Lunch Break: Back at the Jazz Cave

Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 7:00 PM

Nashville Jazz Workshop

Lunch Break returns to the Jazz Cave for a night of high-energy originals and fresh arrangements. Named for the fun, easygoing spirit they bring to the bandstand, this quintet of rising Nashville musicians mixes unreleased original tunes with jazz classics and a few surprise covers you'll recognize right away. Expect to hear bandleader and bassist Spencer Padway's originals "Crabwalk" and "Longing For," alongside plenty of swing, groove, and joyful energy.

About the performers:

Spencer Padway, bass and bandleader. Spencer founded Lunch Break after bringing his California-honed jazz sensibility to Nashville, and he's surrounded himself with some of the city's most exciting players.

Matt Twaddle, piano. A staple of the Nashville jazz scene, Matt has performed with Dennis Chambers, Jeff Coffin, Fareed Haque, and many more. He has released three solo albums of original music and is a founding member of the jazz fusion group Mr. Mayo, whose debut album Food for Thought came out in 2025.

Erik Abernathy, guitar. An award-winning guitarist and bassist, Erik draws on Brazilian music, Hot Club jazz, classical guitar, bebop, rock, folk, and blues. His duo Giselle and Erik recently released their third EP, Over the Horizon, and he teaches and leads ensembles at the Nashville Jazz Workshop.

Christian Montilla, saxophone and clarinet. Christian got his start in jazz bands in Venezuela before bringing his rich, layered sound to Nashville and the Nashville Jazz Workshop.

Jesus Agreda, drums and percussion. A prolific Nashville drummer, percussionist, and producer known for his driving grooves, Jesus has performed with Giovanni Rodriguez and the 12 Manos, Pitch Meeting, and many other groups around town.