The Velvet Note

Friday, March 25th: Dave Potter and Retro Groove CD Release Concert
2022-03-25 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. Dave Potter is quickly becoming known as a formidable musician. He has performed with many well-known jazz artists and recorded 2 albums with Jason Marsalis, as well as the soundtrack to a short film with bassist Delbert Felix.

Born in Danville, VA, Potter did not grow up into a musical family. “I got my first drumset when I was 15 years old and remained primarily self-taught until college,” comments Potter. It was at Florida State University that he met pianist Marcus Roberts, who would become one of his primary musical mentors. In 2005, he was chosen from a national pool of applicants to be a member of the Louis Armstrong Quintet at the University of New Orleans. “I moved there to study with Herlin Riley. My goal was to learn as much about the jazz tradition as possible.”Unfortunately, Mother Nature had different plans, and his apartment, along with most of the city, was ravaged by the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. After a brief stint teaching jazz and percussion at his high school Alma matter, Potter returned to Florida State to study and perform with Marcus Roberts. After graduating in 2008, he moved to Atlanta where he maintains a busy performance schedule.Throughout his career he has played in a variety of musical situations. “In high school I started playing in funk, hip-hop, and rock bands and ended up getting really into 70’s fusion.” It was also in high school that Dave began to play in musical theatre productions, concert bands, marching percussion ensembles, and jazz ensembles under the direction of Dr. Andrew Sioberg. Once at FSU, he began to study Afro-Caribbean percussion with acclaimed Puerto Rican pianist Jose “Papo” Carrasco, as well as focusing more on classical snare drum and Jazz with Leon Anderson.”This broad range of study has allowed him to become one of the most in-demand young drummers in the scene today.

Thursday, March 24th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Guitarist Bill Hart
2022-03-24 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke, but much, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter, bassist Andre Manga, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by guitarist Bill Hart.

Sunday, March 20th: Legends of Jazz Presents The Music of Dexter Gordon *** SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2022-03-20 19:00 - 20:30
ONE SHOW ONLY– 7:00PM It’s the TENTH Season of Legends of Jazz, and in Episode 1, The Justin Varnes Quartet plays tribute to the music of Dexter Gordon.

As with the entire Legends of Jazz series, Mr. Varnes will guide guests–in engaging, narrative form– through the life of the artist, as well as the impact that his life influences had on his musical legacy. 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!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***

Friday, March 18th & Saturday, March 19th: The Joe Farnsworth Quartet **** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2022-03-18 19:30 - 2022-03-19 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. This extraordinary quartet makes their way from New York City to The Velvet Note, it’s not to be missed!

About Joe Farnsworth. One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing. Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club). Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CD’s as leader and side-man, jazz festivals and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller to name a few. He is currently the drummer for McCoy Tyner and a member of the Pharaoh Sanders Quartet, Harold Mabern Trio, and is a founding member of the renowned One for All Quintet.

About Mark Whitfield. Mark Whitfield graduated from Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, the world’s foremost institution for the study of Jazz and modern American music in the spring of 1987. Shortly thereafter, he returned to his to his native New York to embark on a career as a Jazz Guitarist that has afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with such legendary artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Carmen McRae, Gladys Knight, Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Smith, Clark Terry, Shirley Horn, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Joe Williams, Stanley Turrentine and his mentor, the great George Benson.

In 1990 the New York Times dubbed Whitfield “The Best Young Guitarist in the Business”. Later that year, Warner Bros. released his debut album “The Marksman”. The success of his debut release led to a recording career that has produced a total of 16 solo recordings and a myriad of collaborative efforts with some of the most important artists in recent years.

About Peter Washington. Peter Washington is perhaps the most recorded bassist of his generation, with a discography of more than 450 recordings.

Born in Los Angeles in 1964, Washington played classical bass as a teen and majored in English literature at University of California in Berkeley, where he played in both the UC Symphony, and the San Francisco Youth Symphony. In 1986, while performing in San Francisco with saxophonist John Handy, he was invited by the legendary Art Blakey to join the Jazz Messengers in New York, and remained a member of the band until 1986. In 1990,

“Anything Peter Washington plays on gets 5 stars. He has always been one of my favorite bass players of all time. He has such a big, big sound and such great time, and picks such great notes.” – Christian McBride

About Davis Whitfield. Davis Whitfield is a talented pianist on the New York scene who has accomplished a lot at a young age. The son of two musicians, Davis was exposed to great music his entire childhood and started playing guitar at a very young age. He eventually switched to piano, where he began practicing and studying more seriously. In 2008, still in high school, Whitfield was appointed the Assistant Director for the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, performing at the New York City club weekly. He continued his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he was a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship – a top honor at Berklee. He has since gone on tours in the United States, France, and this Summer will be traveling to Spain with the Felix Rossy Quintet. He also performs and travels with his father and renowned guitarist Mark Whitfield, as well as his brother Mark Whitfield, Jr. — the three often times traveling together as the family band.

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

Thursday, March 17th: St. Patrick's Open Mic Jam!
2022-03-17 20:00 - 23:00
Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke, but much, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter, bassist Andre Manga, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by Singer/Actress Lisa Van Osch. All genres welcomed!

About Lisa Van Osch: Lisa Van Osch has been entertaining audiences for over twenty years as an actor and singer, and she’s thrilled to get to rub elbows with some of the finest musicians you’ll ever hear and see.

Friday, March 11th: Chantae Cann
2022-03-11 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Chantae Cann photoshoot April 20th, 2021. Photos by Lyric Lewin

If we’re being honest, no one’s ever really just heard Chantae Cann. In truth, you experience her.

She opens her mouth and 10,000 hours of studied mononymous legends filter through that voice,

The Stevie. The Chaka. The Erykah, Jill, India and Brandy.

It’s the church in her work. The courageous blend of an authentic soul choosing to exist in the midst of an often inauthentic industry. Yet somehow she chooses to find strength in her vulnerability.

Chantae Cann, the artist, is both jazz and soul. Rooted in gospel, reflective of world rhythm and hip hop.

Her debut release, Journey to Golden, landed at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts and #7 on the Jazz Billboard Charts in March of 2016, and was a much welcomed introduction to the songstress. By the time of her follow-up release, Sol Empowered, we were well into the story. Earning #8 on the Jazz Billboard Charts, this album resonates with so many because they genuinely connect to the story. And Chantae, if nothing else, knows how to make a connection. Whether it’s the parents who divulge the fact that their kids listen to and sing along to her songs, or those who express that Chantae’s artistry has gotten them through some pretty tough times. Chantae makes music that serves as a safe haven for those seeking respite and reformation. All the while undergirded with a simple, but profound truth: Love Heals.

Chantae is one of the best kept secrets in music. She’s collaborated with PJ Morton, Masego, Tarriona “Tank” BallSnarky Puppy, Foreign Exchange, and Jonathan McReynolds. Chantae has electrified stages with Cory Henry, Robert Glasper, and Marcus Miller. She’s opened up for India.Arie, Tweet, Avery Sunshine and Lalah Hathaway.

Thursday, March 10th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Singer/Actor Lisa Van Osch
2022-03-10 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Sunday, March 6th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band
2022-03-06 19:00 - 21:00
Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart performs his world music show on a rare SUNDAY night, proving his unique take on world music and genre-bending selections. Only one performance, so get your seats soon!

Friday, March 4th & Saturday, March 5th: Shaun Munday
2022-03-04 19:30 - 2022-03-05 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Shaun Munday is unlike any other artist you’ll ever see and hear onstage. He captures audiences with a full band sound and plays the bass better than most people play the guitar. He is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA where he studied and performed with some of the greatest artists and educators in the industry including John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, Matthew Garrison (Herbie Hancock), Antonio Sanchez (Pat Metheny) and Jetro De Silva (Whitney Houston).

Watch Shaun perform HERE.

Shaun performs internationally and has shared the stage with Lalah Hathaway, Corinne Bailey Rae, Andra Day, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, blues legend Robert Cray, reggae royalty Aston Barrett and The Wailers (Bob Marley’s band), country music star Collin Raye, Devon Allman, Yonrico Scott of the Royal Southern Brotherhood and the band Kansas.

Thursday, March 3rd: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Singer/Guitarist Cooper Tisdale
2022-03-03 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke, but much, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter, bassist Andre Manga, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by guitarist/singer Cooper Tisdale. Doors open at 6:30pm. The jam session goes from 8pm to 11pm. See you soon!

Sunday, February 27th: Wildmann's Trilogy
2022-02-27 19:00 - 22:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Michael Rainer aka Wildmann has been in the music business for over thirty years. He’s a pro bassist, but can also play keyboard, drums, lead guitar and upright bass and he sings as well. He has toured with and opened for many major artist,

Jill Scott, KC and Jo Jo, Chrisette Michele, blues legend James Armstrong. He has been the music director for artist such at Carl Thomas, Tweet, KeKe Wyatt, Leandrea Johnson, Jewell and Converted and gospel well known Kim Burell . He is CEO of his record label RAINDROP RECORDS. He has written and produced songs and projects for major and local artist as well.

*Wildmann is from St. Louis, Mo but now resides in Atlanta, GA. where he is now making his mark throughout the state of Georgia. He also teaches music in Powder Springs, GA at a store called Music Guru. His students range

from 4years old and up. He has his own band called Wildmann & the FunkySoul Band, they are in the studio recording their new project now.

Friday, February 25th: Tremaine Young
2022-02-25 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Tremaine De’Nard Young’s guitar playing started at the age of 14 and is still going strong today. Bearer of a very unique, self-taught sound, with stylistic diversity, his music follows the Jazz, R&B, and Gospel genres. Born January 2, 1980 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Tre grew up playing the drums in church and was introduced to the guitar as a teen and has been in love with the instrument ever since. While studying Business Administration at Bethune-Cookman College, he was also a member of the world renowned Concert Chorale, under the leadership of Dr Rebecca Walker Steele. This is where he gained a true appreciation for different types of music ranging from Bach to Gospel. In 2010 Tre began performing and touring with Jon Saxx and Endless Possibilities adding to his already considerable portfolio. Together the group, who are the official band for the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat, have opened for several major artist including Frankie Beverly and Maze, Morris Day and the Times, Anthony Hamilton, Patti Labelle, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, The O’Jays, Mint Condition, Music Soulchild, SWV and LSG just to name a few, and for the past 12 the featured band of Blue World Travels’ Festival at Sea Cruise. They have also made appearances at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival and Miami’s Jazz in the Gardens. Tre has 2 projects, Rhythm and Gospel and Big Boi’s Groove, and a newly released single titled Moving Along, all on every digital music outlet. He has called Atlanta home for almost a decade and plans to continue to entertain well past the point of being a hous hold name.

Thursday, February 24th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by WCLK's RivaBlue
2022-02-24 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke, but much, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter, bassist Andre Manga, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by WCLK radio host and Bandleader RivaBlue.

Sunday, February 20th: Billy Thornton
2022-02-20 19:00 - 22:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:00PM AND 9:00PM. Billy Thornton was brought up in a family of musicians in South Georgia, Tifton to be specific. In the midst of farms, pickup trucks, and country music, Billy and his brothers went against the grain, learning all of the alternative rock radio hits, playing them in any coffee shop that would let them (there was only one). With their father, they played jazz and smooth hits at restaurants and country clubs, and at 17, Billy fell in love with the acoustic jazz of the 1950’s and 1960’s. It is this passion for music from all genres that has kept Billy a top call sideman bassist in the southeast for the past 15 years.

As an upright bassist, Billy has been known to “steal the show” with his rhythmic slapping, melodic bowing, and expert facility as a soloist. But now he has found his voice. Literally.

As a vocalist, he aspires to honestly portray his emotion of the moment, sharing his nostalgia for the music while incorporating a jazz musician’s sense of freedom of harmony and rhythm. Billy’s jazz-style arrangements of pop and rock songs from the past four decades mix easily with jazz standards, surprising his listeners at times. His renditions of song from Nat King Cole to Britney Spears inspire audiences, transporting familiar favorites to new places of delight. The song selection vacillates easily from contemplative to whimsy, tender to raucous; all while maintaining integrity to self and the music.

Friday, February 18th and Saturday, February 19th: Willie Jones, III feat. Houston Person
2022-02-18 19:30 - 2022-02-19 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Known for his unmatched style and a knack for serving up an eclectic blend of fresh new voices, in tandem with some of the most iconic players of our time, drummer, producer and educator Willie Jones III has electrified audiences worldwide. On February 18th and 19th, The Velvet Note welcomes WJ3 Records artist Willie Jones III and his quartet; featuring the legendary soulful Saxophonist, Houston Person!

Joining Jones III (on drums) and Person (on Sax) is his powerhouse all-star unit consisting of Bassist, Professor Rodney Jordan (Florida State University) and Piano sensation, Keith Brown (son of the legendary Donald Brown).

About Willie Jones III

After founding the group Black Note in the 90’s and touring as the opening act for trumpeter and bandleader Wynton Marsalis, Willie Jones III went on to be the preferred drummer for Wynton Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, the recently departed Roy Hargrove, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, the late great Cedar Walton and many more. In addition to performing on more than 100 recordings for other labels – including several Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning recordings since 1999, he has recorded over 20 sides for his own WJ3 Records imprint including His newest release titled “Fallen Heroes” which pays homage to the many influences and innovators that have gone on before us.

About Houston Person

Houston Person has left an indelible mark on audiences the world over with his warm, inviting and familiar style. Since the 1950’s, Person has recorded well over 75 titles as a leader – including his latest chart-topping release titled “Houston Person -Live In Paris”. In addition, Person has countless other recordings as a sideman with icons such as Etta Jones, Grant Green, Richard “Groove” Holmes and many more. He is known for uncanny ability to oscillate between popular hits by Barbara Streisand and sultry grooves by the Isley Brothers.

From yours ears’ first taste of Houston’s horn to the last velvety whisper from Willie’s ensemble, you’ll enjoy this soulful musical feast served up by Willie Jones III featuring Houston Person.

Thursday, February 17th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Two-Time GRAMMY Winner Saunders Sermons
2022-02-17 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke, but much, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter, bassist Andre Manga, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by 2-time GRAMMY Winner Trombonist/Singer and Bandleader Extraordinaire Saunders Sermons.

Friday, February 11th: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band **** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ****
2022-02-11 20:00 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY! Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart launches his brand new variety show featuring his unique take on world music and genre-bending selections. Only one performance, so get your seats soon!

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

Thursday, February 10th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by GRAMMY-Winner Saunders Sermons
2022-02-10 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Sunday, February 6th: Legends of Jazz Presents Chick Corea's Light as a Feather
2022-02-06 19:00 - 20:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
The Velvet Note presents another segment of its ninth series of Legends of Jazz, featuring the music of Chick Corea’s Light as a Feather. As with the entire monthly Legends of Jazz series, The Justin Varnes Quartet will guide guests–in engaging, narrative form– through the life and music of this iconic, recently departed pianist/composer. It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time, and…, oh… they’ll also play their behinds off!​

The Stephen Gordon Quartet Featuring Eric Reed Presents the Music of Thelonius Monk
2022-02-04 19:30 - 2022-02-05 23:00
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Stephen Gordon brings his quartet featuring Eric Reed (piano), Stacy Dillard (saxophone) and Craig Shaw (bass), for two nights of performances that will focus on the music of the genius of pianist/composer/pioneer Thelonious Monk. Monk’s music will forever be embedded in the fabric of American Swing and Jazz, and continues to this day to give one of the most prolific and masterful perspectives to melody, harmony, Blues and Swing, solidifying its place into literature and required study in the personal, intellectual study and pursuit of true art and musical inquisition world wide.

About Steve Gordon. Born on July 4th, 1984, Gordon grew up listening to Gospel, Blues, Motown, R&B, Soul, Funk/Fusion, Rock, and some Country music. His love of Jazz can be traced back to hearing the elements of Blues and Swing in church, and shortly afterwards can recall being introduced to stride piano and the elemental great pianist of the turn of the 20th century like Jelly Roll Morton and Art Tatum by the age of 6. Gordon’s first instrument was the piano, which turned into playing the trumpet, all brass instruments, some woodwinds, and then onto the drums at the age of 12. It was at the age of 15 when he first saw trumpeter Terence Blanchard’s Sextet live at The Afro-American Culture Center, that he knew that Jazz was the path. Gordon graduated from Northwest School of The Arts in Charlotte, N.C. in 2002, and immediately sought the path to New York City. Although he would attend Shenandoah Conservatory in 2003 (The Alma Mater of the great drummer Billy Drummond) and began working in the Washington D.C. area, and continued working in New York.

About Eric Reed. Born in Philadelphia in 1970, Reed grew up playing gospel music in his father’s storefront Baptist church, starting at the age of five. “My father was a minister, but he also used to sing with a gospel group in Philly called the Bay State Singers,” Reed says, in his website’s promotional materials. “He was my earliest musical influence, and I also was hit heavily by Edwin Hawkins’ music of the 1970s. Gospel music remains a large part of my playing today.”

Reed started playing piano at age two and began formal instruction at age seven, but he is primarily self-taught. He often did not learn the written music, but listened to his teachers play it first and memorized the pieces note for note.

“My neighborhood library had all kinds of hip jazz records and I was in there every day checking them out,” Reed says. “Everything was there: Ahmad Jamal, Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner; it was unbelievable!” By the time he was 13, “I didn’t realize it, but I had digested all of the jazz recordings that musicians were expected to know.”

After four years of intense self-teaching combined with mentoring by composer Harold Battiste, Reed could be heard around Los Angeles leading his own groups and working in the bands of Teddy Edwards, Gerald Wilson and John Clayton. Reed has toured with Wynton Marsalis, appeared with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and performed in the bands of Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson.

In addition to leading the Eric Reed Quintet, Reed tours the world with his ensembles and teaches jazz piano worldwide. When he’s not at the piano, he serves as the artistic director of the concert series Jazz Composer Portraits, at Columbia University’s Miller Theater. Reed continues to perform and record with master musicians such as Elvin Jones, Benny Carter, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Cassandra Wilson, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, and Dianne Reeves, as well as with Natalie Cole, Patti Labelle, Oleta Adams, Edwin Hawkins, Jessye Norman and Quincy Jones.

Reed has recorded 12 albums: Soldier’s Hymn, (1990), It’s Alright to Swing (1993), The Swing and I (1994), West Coast Jazz Summit (1995), Musicale (1996), Pure Imagination (1997), Manhattan Melodies (1999), Happiness (2001), E-Bop (2003), From My Heart (2002), Mercy and Grace (2003) and Merry Music (2003). Reed’s Pure Imagination stayed at No.1 on the Gavin chart for seven weeks, which earned him the 1999 Gavin Artist of the Year award. Manhattan Melodies was also No. 1 on the Gavin chart for several weeks. Reed has written the scores for a number of films, including Life, One of Us Tripped, and The Firing Squad.

Thursday, February 3rd: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Saunders Sermons
2022-02-03 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday, January 28th: The Emmanuel Smith Trio
2022-01-28 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Emmanuel “Chops” Smith is a pianist and vocalist who has been performing professionally since he was 15 years old. He has been playing piano since age 3 and has been trained in classical, jazz, and contemporary music. “Chops” has performed in venues all over the Southeast including The Rialto Center of the Performing Arts, The Margaret Mitchell House, The Georgian Terrace Hotel, The Georgia Aquarium, Churchill Grounds, The Velvet Note, The Red Clay Theater. He has also had the pleasure and privilege to perform with Russell Malone, Chris Potter, Sarah Partridge and work with many different jazz personalities including Gary and Veronica Motley, Theresa Hightower, Mike Abene, Bobby Shew, Paquito D’Rivera, Kenny Werner, Bob Franceschini, Bob Reynolds and Randy Brecker.

After receiving his Jazz Studies degree from Georgia State University, “Chops”became the current Music Director for North Decatur United Methodist Church and Faith Forward Church. He prides himself as a pianist that crosses multiple genres. Including the churches he works on a regular basis, he travels all over the Southeast, United States and performs in bands based out of Atlanta, GA including the Nick Longo Band, Artimus and Big Bling and the Funk Machine (Music Gardens). He continues to build a reputation as a bandleader with his two bands, The CHOPS Experience and the Emmanuel “Chops” Smith Trio.

Thursday, January 27th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Natasha Brown
2022-01-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
A potpourri of performers entertains you throughout the night under the leadership of our house band and singer Natasha Brown. Come out and jam with us– All genres welcomed!

Sunday, January 23rd: Roman Street-- CANCELLED
2022-01-23 19:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
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. With their rhythm section of Joseph and Bryan Morris, Roman Street astounds with music that appeals to fans of many genres.

THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED BY THE PERFORMER. ALL TICKETS WILL BE REFUNDED OR PLACED ON ACCOUNT. QUESTIONS? CALL 855.5.VELVET

Saturday, January 22nd: Saunders Sermons' Soulful Night of Jazz
2022-01-22 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Born and raised in Miami Florida Saunders Sermons II is an American singer, trombonist, and song writer. Sermons has toured with Maxwell, Jay Z, Diddy and Jazz R&B saxophonist Mike Phillips just to name a few.

He received his GRAMMY Awards for his horn arrangement work with R&B/Soul singer Maxwell and Blues Super group The Tedeschi Trucks Band. Since then he has grown to become an established independent artist with an admirable music career.

Friday, January 21st: The Bill Hart International Jazz Fusion Band
2022-01-21 20:00 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Canadian Guitarist Bill Hart performs each Friday night, featuring his unique take on world music with international musicians and genre-bending selections. Come hang with us, and take a trip around the world without converting your currency or expediting your passport!

Thursday, January 20th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Natasha Brown
2022-01-20 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Have you tried OPEN MIC JAZZ JAM at Atlanta area’s #1 rated jazz club? . It’s like karaoke, but much, much better. Come out to The Velvet Note and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, including piano virtuoso Randy Hoexter, bassist Andre Manga, world drummer Yakou N’Guesson, and guitarist Bill Hart. Come hungry– we are rolling out our delicious house specialities for the week on Thursdays. Hosted by Singer Natasha Brown.

Saturday, January 15th: Natasha Brown, "This Thing Called Love"
2022-01-15 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Everyone yearns for it. It drives some mad. Some are completely over it, and others strive to give the very best of it. “This Thing Called Love” is a live jazz experience, featuring Natasha Brown, that will take you through the ins and outs, ups and downs, the bad, the good, and especially the best parts of love.

Natasha Brown is a hidden vocal gem whose classic jazz sound is influenced by jazz greats like Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McCrae, and Nancy Wilson. Her love for and serious pursuit of jazz artistry was sparked years ago at the legendary Harper Family Jam Session. Originally hosted by renowned musicians Danny and Terry Harper, the Atlanta jam session regularly boasted national and internationally acclaimed talent and offered a platform that reinforced excellence in musicianship and forged relationships that have allowed Natasha to regularly perform with contemporary jazz greats.

Acclaimed, international jazz trumpeter Terrence Harper concurs, “Natasha is a ‘real’ jazz vocalist – authentic and true to the artform.”

Friday, January 14th: Jazz Singer and Saxophonist Danny Bacher
2022-01-14 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Enter Danny Bacher.Singer. Saxophonist. Consummate performer. A dynamic entertainer with world-class talents in music, theater, and comedy– and man, does he swing!

SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Danny Bacher is an award-winning singer, saxophonist, songwriter and entertainer in the fullest sense of the term. He’s not only a master of the demanding soprano sax, but combines his virtuosity on the instrument with a talent for comedy and narrative storytelling.

He’s a smooth and cool individual who makes hot jazz and pop, cut from the cloth of the great Louis Prima and Mel Torme. Bacher swings with pizzazz, scats and sings with a smoky voice, all adding to his compelling stage presence. Stephen Holden in The New York Times said of Bacher that he’s a “prodigiously talented musical preservationist,” adding what Bacher knows in his bones is that “the secret of serious fun is not to take it too seriously.”

In addition to a solid career in jazz, cabaret and pop with a penchant for rare gems, and classic standards from the Great American Songbook, Bacher has also worked as an actor, comedian and writer, touring internationally with his original works. Along with a busy touring schedule and working at venues such as the Blue Note, Birdland, Feinstein’s 54 Below, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Town Hall, he has performed several times at Carnegie Hall and most recently alongside the legendary Michael Feinstein. Bacher has released two studio albums as a leader, “Swing That Music!” and “Still Happy” on the Whaling City Sound label. A recent recipient of the prestigious Margaret Whiting Award, Bacher was also nominated for best male vocalist in the 2019 National Jazz Times reader’s poll along with Harry Connick, Gregory Porter and TonyBennett. A recent recipient of the prestigious Margaret Whiting Award, Bacher was also nominated for best male vocalist in the 2019 National Jazz Times reader’s poll along with Harry Connick, John Pizzarelli, and Tony Bennett, and in 2020 placed in the top 3 in the country. Along with Kurt Elling and Gregory Porter.

Thursday, January 13th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Natasha Brown
2022-01-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Come out and join us on Thursday nights in the comfort of The Velvet Note Living Room. Meet the best, most passionate local area musicians, make essential connections and relax and enjoy the scene. THIS is the area fun-spot–the place to meet others who play and/or simply enjoy great music, and it’s the ONLY Thursday night jam on the north side of town. Only $20 and no reservations necessary. All styles and genres are welcomed, so scootch on in here as a performer or spectator–it’s all fun!
