Lotéte ft: E’lon JD, Melchi Kpade, John Daniel Ray, and Jonathan Collin Greene
Lotéte (pronounced low-TET) is a new improvisational ensemble built around deep listening, open form, and intimate musical conversation. The name reflects the spirit of the project: lo for low frequencies, and tête-à-tête for the close, responsive dialogue at the heart of the music. Featuring John Daniel Ray and world-renowned bassist E’Lon JD on dual basses, Jonathan Greene on drums, and Melchi Kpade on keys, Lotéte explores spontaneous composition through groove, texture, melody, and rhythm. With two bassists on stage, the group continually reshapes the low end—trading traditional bass roles, melodic lead lines, and harmonic support in real time. Ray and E’Lon bring contrasting but complementary approaches: E’Lon is a deeply rhythmic player known for innovative right-hand techniques, while Ray plays more freely and melodically, often using extended harmony and sonic textures on six-string bass. Their different styles create a dynamic push-and-pull that fuels the group’s improvisations. Greene’s elastic, conversational drumming and Kpade’s expansive harmonic language complete a quartet of exceptional improvisers. This concert marks the debut of Lotéte, following years of collaboration between Ray, E’Lon, and Greene, with the addition of Kpade opening new expressive territory. Each performance is largely improvised, making every night a singular, unrepeatable experience—rooted in groove, risk, and collective exploration.
Kai Lance Group (Album Release Show)
Kai Lance – Guitar Mark Tipton – Trumpet Aviana Gedler – Vocals Shota Renwick – Tenor Sax Aaron Gross – Bass Kassem Williams – Drums Join the Kai Lance Group for a special night of music as they release their debut album, It’s Time. The Kai Lance Group is comprised of musicians from Massachusetts, Chicago, North Carolina, and New York City, and fuses groove music, the jazz tradition, and blues, in a truly unique way. Come out to hear some of the music from the album as well as some new surprises. Vinyl LPs, CDs, and T-Shirts will be available for purchase. Kai Lance is a guitarist, composer, and teacher with a deep love for the jazz tradition, American roots, and groove music. Kai grew up in rural North Carolina, where he got the opportunity to be immersed in a very rich & diverse music community from a young age, playing at venues such as Bond Brothers Eastside, Sharp 9 Gallery, and Shakori Hills. Kai is currently a student at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he has studied with Nasheet Waits, Frank Carlberg, and Jerry Bergonzi, among others. Kai can be found playing around the northeast, with his own groups as well as the Mark Tipton Quartet, Bruno Bruni, and others.
Everything Yes
Everything Yes is an American jazz fusion band spearheaded by the drummer Zack Graybeal, known famously as ZackGrooves on his platforms, Sean Reeser, prolific composer, producer and tenor sax master & Cole Sipe, composer, sound engineer and magistral bassist. This powerhouse of a band brings a fresh take on the style while staying true to the roots. Let’s meet the members! Zack Graybeal (DRUMS) : Born in Atlanta GA, there was no question that this man was destined for greatness. His unstoppable determination and discipline are a force to be reckoned with. He spent his entire education at East Carolina University in the top bands at the school. He is exactly as he presents himself on YouTube. There is no filter or mask that could ever cover his unique and raw personality. Sean Reeser (MAIN COMPOSER & TENOR SAX) : From York PA, this genius producer and tenor saxophone master first met Zack at East Carolina when they were both given the same audition slot. This was the beginning of Everything Yes. Just like Zack, Sean spent his time at ECU in all the top bands. Their styles and discipline heavily influenced each other during this crucial time. His vast knowledge of theory and composition are an integral part of the unique sound Everything Yes brings. Cole Sipe (BASS): Also from York PA, Cole and Sean have been playing together since they were fifteen. Having both attended the Inspire Studio of the Arts, an excellent school in York directed by Cole’s father Curt, they bring over a decade of musical kinship to Everything Yes that most bands would kill to have. Cole’s moves and grooves bring life to the room. His style and finesse on the bass is the perfect fit and a staple of the EY sound. Nathan Graybeal (ALTO SAX): A young artist from North Carolina, most well-known for his YouTube persona “Saxologic”. Originally an avid artist then animator, he has transferred his love for art to saxophone. He spreads his infectious passion to inspire others to find the joy of improving in music. Nathan obtained a bachelor’s degree in both jazz and classical saxophone performance from East Carolina University. He attended the Frost School of Music at University of Miami for his Masters and currently attends University of Memphis for his DMA.
Riley Rae & The Carolina Jazz Ensemble
Show description: Fresh off a six-month residency at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, Riley Rae & The Carolina Jazz Ensemble return home for their first North Carolina performance. Riley Rae is a jazz and R&B vocalist from Raleigh whose sound fuses elements of jazz, soul, and funk. The group will perform their full EP Forever in the Making for the first time in the United States, alongside a selection of R&B and jazz covers. Join us for an intimate evening of smooth grooves, good vibes, and special guests.
The Brass Cat Quartet
Led by multi-instrumentalist Solomon Wylds, the Brass Cat Quartet is an ode to the height of jazz. Capturing sounds from days of Coltrane and Davis, the group aims to both honor and innovate jazz tradition. The group has featured many talented instrumentalist based in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina.
Aaron Irwin Trio
The Aaron Irwin Trio is an exploratory and dynamic ensemble featuring Aaron Irwin(saxophones, clarinets), Mike Baggetta (guitar), and Bill Campbell (drums). The groupthrives on pushing the boundaries of structure, form, and improvisation, creating music thatis both deeply interactive and texturally rich. With a focus on group interplay, the trio craftsnon-conventional song forms that evolve organically in performance, blurring the linesbetween composition and spontaneous creation. Each member brings a distinctive voice shaped by years of collaboration and work withsome of the most forward-thinking artists in jazz and beyond. Baggetta (mssv, Jim Keltner,David Torn) is known for his atmospheric yet raw approach to the guitar, while Campbell(Breastfist, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Madison Cunningham, Andrew Bird) provides a fluid andexpressive rhythmic foundation. Irwin (Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Jamie Baum’sSeptet +, Gabe Kahane) ties it together with a melodic sensibility that embraces both clarityand abstraction. The trio first made its mark with Wobegon (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2018), an album thatestablished their distinctive aesthetic. Their latest release, (After) (Adhyâropa Records,2024), further refines their approach, earning critical praise for its expansive compositionsand immersive sound. With years of collaboration behind them, the Aaron Irwin Triocontinues to evolve, creating music that is unpredictable, expressive, and deeply connected.
Proto Giraffe
Proto Giraffe is a jazz fusion band that blends the improvisational spirit of jam bands with the precision and sophistication of jazz, creating a sound reminiscent of iconic 70s legends like Steely Dan. Proto Giraffe brings a unique style that’s both smooth and intricate, with a groove that’s hard to forget.Their music combines tight arrangements with free-flowing improvisation, offering a refreshing take on fusion that keeps audiences coming back for more. With a nod to the past and a vision for the future, Proto Giraffe is carving its own path in the world of jazz and beyond.
Juneteenth at Flat Iron ft. Leroy Pridgen IV
Hailing from the soulful southern state of North Carolina, Leroy Pridgen IV is a rising trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader. leroypmusic.com
ANDMOREAGAIN PRESENTS: Ninja Brian and “Friends”
Ninja Brian from Ninja Sex Party presents an evening of comedy, smooth jazz, and thinly veiled threats from him and some of his closest “friends”.
Jazzicana Blue ft: Carrie Marshall & Carter Minor
With a style rooted in jazz phrasing and soulful, organic instrumentation, Carrie Marshall performs a genre-bending blend of pop, soul, folk and jazz with strong singer- songwriter sensibilities. Known for expressive, warm vocals, piano-driven melodies and emotionally rich storytelling, Carrie is known for her authentic connection with broad audiences. Jazzicana Blue features song stylist and blues harpist, Carter Minor and actor/director/singer Estes Tarver. The trio serve up a potluck of blues, Americana and soul with a side of jazz!
