JAZZ KWEEN PRESENTS: SOCIAL + OPEN STAGE MUSIC • COMEDY • OPEN STAGE DOORS + SIGN UPS AT 7:00 PM Whether you have a song to sing, a story to tell, or a bit to try out - get on the mic & own it! Sign-ups start at 7:00 PM, so get there early! * * * PERFORMERS GET IN FREE! * * * 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. ***Complimentary drinks from local sponsors to be announced soon*** 

Join us for the 3rd Annual MONK-A-THON, in collaboration with the Austin Jazz Society, featuring 6 pianists & 1 guitarist performing works from the large catalogue of compositions by the great Thelonious Monk. October 10th is Monk’s birthday, so be prepared for a party! Pianists: Terry Bowness Hank Hehmsoth Milo Hehmsoth Ross Margitza Dayne Reliford Peggy Stern Bruce Saunders – Guitar Chris Jones – Bass Aaron Parks – Drums ——— 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 Paul Cornish Quartet! Paul Cornish – Piano Julian Knowles – Trumpet Jermaine Paul – Upright Bass Jonathan Pinson – Drums Los Angeles-based pianist and composer Paul Cornish brings emotional depth, nuance, and curiosity to every note he plays. A Houston native and graduate of the city’s renowned High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Cornish shares a lineage with jazz innovators such as Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, and James Francies. He went on to earn a full fellowship to the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz at UCLA, where he studied with Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and other modern masters while completing his master’s degree. A 2023 finalist in both the American Pianists Awards and the Herbie Hancock International Jazz Piano Competition, Cornish has performed across the globe with artists including Joshua Redman, Louis Cole, Mark Guiliana, HAIM, Snoh Aalegra, Terrace Martin, and Kanye West. His acclaimed Blue Note debut You’re Exaggerating! captures his lyrical sensibility and compositional clarity, offering a bold and personal contribution to the label’s next generation. At the heart of Cornish’s artistry is a drive to inspire freedom, dialogue, and transformation—on stage, in the studio, and in the communities he serves. 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 Atlas Maior | Palindromlar LP Vinyl Release Show & Midwest Tour Launch! Joshua Thomson – Alto Saxophone, Hulusi Josh Peters – Oud Bendir James Suter - Upright Bass Gray Parsons - Drums Palindromlar is Atlas Maior’s latest creative effort informed by the band’s experiences touring in Morocco during the Spring of 2024. This 10 song full-length vinyl LP (to be released 10/11/25 on Dead Red Queen Records) is an improvised sequel to Atlas Maior’s 2014 effort Palindrome.This evening at Monks Jazz will serve as the band’s 2025 midwest tour send off show, and vinyl release celebration. In 2024 Atlas Maior completed an extensive 12-date tour throughout Morocco, Madrid, and Barcelona while supporting vinyl LP Hadal Deluxe Edition (released 6/7/24) which has garnered positive reviews and media placement from Jazziz Magazine, Medium, PRI The World, New York Daily Music, Jazz Journal, Afropop Worldwide, Song Lines, & in 2019 were named City of Austin Cultural Ambassadors. In 2023 Atlas Maior was a recipient of the City of Austin’s Live Music Fund grant. 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 John Koozin & The Neighborhood! John Koozin – Bass Robbie Lee – Piano/Vocals Alan Acosta – Saxophone Chris "Stomp" Garriga – Drums John Koozin is a bassist, bandleader, and composer based in New York City. He has performed throughout the US and the world with artists including Matt Wilson, Kanlia Vandever, Francois Rabbath, Arta Jakobsone, and Jasper Dutz. His playing is inspired by films, visual artists, books, Faith, video games, and his friends. "John Koozin and the Neighborhood” is Koozin’s project as a bandleader, featuring some of his closest mentors and peers. Covering jazz standards, songs, Hymns, as well as songs from film and cartoons, this band is inspired by the works of his mentors, as well as his own experiences teaching students in Sunnyside, Queens. The 'Neighborhood" is thrilled to return to Monk's this October! 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 Billy Satterwhite Quartet! Billy Satterwhite – Double Bass Andrew Baird – Guitar Joshua Meadows – Piano Mike Gordon – Drums Billy Satterwhite was born and raised in Houston, TX. As a child he was surrounded by art and all kinds of music, and was encouraged to listen, discover, and create as much as he wanted. His musical journey began on trombone and bass guitar, but at age 17 he discovered a love for the Double Bass and quickly dove head first into studying Jazz and Classical music. He studied Jazz and Improvisation at Texas State University and The University of Michigan, where he studied with legendary Detroit bassist Robert Hurst, world renowned improviser and pioneer of creative improvisation education Ed Sarath, and the late great Detroit pianist Geri Allen. Billy made Austin, TX his permanent home in 2012, establishing his roots in the local music scene and becoming one of the top call bassists in Central Texas for jazz and improvised music. From 2012 to 2017 he played all over Texas full-time with the Kris Kimura Quartet. As of the last several years he’s worked regularly with a who’s who of local groups and artists such as Kenny Williams, Gil Del Bosque, Ephraim Owens, The NOW Jazz Orchestra, Freddie Mendoza, Ross Margitza, Jessica Healey, Elias Haslanger, Tommy Howard, The Copa Kings, and regularly appears as the house bassist for the Elephant Room’s Monday night jam session. Aside from leading his own groups, his latest creative projects include the band EARS with Aaron Easely, Carter Arrington, and Matt Read, and the bluegrass/country band The Moonquake Shakes, led by Andrew Baird and Bub Janes. In addition to performing, Billy is a passionate teacher and one of the few bass teachers trained in the Suzuki Method. He has helped students from ages 5 to 50+ find joy in playing the bass, and currently is the bass teacher and administrator at the newly opened Music Academy of Austin at Mueller. When not playing music, Billy is likely to be spending time with his wife and daughter, trail running with his dog, or cheering on Austin FC with his family and friends in Los Verdes. 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: Sparky Thomason Quintet! Lee "Sparky" Thomason – Trumpet Matt Maldonado – Alto Saxophone Ben Irom – Piano James Suter – Bass Aaron Easley – Drums Lee Sparky Thomason is a trumpeter, composer, arranger, and educator from Rockdale, Texas, who performs with The Temple Jazz Orchestra, the Tonic Big Band, Roger Velasquez & the Latin Legends, the N.O.W. Jazz Orchestra, and the Urban Achievers Brass Band. Additionally, Sparky's arrangements and compositions have been performed by high school, college, and professional bands across the United States, including the Austin Jazz Workshop, the Dimensions in Blue Jazz Band, Mambo Jumbo, and Latin Breed. Since 2016, Thomason has also produced Lone Star Jazz, a weekly webcast dedicated to the jazz scene in Texas. –––– 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 Paulo Santos Quartet! Paulo Santos – Saxophone Thomas Wenglinski – Piano Billy Satterwhite – Bass Aaron Parks – Drums Paulo Santos is an Austin, Texas-based saxophonist and woodwind player known for his versatile performances in jazz, funk, and indie projects, his work with bands like Big Wy's Brass Band and Flyjack, and his recent collaboration on NPR's Tiny Desk with Blk Odyssy. A graduate of the University of Texas Butler School of Music, Santos performs with various groups, including his experimental duo Wizards of Loneliness, and has opened for renowned musicians like Randy Brecker and Joe Lovano. 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 Russell Hall Quartet | Night One! Russell Hall – Bass Diego Rivera – Saxophone Tommy Howard – Guitar Daniel Dufour – Drums Whether it’s a swanky, sophisticated jazz club or a boozy, bombastic rock joint, one thing is certain: Russell Hall brings the party with him wherever he goes. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Miami, Florida, Russell has been playing and recording music since the age of 13. He went on to study at the world’s most prestigious conservatory, The Juilliard School, under the tutelage of Ben Wolfe, Ron Carter, and Wynton Marsalis. Now a preeminent bassist in New York City, his session and freelance work has taken him across virtually every facet of the city’s music scene. Stay tuned for his upcoming album Dragon of the South, out September 12, 2025, on the La Reserve label. 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 Russell Hall Quartet | Night Two! Russell Hall – Bass Diego Rivera – Saxophone Tommy Howard – Guitar Daniel Dufour – Drums Whether it’s a swanky, sophisticated jazz club or a boozy, bombastic rock joint, one thing is certain: Russell Hall brings the party with him wherever he goes. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Miami, Florida, Russell has been playing and recording music since the age of 13. He went on to study at the world’s most prestigious conservatory, The Juilliard School, under the tutelage of Ben Wolfe, Ron Carter, and Wynton Marsalis. Now a preeminent bassist in New York City, his session and freelance work has taken him across virtually every facet of the city’s music scene. Stay tuned for his upcoming album Dragon of the South, out September 12, 2025, on the La Reserve label. 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 Dave Ealsey Trio! Dave Easley – Pedal Steel Alex Bilodeau – Upright Bass José Godinez – Drums Pedal Steel player, Dave Easley, nicknamed, ‘The Wizard” by Ricky Costrillo, former MC of Tipitina’s and Rosie’s in New Orleans, has logged in, over many years, stage and studio appearances alongside superb performers such as, Brian Blade, David Liebman, Zigaboo Modeliste, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Jim Singleton, Charlie Byrd, Dr. John, Coco Robicheaux, Cyril Neville, Joni Mitchell, Colonel Bruce Hampton, George Porter, Peter Rowan, Ruthie Foster (on her Grammy nominated, Let It Burn), Howard Levy, Bill Kreutzman of the Grateful Dead, Jeff Matika of Green Day, Jerry Jemmott, Kim Deal of the Pixies... Some of Dave’s recent releases under his own name are Byways of the Moon, which received a positive review on NPR and was selected “Best Jazz on Bandcamp” for January 2022, Ballads, and Easley Rider featuring the rhythm section from the Iguanas along with Kass Krebs and the late, great, Alfred Uganda Roberts. 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 Jeremy George Quintet! Grant Teeple – Saxophone Andre Hayward – Trombone Josh Lister – Piano Jeremy George – Double Bass Joshua Berry – Drums Dr. Jeremy L. George is the Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Professor of music at Huston-Tillotson University. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida under the leadership of Dr. Julian E. White and Dr. Shelby Chipman. He received his Master’s Degree in Music Education and Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University. His major professors are Professor Rodney Jordan, Dr. Clifford Madsen and Dr. Patrick Dunnigan. As a performer, Dr. George is a freelance bassist in the Austin area. He is the former bassist and musical director for Tallahassee Night’s Live, a highly active live entertainment guild with an ambitious performance schedule throughout the southeast region, and has shared the stage with on many nationally acclaimed Grammy Award-winning Gospel, Jazz, Hip Hop and R&B recording artists such as Ledisi, Samara Joy, Andre Hayward, Diego Rivera, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, Marvin Sapp, Dorothy Norwood, and Eric Roberson just to name a few. Jeremy also serves as a performing artist for many bass companies such as Anaconda Basses, DR Strings, Gallien Kruger Amps, Aguilar Pickups, and Inearz Audio. He also maintains an ambitious gig, session, and masterclass schedule at high schools in the United States. 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 Bidwell/Clemons/Pankey! Cat Clemon – Guitar Sam Pankey – Bass Stephen Bidwell – Drums Guitarist Cat Clemons, drummer Stephen Bidwell, and bassist Sam Pankey hail from Indiana, Washington, DC, and Memphis respectively. All three have lived in Austin for a decade or longer, and you may recognize them from their day jobs. Cat plays in White Denim and Sir Woman, Stephen drums in Black Pumas and co-leads Hard Proof when not on the road, and Sam plays in Heartless Bastards and seemingly every jazz group in town. Bidwell initially assembled the trio for an off-night residency in 2022 and the chemistry was instant. As improvisers they bridge genres and approaches; they're not afraid to manhandle post-bop soloist conventions but they thrive in creating purely as a group, whether the form is a current indie rock ballad or an Ornette Coleman blues. The band recorded a full-length album in a single day at the brand-new Spectra Studios that should see an early 2024 release. 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 Kelly Doyle | Vinyl Release Show! Kelly Doyle – Guitar Sam Pankey – Bass Kyle Thompson – Drums Kelly Doyle is a Houston-based guitarist known for seamlessly blending jazz, country and avant-garde influences into a singular sound. An expressive shapeshifter, Doyle is known for his playful exploration of the Telecaster and its sonic potential. Among his many recordings, he has been featured in Khruangbin's “Late Night Tales” and “Live at Stubbs” compilation albums. 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 feat. Tito Carrillo! Elias Haslanger – Tenor Saxophone Tito Carrillo – Trumpet Ross Margitza – Piano Ryan Hagler – Bass Daniel Dufour – Drums 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 Tito Carrillo: Tito Carrillo is a trumpeter, composer, and educator whose music blurs the lines between Afro-Caribbean music traditions and modern jazz. Born and raised in Austin to a Puerto Rican father and Mexican-American mother, Carrillo came to prominence in the mid-90’s in Chicago’s rich jazz and Latin music scenes, becoming a top call soloist, bandleader, and freelance trumpet artist. Carrillo released his debut solo album in 2011, entitled Opening Statement (Origin Records), to rave reviews. His most recent project Urbanessence (Origin Records), was released in October 2022 to much critical acclaim, and was selected as one of the top Latin music albums of 2023 by the North American College and Community (NACC) Radio Chart. 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 Jerry Espinoza | Afro Centric: The Music of Joe Henderson Jerry Espinoza – Tenor Saxophone Jacob Martinez – Trombone Joseph Hernandez – Piano Bruno Avitia – Bass Chris Torres – Drums Born in Laredo, Texas, Jerry Espinoza received his bachelor's degree in Classical Saxophone Performance at Texas A&M in Kingsville, under the direction of James Warth. Jerry also earned a master's degree in 2015 in Jazz Studies at Texas State University, with emphasis in arranging, under the direction of Russell Haight and Hank Hehmsoth. Currently, he serving as adjunct professor of saxophone at A&M Kingsville and performs as a freelance musician across Central Texas. This concert will feature original compositions and fresh arrangements of jazz standards penned by Jerry & members across the bandstand. 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 Juan Lara Quartet! Juan Fabrício Lara – Baritone Saxophone João Camargo – Piano Aidan Berg – Bass Matías Soto – Drums Hailing from El Paso, Tx, Juan Fabricio Lara is a member of an exciting generation of young musicians that have taken the central Texas music scene by storm. Juan is an alto/baritone saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator in the Austin area regularly collaborating with up and coming luminaries such as Kevin Hrabak and Aidan Berg. Drawing inspiration from greats such as Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, Pepper Adams, Charles Mingus, and Duke Ellington, Juan values tradition above everything in his playing. Mentored by Andrew Gould and Steven Feifke, he has been band leading since he was 15 years old, and has shared the stage with names such as Mike Sailors, Kris Kimura, and Abel Mireles. 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 Naama Trio! Naama – Voice Andy Langham – Piano James Suter – Bass Inspired by the emotionally direct compositions of great composers and lyricists of the 1930’s and ‘40’s Naama has established herself as a prominent voice in the New York City jazz scene. Possessed with an urbane and elegant sound Naama’s sensitive interpretation and crisp phrasing have become recognizable elements of her signature style and timeless appeal On her latest album Dream With Me (La Reserve records 2025) Naama invites audiences to journey through the dreamy soundscape. Naama and her band create a mesmerizing performance that transports listeners to a world of emotion and imagination. Each concert is a celebration of human connection, exploring the concept of dreams, big, small, sweet and those that will never come true. Naama and the band promise an unforgettable evening of music that inspires and uplifts! 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: Eric Hargett Quintet! Eric Hargett – Saxophones Tommy Howard – Guitar Andy Langham – Piano James Suter – Bass Gerry Gibbs – Drums Eric Hargett, originally from Houston, Texas, has established himself as an in-demand musician on the vibrant Austin music scene. While he began his musical path with classical piano, he soon discovered his true voice on the saxophone. Today, Eric is fluent across the full family of instruments—soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophone—bringing a powerful, expressive, and versatile sound to every setting. His playing reflects a deep grounding in the jazz and blues tradition while embracing the spirit of innovation found in bebop, soul jazz, 1970s fusion, funk, and beyond. Whether delivering hard-swinging bebop lines, soulful ballads, or adventurous modern textures, Eric’s voice remains distinctive and rooted in the lineage of the great saxophonists. That artistry is on full display in his debut recording as a leader, Steppin’ Up, which featured legendary organist Joey DeFrancesco and drummer Gerry Gibbs. The album spans burning bebop, real-deal blues, funk-driven grooves, and lyrical ballads, with moments that even hint at modern electronic influences. Jazz critic Bill Milkowski praised the project, noting that Hargett “mines the same soul jazz/hard bop territory that bari ace Ronnie Cuber established… Steppin’ Up reveals a saxophonist who is comfortable in a myriad of settings, from '70s styled funk to burning bebop, real-deal blues, and lyrical ballads.” Jazz legend Terry Gibbs remarked, “Listening to Eric Hargett play on his new album reminds me of all the great bebop players of my era. Whether it be the tenor sax or the baritone sax, it’s got that great feeling. To me a good solo is that after you hear it a few times you can wind up singing that solo, and that’s how Eric plays.” Baritone saxophone master Gary Smulyan added, “Eric Hargett’s playing has it all… an immediately identifiable sound, great time and sense of phrasing, soulful with a sophisticated harmonic concept, and deep roots in the jazz and blues tradition. He knocked me out and I can’t wait to hear more.” With his command of the full saxophone family and his deep musical roots, Eric continues to be recognized as one of the most dynamic and versatile saxophonists on the scene. –––– 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 Mockjaw! Sloan Hill – Guitar Keith Galloway – Piano Tanner Hoyt – Bass Zach Kursman – Drums Formed in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, Mockjaw is led by a group of musicians who’s connections were forged in the halls of the Butler School of Music, and the many live music bars across the city. Since their inception last year, the band has gained recognition for their approach to jazz fusion. They were honored with a nomination for Best Jazz Artist at the Austin Music Awards, solidifying their status as one of the most promising upcoming acts in the genre. While generally incorporating many different musical influences on stage for the Austin nightlife, the group is excited to have the opportunity to display their dedication to jazz as an art form on the Monks stage. 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 Julie Slim & Rendezvous | Fall Into Music! Julie Slim – Vocals Shawn Ellison – Piano Phil Spencer – Bass Masumi Jones – Drums Julie Slim is an Austin-based Lebanese-Palestinian-American world jazz vocalist and actress, who has been in the Austin theater and music scene since 1996, when she was nominated for an I.B. Payne Acting Award for her work in the original children’s show, Deep in the Heart of Texas. In 1999, Julie created a duet Cabaret Act, Cabarageous, with friend and vocalist Donna Lipman, which was featured in the summer Zach Scott Cabaret Series. In 2009, Julie also formed the Arabic band, Layalina in collaboration with Sari Andoni (oud), specializing in classical and folk Arabic music, which was featured in a SXSW World Music showcase in 2010. Julie has been a lead vocalist and clinician for the Austin Jazz Workshop since 2001, spreading the love of jazz to children in elementary schools in and around Austin. She is a member of the Austin Threshold Choir, thresholdchoir.org, an international organization that provides comfort during life transitions through song. Beginning in November 2023, Julie has been a lead vocalist with the Viva Palestina Orchestra, featuring Palestinian music, raising awareness of Palestinian culture. On March 27, 2025, Viva Palestina Orchestra received a music proclamation declaring this day to be Viva Palestina Orchestra Day, during which the VPO performed one of our songs in the City Council Chambers. Since 2013, Julie and her band, Julie Slim & RendezVous, have been performing in and around Austin, creating community and bridging cultures while uplifting and touching audiences wherever they perform. The band specializes in reviving international jazz and pop standards from the early 20th century as well as featuring original songs composed by Shawn Ellison and Julie Slim. Julie Slim & RendezVous has held residencies at Skylark, Shore ATX, and Parker Jazz Club. Additionally, Julie Slim Duo with Shawn Ellison have a residency at Plate by Dzintra that is ongoing for over 4 years. Julie has self-produced several albums with RendezVous under the name Julie Slim, streaming wherever music lives. “Singing is musical storytelling that heals while opening the heart to new possibilities.” 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 Sofia Goodman Trio! Sofia Goodman – Drums, Compositions Matt Twaddle – Piano Leland Nelson – Upright Bass Sofia Goodman is a drummer, composer and bandleader residing in Nashville, TN. Her work has been internationally recognized in the press from sources like DownBeat, JAZZIZ and All About Jazz. Since 2017, her group has toured the U.S and Canada, appearing at many notable venues and festivals, including USM Jazz Camp; Blues Festival, where her quartet was the headliner. As a bandleader and arranger, she has developed repertoire for her trio, quartet, septet, octet and more. Her work has been called “mesmerizing and compositionally rich” by DownBeat and she has been called a “splendid composer and drummer” by All About Jazz. The Nashville Scene noted Goodman is “something to be excited about in the evolution of jazz in Music City.” Goodman started playing drums in middle school. In high school she was placed in Esperanza Spalding’s student ensemble at Berklee College of Music, where she was encouraged and inspired by the Grammy award-winning artist. Goodman has released three albums on Joyous Records. In 2024, The Sofia Goodman Group won the NIMA award for Best Jazz Group. Goodman has also won the Pathways to Jazz Grant, The New Music USA Creator Fund Grant and the CMA Performance Plus Grant and has received several nominations from NIMA. As a sidewoman, Goodman has performed with blues legend Bobby Rush, The Music City Big Band, trombonist Altin Sencalar, world folk group HuDost and many more. Outside of performing, Goodman is a dedicated educator and mentor. 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.