Althea Rene - Free @ Baker's Keyboard Lounge
Soul-Jazz Flautist Althea Rene performs 'Free' at the Historic Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, Michigan
30-Second Escape: Detroit’s Jazz Scene | Pure Michigan
The Motor City’s jazz scene plays on, louder and prouder than ever. Get a taste of the flavor at throwback joints like Cliff Bell’s and Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, or hit up the popular Detroit Jazz Festival on Labor Day weekend.
Jazz Tuesdays with Meg Brennan, Sequoia Snyder, Brandon Rose, Jeff Shoup (11/26/19)
Jazz Tuesdays is a weekly event featuring great jazz musicians from all over the state of Michigan, and across the country. Each week brings in a different guest artist and a new experience.
Meg Brennan is an active flutist and saxophonist in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 16, she was accepted into the internationally renowned Interlochen Arts Academy where she studied under classical and jazz flutist, Nancy Stagnitta. It was at Interlochen where she had the opportunity to play for flutists such as Paula Robison, Jeff Zook, and Greg Patillo. After a masterclass with The Project Trio, she discovered her love for improvisation and began to write her own music, often incorporating beatbox flute. She was featured on Fox 2 News Detroit where she played her own arrangement of the “Hey Arnold” theme song.
Upon graduating from Interlochen in 2011, she pursued both jazz and classical music at Michigan State University where she studied with jazz saxophonist, Diego Rivera, and flutist, Richard Sherman. Over the past three years, she has had the opportunity to play with famous jazz artists like Christian McBride, Kenny Barron, Peter Bernstein, Rodney Whitaker, Jimmy Cobb, Anat Cohen, and Roy Hargrove. As a recent graduate from Michigan State University, Meg joined the prize-winning BETA Quartet, presenting concerts and workshops nation-wide. An active performer in Detroit, she has played at the Fox Theater, Cliff Bells, Ford Field, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, and The Whitney. In 2017, she released her first single, “Silky Way”, an original composition featuring her on flute.
Meg received her Bachelors in Flute Performance and Jazz Studies from Michigan State University. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters in Music at the University of Michigan under the direction of Andrew Bishop.
Meg is joined by Sequoia Snyder, piano, Brandon Rose, bass, and Jazz Tuesdays host Jeff Shoup on drums.
Jazz Tuesdays is generously sponsored by Cold Plunge Records.
Allyson Jones- Jazz Vocalist
Allyson Courtney-Marie Jones is a classically trained vocalist and performer who is a recent graduate from the University of Detroit Mercy. Allyson has participated in etiquette and charm classes since the tender age of ten. Allyson has performed with Renee King-Jackson and the Don Mayberry band at the historical premiere jazz club of the Midwest Bakers Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, Michigan. Allyson was the recipient of the 2003 Making It to the Finish Line Youth Accomplishment Award. Allyson was the winner of the Hal Jacksons Talented Teens Performer of the Year Competition in 2003, which sponsored her trip to attend the 2003 Kemet Productions Road to Stardom Talent Conference in Hollywood, California in conjunction with the NAACP Image Awards. As Miss Michigan Talented Teen 2003, Allyson was honored to perform and speak at community events, churches, political events, and schools all over the state of Michigan. Allyson was the third runner up at the 2003 Hal Jacksons Talented Teens International Competition in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Allyson won the University of Detroit Mercy Titan Idol competition in 2004 and opened for a sold out Ruben Studdard concert. Allyson loves people and her ultimate goal is to inspire people through her many gifts and talents!
Alexa sings Inutil Paisagem at the Oldest Jazz Club in the World
I was in Detroit and sat in with these wonderful musicians at Baker's Keyboard Lounge, the oldest jazz club in the world. They told me it's 2 years older than Village Vanguard.
These musicians are world-class. It was a Wednesday night and the place had pretty much emptied out and I sat in on the second tune of the last set.
Before I went on, it was a Sky Covington, vocals, Duncan McMillan, organist, Perry Hughes, guitar, Gene Dunlap, drums! Heard some great stories from these cats!
I sure thought Gene Dunlap was a fine drummer when I was up there singing with him. So did Earl Klugh, Roy Ayers and Grant Green!
Sky Covington you can easily find on most streaming services. Tonight she sang straight-ahead tunes like Cherokee and Love For Sale with total freedom and throwback style, with her hair in a retro roll and little dots of makeup decorating her profile.
On organ, Duncan W. McMillan was sitting in. He turns out to have played at the wedding of Bay Area musicians Steve Lucky & Carmen Gettit. They wheeled a Hammond organ onto a beach somewhere in Michigan?! Very versatile organist, said he's a fan of Wil Blades!
Finally, guitarist Perry Hughes was wonderful -- turns out he too played with Earl Klugh. He told me Baker's Keyboard Lounge was also home to the great Betty Carter!
At one point before the last set, when there were more people there, a woman yelled out in support of what happened in District Four. Turned out that the important-looking man in a fedora & sharp suit was Marshall Bullock, winner of a seat in Michigan's state senate.
20180801 123053 Dakota Inn Rathskeller 85th Anniversary
The Dakota Inn was opened exactly 85 years ago, on August 1, 1933, by Karl Kurz, the opa (grandfather) of current owner, Karl Kurz III. Wow! Thank you so much to all of our loyal patrons, long-time and new, young and old. We wouldn't be here without you. See below for an outtake from a previous article about The Inn's history. More coming over the next week.
To start the celebration we're kicking things off with our 5- and 10-cent bier day (PBR), for lunch only on Wednesday 8/1 from 11am-2pm. We'll also provide a special limited menu that features German-style meatballs, sausage, and other items, along with, of course, our many German biers. We also have special commemorative glasses for $5.
Watch our events pages and posts for more history and upcoming specials that will continue the celebration, including $.85 glasses of PBR with dinner this Thu-Sat. Please call to for further info: 313-867-9722. Note: No reservations will be taken for this event but are available for Thu-Sat.
A little history:
On August 1, 1933, Karl Kurz opened a tiny three-stool Rathskeller, which is the current bar area in the Inn. For three generations, the Kurz family worked to build this tiny Rathskeller into the colorful and antique-filled treasure that is the Dakota Inn.
People Make the World Go Round
Demetrius KRAYON Nabors and Friends debut performance at the legendary Baker's Keyboard Lounge; Demetrius Nabors (keys); Nate Winn (drums); Jeff Ponders (sax); and Robert Skinner (bass), October 30, 2013
Funk Break Down
Amp Fiddler, Greening of Detroit, Kenny Mac, Ladell Abrhams, Anthony Booker
Detroit Class 313 with The Soul Explosion Band
We are one of the best bands in the state of Michigan. To see and hear us will definitely have you coming back for more. If you want to feel good when you come to our shows, we are the group for you.
Driving In Detroit Michigan
Driving in Detroit Michigan, it's sad so many apartment buildings and others are all going to ruin.
we 1
Gayelynn McKinney Solo w/Giant Steps. Allan Barnes, Sax, Cliff Monear, Piano, Sunny Wilkinson,Vocals, Rayse Biggs, Trumpet, Glen Oliver, Bass. For more information go to
americanjazzgreats.com a rodneywbrown production
The Afro Horn - Very Serious Stuff 3
John JD Allen on Tenor Saxophone, Alex Harding on Baritone saxophone, Bruce Williams on Alto Saxophone, George Burton on piano, Rashaan Carter on Bass, Roman Diaz on Percussion, and Francisco Mora Catlett on Drums.
THE AFRO HORN ... The Afro Horn was conceived by Francisco Mora Catlett in Sun Ra's home, during Francisco's tenure with the Arkestra in the 70's after reading Henry Dumas's story, Will the Circle Be Unbroken? In this story the Afro horn is a powerful instrument that unites and completes the circle, bringing new light and life. The first Afro-Horn appearance was during the 80's in Detroit, at Baker's Keyboard Lounge with Vincent Bowens (tenor sax), James Carter (tenor Sax), Rodney Whitaker (Bass) and Francisco Mora Catlett (drums).
King of Hearts Band
King of Hearts playing at the world famous Bakers Keyboard Lounge in Detroit Michigan.
Live @ Greektown,Detroit,Mi
Jazz music performance by my husband Dennis and Dominique,Sept 2006
MOTOR CITY WINE, DETROIT
MOTOR CITY WINE, DETROIT
Lay'na Michelle Performances at Baker Jazz Club
Contest for Wgpr 107.5 FM
2013 Comerica Bank Java and Jazz Presents the B. Williams Experiment
Detroit has long been known as a great jazz town. Comerica Bank Java & Jazz provides a monthly after work concert series that showcases some of Detroit’s finest creative talent.
The B. Williams Experiment performed at the Detroit Public Library on April 16, 2013. On the music scene since he was 12 years-old, B. Williams’ career has been an amazing musical journey. A direct protégé of Grammy and Billboard super producer Michael J. Powell, B. Williams is a powerhouse of musical knowledge from producing to arranging and everything in between. Known as one of the premiere drummers on Detroit’s live music scene, B. Williams is considered a “go-to” music guy because of his ability to play numerous instruments and his versatile
repertoire.
The Detroit Public Library (DPL) is the largest public library system in the state of Michigan. The Main Library and its 21 neighborhood branches make it one of the most valuable and accessible public institutions in the state. Stay up-to-date on information and events by visiting detroitpubliclibrary.org and following the library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Arvell & Co. Top Wedding Band in the Midwest
Arvell is a singer, percussionist, recording artist and entertainer. He has been involved in the music industry for over 28 years and has had the privilege of working with many talented musicians and singers. This has enabled him to fine-tune his craft of musical entertainment to a very high caliber. He has opened for B. B. King, Fabian, Gladys Knight, Redd Foxx, The Bacon Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band, The O. J.'s, Whitman Mayo, Phyllis Diller, Bobby Rydel, Kool & the Gang, Della Reese, Frankie Avalon, Sheena Easton, Lou Rawls, Slappy White and others. He has become the requested performer of choice for Anheuser Busch, Boeing/McDonald Douglas, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Zoo and many others.
Arvell & Company is set up to provide you with a selection of band options that will work just right for you, ranging from a 4 piece band up to a 9 piece orchestra with a 6 piece band fitting right in the middle. With the 4-piece band you will get Arvell, plus a keyboard, guitar, bass and drums. The 6 piece offers you the same but with an addition of a female singer and saxophone. The nine-piece band offers you the ultimate range of all of the previous plus a trumpet, trombone and percussionist.
As you can see the wide range of musical variety that Arvell & Company offers is outstanding, from the revival of the Big Band sound, to that hot Latino beat, you name it and Arvell & Company can provide it.
For booking information contact Brad Baker at (314)721-9090 x217 or bbaker@contemporaryproductions.com
Trapped in a Room with a Zombie- Detroit
Test your brain (and running shoes) as the clock counts down and the zombie gets closer.
Can you and your friends escape with your lives?
Joshua Neilson of Escape Plans Michigan discusses his time with the escape room and his thoughts on the undead themed activity.
This is a project created for a course at Wayne State University.
Thank you to my great crew and those who have agreed to be on camera. You have made this possible.
-Nate