On this special night, we are delighted to welcome a world-class trio back to the Nocturne stage. From New York, we welcome organist Akiko Tsuruga, from California iconic drummer Jeff Hamilton joins us, and from Colorado guitarist Steve Kovalcheck. This stellar trio has played many of the finest clubs and festivals in the world and we are delighted to host them once again!

Jeff Hamilton – influenced by his parent’s big band records at a young age, was inspired at age eight to begin playing drums to the records of the great Oscar Peterson. Today he is featured with some of the top names in jazz and pop on more than 200 recordings, 22 of which received Grammy® nominations. He also performs and records frequently with his trio and as co-leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. His albums include the recently released Great American Songs: Through the Years, and earlier efforts Symbiosis, and Red Sparkle.  Early engagements included the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Lionel Hampton’s Band before joining the Monty Alexander Trio in 1975 with bassist John Clayton. From 1983 to 1987, he performed with Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie & His Orchestra, and Rosemary Clooney. Prior to forming his trio in 1995, Jeff played with the Ray Brown Trio. The Los Angeles Jazz Society named Jeff Musician of the Year and has been voted #1 Jazz Drummer in Modern Drummer Magazine’s reader’s poll.

Raised in Osaka, Japan, Akiko Tsuruga began studying the organ at the age of three, at the famed Yamaha Music School. Akiko launched her career immediately after graduating from the Osaka College of Music.  Since moving to New York in 2001, Akiko Tsuruga became a B3 icon on the world’s heaviest scene, including working with artists like Jimmy Cobb, Frank Hess, and Lou Donaldson.  As a bandleader, Akiko has ten albums to her credit in both the U.S. and Japan. Her albums have constantly placed in the top ten on the National Radio Jazz Chart. Akiko also received the “Swing Journal Rising Star Award” (Japan) in 2010, Hot House Magazine (NYC) Best Organist’ in 2017, and the DOWNBEAT Magazine Critics Poll 2020 Rising Star Organ.  Akiko’s newest project is an all-star trio featuring iconic drummer Jeff Hamilton and Colorado-based guitarist Steve Kovalcheck.

Colorado-based jazz guitarist/composer Steve Kovalcheck holds a B.M. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and an M.M. From the University of Northern Colorado, where he currently teaches jazz improvisation, and jazz history, directs jazz ensembles and leads the jazz guitar ensemble. His professional experience includes recording and touring with Columbia recording artist. Kovalcheck has performed with artists including Victor Krauss, The “New York Voices,” The Colorado Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Symphony, The Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Coffin, Tommy Sims, Blue Note Recording Artist Carrie Rodriguez, The Dana Landry Quartet, Robinella and the C.C. String Band and many more. Steve’s newest musical collaboration is an all-star trio featuring iconic drummer Jeff Hamilton and NYC organist Akiko Tsuruga.

Sunday Show Times:

Special Youth/Community Matinee: 4:30-5:40 pm

Our youth/community matinee performances offer standard bar seating reservations and $10 youth/community tickets for families, youth and students. Youth/Community tickets give younger people in our community an opportunity to experience the jazz art form live on stage. Who better to kick this off with than one of the world’s finest jazz drummers? Community matinee sets run from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. We’ll have discounted options available for our sound bites menu and select beverages (both adult and kid-friendly). For a family looking for an affordable way to experience the magic that is Nocturne, this performance is just for you

Standard Sunday Summer Show:  6:30 – 8:00 pm

Standard Set Reservation Information:

Main level and mezzanine tables are reserved for Dinner and Show Reservations and include our seasonal three-course menu and the cost of music

Reserved Bar Seats are $22 per guest and include music. Bar seat guests can order from our entire dinner menu as well as our wine & craft cocktail list.