Experience blues music performed by a wide range of artists in an intimate setting. Each show includes a segment where musicians in the audience will have a chance to join the featured performer on stage for a jam session. Our spotlight performer is bassist and bandleader, Mike Hawkins, who will perform a tribute to blues legend Willie Dixon.
Willie Dixon has been called “the poet laureate of the blues” and “the father of modern Chicago Blues.” He was indisputably the pre-eminent blues songwriter of his era, credited with writing more than 500 songs by the end of his life. Moreover, Dixon is a towering figure in the history and creation of Chicago Blues on other fronts. While on staff at Chess Records, Dixon produced, arranged, and played bass on sessions for Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Litter Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and others. In no small way, he served as a crucial link between the blues and rock ‘n roll.
Bassist Michael Hawkins has performed with jazz legends saxophonists Jimmy Heath, Eric Alexander, Gary Bartz, Donald Harrison; pianists Bruce Barth, Eric Reed, Mulgrew Miller, Cyrus Chestnut, John Hicks; vocalists Vanessa Rubin, Leon Thomas, Carla Cook; vibraharpist Stefon Harris; guitarist Mark Whitfield, Mark Elf and Russell Malone; drummers Carl Allen, Ralph Peterson, Cindy Blackmon; and the trombone and seashells of Steve Turre. Hawkins has led groups and performed in prestigious venues such as The Village Vanguard, Sweet Basil's, Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Cleopatra's Needle, Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase (Chicago), Jazz Bakery (Los Angeles), Ragatta Bar, Sculler's (Boston), The Dakota (Minneapolis) and Yoshi's (Oakland). He is based in Richmond, Virginia.
Set 1: The ensemble performs a set of their favorite tunes. (45-50 mins)
Set 2: The ensemble plays another shorter set (30+ mins)
Set 3: The band hosts a mini jam session with musicians in the audience. Bring your own instrument or borrow one of ours. Sign up and further details at the club. (30 mins)
Be cool // OMP is the place for peace, love, support and kindness. Critique must be requested.
Listen // Be mindful of what other players are doing. Be mindful of dynamics. It's OK to not play - music needs silence, too.
Courage // The good stuff is beyond your comfort zone. Make mistakes. See rule #1.
$10 advance / $15 at the door
Doors: 7:00pm
Music: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
21+ / 16+ must be accompanied by an adult
General admission. Seats are selected upon arrival and cannot be reserved in advance.
3108 W Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
804-918-5681
