UPDATED 03/13/2020:
Note that the Thu, Mar 12, 2020 performance by Milestones has been canceled. See more information here.
Groove to an eclectic mix of jazz ensembles every Thursday, 6–9 pm, Dominion Energy Jazz Café at VMFA’s Best Café. Open and Free to the public. Sponsored by Dominion Energy and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, in conjunction with the Richmond Jazz Society. Light fare and (adult/alcoholic) beverages available for sale. Artists subject to change.
2020 SCHEDULE
Artists subject to change
MARCH 12
MILESTONES
Drummer/percussionist Mike Hoggard leads this eclectic ensemble playing all styles of Jazz from Thelonious Monk to George Duke with Fredericksburg’s Harry Wilson on vibes.
MARCH 19
MIKE HAWKINS
One of Virginia’s premier bassists, Mike Hawkins is back by popular demand with Dr. Weldon Hill on keyboard, Devonne Harris on drums and James Gates on sax
MARCH 26
BARBARA MARTIN
Vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Barbara Martin (Staunton VA) sings Jazz standards and original songs of wit and truth with Lucy Kilpatrick on piano and Karl Kimmel on bass.
Past Performances
DEXTER MOSES QUARTET
The Dexter Moses Quartet is led by the 20 year old saxophonist and Richmond native who is currently a junior at North Carolina Central University. A former student of James “Saxsmo” Gates, he has already performed alongside Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Delfeayo Marsalis, Corey Fonville, and others. The band strives to bring joy to its audiences while staying true to the Jazz tradition.
JANUARY 9
CHARLES OWENS
Charlottesville saxophonist Charles Owens is an integral part of the vibrant RVA music scene. He has devoted his life to pursuing excellence in music and bringing peace and happiness to his fellow humans with his soulful playing and composing. The trio features Andrew Randazzo on bass and Devonne Harris on drums.
JANUARY 16
CLAUDIA CARAWAN
An evening of swing, blues and Jazz standards with Claudia Carawan, an award-winning songwriter whose voice has been described as “Positively Soulful”. Lucy Kilpatrick on keyboard, Carter Blough on bass and Donald Faye on woodwinds
JANUARY 23
JUSTIN SMITH TRIO
Classic and modern Jazz mixed with Bossa Nova and contemporary styles featuring Justin Smith on guitar; Brian Cruse on bass; Brendan Schnabel on tenor saxophone and C.J. Wolfe on drums
JANUARY 30
MARSHA MEEKINS & COMPANY
Jazz standards and popular favorites featuring Marsha Meekins on flute and vocals with Dr. W. Weldon Hill on piano, Matthew Steele on bass, Lester Kenney on drums and vocalist Victor Nelson
FEBRUARY 6
CAROL COVELL TRIO
Jazz standards and selections from the Great American Songbook with vocalist Carol Covell, Lee Covington on keyboard and Matt Hall on bass
FEBRUARY 13
JAZZ AROUND THE MUSEUM – MARBLE HALL
KLAXTON BROWN
Back by popular demand!! Who says a Jazz band can’t party, get down, and get funky? Led by saxophonist Robert “Bo” Bohannon, Klaxton Brown combines the old with the new, and will rock you steady all night long. Prepare to get Klaxtonized!
FEBRUARY 20
TWO BIRDS, ONE STONE
This classic Jazz trio will thrill you with their renditions of the American Songbook.
Featuring Ken Kellner on bass, Lucy Kilpatrick on keyboard and Todd Woodson on drums.
FEBRUARY 27
GLENNROY AND COMPANY
These entertaining music specialists will play a variety of Jazz, R&B and mild top forty tunes. Led by Glennroy Bailey on flute and featuring Debo Dabney on keyboard, Brian Johnson on drums and Everard Thomson on bass. Get ready to swing and sway!!
MARCH 5
BOB BLAGG TRIO
Jazz standards and selections from the Great American Songbook with Bob Blagg on guitar, Charlie Kilpatrick on keyboard and Matt Hall on bass
STEPHEN NORFLEET
Instrumental Jazz standards and popular music featuring Stephen Norfleet on saxophone, Ayinde Williams on keyboard, Rusty Farmer on bass and Keith Willingham on drums
JANUARY 10
KEN KELLNER & COOL PORTER
Music reminiscent of Cole Porter and the Great American Songbook with Ken Kellner on bass, Todd Woodson on drums, Anthony Dowd on keyboard and Jonathan Greenberg on trumpet
JANUARY 17
FUNKY FINGER
Feel-good and grooving Jazz featuring original works and funky covers with John Creger on bass and vocals, Jeanette Creger on keyboards and vocals, Jon Saure on guitar and vocals, John Mitchell on keyboard, B3 and vocals, and Curvey “Curv Ali” Reid on drums and percussion.
JANUARY 24
LARRI BRANCH TRIO
Popular Jazz standards with original arrangements of such notables as Ellis Marsalis, Hank Jones and the great Duke Ellington featuring Larri Branch on keyboard, Brian Cruse on bass and C. J. Wolfe on drums
JANUARY 31
CHARLES OWENS TRIO
Charlottesville resident Charles Owens is an integral part of the vibrant music scene in Richmond and the region. Charles will perform with “The Roots” at the Concert for Charlottesville for a live audience of 55,000. He has devoted his life to pursuing excellence in music and bringing peace and happiness to his fellow humans. His trio features Andrew Randazzo on bass and Devonne Harris on drums with Owens on tenor sax.
MARCH 7
CARL LESTER EL & “THE FAM”
“The Fam” features some of Richmond’s FINEST musicians who have performed throughout the US and, in beautiful concert halls and churches in Austria and Germany. They have shared the stage with such Jazz and Gospel notables as Gerald Albright, Tasha Cobbs, Daniel Weatherspoon and the late Ronnie Jordon. “The Fam” includes Alvin Spratley on bass, Lance Dickerson on keys, Phillip Foster on drums, Carl Lester El on guitar and vocalist Corey El.
MARCH 14
MIKE HAWKINS EXPERIENCE
One of Virginia’s most versatile bassists, Mike Hawkins has shared his soulful sounds as leader of his own groups, and with renowned pianist Cyrus Chestnut, in venues throughout the US and abroad. Joining Mike on contemporary Jazz and popular hits are Dr. Weldon Hill on piano, Billy Williams on drums and James “Saxsmo” Gates on alto.
MARCH 21
LES AMIS featuring PAIGE MELTON
“Les Amis featuring Paige Melton” is a group of musicians who love the freedom of expression afforded by Jazz via The Great American Songbook. Paige Melton’s vocals are the center of the group with accompaniment by Bob Blagg on guitar, Ken Kellner on bass, Randall Mailand on piano and Todd Woodson on drums.
MARCH 28
ELANA LISA & THE HOT MESS
This fun loving group has audiences dancing and grooving to Jazz standards and Neo-Swing featuring Elana Lisa, lead vocalist with Eric Oritt on electric guitar and vocals; John Dacey on acoustic bass and vocals; Ken Bowie on drums and vocals and Allen Burris on tenor/soprano saxes and flute.
APRIL 4
“A CUP OF JAZZ” Featuring MARJORIE JONES
Vocalist Marjorie Jones is a favorite on the RVA music scene. Her debut at the VMFA Dominion Energy Jazz Café will serve up some classic Jazz favorites mixed with a little R&B and some Neo Soul accompanied by Debo Dabney on keyboard, Juan Nelson on bass and Brian Johnson on drums.
APRIL 11
LATIN JAZZ MESSENGERS
Led by the renowned trumpeter Dr. Michael Davison, the six members of the Latin Jazz Messengers continue to thrill audiences with high-energy arrangements and an eclectic blend of Cuban, Brazilian, and American Jazz. From the wall-of-sound horns to the swinging rhythm section, this group guarantees a “muy caliente” experience!
APRIL 18
PETE ANDERSON SEXTET
The Pete Anderson Sextet is a hard-hitting, New York Jazz club style band, playing the music called “Hard Bop” – a soulful blend of R&B, Blues and Gospel with Bebop. The six-piece group, specializing in the music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, features Tim Lett on trumpet, Steve Norfleet on tenor sax, Pete Anderson on trombone, Lee Covington on piano, Rusty Farmer on bass, and Keith Willingham on drums.
APRIL 25
RICHARD D’ABREU & JAZZ IN THE SPIRIT
Jazz with a touch of Gospel. Bring your best Jazzy shout to accompany this week’s music because this group will have you tapping your feet AND waving your hands. It’s a family affair with Richard D’Abreu, Jr. on saxophone, Ayinde Williams on piano, John Walters on drums and Richard D’Abreu III on bass.
MAY 2
JAY BROWN’S “GRACE STREET SEVEN”
Vintage-style music from the “Jazz Age” in the tradition of early American dance bands from the 1920s & 1930s! Get ready to Swing with Jay Brown on vocals & tenor banjo, Stephen Moser on trumpet, Nate Clark on alto & soprano saxes, Chet Frierson on clarinet & sax, Ben Kelly on bass, Nick Davidson on drums and featured guest Ayinde Williams on piano.
MAY 9 JAZZ AROUND THE MUSEUM – In the Marble Hall
REGINALD CYNTJE GROUP
Trombonist Reginald Cyntje is one of the DC area’s most highly respected bandleaders and a Jazz Café favorite. His group blends Jazz, calypso, reggae and other African-influenced genres to create a unique cultural experience.
MAY 16
STEPHANIE NAKASIAN
Bebop, standards and swing led by Charlottesville-based vocalist Stephanie Nakasian, “The Renaissance Woman of Jazz”! Enjoy classic favorites from the Great American Songbook.
MAY 23
SCOTT WICHMANN’S “WITCHCRAFT”
Scott Wichmann transforms into “Ole Blue Eyes” whenever he hits the stage. Get ready to swing, sway and reminisce as Scott and his ensemble take you back through time with Dr. Weldon Hill on keyboards, Billy Williams on drums and Mike Hawkins on bass.
MAY 30
MATTHEW STEELE & THE REVOLUTION JAZZ QUARTET
“Sophisticated Fun”- Jazz mixed with Soul! Featuring vocalist Victor Nelson with Matthew Steele on bass, Dr. Weldon Will on piano and Lester Kenney on drums
JUNE 6
MARSHA MEEKINS AND COMPANY
Jazz standards and popular favorites featuring Marsha Meekins on flute and vocals with Dr. W. Weldon Hill on piano, Matthew Steele on bass, Carl Lester El on drums and Victor Nelson on vocals
JUNE 13
RANDY JOHNSTON
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Randy Johnston brings the bluesy and funky sounds of the classic guitar/organ/drums trio with Jonah Kayne-West on organ and Kelli Strawbridge on drums
JUNE 20
QUINTESSENTIAL JAZZ
Jazz and R&B with William Prentiss on flute and tenor saxophone, Chris Mosley on trumpet and flugelhorn, Sam Craddock on Bass, Hannon Lane on guitar, Eron Gray on drums, Keith Wallace on keyboard and featuring Carlita Whitehead on vocals
JUNE 27
DEBRA DEAN & THE KEY WEST QUARTET
Back by popular demand! Jazz, Blues and popular favorites with vocalist Debra Dean, award-winning guitarist Patrick Lawler, and Special Guests
JULY 4
THE JAZZ WARRIORS
Trumpeter Jon Greenberg’s Jazz Warriors play all styles of Jazz from the early 1900’s to the present with Eric Lytle on piano, Gary Shaver on alto sax and clarinet, Todd Woodson on drums and Jonathan Wheelock on acoustic bass. The band will pay special tribute to Louis Armstrong, who celebrated his birthday on July 4th.
JULY 11
FABIAN LANCE
Fabian Lance is an innovative keyboardist, teacher, producer, composer and arranger from Danville VA. He has traveled abroad, near and far sharing his Jazz flare. Performing hits from his latest CD, Reminisce, and jazz classics. Featuring Fabian Lance on keyboards, Carl Lester El on bass, Chris Beasley on guitar and Philip Foster on drums.
JULY 18
M-LAW & THE PROPHETS OF JAZZ
Mary Lawrence aka M-Law is a trumpet and flugelhorn player, vocalist, and rapper originally from Virginia. She graduated from VCU’s Jazz Studies program and is making a name for herself in Washington DC and throughout the East Coast! M-Law & the Prophets of Jazz will feature Scott Chambers on bass, Ronnie Thomas on drums, and Drew Miles on keyboards.
JULY 25
LARRI BRANCH TRIO
The Larri Branch Trio will perform a variety of Jazz standards with original arrangements, compositions by the great Duke Ellington, Hank Jones, Ellis Marsalis, C. J. Wolfe and Branch. Larri Branch on piano, Brian Cruse on bass and C. J. Wolfe on drums.
AUGUST 1
TRIPLE CROSSING
Vocalist/instrumentalist Jay Brown leads this classic Jazz combo specializing in the familiar Standards of the 1920s-1960s with tenor sax, bass, piano, and a swinging vocalist. Let’s dance!
AUGUST 8 – JAZZ AROUND THE MUSEUM – In The Atrium
LIVEMIXX
Phenomenal guitarist Chris Beasley leads this eight-piece, uniquely configured concept band, offering modern Jazz that will leave you wanting more.
AUGUST 15
JARON LAMAR DAVIS TRIO
Midwest native Jaron Lamar Davis returns to Richmond with a genre-bending trio that delivers a true 21st century improvisational sound with Davis on drums accompanied by Udobi on keyboards and Donte Speaks, Jr. on bass.
AUGUST 22
ANALOGUE REPUBLIC
The Analogue Republic merges blues, Jazz, funk, and rock to form a unique voice that pays tribute to its influences – groove-oriented Soul-Jazz! Featuring Gary Titi on guitar, Eric Franzen on keyboard and Forrest Young on drums
AUGUST 29
SWEET POTATOES MUSIC
Bandleader and guitarist Johnny Hargrove, lead singer and violinist Reyna Pannell, bassist Joey Anderson and drummer Stephon LaRue put their own spin on classic Jazz. Soulful licks and lots of “Yammin”!
SEPTEMBER 5
BARBARA MARTIN
Vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist Barbara Martin (Staunton VA) sings Jazz standards and original songs of wit and truth accompanied by Lucy Kilpatrick on piano and Mike Hawkins on bass.
SEPTEMBER 12
BLUE ORCHID JAZZ
Jazz standards and original compositions that explore the edges of Swing, Bop, Blues, Funk, and Latin featuring Kyffin Salter on bass, Jo Santos on keyboards, Patrick Zampetti on drums and percussion, and special guest, Myrick Crampton on sax and flute.
SEPTEMBER 19
WWAY
The WWAY is a stylistically diverse group featuring the talents of Chris Whiteman of guitar, Jonah Kane West on keys, Dane Alderson on bass and Forrest Young on drums. Their original compositions range from the soulfully poetic, to blazing up-tempo acrobatics that set in a groove to keep you moving.
SEPTEMBER 26
NEAL BOWENS PROJECT
Contemporary smooth jazz at its finest. This high energy band is lead by saxophonist Neal Bowens with Lamont Menefield on guitar, Wilbert Anderson on bass, Alfred Walker on keyboards and Ray Grady on drums.
OCTOBER 3
AFRO ZEN ALLSTARS
RVA’s multi-generational World Jazz “little big band,” featuring John Lilley (alto & tenor), Chris Sclafani (alto & baritone), Myrick Crampton (tenor), Chris Vasi (guitar), Brian Cruse (bass), Scott Milstead (drums) and George M Lowe (Leader & guitar). Don’t even think about not dancing!
OCTOBER 10
CURV APPEAL
Vibraphonist Curvey Reid, influenced by legends like Lionel Hampton, plays straight-ahead Jazz with a funky, contemporary flair. This band is back by popular demand!
OCTOBER 17
LATIN JAZZ MESSENGERS
Led by trumpeter Dr. Michael Davison, the Latin Jazz Messengers thrill audiences with their high-energy arrangements and eclectic blend of Cuban, Brazilian, and American Jazz. Muy Caliente! Hot, Hot, Hot!
OCTOBER 24
STEVE KESSLER TRIO
Jazz Classics with Steve Kessler on piano, Robert Jospe on drums and Paul Langosch on bass
OCTOBER 31
VICTOR HASKINS’ SKEIN
Original music and grooving rhythms from Victor Haskins on trumpet and EWI; Matt Hall on bass, Tony Martucci drums
NOVEMBER 7
MODERN MUSE TRIO
Modern Muse Trio makes their Jazz Café debut with an evening full of your favorite standards and beyond with sultry, soulful, swingin’ sounds featuring Elizabeth Joy Terrell on vocals, Chris Brydge on bass and Chris Whiteman on guitar.
NOVEMBER 14
FUNKY FINGER
Jazz/Funk band playing funky covers and original works to get you moving and grooving. John Creger on bass and vocals, Jeanette Creger on keys, synths and vocals, Jon Saure on guitar and vocals, John Mitchell on keys, B3 and vocals, and Curvey “Curv Ali” Reid on drums and percussion.
NOVEMBER 21
JAZZ AROUND THE MUSEUM/In The Atrium
RAJAZZ
RaJazz is one of Hampton Roads’ most requested smooth jazz and R&B bands by festivals throughout the area! Founder Rogers Brown on keyboard, Stephanie Sanders on saxophone, Jason Cales on guitar, Tracy Spence on bass, Chris Jernigan on drums, Rick Micau on percussion and Ahisa Johnson on vocals.
NOVEMBER 29
BLUE PROTOTYPE
Come kick off your Thanksgiving Day Weekend with Blue Prototype featuring one of Richmond’s favorite guitarists, Connor Thompson. The band combines traditional jazz elements with modern heavy metal energy with Larri Branch on piano, Brian Cruse on bass and CJ Wolfe on drums. Their debut album is available at www.blueprototype.bandcamp.com
DECEMBER 5
MARY HERMANN GARCIA
Swing, ballads, blues, and Bossa Novas featuring Mary Hermann García on vocals with Antonio García on trombone, vocals and percussion; John Conley on guitar and Brian Sulser on bass.
DECEMBER 12
POCKET JAZZ
Instrumental standards and “jazzified” pop with Eric Oritt on guitar, Chris Ludwig on bass, Ross Riddell on drums and Dave Triplett on trumpet and flugelhorn
DECEMBER 19
DEBRA DEAN & THE KEY WEST QUARTET
Back by popular demand! Jazz, Blues and Pop favorites with vocalist Debra Dean, award winning guitarist Patrick Lawler, and Special Guests.
DECEMBER 26
GLENNROY & COMPANY
Flutist Glennroy Bailey is a Jazz Café favorite playing Jazz, R&B and cool top forty tunes.