Blue LLama Jazz Club to Open in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor has been without a dedicated jazz club since the Bird of Paradise and the Firefly closed in 2004 and 2009 respectively. It looks like the Blue LLama Jazz Club will be starting a new chapter in Ann Arbor’s jazz history this spring.
On March 23 the Blue LLama will open with the 
Mathias Eick Quintet for two shows: 7:00 and 9:30. Eick is a trumpeter born in 1979, and his most recent album Ravensburg on ECM features a sextet of Norwegian musicians playing compositions by Eick.
The club has scheduled saxophonist Ravi Coltrane on April 12 & 13 and pianist Ellis Marsalis on April 5 & 6. Trumpeter Nicholas Payton’s Trio is scheduled for May 10 & 11.
Blue LLama is located at 314 South Main St. in downtown Ann Arbor and will feature fine small-plate dishes prepared by Chef Louis Goral. Artistic Director for the club is Ann Arbor’s own Dave Sharp, bassist, bandleader, and organizer of the A2 Jazz Fest. The club’s web page is www.bluellamaclub.com.