Augie Haas + 8 is the brainchild of trumpeter, composer, and entertainer Augie Haas — a Milwaukee native turned New York City staple who brings equal parts virtuosity and charisma to the stage. Known for his bright, fearless tone and a wry sense of humor that keeps audiences grinning between solos, Augie has carved out a place in the city’s jazz landscape as both a world-class musician and a natural frontman. His writing blends tradition and modern swagger, always aiming to make the music feel big, bold, and joyful.

The nonet — affectionately branded “Augie Haas + 8” — is built on Augie’s love for the large-ensemble sound: rich brass harmonies, sculpted horn lines, and the thrill of nine musicians firing at once. The band pairs top-tier improvisers with razor-sharp arrangements that still leave room for spontaneity. When Augie isn’t soaring over the ensemble with his unmistakable trumpet voice, he’s connecting with the crowd, cracking a joke, or coaxing the band into a musical dare that pays off in real time.

From Broadway pits and international tours to headlining nights in The Speakeasy on the Upper West Side, Augie’s resume spans iconic stages and eclectic collaborations. But it’s with Augie Haas + 8 that he taps into the full scale of his creative personality — the showmanship, the swing, the punch-you-in-the-chest horn power, and the genuine warmth that makes every concert feel like a celebration. This is jazz that doesn’t hold back — bold, cinematic, and unmistakably Augie.

Catch the band every month in The Speakeasy on the UWS.