Arts Agenda: Jazz and blues

In addition to the shows listed below, Atlanta boasts several venues where you can regularly hear jazz and blues, many of which host 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 p.m. Read our profile of Blue Velvet Atlanta.

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July 29

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 July 29.

August 5

The Jazz Legacy Project will present a tribute to Johnny Mercer at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Music Foundry in downtown Duluth. The show begins at 7 p.m. on August 5. They’ll pay tribute to Chick Corea at 7 p.m. on September 2 and celebrate John Coltrane’s Blue Train at 7 p.m. on October 7.

August 14

Skyler Saufley is a self-taught guitarist, singer, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader dedicated to preserving the excitement and authenticity of classic American rhythm and blues. An Alabama Blues Hall of Fame inductee. He’ll perform at Blind Willie’s at 9 p.m. on August 14.

August 15

Tinsley Ellis, whose latest album, Labor Of Love, was released earlier this year, will perform at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Music Foundry at 8 p.m. on August 15. Michelle Malone opens.

August 15, September 12 and September 26

The Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre brings a wealth of R&B and jazz fusion to Mableton in the coming months. On August 15, they’ll feature Will Downing, Jonathan Butler and Eric Darius; Damien Escobar, Kirk Whalum and Peter White take the stage on September 12; and Lalah Hathaway, Robert Glasper and Kenyon Dixon will perform on September 26. All shows begin at 7 p.m.

August 16

The Atlanta Blues Society’s Atlanta Blues Challenge will take place at MadLife Stage & Studios in Woodstock from about 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 16.

Gregory Porter, a two-time Grammy winner for best jazz vocal album, will play the VyStar Amphitheater at the Bridge in Stockbridge. He’ll be joined by Kindred the Family Soul and Marion Meadows for the show, which begins at 7 p.m. on August 16.

August 19

Louisiana-born blues rock singer, guitarist and songwriter Eric Johanson will perform at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur at 7 p.m. on August 19.

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.

August 21

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.

September 1

Grammy-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Gary Clark Jr. will perform at The Eastern at 8 p.m. on September 1.

September 3

Neranenah presents Naama with the Joe Alterman Trio live at Eddie’s Attic at 7 p.m. on September 3. The New York City-based jazz vocalist is inspired by timeless composers such as Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart.

October 9

Jazz at All Saints kicks off its season with Grammy Award-nominated jazz bassist Rodney Jordan and his quintet performing selections from their chart-topping album, Memphis Blue, and will premiere new works written specifically for this concert, celebrating their longstanding friendships in Atlanta. The show happens at 7 p.m. on October 9.

October 25

Through his 54-year career, three-time Grammy Award winner John Scofield has occasionally detoured from the traditions of straight-ahead jazz, exploring a blend of funk and jazz that has led to some of his most popular projects. With these shows, Scofield looks back at many of his now-classic fusion groove compositions with Electrospective, featuring Adam Deitch, Larry Goldings and legendary bassist Oteil Burbridge. Shows are at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on October 25.