ICON Jazz Lounge

Riley Richard (National Artist)
2025-10-17 | ICON Jazz Lounge, 1135 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43201, United States
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Riley Richard is an inspired jazz saxophonist who has plans on making his contribution to the jazz genre. Having studied at Cleveland School of The Arts, Cuyahoga community college and Cleveland state University, Riley was trained in the traditional sense of jazz analyzing the styles of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Sonny Sttit.
Although having a heavy interest in sports at a early age, Riley was encouraged by his parents to take piano lessons in which led him to learn the flute and eventually the Alto Saxophone. His first professional gig was at the age of 14, playing with Cleveland’s legendary organist Eddie Baccus SR. From then on Riley has shared the stage with the likes of Najee, Brian Simpson, Kim waters and Boney James and the list continues.
In 2016 Riley decided to work on his solo career and released his first single “Family Ties” produced and co-written by Darren Rahn. “Family Ties” was #2 on the smooth jazz media base chart and #18 on Billboard Smooth Jazz. His single spent 15 weeks on the top 30 Billboard smooth jazz charts. Riley’s first EP was released early summer of 2017 which was a huge success and since then Riley has had two back to back #1 singles in “Captivate Me” which was released in 2019 and his latest single “Don’t Wanna Let Go” which was released in 2020. Riley shocked the smooth jazz world with a stellar rendition of “Superstar” which was produced by top producer Barry Eastmond earning Riley a top 10 song on billboard and record breaking streaming numbers across all streaming platforms and with his recent release “Dance for Romance” Riley has been in heavy Rotation with smooth jazz radio.

Ragan Whiteside (National Artist)
2025-09-13
Flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside has become one of the genre’s most consistently dynamic and popular artists. Thanks to her incredible skill and creativity on her chosen instrument, as well as her charismatic presence on stage, Whiteside is at the top of her game. That was demonstrated in October 2022, when she became the first artist to win the competitive Best Contemporary Jazz Artist Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, held at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta. Whiteside is also a 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominee and four-time nominee for the Smooth Jazz Network’s Best Artist Award.
That distinction is well-deserved, as the Atlanta-based musician, songwriter, and vocalist has become one of very few women players to excel in the male-dominated instrumental sphere, garnering ten consecutive Top Ten Billboard airplay singles by 2024. And she’s done it as an independent artist, releasing projects on Randis Music, the label she founded with her husband, producer, and composer Dennis Johnson.
Ragan’s 7th album, RAGAN will be released in 2025. The first single, “Steppin’ Out,” is heating up the radio charts and is available on all digital download and streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Pandora, Deezer, and more. Joining Ragan on this high-energy track is Rich Harrison a.k.a. the artist RAH (Evelyn Champagne King, Atlantic Starr) on drums and Phil Hamilton (Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Al Jarreau) on guitar.
Listen to the first single, “Steppin’ Out” HERE.
Her previous full-length project, 2022’s Thrill Ride, demonstrates Whiteside’s breathtaking virtuosity and melodic skills on a thrilling journey through a landscape of dynamic grooves. The project features eight songs, which are largely produced by her longtime collaborators Dennis Johnson and Bob Baldwin. Other producers include Chris “Big Dog” Davis on the sexy update of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing,” and James Lloyd of the veteran group Pieces Of A Dream, who contributes “A Toast At Sunset” as writer and keyboardist as well. The title track, “Thrill Ride,” peaked at No. 1 on five radio charts, including the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart, Mediabase, the Smooth Jazz Network, Radiowave and Groove Jazz Music.

Hubb's Groove
2025-09-05
Robert Hubbard: Northeast Ohio’s Drumming Sensation and Leader of Hubb’s Groove
Meet Robert Hubbard, the extraordinary drummer and founder of the celebrated All-Star band, Hubb’s Groove. Based in Northeast, Ohio, Robert has cultivated a unique musical experience
that seamlessly blends Soul, Jazz, R&B, and a touch of Gospel. With a commitment to heartfelt performances, Hubb’s Groove delivers a smooth yet high-energy sound that resonates deeply
with audiences, proving that music played from the heart truly reaches the heart.
Founded in 1996 in Cleveland, Ohio, originally under the name “Moments Notice,” Robert rebranded the band as “Hubb’s Groove” in 2006, setting the stage for a dynamic musical
journey. Over the years, the band has had the honor of sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Earth Wind & Fire, Wayman Tisdale, TONY TONE
TONI, Will Downing, Randy Crawford, and Pieces of a Dream, showcasing their versatility and talent.
Hubb’s Groove has also collaborated with other notable musicians, including Alex Bugnon, Angela Bofill, Eric Roberson, Marcus Johnson, Mike Phillips, and Sean Jones, solidifying their
reputation as a sought-after ensemble in the music scene. The band has caught the attention of media personalities, with FOX 8 News anchor Wayne Dawson declaring them his favorite band.
Their accolades speak volumes, including the prestigious Cleveland Best Band award in 2019 and the honor of performing at Mayor Bibb’s inaugural ball. Additionally, Hubb’s Groove has
been recognized as the Best Jazz Band at The Cleveland Music Awards for three consecutive years – 2022, 2023, and 2024. Mr. Hubbard was also recognized as a 2024 Jazzfest legend at TriC.
The talented members of Hubb’s Groove include James Blaque on bass, Matthew Horwich and Roger Maple on saxophone, George Granville and Gerrond Masson on keyboards, Robert Hubbard Jr. on drums, and vocalists Adrianna Miller and Mazhorell Johnson. Together, they create a rich tapestry of sound that captivates audiences whenever they perform.

Walter K (from MojoFlo)
2025-08-29
Walter K is one of Columbus’ premier saxophonists, known for screaming sax notes and high energy performances. As a founding member of the neo-funk band MojoFlo, Walter has performed all over the country while also serving as a business manager, songwriter, and producer. MojoFlo’s debut full-length album What It Is will be released May 7 in partnership with Color Red Records and features the single That’s What’s Up with Funk-LEGEND Bootsy Collins.
In addition to recording and performing with MojoFlo, he also leads The Walter K jazz-soul quartet, served as music director for Ivan Kane’s World-Famous Forty Deuce Burlesque Show and has recorded with many talented artists, most recently being featured on the RJD2 album The Fun Ones.

Fo/Mo/Deep
2025-08-22
An Eclectic Groove Oriented – Funky Jazz Collective
We are a Jazz/Funk/Fusion Trio based out of Columbus, OH. We have released 4 CD’s and, our music has been played around the world on internet, satellite & terrestrial radio stations. fo/mo/deep groove is rooted in the experimental school of the 70s…a time when jazz, soul and funk were one and the same. Seeking to defy the ordinary, this diverse trio of seasoned pros keeps things stirred up with unpredictable energy that moves.

RiShon Odel & The 5th Element
2025-08-10
RiShon Odel is perhaps one of the most creative talents in this era, having recently enjoyed the titles of #1 MOST ADDED ON SMOOTHJAZZ.COM and #1 ON BILLBOARD’S SMOOTH JAZZ CHARTS for his writing on “XX” (Brian Culbertson) and “You, Me & Forever” (multi-GRAMMY® award-nominee Najee). In addition to appearing in such major motion pictures such as Marshall and Breathe, the multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer is most known for his high energy and charisma onstage.
RiShon Odel has toured with smooth-jazz icon Brian Culbertson and legendary saxophonist Najee, and he is the Musical Director for Canadian pop sensation Julius Wilson. Odel is a member of the International Society of Bassists and endorses DR “Black Beauties” Strings. He has traveled and recorded with a pastiche of great artists throughout his career, including Cissy Houston, Marvin Winans, Riley Richard, Phil Perry, Me’Lisa Morgan, Donnie McClurkin, Special Gift and (Love & Hip-Hop star) “Stevie J” Jordan.
​Odel burst onto the music scene in 2006 with an arco bass piece performed at the opening of the JoAnn Faletta International Guitar Competition alongside the Buffalo Select Chorus. Having authored his first instructional Book of Bass Volume 1 (Dorrance Publishing), and conducted his first orchestra in 2009 and in the same year was nominated “Best Classical Musician” by Artvoice magazine. Odel has composed music for the Eastman String Quartet, Buffalo State College Symphonic Band and The Ieda String Ensemble; which he used to score the “Less Than Perfect,” produced by film legend Reuben Santiago. In 2010, Odel released a DVD documentary on Jazz History which is available in the SUNY Interlibrary loan system under both History and Criticism. The DVD features band members of the late Charles Mingus’ tour band.
Having such a vast love of music, Odel started his musical career with just a few trips to the music store which expanded into drum workshops and videos with drumming legends Liberty DeVito, Dom Famularo and LaDell Abrams. Within his first year of playing Odel got his first professional gig with Malaco recording artist “Georgia Mass Choir,” filling in for Alex Evans (Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston).
When he is not playing or composing, Odel conducts workshops and clinics throughout the U. S., Canada and other territories. His teaching record consists of vocal and instrumental students that have gone on to Howard University, Berklee College of Music, Buffalo State College, Michigan State, and more.
Here is his latest single “LOVIN’ YOU – RISHON ODEL feat. WILLIE SOUL“

J. White (National Artist)
2025-07-26
Saxophonist J. White is an internationally recognized Billboard artist, songwriter and producer who commands your attention with captivating performances and amazing, soulful sounds. He is a passionate, determined, and gifted artist.
A native of Detroit Michigan, J. White is a vibrant, versatile performer whose influences range from Gerald Albright, Cannonball Adderly, and Kirk Whalum to Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and Grover Washington Jr. His own style and presentation borrow from the Pastelle and Rosewood movement, the contemporary urban scene, and youthful expressions from around the globe. J. White’s music is without a doubt soulfully driven and technically motivated, intertwining the sounds of Smooth Jazz with a hint of Straight-Ahead to deliver a sensual, harmonic, and melodic sound and he is creating his own destiny with his unique, all-around talent.
J. White has already performed alongside many industry greats such as Warren Hill, Nick Colionne, Peter White, Euge Groove, Eric Darius, Eric Roberson, P.J. Morton, Najee, Smokie Norful and Dave Hollister. J. White took runner up at the Warren Hill Sax Summit, competing with saxophonist from around the world. As a result of his success, he was invited to perform at several major jazz festivals to include the Arizona Jazz Festival, Las Vegas Jazz Festival, Jazz at the Creek, and the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival for two consecutive years. J. White’s music and stellar performances began a movement reaching jazz venues and festivals around the country.

The KT Collaborative
2025-07-05
Collaborate: To work jointly with others in an intellectual or meaningful endeavor.
Kelvin (KT) Thompson counts amongst his blessings of life, the gift of music. KT is currently leading and supporting a range of music/arts endeavors as a bandleader and producer of music artsoriented events around the metro Atlanta community and beyond.
His current music and artistic engagements include serving as the founder and music director of the well-regarded Atlanta-based Neo-Soul ensemble, “The KT Collaborative.” He also serves as a pipe organist for historic Big Bethel AME church in downtown Atlanta. The Collaborative plays a wide variety of musical genres including Jazz, Neo-Soul, Pop, R+B, Afro Latin-Caribbean, light rock and Classical. Their performances also typically infuse spoken word, dance and visual art for a truly enjoyable music and artistic experience!!
He and “The Collaborative” perform regularly around the Atlanta region including the High Museum of Art, The Illuminarium Atlanta, the City of Atlanta, Alpharetta Arts Center, The Perfect Note, Marietta, Velvet Note, Alpharetta as well as in Charlotte, NC and other various jazz and arts
venues. He also plays and collaborates when traveling around the world including most recently Cartagena, Columbia and previously Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
The KT Collaborative was born of his frequent collaborations with numerous artistic and talented musician friends. As “collaboration” infers cooperative or shared objectives to reach a common goal, he and The Collaborative are pleased to bring their musical gifts to audiences locally and globally. For their ICON Jazz Lounge engagement, KT is joined by featured vocalist Myrna Clayton, Brandon Austin-trumpet, Anthony Daniel-bass, and Ron Collier-drums.
Please welcome The KT Collaborative, “Jazz Presented Uniquely With Excellence”.

Hank Bilal (National Artist)
2025-06-28
GRAMMY Nominated trombonist, Hank Bilal was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina into a musical family where his uncles on his mother’s side all played instruments and his father played drums professionally. As with many of our southern based musicians Hank Bilal started in church, in the youth choir. And at home there was always the music of gospel greats being heard like The Canton Spirituals, Mississippi Mass Choir, John Pee Kee and The Winans to name a few!
Hank’s formal music education began in middle school. Later Hank went on the earn his Bachelor of Arts in music performance. Before turning in the direction of more contemporary jazz Hank spent many years in listening to classic jazz where he was exposed to the giants of the jazz style.
Hank Bilal has shared a performance platform with many great artists, from performing on the GRAMMY awards with Aretha Franklin to Gerald Albright, Chaka Khan, Christopher William and The Clark Sisters! Beyond being a veteran trombonist, the GRAMMY Nominated artist is also fluent in other performing areas as a pianist, singer and other brass instruments!
You can also add music producer as Hank Bilal has produced multiple albums; to include, The Black Aquarius, Brassential Elements, A Bona Fide Christmas, and Beneath the Covers, which features some of the best in smooth jazz!
Hank Bilal is also an educator and has been teaching elementary grades preK3 through 6th at Martin de Porres Catholic School since 2015. In addition to him being an educator he serves as an active member of community service groups, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Kappa Kappa Psi.

Marcus Johnson (National Artist)
2025-06-27
Marcus Johnson is an independent Billboard-ranked musician, NAACP Image Award nominee, owner of FLO Brands and FLO Wine, JD and MBA, philanthropist, father, friend… and so much more!
What is FLO (For the Love Of)? It represents the journey through which we discover those things in life that fulfill us and make each experience a little better. For the love of life, self, happiness, passion, joy…love itself.
While pursuing his JD and MBA at Georgetown, he independently produced and distributed his first CD (Lessons in Love), which sold more than 40,000 units; a phenomenal success for an unknown independent artist’s debut release. This album helped him launch his career as a renowned jazz keyboardist/pianist, and later, he released his second CD (Inter Alia), with staggering success
This success caught the attention of Black Entertainment Television (BET) founder and businessman Robert L. Johnson, who invested and partnered with Marcus to establish Marimelj Entertainment Group. Under their partnership, MEG’s label Three Keys Music housed Studio 8121, a full-service recording studio, and two music publishing companies: Marimelj Music Publishing and Three Keys Music Publishing.
As head of Three Keys Music, Johnson produced and released on the Three Keys Music label national jazz artists: Michael Lington, Jaared Arosemena, Bobby Lyle, Nick Colionne, R&B singer, Alyson Williams, neo-soul songstress, Zahzarah; and smooth jazz Saxophonists Phillip Martin and Brian Lenair.
To date, Marcus has released more than fifteen Billboard charted CDs, and has the distinction of having his groundbreaking 2008 Billboard Top 20 Contemporary Jazz FLO (For the Love Of) Anthology, which consisted of three distinct CDs — FLO Chill, FLO Romance and FLO Standards – all chart Top 10 on Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts simultaneously.
The release of Poetically Justified (2009) and This is How I Rock (2011), which were Top 20 Contemporary Jazz CDs, solidified Marcus Johnson as the heir apparent to the funky urban groove music style and sound made famous by legendary jazz greats, George Duke and Herbie Hancock.

Latin Jazz Players (LJP)
2025-06-20
LJP (Latin Jazz Players) is from Lorain, OH, the band started back in 2009 playing smooth Latin jazz music from musicians like Peter White, Marc Antoine, Jeff Lorber, Carlos Santana and many others. LJP got together at church and played together for many years. Now LJP is performing in many festivals around the area and now have their own CD available!
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Our music will give you the sensation of being in a Caribbean island, dancing your heart away or just sitting on a beach and enjoying your favorite drink! With the combination of an acoustic & electric guitar, our music gives you a smooth jazz effect with a little Latin flavor in it.

The Marvin Gaye Motown Tribute Band
2025-06-14
Formed in 2017, the Marvin Gaye Motown Tribute Band is a powerhouse ensemble dedicated to honoring the legacy of the legendary soul icon, Marvin Gaye, and the golden era of Motown. Featuring top-tier musicians with a deep love for classic soul, the band includes standout talents on bass, drums, horns, and keys, creating a rich, authentic sound that brings timeless hits to life.
The group came together out of a shared passion for the music that shaped a generation—aiming to preserve its spirit while bringing new energy to the stage. Over the years, they’ve performed at premier venues and events, including jazz lounges, music festivals, and private events. Notable appearances include sets at Icon Jazz Lounge, soul-themed festivals, and high-end corporate and wedding events.
Their soulful performances celebrate Marvin Gaye’s legacy with faithful renditions of hits like “What’s Going On,” “Sexual Healing,” and “Let’s Get It On,” making every show a nostalgic and uplifting experience.

Tina Thompson
2025-06-13
Tina Thompson is a versatile and dynamic singer originally from Cleveland, Ohio, born into a family of musicians. From a young age, she showcased her musical talent, singing at just two years old and performing solos by age six alongside her two siblings. Raised in a rich musical environment, Tina’s mother, grandmother, and uncles were all singers, pianists, and songwriters.
Tina attended The Cleveland School of Arts and later pursued further studies at Morgan State University, where she honed her craft in genres ranging from jazz, chorale, soul, to classical music. Her impressive vocal range and musical versatility have allowed her to perform in prestigious venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and many Orchestras collaborating with choirs and groups.
Tina’s musical preferences lean toward soul, jazz, and gospel, but she enjoys performing across a variety of genres. Whether singing at her church or in front of a lively crowd at her lounge, Tina’s music continues to resonate with audiences, making her a cherished figure in the local music scene.

Adam Hawley (National Artist)
2025-05-02
Guitarist and Producer Adam Hawley has burst onto the contemporary jazz scene as a celebrated and innovative artist, composer and band leader.
Handpicked by Maurice White (founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire) he first debuted on the legend’s label Kalimba Music. In all, Adam’s four albums and work as a producer has spawned an incredible 17 Billboard #1 Hits.
His fifth and current album “What Christmas Means To Me,” is his first holiday offering and has proved to be an exciting twist on the Christmas music genre. Adam will perform a dynamic combination of scintillating unique holiday arrangements, original contemporary jazz selections. and some of your favourites from Stevie Wonder, EWF, Demi Lovato, Gap Band, Chris Brown, John Legend, and more.
