The Jeff Lofton Trio includes bassist Chris Jones and drummer Ernie Durawa. Jones is a graduate of the New School of Manhattan who moved to Austin after eight years abroad in Japan. Durawa is a Grammy-winning drummer and also a member of the Texas Tornadoes. Voted “Best Jazz Band” at the ’10-’11 Austin Music Awards at SXSW, Lofton also just made his big screen debut performing original music in the world premiere of the drama “A Swingin’ Trio” at the Austin Film Festival.

Guests at Ruth’s Chris Steak House enjoy the classic ambiance of world-class jazz with their dinner conversations, celebrations or meetings and often stop in the lounge after dinner for a few more songs. The softly lit, warm, wood-paneled lounge with overstuffed chairs provides an intimate listening room. The Lounge is also perfect for networking and socializing with appetizers and drinks, along with great people-watching through the full-glass wall overlooking Sixth Street as it meets Congress Avenue.

Known for supporting the community, Ruth’s Chris Steak House frequently hosts Celebrity Bartender Night, where local or visiting celebrities serve drinks to raise funds and awareness for nonprofits and charity events. Recent Celebrity Bartenders included Nakia, who appeared on the NBC show “The Voice,” Dana Wheeler-Nicholson from Friday Night Lights, Guy Forsythe, Turk Pipkin and Ed Clements.  

Happy Hour specials are offered Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. To 7:00 p.m., and include half-priced appetizers, $5.00 specialty martinis, select $5 red and white wine by the glass and $2.50 select domestic beers. Famous for USDA Prime steaks served sizzling, Ruth’s Chris Steak House offers 26 years of experience hosting holiday parties and important group dinners in one of their six private dining rooms.  Gift cards are always available for personal and business holiday rewards.

Since arriving from South Carolina in 2007, Lofton helped raise the profile of jazz in Austin. The Austin American-Statesman featured him as a rising music star in their 2010 Out and About 500: Music list, noting his “jumpstart” to the local jazz scene with “ubiquitous presence and articulate advocacy.” The City of Austin declared January 15, 2009 “Jeff Lofton Day” in Austin, and he was inducted into the Texas Music Museum in 2010. His straight-ahead, bebop album “Jazz to the People,” made the 2009 top albums lists for the Austin Chronicle and KUT.

NPR-affiliate KUT 90.5 FM says of Lofton, “Comparisons are frequently made to Miles Davis – and rightfully so. Lofton’s take on standards frequently astounds, and his originals are equally delicious.” Jeff Lofton’s 1950s Miles Davis Tribute drew a large crowd to One World Theatre in 2010 and then debuted in New York at the Iridium Jazz Club. In February 2012 Lofton takes the tribute to the Carver Museum in San Antonio for KRTU’s Year of Jazz series.

Called “one of Austin’s most innovative creators “ (Gabino Iglesias, AustinPost) Lofton is known for delving into musical challenges. At the Cactus Cafe he’s presented a tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim and a night of Cole Porter.

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