BLU Jazz+

10/11/2026

Friday, November 13th (11/13): Sam Blakeslee Large Group "New Blood" Album Release

Trombonist and composer, Sam Blakeslee, is back home to Akron via NYC to celebrate the release of his latest album "New Blood". Catch his explosive large group play Sam's latest album in its entirety with a special two-show event at BLU on Friday, November 13th.

*Each performance is ticketed separately*

Doors: 6:00pm
First Show: 7:00pm
Second Show: 9:00pm
Tickets: $30 General Admission (ticket is only valid for either 7pm or 9pm performance)
🎟️ https://blu-jazz.turntabletickets.com/shows/13472/2026-11-13

Featuring...

Woodwinds:

Bobby Selvaggio
Nathan-Paul Davis
Max Schlenk
Steve Kortyka
Bettyjeane Quimby

Trumpets:
Scott McKee
Garrett Folger
Theresa May
Ephraim Miller

Trombones:
Mark Mauldin
Chris Anderson
Zach Warren
Amber Forrer

Rhythm Section:
Dan Bruce - guitar
Timo Jin-En Mok - piano
Kip Reed - bass
Zaire Darden - drums

10/11/2026

Saturday, November 7th (11/7): The Stix Trio

Quickly established drummer on the NE Ohio jazz scene, Nehemiah (Stix) Baker, returns to BLU with his hard grooving trio, on Friday, Saturday, November 7th.

Doors: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Tickets: General Admission ($15 in advance, $20 at door)
🎟️ https://blu-jazz.turntabletickets.com/shows/13493/2026-11-07

The Stix Trio, led by Nehemiah (Stix) Baker, combines elements of neo soul, funk and R&B into a sound tapestry that brings out infectious grooves and danceable rhythms to get you up out your seat.

10/08/2026

Friday, October 30th (10/30): Nathan Paul & The Ridiculous Club Society

Join us on Friday, October 30th as Nathan Paul rings in Halloween weekend with a Single release party, I BE SCREAMIN, in anticipation of his forthcoming album NATHAN-PAUL & THE RIDICULOUS CLUB!

Set for release Spring 2027.

The single release at BLU Jazz+ will feat. Zaire Darden (drums), Denzel Chismar-Oliver (Bass), Noah Denton (Bass), feat. AJ Tyus (Guitar) and other special guests.

Doors: 7:00pm
Show:
DJ Drum Duo (Jonathan Fields+Gabe Jones) 8:00pm-8:30pm

Nathan Paul & The R.C. 9:00pm-10:30pm

DJ Drum Duo (Jonathan Fields+Gabe Jones) 10:30pm-11:00pm

Tickets: General Admission ($25 in advance, $30 at the door)
🎟️ https://blu-jazz.turntabletickets.com/shows/13378/2026-10-30

📍Location:
BLU Jazz
47 E. Market St.
Akron, OH 44308

Join us on Friday, October 30th as Nathan Paul rings in Halloween weekend with a Single release party, I BE SCREAMIN, in anticipation of his forthcoming album NATHAN-PAUL & THE RIDICULOUS CLUB! Set…

10/07/2026

Saturday, October 31st (10/31): HALLOWEEN AT BLU - Chris Coles Gleam ft. Floco Torres

Join us for a special Halloween performance at BLU, featuring the music of UA jazz educator, composer, and saxophonist, Chris Coles and his group, Gleam! The night will feature an opening set by ReSolve, and a costume competition during set-break (see details below!)

This is a true Halloween party. Best costume wins $200! (must purchase ticket in advance to quality for contest and prize)

GLEAM IS:
Theron Brown
Zaire Darden
Steve Kortyka
Chris Coles
Zakk Jones
Joe Leaman
Noa Denton
Patrick Graney

Ft. Floco Torres

Doors: 7:00pm
ReSolve: 7:30pm
GLEAM: 8:00pm
Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 at door)
🎟️ https://blu-jazz.turntabletickets.com

10/04/2026

🎶 Akron, get ready to groove! Hubb’s Groove returns to BLU Jazz+ for our Annual Stevie Wonder Tribute on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 8 PM! Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating Stevie’s timeless hits with soulful vocals and live music. Gather your friends and make it a night out! ✨

10/03/2026

Friday, November 6th (11/6): Aaron Smith & RDAA

Meet "Aaron Smith & RDAA," a dynamic band founded by drummer, Aaron Smith, driven by a passion for original jazz, fusion, and soul music. Hailing from the Midwest, with roots in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky, the band has captivated audiences in cities like Cleveland, Akron, Indianapolis, and Nashville. Their unique and inspiring sound, crafted by each member's distinct style, has garnered a growing fan base, with overwhelming love from audiences at every show!

Doors: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Tickets: General Admission ($25 in advance, $30 at the door)
🎟️ https://blu-jazz.turntabletickets.com/shows/4916/2026-11-06

📍Location:
BLU Jazz
47 E. Market St.
Akron, OH 44308

09/30/2026

Saturday, October 24th (10/24): Matthew Alec and The Soul Electric

Native NE Ohio fusion saxophonist Matthew Alec and his high-octane, 7-piece jazz-pop supergroup The Soul Electric make their return to BLU Jazz+, on Saturday, October 14th!

Featuring:
Matthew Alec – tenor saxophone
Greg Banaszak – alto saxophone
Brian Woods – piano/vocals
Corey Conway – guitar/vocals
Miguel Tarin Torres – bass
Drew Parent – percussion
The Franchise – drums
Minus the Alien – vocals

Doors: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Tickets: General Admission ($20 in advance, $25 day of show)
🎟️ https://blu-jazz.turntabletickets.com/shows/10297/2026-10-24

Explosive fusion supergroup Matthew Alec and The Soul Electric bring old school swagger to their fresh, exciting, and innovative blend of jazz, pop, and funk. With three full-length albums under their belt and two more underway, the talented and diverse six-piece collective led by acclaimed saxophonist Matthew Alec are blazing new paths in modern jazz fusion.