Arts Agenda: Jazz and blues

In addition to the shows listed below, Atlanta boasts several venues where you can hear jazz and blues regularly, many of them hosting weekly jam sessions. Among those venues are Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, The Velvet Note, Blind Willie’s, St. James Live and Northside Tavern. At Napoleon’s in Decatur, Blue Velvet Atlanta leads an open jam every second and fourth Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Read our profile of Blue Velvet Atlanta.

February 13

Jazz at All Saints’ continues its second season with a performance by young South African trumpet sensation Darren English at All Saints’ Episcopal Church at 7 p.m. on February 13.

February 14

Atlanta-based jazz vocalist Karla Harris and big band leader Joe Gransden serve up a fun-for-the-whole-family Valentine’s Day performance at 8 p.m. February 14 in the Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, with special guest multi-instrumentalist Marla Feeney.

February 15

The Atlanta Blues Society’s next Gathering & Jam happens from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. February 15 at Blind Willie’s. The host band will be the Let it Rip Band.

February 18

Every Wednesday at the Red Light Cafe, the Gordon Vernick Quartet performs a few numbers, then invites other musicians and singers to join them on stage for a Jazz Jam Session. Whether you’re a professional or amateur musician, you’re welcome to sit in — everyone who wants to perform will be given a chance to play. The next one happens at 9 p.m. on February 18.

February 20

Enjoy a cultural double feature at the High Museum of Art’s Friday Jazz series, where you’ll experience live music and explore the museum’s galleries. On February 20, Friday Jazz features vocalist Lori Williams. Coming up next is Sōlful Hornz on March 20. 

William Green will be performing songs from his new album titled Good To Go as well as paying musical tribute to jazz and pop keyboardist and producer George Duke. It happens at 8 p.m. on February 20 at the Red Light Cafe.

February 22

Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown has collaborated with George Benson, as well as countless others, including Dave Koz, Brian McKnight, Jeff Lorber, Gerald Albright, Peabo Bryson and Chanté Moore. He’ll perform at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on February 22 at City Winery.

February 24-27

Robert Glasper is a genre-defying pianist, producer and composer celebrated for blending jazz, R&B and hip-hop in groundbreaking ways. With a rich catalog that includes iconic albums such as Black Radio and its sequels, Glasper has redefined contemporary jazz. He’ll perform at 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on February 24 through February 27 at City Winery.

February 26

William “Blues Man” Reed and the Juke Joint Dukes play old-school Blues. If you like Muddy Waters, Albert King and early B.B. King, this is the band for you. The group consists of two guitars, harmonica, drums and bass. Catch them at 8:30 p.m. on February 26 at Blind Willie’s.

March 4

The Jazz Legacy Project will present a tribute to Horace Silver at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Music Foundry in downtown Duluth. The show begins at 7 p.m. on March 4. They’ll pay tribute to Duke Ellington at 7 p.m. on April 1.

March 6

Acoustic country folk blues guitarist Brandon Reeves, recently profiled by ArtsATL, has been perfecting his craft for more than 30 years. He has a long list of gigs coming up this fall, including several appearances at Blind Willie’s, with the first coming up at 6:30 p.m. on March 6

March 8

The next installment of pianist Joe Alterman’s Toast & Jam Jazz Brunch series at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center welcomes singer-songwriter Dara Starr Tucker, with performances at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on March 8.

March 13

The Nighthawks enter the new year with two new members: Zach Sweeney on guitar and Sol Roots on bass. Drummer Mark Stutso’s still on board, as is founder and lead singer and harpmaster Mark Wenner. They’ll play Blind Willie’s at 9 p.m. on March 13

March 21

Formed in 2004 by Maurice Nazzaro and Danny Vinson, the Cazanovas have been touring and performing original blues music on the club circuit and festival stages for more than 20 years. The Cazanovas were the house band for the now-defunct Darwin’s Blues Club for 10 years. See them at Blind Willie’s at 9 p.m. on March 21.

March 23

Pat Metheny continues the evolution of his revolving band project Side-Eye with a new tour featuring new music. The lineup includes pianist/keyboardist Chris Fishman, drummer Joe Dyson and Jermaine Paul on bass. Metheny comes to Symphony Hall at 7:30 p.m. on March 23.

April 17

Rory Block is a legendary blues guitarist, singer and songwriter known for her powerful and authentic interpretations of traditional country blues and her own original compositions. She’ll take the stage at 8 p.m. on April 17 at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theatre.

May 5

Now in the seventh decade of his professional life, Herbie Hancock has been at the forefront of world culture, technology, business and music — from his days as a member of the groundbreaking Miles Davis Quintet in the ’60s to his innovative work in the ’70s and ’80s that combined electric jazz with funk and rock in an innovative style that continues to influence contemporary music. The legendary musician comes to Symphony Hall at 8 p.m. on May 5.