314 S. Main, Ann Arbor
372–3200
bluellamaclub.com
This jazz club/restaurant features live music Sun. 6-8:30 p.m., Tues. 7–9:30 p.m., Wed.–Fri., 7–10:15 p.m., & Sat. dinner show 7–10:15 p.m. $10 cover on Tues.–Fri.; reservations recommended at OpenTable.com or by calling the club. Sat. ticket piece (variable) includes a 7-course dinner; advance tickets available at BlueLlamaClub.com. No dancing except for Wed. Latin jazz shows and as otherwise noted.
Upcoming Events
January 30, 2025: Tim Haldeman Quartet.
Blues- and bebop-based jazz in a variety of styles and forms by this local ensemble led by saxophonist Haldeman. 7 & 8:45 p.m.
January 31, 2025: New Nostalgia.
Chicago-based jazz, pop, and rock fusion band, led by saxophonist and composer-arranger Neil Carson, that boasts a big, brassy 5-piece horn section backed by driving powerhouse rhythms and searing guitar. Their 2019 self-titled debut album, a killer mix of up-tempo originals and covers of 80s & 90s pop songs, was hailed by Downbeat as “power-polychord instrumental rock at its finest.” Dinner shows: 7 & 9:30 p.m.
February 1, 2025: Jonathon Muir-Cotton & Expressions.
Jazz ensemble, led by young Detroit bassist Muir-Cotton, whose sound is influenced by funk, gospel, blues, R&B and neo-soul. Dinner shows: 6:30 & 9 p.m.
February 1, 2025: Jacob Hart Quintet.
Ensemble led by young Detroit-area pianist Hart. 10:30 p.m.–midnight.
February 2, 2025: GSL Trio.
All-female Detroit jazz ensemble of drummer Gayelynn McKinney, bassist Laura-Simone Martin, and Redwood, the stage name of jazz singer & keyboardist Sequoia Snyder. Dinner show: 5 p.m.
February 6, 2025: Jim Alfredson’s Dirty Fingers.
Lansing jam-oriented jazz ensemble led by Hammond B3 organist Alfredson. 7 & 8:45 p.m.
February 7, 2025: WEMU 5:01 Jazz Series.
With an ensemble led by local trumpeter Anthony Stanco. 5 p.m. Free.
February 7, 2025: Ralphe Armstrong Trio.
Jazz ensemble led by veteran Detroit bassist Armstrong. Dinner shows: 7 & 9:30 p.m.
February 8, 2025: Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy.
Ensemble led by the young Detroit jazz bassist Rose, a recent MSU grad. Dinner shows: 6:30 & 9 p.m.
February 8, 2025: Alain Sullivan Quartet.
Jazz ensemble led by local saxophonist Sullivan. 10:30 p.m.–midnight.
February 9, 2025: La Tanya Hall.
Ensemble led by this jazz vocalist renowned for her ability to breathe new life into the Great American Songbook. Dinner shows: 6 & 7:30 p.m.
February 12, 2025: Tyreek McDole.
Ensemble led by this young Florida-bred Haitian American jazz vocalist who is quickly making a name for himself on the NYC jazz scene. In 2023 McDole became only the 2nd man to win the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, with one of the judges saying, “I was simply astonished by the gorgeous quality of Tyreek's instrument. He had a beautiful feel and is already a true entertainer at his young age. The music world better get ready.” Dinner shows 7 & 9 p.m. $85.
February 13, 2025: Sky Covington & November Fourth.
Detroit jazz ensemble led by vocalist Covington. Tonight they play a “Galentines” program of jazz love songs and ballads. 7 & 8:45 p.m.
February 14, 2025: Sean Dobbins Quintet.
Jazz ensemble led by local drummer Dobbins. Tonight they are joined for a Valentine’s Day show by Athena Johnson, a local vocalist who sings both straight-ahead and smooth jazz tunes. Dinner shows: 6 & 8:30 p.m. $150.
February 15, 2025: Tatiana Eva-Marie.
Jazz Manouche (aka Gypsy jazz) ensemble led by Eva-Marie, an NYC-based Swiss American vocalist known for renditions of French popular music in the style of 1930s Parisian swing with Balkan Gypsy and folk influences. Praising her band, The Village Voice writes “they continue in the beloved steps of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, but with a contemporary and delightful American twist.” Dinner shows: 6:30 & 9 p.m. $150.
February 16, 2025: Shahida Nurullah & Good Company.
Quartet led by Nurullah, a big-voiced Detroit jazz singer who specializes in blues, ballads, and pop standards. Dinner shows: 6 & 7:30 p.m.
February 19, 2025: Ellen Rowe Quartet.
Ensemble led by U-M jazz piano professor Rowe. With saxophonist Mike Sakash, bassist Rob Bickley, and drummer Pete Siers. 7 & 8:45 p.m.
February 20, 2025: Andrew Rathbun Quartet.
Jazz ensemble led by saxophonist Rathbun, a WMU jazz professor. “Rathbun’s lines dance and glide,” writes JazzTimes reviewer David White is, “reflecting both childlike wonder and well-honed artistry.” 7 & 8:45 p.m.
February 21, 2025: Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble.
Nine-piece Detroit-based jazz-funk ensemble led by bassist Was, a legendary Grammy award-winning producer and onetime president of Blue Note records. His all-star band plays a mix of funky originals and interpretations of songs by Detroit jazz greats, including Yusef Lateef, Olu Dara, and Henry Threadgill. Describing their music, Was says, “there’s a unique sound and feel to Detroit that permeates the music in a way that resonates all over the globe. There is a rawness, a lack of pretension and an unmistakable, underlying groove that reflects the people and culture of the city.” Dinner shows: 7 (sold out) & 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) and 6:30 & 9 p.m. (Sat.). $110.
February 22, 2025: Don Was & the Pan-Detroit Ensemble.
Nine-piece Detroit-based jazz-funk ensemble led by bassist Was, a legendary Grammy award-winning producer and onetime president of Blue Note records. His all-star band plays a mix of funky originals and interpretations of songs by Detroit jazz greats, including Yusef Lateef, Olu Dara, and Henry Threadgill. Describing their music, Was says, “there’s a unique sound and feel to Detroit that permeates the music in a way that resonates all over the globe. There is a rawness, a lack of pretension and an unmistakable, underlying groove that reflects the people and culture of the city.” Dinner shows: 7 (sold out) & 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) and 6:30 & 9 p.m. (Sat.). $110.
February 23, 2025: Nick Collins Trio.
Jazz ensemble led by local drummer Collins. With bassist Jeff Pedraz and pianist Rick Roe. Dinner shows: 6 & 7:30 p.m.
February 26, 2025: Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble.
Jazz ensemble, led by veteran Chicago-based percussionist El’Zabar, which draws on African rhythms, contemporary hip-hop, and R&B. Dinner shows: 7 & 9 p.m. $95.
February 27, 2025: Aguankó.
Local Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble led by composer-percussionist Alberto Nacif. 7 & 8:45 p.m.
February 28, 2025: Stacy Dillard & Keigo Hirakawa Group.
Jazz quartet led by NYC-based saxophonist Dillard and Ohio-based jazz pianist and composer Hirakawa. Dinner shows: 7 & 9:30 p.m.
Past Events
January 19, 2025: Sarah D’Angelo & Cliff Monear. (More Info)
January 16, 2025: Jonathan Barahal Taylor Quartet. (More Info)
January 15, 2025: Moises Borges & Ava Preston. (More Info)
January 12, 2025: Bob Mervak & Jeff Pedraz. (More Info)
December 31, 2024: “Paul Keller Holiday Jazz Special.” (More Info)
December 22, 2024: Zach Sommerfeld & Jonathon Muir-Cotton. (More Info)
December 20, 2024: Sean Dobbins Organ Quartet. (More Info)
December 19, 2024: Sky Covington & November Fourth. (More Info)
December 6, 2024: Noah Jackson & Full Circle. (More Info)
November 29, 2024: Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet. (More Info)
November 27, 2024: Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet. (More Info)
November 22, 2024: Caleb Robinson & Reaching. (More Info)
November 15, 2024: Wendell Harrison & Tribe. (More Info)
November 10, 2024: Bob Mervak & Jeff Pedraz. (More Info)
November 8, 2024: Brendon Davis & Muze Society. (More Info)
November 1, 2024: Shahida Nurullah & Good Company. (More Info)
October 24, 2024: Janis Siegel & Yaron Gershovsky. (More Info)
October 20, 2024: Olivia Van Goor & Mike Harrison. (More Info)
October 10, 2024: Christian McBride & Ursa Major. (More Info)
October 9, 2024: Christian McBride & Ursa Major. (More Info)
October 5, 2024: Joshua Watkins & Ascension. (More Info)
October 3, 2024: John Arnold, Pathe Jassi, & Jesse Kramer. (More Info)
September 22, 2024: Jonathon Muir-Cotton Trio. (More Info)
September 21, 2024: Naima Shamborguer Group. (More Info)
September 20, 2024: Luke Sittard & the Launch Pad. (More Info)
September 19, 2024: James Gaiters’ MUV-MeNT. (More Info)
September 8, 2024: Paul Keller & Sarah D’Angelo. (More Info)
September 7, 2024: Luther S. Allison Quintet. (More Info)
September 6, 2024: Rodney Whitaker Quintet. (More Info)
August 30, 2024: Dr. Prof. Leonard King & Oopapada. (More Info)
August 30, 2024: Alain Sullivan’s Backwards Compatibility. (More Info)
August 24, 2024: Alex Harding & Organ Nation. (More Info)
August 15, 2024: Kenji Lee’s Fortune Teller Trio. (More Info)
August 14, 2024: Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy. (More Info)
August 7, 2024: Cliff Monear & Miguel Guttierez. (More Info)
July 31, 2024: Jonathan Barahal Taylor Quartet. (More Info)
July 19, 2024: Jonathon Muir-Cotton & Expressions. (More Info)
June 8, 2024: Marcus Belgrave Songbook Release Ensemble. (More Info)
June 6, 2024: The Robert McCarther Ensemble. (More Info)
May 29, 2024: The Eastside Jazz Collective. (More Info)
May 25, 2024: Shahida Nurullah & Good Company. (More Info)
May 9, 2024: Tierney Sutton & Tamir Hendelman Duo. (More Info)
May 4, 2024: Dr. Prof. Leonard King & Oopapada. (More Info)
April 26, 2024: Alain Sullivan’s Backwards Compatibility. (More Info)
April 19, 2024: Joshua Watkins & Ascension. (More Info)
April 17, 2024: U-M History of Jazz Class Recital. (More Info)
April 11, 2024: The One-World Jazz Orchestra. (More Info)
April 5, 2024: Gayelynn McKinney & the McKinney Zone. (More Info)
March 22, 2024: Brendon Davis & Muze Society. (More Info)
March 8, 2024: Sean Dobbins Rising Star Quintet. (More Info)
March 1, 2024: Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy. (More Info)
February 29, 2024: Jonathan Baharal Taylor Quartet. (More Info)
February 24, 2024: Joshua Watkins & Ascension. (More Info)
February 22, 2024: Luther S. Allison Quartet. (More Info)
February 16, 2024: Jonathan Muir-Cotton & Expressions. (More Info)
February 16, 2024: J Rowe & Jordan Schug Sextet. (More Info)
February 15, 2024: The Eastside Jazz Collective. (More Info)
February 9, 2024: Wyatt Forhan Unity Quartet. (More Info)
February 8, 2024: “Artie Shaw Tribute Show with Chris Tabaczynski.” (More Info)
February 3, 2024: Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. (More Info)
February 1, 2024: “Date Night with the Ellen Rowe Trio.” (More Info)
January 13, 2024: Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star. (More Info)
January 6, 2024: Michael J. Reed & The Revelation. (More Info)
December 31, 2023: Gayelynn McKinney & the McKinney Zone. (More Info)
December 29, 2023: Olivia Van Goor Quartet. (More Info)
December 27, 2023: Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy. (More Info)
December 23, 2023: Sean Dobbins Organ Quartet. (More Info)
December 15, 2023: Brendon Davis & Muze Society. (More Info)
December 8, 2023: Chad LB & Christian Wiggs. (More Info)
December 8, 2023: Caleb Robinson & Reaching. (More Info)
November 22, 2023: Wyatt Forhan Unity Trio. (More Info)
November 11, 2023: J Rowe & Jordan Schug Sextet. (More Info)
October 25, 2023: John Arnold, Pathe Jassi, & Jesse Kramer. (More Info)
October 6, 2023: Goldings, Bernstein, & Stewart Organ Trio. (More Info)
October 4, 2023: Brian Charette Organ Trio. (More Info)
September 30, 2023: Jim Alfredson Dirty Fingers. (More Info)
September 30, 2023: Brad Billmaier Artificer Quartet. (More Info)
September 23, 2023: Sean Dobbins & the Collegiate Collage. (More Info)
September 22, 2023: Nate Topo & His 313 Group. (More Info)
September 20, 2023: Armando Vega & the 313 Orchestra. (More Info)
September 16, 2023: Tatriana Eva-Marie & Avalon Jazz Band. (More Info)
September 6, 2023: Alex Harding & Organ Nation. (More Info)
September 1, 2023: Wyatt Forhan Unity Trio. (More Info)
August 25, 2023: Vincent Chandler Experience. (More Info)
August 11, 2023: Sean Dobbins Organ Quartet. (More Info)
August 4, 2023: Kenji Lee Fortune Teller Trio. (More Info)
July 28, 2023: Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy. (More Info)
July 7, 2023: Sean Dobbins All-Star Ensemble. (More Info)
June 30, 2023: U-M Jazz Ambassadors High School All-Stars. (More Info)
June 9, 2023: David Murray & Kahil El’Zabar. (More Info)
June 9, 2023: “Society of Bass Late Night Jam.” (More Info)
June 8, 2023: Pete Siers & the Kerrytown Stompers. (More Info)
June 3, 2023: Kris Johnson Group with Lulu Fall. (More Info)
May 24, 2023: Armando Vega & the 313 Orchestra. (More Info)
May 12, 2023: Sean Dobbins & the Modern Jazz Messengers. (More Info)
May 6, 2023: John E. Lawrence & the Power Band. (More Info)
April 19, 2023: Armando Vega & the 313 Orchestra. (More Info)
March 24, 2023: Sunny Wilkinson & Ellen Rowe Quartet. (More Info)
March 15, 2023: Armando Vega & the 313 Orchestra. (More Info)
March 11, 2023: Ursula Walker & Buddy Budson Sextet. (More Info)
March 4, 2023: GayeLynn McKinney & McKinfolk. (More Info)
February 18, 2023: Sean Dobbins All-Star Quintet. (More Info)
February 14, 2023: Olivia Van Goor Quartet. (More Info)
February 4, 2023: GayeLynn McKinney & McKinney Zone. (More Info)
January 27, 2023: Alex Harding & Organ Nation. (More Info)
January 19, 2023: Ellie Martin & Eat It Up Trio. (More Info)
January 18, 2023: Armando Vega & the 313 Orchestra. (More Info)
January 6, 2023: Sean Dobbins Organ Quartet. (More Info)
January 5, 2023: Sean Dobbins Organ Quartet. (More Info)
December 31, 2022: Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy. (More Info)
December 10, 2022: Jim Alfredson’s Dirty Fingers Organ Trio. (More Info)
December 10, 2022: Patrick Fitzgibbon Band. (More Info)
November 29, 2022: Daniel Bennett Double Trio. (More Info)
November 23, 2022: Armando Vega & the 313 Orchestra. (More Info)
November 22, 2022: Alex Anest’s Electric Four (More Info)
November 19, 2022: Tariq Gardner’s Evening Star. (More Info)
October 20, 2022: Detroit JazzFest All-Stars. (More Info)
October 11, 2022: “Ear Candy.”Piano karaoke with pianist Jesse Morgan. Hosted by Shelly Smith. (More Info)
October 1, 2022: GayeLynn McKinney & McKinney Zone. (More Info)
September 29, 2022: Jonathan Taylor Quartet. (More Info)
September 27, 2022: Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet. (More Info)
September 24, 2022: Alex Harding & Organ Nation. (More Info)
September 22, 2022: Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet. (More Info)
September 6, 2022: Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique. (More Info)
September 1, 2022: Luke Sittard & the Launch Pad. (More Info)
August 26, 2022: “William Bennett Birthday Show.” (More Info)
August 25, 2022: “The Music of Glenn Tucker.” (More Info)
August 24, 2022: Armando Vega & the 313 Orchestra. (More Info)
August 17, 2022: Detroit JazzFest All-Stars. (More Info)
August 12, 2022: Alex Harding & Organ Nation. (More Info)
August 11, 2022: Charlie Ballantine Quartet. (More Info)
July 22, 2022: Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy. (More Info)
July 20, 2022: The Django Festival All-Stars. (More Info)
July 1, 2022: U-M Jazz Ambassadors High School All-Stars. (More Info)
June 7, 2022: Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique. (More Info)
May 18, 2022: Armando Vega & the 313 Orchestra. (More Info)
May 17, 2022: Sarah D’Angelo & Jake Reichbart. (More Info)
May 12, 2022: Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique. (More Info)
March 30, 2022: Armando Vega & the 313 Orchestra (More Info)
March 24, 2022: The Robert Hurst Blaxination (More Info)
February 10, 2022: Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique (More Info)
February 3, 2022: Gerard Gibbs & Organized Crime (More Info)
January 22, 2022: Brandon Rose & Soul Therapy (More Info)
January 6, 2022: Gerard Gibbs & Organized Crim (More Info)
December 21, 2021: Alex Harding & Organ Nation (More Info)
December 10, 2021: Paxton/Spangler Township Jazz Septet (More Info)
November 27, 2021: Vincent Chandler Quartet (More Info)
November 11, 2021: The Robert Hurst Blaxination (More Info)
October 12, 2021: The Blue Llama Jazz Orchestra (More Info)
September 10, 2021: Vincent Chandler Quintet (More Info)
December 16, 2020: George Bedard & the Kingpins (More Info)
November 28, 2020: Gayelynn McKinney & McKinney Zone (More Info)
November 19, 2020: John E. Lawrence Quartet (More Info)
November 15, 2020: Mercer Patterson Quintet (More Info)
November 12, 2020: Pete Siers New Orleans Trio (More Info)
November 7, 2020: Marquis Hill: “Gospel Revisited” (More Info)
November 6, 2020: Marquis Hill: “Gospel Revisited” (More Info)
October 29, 2020: Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique (More Info)
July 29, 2020: Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique (More Info)
March 20, 2020: Vanessa Rubin & the Motor City Groove Collective (More Info)
February 27, 2020: Great Lakes Performing Artists Benefit (More Info)
