Umojazz: A Soulful Holiday
Time:
Tuesday, Dec 23
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Umojazz: A Soulful Holiday
Presented by Dabney & Co. in collaboration with The Gilmore
Performance Overview
Celebrate the season on Tuesday, December 23rd with Umojazz: A Soulful Holiday, featuring renowned jazz pianist Xavier Davis and soulful vocalist Edye Evans Hyde at Dabney & Co., from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. This one-night-only holiday celebration unites jazz, soul, and timeless festive favorites—from Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald to Mariah Carey—in a powerful tribute to the music that shaped the sound of the American holiday season. Blending history, culture, and heart, Umojazz invites guests to reflect, rejoice, and revel in the richness of sound and spirit.
Meet the Band or Artist
Xavier Davis is a powerhouse in the jazz world. His career launched when legendary vocalist Betty Carter discovered him in 1994, inviting him to New York to join her trio. Since then, Xavier has performed with jazz giants like Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Christian McBride, and Regina Carter, and has been featured on over 80 albums—including GRAMMY-winning projects with the Christian McBride Big Band. A passionate educator, he currently serves as Associate Professor of Jazz Piano at Michigan State University, and formerly taught at Juilliard. His artistry blends deep musical intellect with a soulful, intuitive feel.
Edye Evans Hyde is an award-winning jazz vocalist whose international career spans more than three decades. Known for her warm tone and dynamic stage presence, she has performed alongside icons such as Ray Charles, Arturo Sandoval, Michael Bolton, and Linda Hopkins, enchanting audiences across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Her musical style blends jazz, blues, and pop with theatrical flair, as showcased in her acclaimed recording Girl Talk and in symphonic collaborations. Named West Michigan Jazz Musician of the Year in 2011, Edye also serves as the founder of Ebony Road Players, where she fuses music, community, and cultural storytelling through performance and education. Together with Davis, she brings a commanding, soulful presence that anchors Umojazz: A Soulful Holiday in both musical mastery and emotional resonance.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
A festive evening of live jazz, soul, and holiday classics reimagined. Umojazz: A Soulful Holiday celebrates the rich cultural history of seasonal music in the United States, uniting audiences through nostalgia, rhythm, and the warmth of community.
Craft Cocktails & More
Our mixologists have curated a holiday-inspired cocktail menu to match the evening’s soul-filled sounds. Sip on the Holiday Highball with cranberry-spiced bourbon and rosemary, or try the Eggnog Old Fashioned, a seasonal twist on a classic. For non-alcoholic options, the Spiced Pear Fizz and Winter Citrus Mocktail provide festive refreshment for all guests.
Dress Code
Upscale holiday attire encouraged—think cozy elegance with a festive flair.
Parking Information
Free street parking is available near the venue. Additional parking can be found at Arcadia Ramp 4, 306 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, just a short walk from Dabney & Co.
Don’t Miss Out
Secure your seat now for this unforgettable evening of soul, jazz, and holiday magic with Xavier Davis and Edye Evans Hyde.
Reserve now at: www.drinkswithdabney.com/reserve