Jeff Lofton – Saturday, June 1

"Austin-based trumpeter, composer and band leader Jeff Lofton is a veritable jazz virtuoso,” writes NPR affiliate KUT 90.5 FM in Austin. “Comparisons are frequently made to Miles Davis - and rightfully so. Lofton's take on standards frequently astounds, and his originals are equally delicious." Performance time: 9:00 pm to 1 am.

 

Jam Session w/host Pete Rodriguez - Every Wednesday

While excelling in the Latin field, Pete also followed his love for jazz,

leading him down a path that has allowed him to perform with such high profile bandleaders as Eddie Palmieri, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Chico O’Farrell, and Carlos “Patato” Valdez. He recently toured internationally with the legendary, Grammy-winning, Afro-Cuban jazz bandleader Bebo Valdez. Performance time: 9 pm to 1 am every Wednesday.

 

Jon Blondell – Thursday, June 6

Jon Blondell was born in Iowa, grew up in Harlingen and studied music at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. He broke into the jazz scene as a trombonist playing with local jazz artists as well as greats like Chet Baker, Branford Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Joe Henderson, Carl Fontana, Bill Watrous and others. He later crossed over into the country and rock'n'roll world and has had the honor of working with Willie Nelson, George Strait, Delbert McClinton, Ray Price, Asleep at the Wheel and Dale Watson.

Performance time: 9 pm to midnight

 

Wounded City – Friday June 7

Wounded City is a progressive rock/concept group founded by 3 friends in Austin, TX. The band has now expanded to a 5 piece purely instrumental group of musicians, focused on bringing music back to it's core. Wounded City combines elements of Rock, Pop, Funk, Folk, Hip Hop, and Jazz to bring an interestingly different style of music to their fans. By combining progressively smooth melodies, exciting instrument solos, and awesome live perfomance, the band takes the audience on a journey as they tell the tale of Wounded City. Performance time: 9 pm to 12:30 am

 

Mark Little Trio – Thursday & Friday, June 13 and 14

If you've seen the Mark Little Band more than once, you know that the show is never the same way twice. They strive for originality, tight musicianship and thoughtful, concise improvisation. The nucleus of this group is Mark Little and Dan Mitchell, and the supporting cast they employ is never short on talent or taste.

Performance time: 9 pm to midnight

 

The Lucky Strikes – Saturday, June 15

Both their lyrics and their music have become more reflective of events on the dance floor with subjects like "Swing Let's Swing." But even in those cases, colorful lyrics are often present, the reason being that lyricist and singer Craig Marshall is an undeniable Sinatra fan with the vocal chords to do his hero justice. Performance time: 9:00 pm to midnight

 

Alternator Jones – Thursday, June 20

Alternator Jones is a jazz break beat funk instrumental experience in Austin that is not to be missed! Jazz, Funk, R&B and Soul music round out this group's talents. Gregory J. Amani Smith performs on Bass/Guitar/Keys/Alto Saxophone/Vocals; Matt Danko performs on Drums/Percussion/Beats/Keys/Vocals; Paul McArdle performs on Guitars/Vocals. Performance time: 9:00 pm to midnight

 

Kevin Ahart – Friday, June 21

Kevin Ahart is a consummate vocal interpreter with a knack for cutting straight to a song’s emotional heart. As comfortable performing with a spare two-piece combo as he is with a full orchestra, he possesses an effortless poise that many performers take decades to develop. Taking his cues from the evocative singers and exacting tunesmiths of the golden age that produced the Great American Songbook, Ahart makes heartfelt, timeless music that’s rooted in pop and jazz tradition yet entirely his own. 

Performance time: 9:00 pm to 1 am.

 

Elias Haslanger w/Church on Monday – Saturday, June 22

Tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone player Elias Haslanger grew up during the 1980s in the Austin, Texas, area, listening to the sounds of the Marsalis brothers and other young jazz players like Mark Whitfield and Roy Hargrove. Over the span of his 25-year music career, native Texan and Austin resident Elias Haslanger has carved a unique and distinguished place in jazz history as a saxophonist, composer and band leader. Performance time: 9:00 pm to midnight.

 

Red Young Organ Trio – Thursday, June 27

Since January 2006, Red has been touring with ERIC BURDON throughout Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States. After a two year run of DJANGO ON THE PARKWAY, Red got an offer from former employer and musical collaborator Eric Burdon  to rejoin him for his continuing world tours. Many TV appearances and sold-out concerts throughout the world gave Red another excuse to bring his music to the world. Red moved back to the fertile music scene of Austin, Tx., this time with a different world view of what direction he could go. Red has started AUSTIN JAZZ ARTISTS, a collaboration of the rich heritage and ongoing creativity that thrives in this oasis in the middle of Texas.

Performance time: 9:00 pm to midnight.