Led by pianist Connie Rottier-Thompson, Constants is a jazz project dedicated to elevating local talent and creating unforgettable music. This special performance pays tribute to Duke Ellington, spanning the full scope of his legendary career—from his iconic 1930s and ’40s compositions to his triumphant 1960s revival. A Wisconsin native, Connie honed her craft in Chicago, […]
Led by award-winning pianist Alex Makeev—recognized by premier outlets like Downbeat—the Alex Makeev Trio features Arlo Jones on bass and Aidan Smith on drums. A staple of the Sacramento music scene, the trio regularly graces stages ranging from Twin Lotus Thai to the Torch Club. Their genre-spanning approach blends diverse musical influences into a fresh, […]
Led by Daniel J Owens (piano), founder of the Center for Musical Arts in Sacramento, Wizard Robot features Nate Furgason (bass), Scott Gordon (drums), and Jackson Riley (sax). Inspired by both contemporary and classic tunes, the quartet aims to blur the lines between some of the most recognizable pop songs and legendary jazz standards. The […]
Fresh off a tour through Europe, musician Evan Wright returns to Sacramento to bring an unforgettable evening of live music Currently completing his Masters in Composition from UC Davis, Wright weaves deep emotional narratives into his music, creating a signature sound honed on stages across California and the historic venues of Vienna. Performing a mix […]
Paul Cornish hails from Houston, Texas, where he was a student at the prestigious High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, whose alumni also include jazz luminaries such as Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Eric Harland, Kendrick Scott, Chris Dave, Walter Smith III, James Francies, and others. Cornish was one of seven jazz prodigies worldwide […]
Samuel J Dyer brings an incredible mix of original songs and vocal arrangements to the Center for Musical Arts. Known as a performer with Sacramento’s R&B/fusion group SSRI, Samuel J. Dyer takes the stage at the Center for Musical Arts with his new ensemble. The performance will highlight original instrumental jazz as well as vocal […]
Led by Daniel J Owens (piano), founder of the Center for Musical Arts in Sacramento, Wizard Robot features Nate Furgason (bass), Scott Gordon (drums), and Jackson Riley (sax). Inspired by both contemporary and classic tunes, the quartet aims to blur the lines between some of the most recognizable pop songs and legendary jazz standards. The […]
Pianist, composer and lyricist, Dave Bass began piano lessons at age seven, and after high school, played in bands opening for Captain Beefheart and Alice Cooper. Accepted at Berklee College of Music, he left to study piano with Madame Chaloff and composition with George Russell. Then, as Brenda Lee’s pianist, he toured the world. In […]
Jimmy Malone, a Sacramento keyboardist and legend from On Air, comes to CMA to perform jazz and R&B music. Jimmy Malone has been a professional keyboardist for over three decades as a recurring member of On Air, as well as a performer with local R&B/funk group “Mercy Me!”. Jimmy Malone’s main focus is creating original […]
Cal Arts graduate Ryan Jackson-Embola is coming from LA to Sacramento to showcase his original tunes. Ryan Jackson-Embola has been a consistent player throughout California for years, performing both jazz and classical music. A staple artist for local musicians like Daniel Harris III, as well as bandleader for his group BIG BXRRIE. Having just finished […]
Vocalist Aiko Shimada blends jazz standards, originals, and reimagined covers into intimate, deeply expressive performances. With a rich, luminous tone and syncopated, subtly polyrhythmic phrasing, she favors sincere storytelling over showy technique and typical jazzy stylization. A Sacramento‑based artist, Aiko Shimada spent two decades in Seattle touring, recording five albums, and collaborating as a genre‑defying […]
Sacramento drummer Devin Jones brings his group to the Center for Musical Arts for an evening of fresh jazz originals and arrangements. Known for collaborating with standout local talent like Isaac Davis (SSRI) and vocalist Josyy Bennett, Jones brings a dynamic repertoire that is sure to captivate. If you want to catch the next wave […]