Soul Trombonist Herm Hopkins - Frosty the Soulman

Herm Hopkins returns to Blues Alley as Frosty the Soulman for a holiday performance combining soulful melodies, bebop, and Christmas-season music. This year’s playful concept introduces a “Blues-nosed Reindeer,” promising a sweet but unconventional mix of soul and bebop for the holidays.

A Washington, D.C.–based trombonist, Hopkins has more than 15 years of experience studying and performing with renowned musicians, including saxophonist Arnold Sterling. His career includes touring, composing, arranging, a collaboration with Roy Hargrove at the 2013 Seoul Jazz Festival, and 12 years as a trombonist and arranger with The United States Army Band. He has also worked with Lou Donaldson, Steve Novasel, Wycliffe Gordon, and Steve Turre, and regularly performs at Blues Alley with his quartet and Big Soul Band.

When: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Showtimes: 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. The page specifically lists the 7:00 PM performance; venue information states that doors open at 6:00 PM and 8:45 PM, respectively, for the two Monday-through-Saturday shows.

Tickets: $30, plus a $7 fee

Lineup: Herm Hopkins, trombonist, bandleader, composer, and arranger. The page does not identify the accompanying musicians for this performance.

Music: Holiday soul, bebop, Christmas-themed music, and arrangements featuring Hopkins’s soulful trombone style.

Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007

Food and beverage minimum: Each guest must purchase at least $15 in food or beverages; this minimum is not included in the ticket price.

Seating: Seating is first come, first served at the door.

Ticket policy: Tickets are final sale, nonrefundable, and nontransferable.

Recording policy: Photography and recording of any kind are prohibited during the performance.

Audience etiquette: Guests are asked to keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.