The Velvet Note

Sunday, July 21st: The Life and Music of Elvin Jones
2024-07-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 7:00pm. Was Elvin Jones really REAL? In our 14th season of Legends of Jazz, Justin Varnes and his Jazz Legacy Project will guide guests–in engaging, narrative form– through the life of this legendary drummer and member of John Coltrane’s band. It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time.

Oh, and they’ll also play their behinds off!

Saturday, July 20th: Celebrity Actress and Singer Michole Brianna White
2024-07-20 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM.

Michole Briana White currently stars in the Starz hit series Black Mafia Family and is proud to be in the final season of ATLANTA Episode 4, “LightSkinned-ed” for FX.

Michole has performed with the LA Philharmonic at Disney Concert Hall, The Wilshire Ebell & the Ford Theatre LA. She licenses her music for film and television and her vocals were featured on the Daytime Emmys. She has also performed at several festivals including The Long Beach Jazz Festival. She will soon be releasing a single and is working on a new EP. One of the highlights in her career was playing the iconic Lena Horn on stage in When Jazz Had the Blues at the Matrix theatre LA.

Michole starred in James Wan’s film Malignant, as well as GOLIATH, DEAD TO ME, Dr. Dre’s VITAL SIGNS, the Gotham Award winning web series THE STRANGE EYES of DR. MYES and is co-creator of its upcoming sequel. She was a series regular on 100 CENTER STREET (dir. Sydney Lumet,) in 25th HOUR and SHE HATE ME (dir. Spike Lee) and starred in Ava Duvernay’s first feature I WILL FOLLOW. Her theatrical credits include the original Off Broadway production of August Wilson’s JITNEY. For more information, visit @micholewhite IG, Micholebrianawhite.com. Her vocals were also featured in the title song of Reed Between the Lines and she has self-produced two EP’s as lead vocalist and song writer.

Also featuring Clarence “T-Lee” Hill (keys) and Lil John Roberts (drums)!

Friday, July 19th: RivaBlue's Birthday Bash with Special Guests!
2024-07-19 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Born Gwen Redding, a Washington,D.C. native, during early childhood her parents moved the family to small town Long Branch, NJ to raise them. Upon graduating from high school, Gwen made the move back to hometown Washington, D.C. to attend the University of the District of Columbia earning a degree in Mass Communications. Her first radio gig was in 1980 at UDC’s student operated station, WUDC where she served writing copy, performed production assistant duties, voice overs and did fill ins for other air talents.Rivablue can be heard weekdays from 10am to 2pm on 91.9 FM WCLK, Atlanta’s Jazz Station. Shortly thereafter, Gwen made the transition to the major station at UDC, 90.1 FM WBCU which had a jazz format. Jazz music was Gwen’s love at first listen for she got to play music from straight ahead jazz artists like Art Blakey, George Benson, Houston Person, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, the entire Marsalis family and others.

“Midday Jazz” on weekdays from 10am to 2pm on 91.9 FM WCLK, Atlanta’s Jazz Station.

Thursday, July 18th: Open Mic Jam!
2024-07-18 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. 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. Hosted by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Sunday, July 14th: A Special Evening With Actor & Singer Keith David *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-07-14 18:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. Join us for a very special evening with the Voice of a Generation! Keith David, born and raised in New York City, is a classically-trained graduate of the New York High School of the Performing Arts and The Juilliard School. His work has earned him Screen Actors Guild and Tony Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award, and three Emmy Awards.

A frequent collaborator with documentarian Ken Burns, David won his three Emmys for his voice-over performances in Jackie Robinson, A Necessary War, and Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johsnon. David has also enthralled viewers with his vocal talents in animated works such as The Princess and the Frog, Rick and Morty, Gargoyles, and the Prime Video hit series, Hazbin Hotel.

David recently appeared in Cord Jefferson’s Oscar-winning film, American Fiction, Jordan Peele’s Nope, and is also known for his prolific work in films such as 21 Bridges, Crash, There’s Something About Mary, and many more. On the small screen, David recently finished Duster, a new series from JJ Abrams, and The Gray House, produced by Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman; completed five seasons starring as Bishop James Greenleaf in Greenleaf on the OWN Network; and has been featured on series such as Blackish and Community.

True to his reputation as a star of stage and screen, David starred as Floyd Barton in Seven Guitars, was nominated for a Tony for his role as Chimney Man in Jelly’s Last Jam, and has toured with Too Marvelous for Words, playing the legendary Nat King Cole.

Saturday, July 13th : Master Drummer Sonny Emory
2024-07-13 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOW TIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Drummer for Earth, Wind and Fire & Eric Clapton makes a rare club appearance! Sonny Emory is a native of Atlanta who received his first drum set at the age of four. After graduating from Georgia State University with a Bachelor in Jazz Performance, Sonny began his transition into becoming a professional drummer playing with Joe Sample and the Crusaders. With over 30 years of live performance and studio work behind him, Sonny maintains a busy schedule in the music industry and is highly regarded in the business.

Though probably best known for his groundbreaking drumming with Earth, Wind, and Fire; Sonny has performed with a virtual “who’s who” in pop and jazz music including Stanley Clarke, David Sanborn, Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Boz Scaggs. He is also known for innovative visual effects during live performances that include exciting stick-twirling and back-sticking techniques. As a World Renowned Drummer and Grammy Award Winner, Sonny is considered to be one of the greatest drummers to have come along in a while. His proficiency and style have awarded him the opportunity to record on platinum status albums such as the B52s’ Cosmic Thing and Steely Dan’s Grammy award winning Two against Nature.

While Sonny is in high demand as a touring musician for what he delivers during live performances, he is equally in demand for studio work. He is a former member of the legendary group Earth, Wind, and Fire, having held down the drum seat for thirteen years. Sonny has additionally played with artist that include Bruce Hornsby, Jennifer Lopez, Lee Ritenour, Bette Midler, Steely Dan and he is currently touring with Eric Clapton.

Friday, July 12th: Guitarist, Singer and Motown Songwriter Wali Ali
2024-07-12 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30 and 9:30pm. The Velvet Note is pleased to welcome Wali Ali for his first performance on our stage! Wali Ali grew up in Nebraska, but joined Motown at age 17 and recorded, toured, and wrote for the top acts.

Wali was lead Guitarist The Temptations, Eddie Kendricks, Teena Marie, Rick James & Patrice Rushen just to name a few. Wali Ali has toured as guitarist with Marvin Gaye, The Jacksons. Aretha Franklin, and the Undisputed Truth. During his tenure as musical director of the world famous “Cotton Club”, Wali was dubbed the “Minister of Music”.

In the late 70s he recorded few songs for Jobete Music Co under the direction of Brian Holland & Edward Holland Jr. One of them is entitled “(Oh I) need your loving” and is included on the album “Yesterday, Today, Forever” which was released on Jobette Music Co in 1980.

He played guitar for Marvin Gaye on the album released in 1978. He sang as a backing vocalist for Norman Connors on the album Invitation in 1979. Also he sang together with Patrice Rushen on the song “Never Gonna Give You Up (Won’t Let You Be)“ included on her Posh album from 1980.

The same year Lamont Dozier formed the soul group Zingara. Lamont Dozier found a trio of singers, James Ingram , Lady Bianca and Wali Ali. About Wali, Lamont Dozier explains: “He was better known around the LA session circuit for his guitar playing than his singing. But he is a fantastic singer, so underrated when you think how feted he is for his guitar work. Zingara recorded one of the best sweet modern soul albums ever on Wheel Records.

Thursday, July 11th: Open Mic Jam
2024-07-11 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Sunday, July 7th: Saxophonist Dwan Bosman's Encore Celebration ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! WALK-UPS WELCOMED!!! *****
2024-07-07 18:30 - 20:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIME: 6:30pm. Dwan Bosman was born in Ft. Myers, Florida, and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, and Atlanta, Georgia. Dwan began what has become a career in music when he was in elementary school. His first instrument was the clarinet. Under the tutelage of his late grandfather Lloyd Smith, his father Dwight Bosman and his uncle Dwayne Bosman Dwan (The Bosman Twins) has been privileged to get the best hands on training in classical, and jazz improvisational techniques. He later focused his training entirely on the saxophone. Dwan has also trained under various instructors in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. As an accomplished saxophonist Dwan has performed with various national, and local Gospel, and Jazz artists. Blessed with natural musical talent Dwan is known as one of Atlanta’s most talented Jazz/Gospel Saxophonists.

Saturday, July 6th: Trumpeter Trent Patten
2024-07-06 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. 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.

Trent Patten: Trumpet

Patrick Arthur: Guitar

Ramon Pooser: Bass

Kinah Boto: Drums

Friday, July 5th: Climate Change Starring Master Percussionist Bradie Speller
2024-07-05 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Climate Change is the new sound in what was called Jazz but now in the 21st century is #SocialMusic. The group is comprised of top flight performing & recording artists who have track records with stars like Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, India.Aire, KEM, Billy Joel and many more. The band is released their first album “Beams of Light” comprised of 11 original compositions, loaded with powerfully funky rhythms, searing violin, guitar and saxophone solos and music dedicated to social interaction, and they are the brink of releasing their second album this year.

Thursday, July 4th: Closed for Independence Day
2024-07-04 08:00 - 17:00

Sunday, June 30th: Casen Alesi and Misha Stefanuk-- A Night of Vibraphone and Piano
2024-06-30 19:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 7:00pm Experience the electrifying synergy of Misha Stefanuk and Casen Alesi in an extraordinary jazz duo concert. With Misha’s five decades of piano mastery and Casen’s versatile prowess on the vibraphone, this duo promises a night of captivating music.

Misha, a GRAMMY-voting member, television composer, and best-selling author, brings his rich background from the Moscow Conservatory, Belmont College, and Boston University to the stage. His music, influenced by legends like Keith Jarrett, seamlessly fuses classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.

Casen, a multifaceted percussionist, has wowed audiences of all kinds whether it be in prestigious orchestras or his professional jazz groups, and has collaborated with the industry’s finest such as ELEW and Joseph Alessi just to name a few. His dynamic performances, from orchestral settings to jazz bands and musical theater, showcase his exceptional talent and versatility.

Don’t miss the chance to witness these two acclaimed musicians create magic live on stage. Secure your tickets now for a performance that will leave you spellbound!

Saturday, June 29th: Quintin Gerard W. ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-06-29 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. FROM THE BEGINNING: A native of Norco, Louisiana, Quintin Gerard W. attended Destrehan High School, where his formidable musical talent earned him a place in numerous concert and jazz honor bands in Louisiana and the New Orleans area. Awarded a music scholarship at Loyola University of New Orleans, he studied Jazz Music Performance and Education and had the opportunity to study from jazz master Ellis Marsalis. In 1989 Quintin Gerard W. moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue a career of becoming a Professional Saxophonist and Recording Artist. While in Los Angeles, CA Quintin Gerard W. had the opportunity to perform and record with notable and top selling artist in both Jazz and R&B. Charlie Wilson, Kenny Garrett, Jeff Lorber, Club Nouveau, Dave Koz, Chaka Khan, Najee, & Rick James are just a few notable artists Quintin Gerard W. has either recorded or performed live with during his time in Los Angeles. Quintin Gerard W. also recorded T.V. Commercials such as Levi Strauss, Estee Lauder, Sears/Kenmore., the T.V. Movie “Here Comes The Munsters Halloween Special,” in which Quintin Gerard W. was the featured soloist, and the opening theme for B.E.T.’s Comic View! Quintin Gerard W. is also a member of the original award winning San Diego based Jazz Fusion Group Under The Lake, which has multiple CD releases to date as well!

In 2003 Quintin relocated back to his original roots in Louisiana to resume and complete his undergraduate collegiate studies. In 2007 Quintin Gerard W. graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration/Management. As a result of his effort and studies at SLU, Quintin was accepted into the Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization and The National Scholars Honor Society for his outstanding academic and personal achievements.

Quintin Gerard W. is a voting member of the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (N.A.R.A.S.), more commonly known or referred to as “The Grammy’s.” Quintin Gerard W. is also a FAA licensed Private and Drone pilot who enjoys the freedom of flying to remote destinations that are inaccessible to commercial airline travel.

Friday, June 28th: Jayson Tipp
2024-06-28 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Keyboard player Jayson Tipp founded Under The Lake nearly 30 years ago. Over the past three decades Under The Lake has garnered many notable accomplishments across their 6 releases: Dive In (1993), Up For Air (1996), People Together (2007) and Jazz, Groove & Attitude (2018), Your Horizon Too (2020) and their latest Old Friends, New Grooves (2021). The band’s credits include live performances with a “who’s who” list of jazz artists such as Joe Sample, Billy Cobham, Keiko Matsui, Stanley Jordan, and others with appearances at venues such as the PDX Jazz Festival, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, Maui Music Festival, Newport Beach Jazz Festival, KIFM Smooth Jazz Festival, the Coach House and the House of Blues. Now, 30 years after the first Under The Lake album was released, Tipp is launching his solo career with a new album entitled “Table For One”. For the first track from the forthcoming album Tipp reached out to accomplished saxophonist / producer Darren Rahn. Together Rahn and Tipp crafted “Groove Together” the first single launching Tipp’s new career as a solo artist.

Thursday, June 27th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-06-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Saturday, June 22nd: The Larry Wilson Quartet **** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-06-22 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM & 9:30PM. LARRY WILSON is a Cleveland, Ohio native but grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He began his love affair with music at the tender age of 3—playing the drums in church. He began his formal education in music at Landon Middle School for the Performing Arts, later Lavilla Middle School of the Arts. He attended high school at the prestigious Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and went on to attend the Florida State School of Music where he majored in Jazz Studies.

Larry has shared his gift of music abroad, visiting the countries of Spain, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Bahamas, and more. He has also performed with many notable Jazz musicians and artists; some of which include Theo Crocker, Jamison Ross, Marcus Roberts, and many more. He has also appeared with remarkable artists in other genres such as Jennifer Holiday, Kirk Franklin, and Tye Tribbett.

Across his career, Larry has released over 40 albums, two of which have been considered for first-round GRAMMYs. Today, in addition to his work as a producer, headliner and jam-session leader, he is the Founder and leader of the 22-piece Black Gold Orchestra.

Friday, June 21st: Singer and Actress Toni Byrd
2024-06-21 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Toni Byrd is a world class recording artist, songwriter and one of the most unforgettable and versatile vocal artists around. In addition to all of her credits, add actress to her impressive list. Currently based in Atlanta, the Native Memphian was cast in a primary role, playing the character “Ida Belle” in the movie, “Lawless,” an American crime drama film directed by John Hillcoat with screenplay by Nick Cave and starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Guy Pierce, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowksa, Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman. Byrd recorded background vocals for the TV series pilot, “Still The King”, starring Billy Ray Cyrus and in December of 2016, under the historical Obama Administration, performed at the White House Tour. Byrd is the first female vocalist to perform at the legendary Pinewood Atlanta Studios (known for James Bond, Marvel and Pirates of the Caribbean movies) in 2014 for the kickoff gala celebrating the New American location in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Byrd began her professional career in music in 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee. Her father, Lionel Byrd, who was a member of a 60’s musical group, The 4 Kings in Memphis Tennessee, did not restrict her to one genre of music. Byrd listened to gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, American Funk and Country Music. Byrd recalls hearing opera singer, Leontyne Price, singing in a commercial for the United Negro College Fund. “While growing up I never knew there were African American opera singers and found myself imitating the richness and clarity of this beautiful woman’s voice.” Byrd’s other influences include singers, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Roberta Flack, Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Maysa, Yolanda Adams, Andre Crouch and The Hawkins Family, to mention a few. “I am thankful to my father and to those amazing icons who helped influence my early musical development and helped me find my own voice.”

Thursday, June 20th: CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE EVENT
2024-06-20 17:00 - 22:00

Sunday, June 16th: Father's Day with The Incomparable Unknown Lyric
2024-06-16 18:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. The melodious hybridization of a world class philharmonic orchestra along with the thumping grooves of Outkast with the kinetic energy of Michael Jackson, Unknown Lyric is a force to be reckoned with. Jeremiah Turner on acoustic guitar and Kevin Grayson on violin, their sound mimics nothing you have heard before and can best be described as a classical fusion. Founded in 2009, Unknown Lyric has been progressive in the promotion of how music and live instrumentation can transcend and transport the listeners to another place. They won the acclaimed Amateur Night at the world renowned Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Along with playing the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival and Tedx. One of their biggest accomplishments was playing for media mogul Oprah Winfrey for the cast luncheon of her HBO movie The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Get ready for The incomparable Unknown Lyric.!

Saturday, June 15th: LAVAHI LIVE! *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-06-15 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
With Clarence Hill (piano/keys), Kelly McCarty (bass) and GRAMMY-Winner Robert Boone (drums).

SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. LAVAHI is a talented neo-soul and jazz-crossover vocalist who won the hearts of The Velvet Note audiences as the winner of the Open Mic Competition and her full-length performance. She has been actively developing her artistry via performing, songwriting, and recording since 2010. In the process, she has worked with an eclectic range of artists and produced noteworthy collaborative projects; and her original music videos have garnered positive attention. Her list of credits includes “Hold On,” the widely successful sing release from jazz vocalist Lori Williams and “Rest Assured,” a feature on Hospital Records’ drum and bass tribute compilation ‘Med School: Graduation.’ “Hold On” (featuring the legendary “Jamaica Funk” Tom Browne, topped the UK Soul Charts for weeks since its release, while “Rest Assured” made waves on the UK Electronic charts.

LAVAHI also produces, plays flute and piccolo, and arranges. She has added her unique sound to national and international projects in genres varying from rap to film scores to alternative. LAVAHI loves the studio and feels most natural when recording independently; but her second home is the collaborative live performance of the stage. She has been featured at venues such as The Atlanta Jazz Festival, Bethesda Blues and Jazz, Blues Alley, City Winery, Jazz in the Alley, Kat’s Café, Porter-Sanford III, St. James Live, The Velvet Note, and more, and she has even stepped into the world of musical theatre.

LAVAHI is building a platform to nourish the heart and mind, empathize our human experiences, and vibe together. As a daughter of jazz, the culture heavily informs her ideology and influences her sound. Acrobatic scatting, compelling chords, and the art of improvisation evoke that classic traditional aesthetic and set her contemporary sound apart from the norm of mainstream neo-soul, hip hop, and R&B. Whether through performance in music, in writing, or in academic spaces, LAVAHI allows her own vulnerability to cultivate the vibe and create a safe space, internally and externally, for those sharing the experience with her.

Friday, June 14th: Saxophonist Dwan Bosman's BIG 50th Birthday! *** SERIOUSLY SOLD OUT!! SERIOUSLY SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-06-14 19:30 - 23:00
ONE SHOW ONLY: 7:30. Dwan Bosman is one of our favorite musicians, and we are proud to help him celebrate 50 years in STYLE! Oh…and there shall be CAKE!

Dwan Bosman was born in Ft. Myers, Florida, and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, and Atlanta, Georgia. Dwan began what has become a career in music when he was in elementary school. His first instrument was the clarinet. Under the tutelage of his late grandfather Lloyd Smith, his father Dwight Bosman and his uncle Dwayne Bosman Dwan (The Bosman Twins) has been privileged to get the best hands on training in classical, and jazz improvisational techniques. He later focused his training entirely on the saxophone. Dwan has also trained under various instructors in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. As an accomplished saxophonist Dwan has performed with various national, and local Gospel, and Jazz artists. Blessed with natural musical talent Dwan is known as one of Atlanta’s most talented Jazz/Gospel Saxophonists.

Thursday, June 13th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-06-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
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. Hosted by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Friday and Saturday, June 7th & 8th: The Legendary Billy Harper
2024-06-07 19:30 - 2024-06-08 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
In his early recordings and performances with leaders such as Art Blakey, Lee Morgan, Max Roach, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Randy Weston and Gil Evans, during the 60s and 70s, the now-legendary Billy Harper already had a massive sound on the tenor saxophone, combining John Coltrane’s spiraling intensity with a bluesy brawn that pointed back to his Texas origins. Now, half a century he has been performing his original music with the renowned Billy Harper Quintet all over the globe, and recording over a dozen albums as a leader and prolific composer.

Harper’s authority has only grown with age: a half-century on, he stands as one of the most commanding horn men on the planet, a pillar of stirring post-bop jazz whose robust back catalog seems long overdue for rediscovery.

Thursday, June 6th: Open Mic Jam
2024-06-06 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Sunday, June 2nd: The Lives and Music of Billy Eckstine and Jimmy Scott
2024-06-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY @ 7:00pm. Legends of Jazz Series presents a celebration of the music of Billy Eckstine and Jimmy Scott.

Justin Varnes and his quartet will guide guests–in engaging, narrative form– through the life of these jazz legends, as well as the impact that he had on the legacy on the genre. It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time.

Oh, and they’ll also play their behinds off!

Saturday, June 1st: Jazz Torch Singer Kayte Burgess
2024-06-01 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Kayte Burgess began her musical Journey in her Hometown of Toronto, Canada. At the age of 12 she began studying Piano and Opera at the Royal Conservatory of Music. It wasn’t long before she fell in love with Jazz. She graduated from Humber College in Toronto with a BA in Jazz Theory,Arranging and Performing.

Once she graduated College, Kayte spent the next 3 years touring with various bands, as a vocalist and keyboard player playing every genre from Jazz to Pop. She travelled to Dubai, South Africa, Hong Kong, England And all across North America, After releasing two independent albums in Canada she discovered she had developed a substantial career as a solo artist, receiving a lot of radio play and publicity for her most successful album “Checked Baggage”. Her latest album called “For The Love “ displays all of the different genres of music that she loves.

Kayte relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in 2007 where she became a founding member of one of the top party bands “Simply Irresistible ” a very successful band that travels all across the world performing. Kayte can also be seen performing in various venues in Atlanta including Center Stage, Centennial Park, Blue Martini, St James Live, and The Perfect Note

Kayte has performed with the likes of Al Green, Lionel Ritchie, Mary J Blige, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Tyler Perry

She has been seen in Tyler Perry’s “I Can do Bad all by myself “ singing behind Mary J Bilge, and was also seen in the First Season of Braxton Family Values with Toni Braxton.

With a long standing professional performance career, and a deep love for music, Kayte enjoys each and every moment she gets to touch a stage.

Friday, May 31st: Misha Stefanuk Solo
2024-05-31 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Misha Stefanuk invites you to be a part of music history.

This unique concert showcases Stefanuk’s unparalleled skills in unscripted piano improvisation, and a rare opportunity to witness the creation of a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

A GRAMMY-voting member, television composer, and best-selling author, Misha has been playing piano for over fifty years. He holds Bachelors degrees from Moscow Conservatory and Belmont College in Nashville, as well as a Masters in Music from Boston University. His music combines classical, jazz and other genres in the tradition of Keith Jarrett.

He says, “An unscripted life and an unscripted performance is about as scary as you can get. It can cripple you, or it can give you superpowers. But at least you have no regrets regarding what you did not do. “

Join Misha on this extraordinary musical journey and immerse yourself in the raw emotion and unfiltered creativity of a master musician at the height of his powers.

Thursday, May 30th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-05-30 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Saturday, May 25: J Staton
2024-05-25 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30 AND 9:30. James Staton, popularly known as J is a National Recording Artist, Saxophonist, Writer, and Producer from Chesapeake, Virginia who has managed to create a sound that strikes a tasteful balance between polishedness and honest rawness.

While there’s an undeniable smoothness to his rhythmic flow, his delivery is hard-hitting with a powerful sound, creating a certain level of intensity and poise in his overall compositions. When he dabbles in the realm of Jazz, the satisfying grace of his smooth style and delivery is even more pronounced.

J Staton has been in the music game for several years now and has steadily grown his own fan base in the Hampton Roads, VA area and Statewide. J is a natural. He draws immense satisfaction in encapsulating his thoughts and ideas into this creative medium. J is buoyed by a desire to stand out from the rest and music has helped him enhance his own being with works that are honest to him and entertaining to listeners.

His debut album, THIS MIND OF MINE (2013) and his single project “IT’S ALL GOOD”, released in 2019 is a mixture of smooth melodic jazz grooves with a taste of funk. “IT’S ALL GOOD” made Billboard and The Smooth Jazz National Charts; it remained on there for 17 weeks. J has appeared at The Apollo Theater. He has performed with Gerald Albright, Norman Connors, Jennette Harris, and Peter White. Staton has opened for Jeff Lorber, Eric Darius, and Ben Tankard to mention a few. J has also shared the stage with Avery Sunshine. He was nominated twice by Veer Magazine Music Awards for 2013 & 2019 Best in Jazz. His latest single, “KICKIN IT” produced by Grammy Award-winning Jeff Lorber and Featuring Jeff Lorber and bassist Jimmy Haslip from the Yellowjackets, was released on May 31, 2022.

Entirely devoted to his craft, J has been focusing his time on his songwriting and unique sound, whilst developing relationships to network effectively. He remains humble always as he continues to create grounded and honest works of art in a bid to share his gift with the world.
