At 13 Mitch started playing guitar with a surf band in McAllen, Texas. Years later he's traveling the world on multiple tours with Leonard Cohen. You're gonna want to hear the sounds that have endeared this master guitarist to so many and who Jazz Times Magazine calls "a man for all musical seasons".
You never know quite what to expect when Jon Blondell is on bass, but you know it's gonna be good! Jon returns to reclaim his throne on stage in the basement.
Freddie's back in town and hosting the jam!
HAAM DAY The ELEPHANT ROOM is a proud supporter of Health Alliance for Austin Musicians! HAAM DAY 2026. Women In Jazz curate the late night music!
International quality musicians performing one of the greatest guitar players on the planet in the basement every Tuesday!
Liz Morphis and the Violet Crown Revue are the perfect way to end your work day—even the crummy ones. They have the perfect musical fix to end your day on a high note.
Violet Crown Revue performs every second and fourth Wednesday in the basement.
The N.O.W. Jazz Orchestra is an 18 piece modern jazz big band based in Austin, Texas. Its repertoire comes from members of the band and national composers.
“Sarah Sharp's soft-spoken singing style and quiet instrumentations offer a living room, fireside closeness that keeps her away from the lounge-singer stereotypes of similarly jazz-influenced performers." — @nprmusic, All Songs Considered
The Sarah Sharp Quintet performs every Thursday evening in the basement, featuring John Fremgen, Masumi Jones, Oliver Steck, and Mitch Watkins.
Formed by Austin drummer Kevin Witt, who studied in New York with veteran timekeepers, Jimmy Cobb, Cindy Blackman and Peter Retzlaff, B-Side is a group so dedicated to the classic hard bop ethos they prefer to dig into the second sides of great albums, rather than stick with the traditional standards. Expect Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and their peers, but not necessarily the songs you expect. Song selections are wrapped in historical context through shared descriptions, narratives, and samples.
Don't miss it! This group features some of Austin's finest jazz musicians:
Andre Hayward-Trombone Terry Bowness-Organ Bruce Saunders-Guitar Kevin Witt-Drums
Guitarist Aaron Frescas brings the blues down to the basement.
Red Young Trio brings down his big organ and two amazing tenor sax all stars with only the best drummer for an evening of musical madness!
THE BREW This band of brothers has been creating stellar Latin infused original jazz since 1980. They are no doubt an Austin treasure!
New to Austin, Jerry Z is a Hammond B3 organist and composer known for soulful grooves, fiery solos and his unique, innovative approach to jazz/blues/funk. Best known for his work with The Headhunters and Oz Noy, Jerry has been a sought after collaborator and performer in the New York jazz scene, contributing his unique Hammond B3 sound to some of New York’s most influential and groundbreaking bands.
As a bandleader, he has been a fixture in the NYC jazz scene and toured globally with his trio. He has recorded/toured with guitar wizard Oz Noy, legendary drummer Mike Clark, soul jazz pioneer Melvin Sparks, The Headhunters, blues great Delbert McClinton, Hiram Bullock, Mark Whitfield, Bernard Purdy, and NEA Jazz master Donald Harrison.
Founded in 1993 by Bobby Davis and trumpeter Steve Fleckman to bring professionals and amateurs together to celebrate their love and respect for the art of jazz in a BIG way! Now under the direction of Brian Bettger, this group has developed into one of the top big bands in Texas.
Trombone player Kevin Hrabak hosts the Monday night JAZZ JAM with Jakob Hartz on piano, Aiden Berg on bass and Mike Koenning on drums.
International quality musicians performing one of the greatest guitar players on the planet in the basement every Tuesday!
"The way I write jazz is a lot like the way I hear EDM and pop music . . . and people tend to dig it a lot." -Colin Houlihan
Martin McCain returns to Texas bringing JAZZBONEZ down to the basement!
“Sarah Sharp's soft-spoken singing style and quiet instrumentations offer a living room, fireside closeness that keeps her away from the lounge-singer stereotypes of similarly jazz-influenced performers." — @nprmusic, All Songs Considered
The Sarah Sharp Quintet performs every Thursday evening in the basement, featuring John Fremgen, Masumi Jones, Oliver Steck, and Mitch Watkins.
