We are kicking off our sixth 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 expanded its focus on The Great American Songbook to now also include other styles (gypsy, Latin, funk, New Orleans, bebop, fusion, etc.) of the jazz genre. These are 21+ events.
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!
$29 tickets: Limited to just 100 per show.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
organissimo’s B3tles – October 17, 2026
Lansing’s Jim Alfredson comes from a musical family. His father earned a living as a professional musician for many years and encouraged Jim’s talents from a very young age. Some of Jim’s earliest memories include pulling on the drawbars of his father’s Hammond B3 at the age of four. Jim has immersed himself in the study of the mighty B3 ever since, dedicated to uncovering new directions within the deep tradition of the instrument.
For 10 years, Jim served as organist and musical director of the highly successful, award-winning rhythm & blues band Root Doctor (1999 – 2009) producing three CDs for the band. In 2000, he formed the jazz trio organissimo, which has released six critically-acclaimed CDs in the intervening years.
Pop music has been a rich resource jazz artists have mined for generations and the music of the 1960s is no exception with many finding inspiration in the songs of The Beatles, the quintessential band of that era.
organissimo presents a new take on the Beatles oeuvre on album, B3tles - A Soulful Tribute To The Fab Four. While traveling the highways of the American South returning from a festival in Tupelo, Miss., in 2016 the band passed the time listening to their favorite Beatles songs and inevitably discussed arranging them for the organ trio format. They eventually convened in Alfredson’s home studio to flesh out those ideas and pick songs, with arrangements coming together in a group setting as ideas flew back and forth.
B3tles presents a fresh look at beloved Beatles songs and the care organissimo has put into their music makes this a joyful and inspired listen.
6 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995146472808?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995143986371?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tumbao Bravo – November 14, 2026
Formed in August 2003, Tumbao Bravo has released five critically-acclaimed CDs of mostly original compositions that have been featured on all the major jazz public radio stations throughout the United States. Winner of the 2005, 2007 and 2013 Detroit Music Awards for Best Jazz Recording and Best World Music Band, this combo has performed at numerous major Michigan jazz/music festivals including Detroit, Lansing, Birmingham, Raisin River, Great Lakes Folk, Blissfest, Wheatland Dance and Ann Arbor, to name a few.
The title cut of their 2009 CD was used as a soundtrack for the USA Network TV show Burn Notice. Five of their songs were also used in the soundtrack for the feature length romantic comedy Bride Plus 1 released in 2018 and filmed in Los Angeles. In September 2018, the band released its fifth CD, El Nido-The Nest, which was featured on many National Public Radio (NPR) programs including the top rated JAZZ AFTER HOURS and Miami, Florida’s WDNA (a mecca for Latin jazz recordings).
All band members have won or been nominated for individual Detroit Music Awards as well and are teachers at U of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, jazz camps and music studios. For the past 12 years, Tumbao Bravo has been presenting a program called The Rhythms of Cuba at numerous libraries throughout southeastern Michigan and the San Francisco Bay area.
On May 8, 2026, Tumbao Bravo released its newest recording, Joy of the Mambo, on Global Pulse Records.
6 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995148866969?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995149239082?aff=oddtdtcreator
Ben Sharkey – January 23, 2027
One of Detroit’s premiere live entertainers for many years, Ben Sharkey infuses his live performances with a hip and sultry fire, bringing his artful swagger to the stage with a colorful fusion of old school cool, contemporary jazz, soul and pop.
Since the charismatic vocalist posted his first raw home videos of himself singing Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra classics to YouTube in 2007, he has amassed over 5 million views worldwide for over 70 clips. By increasingly popular demand, the Michigan native has amassed hundreds of performances at jazz hotspots like Cliff Bell’s and a multi-year residency at the Axis Lounge at the MGM Grand Detroit.
He’s been compared to everyone from Frank and Buble to Dean Martin, Mel Torme and Harry Connick, Jr. – yet he’s evolved from being a stellar vocal interpreter to master storyteller and songwriter. Collaborating with his pianist Chris Codish, Ben has written clever, crafty tunes expressing every aspect of love, deep heartfelt connections and the sheer joy of living life to the fullest in the sexiest, naughtiest, most sensual and playful way possible. Stylistically, he lets his muse lead the way to booming percussion driven landscapes infused with jazz, pop, swing, R&B, Latin and crisp, edgy house-dance beats that make him the ultimate contemporary hipster as well as a masterful throwback artist.
6 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995149500865?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995149676390?aff=oddtdtcreator
Canja de Bao – February 20, 2027
Canja de Boa is a dynamic musical collective, founded by Kyle Canjar, born from a deep love for Brazilian music and the rich cultural landscape it represents. Kyle’s journey began during his studies in classical guitar, but it was his time spent in Brazil, particularly at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, that truly ignited his passion for the country’s diverse musical traditions. It was here that the seeds for Canja de Boa were planted, with a vision to share Brazil's vibrant sound with the world.
At its heart, Canja de Boa is a collaborative ensemble. While Kyle, Pia Broden Williams (vocals), Michelle Ureña (woodwinds), and Gordon Kruspsky (pandeiro, tan-tan, percussion) form the group’s core, they invite musicians from all backgrounds to join them. Whether performing together or exploring new collaborations, they believe in the power of music to unite and inspire, and they are always open to new voices, new ideas, and new musical journeys.
Rooted in MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) — a genre that spans Brazil’s diverse styles, from samba and bossa nova to afoxé, maracatu, and baiao — they embrace the infinite variety of sounds that shape this living, breathing tradition. But they also understand that Brazilian music is constantly evolving, shaped by culture, history, and the voices of marginalized peoples. As a group, Canja de Boa is committed to listening, learning, and evolving, always respecting the music’s origins and celebrating its deep cultural significance, especially the Afro-Brazilian roots that drive so much of its soul.
Canja de Boa is not just playing music — they’re telling stories, creating connections, and honoring the rich cultural tapestry of Brazil. They believe that music is a shared experience that transcends boundaries, and they invite everyone into that journey, whether as a collaborator or an audience member. Join them in celebrating the diversity, history, and future of Brazilian music — there's always more to discover.
6 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995149800762?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995149881002?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sunny Wilkinson – March 20, 2027
The child of a Methodist minister, Sunny Wilkinson grew up singing in church and around the piano in four-part harmony with her family. She earned her degree in Choral Education from Arizona State University, and during that time delved into diverse styles of music. After college, Sunny spent 15 years in Los Angeles, honing her professional chops as a jazz recording artist, session singer, performer, and teacher.
In 1989, Sunny recorded her debut CD, Alegria, for Hibrite records of Japan, which was produced by Stix Hooper, the drummer for the Jazz Crusaders. Alegria featured such stellar players as John Patitucci and Ernie Watts. Swing Journal heralded its arrival on the charts at #5 in Japan.
Wilkinson’s self-titled release for Positive Music Records (1993) highlighted her love of jazz, fusion and pop, and thrust her into a nonstop touring schedule of jazz festivals, concerts and club gigs.
In 1993, Sunny moved to Okemos, Mich. to be with her new husband, Dr. Ron Newman, who was head of the Jazz Studies Area at Michigan State University. Since that time, they have been in partnership, playing music, writing tunes, and producing CDs, not to mention raising their wonderful family.
Shortly after moving to Michigan, Sunny was asked to be the head of the Woman’s Caucus for the International Association of Jazz Educators. Knowing that she needed a project to anchor her vision, she launched Sisters In Jazz, a mentoring program for young women, which was taken to an international level through IAJE.
In 1998, Sunny released her third CD, High Wire, a big band recording featuring arrangements by her husband, and a close friend from ASU days, Charlie Argersinger. Sunny’s fourth release, A Gentle Time, When Sunny Meets Tom, is a duo collaboration with the legendary LA pianist Tom Garvin. Sunny is thrilled about her new release, Into the Light, a celebration of family and her long association with her band.
Over the years, Sunny has sung with The Count Basie Band, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, Mark Murphy, Milt Hinton, Kenny Wheeler, Clark Terry, Bill Watrous, Ron Carter, Curtis Fuller, Edgar Winter, and Gene Bertoncini, among others. A busy travel schedule has her presenting clinics and performances at universities and jazz festivals, as well as jazz clubs, across the United States.
6 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995149939176?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995150066557?aff=oddtdtcreator
Jimmy Smith’s Family Band featuring Beth Stalker – April 24, 2027
Detroit-based trumpeter, composer, and arranger Jimmy Smith is one of the Midwest’s most in-demand musicians. He holds a master’s degree in jazz performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music and studied at both Berklee College of Music and Wayne State University. Alongside his performing career, Jimmy is a dedicated music educator. He has served as an artist-in-residence throughout the NYC public school system, is a certified Michigan music teacher, and currently works as the Director of Bands at Avondale Middle School, where he’s committed to building strong, creative young musicians.
As a recording artist, Jimmy has released three albums as co-leader of the Hughes/Smith Quintet, and most recently a fourth as co-leader of the Yao/Smith/Hughes Sextet on Shifting Paradigm Records. His work has been praised for its energy and craftsmanship—Midwest Record called it “hot stuff throughout that never quits.”
Jimmy is also a founding member of The Woodward Horns and an active freelance performer. Over the years, he has shared the stage with a wide range of regional and national artists, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Verve Pipe, Alexander Zonjic, Mitch Ryder, Melvin Davis, Pat Lewis, Johnnie Bassett, The Paul Keller Orchestra, Ben Sharkey, and Bobby Murray.
Jimmy’s Family Band includes Dale Grisa, keys; Brent Nagy, drums; Ken Pesick, bass; and will feature vocalist/songwriter Beth Stalker. She’s often been referred to as an old soul. With an inherent ability to convey raw emotion, her voice possesses a texture and depth that is easy to love and hard to forget.
She released her first album, Little Liz, Jesus Loves Me, at the age of 5 and has been singing professionally ever since. Stalker is the winner of seven Detroit Music Awards and was also a finalist on American Idol in 2008. She has recorded six albums and has performed around the Detroit area for more than 20 years. Her most recent album, Beth Stalker, Live at O'Malley's, is a collection of some of her favorite jazz and blues standards.
6 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995151124722?aff=oddtdtcreator
8:30 p.m. tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995153253088?aff=oddtdtcreator
