BLU will shine red with the bright lights of Paris' "Moulin Rouge" as we ring in 2017 with the French flavored early swing & gypsy jazz sounds of Hot Djang!
Already have plans elsewhere for the ball drop at midnight? Then get your evening started early with our Early Bird Show to close out 2016 at our upscale, award-winning modern day "speakeasy," BLU Jazz+, with one of the most popular bands in the area - Hot Djang!
Hot Djang! is a sensational acoustic jazz quintet from the North Coast that always attracts a full house at BLU & features violin, clarinet, acoustic guitars, upright bass, and features a special guest vocalist for this New Year’s Eve celebration at BLU. Their inspiration comes from the style of jazz made popular in Paris during the 1930s known as “Gypsy Jazz.” In addition, they play jazz & swing standards from the Great American Songbook.
Get your tickets early for what is sure to be a very memorable evening at BLU as we ring in the New Year, featuring Reed Simon (violin), Eric Seddon (clarinet), Kevin Richards (guitar), Brad Smedley (guitar), Bryan Thomas (bass) & special guest vocalist, Jonathon Maas!
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About Hot Djang!
Reed Simon (violin) has worked with many of Cleveland’s top jazz musicians and national artists including guitarist Tony Mattolla, vibraphonist Gary Burton and as a special guest on a Duke Ellington program at Severance Hall.
Eric Seddon (clarinet) has performed with Grammy winners Doc Severinsen, The Moody Blues, the Emerson String Quartet, Steve Allen, and Mark O’Connor. His solos engage the history of jazz clarinet from New Orleans roots to subtle swing to modern complexity.
Kevin Richards (guitar) is highly regarded in the local roots music scene and has shared stages with Mac Martin, John Hammond, Jorma Kaukonen, Howard Armstrong, and local blues legend Robert Lockwood Jr.
Brad Smedley (guitar) is the heartbeat of the band. He has studied under several of the best jazz guitarists of this genre including Frank Vignola, Gonzolo Begara, and Robin Nolan.
Bryan Thomas (contrabass) has numerous performance credits including Terry Gibbs, Junior Mance, Vic Damone, Russell Malone and locally with The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, and Ernie Krivda.
Join us for a very special upscale & swingin’ evening at Akron’s best New Year’s Eve party as we bring the sounds of 1930’s France to BLU – get your tickets today!