Mike Hicks: Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Beyond

Mike Hicks: Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Beyond

Friday, February 27th, 7:30 PM

Nashville Jazz Workshop

Award-winning artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Mike Hicks returns to the stage at the Nashville Jazz Workshop as a bandleader for the first time in over a year, presenting an evening that places hip-hop in conversation with the full continuum of Black American Music—and beyond.

This performance is not simply a concert, but a curated artistic statement. Rooted in hip-hop’s rhythmic language and storytelling power, Mike’s musical DNA seamlessly blends jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, and contemporary soul, tracing a living lineage that honors tradition while pushing forward into new creative territory. The result is music that feels both deeply grounded and unmistakably modern.

Known for his soulful original compositions and transparent, emotionally resonant sound, Mike brings a rare versatility shaped by decades of work across genres. His career includes performing and recording with an extraordinary range of artists such as Buddy Guy, Michael McDonald, Lizz Wright, Keb’ Mo’, Rascal Flatts, Amy Grant, Brooks & Dunn, Derek Minor, Jonny Lang, Taylor Hicks, and many others. That breadth of experience informs a musical voice that is stylistically expansive yet unified by authenticity and purpose.

At NJW, Mike leads an ensemble designed to explore groove, improvisation, texture, and narrative—where hip-hop beats intersect with jazz harmony, gospel-inflected melodies, and blues-rooted expression. Audiences can expect moments of deep pocket, open improvisation, and reflective storytelling, all delivered with the honesty and soul that have become hallmarks of Mike’s work.

This is a night for listeners who appreciate music that honors its roots while fearlessly crossing boundaries—an immersive experience that celebrates the past, engages the present, and points toward what’s next.

This concert is part of NJW’s 4-part series “America's Music: A Black History Month Jazz Retrospective” and is made possible by the generous support of the Tennessee Arts Commission.