Cliff Bell’s will celebrate 20 years since its historic reopening with three nights of jam sessions Feb. 5–7, headlined Friday, Feb. 6, by acclaimed jazz musician and composer Michael Jellick.
“For me, that’s really the epitome of jazz - it can be so original and kept classic, and yet constantly evolve at the same time,” Jellick said. “It really is like the most democratic genre of music.”
Jellick, who first played the club in its early weeks after reopening, said the milestone is personal. “I usually don’t get emotional on those timeline things, but I know I am going to be emotional,” he said. “Thank goodness that they persevered,” he added, noting Detroit’s live-music scene was hit hard by the pandemic.
Calling the venue a home base for generations of players, Jellick praised its wide-ranging programming and community. “Cliff Bell’s has done everything from wonderful jazz to jazz-based burlesque and jazz-and-folk groups,” he said. “To be at Cliff Bell’s, whether you’re in the audience or performing, is truly a wonderful blessing.”
To watch the segment – and to see Jellick perform his original composition of Ambleside Heights - click the video above. For reservations to the venue, visit cliffbells.com.