The Velvet Note

Friday, April 5th: The Kelly Green Trio
2024-04-05 19:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
“Kelly Green is one of the most talented and spirited people I know. Everything about her is joyous and swingin’!” – Christian McBride
SHOWTIMES: 7:30 PM AND 9:30PM. Kelly Green is an acclaimed pianist, vocalist, and composer based in NYC, originally from Central Florida. She is celebrated for her natural and conversational singing which is deeply connected to the story of the lyrics. Her piano artistry strikes a balance between sophistication and modernity, firmly rooted in the jazz tradition. Her compositions have an innate sense of the balance between the intrigue of complexity and the familiarity of simplicity. Green’s performances engage through diplomacy and elegance, showing her love and empathy for her audience. She has headlined at prestigious venues and festivals including The Kennedy Center, Dizzy’s Jazz Club NYC, and the DC Jazz Festival.Her first three albums, “Life Rearranged”, “Volume One”, and “Endings That Are Beginnings”, feature luminaries such as Christian McBride and Steve Nelson, have received critical acclaim and airplay on XM radio, WBGO, and more. She’s shared the stage with jazz greats like Steve Wilson, George Coleman, Scott Robinson and many more. Her piano mentors include the great Harold Mabern, Kenny Barron, and Mulgrew Miller, who is responsible for bringing her to New York. Once there, she studied voice under the esteemed vocal coach Shelton Becton. Stay tuned for her upcoming album, “Seems,” in March 2024, featuring her long standing trio and special guests which promises to push the boundaries of jazz. Kelly Green’s music is a blend of tradition and innovation, a testament to her artistry and love for jazz.Through her musical endeavors, Miss Green is dedicated to cultivating a profound connection with her audience by exploring concepts of spirituality and mental well-being. She seeks to inspire unity among diverse communities and promote awareness and action for the regeneration of our Mother Earth.

Saturday, April 6th: A Celebration of Neo-Soul by AB Groove Therapy, Starring Rain Middleton
2024-04-06 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30. We are here to celebrate the neo-soul movement, full of combinations and permutations of rhythm, digital music, funk, a little hiphop and great vocals. Made famous beginning in the 1990’s by artists such as Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, and many more. This show stars Soulful Singer Rain Middleton, accompanied by AB Groove Therapy.

Sunday, April 7th: Miles Davis' Milestones ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-04-07 19:00 - 21:00
ONE SHOW ONLY @ 7pm. This is the first installment 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 trumpeter, and the live performance of his studio album released in 1958 with Miles’ “first great quintet”. 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!

**** SOLD OUT!! WAITLIST AVAILABLE. ***

Thursday, April 11th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-04-11 20:00 - 23:00
SHOWTIME: 8:00pm until 11:00pm. 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, April 12th & 13th: Entertainer Tony Hightower
2024-04-12 19:30 - 2024-04-13 23:00
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:30 AND 9:30 PM. Singer/Songwriter Tony Hightower is taking up the mantle to be a bridge that ushers R&B audiences into Jazz…Real Jazz. With years of experience as a musical performer and actor with familial roots that place him firmly within the music’s firmament, Atlanta-native Hightower is still just getting started on this benevolent turn in his journey. And he is bringing a lot of young people with him.

Growing up in Atlanta with a local legend mother who was a Funk-Rock singer but could sing anything and mentored many singers coming behind her, Tony learned music first-hand from Bobby Blue Bland and the Platters to Mother’s Finest, S.O.S. Band and Brick. “My first jazz musical loves were Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra,” When I started making my transition into Jazz, I asked Freddy Cole for his tutelage. He gave me a lot of obscure artists and songs to learn. Then one day, he told me in earnest, ‘You need to start writing your own songs. We need new songs!’

Hightower concludes. “What I’m doing is finding the ways that I can sing Jazz and still make it appropriate which I think is going to make me different as a jazz singer. I have the understanding of what it should be but then I have these other tools that are separate from what Traditional Jazz is. I’m figuring out the balance of where Jazz purists will respect it while people who don’t think they like Jazz dig it.”

Sunday, April 14th: The Jazz Freedom Trio
2024-04-14 19:00 - 22:30
NOW TWO SHOWS– 7:00pm AND 9:00pm!! Three jazz powerhouses get together for a Sunday evening of incredible jazz improvisation that will knock your socks off!. Each one of them shines so bright, you’ll wonder what took them so long to get on the same stage. Kevin Bales (piano), Delbert Felix (upright bass) and Willie Jones, III (drums). Join us!

Thursday, April 18th: Open Mic Jam Hosted By Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-04-18 20:00 - 23:00

Friday, April 19th: Jazz Pianist and Singer Doug Carn
2024-04-19 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Doug Carn is an American jazz musician from St. Augustine, Florida, formerly married to Jean Carne. His multi-faceted talents as a pianist-organist-lyricist began to emerge onto the contemporary African-American music scene during his teenage years. He worked with Nat Adderley, Earth, Wind & Fire, Shirley Horn, Lou Donaldson, Stanley Turrentine, and Irene Reid.[2] In 1997 Carn and other jazz organists including Dr. Lonnie Smith (jazz musician)and Reuben Wilson recorded Bongobop with The Essence Allstars that featured both solo performances and a duet with Joey DeFrancesco.

This is Doug’s return performance to The Note, and you’ll definitely want to catch this jazzman and his band!

Saturday, April 20th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band
2024-04-20 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM and 9:30PM. Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart takes his world music mix of jazz fused with other musical elements to brave new heights! THIS is the music you’ll want to listen to, even if you don’t think you like jazz. Inspired by the likes of icons of Jazz and Fusion music, such as Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix, Bill Hart and the Bill Hart Band are a stirring force in the riveting and dynamic realm of Jazz, Funk, and Fusion music. An internationally recognized and diverse act, the talented group of individuals part of the Bill Hart Band are driven to captivate and enliven audiences with their rich and unique musical compositions, melding together genres with ease. The group is also looking forward to continuing their musical voyage around the world, enthralling listeners with their individual musical styles and tastes.

Friday, April 26th: Castella
2024-04-26 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30 and 9:30. Castella hit the music scene in April 2020 with the release of her original tune No Ordinary Love. Hailing from Long Beach, California, Castella has sung her entire life. She was inspired to tap into the creative side of her brain by mentor and writing partner, Darryl Swann. Unknowing to Castella, this little project would turn into the fulfillment of unrealized dreams of sharing her gifts with the world. Castella released her first EP –Thinking About You, produced by Corey Stampley, in late 2019. She released her first single from that EP “No Ordinary Love”in April 2020. This tune reached #24 on the Smooth Jazz Charts and garnered her a“Breakout Artist of 2020”Nomination by Smooth Jazz Network, an original iHeartRadio station. She then decided to make another record and release it on her birthday as a gift to herself. During the pandemic, she met producer Jeff Canady. Along with Jeff, they pushed out two amazing records,“Let Me Love You” and “Sleigh Ride”! “Let Me Love You” reached #33 on the smooth jazz charts and rose to #5 on the Urban charts and rose to #1 on the Black Planet Radio chart in Italy. Sleigh Riderose to #6 on the smooth jazz Holiday Chart. Castella’s work on “Let Me Love You” garnered her nominations for the“President’s Award”,“New Comer of the Year”and“Best Female Artist of 2020”as well as being named “Artist of the Year” by the Central Standard Time Show on stlsmoothjazz.com. and she has the hardware to show it! Ever true to her work and trusting her heart, Castella decided to reach back into her pocket and release her tune Mojito from her debut EP. A very special record to Castella and her team where her mentor, multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning producer Darryl Swann contributed with writing on the tune as well as mixing and mastering the tune, in fact all of her tunes. Mojito did well on the charts, rising to #2 on the Urban Influencer R&B/Soul Chart and #49 on the Smooth Jazz Network Top 100 Chart!! Castella continues to work on more music to share with her fans. Castella released her chart topping tune “So Glad I Met You” featuring trumpeter and friend, Willie Bradley. This song did well on both Smooth Jazz Charts as well as hitting #2 on the UK Soul Charts and #1 in Canada with TeeRex Radio! Castella had the wonderful opportunity to work with French producer Tom Glide to produce a remix of “So Glad I Met You” which topped the UK Soul Breakers Chart at #1 as well as making several charts in the UK and Canada Top 10!

Saturday, April 27th: Tony Exum, Jr. *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! **
2024-04-27 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIME: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Tony Exum Jr. is a talented contemporary jazz, R&B, and funk saxophonist, songwriter, and performer with a smooth and soulful sound. He gained international recognition in 2019 with the release of his single “My Name’s Tony,” which charted on the Smooth Jazz Network top 100 chart for 12 weeks. Tony has performed at various festivals and venues across the U.S., including the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, Winter Park Jazz Festival, Boscov’s Berks Jazz Festival, Stockton Jazz Festival and more.

In addition to his successful music career, Tony is also a radio host and a global brand ambassador for Kastell Vodka. He refers to his music as “Rhythm N Smooth,” a tag that highlights his flawless execution of the smooth saxophone with R&B influenced grooves and melodies. Tony’s catalog includes two critically acclaimed albums, “Finally” and “The One,” and 7 singles, including two Smooth Jazz Network top 100 charting singles “Brighter Days” and “Get At You.”

In 2022, Tony signed his first recording contract with Sony/The Orchard/BSE Recordings and released his 2022 single “Everything,” which reached #19 on the Urban Influencer R&B Soul Chart. His latest single “Hold My Hand” peaked at #8 on the Urban Influencer Radio Airplay Experts Smooth Jazz chart. He is currently booking for his 2024 tour with performances scheduled in North Carolina, South Carolina, Houston, Denver and Dallas to name a few!

Sunday, April 28th: Entertainer Deb Bowman
2024-04-28 06:30 - 22:00
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. Praised as “hypnotic and unforgettable,” Dynamo Deb Bowman’s performances “are cut from one rare thread” and “must be seen.” Her vocal versatility and unmatched acting have thrilled audiences of all ages worldwide. Whether belting out Broadway and big band ballads or softly seducing you with sultry standards, she always delivers memorable musical moments that keep people coming back for more. Her opening numbers are powerful and energetic, escalating into pure euphoria, before leading everyone in the room through many gripping emotions. “Bowman leaves everything on the stage.” With a BA focus on classical Theater and Dance from the University of Alabama, Bowman began her professional career in entertainment in 1999 in New York City, performing internationally in TV, Film, Theater, and Cabaret Shows. She relocated to Atlanta in 2012 and has since been embraced as one of Atlanta’s Finest Entertainers.

Thursday, May 2nd: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-05-02 20:00 - 23:00

Friday and Saturday, May 3rd & 4th: Joey Sommerville--The Simpatico Sessions ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-05-03 19:30 - 2024-05-04 23:00
simpatico • sim-PAH-tih-koh • adjective. 1 : agreeable, likeable 2 : being on the same wavelength

SHOW DATES & TIMES: FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Trumpeter and multi instrumentalist Joey Sommerville returns to ATL from Spain for two special nights to mine the depths of his extensive catalog of fan favorites as well a few fresh takes on The Classics.

Accompanying Joey (aka Papa J) are his longtime collaborators Sacred Steel Guitar Hall of Fame member Dante Harmon, keyboardist and bassist Rodney Edge and world renowned drummer, J Fly. Join Joey and his Get Down Crew to party Like You Mean It!

Sunday, May 5th: Legends of Jazz Presents the Music of Max Roach
2024-05-05 19:00 - 21:00
ONE SHOW ONLY @ 7pm. Justin Varnes and his Jazz Legacy Project will guide guests–in engaging, narrative form– through the life of this legendary drummer. 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!

Thursday, May 9th: Open Mic Jam (Dedicated to Moms Everywhere)!
2024-05-09 20:00 - 23:00
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, May 10th: Contemporary Jazz Saxophonist Nate Myers *** SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-05-10 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. “Many musicians blessed enough to make a living in the service of other artists will stay the course, play it safe and build an impressive resume while letting their true artist voice lay dormant. It’s the great fortune of R&B and contemporary urban jazz fans that Nate Myers made the bold decision to get in touch with that inner voice and begin sharing his deeper artistry with the world. With the infectious, supremely grooving and sensually soulful and lightly exotic tunes on Soul Essentials, he fulfills his mission to spread love through music without compromising or limiting himself to one specific genre. There’s neo soul, contemporary and traditional R&B, smooth urban jazz and even some straight ahead licks. Myers is living up to the title of his debut album, quickly establishing himself as an essential contemporary jazz artist.” – Jonathan Widran

Mother's Day Weekend-- Singer Roderick Harper
2024-05-11 19:30 - 2024-05-12 21:00
SHOWDATES AND TIMES: SATURDAY, MAY 11TH @ 7:30 AND 9:30. SUNDAY, MAY 12TH @ 5:30 AND 7:30. Roderick has been singing almost as long as he has been speaking. Chicago Sun-Times writer Lloyd Sachs states that he is, “a smooth and serious singer.” Baton Rouge Morning Advocate writer Rod Dreher calls him, “a very special talent.” Jazztimes Magazine proclaims, “he is an able convert to jazz, when Jon Hendricks invited him on stage for a round of Thelonius Monk’s ‘Rhythmaning.’” He has worked with Clarinetist Alvin Batiste, Pianist Ellis Marsalis, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and numerous others. His recordings are as follows: Beautiful Beginnings, produced by Delfeayo Marsalis and The Essence Of… produced by Grammy Award Winner, Nicholas Payton, and a self-produced CD, Perfect Imperfections, E-VOL-VING, featuring, Ellis Marsalis and Saxophonist Donald Harrison. His first recorded EP of original R&B music, Back To Love, became an top charting project overseas. It spawned a #1 single, Got To, #3 Make It Last Foreverand #5 Back To Love. His voice was apart of the HBO Soul of the Game, the BET BlacKout, and UMC series, Terror Lake Drive, a featured vocalist on Kent Jordan’s CD, Out of this World, as well as, a Folgers Coffee and McDonaldsCommercial. His latest release, “2702”, produced by Grammy Award Nominee, Vocalist and Drummer, Jamison Ross is well received overseas as well as in the states. The current project, “2702”, went to #4 on the Amazon U.K. In the states, it went to #26 on JazzWeek Charts.

Saturday, May 18th: The Harper Collective Featuring Atlanta Jazz Legends Danny and Terry Harper!
2024-05-13 17:22
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Join is for a rare event– Father Danny Harper and Son Terence Harper on Trumpets, Terry Harper on piano and vocals, Dishan Harper on Bass Kenny Banks on Keys and GRAMMY-Winner Terreon Gully on Drums!

Thursday, May 16th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-05-16 20:00 - 23:00

Friday, May 17th: The Terence Harper Collective
2024-05-17 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Join us for The Terence Harper Collective, Featuring Actress/Singer Michole White, Award-Wiining Pianist Kenny Banks, Jr., Drummer Henry Conway III, Saxophonist Frank Houston, touring NY Bassist Dishan Harper and Trumpeter Terence Harper!

Saturday, May 18th: The The Harper Collective Featuring Atlanta Legends Danny and Terry Harper!
2024-05-18 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Come out and see the greatest family jazz dynasty, second only to the Marsalis family! Grammy-nominated trumpeter Terence Harper, of the legendary Harper family leads an outfit of all-star artists and family members from Atlanta The evening features internationally acclaimed musicians from the Harper family: Trumpeters Terence and Danny Harper, Pianist and Singe Terry Harper bassist Dishan Harper, Kenny Banks, Jr. and GRAMMY-winning Drummer Terreon Gully! Don’t miss a thoughtful, joyous and boundlessly swinging family affair!

Sunday, May 19th: Saxophonist and Singer Marcus Adams--A Tribute to David Sanborn
2024-05-19 18:30 - 22:00
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. Just when urban jazz fans thought every show, cruise and festival would always include the same lineup of veterans they’ve seen a million times—Suddenly, there’s Marcus Adams, a fresh, dynamic voice on the scene, ready to funk things up and inspire them to fall in love with the sax all over again.

Wednesday, May 22nd: The Molly Miller Trio **** CANCELLED ****
2024-05-22 19:00 - 23:00
Anna Azarov Photography

SHOWTIMES: 7:00PM AND 9:00PM. Since Dr. Molly Miller picked up a guitar at age seven, she’s been captivating audiences with her sophisticated and raw style.

She’s one of Los Angeles’s most sought-after musicians, recording and touring with artists such as Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, Donna Missal, and Morgxn, at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, Coachella, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. In her feature in the renowned magazine, Guitar, Michael James Adam notes, “she slings the guitar like a wordsmith, wry and sarcastic with a playful slant and flows from hushed whisper to bursts of elation with aplomb”. Miller is featured on Jason Mraz’s 2018 album Know and his forthcoming record, out in Summer 2020. She is in the house-band on The Bachelor’s latest ABC primetime show, Listen To Your Heart.

Soon after earning her Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Southern California in 2016, she became the chair of the Guitar Department at Los Angeles College of Music, a position she still holds. When Miller’s not on tour, running a guitar department, or in the studio, she heads her own trio, Molly Miller Trio, showcased on NPR’s Fresh Air.

****** CANCELLED *******

Thursday, May 23rd: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-05-23 20:00 - 23:00
ONE SHOW: 8:00pm – 11:00pm. 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, May 24th: Smooth Jazz Guitarist Reza Khan
2024-05-24 07:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Over the course of his six previous albums, starting with his debut Painted Diaries in 2009, Reza Khan has worked with some of the biggest names in contemporary jazz while developing a fascinating trademark fusion of pop, jazz, soul and world influences. His empowering world jazz guitar music is steeped in his international roots and status as a socially conscious musical citizen of the world. Along the way, the Bangladesh-born, NYC-based composer and guitarist has enjoyed several breakthrough hits on the Billboard Jazz chart, including his first Top Ten single “Drop of Faith” (featuring Nils) from his critically acclaimed fifth album Next Train Home and “Waiting for the Sky” from the 2021 collection Imaginary Road. Despite this airplay success, he’s always been told that the music he writes and produces is designed more for musicians to play than for the average contemporary jazz listener to simply enjoy.

With Khan’s latest album, the intriguingly titled Mystical, he aims to change all that and create songs as infectious and radio friendly as they are brilliantly performed. Rather than have an overriding narrative concept, his goal was to collaborate with some familiar cohorts (Philippe Saisse, Mark Egan, David Mann, Nils) and others who could bring a fresh, magical, and yes, mystical quality to his songs. His first call was to David Mann, the veteran saxophonist who had brought great horn textures and arrangements to previous albums. He sought his production expertise, but just as importantly, felt that straight on compositional collaboration would be the ticket to unlocking this magic. Mann became an essential co-writer, composer, arranger and producer for the album.

While some of the original Khan/Mann tunes like “The Falcon” and “Whispering Trees” indeed tell fascinating, poetic stories of their own, the guitarist began with a different overall vision. He co-wrote every one of the new tracks with a specific well-known genre musician in mind as a featured artist, hoping their positive replies would lead to incredible individual tracks with hit potential that could take the song in a magical/mystical direction Khan couldn’t have imagined upon writing the song.

Building off a foundation of Khan on lead guitar, Bern Schoenhardt on rhythm guitar, Mann on keys and sax, Khan’s guest list – all of whom immediately agreed to participate – includes two time Grammy winner Bob James, three time Grammy winner Jimmy Haslip, Grammy winner Jeff Lorber, Grammy nominee Saisse, Keiko Matsui, a unique array of bassists (Egan, Jimmy Haslip, Brendan Rothwell, Mel Browne) and drummers Gary Novak, Brian Dunne and Lionel Cordew. Though their participation on Mystical will no doubt gain attention, the all-stars ultimately serve as sidekicks to Khan’s infectious melodies and front and center dynamic electric and acoustic playing, along with Mann’s vibrant arrangements.

Because the project was recorded during the pandemic, the basic tracks were recorded at Khan’s home studio in Long Island, with Mann putting together remotely created tracks in his NYC studio. It was a unique opportunity that could happen at no other time, with usually busy and booked musicians having time available and grateful for the work. “It was gratifying to see how we all found ways to help each other survive the pandemic era, creatively, emotionally and financially,” says Khan. “We all found unique ways to communicate with each other during this difficult time.”

Another unique, truly Mystical aspect of the collection is the opportunity to experience new versions of three classic tracks from Khan’s early projects via Mann’s contemporary 2022 productions with new lineups of musicians – “Bahia Mama” (featuring the original vocal by Jennifer Grimm) and “Catalina’s Dream” from Painted Diaries and “Language of Love” from A Simple Plan (2011). The fact that “Language of Love” and “Catalina’s Dream” are in the cue for future single releases show that Khan’s composing style was always in the pocket, with great hit potential. He simply needed Mann’s expertise behind the boards to take it to the next level.

Though album artwork in this digital age is sometimes given short shrift, Brazilian artist Renata’ Schiavon’s compelling hand drawn imagery throughout the packaging connects beautifully and essentially to the music and themes of Mystical. The cover features a small silhouette on Reza in the eye of a falcon, and there are impressionistic images of guitar, saxophone and piano to reflect the album’s fusion of sounds and touch on other elements created by nature and man, i.e. piano keys that look like skyscrapers in a city skyline.

The release of Mystical was delayed for over a year due to some health setbacks in Khan’s life and a necessary period of recovery. But he’s back in the groove and excited to resume his career. “My goal with Mystical was to imagine a very magical album where David and I write songs together for certain individual musicians we wanted to bring to the recording,” he says. “Every track evolved organically until it became a very different type of conceptual album, with each tune having magical, mysterious elements. I had always composed every song by myself, and I enjoyed the exciting learning curve of collaborating differently on each tune. My idea was to focus on how they could appeal broadly to fans of contemporary and global jazz without limiting the inspiration and motivation that has driven me in the past.”

Saturday, May 25: J Staton
2024-05-25 19:30 - 23:00
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.

Thursday, May 30th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-05-30 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, May 31st: Misha Stefanuk Solo
2024-05-31 19:30 - 23:00
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.

Saturday, June 1st: Jazz Torch Singer Kayte Burgess
2024-06-01 19:30 - 23:00
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.
