At Dabney & Co., music isn't just a backdrop—it’s the heartbeat of the entire experience. When you step through our doors, you're not just entering a cocktail lounge. You're stepping into a sonic story, carefully told through every bassline, trumpet cry, and soulful lyric echoing off the walls. And that story doesn’t just happen—it’s curated. Thoughtfully. Intentionally. Night after night.

So how do we choose who graces our stage and commands our turntables? The answer lies in our deep commitment to honoring musical heritage, uplifting local artistry, and maintaining a balance that reflects the multifaceted soul of our Michigan community.

Honoring the Roots: Jazz, Soul, and Beyond

Our booking philosophy starts with our roots. Dabney & Co. was built on the legacies of jazz and soul—genres born from resilience, expression, and a rich cultural heritage. From the sultry sway of a Billie Holiday ballad to the electrifying groove of a James Brown anthem, we seek out artists who don’t just play music but channel it.

This means our jazz nights are more than a genre showcase—they’re a tribute. Whether it’s a quartet reinterpreting Coltrane or a vocalist breathing new life into Nina Simone classics, every jazz performance is a nod to the greats while embracing fresh interpretation.

Soul, too, holds a sacred space here. It’s in the emotion behind every note, the raw storytelling, the unfiltered truth. Artists we book bring that energy in spades—artists who aren’t afraid to go deep, to make you feel something, to leave it all on the stage.

Uplifting Local & Regional Talent: Why Artists Like Josiah Matter

We believe in building a space where Michigan’s own can shine. That’s why you’ll see names like Josiah on our lineup—a local soul sensation who commands the room with smooth vocals and magnetic presence. Josiah is the kind of artist who can hush a crowd with a single note or bring them to their feet with a fiery finish.

Our region is full of artists like him—gifted musicians who’ve honed their craft in basements, churches, street corners, and late-night jam sessions across Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and beyond. Booking regional talent isn’t just a nod to our community—it’s a celebration of the music growing right here in our backyard.

We seek out those artists who have something to say, whether through lyrics, rhythm, or sheer emotional presence. The magic happens when their stories meet your ears and hearts in our space.

The Balance: Jazz, Soul, Latin, and DJ-Driven Nights

A Dabney week is never the same twice—and that’s by design.

We work hard to strike a balance between genres that speak to different energies and moods. A velvety jazz trio might set the tone early in the week—perfect for sipping an Old Fashioned and sinking into conversation. Later in the week, the rhythm might shift to a high-octane Latin night, filled with congas, horns, and hips that can’t help but sway.

And when the weekend arrives, the DJs take the reins. These nights are driven by vibe architects—curators of sound who know exactly how to blend eras, styles, and tempos into an unforgettable night. From deep house to funk-infused remixes, it’s not just a playlist—it’s a pulse.

We intentionally move between live sets and DJ nights because both offer something essential. Live music brings the emotional immediacy and unpredictability of performance. DJs bring the seamless flow, energy escalation, and genre-spanning freedom that gets the whole room in sync. Together, they form a complete sonic ecosystem.

More Than a Show—It’s a Sensory Experience

Booking at Dabney & Co. isn’t just about filling a schedule—it’s about setting a tone. It’s about creating moments that live long after the music fades. Whether you’re walking into a Latin groove that gets your shoulders moving before your first sip, or catching a soul set that makes you close your eyes and breathe a little deeper, the goal is always the same: connection.

We don’t just want you to hear the music. We want you to feel it. In the glass in your hand. In the stories shared across the table. In the collective rhythm of a room full of people experiencing something real, together.

Come for the Music, Stay for the Magic

Every artist we book is handpicked to enhance that elusive Dabney & Co. atmosphere—where the music flows like fine whiskey, and every night feels like it could be the best one yet.

So next time you’re here, take a look at the stage or the DJ booth. Know that the sounds you’re hearing were chosen with care, crafted with purpose, and curated just for that moment in time. That’s how we do it. That’s why we book who we book.