Middle C Jazz is honored to welcome countless National Artists to our stage this spring! Don’t miss your chance to see YellowJackets, Billy Cobham, Julian Vaughn, Grace Kelly, Bob James, Joey Alexander, Kirk Whalum, and more right here at Middle C Jazz – Charlotte’s New Home for Cool!

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10.07.2022

Billy Cobham

Legendary drummer, Billy Cobham, has mastered the live production of jazz, funk and rock allowing him to further experiment with percussion. Cobham continues his worldwide tour at Middle C on Friday, October 7 at 7pm and 9:15pm!

Featured Artist of the Week: Billy Cobham

William C. Cobham was born on May 16, 1944, in Panama where he grew fond of percussion from watching his cousin play. At age three, his family moved to New York City and at age eight Billy made his percussion performance debut with his father. Growing up Billy played in the St. Catherine’s Queensmen at the High School of Music and Art. After graduating Billy served as a percussionist in the U.S. Army National band. He then played as a drummer in pianist Horace Silver’s band and toured the U.S. with him throughout the late 1960s. He then left to partake in Miles Davis’ fusion ensemble where he can be heard on Davis classics such as ‘Like-Evil’ and ‘A Tribute to Jack Johnson’. Eventually Cobham parted ways from Davis’ group to work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, where he was able to further explore his technique and fusion style which influenced many for years to come.

After deciding to part ways with the Orchestra, Cobham started his own band, Spectrum and signed with Atlantic Records. Spectrum’s debut album featured a mix of jazz, funk and rock that allowed Cobham to further experiment with percussion. In 1975, Cobham released “A Funky Thide of Sings” moving into commercial jazz exclusively. In 1977, Cobham left Atlantic and signed to CBS label which allowed him to reach the commercial success he had always wanted. Cobham focused on his opportunities as a session drummer and other side opportunities after leaving CBS, such as drumming for the Grateful Dead’s side project Bobby & the Midnites. In 1988, Cobham helped start a group called ‘Jazz is Dead’ which reprised Grateful Dead music with jazz iterations.

Cobham continues to tour worldwide.

10.06.2022

The Voltage Brothers: Best of Funk, Jazz and R&B

America’s #1 show band: The Voltage Brothers has SOLD OUT on Thursday, October 6 at 7pm!

10.07.2022

Julian Vaughn

A Night with #1 Billboard Artist, Julian Vaughn on Saturday, October 8 at 7pm and 9:15pm have both SOLD OUT!

10.09.2022

Oli Silk

London-born keyboardist Oli Silk is the UK’s Smooth Jazz Ambassador! He began writing and recording music as part of jazz funk duo ‘Sugar and Silk’ in the late 1990’s and released albums to much European acclaim, and this grabbed the attention of Trippin’N’Rhythm Records to whom Oli has been signed with ever since. He has produced 6 hit albums in that time and will be coming to Middle C on Sunday, October 9 at 6pm!

10.13.2022

El Lambert & Karen Poole: Tribute to Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack

On Thursday, October 13 at 7pm, Middle C welcomes El Lambert and Karen Poole for a Tribute to Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack!

10.14-15.2022

Noel & Maria present: KEITH DAVID’S JAZZ CABARET

Three-time Emmy winner Keith David will be performing live with Noel Freidline & Maria Howell at Middle C Jazz on Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 at 7pm and 9:15pm! Keith David is a classically trained actor, winning 3 Emmys out of 6 nominations as well as being nominated for a Tony award. He starred in the recently concluded tv series “Greenleaf” for Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network.

10.18.2022

Off the Charts with Martha Bartz

Middle C is continuing our new cabaret Tuesday series with “Off the Charts” with Martha Bartz on Tuesday, October 18 at 7pm! Martha Bartz brings a new show with Musical Director, Dr. Mory Ortman. The show is OFF THE CHARTS both figuratively, as Martha delivers a musical romp that promises belly laughs, Broadway, standards and surprises; and literally, as Martha unveils new arrangements by a host of of New York’s finest.