The Velvet Note

Saturday, November 23rd: Songs in the Key of Wonder w/ The James Austin Jr. Trio *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!**
2024-11-23 19:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM & 9:30PM. James Austin Jr is an accomplished jazz pianist and bandleader who hails from Chicago, IL. He has honed his craft under the tutelage of a number of legendaryjazz musicians including extensive study with Barry Harris, who is widely regardedas one of the greatest jazz educators of all time. James’ musical achievementsinclude being honored as a featured performer and semifinalist in the prestigiousThelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition.

Songs in the Key of Wonder, James’ debut album, showcases his tastefulinstrumental arrangements of a selection of classic compositions from thesongbook of the great Stevie Wonder. James also leads the Barry Harris Instituteof Jazz and has formed “Luminescence” an ensemble of young jazz lionsassembled to celebrate his teacher’s musical legacy.

Friday and Saturday, November 29th & 30th: GRAMMY-Nominated Trumpeter Russell Gunn & Blackhawk
2024-11-29 19:30 - 2024-11-30 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. With Louis Heriveaux (piano), Kevin Smith (bass) and Terreon Gulley (drums).

Russell Gunn is widely known for being the primary source of inspiration for this current generation of Jazz musicians.

A two-time Grammy nominee, Russells “Ethnomusicology” series of recordings paved the way for the new sound.

Russell was also the featured trumpeter in the equally influential band “Buckshot LeFonque” headed by Branford

Marsalis, while simultaneously being a featured trumpeter in the early days of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Russell became the new trumpet sensation in New York when his solo on Wynton Marsalis’ Pulitzer Prize winning

Jazz oratorio “Blood On The Fields” was released. In the time since, Russell founded, composes for, arranges

and conducts the “Royal Krunk Jazz Orkestra” and was commissioned by the Apollo Theater in New York for his

large work “The Blues and it’s People”.

Russell Gunn & Blackhawk is jazz at it’s finest. No safety net, no overdubs, just pure heart, soul and fire!

Sunday, December 1st: The William Green Project, with Guest Singer Amaye Love
2024-12-01 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 7:30pm. 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, December 5th: Open Mic Jam [Dueling Piano Special]
2024-12-05 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 8:00pm. Georgia’s LONGEST-RUNNING OPEN MIC JAM is at The Velvet Note, and you are invited! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. This week, pianists William Green and Karl Antoine with both be on the stage! 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 & Saturday, December 6th and 7th: Jazz Violinist Karen Briggs
2024-12-06 19:30 - 2024-12-07 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Karen Briggs is regarded as one of the greatest violinists of our time. She has been performing and composing for over four decades. Karen easily fits into various genres, including gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, hip hop and classical. This is evidenced by the wide variety of artists she has performed with, including Yanni and the Royal Philharmonic, Stanley Clarke, Diana Ross, Ledisi, Kirk Franklin, Annie Lennox, Keb Mo, Nasseer Shamma, Juan Sebastian, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Karen’s initial and significant recognition comes from her feature in the record-breaking, PBS broadcast of “Yanni: Live At The Acropolis”, of which her fiery solos within the rank of the Royal Philharmonic were adored by millions of viewers worldwide! Karen has performed and/or recorded with:

Karen’s signature approach to the violin demonstrates a skillful and unique swagger that has been featured in concerts taking place at historic venues in fifty countries!

LISTEN TO KAREN HERE:

Sunday, December 8th: Our Twelfth Annual Celebration of a Charlie Brown Christmas *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ****
2024-12-08 18:00 - 21:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 6PM AND 8PM. For the twelfth season, The Velvet Note features Vince Guaraldi’s composition of the music of A Charlie Brown Christmas. This year, the music is arranged and directed by pianist William Green. You and your family will be delighted as Mr. Green leads an all-star cast of singers and instruments through the music of this iconic holiday album of popular jazz music. Get your reservations early and join us for the fun!

Thursday, December 12th: Open Mic Jam
2024-12-12 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 8:00pm. Georgia’s LONGEST-RUNNING OPEN MIC JAM is at The Velvet Note, and you are invited! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. Bring your talent, bring date, bring your instrument, bring your clapping hands, and join the fun. Hosted by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Friday and Saturday, December 13th & 14th: Reggie Hines' Holiday Soul Soiree w/ Kevi Redding
2024-12-13 19:30 - 2024-12-14 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. With Special Guest Singer Kevi Redding. Saxophonist/Composer Reggie Hines takes us to a whole new level with his first Christmas show at The Velvet Note! Whether he’s performing at international jazz festivals in Stockholm, Montreux, Bermuda and St. Lucia or closer to home in and around Atlanta, veteran saxophonist Reggie Hines always asks his audience the key question: “How many of you want to go on a musical journey?” Though while commanding the stage, the multi-talented songwriter and musician is clearly referring to the constant sense of groove he brings to his eclectic mix of salsa, hip-hop, jazz, trap, bebop, gospel, funk and even classical music, his words could also apply to his fascinating, multi-faceted career.

Sunday, December 15th: Jennifer Wrobleski's Christmas Show
2024-12-15 14:00 - 15:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW: 2:00pm. Here’s your chance to really get into the Spirit of the Season! Join us for the holiday season afternoon performance of jazz singer Jennifer Wrobleski, featuring pianist Kevin Bales. This festive afternoon features a menu of brunch fare, surprise gifts and a Christmas sing-a-long!

Thursday, December 19th: Open Mic Jam
2024-12-19 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday and Saturday, December 20th and 21st: The Life and Music of The Legendary Nancy Wilson. To reserve, Call 855.5.VELVET
2024-12-20 19:30 - 2024-12-21 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. A Velvet Note Exclusive: Jazz singer Nancy Wilson, a three-time Grammy Award-winner, already knew she would be a singer by the time she was four years old, and developed her talent by singing in the church choir. Her records were successful, and Capitol issued five Nancy Wilson albums in two years. Initially focusing on rhythm and blues, under Adderley’s influence, she moved away from R&B and embraced jazz and torch songs. Their 1962 collaboration “Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley” helped propel her to the top, and she had her breakout hit, “Tell Me the Truth,” in 1963. This brought her a gig at New York’s Coconut Grove, the premier night club in America, the following year, and she became a star.

In this exclusive performance, Nancy Wilson’s songs are interpreted by the great North Carolina-based singer Yolanda Rabun, while the story of the history of her life is told by Jazz Historian Carl Anthony. This is the jazz history event of the season, and we look forward to having you here!

Sunday, December 22nd: Our ENCORE Performance of Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas *** NEW SHOWS ADDED!****
2024-12-22 18:00 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 6pm and 8pm. The Velvet Note features Vince Guaraldi’s composition of the music of A Charlie Brown Christmas. This year, the music is arranged and directed by pianist William Green. You and your family will be delighted as Mr. Green leads an all-star cast of singers and instrumentalists through the music of this iconic holiday album of popular jazz music. Get your reservations early and join us for the fun!

Thursday, December 26th: Open Mic Jam
2024-12-26 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday, December 27th: Cannonball Red and The Headhunters *** SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!!!
2024-12-27 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. A Blues brother with soul running through his veins, Red is a passionate artist trailblazing through life on his own path to success. Originally From Douglasville, GA , Red’s true origin story lies in the Gospel music ringing through Calvary Baptist Church in rural Madison, GA. Adept and inherently talented from a young age, music was a cornerstone of his childhood. In his early teenage years he discovered the world of Blues and was instantly infatuated.

Red draws his inspiration from the greatness of guitarists like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Luther “Georgia Boy” Johnson, as well as pianists like Otis Spann and Ray Charles. Combining their vintage sound with a modern flare and his smoky voice, Red and his stellar band known as the Head Hunters bring you soul, grit and a little bit of fire to give a taste of what it feels like to be at the mercy of the Cannonball.

SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!

Saturday, December 28th: Red Sugar Blues ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ****
2024-12-28 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
‘ And she looks like a piece of cake walking’ Jimmy Burns – Legendary Blues Guitarist

‘ Mississippi gives birth to Red Sugar Blues. Real talk. Real love.

Castro Coleman – Mr. Sipp Mississippi Blues Child

‘ ‘Red Sugar Blues hits the stage runnin’ and just doesn’t stop’

Mick Kolassa – Taylor Made Blues Band

…Red Sugar Blues is being recognized as a powerhouse blues band birthed from the soil of Magnolia and McComb Mississippi…it is the stature of this petite lead vocalist Red Sugar that draws and delivers deep seeded sounds and mountainous moans with rawness and ease…sultry…stunning and alluringly talented…the movement of such profound vocals should never be confused with the ability to resound and resonate each note so delicate and pleasing to the ear…whenever Red Sugar Blues hits any stage…in the clubs…festivals…weddings…corporate and private events…Red Sugar’s soulful contralto is the backdrop with an incredibly talented rhythm section…the gift of her talent…combined with master musicians…will bring great delight to every audience…

Sunday, December 29th: Soulful Singer Songwriter Kimi Tortuga
2024-12-29 19:00 - 20:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 7:00pm. Kimi Tortuga is a versatile and international singer-songwriter based in the greater Tampa Bay Area (Florida, USA). She began her musical journey with the piano at just 5 years old, which was quickly followed by her interest in the clarinet and other wind instruments at age 12.

At age 21, Kimi taught herself to sing and play both the ukulele and guitar and has turned a lifelong passion into a flourishing career. Her style and worldly experience provide for a uniquely rich and authentic sound meant especially for those who find it.

www.kimitortuga.com

Tuesday, December 31st: New Year's Eve at The Velvet Note!
2024-12-31 19:30 - 2025-01-01 01:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 10:00pm. It’s a new year, and what could be better than great live music, food, spirits and company in the warmth and comfort of a beautiful living room? The Velvet Note welcomes you to our annual New Year’s eve gala! This yeThear’s festivities star singing stars Myrna Clayton and Wali Ali, with an outstanding band. And you can choose the early dinner show, or the later midnight show–it’s up to you! Your entry fee includes seating, concert, champagne toast, party favors and a dessert tasting plate. Food and additional beverages are a la carte and served until 1am.

Thursday, January 2nd: Open Mic Jam!
2025-01-02 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday, January 3rd: Singer/Guitarist Michael K!
2025-01-03 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. “For one person or one thousand, my performance remains passionate.” Michael K. is a guitarist and singer performing in the Metro-atlanta area for 5 years. A native New Yorker, he co-owns a live sound and studio production company, as well as leadership of his own versatile band. Michael K performs a broad spectrum of originals and covers, from Chicago, Frank Sinatra, to Dave Matthews and Maroon 5, all demographics can dance, tap their feet, and appreciate heartfelt lyrics and good vibes.

Saturday, January 4th: Louis Heriveaux & Tommy Sauter *** SOLD OUT !! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2025-01-04 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Louis is the first-call pianist for many notable musicians such as Jimmy Heath and Ralph Peterson, to name a few. After being impressed by Louis’ musical integrity in his approach to Jazz piano, Donald Brown immediately called Kenny Garrett, and referred Louis to him, for upcoming, gigs. Louis has appeared as a member of The Russell Gunn Quartet, featuring vocalist Dionne Farris. Louis’ name is becoming more and more familiar to the top names in Jazz as he continues to appear on the local Jazz scene in Atlanta, as well as on the national and international Jazz scene.

Sunday, January 5th: PRIVATE PARTY
2025-01-05 00:00 - 23:59

Thursday, January 9th: Open Mic Jam!
2025-01-09 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 8:00pm. Georgia’s LONGEST-RUNNING OPEN MIC JAM is at The Velvet Note, and you are invited! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. Bring your talent, bring date, bring your instrument, bring your clapping hands, and join the fun. Often attended by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Thursday, January 16th: Open Mic Jam!
2025-01-16 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday, January 17th: Andre Bernard & The Group Therapy Band: Old School
2025-01-17 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. New York-born Trumpeter and Bandleader Andre Bernard leads the Groove Therapy Band in a performance of some of the greatest ‘old school” R&B hits of all time, authored by Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire and many more. Get ready to move to the groove and have a great time!

Saturday, January 18th: From Hulu Television--Trap Jazz Starring Chris Moten ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT ***
2025-01-18 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. To Atlanta audiophiles, Chris’s best known for his force as an arranger and Musical Director for multiple prominent celebrity artists. Chris has work as a leader and as a follower. From working side by side on shows containing some of the best musicians in the business, including two of the nation’s greatest Band Leaders, Jay Leno’s Band Leader, Ricky Minor and Justin Timberlake/Janet Jackson’s Musical Director, Adam Blackstone.

While touring with B.o.B., Chris was featured in Bob’s 2010 video Don’t Let Me Fall, as the pianist in his street band. Chris also studied Jazz Composition and Improvisation at Clark Atlanta University where he also won first seat in the acclaimed IAJE HBCU all-star band in which potential members would create and send an audition tape to be considered to travel and perform with the all-star unit. when Chris Moten, a musician from Decatur, saw an opportunity to blend his background playing jazz music with Atlanta’s trap sound, he seized it and never let it go. He started combining the two genres in 2015 and later created a 10-piece band, Trap Jazz All-Stars, that performs across the country. Now, his style of musical fusion will be highlighted in a new documentary, “Trap Jazz,” on the Hulu network. The bands created by Chris are relentless at how fierce and energetic the players are while performing the Artists original music both in studio and out.

Friday, January 24th: Star Singer Leonard Julien III ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!!! SOLD OUT!! ****
2025-01-24 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Bonafide, exceptional, phenomenal, special, rare, vocal extraordinaire are all words that people regularly use to describe the musical talent of Leonard Julien, III. Leonard is a true rhythm and blues, soul singer. He is considered a seasoned veteran at his craft and has made quite a name for himself, locally and abroad. Some say that he is one of the last “soul preachers” of his generation. He has a tremendous vocal range where he can take you from Barry White all the way to Peabo Bryson because he, like a chameleon, is able to change his voice at will.

A native of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, Leonard comes from an extremely musical family where his mother is a singer and his father plays the saxophone and sings as well. As a youngster, he was literally infatuated with playing the saxophone like his dad, which he started at age 11. His grandfather, Leonard Julien, Sr., led a big band in the 1950s called the Leonard Julien Orchestra. In addition, the well-known Pink Panther theme song was played by his cousin, Plas Johnson, who happens to be Leonard’s mentor. Music has definitely shaped Leonard’s childhood.

He earned a scholarship to play the saxophone at Southern University under the direction of Dr. Isaac Greggs and the Southern University Marching Band. He also studied jazz ensemble with Alvin Battiste. Leonard’s vocal talent was later discovered by Dr. Isaac Greggs, Band Director of Southern University Marching Band.

Whether it is crooning or blowing the horn, Leonard does them both well. In fact, blues singer, Millie Jackson, hired him as a saxophonist and occasional background vocalist. While touring with Millie, Leonard received a personal call from Otis Williams of the Temptations, to sing the voiceover of David Ruffin in the NBC mini-series, “The Temptations.” Leonard also recorded a demo for one of his all-time favorite male vocalists, Peabo Bryson, who re-recorded the song entitled, “We’ve Come Too Far” for his Unconditional Love album. He is featured on Outkast’s (legendary hip-hop group) hit, “The Whole World”, and “I Like the Way You Move”. He recently toured as saxophonist and background vocalist with Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle.

As a vocalist, Leonard has been the featured opening act for the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ann Nesby, Howard Hewitt, Johnny Adams, Denise LaSalle, Tyrone Davis, Jeffrey Osborne, B.B. King, and Ray, Goodman & Brown, MC Hammer, Najee, Kem, just to name a few. He has also appeared on Jay Leno, The Dave Chappell Show, and the Wayne Brady Show as a saxophonist. His debut CD, “Reflections of Soul,” triumphed at #1 on European charts for 8 straight weeks and on CD Baby. Click here to videos of various recording artists who have featured Leonard on lead, or saxophones.

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

Saturday, January 25th: The Ray Howard Band Earth Wind, and Fire Fundraising Gala
2025-01-25 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE NIGHT ONLY! Please join us for our 2025 Velvet Note Fundraiser, starring The Ray Howard Band’s Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire! Over the past several months, many of you have asked how you can help. This is your opportunity to help us ensure that we can continue to bring great music to you and your family and friends.

Bronze – $69 (ticket)

Silver – $250 (ticket plus three course dinner included and silver sponsor recognition)

Gold – $500 (ticket plus dinner and gold sponsor recognition)

Thank you so much for your support and we look forward to celebrating with you soon!

***NEW!!** Wednesday, January 29th: The ATL Blues Cartel
2025-01-29 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIME: Doors open at 7pm. Music from 8pm – 11pm. The Atlanta area’s only fully-invitational blues jam session kicks off this month at The Velvet Note! The killah house band is comprised of blues band leaders from across the wide, all performing together and tearin’ it up. This is the mid-week pick-me-up you’ve been waiting and hoping for.

Thursday, January 30th: Open Mic Jam
2025-01-30 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Friday, January 31st: Breakout Singer Nijah Poteat
2025-01-31 19:30 - 23:30 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Nijah Poteat is a professional singer-songwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from North Carolina, she studied music and creative writing at the UNC Chapel Hill, class of 2024. Her love for singing and the arts is a family inheritance, passed down from her mother. She considers her influences to be gospel, jazz and R&B.
