The Gathering Orchestra
The Gathering Orchestra is a two-year fellowship program, under the artistic direction of renowned bassist Rodney Whitaker, former member of the Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra, Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University and Carr Center Resident Artist. The Gathering is comprised of 4 seasoned jazz veterans and 14 emerging and highly talented young musicians,(ages 18 – 30). Fellows rehearse and perform with their mentors on standards, large ensemble classics, new music and their own original compositions. The fellowship also includes serving as The Carr Centers house band throughout the season, as well as headlining their own concerts in venues across the city of Detroit.
The UrbanBeat Walter Blanding Series Presents Nothin’ but the Blues
UrbanBeat presents the Walter Blanding Series, celebrating the acclaimed saxophonist, educator, and composer’s three-decade global journey of musical passion and cultural exchange. From New York City to his role as a Jazz Ambassador in Israel and China, Blanding’s career reflects the transformative power of music. Join us for captivating performances and interactive discussions that honor his artistry and legacy. Currently on tour with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Blanding continues to inspire, blending his distinctive style with tributes to jazz legends.
Alluvion Big Band
The first ever Alluvion Big Band will be led by acclaimed bass trombonist Chris Glassman, along with artistic counsel by legendary saxophonist and jazz educator Bill Sears. Performing new and familiar tunes, each month will be a new, invigorating jazz experience.
No tickets or reservations are needed for The Alluvion Big Band performances. Suggested donation $10-20 at the door.
Jazz Workshop with Jeff Pedraz
Jeff Pedraz is a Philadelphia native bassist, composer and educator. He is an accomplished musician who possesses both virtuosity and versatility on both the Double bass and Electric bass and has worked in an array of musical situations ranging from orchestral to more modern genres and beyond.
Jeff’s life changed forever upon his introduction to the rich and colorful jazz community in Philadelphia in the late 1990’s at Ortlieb’s Jazz Haus, which had a house band consisting of jazz masters Shirley Scott, Bobby Durham, Mickey Roker, Arthur Harper, Sid Simmons, Mike Boone, and Byron Landham. Soon after sitting in on various jam sessions Jeff worked his way into the rotation of house musicians and had the opportunity to perform with many artists including Jimmy Oliver, Cecil Payne, Sam Dockery, Trudy Pitts, Billy James, Tim Warfield, John Swana as well as many others. It was at Ortliebs where he received much of his formidable training as a jazz musician. Beyond Philly, he has lived and performed in New York City, Chicago and now calls Detroit home.
Nanami Haruta Quartet
Born in Japan, Haruta began studying music at the age of 5, and by 13 years old was giving concerts in Sapporo. She went on to win multiple grand prizes at significant summer music programs during her high school years, and with a move to Tokyo in 2020 and quickly began making an impact on the Japanese jazz scene. Her artistic activities expanded to involve significant jazz collaborations, performances, and recordings (her first solo album II was released in 2022).
She is currently a music student at Michigan State University's Jazz Studies program studying with Grammy award-winning trombonist and professor Michael Dease. Haruta was recently selected to the 2024 Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Jazz Combo which performed at the Annual Jazz Educators Conference this past January in New Orleans. Haruta is also the winner of the 2024 Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition.
The Gathering Orchestra
Since its inception the legacy of Jazz has been transmitted across generations of musicians through mentors, seasoned veterans taking the “up and comers” under their wings , giving them an opportunity to learn and play together while creating new work and advancing the art form. The Carr Center, following the vision of our former Artistic Director the late, great, brilliant jazz artist, Geri Allen, formalized and institutionalized this tradition and thus, The Gathering Orchestra, Geri Allen Fellows, were born, in October 2017.
The Gathering Orchestra is a two-year fellowship program, under the artistic direction of renowned bassist Rodney Whitaker, former member of the Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra, Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University and Carr Center Resident Artist. The Gathering is comprised of 4 seasoned jazz veterans and 14 emerging and highly talented young musicians,(ages 18 – 30). Fellows rehearse and perform with their mentors on standards, large ensemble classics, new music and their own original compositions. The fellowship also includes serving as The Carr Centers house band throughout the season, as well as headlining their own concerts in venues across the city of Detroit.
Alluvion Big Band
The first ever Alluvion Big Band will be led by acclaimed bass trombonist Chris Glassman, along with artistic counsel by legendary saxophonist and jazz educator Bill Sears. Performing new and familiar tunes, each month will be a new, invigorating jazz experience.
No tickets or reservations are needed for The Alluvion Big Band performances. Suggested donation $10-20 at the door.
Bradley Sinclair Trio
Bradley Sinclair is a singer/songwriter who specializes in soft rock and soul vocals. In the words of John Legend his “serious vocal range” is what drives his performances. Bradley got his start in musical theatre in high-school before switching his focus to solo performing. Bradley has performed in many venues in the midwest and southern united states to crowds of hundreds of people.
Jim Alfredson Quartet
In the 1960s, the Hammond organ reigned supreme. In thousands of clubs across the country, organ-led small groups were working 7 nights a week. Famous jazz labels like Blue Note and Prestige were releasing dozens of records per year featuring jazz organists. New sub-genres of jazz began to appear, such as soul-jazz and boogaloo.
It is this era of jazz that organist Jim Alfredson wanted to recreate when he formed Jim Alfredson's Dirty Fingers in 2013. Originally, he assembled the group as a tribute to the great jazz organist Big John Patton. A highly regarded album of Patton's music followed. But the concept soon shifted into a vehicle for Alfredson's own compositions.
THE BAND:
Jim Alfredson - Organ
Chris Minami - Guitar
Nanami Haruta - Trombone
Brian Allen - Drums
OFAM 2025 Winter Jazz Party
Chuck Redd hosts as the OFAM 2025 Winter jazz team offer up their usual 3 1/2 hours of improv this winter drawing entirely on the works of Richard Roger, Harold Arlen, George Gershwin and Cole Porter.
The format for the evening will be the usual: top-ticketed cabaret seating down front of the main floor, and reserved seating up in the balcony, with a full bar in the Tykeson Lobby.
Event Personnel
Chuck Redd, host
Vocalists
Shirley Andress, vocals
Siri Vik, vocals
Musicians
Randy Porter, piano
Kevin Kanner, drums
Paul Keller, bass
Christopher Minami, guitar
Scott Silbert, reeds
Jon Gordon, reeds
Nanami Haruta, trombone
Tim Clarke, trumpet
Tom Wakeling, bass
Chuck Redd, vibes & drums
Aretha's Jazz Cafe
Christopher Minami, native of Florida, recently completed his Master’s in Jazz Studies at the Michigan State University College of Music in the studio of Randy Napoleon.
Minami is currently performing throughout Michigan, sharing the stage with jazz greats such as Rodney Whitaker, Randy Gelispie, Walter Blanding, and Paul Keller.
Christopher Minami - Guitar
Nanami Haruta - Trombone
Jim Alfredson - Organ
Brian Allen - Drums
Corey's Lounge
Join us every Wednesday for dinner and an awesome lineup of bands! Starting back up January 15 @coreysloungelansing 7:30 - 10:30pm with Christopher Minami - Guitar, Nanami Haruta - Trombone, Jim Alfredson - Organ, and Chris Corey - Drums. Jam session every week 9:30-10:30! Going to be a fun month of music!
Jazz Tuesdays @ Moriarty's Pub
A Tribute To Dizzy Gillespie - Lucas Stickley-Miner Quartet
Lucas Stickley-Miner is a dynamic trumpet player hailing from the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio. Currently based in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, Lucas has become a sought-after freelance performer known for his versatility and passion for music. With a focus on jazz, pop, and hip-hop genres, Lucas has carved a niche for himself in the music industry, captivating audiences with his soulful melodies and electrifying performances.
Jazz Tuesdays @ Moriarty’s Pub
Join us for our first show of 2025! We'll be featuring saxophonist Jon Gewirtz as bandleader for the night. Jon is well known as an educator at Lansing Community College, Hillsdale College, and Olivet College, as well as performing in many excellent bands including Orquesta Ritmo, Summer of Sol, Atomic Boogaloo, and Soulstice.
Joining Jon on the band for the night we have the inimitable Clif Metcalf, organ, Chris Minami, guitar, and host and "resident drummer" Jeff Shoup.
Thanks to our amazing sponsors for their support in what promises to be an excellent 2025 season of music! Thank you Gregg Hill and Cold Plunge Records, Law Office of Trent Harris, and Casio Music USA.
The Gathering Orchestra
Since its inception the legacy of Jazz has been transmitted across generations of musicians through mentors, seasoned veterans taking the “up and comers” under their wings , giving them an opportunity to learn and play together while creating new work and advancing the art form. The Carr Center, following the vision of our former Artistic Director the late, great, brilliant jazz artist, Geri Allen, formalized and institutionalized this tradition and thus, The Gathering Orchestra, Geri Allen Fellows, were born, in October 2017.
The Gathering Orchestra is a two-year fellowship program, under the artistic direction of renowned bassist Rodney Whitaker, former member of the Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra, Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University and Carr Center Resident Artist. The Gathering is comprised of 4 seasoned jazz veterans and 14 emerging and highly talented young musicians,(ages 18 – 30). Fellows rehearse and perform with their mentors on standards, large ensemble classics, new music and their own original compositions. The fellowship also includes serving as The Carr Centers house band throughout the season, as well as headlining their own concerts in venues across the city of Detroit.