Friday and Saturday, November 28 & 29 — Two-time Grammy nominee Russell Gunn brings his high-voltage ensemble “Blackhawk” to The Velvet Note for a Thanksgiving weekend celebration of East St. Louis swagger and unbridled improvisation.
The Coolest Place to Be This Thanksgiving Weekend
After the turkey is eaten and the football games are over, the real holiday celebration begins. This Thanksgiving weekend, we are turning up the heat with a performance that defines “cool.”
Russell Gunn, a titan of contemporary jazz, takes the stage for a two-night run that promises to be the highlight of your holiday. Whether you are looking to impress out-of-town guests with Atlanta’s world-class music scene or simply need a sophisticated escape from the family chaos, this is the place to be.
A Tribute to Miles Davis’s “No Safety Net” Spirit
The project’s name, Blackhawk, is a nod to the legendary 1961 album Miles Davis In Person Friday and Saturday Nights at the Blackhawk. That record is famous for capturing Miles Davis at his most raw and hard-swinging, performing in a gritty San Francisco club with no rehearsals and no safety net.
Russell Gunn taps directly into that spirit. He isn’t just playing Miles Davis covers; he is channeling the fearless, high-wire energy of that era. Expect a set that swings hard, takes risks, and captures the visceral excitement of 1960s post-bop jazz.
East St. Louis Swagger
Hailing from East St. Louis—a lineage that includes trumpet legends like Miles Davis—Gunn has built a career on defying expectations. A two-time Grammy nominee, he is known for fusing jazz with hip-hop (“Krunk Jazz”) and EDM, but “Blackhawk” is his return to the acoustic tradition.
However, don’t expect a polite history lesson. Gunn plays with a muscular, swaggering tone and an intensity that demands attention. He brings a modern edge to the classic quartet sound, proving why he is one of the most innovative bandleaders working today.
An All-Star Atlanta Ensemble
To pull off music this demanding, you need a band of heavyweights. Gunn has assembled a powerhouse lineup of Atlanta’s finest musicians to bring this vision to life:
- Kevin Bales (Piano)
- Kevin Smith (Bass)
- Jeremy Clemons (Drums)
- Andre Hayward (Trombone)
- Kendrick Smith (Saxophone)
This is a rare opportunity to see this specific collective of masters on one stage. Join us for a night of bold, expressive music that will leave you thankful for the art of live jazz.
Event Details:
- Artist: Russell Gunn and Blackhawk
- Dates: Friday, Nov 28 & Saturday, Nov 29
- Showtimes: 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM