This is the fifth season of 2 Stones Events’ monthly concerts in the lower level of Ciao Amici’s restaurant in downtown Brighton (217 W. Main). Previously named Kittens & Crooners, the series has expanded its focus on The Great American Songbook to now also include other styles (gypsy, Latin, New Orleans, fusion, etc.) of the jazz genre. This is a 21+ event.
Showtimes: 6 and 8:30 p.m.; doors open 30 minutes prior
‘Cash-only’ (literally) bar: Please, only call the restaurant (810-227-9000) for dinner reservations upstairs before or after your show!
$27 tickets: Limited to just 100 per show. Ticket link to all shows: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ciaojazz-series-2025-26-1538739
2/21/2026: The Brothers Groove
The Brothers Groove were formed in 1999 by Chris Codish, James Simonson and Michael Jay Caskey. The band released their first CD "Clamp It Down" in 2001. After Mike Caskey left the band in 2002 guitarist Erik Gustafson and drummer Todd Glass joined the group and eventually their second full length CD "So Glad You Came" was released. Drummer Skeeto Valdez joined the band in 2003.
Chris Codish is one of the most sought-after musicians working in Metro Detroit today, playing piano, organ, keyboards, and synth. His exciting mix of jazz, funk, and blues, layered with his unique voice captivates any crowd. It’s his unique ability entertain his audience while maintaining his artistic point of view that sets Codish apart.
He has been playing professionally for over 30 years and honed his skills by touring internationally with some of the world’s top jazz and blues artists, including Hiram Bullock, Alexander Zonjic, Harvey Mason, Roy Ayers, The Blues Brothers, Lucky Peterson, Johnnie Bassett, Larry McCray among countless others.
The Brothers Groove has won a total of 16 Detroit Music Awards:
•Outstanding Urban/funk artist/group: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2004, 2003, 2002
•Outstanding Modern Jazz Artist/Group: 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2001
•Outstanding Live Performance: 2007
•Outstanding Jazz Recording “Clamp it Down” 2001
•2010 (not eligible) Special Honoree for winning three years in a row Outstanding Modern Jazz Artist or group
•2005 (Not eligible) Special Honoree for winning three years in a row Outstanding Urban/funk artist/group
The Detroit Free Press Top 5 Discs of Detroit 2001 included the band’s Clamp it Down, and in 2007 the trio was named the “Next local band to make it big” by Hour Detroit Magazine.
TICKETS
6 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1623224932469?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1623204952709?aff=oddtdtcreator
3/21/2026: The Kerrytown Stompers
Holding traditional jazz deep in their hearts, these musicians have a deep passion for the early formation of jazz in all of its aspects: culture, structure, improvisation, and virtuosity.
This is high powered Traditional New Orleans Jazz, with the best guys in the Midwest: Chris Smith, trombone; Dave Kosmyna, cornet; Chris Tabaczynsk, bass sax; Alex Belhaj, guitar; and Pete Siers, drums (and maybe washboard!).
TICKETS
6 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1623155996279?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1623129878159?aff=oddtdtcreator
4/25/2026: Ramona Collins
For her Ciao!Jazz shows, this fabulous singer will be backed by an all-star lineup featuring Cliff Monear, keys; Jeff Pedraz, bass; Sean Dobbins, drums; and Ingrid Racine, trumpet.
The following excerpt was written by Christy Frank for One In Six:
Ramona Collins, 76, is a powerhouse entertainer from Toledo, Ohio, known for her versatile talents as a singer, songwriter, actress, emcee, educator, and radio personality. A staple of the regional music scene for over 50 years, Ramona has captivated audiences with her sultry voice and masterful delivery of jazz, blues, Motown classics, and more. Whether performing solo or with a group, she has a knack for connecting with diverse crowds, from intimate jazz clubs to large festivals. She frequently performs at senior centers, where members end up joyfully dancing to her songs.
Born in Toledo and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Ramona grew up under the influence of her mother, the late Alice Carter, a jazz pianist and singer who fostered her daughter's musical passion. This early encouragement helped Ramona overcome her shyness and transform into the dynamic performer she is today. Her rich repertoire, coupled with her natural charisma, has made her one of the most in-demand entertainers in the region.
With performances spanning Toledo, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and beyond, Ramona remains a beloved figure in the region, celebrated not only for her incredible voice but also for her unwavering dedication to the art of entertainment. Fans and audiences alike eagerly anticipate every opportunity to experience this remarkable talent live.”
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT RAMONA
“Ramona Collins has a strong, satiny voice with a lot of blues and soul seasoning and a very hip sense of time.” - Jerome Wilson — Cadence Magazine
“Review of performance at Juneteenth Celebration, Toledo Museum of Art - 6/21/2008… Her one-hour set wasn’t the finale, but it probably should have been because what could top that voice, that sound, the imagery she concocted with a trill?” - Geneva J. Chapman, Reporter — The Sojourner's Truth
“Top talent wows crowd at Idlewild Jazz Fest IDLEWILD – The sun had just begun to set on the 2007 Idlewild Festival when headliner Ramona Collins came to the stage….Collins has a terrific voice and she demonstrated time and again why she got the nod for the closing of the one-day jazz extravaganza as she performed classics like “Watermelon Man” and “Body and Soul,” which she sang as an upbeat piece rather than a lament…” - Brett M. Fischbach, Editor — Lake County Star
“Collins knows how to belt out a tune and her effervescent personality helps make her a strong stage presence and a real treat to hear… Ramona Collins is a regional performer worthy of wider recognition”” - C. Andrew Hovan, Jazz Writer & Photographer — All About Jazz
“Damn, this swings: Ramona Collins "Live & Lovin' It." Toledo native Ramona Collins shows that the old school is the gold school. This is classic jazz: swingin', hot and cool, and foot-tappin'.. it shows Ramona Collins the entertainer as well as the song stylist, an all-around talent. She is definitely a Toledo treasure that should be cherished. Definitely get this one.” - Steven J. Athanas — Toledo City Paper
“…Her voice hit all the flavors from honey to hot sauce, her delivery was always captivating, and her rapport with the listeners was instant and continuous. She flirted, she told funny stories and jokes, she teased and flattered the musicians - in short, she was fun, funny and fantastic. . .” - Betty Forest, Widow of Trumpter Jimmy Forest
“Ramona Collins, Toledo-based vocalist, has a commanding stage presence and a soulful voice. "The penetrating appeal of Ramona's performance derives in large measure of course, from her rich, nimble and evocative voice, but there's more. Her interpretations of familiar tunes convey wisdom, humor an almost ethereal goodwill that combines to create the impression of, not just a great singer, but a remarkable person sharing music and something more.” - Fritz Beyer — WGTE 91.3, Jazz Spectrum
TICKETS
6 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1623002627549?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1622911575209?aff=oddtdtcreator
