photo credit: Kota the Friend by Minh Nguyen
In an exciting blend of modern hip-hop and NYC’s celebrated jazz legacy, Brooklyn native Kota the Friend will grace the Blue Note Jazz Club stage for two nights on December 2 and 3, delivering fans a close-knit live-band set in one of the city’s iconic venues. Secure your tickets now through Ticketweb.
These shows follow Kota’s well-received 20-city No Rap on Sunday tour, a stretch that solidified his place among today’s most reliable and steadfast independent musicians. He now returns to New York City to showcase a crucial part of his musical identity: his strong background in music theory and jazz training.
A Contemporary Artist at an Iconic Venue
Spanning over forty years, The Blue Note has made its name as a worldwide hub for live performances, playing host to artists such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sarah Vaughan, Ron Carter, and Stevie Wonder. They also regularly spotlight new talent in jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk, and R&B. Performing here is more than just a highlight for Kota — it’s a tribute to the musicianship that inspired him long before his independent rise.
“The Blue Note has hosted some of the greatest musicians ever, so stepping onto that stage is an honor,” Kota said. “I’ve always respected the musicians who came before me, the ones who made the music that shaped my sound. To share my art in a space built on that legacy means everything.”
Kota’s Musical Roots Take Center Stage
Prior to making waves with Foto and Lyrics to Go, Kota studied trumpet and was grounded in classical and jazz instruction. That foundation is present throughout his discography — in lush arrangements, nuanced chord shifts, and a melodic approach evident in his verses.
His forthcoming Blue Note set promises to showcase these elements. Attendees can look forward to new interpretations of tracks like “Colorado” and “Good Friday” accompanied by live instrumentation. The club’s cozy acoustics create the perfect setting for Kota’s dual talents — as both a lyricist and a musician — to shine unfiltered.
An Ongoing Dedication to Artistic Freedom
Kota’s journey has unfolded largely beyond the boundaries of the mainstream music business. As the founder of FLTBYS (Flight Boys), he’s retained control over his music, narrative, and the supportive community around him. His recent No Rap on Sunday tour was another testament to the strength of that community, attracting North American fans with a raw and sincere live experience.
Ending the year with a Blue Note show — a stage that’s seen the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Erykah Badu — is both a homecoming and a statement about the artist Kota wants to continue to be.
Event Details
Kota the Friend Live with Band
Dates: December 2–3, 2025
Location: The Blue Note Jazz Club, New York City
Tickets: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/kota-the-friend-with-live-blue-note-jazz-club-tickets/14663733
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