With Glen Merritt on piano, Alan Hayes on bass, Pete Omelio on drums, and John Higgins on trumpet, Meant To Be keeps audiences swinging throughout the night! These four fantastic musicians have been playing together for over 15 years and each feeds off of the others’ enthusiasm and improvisations.

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 7:00 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

One of the most celebrated jazz musicians in the world is back in Madison! Harry Allen is the preeminent tenor saxophonist in the world.

The great John Pizzarelli says, “Harry Allen’s playing is nothing less than perfect.” He is a multi-award winning recording artist, tours extensively and has performed with Rosemary Clooney, Ray Brown, Hank Jones, Frank Wess, Flip Phillips, Scott Hamilton, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis, John Pizzarelli, Bucky Pizzarelli, Gus Johnson, Jeff Hamilton, Terry Gibbs, Warren Vache, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mandel, Ray Brown, Tommy Flanagan, James Taylor, to name a few!

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 7:00 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

This week, as part of the continuing “Tuesday Jazz Trio Series,” Bassist Hal Slapin and Drummer John Vourtsis welcome pianist Ted Brancato to our stage. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Ted has spent most of his 40+ year career in the New York City area. For 15 years he was musical director for jazz singer Jeanie Bryson, creating arrangements for her and playing on three of her recordings. He had a fruitful 30+ year song-writing collaboration with singer/songwriter Eugene McDaniels (“One Hundred Pounds Of Clay”, “Feel Like Making Love”) writing songs for Nancy Wilson, Les McCann, and Jeanie Bryson recordings. Ted has toured to the far corners of the globe, playing in Brazil, Japan, Greece, and the Netherlands with Jeanie Bryson, and doing two USIA tours to West Africa with jazz singer Dee Daniels. In November 2018 Ted travelled to Switzerland to play with Dee once again. For the last 15 years Ted has operated a recording studio in Springfield, NJ where he recorded his first solo recording entitled “The Next Step” in 2013 featuring Ron Carter on bass and Terry Silverlight on drums. He came out with a second solo album in March 2017 entitled “Bicoastal” featuring Lou Marini on sax and a fine ensemble of New Jersey based musicians: Lee Finkelstein on drums, Gregory Jones on bass, and Ben Williams on trombone. Both of Ted’s albums feature his original compositions. In addition to his work at Mahogany Studio, Ted is currently the Director of Music Ministry at Clinton Presbyterian Church, and has been the keyboard player for the "Blue Soul" R&B band for the past 13 years. He also freelances as a jazz pianist. 

And come early to hear Rich Court playing solo piano. Standards, Beatles & beyond. He starts at 5:30. Happy Hour from 4:30 - 6:00 with half price beers, select wines and dim sum offerings.

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 6:30 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

Endorsed by The Great Ty Stephens! Sherma Andrews is no stranger to the stage, and if you haven’t seen her in action, now is your chance! Her repertoire explores a wide range of genres including jazz, blues, gospel,

Pop and R&B. Never a dull moment!

Sherma’s original music has been syndicated on internationally acclaimed TV shows and movies.

Sherma is captivating with a beautiful voice and all-star band.is no stranger to the stage, and if you haven’t seen her in action, now is your chance! Her repertoire explores a wide range of genres including jazz, blues, gospel,

Pop and R&B. Never a dull moment!

Sherma’s original music has been syndicated on internationally acclaimed TV shows and movies.

Sherma is captivating with a beautiful voice and all-star band.

World entertainers, Ty Stephens & (the) Soul Jazz, have been packing in audiences globally for many years. Catching them at the world famous Blue Note in NYC, witnessing repeated standing ovations from the international crowd, brought industry icon, Buzz Willis, out of semi-retirement, and caused Robert "Kool" Bell *(Kool & The Gang) to put his name behind these original, versatile, “elegantly funky” Jazz/R&B musicians.

From New York, to Monte Carlo, to Korea, to Japan, to Russia, to Brazil, to Haiti, to Zimbabwe, this band of accomplished, polished artists, Ty Stephens & (the) SoulJaazz, has performed with and opened for the likes of Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Steely Dan, Johnny Halliday, Gilberto Gil, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Mario Biondi, Charles Aznavour, Erykah Badu, Diana Ross, Grace Jones, Al Jarreau, George Benson, and many more! They have recorded 4 studio albums, to date, and won awards in jazz vocals, recording and production. Their performances have been featured in the films "Petunia" starring Thora Birch (2013) and "Jazz Club", an award-winning thesis film by Paul Guerin (2014).

Winner of JazzMobile's Anhueser/Busch Jazz Vocalist competition 2006, and, more recently, the 2018 Audelco Award for Best Actor In A Musical, for the Off-Broadway show "On Kentucky Avenue", Ty has been featured with Japanese superstar Toshi Kubota in 8 tours over 25 years; appeared on Broadway in the original companies of “Sophisticated Ladies” and “Marilyn, An American Fable”, and recorded with Harry Belafonte, Peggi Lee, Alyson Williams, Baba Olatunji, Chuck Mangione, Gwen McCrae and many more. Songwriter, vocal arranger, producer, actor, dancer, choreographer, director. A master showman.

Doors open at 4:30. Seating times are 5:00-6:05 and 8:35-8:45. Respective performances begin at 7:00 and 9:05 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended.

“Influenced by singers Sara Bareilles and Michael Buble...Brynn Stanley has developed a style that is also reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones and Rosemary Clooney.” David Laurell, LA TIMES

Brynn Stanley is a local artist who has been building her repertoire and her career from Shanghai Jazz to the Marmot Hotel in Los Angeles and between for several years. Tonight’s performance will feature Brynn’s creative arrangements of Beatles songs as well as a sprinkling of tunes from her Pop Classics Show and beyond. Joining Brynn on our stage tonight will be composer, arranger Ted Brancato/Piano and Shanghai Jazz veterans, Rick Crane/Bass and John Vourtsis/Drums.

$5 music charge and $40 food & drink minimum per person with seatings at 6:15 and 8:35. Reservations strongly recommended.

For over three decades, drummer Steve Johns has been a major presence on the jazz scene, collaborating with many of the music’s most renowned practitioners.  Artists from all points on the musical spectrum have consistently sought him out because they know his musicianship, versatility, deep commitment to his craft, and enthuaism will enrich any performance.  Leaders such as Nat Adderley, Stanley Turrentine, Larry Coryell, Randy Brecker, Ronnie  Cuber, Jimmy Owens, Dr. Billy Taylor, Benny Carter, Thomas Chapin and Sonny Fortune appreciated the fact that, no matter what the gig, from the world’s greatest concert stages to the smallest clubs, Steve brings the same total commitment, utmost professionalism, and pure joy at making music.  He is also a total musician, who continues to expand his musical horizons by studying piano and trumpet.

This evening will feature Steve Johns -drums, John Hart- guitar, Greg Murphy-piano, & Yuriy Galkin-bass. These incredible musicians will be playing some classics along with a selection of Their new release, Mythology

New World Jazz writes: For his debut Steeplechase album under his own name as a leader, New York City veteran drummer/composer Steve Johns engaged a uniquely configured crew of versatile players he’s long known and often collaborated with. Johns teams up with guitar great John Hart, the amazing vibraphonist and vocalist Monte Croft, piano wiz Greg Murphy and the incomparable bassist Joris Teepe. Two of Steve’s compositions get the ball rolling, followed by his band mates’ songs, with a few classics sprinkled in. Steve says, he’s always enjoyed tales from ancient civilizations; mystical legends as depicted in the stories of Icarus, Perseus and Medusa. “Mythology” is an album full of imagination, stories and some fantastic playing by this amazing lineup of world-class musicians.

Join us for this exciting cd release party! Performance begins at 7:00 with a $5 music charge and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations are always recommended.

www.stevejohnsjazz.com

Critically acclaimed bassist/composer Mark Wade returns to Shanghai Jazz for another performance with his dynamic trio. A five-time finalist for bassist of the year in teh prestigious Downbeat Magazine Readers Poll, Wade has been described as “one of the preeminent musicians of his generation” by UK Vibe Magazine. He gained international recognition for his trio with the 2015 recording Event Horizon on Edition 46 Records and the 2018 follow up Moving Day on AMP Music & Records. In 2020 he launched a unique solo project entitled Songs From Isolation - a visual album which debuted online from the Center for Jazz and Popular Music in Durban, South Africa. His 2022 release, True Stories was hailed as “a living work of modern art” by Downbeat Magazine. Midwest Records called Wade “a stand up bass player that’s Christian McBride good.” Don’ miss this exciting performance by one of Morris County’s own!

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 7:00 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

Pianist Ben Collins-Siegel is a young rising star in the NY/NJ Jazz community who gave a riveting performance during his debut Tuesday Jazz Trio Series at Shanghai Jazz. Ben has performed at prestigious venues and festivals including the Monterey Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Steinway Hall in New York City. He has played alongside prominent jazz artists like Christian McBride, John Pizzarelli, and Winard Harper. His accolades include being named a 2023 YoungArts finalist, a member of the 2023 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, and a participant in the 2024 Vail Jazz Workshop. Ben currently plays in the Baker Street Trio with drummer Ben Schwartz and bassist Ryoma Takenaga. Bassist Hal Slapin and Drummer John Vourtsis are thrilled to welcome Ben back to the Shanghai Jazz stage for his next performance in the Tuesday Trio Series.

And come early to hear Rich Court playing solo piano. Standards, Beatles & beyond. He starts at 5:30. Happy Hour from 4:30 - 6:00 with half price beers, select wines and dim sum offerings.

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 6:30 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

Join us at Shanghai Jazz on Sunday, June 1, 2025, for an unforgettable afternoon of music featuring the dynamic talents of The Elefantes — Al Elefante and Joe Elefante — and The DeVicos — Joe DeVico and Curren DeVico. This special performance will also showcase the captivating vocals of special guest Yvonne Green. This family-powered ensemble promises a show filled with passion, groove, and classic jazz energy. Showtime is from 6 PM to 8:30 PM — come witness the magic live!

Doors open at 4:30, performance begins at 6:00. $5 entertainment & $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations are recommended.

This is sure to be an epic night of music! Four of the most incredible musicians in the world are bringing their friendships and talents to Madison.

John Lee, current leader of the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band and long time bassist for Dizzy himself, leads a tremendous quartet this Saturday night! John is a celebrated musician, band leader, composer, engineer, and producer. He has performed on over 50 albums and performed with the likes of, in addition to Dizzy Gillespie, Paquito D’Rivera, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Joe Henderson, Larry Coryell, Paquito D'Rivera, Gregory Hines, Claudio Roditi, Arturo Sandoval, Joachim Kühn and Philip Catherine.

Drummer Karl Latham's career has spanned the globe performing, recording and producing with Grammy Award winning artists, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members and multitude of internationally acclaimed musicians. Karl is best known for his exceptional ability to dig into a variety of musical styles. Karl is included in the Drummerworld Top Drummers list. In addition to performing as a freelance drummer, Karl can be heard drumming when leading his own group “Living Standards”, as a co-leader of Big Fun(K) with saxophonist/composer Don Braden and co leader with Ryan Carniaux and Mark Egan of the “2016 BMW Welt Jazz Award”nominated group “Constellations”. Karl is a proud endorsing drum artist for Yamaha Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Innovative Percussion and Big Fat Snare.

Freddie Hendrix: Over the past two decades, Freddie Hendrix has become one of the most in demand trumpeters in Jazz, and beyond. Also an accomplished composer, arranger and educator, the Teaneck, New Jersey native's skill and versatility has resulted in him working with a wide array of performers that range from the Count Basie Orchestra and The Christian McBride Big Band, to Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys.

Alex Collins Alex Collins is a New York City based pianist, composer, arranger and vibraphonist. Alex made his debut at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival with the Brandon Wright Quartet in 2010. Alex is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (M.M. Jazz Composition) and earned his undergraduate degree from the Eastman School of Music (B.M. Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media (Piano)). He received the Wynton Kelly Jazz Foundation Award for Jazz Achievement (2003) and participated in the prestigious Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead program (2006). Aside from leading his own trio, Alex has performed in the bands of Ronnie Burrage, Micelle Coltrane, Big Funk, Gerry Gibbs, Karl Latham, John Lee, Lonnie Plaxico, Lenny White, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars.

Seatings at 6:15 and 8:35 with no music charge, $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended.

John Zweig began playing guitar professionally at age 15 in St. Louis with legendary musicians and performers like Lou Rawls, The Temptations, Frank Sinatra and The Les Elgart Band. They are performing a selection of great tunes from Smoking’ at the Half Note. A tribute to jazz guitar hero, Wes Mongomery and Wynton Kelly. John is accompanied by:

Rick Crane—a world class bassist and international touring & recording artist. Rick has played with Billy Eckstien, Vic Jouris and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winning Saxophonist, Benny Golson. He recently release his own CD, Duality with pianist Bob Himmleberger.

Tomoko Ohno, an established pianist in the jazz scene in NYC. has been performing with Slide Hampton, Rufus Reid, The Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Big Band, and is the pianist for the Diva Jazz Orchestra. Ms. Ohno has also released albums as a leader in Japan, U.S., and Argentina.

Doors open at 4:30. Seating times are 6:05 and 8:35-9:00. Respective performances begin at 7:00 and 9:10 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

Steve Johnson is a Northern NJ live music mainstay. A fabulous guitarist with the vocals to back. This Thursday evening will feature an array of tunes from jazz to blues to r&b and beyond. Steve has payed at Shanghai Jazz and Encore Speakeasy in the past with another of our favorites, Steve Myerson.

Reservations are always appreciated. The first show will begin at 7:00 with a $5 music charge and $25 food & drink minimum per person.

Bob Himmelberger is an exciting jazz pianist, composer and educator who has played at Shanghai Jazz for several years. He is an alumnus of William Patterson University and has toured through the United States, including a rousing performance at Carnegie Hall,  St. Marten, London, Argentina, and Uraguay the East Coast. Accompanying Bob are David Kingsnorth on bass. and Matt Kane on drums!

No music charge, $25 food & drink minimum for two sets beginning at 7:00. Reservations strongly recommended.

Don Braden/Karl Latham Big Fun(K!)

A Groove/Soul/Jazz Journey featuring renowned musicians; tenor saxophonist flutist, arranger and composer Don Braden and drummer, Karl Latham.

The collective soul/jam group Big Fun(K!) features jazz star saxophonist/composer Don Braden and internationally acclaimed drummer Karl Latham. Don Braden is a jazz musician of the highest caliber.  For over 30 years he has toured the world leading his own ensembles on saxophone and flute, as a special guest, and as a sideman with Jazz greats Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, Roy Haynes, and many others.  Karl Latham has performed, recorded and produced with Grammy Award winning artists, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members and multitude of acclaimed artists including The Shirelles; Johnny Winter; Bernie Worrell; John Lee Quartet; Mark Egan; The Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, The Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Latin Experience; Andy Snitzer and many others.  

"Big Fun(k) is a synchronized rhythm machine."
JazzTimes Magazine

Doors open at 4:30 and the first seating ends at 6:15 for a performance at 7:00, second seating begins at 8:35 for the 9:15performance. $40 food & drink minimum per person. $5 music charge per guest. Reservations strongly recommended.

Acclaimed guitarist Dave Stryker has been an integral part of the Shanghai Jazz family of musicians since our beginning and we are ecstatic to help him celebrate his birthday. His latest cd, As We Are was released this year and has already shot up the charts! Dave is one of the finest guitarists in jazz today and consistently puts on spectacular performances at Shanghai Jazz

Dave has released new material each year for several years and every effort sees tons of air time and generally spends multiple weeks atop the charts!

No music charge, $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended for seatings at 6:15 and 8:45.

Tonight, the Master of the Telecaster, George Naha brings his trio onto our stage featuring Shanghai regulars Hal Slapin on Bass and John Vourtsis on Drums. The fun starts at 7:00. R&B, Jazz and Gut-Bucket Blues by a guy who’s played with more big names than you can shake a drum stick at.

George  has gigged with Aretha Franklin, Donald Fagen, Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, Steve Forbert, Roy Orbison, Melissa Manchester, Willie Dixon, Wilson Pickett, Junior Walker, Sam & Dave and he recently returned from a multi-city Japan tour with drumming legend Bernard Purdie. He has recorded with Bill Doggett, Allen Toussaint, Livingston Taylor, Jack DeJohnette, Gerald Albright and Cornell Dupree.  George has done Jingles, TV and Movie work, played on Broadway, produced records, arranged for live dates and recordings, and worked as Musical Director for many artists.

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 7:00 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

"In Vaché, jazz has found a creator whose prodigious, hard-earned skills enable him to craft swinging performances of beauty, emotion and surprise."  Warren is a tremendous trumpet and cornet player and, with his acerbic wit between songs he keeps the entertainment rolling.  Joined this evening by Earl Sauls on bass, and acclaimed accordionist Eddie Monteiro!

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 7:00 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

This week, as part of Shanghai Jazz’s continuing “Tuesday Jazz Trio Series,” Bassist Hal Slapin and Drummer John Vourtsis join Madison’s own Jerry Vezza on Piano and special guest Bob Hanlon on Sax. Jerry is a musician who embodies the classic jazz values of melodic warmth, rhythmic subtlety and true elegance. Jazz critic Zan Stewart of the Star Ledger wrote that "Vezza sings with his hands" and "plays resplendent jazz piano."

And come early to hear Rich Court playing solo piano. Standards, Beatles & beyond. He starts at 5:30. Happy Hour from 4:30 - 6:00 with half price beers, select wines and dim sum offerings.

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 6:30 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

Luciano Salvatore began piano lessons at the age of nine. By ten, he was already composing music and performing at recitals and local functions. After finishing high school, Luciano continued his studies at the Berklee College of Mucis in Boston learning from the world’s best musical instructors and received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1975. Subsequently, Luciano accepted a faculty position at Berklee while continuing his education at Boston University. Shortly after earning his Master’s degree, Luciano moved to NY and founded North Jersey Music Labs, a private firm specializing in piano, theory, composition, improvisation, and voice. Luciano’s diverse performing career has taken him throughout the US, Japan, Italy, and Canada. During this time, he also established himself as a producer of award-winning music whose credits include one of the ten best records of 1996, according to Jazz Times Magazine.

Mike Richmond has been featured on over 350 recordings (16 solo) and has recorded/performed internationally with Miles Davis, Stan getz, Charles Mingus Dynasty/Big Band/Orchestra, Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby McFerrin, Raci Shankar, Horace Silver and many more. He has won Grammy Awards with Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Sergio Slavatore began recording at the remarkable age of 11 and his superb musicianship has led to recordings that have featured such notable players as Chick Corea, Michale & Randy Brecker, Gary Burton, Jay Anderson, Danny Gottlieb, and William Kennedy. He has also played in shows with Gary Burton, Dave Drusin, Delfeayo Marsalis, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, and Grover Washington Jr.

Sergio began playing an a very early age and was performing in public by the time he was 4. In 1992 a video of Sergio playing was brought to the Director of A & R at GRP Records. A live audition followed and resulted in the recording of Sergio’s self titled debut album for the label, cutting seven original tunes and receiving critically favorable response! His career has not slowed down since then.

Doors open at 4:30, performance begins at 6:00. $5 entertainment & $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations are recommended.

3x Grammy-nominated Axel Tosca is a highly talented Cuban jazz pianist and composer who has gained recognition for his virtuosic performances and innovative compositions that blend elements of jazz, classical music, Hip-Hop, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Born in Cuba in 1983, Tosca grew up in a prestigious musical family. His mother is the renowned Cuban Trova singer Xiomara Laugart and his father is Cuban folk singer-guitarist Alberto Tosca. Introduced to guitar at age four, Tosca was also playing piano by age seven and soon joined his parents on stage playing his first show at Casa de las Americas. Along with performing with his parents, he attended music school. One of his beloved teachers was Miriam Valdez, the daughter of Cuban piano legend Bebo Valdez and sister of Chucho Valdez. This first-class education enabled him to gain a wide range of experiences. Tosca has since become a sought-after performer, collaborator, and session musician, working with a diverse range of musicians and groups including jazz greats like Roy Hargrove and Steve Turre, Dennis & Swing, the Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Bobby Carcases, Teresa Garcia Caturla, Jose Miguel Crego, and more. 

Doors open at 4:30. Seating times are 6:15 and 8:35-8:45. Respective performances begin at 7:00 and 9:10 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

Blue Soul’s music is a unique fusion of Blues, Jazz, New Orleans, Soul, Rock, and R&B styles. In December '23, Blue Soul celebrated the 15-year anniversary of their first performance at Shanghai Jazz.

 Featuring songs by artists including:  Bill Withers, Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Marvin Gaye, B.B. King, Otis Redding, Al Green, George Benson, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Taj Mahal – and many others.

 Blue Soul features the soulful vocals of Herb Woodson, and musical director/ bassist/ vocalist Bailey Gee. They are accompanied by: Ted Brancato on piano, Mike Hogan on guitar, Joseph DeVico on drums and Frank Elmo on Tenor Saxophone.

Doors open at 4:30. Seating times are 5:00-6:05 and 8:35-8:45. Respective performances begin at 7:00 and 9:05 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended.

Laurie Vega is a classically trained vocalist hailing from the sizzling streets of Spanish Harlem. She graduated from the famed High School of Music and Art and sstudied classical music at SUNY New Palz. Laurie performed throughtou the Village in NYC for ten years with an original bluse/rock/rhythme & blues banks as lead vocalist and doubled as drummer. in 1996, Laurie moved to Florida where she honed her jazz skills with composer, arranger, pianist, and orchestra conductor James Dale. Dale produced her first C, “Baby, I Feel Like Jazz Tonight.”

Marty Eigen — Woodwinds Marty is a regular at Shanghai Jazz. He is the founder of AMANI and plays Sax, Flute, and Clarinet. Marty has performed with many of the world’s top musicians at New York Metropolitan Area venues. In addition, he recently performed on clarinet in New Orleans. Marty plays regularly at the Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum and The Watchung Arts Center. He has produced several benefit concerts for the Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ.

Flip Peters - Guitar Flip Peters has been performing as a guitarist and singer since the early 1970s. As a member of the New York club date scene, Flip has been a house musician at The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center, The World Trade Center, The Waldorf Astoria and many other top venues in the New York area. He has performed with many of the top freelance Jazz and Classical musicians in the New York Metro area.

Alex Gressel - Bass Alex started playing bass in theaters in his native Austria. Since coming to the US, he has been a freelance musician in the New York Metro area. He has played with many of the great jazz musicians of our time, including Edison Machado, Marilyn Mazur, Cecil Payne, Gene Bertoncini, Warren Vache, Roni Ben-Hur, Houston Person, Rio Clemente, and Warren Chiasson, to name just a few.

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 7:00 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended

This week, as part of the continuing “Tuesday Jazz Trio Series,” Bassist Hal Slapin and Drummer John Vourtsis welcome Tomoko Ohno back to our stage. Tomoko, an established pianist in the jazz scene in NYC and an esteemed member of our musical family here in Madison, is a truly special pianist. Originally from Tokyo, Japan she has been playing piano since her teens. She is a proud member of Sherrie Maricle's Diva Jazz Orchestra and has played at Lincoln Center, Weill Recital, Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, Birdland , and has performed and/or recorded with Slide Hampton, Claudio Roditi, James Spaulding, Rufus Reid, The John Lee Quartet and The Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Big Band. Ms. Ohno has also released albums as a leader in Japan, U.S., and Argentina.

And come early to hear Rich Court playing solo piano. Standards, Beatles & beyond. He starts at 5:30. Happy Hour from 4:30 - 6:00 with half price beers, select wines and dim sum offerings.

Doors open at 4:30 for Happy Hour. Performance begins at 6:30 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $25 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended.

Mother’s Day is always a special event and how better to celebrate such a wonderful woman than an incredible early dinner crafted by Chef Thomas Donohoe & his new culinary staff. Eric Comstock will astound with his magic on the piano, incredible story telling and genius entertainment!

"An ingenious musical wit … smart, suave, & utterly delightful ... the truest heir to Bobby Short ... cabaret caviar” – The New York Times

“Erudite ... expert musicianship and joie de vivre in equal measure” -- The New Yorker

"A walking encyclopedia of the Great American Songbook, Comstock's infectious delivery is chockful of wittiness and warmth." -- Sheila Anderson, WBGO Jazz 88 

ERIC COMSTOCK, an acknowledged master of the pop and jazz songbooks, returns to Shanghai Jazz with his unique & entertaining takes on everyone from George Gershwin to George Harrison. Comstock co-created the long-running Off Broadway hit OUR SINATRA and has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center's American Songbook, Monteverdi Tuscany (Italy), Pizza Express Live (UK). He has weighed in as a performer/commentator on PBS, CNN, Sirius/XM, BBC, Radio France, CBS’s Early Show, and National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater. 

Join Eric for a swingin' Sunday supper where the music and the stories are equally great. ericcomstock.net

Our first seating will be at 1:00, music begins at 1:30, second seating will be at 3:15, with a performance at 3:45. We will feature an exquisite prix fixe menu for $62 per person including a glass of prosecco or mimossa for all moms! Reservations are always recommended for both seating times!

Mother’s Day Prix Fixe Menu May 11, 2025

 Tasting of Starters:

Crisp thai shrimp, little dragon dumplings, chicken pot stickers, vegetable spring rolls, green salad

 Main Offerings

 Korean Beef, spicy garlic sauce, butter lettuce wraps

 ½ Beijing Style Duckling, scallion, cucumber, steamed pancakes, plum sauce ($9 supplement)

 Crisp Whole Branzino, spring vegetables, thai cucumber vinaigrette ($9 ssupplement) (gf)

 Roasted Norwegian King Salmon, celery root, fresh citrus & cucumber, carrot-ginger glace (gf)

 Wild Shrimp with Noodles, black bean sauce, scallion, mint & basil

 Local, Roaste ½ Chicken, grilled asparagus, jasmine rice, smoked almond romesco sauce (gf) 

Crisp Tofu & Broccoli, house made hummus & brown rice, Nashville hot honey sauce (gf)

 Tasting of Sweets

An Unforgettable Musical Evening at Shanghai Jazz

Don’t miss this extraordinary night of music as acclaimed bassist and composer Mark Peterson returns to Shanghai Jazz with his latest project, Impressions—a soulful tribute to the legendary artists and poets who have shaped his creative journey. From Nina Simone, Cannonball Adderley, and Bill Evans to Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, Sting, and Carlos Jobim, this performance promises an eclectic and heartfelt homage.

Mark will be joined by an all-star ensemble featuring Matt Kane on drums, John Priori on piano, and guitarist TruBorn, forming a truly international team of world-class musicians.

A prolific recording artist, Mark’s work spans film, television, and stage. His compositions have been featured on Sesame Street, in award-winning documentaries, and major museum exhibits. His accolades include 1 Grammy Award (Cassandra Wilson, Best Jazz Album), 2 Grammy nominations (Best Jazz CD, Best Blues CD), 3 Emmys, and a Best Documentary Soundtrack Award. Most recently, his music appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Season 5), where he also performed in a recurring musical role.

Throughout his career, Mark has toured globally and shared the stage or studio with icons such as Cassandra Wilson, Lizz Wright, Joan Baez, Shakira, Ornette Coleman, Nick Cave, Gloria Gaynor, and Cirque du Soleil, among many others.

"Expect the unexpected. Experience the unforgettable.” JazzTimes

Doors open at 4:30. Seating times are 5:00-6:15 and 8:35-8:45. Respective performances begin at 7:00 and 9:05 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended.

Legendary jazz duo Jerry Vezza (piano) and Grover Kemble (guitar & vocals), along with bassist Hal Slapin and drummer John Vourtsis are back together to enthrall our dinner guests with masterful renditions of jazz standards, the American Songbook and original tunes. Jerry and Grover have been playing together for over 25 years and the fun they have on a bandstand is definitely infectious. As a leader, Grover draws the audience into every lyric, engaging everyone in the crowd. On piano, Jerry is a musician who embodies the classic jazz values of melodic warmth, rhythmic subtlety and true elegance. Jazz critic Zan Stewart of the Star Ledger wrote that "Vezza sings with his hands" and "plays resplendent jazz piano."

No music charge, $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations are always recommended for performances at 7:00 and 9:15, seatings for each at 6:15 and 8:45, respectively.

Doors open at 4:30. Seating times are 5:00-6:05 and 8:35-8:45. Respective performances begin at 7:00 and 9:05 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended.

The BJM QUARTET features vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Byron John Moore… an exciting, emerging artist who weaves mood, melody and storytelling seamlessly in a beautiful sonic tapestry.

Beginning his journey in the gospel tradition, an early appearance at 9 years old with icon Sarah Vaughn in NJ set his career course in full motion. Collaborations with artists like Liz McComb, Luther Allison, Amel Larrieux and Mark Whitfield further established him as a powerful creative contributor on the global scene.

The BJM Quartet features a supporting cast of A-list NYC-area musicians — including keyboardist MANU KOCH, drummer GENE LAKE and bassist MIKE GRIOT… as well as special guests that regularly appear at each dynamic show.

Performance begins at 7:00 with two sets. Reservations area always recommended and we ask each guest for $5 performance fee and $25 food & drink minimum.

“New York Blues” can be described like the global phenomenon that it is: edgy, honest and one-of-a-kind. From Lionel Hampton to Ruth Brown …from Michael Hill to King Solomon Hicks — New York can claim its own unique blues experience.

BLUES People is a NY/NJ blues band featuring...KELTON COOPER (vocals/guitar), MIKE GRIOT (bass), RON THOMPSON (keys) and GENE LAKE (drums). Early comparisons to the Meters, Luther Allison, Keb Mo' and Buddy Guy are starting to roll in!

Having released two promotional singles in 2022 ("The Skin I'm In" and "Troubled Times"), the band has independently released its 2024 debut album "The Skin I'm In". 

These seasoned veterans have certainly paid their dues; as individual side men, they have supported a who’s-who of touring “A-listers”, including Sue Foley, Josh Smith, Kool & the Gang, Ruf’s Blues Caravan, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Bo Diddley, Jr. and Michael Hill’s Blues Mob… just to name a few.

BLUES People’s arrival on the global blues scene marks a dynamic shift in the present and future state of blues music… and the culmination of a story over 40 years in the making. Lead singer- guitarist Kelton Cooper and Bassist Mike Griot met as teenagers in rival bands in Orange, NJ… just a stone’s throw from NYC.

 

Cooper (who played drums, guitar and bass) and Griot (who was a classical cellist and electric bassist) shared early stages on local talent shows. Hungry to play the  music of the time, these inspired teenagers took every opportunity to play their instruments for any who would listen. Whether it was a friend’s basement, garage or backyard — these two talents literally loaded their equipment in shopping carts (if necessary) to the next place they could play their music.

 

FAST FORWARD (2017): Having separately amassed years of pro touring credits, recording sessions and collaborations with a literal “Who’s Who” in entertainment, Cooper and Griot found themselves back together again — this time in Griot’s live music club in New Jersey. Cooper moonlighted as a sound engineer…as well as continuing his relentless freelance schedule. It was fellow sideman/drummer Gene Lake (David Sanborn/Boz Scaggs/Meshell Ndegeocello) who suggested Cooper should do an original project. Upon presenting this to Griot, Griot agreed, stating “if we become a cover band, lose my number”! This proved to be the catalyst for band’s birth.

 

THE PANDEMIC (2020): When COVID shut down the music industry, the three musical comrades did what many did: write and record. With access to multiple studios, they began crafting what has now become their “NYC/North Jersey Blues Sound” - while sharing stories of their life and struggles. Their important together work has resulted in their 2024 debut album: “The Skin I’m In”.

Blues People musically explores the effects of the blues on modern American culture on many universal levels... and is a modern chronicle of four "real-life blues brothers" living in THIS time in America... while surviving the NY/NJ-Metro urban landscape. 

BLUES People WINS THE NJBS/INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE!!

BLUES People was born during the pandemic… but the band members have authentically lived their truths - as lifelong working musicians, producers and recording artists for over 30 years.

After taking the NY-metro area by storm for 4 years with their incredible shows and musicianship, the band has won the North Jersey Blues Society International Blues Challenge in 2023 and 2024… and (in their very first attempt) made the SEMIFINALS in the 2024 Memphis International Blues Challenge!

Doors open at 4:30. Seating times are 5:00-6:15 and 8:35-8:45. Respective performances begin at 7:00 and 9:05 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended.