Jonah Ferguson Quartet

Jonah Ferguson Quartet

Fri, Jan 10

Join us, as we welcome home jazz guitarist, Jonah Ferguson! Jonah will be lighting up BLU with his all-star jazz quartet featuring Ronell Regis (saxophone), Jordan McBride (bass), and Zaire Darden (drums)! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission About: Jonah Ferguson is a guitarist and composer from the Cleveland, Ohio area and currently based in New York City. Initially, his love of Hip-Hop and making sample-based instrumentals led him to discover Jazz, in which he would go on to immerse himself. It was not until his time in college at Kent State University that he became very dedicated to music, and eventually decided to pursue it as a career. In his playing and composing, Jonah seeks to embody the spirit of his influences such as John Coltrane, Kenny Garrett, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and many more, while also retaining his unique voice based on his life experiences. Jonah had the privilege of studying with the great Dan Wilson, and performing with many other important musicians in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Some of his most noteworthy performances were with artists such as: Carl Allen, Jamey Haddad, Chris Coles, Bobby Selvaggio, Nathan-Paul Davis, Theron Brown, and many more. Jonah can be seen actively performing in various venues throughout the region and teaches private lessons to guitar students of all ages. As of 2024, Jonah relocated to New York City to enter the Master’s program at Manhattan School of Music and study under the guidance of many living legends of the music. 

Tim Mirth’s Guitar Band

Tim Mirth’s Guitar Band

Sat, Jan 11

Tim Mirth’s Guitar Band is excited to return to the wonderful BluJazz in Akron. We will be presenting new compositions and arrangements, and perhaps even some new guitars. The constantly evolving band continues to refine its sound and mission. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission About: Presenting a mix of originals and re-arrangements of jazz standards, Tim Mirth's Guitar band approaches the music in an uncommon configuration. Two guitars present opportunities that highlight the vast range of the instrument. While guitar can be approached as strictly a "rhythm" instrument, which it excels at, it has also proven to be a very formidable solo instrument. While, often in these settings, there is a bit of "your turn, my turn" philosophy, the goal of this group is to be an integrated unit, almost like 2 hands of a piano, expanding the possibilities even more. Compositions inspired by the work of musicians such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Wes Montgomery, Coltrane, Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, plus artists as vast as Radiohead, Wagner, Philip Glass, James Brown, and Kendrick Lamar, the band brings together jazz tradition with ears of a modern music fan. The potential is vast. Tim Mirth Guitar Band Consists of: Brent Hamker : Guitar Bryan Thomas: Bass Tony Kazel: Drums Tim Mirth: Guitar 

"BLUesday Tuesday" Blues Jam

"BLUesday Tuesday" Blues Jam

Tue, Jan 14

Join us as we continue our Tuesday night blues jam session tradition, hosted by NE Ohio all-star blues musicians John Markovic, Ryan Neuman, & Erik Diaz! Bring your axe or horn & wail the blues as part of this ongoing musical series at BLU! This week's “BLU-esday Tuesday” Blues Jam band carries 60+ years of combined experience in and around the Greater Akron Blues scene. They enjoy blending their deep roots & varied influences to bring hot, stylish electric blues to the stage – always listening, always feeding off each other’s energy and always laying down soulful, groove-laden blues with feeling. FREE ADMISSION!! Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. 

The Stix Quintet

The Stix Quintet

Fri, Jan 17

The Stix Quintet returns to BLU Jazz+, Friday, January 17th! The Stix Quintet, led by Nehemiah (Stix) Baker, combines elements of neo soul, funk and R&B into a sound tapestry that brings out infectious grooves and danceable rhythms to get you up out your seat. Pianist Liam Speaks, saxophonist Alex Lati-Thiam, guitarist Ayden Cohen and Stix all met through the Tri-C Jazzfest Academy program, an experience bringing amazing opportunities like insight from legends such as Christian McBride and Terence Blanchard. All brought together by Everett “Guitarslim” Clark’s adventurous basslines, the Stix Quintet is a fresh, groove-oriented take on jazz and funk. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission 

Lyrics & Laughs: The Experience

Lyrics & Laughs: The Experience

Sat, Jan 18

Lyrics & Laughs: The Experience is coming to Blu Jazz in downtown Akron on Saturday, January 18, 2025—and this is one event you do not want to miss! Prepare yourself for an evening of soulful vibes and side-splitting laughter. Your night kicks off with comedy sets that keep it real and raw, featuring the electric Marcus Martin, whose high-energy performances and no-holds-barred storytelling have made him one of Ohio’s most exciting comedians. Also bringing the laughs is the hilarious Tone Tone, ready to keep the good times rolling. Between the laughter, melt into the sultry, smooth sounds of Esther Fitz, an award-winning vocalist and songwriter with a knack for captivating audiences. From jazz to soul, her voice brings fire, passion, and unforgettable energy to every performance. Doors open at 7 PM, and the show starts at 8 PM sharp. Tickets are just $20 in advance, available from Blu Jazz, Will Blake, or Jerome Moss. This isn’t just a show—it’s an experience. Bring your crew, grab your tickets, and make it a night to remember. Come for the Lyrics. Stay for the Laughs. Experience the Vibe. Seats are limited, so don’t wait—secure your spot now! 

"BLUesday Tuesday" Blues Jam

"BLUesday Tuesday" Blues Jam

Tue, Jan 21

Join us as we continue our Tuesday night blues jam session tradition, hosted by NE Ohio all-star blues musicians John Markovic, Ryan Neuman, & Erik Diaz! Bring your axe or horn & wail the blues as part of this ongoing musical series at BLU! This week's “BLU-esday Tuesday” Blues Jam band carries 60+ years of combined experience in and around the Greater Akron Blues scene. They enjoy blending their deep roots & varied influences to bring hot, stylish electric blues to the stage – always listening, always feeding off each other’s energy and always laying down soulful, groove-laden blues with feeling. FREE ADMISSION!! Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. 

Nick Puin Quartet

Nick Puin Quartet

Fri, Jan 24

On Friday, January 24th, Jazz drummer, Nick Puin, brings his quartet to BLU Jazz! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8-10:30 pm Tickets: $20 General Admission Ed Michaels - tenor saxophone Martie Witczak - piano Dr. Steve Stanziano - bass Nick Puin- drums Come on out and hear music from The Great American Songbook and some great jazz! 

Upscale Entertainment Group Presents Russell Thompson and Free Agent

Upscale Entertainment Group Presents Russell Thompson and Free Agent

Sat, Jan 25

Please join Russell Thompson and Free Agent as they perform live on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 8:00 p.m., at the premier downtown entertainment venue, Blu Jazz+, 47 East Market Street, in Akron, OH. Doors: 7:00pm, Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door. General Admission seating. Russell Thompson and Free Agent is a band from Cleveland, OH, recognized for their unique fusion of instrumental jazz, funk, and R&B. Established in 1984 by saxophonist Russell Thompson, the band has collaborated with premier artists like Jeff Lorber, Glen Jones, and Miki Howard. They have also opened for notable performers such as Charlie Wilson, Bobbi Humphrey, Ramsey Lewis, Wayman Tisdale, Bob Baldwin, and LeVert among others. 

"BLUesday Tuesday" Blues Jam

"BLUesday Tuesday" Blues Jam

Tue, Jan 28

Join us as we continue our Tuesday night blues jam session tradition, hosted by NE Ohio all-star blues musicians John Markovic, Ryan Neuman, & Erik Diaz! Bring your axe or horn & wail the blues as part of this ongoing musical series at BLU! This week's “BLU-esday Tuesday” Blues Jam band carries 60+ years of combined experience in and around the Greater Akron Blues scene. They enjoy blending their deep roots & varied influences to bring hot, stylish electric blues to the stage – always listening, always feeding off each other’s energy and always laying down soulful, groove-laden blues with feeling. FREE ADMISSION!! Under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. 

Maria Jacobs Quartet

Maria Jacobs Quartet

Fri, Jan 31

Friday, January 31st, jazz vocalist Maria Jacobs returns to BLU Jazz with her quartet! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00-10:30pm Tickets: $20 General Admission About: Maria Jacobs is a nationally acclaimed jazz and Christian recording artist, celebrated for her soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting. With nine solo albums and 15 singles to her name, Maria’s rich musical journey spans both the jazz and Christian genres. Her ninth album, Back at the Bop Stop, was accepted Grammy review in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards,®️ highlighting her artistry and vocal prowess. Her upcoming 10th album, Perfect Is Your Will (set for release in early 2025), marks her first full Christian project, showcasing her evolving musical path and spiritual devotion. Several of her Christian singles have gained national recognition, appearing on the Smooth Jazz Holiday Charts. Beyond her career as a performer, Maria Jacobs is also a dedicated educator, serving as a vocal jazz professor at Kent State University and as a licensed music educator for Open Tone Music, serving inner Akron and Cleveland communities, in partnership With H2O Systems. In addition to her musical achievements, Maria is an author. Her debut book, Tell Them About Me, recounts her triumph over bipolar disorder, offering hope and inspiration through her personal story of faith and healing, soon to be released s an audio book. Maria Jacobs continues to inspire audiences with her authentic voice, both in song and in spirit, bridging the worlds of jazz and Christian music with grace and passion. 

Dart's Birthday Comedy Show with DJ Moe Lee + Headliner Roni Shanell

Dart's Birthday Comedy Show with DJ Moe Lee + Headliner Roni Shanell

Sat, Feb 01

Local promoter and comedian Darnell "Dart" Mitchell is celebrating his birthday at BLU Jazz featuring DJ Moe Lee, with headliner Roni Shanell , and fellow comics Melanie Hearn, Chris Harvey, Rob Allen. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 Advance, $25 Door 

Ernie Krivda & The Fat Tuesday Big Band "80th Birthday Bash"

Ernie Krivda & The Fat Tuesday Big Band "80th Birthday Bash"

Fri, Feb 07

Legendary tenor saxophonist and his dynamic 18-piece "Band That Swings" make a roarin' return to the Rubber City in celebration of his milestone 80th birthday, marking a decade of Ernie performing at BLU Jazz+! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $30 General Admission Experience one of the most energetic and talented groups in the Midwest converge for an unforgettable night of blues, bop, ballads, boogie and shout! Great musicianship, stylish distinction, and transcendent energy are a hard combination to beat, so don’t miss your chance to hear this band live right here in Akron! This is going to be one “for the books!” Get your tickets today and celebrate Ernie’s milestone birthday with us!   The audiences of Northeast Ohio consider the FTBB to be a treasure. Their feeling is based on more than just regional pride, as they have had the opportunity to compare them, on a number of occasions, to some of the great bands of the day. A resurgence of the “battle of the bands” marketing concept has found them representing the area in duels with Roger Humphries’ swinging Pittsburgh band, George Gee’s polished New York City aggregation, and the great Count Basie Orchestra. The Fat Tuesday Big Band has always been able to successfully defend its turf. Great musicianship, stylish distinction, and transcendent energy are a hard combination to beat. Get your tickets today & come show Ernie some birthday love! 

EMP Trio ft. Adam Hanna

EMP Trio ft. Adam Hanna

Sat, Feb 08

Evan Palermo is back at Blu Jazz, this time with the EMP Trio and special guest Adam Hanna. Down in Bowling Green, Evan and the EMP Trio have spent the past year curating a sound with one main goal: Redefine what jazz can be in modern-day music. Get ready for a night of high-energy music, featuring a mix of jazz standards, jazz-rock, hip-hop, originals, and everything in between. The trio is thrilled to be joined by emerging artist Adam Hanna who looks to make his Blu Jazz debut with the trio. Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $20 General Admission About: EMP Trio: Luca Albano (keys), Thomas Johnston (bass), Evan Palermo (drums). Featuring Adam Hanna (Saxophone) “Music, to me, is a communication of soul, and everything I do is aimed at the goal of creating a powerful connection between the performer, music, and audience”. This is a quote from Adam Hanna, who is an active performer, composer/arranger, and educator in east-coast and midwest cities alike. During his career, Adam has accomplished countless performances with a diverse range of repertoire; five have been premiers of original works. Adam currently is pursuing his masters in both classical and jazz saxophone at Bowling Green State University. 

Dave Banks Big Band Beatles Smash!

Dave Banks Big Band Beatles Smash!

Sat, Feb 15

The Dave Banks Big Band returns to BluJazz on February 15 with an amazing Beatles tribute, big band style! You will hear versions of Beatles songs done by Tom Jones, Michael Buble, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, and Maynard Ferguson, along with fresh arrangements by Mike Tomaro, Eric Richards, Chas Baker, Grammy Award winning composer John Daversa and Emmy winning composer Gary Schreiner! The amazing Charlie Kadair will debut with the DBBB on vocals! This is a DO NOT MISS show! Our two last shows sold out, so grab your tickets early! Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Tickets: $30 GENERAL ADMISSION