Events
Alpharetta’s The Velvet Note Launches Signature Series with Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist Wayne Escoffery Featuring Legendary Bassist Curtis Lundy
The Velvet Note launches its new Signature Series with two unforgettable performances featuring Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Wayne Escoffery on Thursday, August 7, and Friday, August 8, 2026.
The performances will take place at The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Brookside Commons (next to Jersey Mike’s), Alpharetta, Georgia, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. on August 7 and 9:30 p.m. on August 8.
Tickets are available at: https://checkout.square.site/
The inaugural Signature Series event features Wayne Escoffery alongside legendary bassist Curtis Lundy, acclaimed Atlanta pianist Kevin Bales, and rising jazz drummer Xavier Breaker for an evening celebrating the tradition, innovation, and future of jazz.
“Every season, there are only a handful of artists I know I simply have to bring to The Velvet Note. Wayne Escoffery is one of them,” said Tamara Fuller, owner of The Velvet Note. “Wayne is one of today’s most respected jazz saxophonists, not because he’s flashy, but because every note he plays tells a story.”
A Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and 2014 and 2021 DownBeat Critics Poll Winner for both Tenor and Soprano Saxophone, Wayne Escoffery is one of the defining voices in modern jazz.
He serves as a musical director of the Mingus Big Band, leads the Wayne Escoffery Quartet, is a founding member of the Black Art Jazz Collective, and is Professor of Jazz Saxophone and Director of Jazz Ensembles at the Yale School of Music.
Originally from London and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Escoffery studied under jazz legend Jackie McLean and earned his Master’s degree from the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at the New England Conservatory.
He has performed and recorded with jazz greats including Tom Harrell, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Randy Brecker, Eddie Henderson, and Billy Hart.
His acclaimed 2024 album Alone, featuring Gerald Clayton, Ron Carter, and Carl Allen, further showcases his artistry and emotional depth as one of jazz’s most compelling performers.
Joining Escoffery is legendary bassist Curtis Lundy, a longtime mentor and influence in his musical journey, whose career includes performances with jazz icons such as Betty Carter, Pharoah Sanders, Bobby Watson, and John Hicks.
The ensemble also features Atlanta favorite Kevin Bales, known for his sophisticated and versatile piano artistry, and Xavier Breaker, one of jazz’s most exciting emerging drummers.
The launch of The Velvet Note Signature Series celebrates exceptional artists who represent the highest level of musical excellence.
Audiences are invited to experience two unforgettable evenings of world-class jazz in one of the country’s premier listening rooms.
For Ticketing & Reservations:
(855) 583-5838
