Tag: jazz

The Music of Louis Hayes feat. Henry Conerway III

Strictly Jazz: The Music of Louis Hayes feat. Henry Conerway III

The Green Room at Crosstown Arts 

Sunday, June 21th, 2026 

Doors open at 5:30 PM | Show starts at 6:00 PM 

$25 in advance (plus fees) | $30 at the door

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Join us for June’s installment of the Strictly Jazz series curated by Dennis Adams, this time featuring Henry Conerway III as he pays homage to living legend Louis Hayes!

When Dennis asked him to be a feature on one of his Strictly Jazz tributes, Henry Conerway III informed him that celebrating living artists was important! Louis Hayes, a native of Conerway’s hometown Detroit, Michigan; and one of the first people he called when he moved to New York. His contributions to music are vast, however many may not be aware that they have heard him. His early work was with Horace Silver, he played on several of Cannonball Adderly’s most important works, he was a co-leader with Woody Shaw and has been consistent as a full-fledged bandleader, serving as a mentor to many in the generations to follow his own. Hayes is a living link to those who have passed and carries the torch even now, for “this wonderful artform,” as he calls his music. Mr. Hayes is thrilled to have learned of this performance, and we look forward to giving him his flowers as we tell his story through song.

Henry Conerway III has become a leading presence on the modern jazz scene since moving to New York City in 2015, collaborating with renowned artists including Freddy Cole, Marcus Printup of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Jazzmeia Horn, and Grammy-nominated trumpeter Russell Gunn, while also participating in residencies with Jazz at Lincoln Center in Doha. A proud native of Detroit, Conerway began performing at the Detroit Jazz Festival while still in high school and studied under legendary trumpeter Marcus Belgrave as part of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Jazz Orchestra. A graduate of Morehouse College with a degree in Music Composition, he co-founded the Atlanta-based ensemble Jaspects, which became a staple of the city’s music scene and collaborated with artists including PJ Morton, Janelle Monáe, Tony Hightower, and Chantae Cann. His career has taken him to major festivals and venues such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as iconic New York jazz clubs including Birdland Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, and Minton’s Playhouse. In addition to his work as a performer, Conerway has composed music for film and appeared in theatrical productions including the Tony-nominated Broadway show Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed.

Kortland Whalum

Kortland Whalum

Kortland Whalum

The Green Room @ Crosstown Arts

Friday, December 5, 2025

Doors open at 7:00 pm | Show Starts at 7:30 pm

$30 in advance (plus fees) | $40 at the door

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Two-step into a new golden era of music with Kortland Whalum. His vocal styling is influenced by soul, jazz, and R&B while possessing a rich, classy elegance with a powerful, often gospel-tinged, vocal delivery. Immerse yourself in his captivating, sultry vocals reimagining timeless soul classics alongside fresh contemporary gems. This performance not only promises musical magic but also marks Kortland’s growing footprint in the Memphis arts scene.
Joining Kortland this concert:
Keys – Calvin Barnes
Guitar – JB Brownlee
Bass – Loren Clark
Drums – Henry Conerway III

 

Everything Yes

Everything Yes
Crosstown Arts presents Everything Yes
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Doors open at 6 pm | Show begins at 6:30 pm
Tickets: $20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door
purchase TICKETS HERE
Everything Yes is an American jazz fusion band spearheaded by the drummer Zack Graybeal, known famously as ZackGrooves on his platforms, Sean Reeser, prolific composer, producer and tenor sax master & Cole Sipe, composer, sound engineer and magistral bassist.
This powerhouse of a band brings a fresh take on the style while staying true to the roots.

Strictly Jazz: The Music of Mulgrew Miller ft. Keith Brown

Keith Brown
Crosstown Arts Presents Strictly Jazz: The Music of Mulgrew miller ft. Keith Brown
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20 In Advance (plus Fees) | $25 at the Door
purchase TICKETS HERE
The Strictly Jazz Series, a joint presentation by Crosstown Arts and Strictly Jazz Entertainment, celebrates classic jazz music through contemporary interpretations by acclaimed musicians. This show will feature Keith Brown performing the jazz standards and compositions of Mulgrew Miller, Harold Mabern, James Williams, and Donald Brown.
KEITH BROWN
Keith L. Brown is a distinguished pianist, composer, and educator, widely regarded as one of the most sought-after musicians in contemporary jazz. Rooted in R&B, Funk, Classical, Jazz, and Hip-Hop, his compositions and piano style seamlessly blend these influences, showcasing both deep tradition and modern innovation. With an exceptional command of jazz’s rich language, Brown transitions effortlessly between hard swing, funk, and free improvisation—all while maintaining a distinctive artistic voice.
Born in Memphis, TN, and raised in Knoxville, TN, Brown began playing piano seriously at 18 and quickly established himself as a formidable force in jazz. He currently tours as the pianist for Grammy-nominated saxophonist and 2023 NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship recipient Kenny Garrett. His extensive collaborations include performances with Stefon Harris, Jazzmeia Horn, George Coleman, Greg Tardy, Camille Thurman, Terreon Gully, Willie Jones III, Endea Owens, Charles Tolliver, Buster Williams, Lenny White, Steve Turre, John Clayton, and many more—captivating audiences worldwide.
“I am sure that is one that will make a tremendous contribution to the continuum of jazz and particularly jazz piano.” – Mulgrew Miller
“Keith Brown is a phenomenal player! He has a great grasp on the language of the jazz piano masters and an ability to come from many directions; from hard swing to funk to free”. –Greg Tardy

Kafé Kirk: Texas Jazz Jam

Crosstown Arts presents KAFé KIRK: TEXAS JAZZ JAM
at Crosstown theater
Sunday, July 27th 2025
Doors open at 5:30 pm | Show begins at 6:00 pm
Tickets: $59 in advance (plus fees) | $70 at the door |
purchase TICKETS HERE
Join Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum for Kafé Kirk, an ongoing jazz series in Crosstown Theater featuring musical and spiritual collaborations with special guest artists. This concert will feature legendary musicians Tom Braxton and Bobby Lyle.
TOM BRAXTON
Jazz saxophonist Tom Braxton has garnered critical acclaim while thrilling audiences of all ages from coast to coast and abroad for over two decades. From Africa to Japan, from New York to L.A., Braxton’s distinct, melodic sound leaves audiences astounded, clapping, and on their feet screaming for more!
BOBBY LYLE
Legendary pianist/organist Bobby Lyle was deemed a musical wonder when he released his first album, The Genie, which exploded onto the Billboard charts and blew the minds of jazz enthusiasts everywhere. Since that debut, Lyle has kept a high standard for 30-plus years, and has successfully maintained a flourishing, always-evolving career. Lyle’s unrivaled high standard of excellence entitles him to a place on the throne alongside other musical royalty, making him a permanent fixture in the prodigious society of jazz.
KIRK WHALUM
Soulful, passionate, stirring…these are the words most often used to describe Kirk’s music. Forged from his Memphis, Tennessee, gospel roots and his 1980s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The ’80s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was there that Kirk ultimately developed both his “voice” and songwriting in the crucible of the local club scene—especially at a rooftop club called Cody’s. It was also in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him and brought him on tour, which led to five successful albums with Columbia Records, including Cache, Kirk’s first #1 album.

Roland Barber Quintet ft. Joel Frahm

Roland Barber Quintet ft. Joel Frahm

Friday, July 25th, 2025 | The Green Room

Doors open at 7 pm | Show starts at 7:30 

$20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Roland Barber returns to Memphis, TN with a show featuring music for jazz quintet! He will be performing alongside powerhouse saxophone titan Joel Frahm. Rounding out the band will be a wave of young geniuses invigorating the Nashville Scene. On piano, you’ll find Alex Murphy, whose influences span from Mulgrew Miller to Robert Glasper. On the drum kit, young phenom Christian Burgs, and on the bass, Jack Aylor. Expect to hear modern and original music that speaks to the heart, soul, mind and toes. You’ll also hear a nod to the history of the music standards, and a ballad or two for the long time jazz listener.