordings: In the Face of Chaos (2019),

Blended Lineage (2020), and Inside the Grief (2020). His latest work, THE LANGSTON

HUGHES PROJECT vol. 1, is a unique compilation of music inspired by the poetry of

Langston Hughes, which has been highly praised by PARIS-MOVE as “a touch of genius.”

Having moved to New York City (NYC) three decades ago, Bixler honed his musical skills

touring the world with the big bands of Lionel Hampton and Toshiko Akioshi. He later became

part of the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band, playing a decade-long residency of Sunday

evenings at Birdland and winning a LATIN GRAMMY for the recording, Final Night at

Birdland.

However, a personal family tragedy, a traumatic brain injury suffered by his youngest son, led

Bixler to change his priorities over the past decade. This shift in priorities and perspective is

reflected in his recent creative works.

For the recording In the Face of Chaos, Bixler assembled pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Ike Sturm

and percussionist Rogerio Boccato who are sensitive interpreters of Bixler’s music. Their

combined effort produces music that is challenging for the listener without being afraid to

embrace beauty. In All About Jazz, Dan Bilawsky writes “In the Face of Chaos marks a re-

emergence, if not a complete artistic rebirth, for David Bixler. It serves as a true inspiration,

drawing beauty from pain, and peace from personal struggle . . . In the face of chaos, with

Bixler's knowing horn leading the way, wisdom and wonder win out.”

Blended Lineage, a four-movement work for nine musicians was included in Jay Miller’s Best of

2020 in The Patriot Ledger. The recording features trumpeter Mike Rodriguez, pianist Jon

Cowherd, along with a string quartet. Marco Cangiano, writing about Bixler’s playing in New

York City Jazz Record states, “There is no rush, no instance on patterns, just the careful choice

of the right note and an unusual openness to what the other musicians have to say.”

Besides his work as a musician, Bixler also hosts a podcast called LINER NOTES with David

Bixler, where he holds conversations with other jazz musicians. He serves as Director of Jazz

Studies at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. As a Selmer and Vandoren

Artist, he also works as a clinician and performer worldwide.

Thursday, March 20th: Open Mic Jam
2025-03-20 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 8:00pm. Georgia’s LONGEST-RUNNING OPEN MIC JAM is at The Velvet Note, and you are invited! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Tonight is special– with a full cast of characters in our house band, including host Nijah Poteat! Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. Bring your talent, bring date, bring your instrument, bring your clapping hands, and join the fun. Often attended by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Friday, March 21st: The Misha Stefanuk Group
2025-03-21 07:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY! 7:30PM. The Misha Stefanuk Group represents the culmination of years of musical evolution, tracing its lineage through legendary piano trios from Nashville’s Mooseknows to Atlanta’s Sargent Caldwell Stefanuk. This ensemble not only delivers an entertaining experience but also deepens our appreciation for music as a vital and profound human endeavor.

At the helm is Misha Stefanuk, a renowned jazz and classical pianist, organist, and composer whose dynamic presence has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With over a hundred TV credits to his name, including appearances on Good Morning America and One Life to Live, Stefanuk’s versatility and mastery across diverse musical styles have made him a highly sought-after performer and composer.

Joining Stefanuk are two accomplished musicians: Alex Blumenthaler, a seasoned upright bassist with over two decades of experience performing with various jazz combos and big bands across the United States, and Dan Callender, a skilled drummer who has been a fixture in Detroit and Atlanta’s jazz and funk scenes since the early 1990s, with a particular passion for intimate combo settings.

Together, the Misha Stefanuk Group continues to push the boundaries of musical expression, inviting audiences to join them on a captivating journey through sound. Keep the music going!

Saturday, March 22nd: Saxophonist Dee Lucas--Twenty Tour
2025-03-22 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. International recording artist, saxophonist Dee Lucas has reached a monumental landmark celebrating 20 years as a recording artist / entrepreneur who so happens to own his master catalog of music. As much as he is a visionary, Dee never thought he would see 20 years of longevity in this tough and competitive music industry. But after releasing 10 charting albums internationally as an independent artist and touring across the country as a performer, he is still here.

The journey continues with a brand new album “TWENTY” and the hot new title track single

featuring 20+ number one hit making sensation Michael Broening.

“TWENTY” is a pure reflection of Dee Lucas’s consistency of the PAST, fresh ideas and

staying power to the PRESENT, and his optimism of the FUTURE.

Sunday, March 23rd: Sunday Night Blues Starring The ATL Blues Cartel
2025-03-23 19:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Thursday, March 27th: Open Mic Jam
2025-03-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday, March 28th: Breakout Star Nijah Poteat
2025-03-28 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Please join us for an encore performance to remember! Nijah Poteat is a professional singer-songwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from North Carolina, she studied music and creative writing at the UNC Chapel Hill, class of 2024. Her love for singing and the arts is a family inheritance, passed down from her mother. She considers her influences to be gospel, jazz and R&B.

Saturday, March 29th: Smooth Jazz Flutist Darryl Evan Jones
2025-03-29 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Darryl Evan Jones brings the unique instrument’s classic vibe, rich melodic and harmonic possibilities to a new generation. The multi-talented performer fully embraces his artistic spirit with a style that reflects the many different sides of his unique musical personality – a style he calls “Instrumental Soul”.

Sunday, March 30th: Sunday Night Blues Starring The ATL Blues Cartel
2025-03-30 19:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Saturday, April 5th: Trent Patten and Louis Heriveaux
2025-04-05 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Louis Heriveaux is the first-call pianist for many notable musicians such as Jimmy Heath and Ralph Peterson, to name a few. After being impressed by Louis’ musical integrity in his approach to Jazz piano, Donald Brown immediately called Kenny Garrett, and referred Louis to him, for upcoming, gigs. Louis has appeared as a member of The Russell Gunn Quartet, featuring vocalist Dionne Farris. Louis’ name is becoming more and more familiar to the top names in Jazz as he continues to appear on the local Jazz scene in Atlanta, as well as on the national and international Jazz scene.

Born and raised in Minnesota, multi-instrumentalist Trent Patten was introduced to music at a young age. Both his parents being musicians, it was natural for him to have an interest in music. Trent started playing the trumpet when he was 10, but didn’t have an interest in jazz until he was 17 when he attended the Hilton Head Jazz Camp. It was here that he met some of his mentors and friends that really inspired him to make others feel inspired through music, as they did to him. Around this time, Trent moved to the Southeast area where he started becoming very active in the local music scene, going out to see music and meet musicians and playing gigs wherever he could.

During this time he played with countless jazz musicians such as Kevin Bales and Joe Gransden. He has also opened for very well known jazz musicians, such as Arturo Sandoval, Monty Alexander, the Count Basie Orchestra and Quentin Baxter. After a couple years of living here, he decided to study trumpet at Coastal Carolina University with Dr. Matthew White. After spending a year there, he had an opportunity to study in Atlanta at Georgia State University with Dr. Gordon Vernick. Trent now lives in Atlanta and has been playing all around the city reaching people with his music wherever he can.

Sunday, April 6th: Sunday Night Blues Starring The ATL BLues Cartel
2025-04-06 19:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Thursday, April 10th: Open Mic Jam
2025-04-10 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday and Saturday, April 11th & 12th: 2024 Winner of International Blues Challenge-- Joe Waters
2025-04-11 19:30 - 2025-04-12 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Joe Waters is a multitalented musician out of Dayton, Ohio who plays blues, funk, folk and Americana music. Joe is a singer and a songwriter. He writes original music and her lso pays homage to original blues artist by signing old blues standards and deep cuts.

His love for playing music started when he was 5 years old after his parents bought him a harmonica from the Cracker Barrel gift shop. Joe dedicated himself to learning not only the harmonica but the guitar, drums, jaw-harp and vocals and as well.

This talented and skilled young man has poured his heart and soul into his music for past 20+ years, and he has received well-deserved acknowledgment for his hard work and dedication. He has taken first place in two major Blues Music Contests:

*** First Place Winner, 2022 Telluride Blues Challenge in Telluride, Colorado

*** First Place Winner, 2024 International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee

Sunday, April 13th: The Kate McGarry Quartet
2025-04-13 18:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. With 8 critically acclaimed albums and 3 GRAMMY nominations, vocalist Kate McGarry is recognized as a jazz artist who brings authenticity and vitality to every song regardless of genre. The Wall St. Journal calls her music, “austere and elegant, an exceptionally appealing blend of folk and jazz.” The New York Times pronounced her singing, “astute and sensitive.” She has toured and recorded with jazz illuminati Fred Hersch, Kurt Elling, Maria Schneider, John Hollenbeck, Billy Childs, Luciana Souza, Theo Bleckmann, and TONY Award Winner Jason Robert Brown.

During her decade in NYC, McGarry served as a Lincoln Center Teaching Artist, U.S. State Department Jazz Ambassador, and Jazz Arts faculty member at The Manhattan School of Music. Downbeat’s 2016 Critics Poll named McGarry the #1 Rising Star Female Jazz Vocalist. She has been featured on iconic NPR shows such as Jazz Set w/DeeDee Bridgwater, Piano Jazz w/Marion McPartland, All Things Considered, as well as a host of nationally syndicated radio shows.

Thursday, April 17th: Open Mic Jam and Sheila's Birthday!
2025-04-17 20:00 - 23:00
ONE SHOW ONLY: 8:00pm. The Velvet Note’s Most Popular Guest Server is having a birthday, and YOU ARE INVITED! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Tonight is special– with a full cast of characters in our house band, including host Nijah Poteat! Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. Also, help us celebrate Sheila’s Birthday! Bring your talent, bring date, bring your instrument, bring your clapping hands, and join the fun. Often attended by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Friday & Saturday, April 18th and 19th:
2025-04-18 19:30 - 2025-04-19 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Award-winning singer and actress Toni Byrd pays delivers an unforgettable performance in remembrance of GRAMMY-Winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack, who passed away on February 24, 2025. Fans and admirers join us for this iconic artist’s work, beautifully translated by Toni and her band. Laugh, cry, sing along….join us for a musical remembrance of Roberta Flack. Also starring Rod Harris, Jr. (guitar), Maury Allums (piano) and Charles Nesbitt, III (drums).

Thursday, April 24th: Open Mic Jam
2025-04-24 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday, April 25th: The Piano Bar Sessions
2025-04-25 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. With Xina, Misha Stefanuk and Andre Manga. This is what the weekend is all about. Finish work and dive into your favorite cocktail in your favorite little jazz club, transformed into a piano bar. Live music, a piano player and a saucy singer are some of the most treasured elements of the entertainment world, and we’ve got it! Pianist Misha Stefanuk, Bassist Andre Manga and Singer Xina. Join us!

Saturday, April 26th: Trumpeter Yamin Mustafa
2025-04-26 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Yamin Mustafa is an accomplished musician/stage performer and proud Sinfonian. He’s had the pleasure of working with some of the greats in film and music, and he’s loved the time he had teaching music at a special needs, literacy school in Hollywood, Florida.

Adding to his collection of film, discography, stage performances and teaching, He is currently touring with the BBKing Allstars, Drumline Live, Blackhat Music and his own band ‘The Order’.

Sunday, April 27th: The JAS Quartet
2025-04-27 19:00 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY– 7:00 pm! James was born December 28 1953 in New York. He started studying piano at the age of 8 at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. He’s been a professional musician for over 45 years and have composed music for television, films, theater, dance and have performed concerts and club dates in North America, South America, Europe and Asia both solo and with numerous groups ranging in styles from jazz, rock, pop, classical, early, new-age and blue-grass. He has recently composed and arranged music for several biopic films about early jazz and rock performers.
