The Velvet Note

Saturday, September 14th: Singer Karen Bryant
2024-09-14 19:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Karen Bryant is an exciting, entertaining and engaging entertainer. This singer-songwriter has a warm, passionate spirit and a powerful, soulful voice. Her vocal stylings are influenced by various artists of many genres and a strong belief in a positive message in music.

Karen is a featured vocalist at various events and venues throughout the Atlanta Metropolitan area as well as nationally and internationally. Her musical journey has also afforded her the opportunity to share stages with Jazz vocalist Maysa, R&B singer Evelyn “Champagne” King, trumpeter Tom Browne, keyboardist Bobby Lyle, saxophonist Marion Meadows, guitarist Eric Essix and the legendary, Multi-Grammy Award winning band The Yellowjackets just to name a Few. She also performed on the local stage at the Atlanta Jazz Festival and at the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival in Aruba. Karen has several original recordings including a solo project appropriately entitled “Now It’s Time”… for it is truly her time to shine.

Friday, September 13th: John "JSaxx" Watkins
2024-09-13 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. John Watkins, a.k.a. “JSaxx”, was born in Cleveland Ohio He developed his love for music at the early age of 8 by listening to his father Rev. John C. Watkins, his uncle Lamar Gaines and his grandfather Charles Pace. Following in his family’s footsteps J Saxx picked up the saxophone and never put it down. Having the opportunity to enroll into the Cleveland School of Arts, allowed J Saxx to expand his knowledge of wind instruments as well as music theory and music production.

Some of J Saxx earlier influences stemmed from local sensations like Russell Thompson, Kenny Legrand and Eddie Baccus, Jr. to National recording artist Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Grover Washington Jr.,Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Everett Harp, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Cecil Rucker, Eric Gould, Michael Becker, Joshua Redman, Kenny

Garrett, David Sandborn, Kenny G, and Thelonius Monk. After Leading his band Notes and Sounds performing at several events as well as TV programs like FOX8 morning show, Jazz saxophonist and recording artist John “J Saxx” Watkins is launched his solo career.

Johns sound truly represents that common fabric that unifies all music across many mediums, from traditional Jazz to old school R&B, pop to fusion/rock; music that reaches all generations and age groups from both ends of the spectrum. They present new platform laced with a familiar touch of the old, connecting all genres of music through one unified platform. J Saxx has shared the stage with the Whispers, GC Cameron and the Temptations, performed at the Black Heritage Festival in Kentucky, he has also performed musical production play starring movie actor Leon.

Sunday, September 8th: The Birthday Celebration of John Coltrane
2024-09-08 18:30 - 22:00
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. September is Coltrane’s birthday month, and we are here for it, as we’ve been for over a decade. This year, GRAMMY-winning saxophonist Kebbi Williams leads his band in an anthology of Coltrane’s works, especially those from the latter part of his career (Crescent, Expression, etc.).

Grammy award winning tenor saxophonist Kebbi Williams is one of contemporary music’s whirlwind improvisers. The imaginative multi-instrumentalist/ composer/producer/arranger/teacher resists categorization. His innovative sound dives, blends and jumpstarts all music genres. Kebbi bends it to his will with his robust, distinct blasts. His playing and compositions create a sound that is uniquely and undeniably his own. Avant-garde jazz, hip-hop, Afro-beat, gospel, electronica, classical and fiery rock are all loops that Kebbi interweaves with passion and edge.

The Atlanta native received both an undergraduate degree and Master’s in Jazz Studies from prestigious Howard University. At the age of 22, he won the Jazz Instrumental Soloist Category (college division) award from Downbeat Magazine. Kebbi launched his professional career as a much in demand studio and touring musician. OutKast, the legendary Donald Byrd, Cee-lo Green, Mos Def, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, Bilal, Oteil Burbridge, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Russell Gunn, Julie Dexter and iconic Betty Carter are among the elite musicians and vocalists who jumped off Kebbi’s unique horn. He is also an original member and presently touring for the ninth year with the Tedeschi Trucks Band (with whom he won the Grammy in 2012 in the Blues Album category.)

Saturday, September 7th: Soul and Hip-Hop Band Sonic Communion
2024-09-07 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. SONIC COMMUNION is a 4-piece soul and hip hop band based in Atlanta, ga. the group features a drummer, bassist, keyboardist and a dynamic vocalist named Deion, blending soulful melodies with hip hop rhythms to create a sound that’s both fresh and timeless. Known for their smooth grooves and captivating live performances, SONIC COMMUNION brings together the best of both genres, delivering a musical experience that’s both emotionally powerful and rhythmically engaging. They’ve become a standout act in the Atlanta music scene, drawing fans with their authentic sound and tight musicianship.

Friday, September 6th: Roman Street
2024-09-06 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. These top fan favorites are back at The Velvet Note –with their quartet–for an evening of great festivity and song!

Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street. Since the college years, this brotherly jam session has developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band who many have dubbed ‘the next generation’ of Jazz Fusion. Roman Street, named for an old roman street in the Alps where they studied guitar, is an internationally trained instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. A departure from the over-produced music that is out there today, they keep it simple—the beautifully organic sound of acoustic instruments played by talented people who love what they are doing. Whether performing as a guitar duo, or with a backing band, Roman Street astounds with music that appeals to fans of many genres.

VIP Seating also available– call 855.5.VELVET

Wednesday, September 4th & 5th: American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard! *** CALL AT 855.5.VELVET ***
2024-09-04 19:00 - 2024-09-05 23:00
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:00PM AND 9:00PM. Join us for The Velvet Note’s Exclusive, Celebrity-Studded Gala, Starring American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard!

Watch Ruben’s message HERE.

Christopher Ruben Studdard (born September 12, 1978), is an American R&B, popand gospel singer. He rose to fame as winner of the second season of American Idol and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Superstar”.

In the years following Idol, Ruben has released six studio albums, including his platinum-selling debut, Soulful, and the top-selling gospel follow-up, I Need an Angel. He is most well-known for his recording career, which has produced hits including “Flying Without Wings”, “Sorry 2004”, and “Change Me”. Ruben has also segued into television and stage work. Most notably, he toured with Robin Givens in the comedy-drama I Need a Hug, and starred as Fats Waller in a national tour revival of Ain’t Misbehavin, which spawned a Grammy-nominated soundtrack.

Ruben continues to tour in various avenues – most primarily with his band, performing his catalogue of music plus a few timeless classics. In 2023, Ruben will embark on a national tour with close friend and fellow American Idol alum Clay Aiken, as the duo celebrate the 20th anniversary of their run on Idol.

Wednesday and Thursday, September 4th & 5th: GRAMMY Winner Lionel Cole
2024-09-04 19:00 - 22:30
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:00pm and 9:00pm. As the only son of the legendary Freddy Cole (and nephew of the Great Nat King Cole and cousin of Natalie Cole), Lionel Cole encapsulates the best of the swingy, velvety sound of the great Cole family, featuring many original arrangements adapted to the era and genre.

Lionel is an American soul with a jazz heart and blues attitude. He’s platinum selling, award winning, Fulbright lecturer, a highly-rated finalist on NBC’s The Voice, as well as an internationally acclaimed entertainer, Los Angeles music doctor, high- profile multi-instrumentalist. He possesses a smooth baritone voice from the new generation of the iconic “Cole” Family. In this fundraising performance, Lionel will sing tunes from the catalogs of Stevie Wonder, Wilson Pickett, Motown hits, and others, including his own compositions.

His shows feature the great songs of the Jazz age as well as the Pop and Soul music of the day that changed his life, all played with a Jazz sensibility and that signature Cole flair for arrangement.

Friday, August 30th and Saturday, August 31st: Ray Howard Band's Celebration of Earth, Wind and Fire!
2024-08-30 19:30 - 2024-08-31 23:00
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Do you remember? This is it! Our 2024, Labor Day Earth, Wind and Fire celebration is back and the Ray Howard Band does it like no one else. Yup–you can get your tickets one year in advance and these show sell out within days, so get your reservations now!

Thursday, August 29th: Open Mic Jam, with Special Guest Dana Thomas!
2024-08-29 20:00 - 23:00
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!

Friday and Saturday, August 23rd & 24th: Saxophonist Deon Yates
2024-08-23 19:30 - 2024-08-24 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Deon Yates has been entertaining audiences all over the United States and the world all of his life. Deon started playing music at the age of eight at Guyton elementary school on the east side of Detroit. From there he went on to Remus Robinson middle school where he was introduced to jazz by teachers Donald Washington and Hosea Taylor whom Deon credits as being his musical father. Taylor took Deon under his wing and the rest is history.

As a saxophone player, Deon is one of the few instrumentalists to master the circular breathing technique that allows him to hold one single note without stopping for longer than 5 minutes, it is a show stopper you must see and hear to believe. Deon has toured nationally with the original number one Dave Matthews Band Tribute “The Tripping Billies” based out of Rochester, NY and seamlessly covered the style of Leroi Moore. And with the release of his new CD “In Time” and is a current artist on the upcoming compilation cd from U S Smooth Jazz. He can be heard on local area radio and several Internet radio sites.

Thursday, August 22nd: Open Mic Jam!
2024-08-22 20:00 - 23:00

Sunday, August 18th: Jazz Guitarist Blake Aaron
2024-08-18 19:00 - 22:45
7:00pm and 9:00pm SHOWTIMES. Following in the footsteps of the smash album Color and Passion, which had THREE #1 Billboard singles and one #1 Song of the Year on the Radiowave charts for the year 2019, Blake Aaron’s new album release, Love and Rhythm rockets out of the gate with another THREE #1 Billboard singles, “Feels So Right,” “Dreamland,” and “She’s the One.”

A Billboard #1 producer himself as well as artist with his self-produced, silky-smooth “Fall for You,” as well as producing Billboard #1 songs for other artists, Aaron also teams up with hit producers Darren Rahn for the #1 Billboard single, “Groovers and Shakers,” the #1 for all of 2019 Radiowave single, “Drive,” with Greg Manning for the #1 Billboard single “Feels So Right,” and with fellow hitmaker Adam Hawley for TWO #1 Billboard singles, “Sunday Strut,” featuring saxophonist Najee, and the most recent #1 hit, “Dreamland.”

Join us for this intimate musical event with Blake and his band!

Friday, August 16th and Saturday, August 17th: The William Green Trio
2024-08-16 12:00 - 2024-08-17 12:00
Friday and Saturday SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM & 9:30PM. William Green is an extraordinary musical artist that captures and expresses the sentiments of a generation. He is continuously expanding his horizons to make an impact on society by creating a union between music and life. Through his music, he has allowed different genres of contemporary jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and gospel to integrate into a new and unique form.

Thursday, August 15th: Open Mic Jam!
2024-08-15 20:00 - 23:00

Sunday, August 11th: How to Listen to Jazz ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ****
2024-08-11 19:00 - 20:30
ONE SHOW ONLY @ 7pm. Drummer and band leader Justin Varnes will guide guests–in engaging, narrative form– through experiences in learning to listen to and love this unique American art form. It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time. Special Guest: Pianist Louis Heriveaux. THIS is the session you’ve been waiting for if you want to finally “get” jazz. All Legends of Jazz Subscribers welcomed at no charge. Other guests, make your reservations below.

Saturday, August 10th: One Special Evening with Trumpeter Ken Trimmons and Guitarist Patrick Arthur
2024-08-10 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Trumpeter Dr. Ken Trimmons and Guitarist Patrick Arthur put their jazz talents together for an incredible evening of subtle arrangements, romantic overtones and musical elegance.

Sunday, August 4th: Trevor Wolford & The Sous Vide Trio
2024-08-04 18:30 - 22:00
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. Trevor Wolford used the forced downtime during the pandemic to formulate and create “The Culinary Guitarist”, a concept album paying homage to the chefs and culinary creatives of his hometown Atlanta. Trevor used his experience of performing and recording for artists of many genres to achieve an authentic sound that alludes to a particular culinary experience. Trevor & the Sous Vide Trio aim to revisit tracks from the album and debut new original compositions on their 2024 east coast tour.

Saturday, August 3rd: Acclaimed Singer Lori Williams
2024-08-03 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30 AND 9:30PM. Acclaimed jazz vocalist Lori Williams is back from her European tour, possessing a most impressive resume as a performing artist, educator, songwriter, producer, support vocalist and musical theater actress. Her reputation and level of respect are top shelf and unimpeachable. However, this Washington, D.C.-native Lori is electing to let her hair down to pursue a more relaxed passion path in the realms of the Quiet Storm and R&B-leaning Soul-Jazz.

With an ALL-STAR BAND of Louis Heriveaux (piano), Kelly McCarty (bass) and Larry Wilson (drums).

Thursday, August 1st: Open Mic Jam with Special Guest Sam Simms
2024-08-01 20:00 - 23:00
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. Often attended by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

This week, our special guest will be Sam Simms. Sam Sims has been a staple in Rhythm and Blues, Pop, Rock and Jazz for over 30 years. Throughout his career he has worked with musical giants including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Michael McDonald, Utada Hikaru, kd lang, Rob Halford, Backstreet Boys, Bette Midler, Whitney Houston, George Duke, Dave Koz, Patrice Rushin, Boney James, Maxwell and more. Today, Sam is known for being one of the most versatile bassists in the industry.

Born in Chattanooga, TN., Sam began his music career at age 6. At age twelve, self taught and influenced by greats such as Verdine White, Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, Larry Graham, Louis Johnson, Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke, Sam began playing the bass guitar.

Sunday, July 28th: Smooth Jazz Bassist Darryl Williams
2024-07-28 07:00 - 22:30
SHOWTIMES: 7:00PM AND 9:00PM. It took ten years for urban-jazz bass player Darryl Williams to write, record and release “Here to Stay,” his Billboard top 10 single and the title track to his second album. This week’s release of the follow-up single, “Do You Remember,” proves that he doesn’t plan to go away anytime soon. Plucking rubbery basslines on piccolo and electric basses on the slick jazz-funk energizer that he wrote and produced, Williams is joined on the dancefloor filler by chart-toppers Michael Lington (saxophone) and Adam Hawley (guitarist).

Williams’ return to center stage as a frontman with the “Here to Stay” set resulted in a 2017 Best New Artist nomination from the Smooth Jazz Network. The first-call bassman calls the collection that he produced with sax powerhouse Euge Groove “a labor of love,” featuring eight of his hand-penned originals along with a pair of remakes that have personal meaning to the San Diego native who currently resides in Temecula. A stellar list of his regular employers were quick to return the favor by making guest appearances on “Here to Stay,” including Groove, who ignites a pair of tunes including the title cut, two-time Grammy-winning guitarist and producer Paul Brown, jazz-funk keyboard pioneer Jeff Lorber, saxmen Marcus Anderson and Elan Trotman, and keyboardists Jonathan Fritzen, Greg Manning and Scott Wilkie. The disc’s lone vocal number, a faithful rendering of The Emotions’ “Don’t Ask My Neighbors,” is soul kissed by R&B crooner Ashling Cole. Williams remembers his late mentor, Carl Evans Jr., by revamping the former Fattburger leader’s sweetly redolent “The Doctor,” which is graced by Michael Paolo’s caressing soprano sax.

“While to some people, ‘labor of love’ is an overused cliché, it certainly applies to ‘Here to Stay.’ I began writing songs for the collection in 2007 before moving my family to Temecula from Las Vegas. The compositions were inspired by different experiences we went through in our journey throughout that period. It was an important and formative time in my career as well. That’s when I first started playing in Euge’s (Groove) band and did a tour with Jeff (Lorber) a couple years later. In between is when my very good friend and mentor Carl (Evans Jr.) passed, which was devastating. ‘Do You Remember’ was one of the last songs I wrote for the record and it was inspired by reflecting on how far I’ve come from growing up as a kid in Los Angeles and San Diego to playing in a funk band with my brother as a teenager. It took me ten years to finish this album and while it takes me back in time, the reaction from fans, radio and reviewers has me looking forward with excitement. I couldn’t be more proud of this album,” said Williams.

Williams was a teenager when he opened for R&B acts Lakeside and Al Green along with gospel legend Shirley Caesar. After studying jazz at San Diego State University, Williams went from regular gigs backing many of San Diego’s most prominent homegrown talent to the neon lights of the Las Vegas strip where he accompanied such nationally-renowned headliners as Clint Holmes, Angela Bofill, Tevin Campbell, Howard Hewett and Keith Washington, and did a road stint with Chaka Khan. After moving back to California in 2008, Williams dropped his debut album, “That Was Then,” garnering praise from JazzTimes and national airplay on SiriusXM. He has become a fixture on the smooth/contemporary jazz scene where he has shared the stage with the genre’s heavy hitters: Richard Elliot, Peter White, Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair, Brenda Russell, Darren Rahn, Jessy J, Everette Harp and Jeff Kashiwa. He has also recorded with Jackiem Joyner, Blake Aaron, Nils Jiptner, U-Nam and Kay-Ta Matsuno.

Saturday, July 27th: Matt Von Roderick
2024-07-27 19:30 - 23:00
7:30pm and 9:30pm Shows: An Inspiring Evening with The Award-Winning Singing Trumpeter

Flying high in the rarified air of innovative jazz trumpeter and heart-centered crooner, Matt Von Roderick has been hailed as “a post-millennial Chet Baker” by the New York Times and “a top-drawer trumpeter who also sings like an angel obscured by a storm cloud” by JazzTimes Magazine.

Von Roderick’s signature sound combines classic, lush tones with his adventurous vocal/trumpet multiphonics, a dash of loops and spoken word to create what the International Trumpet Guild calls “exquisite”, while Downbeat Magazine describes his musical approach as being “Zen-like”.

Von Roderick prioritizes the spiritual aspects of music and genuinely loves his audiences. He seeks to make a positive impact in the world and it is his great joy to bring you joy.

“His latest masterpiece, Celestial Heart, an album that has recently taken the world by storm…seamlessly weaves together classic lush tones with audacious experimentation, incorporating multiphonics, melodic vocals, and even hints of spoken word poetry…Matt Von Roderick, a virtuoso trumpeter and vocalist…showcases an explorative and idiosyncratic approach to interpreting classics…He embodies the spirit of exploration intrinsic to jazz’s tradition and its continuous evolution as an art form…”

—JAZZIZ Magazine

The authoritative voice of jazz culture

Friday, July 26th: Midnight Collective
2024-07-26 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. The Midnight Collective is a local group of Atlanta-based college musicians who have known and played with one another since their years of musical infancy. Being the brainchild of alto saxophone player Reed Jorgensen, he was the one to bring together the members of the band (drummer Jaiden Swamy, pianist Blake Dwelle, bassist Alex Barry and guitarist Issac Lourie) by meeting all of them through events, programs and jams of the Atlanta jazz scene. All these young musicians have one thing in common and that’s the desire to connect with an audience as best as possible and to make them feel a deeper connection that they have with each other as bandmates and as friends.

Thursday, July 25th: Open Mic Jam!
2024-07-25 20:00 - 23:00

Sunday, July 21st: The Life and Music of Elvin Jones
2024-07-21 19:00 - 21:00
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
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
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

Sunday, July 14th: A Special Evening With Actor & Singer Keith David *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-07-14 18:30 - 22:00
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
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
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.
