Blue Bamboo Arts

Orilla (O-ree-yah) is co-led by the Catalan-Spanish singer/multi-instrumentalist Ona Kirei and Colombian-American bassist Alejandro Arenas.

Like the meaning of the Spanish word "orilla" (where the ocean meets the sand), the combination of these two accomplished musicians produces a rich musical ecosystem. Latino and European roots mix with American culture giving way to a uniquely creative multicultural sound. Orilla captivates audiences with their warm, vibrant, and expressive sound, varied repertoire, and outstanding musical skills.

To read more, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/orilla

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Free admission! Join us every Thursday for a fun evening of jazz.

Featuring Chris Cortez on guitar, Walt Hubbard on drums, Doug Mathews on bass, Ed Krout on keyboards, and other special guests. The band first plays a concert set, which is then followed by a jazz jam session. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and sit in. A guitar amp, bass amp, drums, and piano are available for use.

To learn more about Chris Cortez and friends, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/chris-cortez

Made possible by a grant from United Arts of Central Florida.

Join us as Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar once again bring their live version of "Love and Bossa Nova" to Blue Bamboo!

Daniela Soledade is a rising star among legends in the Brazilian music scene. An heir to the throne of Bossa Nova, Soledade is highly acclaimed for her poignantly expressive vocal style and hyper-intimate aesthetic. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Daniela settled in the United States in 2003 and maintains a busy performing schedule. Her debut album, “A Moment of You” was released in 2019 on Blue Line Music Records, and her second full-length album "Pretty World" was released in 2022. At the heart of Soledade’s prolific creative drive is a genuine intention to connect.

Nate Najar is one of this decade’s finest modern jazz guitarists. He is a player who uses a distinctive technique to convey his artistic prowess, and the result is music that is swinging, emotional, inventive, and interesting. Rick Andersen of the All Music Guide called Nate "one of the most consistently interesting and stylish young guitarists on the jazz scene….". Becky Byrd, wife of the late guitarist Charlie Byrd says it best: "There is no doubt that there is a piece of Charlie's soul in Nate's mind, heart and fingers. Get ready world, here comes Nate Najar!!!"

To read more about Daniela and Nate, view photos and videos, please visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/daniela-soledade-and-nate-najar

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Greg Diaz brings his Art of Imagination group to the Blue Bamboo! This evening's program presents original jazz inspired arrangements of the music of Eddie Harris, Eugene McDaniel, Harold Arlen, Eddie Jefferson, James Taylor, Ray Charles, and many others, as well as Greg's own original jazz compositions.

To read more about Greg Diaz, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/greg-diaz-and-the-art-of-imagination-quintet

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Celebrate our 7th year with the band that started it all!

The Orlando Jazz Orchestra customizes their performance to include authentic selections from the libraries of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Artie Shaw, Harry James, and other such luminaries of the big band era.

Musical director, Greg Parnell, is the former road manager and drummer for the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He has also performed with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Les Brown’s Band of Renown, Nelson Riddle Orchestra as well as many other bands. Greg takes what he has learned from performing with these groups and applies it to produce these musical tributes in an authentic and respectful manner. The orchestra is made up of the best jazz musicians in Central Florida.

To read more about the OJO, view photos and videos please visit this link - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/orlando-jazz-orchestra

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

We created the JazzPro Series to showcase some of the monster talent among us in Central Florida. This weekly Wednesday night series highlights local and touring artists of extremely high caliber. These are shows that you won't want to miss!

Bobby Koelble is a guitarist whose diverse mastery of genres ranges from straight-ahead jazz, to classical, to heavy metal, to blues, and everything in-between. Koelble is a professor of Jazz guitar at the University of Central Florida, and at Rollins College. He is the guitarist for the Dave LaRue Band, The Absinthe Trio, and is a member of the hit jazz group comprised of UCF faculty, "The Jazz Professors", who have released two Top Twenty Billboard Jazz albums to date.

To read more about Bobby, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/bobby-koelble

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Free admission! Join us every Thursday for a fun evening of jazz.

Featuring Chris Cortez on guitar, Walt Hubbard on drums, Doug Mathews on bass, Ed Krout on keyboards, and other special guests. The band first plays a concert set, which is then followed by a jazz jam session. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and sit in. A guitar amp, bass amp, drums, and piano are available for use.

To learn more about Chris Cortez and friends, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/chris-cortez

Made possible by a grant from United Arts of Central Florida.

Suzy Park is a dynamic and vibrant vocalist, whose personality and vocals both shine brightly from the stage. Her programs frequently include familiar selections from the Great American Songbook, along with innovative and fun arrangements of popular music like you've never heard it before.

Suzy has been a member of the famed Disney’s Voices of Liberty, The Girlfriends at the Hyatt Grand Cypress, and the jazz vocal ensemble American Vybe at EPCOT. She has appeared at numerous jazz clubs and festivals throughout Florida, including the Pleasure Island Jazz Company, Sunfest, the Lynx Jazz Festival, Timpano’s, and the Grand Bohemian.

To read more about Suzy, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/suzy-park-quartet

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Cigano Swing is a Central Florida based gypsy jazz trio, specializing in both traditional and modern takes on Jazz Manouche. They bring high energy performances, delivering hot club standards from the gypsy jazz idiom as well as compositions from present-day acts.

Timeless melodies, infectious rhythms, and dueling guitars abound, Cigano Swing brings an exciting and innovative experience to all.

Featuring Allen Koo'ken - Guitar, Andre Santana - Guitar, and Geordan Raisler - Double Bass.

To read more about Cigano Swing, view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/cigano-swing

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Featuring Jeff Rupert on saxophone, Marty Morell on drums, Ben Kramer on bass, and Richard Drexler on piano.

The group plays many of Jeff's original compositions, with some of the jazz classics sprinkled in. He is an endearing host, who gives the audience a bit of American jazz history and personal anecdotes with each piece.

Jeff Rupert is a Yamaha performing artist, record producer, recording artist, freelance tenor saxophonist, full-time professor, and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida (UCF).

To read more about Jeff, view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/jeff-rupert-quartet

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Terry Myers has had a long career in the Central Florida area, including being a band leader at Walt Disney World's Epcot, the band leader at Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Jazz Emporium, and as an original member of Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band. Terry is the director of the famed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and has appeared at many jazz festivals across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

"Terry Myers is undoubtedly one of the best all-around reed players in the country today. His versatility and expertise on the clarinet and saxophone are a treat to the ears." - Buddy Morrow, former leader of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

To read more about Terry, view photos and videos, please visit https://bluebambooartcenter.com/terry-myers

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Abstract Citizen is embarking on their first national tour, with Blue Bamboo as their first stop! After touring extensively throughout Florida for two years, this groundbreaking young group of musicians, lead by powerhouse guitarist Aaron Lebos, will be bringing their fresh and unique sound to national audiences.

A group that explores a variety of musical genres through the broad lens of modern jazz and improvisation, Abstract Citizen is a perfect blend of beautiful melody, lush harmony, and electrifying rhythmic intensity. With Lebos on guitar, lead vocalist Justine Garcia, bassist Marty Quinn and drummer Brahm Masla, the compositions are played with intensity, precision and constant emotion. The band will keep you engaged with their thoughtful, heartfelt, and stimulating show.

Abstract Citizen was a recent recipient of the South Arts Jazz Roads grant, which has allowed them to fund their summer tour.

To read more about Abstract Citizen, and watch videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/abstract-citizen

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

We created the JazzPro Series to showcase some of the monster talent among us in Central Florida. This weekly Wednesday night series highlights local and touring artists of extremely high caliber. These are shows that you won't want to miss!

Join us for an evening of exciting and unique jazz, featuring all original compositions by multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer Dave MacKenzie. Musicians all over the world know Dave's arrangements to be logical and well presented, and audiences know they are also fun to hear! His sense of humor is present in every show, on a par with his stellar musicianship.

The Mind Meld Quintet is Dave MacKenzie on woodwinds, Walt Hubbard on drums, Chuck Archard on bass, LaRue Nickelson on guitar, and Bob Thornton on piano.

To read more about Dave and the group, view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/david-mackenzie-s-mind-meld-quintet

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Don Soledad presents “Arte y Pasíon” (Art and Passion) – an evening of flamenco.

Join Don Soledad on flamenco guitar and his quartet as they take you on a journey to Southern Spain and beyond. Featuring Tanner Johnson on violin, Josip E. Zambrano on percussion, and flamenco dancer Laura Pirela.

"Arte y Pasíon" features original compositions from Soledad’s albums, compositions by Michel Camilo, Tomatito, Astor Piazzolla, and Chick Corea, as well as other surprises.

Guitarist and recording artist Don Soledad has been a mainstay in the US and Florida talent pool since his move from the San Francisco Bay Area. His dedication to the art of flamenco guitar started under the tutelage of flamenco guitar maestros living in the US, as well as in Andalucia, Spain. Performance highlights include; opening for Jazz guitar legend Larry Coryell, stints at the Versace Mansion in South Beach, and performing for Gloria Estefan’s private parties as well as being the house band for 5 years at the Estefan’s resort Costa d’Este in Vero Beach.

To read more about Don, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/don-soledad

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

We created the JazzPro Series to showcase some of the monster talent among us in Central Florida. This weekly Wednesday night series highlights local and touring artists of extremely high caliber. These are shows that you won't want to miss!

Celebrating the Latin infused side of the Blue Note catalog, CuBop's origin stems from the fusion of the Afro-Cuban and BeBop sounds of stylistic pioneers Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, and Horace Silver. Since the group's inception in 2015, the CuBop catalog has expanded to cover a wide array of styles in the jazz idiom from Latin-Jazz to Hard Bop and to more progressive avant-garde styles all rooted within the classic quintet and sextet format.

Featuring Marco Bojorquez on bass, Bob Thornton on piano, Greg Parnell on drums, Joe Breidenstine on trumpet, Jeremy Fratti on sax, and Frank Wosar on trombone.

To view photos and videos of CuBop, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/cubop

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Brian Smalley is a Florida guitar picker with ten crafty fingers, mastery of a variety of genres, and multiple musical personalities. Every performance of his is lively and humorous, and he has a keen ability to connect to every listener.

During his long musical career, Brian has worked to develop a motif that he describes as the “Acoustic Novel,” replete with plot and sub-text, providing a mental landscape that is something akin to aural musical theatre.

First and foremost, his works are guitar albums, with the core purpose to produce pure original music; but there is something else there for those desiring to delve deeper.

To read more about Brian, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/brian-smalley

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Featuring Greg Parnell's 10-piece Classic Jazz Band.

Matty Matlock was an American jazz clarinetist and a fine arranger who worked with many big names like Bob Crosby, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. He also appeared in the 1955 film "Pete Kelly's Blues".

If you enjoyed the great music at the famous "Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium" from the 1970's through the 1990's, you will enjoy this concert.

Greg Parnell recently purchased the music library from jazz icon, Bill Allred, and looks forward to carrying the torch and presenting this great music for future generations.

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Join us for our Jazz Pro Series, showcasing the monster talent among us in Central Florida. This weekly Wednesday night concert series highlights local and touring artists of extremely high caliber. These are shows that you won't want to miss!

Daniel Jordan is a graduate of North Texas State University, a current member of the Dr. Phillips Jazz Orchestra, and well known woodwind sideman to anyone who wants the best. As a tenor saxophonist and flautist, Dan plays with a unique style full of passion.

Leading his quartet, the shows are full of surprises and always thoroughly engaging. When he plays he is transported with the music, and takes the listener on the musical journey with him.

To read more about Dan Jordan, view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/dan-jordan-quartet

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Join us to hear two of Orlando's finest jazz guitarists explore the swinging duet format! Featuring Chris Cortez and Bobby Koelble. Constantly inventive and full of surprises, this simple and intimate instrumentation is cited as a favorite of Blue Bamboo regulars.

To read more about Chris and Bobby, and view photos and videos, visit - https://bluebambooartcenter.com/cortez-and-koelble

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.

Performing Arts Matter presents: The Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra - deconstructed.

The Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra (OCCO) advances contemporary music through the performance of works composed and transcribed by living composers. The shared vision of PAM and OCCO is to encourage and inspire musical collaboration and opportunity at the highest artistic level in Central Florida.

This evening's program features small chamber groups performing award-winning compositions by members of the Central Florida Composers Forum:

Alex Burtzos - "King|Cawdor"

Sharon Omens - "Thoroughfare"

Troy Gifford - "2 Movements for String Quartet"

Dan Crozier - "Nocturne"

Charlie Griffin - "Cambiando Paisajes"

And the National Young Composers Challenge winner Christian Yom's - "Sansori".

All ticket sales are final. Refunds are allowed only if the event is cancelled.