Ginger Rabbit's Upcoming Shows
Tue, Apr 21
Show: $10
Showtimes:
6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30)
8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45)
Over the period of 20 years as a professional jazz pianist and 7 full-length album appearances (3 as leader), Keigo Hirakawa has transformed himself from a student of the jazz masters to an artist with vision and unique sense of expressions. Though his engagements may include jazz clubs to music halls and jazz festivals, he takes the time to contribute to his home music scene through mentorship and appearances with up-and-coming talents. The jazz piano trio he leads is well-known throughout the Midwest for their willingness to be musically spontaneous on stage, exploring original compositions and redefining jazz standards to make it their own. Sought after for his articulate use of harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary and his leadership style on the bandstand, Hirakawa can be heard throughout the US and internationally.
Wed, Apr 22
Show: $10
Showtimes:
6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30)
8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45)
New York based guitarist Andrew Hartman is “blazing his own trail” writes Chris Spector of the Midwest Record. A bandleader, composer, and member of numerous groups, Hartman has performed and/or recorded with Chris Cheek, Catherine Russell, Ike Sturm, Mark Ferber and Miki Yamanaka, among many others. His original music is featured on two albums to date, Andrew Hartman and Still Motion and Compass.
Fri, Apr 24
Show: $30
Showtimes:
7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45)
9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00)
Tony Hagood is a celebrated and in-demand pianist, composer, and educator from Westerville, Ohio. A 2010 graduate of Capital University with a degree in Music Performance, Tony has built a multifaceted career spanning continents, genres, and performance settings.
Internationally, he has performed across China, Japan, South Korea, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and throughout the Caribbean. In the U.S., his versatility shines through performances ranging from intimate jazz clubs to grand concert halls and stadiums. He appears regularly as a soloist, leads his own jazz trio and quartet, and collaborates with a wide range of ensembles—averaging six performances a week.
Tony curates and directs his long-running concert series at the Columbus Museum of Art, following in the footsteps of his late teacher, Mark Flugge, and late Otterbein colleague, Richard Lopez. He serves as the sanctuary music director at Hilliard United Methodist Church. In addition, he owns and operates Noteworthy Music, a multi-teacher lesson studio, and A Note Above the Rest Entertainment, a music entertainment booking company.
A sought-after collaborator, Tony has performed with Grammy Award winners including Tamika Lawrence, appeared with Ne-Yo for Columbus Symphony Orchestra's sold-out “Picnic with the Pops” concert, shared the stage with platinum-selling artists Nas and the Violent Femmes, and played up front in rhythm sections for Rick Ross and Aubrey Logan. His credits also include performances with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Byron Stripling’s quintet, many regular performances with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, New Albany Symphony Orchestra and many others. He has worked with Broadway stars, American Idol finalists, and artists across jazz, classical, R&B, country, rock, and more.
Whether performing solo, with one of his groups, or within a larger ensemble, Tony brings passion, artistry, and deep musicality to every performance—leaving a lasting impression on audiences everywhere he plays.
Tue, Apr 28
Show: $10
Showtimes:
6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30)
8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45)
Jake Smith - saxophone
Ben Maloney - piano
Bradley Mellen - bass
Andrew Richard - drums
Ben Maloney is a pianist, composer, and arranger from Toledo, Ohio. He was motivated and drawn to music early in life, beginning piano lessons at the age of six. This early musical intuition led Ben to explore improvisation and Jazz. He developed his craft within the University of Toledo Music Department, graduating with a Bachelors degree in music performance with a Jazz concentration. During his time at UT, Ben had the opportunity to be mentored by and play with acclaimed Jazz and Classical musicians including Claude Black, Tim Whalen, Gunnar Mossblad, Jon Hendricks, and Tad Weed. He has also had the opportunity the to share the stage with other notable jazz greats such as, Shawn and Darden Purcell, Gilad Atzmon, Vic Juris, Michael Cox, Shawn Dobbins, Bobby Sanabria, and many others. Ben is active in the Greater Toledo and Columbus music scenes, as a new Columbus Ohio resident, as both a bandleader and an accompanist. Notably, he has been featured twice at the Jazz Master’s Concert Series at the Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor, and was a finalist in the 2013 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Competition. Ben is a member of the creative music group Talking Ear and is the pianist of the Columbus based band Waves de Ache
Fri, May 01
Show: $30
Showtimes:
7:15-8:45 (Doors Open 6:45)
9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00)
A native of Toronto Canada, saxophonist and composer Pete Mills’ discography includes 4 solo titles, with his most recent, 2014’s Sweet Shadow. As a sideman he appears on over a dozen CDs including those by The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, saxophonist Chad Eby, the eclectic ensemble Madrugada, guitarist Stan Smith, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and The Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra. In addition to his performing, Mills teaches saxophone, improvisation and directs the jazz ensemble at Denison University in Granville, Ohio.
Sat, May 02
“Power Hour” Show: $10
Showtime:
5:30-6:30 (Doors Open 5:00)
Robert Mason is a pianist, teacher, and organist from Columbus, Ohio. His personal group, the Robert Mason Trio released their debut album, “State of Soul” in 2019, featuring a blend of jazz and soulful sounds. The group has recently released their second album “State of Groove”, which is now available on all streaming platforms.
Robert has performed at venues and events such as: Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, Columbus Jazz and Ribs Festival, the Lincoln Theatre (Columbus, OH), Ginger Rabbit, The Blu Note Jazz Cafe, Blu Jazz+ (Akron, OH), The Refectory (Columbus), Natalies Music Hall & Kitchen
Tue, May 05
Show: $10
Showtimes:
6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30)
8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45)
Jasmine Spitzer is a singer and songwriter whose music feels like a conversation: honest, soulful, and full of heart. Rooted in gospel, jazz, R&B, and soul, her sound is shaped by stories of faith, growth, love, and becoming. A third-generation musician and North Dakota native, she grew up immersed in music and began her journey as a saxophonist, an influence that continues to shape her phrasing, musical instincts, and deep respect for musicianship. She is intentional about selecting and creating music that has shaped her into the woman and musician she is today.
Her work is driven by lived experience and emotional honesty, with a desire to connect with people rather than perform at them. Each month, she thoughtfully curates an experience, not just a show, creating spaces where listeners can reflect, feel seen, and be fully present in the moment.
She currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her dog, Rosco, and an apartment full of plants. Beyond the stage, she remains deeply rooted in service and community, serving as the Director of Learning Centers for The Salvation Army. When she is not making music, she finds joy in reading, running, baking, and cooking, always pursuing a full, grateful, and joyful life. Music is how she shares that journey, inviting others into moments of growth, healing, and connection.Born and raised in Minot, North Dakota, Jasmine is the daughter of two music educators. She moved to the Columbus area in 2017 to complete her degree in music education at Ohio Wesleyan University. Jasmine teaches middle school for Columbus City Schools and is a teaching artist for the Jazz Arts Group. Influenced by jazz, blues, soul, funk, and R&B, Jasmine brings a diverse body of repertoire to the table. Catch her at Ginger Rabbit on the first Tuesday of every month (and a stray weekend here and there) for an exciting variety of music featuring some of the best musicians Columbus has to offer!
Thu, May 07
Show: $15
Showtimes:
6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30)
8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45)
Columbus’s own, Mary McClendon, who doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t sing or want to. She was a featured vocalist with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (JAG) for 20+ years, performing with the Columbus Symphony, Ballet Met, and producing and acting in acclaimed one-woman Shows that tell the stories of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nancy Wilson. She has shared the stage with many national and international Artists and is a voice over talent for commercials, jingles, and corporate/industrial videos. She can be found locally and in the Tri-State area, leading her own Trio of multi-faceted and multi-talented musicians….Vernon Hairston, Chris Brown, Bobby Floyd, Kevin Turner, Jimmi Love, Bradley Mellen, Jon Eshelman, Tom Carroll, and George DeLancey…to name a few.
Fri, May 08
"Power Hour" Show: $10
Showtime:
5:30-6:30 (Doors Open 5:00)
Erik Augis is a native of Columbus, Ohio. After obtaining his degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music he returned to Columbus and began work as a freelance musician. Erik has been performing in Columbus for several years and works with many of the area’s well-known musicians and bands including Andy Woodson, Kim Pensyl, Dan Faehnle, Louis Tsamous, Pete Mills, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Jazz 4 Kids, Vocal Impact, and others.
Fri, May 08
Show: $30
Showtimes:
7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45)
9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00)
James Gaiters – Drummer | Composer | Producer | Educator
James Gaiters is a dynamic voice in modern jazz, known for his soulful, high-energy performances and genre-pushing compositions. As leader of acclaimed ensembles MUV-MeNT and SoulRevival, he’s performed at top venues and festivals including the Village Vanguard, Newport Jazz Festival, and Detroit Jazz Festival. His work honors jazz tradition while forging new ground, as heard on his albums Looking Back Ahead, Exodus, and Understanding: Reimagined. An Ohio native and dedicated educator, James continues to inspire on stage and in the classroom.
Sat, May 09
Show: $30
Showtimes:
7:15 - 8:30(Doors Open 6:45)
9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00)
Based out of Cleveland Ohio Steve Kortyka is an accomplished mulit-instrumentalist, composer, educator and full time performer. He is a main member of the Brian Newman Quintet/Quartet, one of NYC's modern working bands and has toured the world working with this group and its dynamic members. Since graduating from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in 2004, he has been a full time performer and musical director in a wide variety of different settings including small group, big band and show band acts.
The Grammy Award Winning Albums 'Cheek to Cheek' (2014), 'Tony Bennett Celebrates 90' (2016) and 'Love For Sale' (2021) feature Steve's arranging work on 'Firefly', 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love', 'Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered', 'La Vie En Rose', and 'You're the Top'. His playing is also featured on several improvised solos throughout these albums including the classic takes on 'Lady Is a Tramp' (Tony Celebrates 90), 'Let's Face the Music and Dance' (Cheek to Cheek), 'Love For Sale' and 'It's De-Lovely' (Love For Sale).
Sat, May 16
Show: $30
Showtimes:
7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45)
9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00)
Ben Wolkins – Trumpet
Ian Blunden – Guitar
Eric Nachtrab – Bass
Sean Perlmutter – Drums
Signal Quartet is a collective musical ensemble based in Southeast Michigan. The group's repertoire is entirely made up of original compositions by members of the band which serve as springboards for far-reaching improvisations, showcasing the tight communication and shared musical vocabulary of the ensemble.
Tue, May 19
Show: $10
Showtimes:
6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30)
8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45)
Step into an evening of elegance, nostalgia, and romance as local singer-songwriter Emily Syring presents Emily Syring & Les Amis: Une Soirée de Jazz Français. Designed for friends and lovers alike, this intimate performance invites you to slow down, sip, and savor the timeless charm of French jazz.
Joined by Les Amis, Emily shares the stage in a celebration of France’s most beloved musical voices—from the iconic sounds of Édith Piaf, Charles Trenet, and Charles Aznavour to the modern stylings of Madeleine Peyroux and Stacey Kent.
Thu, May 21
Show: $10
Showtimes:
6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30)
8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45)
Andy Woodson is one of the most in-demand bassists in the central Ohio area and has been a vital part of the Columbus music scene since 1985. Andy was Lecturer of Jazz Bass at The Ohio State University from 2004-2018, and has performed at the Montreux, North Sea, Saratoga, and Newport Jazz Festivals and toured Sweden and Japan.