KENNY GARRET: Today I’m wishing a happy birthday to the incomparable Kenny Garrett. Kenny and I go back quite a ways — we’ve shared the bandstand many times over the years. This photo is from 2013, when we happened to bump into each other at an airport in Prague. HBD, Kenny!

It’s Thursday, which means I’m headed to Le Piano Chicago for a night of organ jazz. This week, there’s a fun change of pace from the usual lineup: I’ll be joined on stage tonight by organist Dan Trudell and drummer Colin Dorion! Check out my Link in Bio for tickets, and I’ll see you all soon.

NAPLES PHILHARMONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA: One week from now, on October 15th, I'll be paying a visit to Naples, Florida, to play a show with their Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra for the Artis Naples All That Jazz concert series. Tickets are available via my Link in Bio 📸: Doug Graham

OAKTON GUITAR FESTIVAL: It’s Day 2 of the Oakton College Guitar Festival! I'm hosting a free and open to the public masterclass, so bring your own guitar and join me at 3:00 PM this afternoon. Check out my Link in Bio for details, and I'll see you soon.

VON FREEMAN: Today we celebrate the birthday of Von Freeman, a pillar of the Chicago jazz scene back in the day. Now that I’m an “elder” on the jazz scene here (yikes!), I think my peers and I are trying to carry on his work in some way, shape, or form. Happy Birthday, Vonski.

TODAY! I’ve made my way to Oakton College for their annual Oakton College Guitar Festival, a two day event celebrating all things guitar. There’s concerts and masterclasses going on, and I’ll be participating in both. Find your tickets and more info via my Link in Bio.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: FOUR ON SIX by the Chicago Jazz Orchestra Featuring Bobby Broom. As we head into awards season this year, I humbly ask that you take “Four on Six” into consideration. Visit the CJO’s FYC page here (or via my Link in Bio) to learn more about the project. www.cjomusic.org/fyc

TONIGHT! Catch us at the Jazz Showcase-- me, Ben Espotiso, Greg Ward II, DC & The Love, Joey Skoch, & Lucy Wijnands -- in celebration of Ben's new album, Elation. It was a pleasure to be part of the project, & I'm looking forward to the show tonight. Get your last minute tickets via my Link in Bio

JAZZ SHOWCASE: Tomorrow, September 30th, join me & drummer Ben Esposito at the Jazz Showcase to celebrate the release of his debut album, Elation. Here’s a clip of Ben Esposito playing w/ me & Ben Paterson at Le Piano Chicago a while back to give you a taste. Find your tickets via my Link in Bio

DAVE KIKOSKI: Today I’m wishing a happy birthday to jazz pianist Dave Kikoski. Dave and I went to the same Jazz Camp as teens. We didn’t run into each other again until a few years ago, when we collaborated on a workshop in Spain. It was nice to reconnect & I had a great time. 📸: G. Khamatov

GARY BARTZ: Today is the birthday of great jazz musician Gary Bartz. He’s turning 85! Here we are together in 2014. I’m so happy to see that Gary has been receiving the acclaim in recent years that he has so long deserved. Happy Birthday, Gary Bartz!

OAKTON COLLEGE GUITAR FESTIVAL: Next week, I’ll have the pleasure of visiting the Oakton College Guitar Festival. On October 3rd, I’ll be a featured guest at the night’s main concert; on the 4th, I’ll be hosting a free workshop during the day. Tickets & more info via my Link in Bio 📸: A.Arfanis

BILL PIERCE: Today I’d like to wish a very happy birthday to saxophonist Bill Pierce. I first got to know Bill during my student years at Berklee College of Music, when he was one of my professors. These days, I’m glad we still cross paths often, especially at the Cambridge Jazz Fest. HBD Bill!

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: FOUR ON SIX by the Chicago Jazz Orchestra Feat. Bobby Broom. As we head into awards season this year, I humbly ask that you take “Four on Six” into consideration. Visit the CJO’s FYC page here (or via my Link in Bio) to learn more about the project. www.cjomusic.org/fyc

JAZZ SHOWCASE: Next week, I’ll be at the Jazz Showcase to celebrate the release of young drummer Ben Esposito’s debut album, Elation. I enjoyed playing on the album with him, & I look forward to sharing the bandstand with him again at the Showcase. Grab tickets via my Link in Bio.

EARMA THOMPSON: Today would’ve been the birthday of a stellar Chicago pianist, Earma Thompson. Earma was one of the elders on the jazz scene in Chicago when I first moved here. She started hiring me for gigs & really helped me get a foothold on the scene. I'm grateful to her for giving me a chance.

CHICO HAMILTON: Today is the birthday of great jazz drummer Chico Hamilton. He had quite a unique musical vision, combining jazz with a lighter, more “West Coast” feel, as well as some third-stream elements. His music is very interesting to listen to. Happy Birthday, Chico Hamilton!

ERIC GALE: Today would’ve been the birthday of notable guitarist Eric Gale. His sound was so soulful and bluesy, and he somehow made it fit into every style. His iconic sound is heard in the theme song of the show Taxi from back in the day. Happy Birthday, Eric Gale.

NEW SINGLE! Exciting news, everyone: the 1st single from my pal Ben Paterson’s upcoming album (feat. Yours Truly) is out now. Here’s a little clip of us playing the new tune, Yardbird Suite. If you like it, you can find the whole song via my Link in Bio. Looking forward to the full release, Ben!

COLLEGE OF WOOSTER: Today! Join me and my colleague Jeff Lindberg– alongside his student ensembles the Wooster Symphony Orchestra and the College of Wooster Jazz Ensemble– for a Homecoming celebration Wes Montgomery Tribute Concert. Learn more via my Link in Bio, and I’ll see you soon!

COLLEGE OF WOOSTER: Tomorrow, September 19th, I’ll be joining Jeff Lindberg & his student ensembles at the College of Wooster for a Wes Montgomery Tribute Concert. All alumni, family, friends, & jazz lovers are invited to join us, so check out my Link in Bio to learn more!

Lately, I’ve had quite a few folks ask to take lessons from me. I wish I could take everyone, but I don’t always have time. There’s good news, though! I have 3 online masterclass videos on MyMusicMasterclass: Jazz Guitar Concepts 1 & 2, plus a webinar. Find links to the courses via my Link in Bio.

EARL KLUGH: Today is the birthday of another jazz guitar master, Earl Klugh. His self-titled album in '76 catapulted him onto my list of guitar heroes, and I've only had great experiences with him and his music since then. Happy Birthday, Earl Klugh! 📸: ?

STEVE TURRE: Happy Birthday today to Steve Turre, a talented jazz trombonist and fellow music educator. We played together on Charles Fambrough’s live album “Blues at Bradley’s,” which I really enjoyed. Happy Birthday and many more, Steve. Photo by Tom Beetz

WOOSTER COLLEGE: Next week, on Friday, September 19th, I’ll be joining forces with Jeff Lindberg and his student ensembles at the College of Wooster for a special Wes Montgomery Tribute Concert. Check out my Link in Bio to learn more. Meanwhile, here’s a clip of “West Coast Blues."

HIRAM BULLOCK: Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Hiram Bullock, a great jazz guitarist. Though he left us far too soon, his music lives on– he’s on so many recordings and did a lot of network TV, so many people have enjoyed his music without even knowing it. 📸: Vintage Guitar Magazine

ROY AYERS: Today is the birthday of vibraphone great Roy Ayers. I had my first chance to share the stage with Roy Ayers during the Jazz Explosion tour in the early 1980s. We lost touch after my move to Chicago, but I have such fond memories of him. Happy birthday, Roy. 📸: David Redfern

SEKOU BUNCH: Today’s the birthday of Sekou Bunch, one of the best electric bass players ever! Sekou joined me on my debut album, Clean Sweep, back in the 80s. He’s a real inspiration and I still feel that bond we forged way back in the early days of our careers. Happy Birthday!

JAZZ SHOWCASE: Later this month, I’ll be joining a young drummer from the bay area, Ben Esposito, at the Jazz Showcase. We’ll be celebrating the release of his debut album: “Elation.” Grab your tickets now to see us on September 30th via my Link in Bio.

SONNY ROLLINS: Today is the birthday of Sonny Rollins, a legend of the jazz saxophone & a man I’m honored to call my mentor and friend. He’s turning 95 years old today! I’m grateful for all the experiences and lessons I gained from my time with him. Happy birthday, Sonny. 📸: John Abbott

Today’s the birthday of my man Ron Blake, one of my longtime friends and musical collaborators. Here’s us at the Jazz Showcase not long ago, alongside Kobie Watkins and Dennis Carroll. Hopefully some more Bobby Broom/Ron Blake collabs are right around the corner… Happy birthday, Ron! 📸: Jim Funk

JAZZ SPECTRUM: SYNDICATION! I have exciting news about my radio show, Jazz Spectrum: an additional radio station is adding it to their lineup! Not only will it be broadcast on WNIJ, it’s also being picked up by WIUM, taking it from local to statewide. Find where to tune in via my Link in Bio

LONNIE PLAXICO: Today’s the birthday of jazz bassist Lonnie Plaxico. We made some really great memories playing together in the early days of our careers gigging around NYC. Happy Birthday, Lonnie, and all the best. 📸: ?

PETER BERNSTEIN: Today is the birthday of one of my favorite jazz guitarists ever, Peter Bernstein. I’m sure I’m not the only one with that opinion. Peter and I have been playing together for years, and it’s been a joy to develop a friendship with him. HBD Pete! Looking forward to our next gig.

HORACE SILVER: Today is the birthday of one of the greatest composers in the history of jazz, Horace Silver. I play his songs all the time. Here's a recent one: “Quicksilver." I hope you enjoy giving it a listen while we celebrate him today: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ogg... 📸: Dimitri Savitski

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon jamming in the WDCB Jazz Lounge w/ Ben Paterson & Greg Artry at the Chicago Jazz Fest. Tonight, I’ll be laying down the tunes at Andy’s Jazz Club w/ Greg Artry & Dennis Carroll. If you’re in the mood for great live music, I’ll see you tonight. Tickets: Link in Bio.

CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL: TODAY! I’ll be taking part in this year’s Chicago Jazz Festival with the Ben Paterson Trio, performing at the WDCB Jazz Lounge in Millennium Park. Join us at 2:15 PM for a free set as part of the festival fun. See you there! 📸: Leiko Napoli

CHICAGO JAZZ FEST: Tomorrow! I’ll be joining in on the fun at the @ChiJazzFest as part of the @BenPatersonJazz Trio, hosted by the @WDCBPublicRadio Jazz Lounge in Millennium Park. Learn more via my Link in Bio, and we’ll see you there for some free festival fun. Photo by Mark Sheldon

PHAREZ WHITTED: Today is the birthday of a great jazz trumpeter and my brother in arms, Pharez Whitted! He and I have played together, recorded together, & taught together for years. We’ve been true supporters of one another & I love him like a brother. Happy birthday, Pharez! Keep on keeping on.

CHARLES FAMBROUGH: August 25th is the birthday of bassist Charles Fambrough. He and I played together many times, including on his live album, Blues at Bradley's. I wrote a tune in his honor: “Fambrocious."On his birthday, I invite you to give it a listen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF_J...

PAT MARTINO: Today we celebrate the birthday of Pat Martino, a musician in the top tier of my list of guitar inspirations. I was lucky enough to take a few lessons with him as a kid; here's us when we reunited at the Jazz Showcase decades later. Happy birthday, Mr. Martino… You are missed.

ANDY’S JAZZ CLUB: Come hang out tonight for another Late Night session at Andy’s Jazz Club with my trio– me, Dennis Carroll on bass, and Greg Artry on drums. We had a great time last week, and tonight, we’ve got some excellent music in store. Grab your tickets via my Link in Bio. 📸: Jim Funk

Live jazz in Chicago! I’ve got plenty of gigs coming up in the next couple of weeks. You can find me at Andy’s, Le Piano, & the WDCB Jazz Lounge at the Chicago Jazz Festival, all before the month is out. Find tickets + more info via my Link in Bio. 📸: If you know who took this photo, please lmk.

It’s Thursday, and you know what that means… Another great “organ night” at Le Piano Chicago! Catch me there w/ my pals Ben Paterson & Greg Artry as Ben's Organ Trio. If you like what you hear in this clip, come hear more of it tonight! Tickets via my Link in Bio.

WOOSTER COLLEGE: On September 19th, I’ll be paying a visit to the College of Wooster w/ Jeff Lindberg, director of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra & Wooster professor, for a #WesMontgomery tribute concert. Find more info via my Link in Bio. Meanwhile, here's a clip of me & the CJO playing Dreamsville.

ANDY’S JAZZ CLUB: Last week, I tore it up at Andy's Jazz Club w/my Bobby Broom Trio. I’ve been itching to get back on stage with my trio, & last week really scratched that itch– but not enough! We’ll be back at Andy’s this month on the 24th & the 31st. Tickets via my Link in Bio! 🎥: Mark Hearndon

Here’s a cool #flashback sent by a friend recently: a flyer from Blue Note New York when I was performing with Kenny Burrell’s Jazz Guitar Band! This must’ve been sometime in the late 1980s… Playing with Kenny was such a privilege as a young musician.

MULGREW MILLER: I’m thinking of the great Mulgrew Miller today, on what would have been his 70th birthday. In 2011, I had the honor of joining Mulgrew and Maestro Ron Carter @roncarterjazz.com on tour in Europe. Happy birthday, Mulgrew Miller. I’m so glad we got to share the stage.

Had a great time at Andy's this weekend with Greg Artry and Dennis Carroll for our Late Night Series set. We'll be back on August 24th and 31st, so don't miss us! Tickets via my Link in Bio.

PAT METHENY: Today I’m wishing a happy birthday to guitarist extraordinaire, Pat Metheny. He’s one of the most influential guitarists of our generation, and I’ve enjoyed his work for sure. Happy birthday, Pat, and many more. 📸: Photo by Andrea Colombara Neroebianco