Name: Bobby Watson Jazz Show
Start: 2025-11-13T19:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-13T21:30:00-05:00
Location: 315 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, Michigan 49007

Bobby Watson – saxophone
with
Matthew Fries – piano
Carlo De Rosa – bass
Keith Hall – drums
BOBBY WATSON sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats. Born in Lawrence, Kan., his career now spans more than four decades. A multi-GRAMMY®️-nominated saxophonist, composer, bandleader, educator and producer, Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then, from 1977-1981, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history. In addition to Blakey, the saxophonist also worked with notable jazz icons and elder statesmen such as Max Roach, Louis Hayes, George Coleman and Sam Rivers, Joe Williams, Lou Rawls, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves and Carmen Lundy. Watson has recorded over 30 albums as a leader and countless recordings as a sideman.
Not surprisingly, Watson has received a number of well-deserved awards that in various ways recognize his musical contributions throughout his career. In 2011 the saxophonist was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of fame. In 2013 he received the prestigious Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Simultaneously, the Black National Caucus officially recognized his work in the Congressional Record. On August 23, 2014 – serendipitously Watson’s 61st birthday – he was selected as one of the first inductees into the then-newly established 18th and Vine “Jazz Walk of Fame.” Joining him was Pat Metheny as the only other living selection; four of the city’s jazz cornerstones also received recognition: Count Basie, Jay McShann, Parker and Mary Lou Williams.
Show Date: Nov. 13, 2025
Show Time: 7:30pm
Tickets:
Advance $20 Adult / $10 Student
Day of $25 Adult / $15 Student
Doors Open: 6:30p
Thank you to the John Stites Jazz Awards for generously supporting this series.