Join us for Night Two of the No Idea Festival Vernacular Residency with Ken Vandermark & Mabel Kwan! 5 PM | Open Rehearsal / Masterclass (Doors @ 4:45pm) Ken Vandermark leads a 2-hour open rehearsal with his quartet of Texas musicians performing this evening. Ample time will be left for audience questions about Vandermark’s working process as composer, improvisor, and bandleader. 5 PM to 7 PM ---------- 7:30 PM Show (Doors @ 7:15pm) Set 1: Mabel Kwan + Juan García duo First-time free improvisations between two acclaimed artists investigating the peripheries of contemporary classical, improvised, and experimental music. Mabel Kwan - piano Juan García - double bass Set 2: Ken Vandermark Texas Ensemble Ken Vandermark will present new compositions exploring distinct melodic, rhythmic and architectural strategies for improvisers. Vandermark will work with Texas musicians Jonathan Horne (guitar, Austin), Matthew Frerck (double bass, Denton), and Stefan González (drumset, Denton) in a debut collaboration. --------- 10 PM Show (Doors @ 9:45pm) The music of Fred Anderson + Dennis González The music of legendary musician Fred Anderson, a founding member of the AACM and a mentor for numerous musicians, is rarely heard outside of Chicago. Vandermark was fortunate enough to work with Anderson on a regular basis, record an album of his compositions with the DKV Trio, as well as feature Anderson as a guest soloist on the Territory Band album, Collide (2007). Vandermark will present a selection of Fred Anderson's pieces in a trio with North Texas musicians Stefan González and Matthew Frerck. Adding to the evening's music, the trio will perform selections of music from Dallas' pioneering trumpeter, artist and educator Dennis González. González established the Dallas Association for Avant-Garde and Neo Impressionistic Music (daagnim) in the late 1970s, at the suggestion of Anthony Braxton and Art Lande. The daagnim organization, which functioned both as a group of musicians and as a record label, was based on and named after Chicago's AACM. Dennis' son, drummer and vibraphonist Stefan González, will present selections of his father's music heavily influenced by his work with Chicago colleagues Malachi Favors and Alvin Fielder (via MIssissippi), among others. Ken Vandermark - tenor saxophone, Bb clarinet Matthew Frerck - double bass Stefan González - drumset Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Sweet Megg! Sweet Megg - Vocals Daniel Dufour - Drums Jacob Wise - Guitar Ryan Hagler - Bass Sweet Megg returns to Monks this May 31st for an unforgettable night of jazz standards. Accompanied by her stellar 4-piece band, Megg transports her audience through the rich traditions of jazz, blending the soulful blues of Billie Holiday with the swinging rhythms of Anita O'Day. Known for her deep emotional resonance and dynamic vocal delivery, Sweet Megg has become a favorite among jazz enthusiasts for her ability to reinterpret classic tunes with a modern flair while staying true to their roots. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. First Show: Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. Second Show: Doors at 9:45pm, Show at 10pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Cyrus Nabipoor Quartet! Cyrus Nabipoor - Trumpet Matt Muehling - Guitar James Suter - Bass Adam Jackson - Drums A distinctive voice both on the horn and in his writing, Cyrus Nabipoor's singular sound has garnered him international acclaim. He has been a featured festival artist at PDX Jazz, Cathedral Park, Montavilla Jazz, New Orleans French Quarter, and Chicago Instigation. To date, he has released 2 albums under his own name, and collaborated on numerous more. In addition to his self-titled work, Cyrus runs the Puddletown Stompers, is a member of Reb & The Good News, and works as a freelance trumpeter & music director. An in-demand composer/arranger, Cyrus has had several works commissioned by Portland Jazz Composer’s Ensemble. Cyrus has produced horn tracks for major artists including Nicky Youre, Grace Enger, Maggie Koerner, Peach Tree Rascals, and David Hugo. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with a wide variety of artists including Jamison Ross, Elle King, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson, James Singleton, Jason Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Mike Dillon, Stanton Moore, Amina Scott & Nicole McCabe. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Spencer Foster Quartet! Spencer Foster - Piano Marco Antonio Santos - Guitar Chris Jones - Bass Terrance McDaniel - Drums Spencer Foster is a multifaceted musician based in Austin, Texas. A dedicated pianist since the age of five, he began with classical training and later studied privately with esteemed UT Austin professors Jeff Hellmer and Sean Giddings. He earned his degree in Spanish and Portuguese from UT while continuing his musical development under the guidance of internationally recognized artists such as Rique Pantoja, Vitor Gonçalves, and Richard Huntley. His debut album, Crossed Out, is available on all major streaming platforms. Spencer balances a dynamic schedule that includes performing throughout Austin, teaching music, and working full-time at a local nonprofit focused on social justice. His diverse performance background features highlights such as playing accordion in musical theater productions, a monthly residency with the Shalane Quartet at the Elephant Room, and a six-month solo piano residency where he sang and accompanied himself weekly. Prior to college, Spencer was awarded a piano chair in the Texas All-State Jazz Band and performed at Lincoln Center in New York City as a finalist in the Essentially Ellington competition with his high school big band. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for AJS Presents: Elias Haslanger Quartet! Elias Haslanger - Tenor Saxophone Andy Langham - Piano Ryan Hagler - Bass Daniel Dufour - Drums Over the span of his 30-year music career, native Texan and Austin resident Elias Haslanger has carved a unique and distinguished place in jazz history as a saxophonist, composer, and band leader, whose playing and writing has drawn comparisons to John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, and Wayne Shorter. He has performed, recorded, and toured with many world-class artists including Ellis Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, Christopher Cross, Charlie Hunter, Asleep at the Wheel, Alejandro Escovedo, Sheryl Crow, Grupo Fantasma, Black Pumas, Spoon, The Four Tops, and The Temptations, among many others. Mentored by the legendary saxophonists Harvey Pittel and Dick Oatts, Elias studied saxophone at the University of Texas and then at the Manhattan School of Music. His interest in writing music culminated in a Master’s Degree in Composition at Texas State University in San Marcos. Elias has performed around the United States and Europe at clubs like Snug Harbor in New Orleans, Jazz Alley in Seattle, The Elephant Room in Austin, and The Blue Note in New York. He has also served as a guest artist/lecturer at universities around the nation. Elias has 8 recordings as a leader all of which have been played on radio stations across the world. His 2014 recording LIVE at the Gallery, received 4.5 stars in Downbeat magazine and was listed as one of the best recordings of the year. His 2024 release Elias Haslanger Meets Mike Sailors is featured on Apple Music’s Pure Jazz playlist and has received over 100,000 streams worldwide as of today. "Haslanger's freewheeling licks roar with virtuosity and infectious joie de vivre." -Michael Jackson, DownBeat –––– Make a donation to be recognized: Supporter Level: Donate $50 or more, and we'll mention your name as a Supporter of the "AJS Presents: Midweek @ Monks" series, as part of the mission to creating more sustaining performance opportunities for Austin jazz musicians! Sponsor Level: Donate $100 or more, you’ll be recognized as a Sponsor of the "AJS Presents: Midweek @ Monks" series. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Collin Shook Trio! Collin Shook - Piano Aaron Allen - Bass Daniel Dufour - Drums Collin Shook, native to Dallas, Texas, is a jazz pianist, composer, and founder of Monks Jazz. During high school, he studied instruments from all around the bandstand, moved to Austin in 2007, performed and recorded in Tucson from 2009 to 2013, and finally returned to Austin in 2014. In September 2016, Collin collaborated with the art co-op Topology in East Austin to create Monks Jazz Club, a pop-up listening room concept. Having hosted nearly 100 pop-up concerts in over a dozen venues from 2016-2020, Monks transitioned to a live-streaming format in response to the pandemic, and in 2021 landed a permanent brick and mortar space in the heart of East Austin, where Collin has produced over 600 Monks live-taping concerts. His two albums as a leader (Derivatives 2012 & The Desert 2016) can be found at collinshook.bandcamp.com. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Wayne Salzmann II Quartet! Justin Vasquez - Tenor Saxophone Andy Langham - Piano Chris Maresh - Bass Wayne Salzmann II - Drums Wayne Salzmann II is a Drummer, Educator, Author, and Composer who has toured/recorded extensively with Grammy winning guitarist Eric Johnson. He has performed/recorded with Steve Miller, Kenny Rogers, Kris Kristofferson, Joe Satriani, Christopher Cross, Mike Stern, Robben Ford, Oz Noy, Chris Potter, Dick Oatts, San Antonio Symphony, and many others. His recording credits include a Billboard no. 1 Jazz record, a Billboard no. 1 Blues record, and feature film soundtracks. Salzmann was the Drum Set Instructor at the University of Texas at Austin from 2010-2022 and has given clinics and masterclasses worldwide. His book Developing Melodic Language on the Drums has received high acclaim from Peter Erskine, Ed Soph, Carl Allen, John Riley, and Modern Drummer Magazine. His compositions and arrangements can be heard on recordings with his jazz quartet and six-piece funk band, Wayne Salzmann’s Groove Society. He is an Artist/Clinician for DW Drums, Pedals, & Hardware, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth Drumsticks. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. First Show: Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. Second Show: Doors at 9:45pm, Show at 10pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Progger! Brian Donohoe - Saxophone/Keyboard Matt Muehling - Guitar Ryan Hagler - Bass Charles Reid III - Drums What began as a jam session at a rehearsal space in Austin has become an international collection of gifted musicians whose captivating live performances and studio releases have garnered acclaim from fans and publications around the world. Progger is held together by a passion for music that balances sophisticated harmony and melody with visceral beats and riffs. Through four critically-acclaimed releases and live tours supporting acts like Parliament/Funkadelic, Snarky Puppy, and the Funky Knuckles, Progger has developed an international following of devoted fans. Despite the inevitable cancellations caused by the world-changing Covid-19 pandemic, Progger’s constituent members began working with a staggering variety of prominent artists across numerous genres. The likes of Bruno Mars, Jon Batiste, Janelle Monáe, the Black Pumas, Kool and the Gang, and the Kill Tony Show have been keeping various Progger people quite busy. Nonetheless, the band will be rehearsing and performing its piles of new music throughout late 2024 in eager anticipation of producing its fifth album. This show is presented by and supported in part by the Austin Live Music Fund. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. First Show: Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. Second Show: Doors at 9:45pm, Show at 10pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Andy Boutot and the Big Night Band! Andy Boutot - Vocals Steven Vague - Tenor Saxophone Tommy Howard - Guitar Ross Margitza - Keys Chris Jones - Bass Mike Gordon - Drums Andy Boutot and Big Night is a highly acclaimed Austin-based Jazz and Blues band that offers a unique mixture of true talent, soulful energy, and polish. With a faithful and growing following, Big Night captivates audiences with musicianship, effortless style, and a singer with a smooth, rich, soulful voice that can flow over you like honey or powerfully soar and take you out of your seat. Andy and Big Night call upon an eclectic and meticulously crafted music library that mixes jazz standards made famous by artists like Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn, Louis Jordan, and Chet Baker, and Blues and Soul tunes made famous by Ray Charles, Etta James, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Taj Mahal, Freddie King, Bonnie Raitt, Little Walter, Bill Withers, and George Benson. Big Night is a bridge between the old world and new world. Their passion, versatility, and talent will delight you. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 6:45pm, Show at 7pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for NOW Jazz Orchestra | Austin’s Vanguard of Contemporary Big Band Jazz! Paulo Santos - Saxophone Justin Vasquez - Saxophone Dan Thomas - Saxophone Chris Cermak - Trumpet Steve Butts - Trumpet Sparky Thomason - Trumpet Santana Rojas - Trumpet Javier Stuppard - Trombone Paul Deemer - Trombone Aaron Garcia - Trombone Ben Irom - Piano Glen Rexatch - Guitar Billy Satterwhite - Bass Mike Gordon - Drums The NOW Jazz Orchestra is an innovative 18-piece ensemble based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of modern jazz through original compositions and bold arrangements. Directed by Dr. John Vander Gheynst, the orchestra features some of Central Texas's most accomplished musicians, many of whom are active educators and performers in the region. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of jazz traditions—ranging from modern swing to avant-garde expressions—the orchestra's repertoire is a dynamic fusion of styles. Compositions by band members and national composers infuse the ensemble's performances with a fresh and distinctive sound. This approach not only showcases the creative talents within the group but also contributes to the evolution of contemporary jazz. The NOW Jazz Orchestra regularly performs at renowned Austin venues such as the Elephant Room, providing audiences with an opportunity to experience the cutting edge of jazz in an intimate setting. Their performances are characterized by intricate arrangements, virtuosic solos, and a palpable sense of camaraderie among the musicians. Through their innovative programming and commitment to artistic excellence, the NOW Jazz Orchestra plays a vital role in the performing of this rewarding music. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Beat Divas! Mady Kaye - Vocals Beth Ullman - Vocals Dianne Donovan - Vocals Andy Langham - Piano Ryan Hagler - Bass Stephen Summer - Drums Mady Kaye, Beth Ullman and Dianne Donovan are the ebullient Beat Divas. Three remarkable voices in tight harmony romp through American jazz and pop with a joie de vivre and vocal abandon rarely heard. Sexy, sassy and swingin', their repertoire includes original works, jazz standards and the best of American pop music jazzed up. From bebop to pop-gone-salsa, their song styling is totally refreshing. The Divas' original songs about food, which they include in their cooking classes at Central Market Cooking School, are delicious and hilarious. Mady Kaye, Divas' bandleader, is a 2024 inductee into the Austin Jazz Society Hall of Fame. This year marks fifty years in the Austin music scene for Ms. Kaye, from performing to bandleading, studio vocal production, vocal coaching, songwriting and arranging. The Austin Chronicle's Critic's Picks named her the best professional voice instructor in Austin. Mady and Beth write the Beat Divas' original material and arrangements. Beth Ullman is back in Austin after almost thirty years on the commercial music faculty at McLennan Community College in Waco, where she was an instructor of voice and vocal ensemble, a vocal arranger and accompanist (she's an amazing pianist). The Divas are thrilled she's in town again! Her most recent recording of all-original compositions, "We've Got Tonight," was released on Aardvark Records to wide acclaim. Dianne Donovan, a Montreal-born jazz vocalist, has a voice you already know as queen of the classical airwaves, host of Midday Oasis on KMFA Classical Radio 89.5 FM. She is also host and producer of "Classical Austin," and continues to produce a weekly vocal jazz show, "Voices in Jazz" for CKUA Radio in Edmonton, Canada. She has interviewed jazz greats from Bobby McFerrin to Shirley Horn. Dianne's luscious voice provides the perfect low end to the Beat Divas' harmonies. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Brazilian Jazz Night | Malone & Friends! Michael Malone - Saxophone Sofia Kriger - Vocals Sander Pinheiro - Guitar Ciriaco Isma - Bass Michael Longoria - Drums Michael Malone, a Cleveland, Ohio native, is a world-renowned saxophonist and composer. Michael's resume includes a five-year stint touring with legendary jazz organist Jimmy Smith, as well as dates with Cindy Blackmon, guitarist Mark Whitfield, and steel drummer Othello Molineaux. In addition to touring Europe and Asia with his own group Just Released, Michael was also a member and composer in the award-winning Austin-based group Blaze. A Resident of Austin, Texas, he leads The Michael Malone Quintet, works extensively with jazz organist extraordinaire Red Young, and plays frequently with Austin vocalist Pamela Hart. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. First Show: Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. Second Show: Doors at 9:45pm, Show at 10pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Sahara Quartet | Vinyl Release Show! Jesse Ebaugh - Double Bass Damien Valenzuela - Saxophones Danny Kerner - Guitar Steve Mankenberg - Drums The Sahara Quartet rides the line between “free” jazz and post bop, exploring that zone between composition and improvisation as defined by players like Ornette Coleman, Pharaoh Sanders, Steve Lacy, Dewey Redman, or Sonny Sharrock. The Quartet keeps one foot in the blues while playing tunes written by members Jesse Ebaugh and Damien Valenzuela, defining a space that is musically modern primitive, at times outsider, and a toast to the traditional. The group formed, and takes it’s name, from a once a month jam at the Sahara Lounge in Austin, Texas. Mankenberg has been on the jazz and improvised scene in Austin for many years, and Ebaugh is a multi genre musician who works in rock and country and leads a band called The Tender Things. Kerner and Valenzuela are both from Las Cruces, New Mexico and migrated to Austin by way of Chicago to immerse themselves in the scene and are members of multiple bands like Zoumountchi, Sahara All Stars and Cazayoux. Come celebrate the release of the first recordings from The Sahara Quartet. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. First Show: Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. Second Show: Doors at 9:45pm, Show at 10pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Chase Baird/Will Brahm Quartet! Chase Baird - Saxophone Will Brahm - Guitar Ryan Hagler - Bass Adam Jackson - Drums About Chase Baird: Part experimental rocker, part classical romantic, and part hard-bop devotee, saxophonist and composer Chase Baird has been hailed by Grammy-winner Randy Brecker as “the future of jazz music and the saxophone.” His latest album A Life Between features jazz luminaries Brad Mehldau and Antonio Sánchez alongside rising stars Nir Felder and Dan Chmielinski, earning praise as an “epic recording complete with progressive singularities and sonic cosmicalities.” Baird has toured and recorded widely, collaborating with icons across genres—from Chaka Khan and Jakob Dylan to Chris Botti, Mike Stern, Victor Wooten, and Thana Alexa. He was also a key member of Antonio Sánchez’s band Migration and a founding contributor to the progressive jazz ensemble Venture. Raised between Seattle, Salt Lake City, and California, Baird picked up the saxophone at age ten and was mentored early on by Michael Brecker. He studied at California State University Long Beach and The Juilliard School, where he honed both jazz and classical technique. Alongside his work as a saxophonist, Baird plays EWI with the synth-forward group Circuit Kisser and collaborates on guitar with his sister Christine Baird’s band, Rocky Mountain Soul. When not on the road, he’s based in Austin, Texas, continuing to push genre boundaries with his emotionally expansive and technically fearless approach to music. About Will Brahm: Hailing from Portland Oregon and receiving a guitar in 8th grade, Will Brahm immediately began channeling his love for music through the guitar. After high school he moved to Southern California, earning a Bachelors degree in Jazz Guitar performance from Cal State Long Beach where he studied with jazz guitar extraordinaire Ron Eschete. After college he began touring with The New West Guitar Group, skyrocketing his musical technique and stamina. In 2019 he released his acoustic ensemble album “Venture Atlas." Next he joined world renowned Jazz Trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval band, touring domestic and abroad. Soon after competed as a semifinalist in the 2019 Herbie Hancock International Jazz Guitar Competition, performing for his idols including Guitarist Pat Metheny. This era ushered Will into new musical demands as both a jazz guitar aficionado, and a front-and-center electric player on stages bigger and louder than ever before. In this moment, Will finally began bridging all of the facets of his passionate musical self into one singular instrument and unmistakable sound: the Fender Stratocaster. Will's music evokes the captivating melodic delivery of guitarists like Jeff Beck, paired with the lush emotional and harmonically complex soundscapes of bands like Pat Metheny Group. This is demonstrated on his newest album “Distance to Empty” (2025). Will lives in Los Angeles and tours domestically and abroad. He composes daily and lives a life full of and inside of the music. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for AJS Presents: Austin Jazz Legends | A Celebration of Three Years of Midweek at Monks! Pamela Hart, Mady Kaye – Vocals Hank Hehmsoth – Piano Mitch Watkins, Bruce Saunders – Guitar John Mills – Saxophone Freddie Mendoza, Michael Mordecai – Trombone Jon Blondell – Trombone, Bass Roscoe Beck – Bass Steven Summer, Steve Meador – Drums Rabbi Neil Blumofe – MC This June 18th, come join us as we celebrate three years of incredible partnership with the Austin Jazz Society. Featuring local legends of the Austin Jazz Community, this night is not to be missed! –––– Make a donation to be recognized: Supporter Level: Donate $50 or more, and we'll mention your name as a Supporter of the "AJS Presents: Midweek @ Monks" series, as part of the mission to creating more sustaining performance opportunities for Austin jazz musicians! Sponsor Level: Donate $100 or more, you’ll be recognized as a Sponsor of the "AJS Presents: Midweek @ Monks" series. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Cosmic Intuition's Presentation: A Juneteenth Blowout Featuring Guest percussionist Coutino and other guests Performing Music by Duke Ellington, Mongo Santamaria and Funky tunes from the 70's. Joe Woullard: Bari/Tenor/Alto Sax & Flutes Marc Sustaita: Trumpet Raymond Johnson: Alto/Tenor Sax, Flute & Percussion Fumihito Sugawara - Guitar Lex Chabraja: Keyboards & Piano George Walker: Bass James Fenner: Percussion Rashah Amen: Drums & Percussion CCosmic Intuition formed in 1991 after Rashah Amen assembled a select group of players to perform a Miles Davis Tribute after his passing. The trumpeter for the performance Mark "Pat/Homeboy" Patterson suggested that we continue to play together and form a group. Through the years Cosmic Intuition has been a staple of the Austin scene, performing at The Victory Grill, McCullough Theatre, Boyd Vance Theatre, Mabee Ballroom, The Spider House Ballroom, King-Seabrook Chapel and many other venues. Several great Austin Musicians have been members of Cosmic Intuition including Ephraim Owens, Martin Banks, Michael Malone, Richard Price, Melvin Welborn, Edwin Livingston and Chandra Washington to name a few. This event: "Improvisation Soundscapes" (A Concert for Human Harmony) is dedicated to Saxophonist/Flautist Bilal Sunni-Ali from Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson's Midnight Band and the group he led for many years Song of Life Ensemble. Bilal came to Austin several times to perform with Cosmic Intuition, while Rashah and Bilal were very close Musical compadres for 27 years. This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for TJBC Faculty Band Feat. Bill Evans (Sax)! Benefiting Underserved Kids with Music Scholarships, this performance is not to be missed! Bill Evans - Saxophone Red Young - organ Chris McQueen - guitar John Fremgen - bass Tom Brechtlein - drums About Bill Evans: Saxophonist, vocalist, and producer Bill Evans first hit the global stage at age 21 with Miles Davis, recording six albums and launching a decades-spanning career alongside legends like Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, and Mick Jagger. With 27 solo albums, multiple Grammy nominations, and a fearless embrace of genre-crossing innovation—from his jazz-Americana fusion Soulgrass to his electrifying VansBand Allstars—Evans has consistently redefined modern jazz. His latest release, Who I Am, features a powerhouse lineup including Béla Fleck, Victor Wooten, and John Medeski, blending virtuosic improvisation with deeply personal songwriting that reflects a lifetime of musical exploration and evolution. About The Texas Jazz & Blues Camp: Texas Jazz & Blues Camp, (a program of New School of Music, Austin) is an all-embracing program focused on musical and personal growth where our students can learn by hearing the greats on our staff and each other. While the commitment to the music is at the highest level, the program is not competitive. There is no pre-audition required. We listen to you when you arrive and assign you to a combo at your own level. TJBC is hosted each June on the beautiful St. Stephens Episcopal School campus, and offers day camp and residential camp options. About NSM Austin, and its Underserved Kids’ Scholarship Program: New School of Music, Austin is a 501c3 nonprofit community music school founded in 2013, with a mission of connecting world-class professional musicians with students of all ages, in a lifelong study and enjoyment of music – while teaching valuable life lessons, and helping provide exceptional music instruction to underserved youth (up to half of its enrollment). Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. First Show: Doors at 5:45pm, Show at 6pm. Second Show: Doors at 7:15pm, Show at 7:30pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Waller Creek Vipers! Vic Celania - Drums & MD Josef Pelletier- Double Bass Ann Marie Smart - Guitar Morris Nelms - Piano Steven Vague - Tenor Saxophone David Jellema - Cornet The Waller Creek Vipers was created by local swing dancer and bandleader Vic Celania a decade ago and has been playing dance events and private parties ever since. He chooses unique tunes that are energetic and unheard in decades. Come join us for a night of 40s and 50s swing and jump blues! Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Bruce Saunders Trio! Bruce Saunders - Guitar James Suter - Bass Adam Jackson - Drums Bruce Saunders is a guitarist, composer and educator currently residing in Austin, TX. After receiving his Masters degree in jazz/classical guitar from the University of North Texas in 1986 he moved to New York City where he was a resident until late 2013. During his tenure in NY he recorded, performed and toured with some of the worlds best jazz musicians. Since moving to Austin he has played with many of the world class jazz musicians in the city and state. Saunders is currently a lecturer at the University of Texas/Austin’s Butler School of Music where he teaches private guitar lessons and a faculty member of Berklee’s Online University (BOL) where he developed and teaches two jazz guitar courses. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Bidwell/Marshall Quintet! Elias Haslanger - Saxophone Erik Telford - Trumpet Sam Pankey - Bass JaRon Marshall - Piano Stephen Bidwell - Drums Stephen Bidwell and Jaron Marshall have been members of Austin’s psychedelic-soul hitmakers, Black Pumas, since their breakout in 2019. Often on the road—in bus lounges, green rooms, and hotels—one would say to the other, “We should book a hard bop date when we’re home for a minute.” When a date finally became available, they called some friends and selected a setlist featuring some of their favorite tunes from the funky early-'60s Blue Note catalog. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Sweet Megg | Nashville Jazz: Western Swing & Old Jazz Classics! Sweet Megg - Vocals Hunter Strasser - Guitar Tebbs Karney - Pedal Steel Norbert Mcgetigan - Bass Roger Ross- Drums Sweet Megg transports her audience through the rich traditions of jazz, blending the soulful blues of Billie Holiday with the swinging rhythms of Anita O'Day. Known for her deep emotional resonance and dynamic vocal delivery, Sweet Megg has become a favorite among jazz enthusiasts for her ability to reinterpret classic tunes with a modern flair while staying true to their roots. Backed by some of the best musicians from Nashville, this show will explore western swing and old jazz classics. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for Elias Haslanger Meets Mike Sailors! Elias Haslanger – Tenor Saxophone Mike Sailors – Trumpet Ross Margitza – Piano Ryan Hagler – Bass Daniel Dufour – Drums Join Austin jazz titans Elias Haslanger and Mike Sailors as they reunite exactly one year after the release of their chart topping single One Hand Clap from their recording Elias Haslanger Meets Mike Sailors which received international acclaim and rose to Top 25 on the JazzWeek charts. One Hand Clap is still streaming on Apple Music's Pure Jazz Playlist receiving over 100K streams worldwide. Elias and Mike are joined by long-time colleagues Ross Margitza on piano, Ryan Hagler on bass and Daniel Dufour on drums and they will play selections from the recording as well as some new titles arranged by Elias and Mike. About Elias Haslanger: Over the span of his 30-year music career, native Texan and Austin resident Elias Haslanger has carved a unique and distinguished place in jazz history as a saxophonist, composer, and band leader, whose playing and writing has drawn comparisons to John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, and Wayne Shorter. He has performed, recorded, and toured with many world-class artists including Ellis Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, Christopher Cross, Charlie Hunter, Asleep at the Wheel, Alejandro Escovedo, Sheryl Crow, Grupo Fantasma, Black Pumas, Spoon, The Four Tops, and The Temptations, among many others. Mentored by the legendary saxophonists Harvey Pittel and Dick Oatts, Elias studied saxophone at the University of Texas and then at the Manhattan School of Music. His interest in writing music culminated in a Master’s Degree in Composition at Texas State University in San Marcos. Elias has performed around the United States and Europe at clubs like Snug Harbor in New Orleans, Jazz Alley in Seattle, The Elephant Room in Austin, and The Blue Note in New York. He has also served as a guest artist/lecturer at universities around the nation. Elias has 8 recordings as a leader all of which have been played on radio stations across the world. His 2014 recording LIVE at the Gallery, received 4.5 stars in Downbeat magazine and was listed as one of the best recordings of the year. His 2024 release Elias Haslanger Meets Mike Sailors is featured on Apple Music’s Pure Jazz playlist and has received over 100,000 streams worldwide as of today. About Mike Sailors: Mike Sailors has performed around the world in venues such as the Blue Note (New York, Tokyo, and Sapporo locations), Ronnie Scott’s, Porgy and Bess, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, The Jazz Standard, Smalls Jazz Club, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center; and has appeared at the Montreal, Detroit, EFG London, and Tokyo Blue Note Jazz Festivals. He has also been an active musician in Broadway orchestras, most notably as the Music Director of Sleep No More. In addition to leading the Mike Sailors Nonet, once dubbed "an all-star outfit" by the New York Times, he has performed as a sideman with the Birdland Big Band, the Hot Sardines, the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, and The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. An active composer and arranger, Mike has written for such luminaries as Dewey Redman, Dick Oatts, Sean Jones, Jimmy Cobb, and Peter Bernstein. He has composed and recorded music for numerous commercial campaigns, as well as for TV and Film – most recently for the Netflix original series, Cannon Busters. Sailors is also a performing artist/educator with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Let Freedom Swing educational program, is a copyist and editor for the Essentially Ellington jazz program, and currently serves as the Professor of Jazz Trumpet at University of Texas at Austin. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. First Show: Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. Second Show: Doors at 9:45pm, Show at 10pm. 

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for the Mark Scott Quartet | The Music of Grant Green & McCoy Tyner! Mark Scott III - Guitar Ross Margitza - Piano James Suter - Bass Daniel Dufour - Drums Mark Scott III is an accomplished guitarist, composer, and educator based in Austin, Texas. Working regularly as both a leader and a sideman, he has performed in many notable venues and festivals across Texas. Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, where he also served as a Teaching Assistant for the jazz program. He currently works as a professor at Tarleton State University, where he directs Jazz Ensemble II, maintains a studio of guitarists, and teaches a Popular Music in America course. Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! 22 free parking spaces onsite are first-come-first-serve. Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm.