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 Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Read our profile of Blue Velvet Atlanta. The month of May also brings us 31 Days of Jazz from the folks at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, so check out the full calendar of events here.

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May 2

Argentine American singer-songwriter Alejandro Meola brings his blues and folk-infused music, including his new single, “Sed De Nacer,” to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack at 7 p.m. on May 2.

May 2, 9, 16 and 17

The Atlanta Jazz Festival kicks off a month of free jazz performances in Atlanta city parks with its Neighborhood Jazz Series, beginning with the Georgia State University Jazz Combo, directed by Kebbi Williams, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 2 in Adams Park. Following that, they’ll have the GSU Jazz Combo, directed by Dr. Gordon Vernick, on May 9 in Washington Park; the Campbell Middle School Jazz Combo, directed by Olivia Kesler, on May 16 in Grant Park; and the Kennesaw State University Jazz Combo, directed by Trey Wright on May 17 in West Manor Park.

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.

May 6

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 May 6.

May 6, June 3 and July 1

The Jazz Legacy Project will present a tribute to Count Basie at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Music Foundry in downtown Duluth. The show begins at 7 p.m. on May 6. They’ll pay tribute to Anita O’Day at 7 p.m. on  June 3 (with vocalist Laura Mustari) and celebrate Sarah Vaughan at 7 p.m. on July 1 (with vocalist Maria Howell).

May 8

Harmonica master Brandon Santini will perform at Blind Willie’s at 9 p.m. on May 8. Santini is nominated in four categories at the 2026 Blues Music Awards, which will take place in Memphis the night before his Blind Willie’s show.

May 13

Overjoyed: A Jazz Tribute to the Music of Stevie Wonder featuring the Kyle Bryant Trio happens at 7 p.m. May 13 at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur.

May 15

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 May 15, Friday Jazz features Rafael Pereira and friends.

May 17

The Atlanta Blues Society’s next Gathering & Jam happens from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 17 at Napoleon’s in Decatur. The host band will be Red Sugar Blues.

May 22

The Atlanta Jazz Festival will get the Memorial Day weekend underway by marking the centennial of Miles Davis’ birth. The Miles Electric Band will perform in concert at Atlanta Symphony Hall at 7:30 p.m. on May 22.

May 23-25

In its 49th year, the Atlanta Jazz Fest has stepped up its game. The lineup for the Memorial Day weekend staple is impressive. On Saturday night, Kamasi Washington will top the bill. Washington is one of the most acclaimed jazz musicians of our time and has collaborated with Kendrick Lamar (winning a couple of Grammys in the process), St. Vincent, Flying Lotus and George Duke. The Roots, a powerhouse ensemble probably best known as the house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, will headline on Sunday night. The lineup also includes Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding, Morehouse grad and Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton, Christian McBride and soulful Atlanta singer-songwriter Donnie performing his 2002 album The Colored Section. Buddy Red, a rising local talent, will kick things off at 1 p.m. on May 23 at Piedmont Park. He was among ArtsATL’s Ones to Watch in the fall of 2025.

May 19

Isaiah T has been captivating audiences since first picking up the saxophone at age 10. Catch him at City Winery Atlanta at 8 p.m. on May 19.

May 23

Spend an Evening of Jazz with Boney James, Norman Brown and Alex Bugnon at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre at 7 p.m. on May 23.

June 17

Spyro Gyra, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, comes to City Winery Atlanta at 8 p.m. on June 17.

June 18

Mike Walton presents “A Love Supreme” in honor of John Coltrane’s 100th birthday at Eddie’s Attic at 7 p.m. on June 18. Coltrane was born on September 23, 1926, in North Carolina.

June 21

Check out the Blues Brunch Show with The Roger “Hurricane” Wilson Trio and Blue Velvet Atlanta live at MadLife Stage & Studios at 2 p.m. on June 21.

July 11

Harry Connick Jr. returns to Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park at 8 p.m. on July 11.

August 20

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Buddy Guy is celebrating a milestone birthday with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour. One of the greatest living bluesmen will turn 90 on July 30, 2026, and he’ll perform at Atlanta Symphony Hall at 7:30 p.m. on August 20.