Sunday, November 23 — Celebrate the start of the season with a swinging holiday tradition! Atlanta jazz icon Joe Gransden and piano virtuoso Geoff Haydon reunite at The Velvet Note to bring timeless festive favorites to life with warmth, rhythm, and style.
A Beloved Atlanta Holiday Tradition
There is no better way to kick off the holiday season than with the swinging sounds of Joe Gransden and Geoff Haydon. This annual collaboration has become a cherished tradition for Atlanta music lovers, blending the nostalgia of classic holiday tunes with the sophisticated energy of world-class jazz.
Expect a setlist that moves effortlessly from high-energy big band-style swing to tender, sentimental ballads. Past performances have featured unique takes on everything from a Dixieland “Jingle Bells” to the beloved, melancholic beauty of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It is a show that captures the full spirit of the season—joyful, reflective, and undeniably cool.
Meet the Masters
Joe Gransden (Trumpet/Vocals): Renowned for the hard-bop approach of his trumpet and a singing voice often compared to Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra, Joe Gransden is one of the hardest-working and most respected musicians in the Southeast. Clint Eastwood himself called Joe “a young man with an old soul and a classic voice.” Whether he’s leading his famous Big Band or performing in an intimate quartet, Joe brings a charisma and musicality that lights up the room.
Dr. Geoff Haydon (Piano): Joining Joe is the brilliant pianist Geoff Haydon. A “musical chameleon” who bridges the gap between classical and jazz, Dr. Haydon is a Professor of Music at Georgia State University and a long-time member of the Joe Gransden Big Band. His piano work is dazzling—capable of intricate, classical flourishes one moment and deep, swinging grooves the next.
The Perfect Holiday Atmosphere
The Velvet Note’s intimate “acoustic living room” setting transforms into the ultimate holiday jazz club for this event. You’ll be close enough to hear every note, share a toast with friends, and feel the warmth of the music without the distraction of a noisy bar.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic holiday date night or a special evening with family, Jazz & The Holidays is the perfect gift to yourself.
Event Details:
- Artist: Joe Gransden and Geoff Haydon
- Date: Sunday, November 23rd
- Showtimes: 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM