3.21.2023

Java Band 80’s R&B classics featuring the Gap Band, Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston and more

Java Band’s versatile style combines music includes all genres to satisfy the music enthusiast as well as the person that’s the life of the party. Jazz standards, Rock, Motown/Beach, R&B, Hip Hop, and Country–they do it all! We’re excited to bring Java Band to Middle C for one show on Thursday, March 21 at 7pm!

Featured Artist of the Week: Sy Smith

“Sy Smith has proven throughout her career that an R&B artist can be progressive while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. Foremost a singer with a vocal range spanning five octaves, Smith began an unending succession of background gigs with Whitney Houston in the late ’90s, and has since worked closely with Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti and Grammy-nominated group the Foreign Exchange, among dozens of other artists. After a brief period signed to a major, Smith established an independent label of her own, an outlet for compositionally solid and sonically adventurous albums including The Syberspace Social (2005), Conflict (2008), Fast and Curious (2012), and the entirely self-produced Sometimes a Rose Will Grow in Concrete (2018). She’s consequently known for being a leading force in post-millennial indie soul.” – Andy Kellman Sy raises her own bar and then leaps over it with her latest offering “Until We Meet Again” – her critically-acclaimed album produced by Zo! & Tall Black Guy, executive produced by Phonte Coleman and released on +FE Music in January 2024. This mellifluously soulful LP is drawing comparisons to Minnie Riperton and Deniece Williams and is already being called “the album of the year” by a few critics. Music journalist Mark Chappelle says “Smith evokes multiple traditions at once. With the sincerity of Diana Ross dedicating “Missing You” to Marvin Gaye, Smith lets her voice levitate until it breaks—as if just the right frequency could resurrect a loved one.”

3.22-23.2023

Sy Smith with Rhythm 4 U

Sy Smith has proven throughout her career that an R&B artist can be progressive while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. Foremost a singer with a vocal range spanning five octaves, Smith began an unending succession of background gigs with Whitney Houston in the late ’90s, and has since worked closely with Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti and Grammy-nominated group the Foreign Exchange, among dozens of other artists. Join us on Friday, March 22 at 7pm and 9: 15pm and Saturday, March 23 at 6:15pm and 8:45pm! 

3.24.2023

Contemporary Jazz Sax-Man Elan Trotman Presents an 85th Birthday Celebration of Marvin Gaye

Saxophonist Elan Trotman, has quickly become one of jazz’s most thrilling and emotive performers as he continues to stand out and push boundaries as a composer, performer, teacher and recording artist. Trotman’s playing, though inspired by Grover Washington, Jr., Kirk Whalum and Najee, displays his own fresh ideas and distinctive tone. So much so that the New England Urban Music Awards, and The Barbados Music Awards both named him Jazz Artist of The Year on multiple occasions. Don’t miss it on Sunday, March 24 at 6pm!

3.27.2023

The Music of George Benson featuring Brandon Stevens and the Troy Conn Quartet

We’re excited to bring Brandon Stevens and Troy Conn to Middle C for one show of a George Benson tribute on Wednesday, March 27th at 7pm! Troy Conn and Brandon Stevens are two phenomenal local talents! Don’t miss this amazing pairing of vocals and guitar to honor one of the greats!

3.28.2023

The Princess of Soul Tia Durant Performs a Tribute to The Women of Soul- Aretha, Gladys and More

On Thursday, March 28 at 7pm, Middle C welcomes Tia Durant, aka the Princess of Soul! She is sure to get you off your feet and feeling the beat. This tribute will feature the likes of Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and more! Durant brings a unique and immense energy to each performance. You’ll leave giving her all the R-E-S-P-E-C-T she deserves after this soulful experience.

3.29-30.2023

Lee Ritenour

For Lee Ritenour, there aren’t many ‘firsts’ left to achieve. During his dazzling five-decade career, the fabled LA guitarist has taken his music to the outer limits, alighting on every genre and occupying every position in the rock ‘n’ roll firmament. He’s been an enfant terrible of ’70s fusion, a crossover star of the ’80s pop chart, an honorary exponent of Brazilian jazz, and the fingers behind ’90s supergroup, Fourplay. Ritenour makes his Middle C debut on Friday, March 29 at 7pm and 9:15pm and Saturday, March 30 at 6:15pm and 8:45pm!

The 6:15pm show has SOLD OUT! Only a few tickets left for the 7pm show!