DeKalb welcomes the J. Davis Trio to Otto’s Niteclub, 118 E. Lincoln Highway, Saturday and also to The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, Saturday, Oct. 8.

The J. Davis Trio, with lead singer Stuart, combine hip-hop with classic jazz to make a sound that has been dubbed “music for the rest of us.”

The Trio has been in DeKalb on numerous occasions and has become a regular attraction.

“They’ve got a pretty good following,” said Jeremy Eisenberg, general manager of Otto’s. “We try to get them out here every semester and it’s always a lot of fun.”

Although the group goes by the name the J. Davis Trio, the group plays as a quintet and on occasion, with even more group members. The main group members consist of Flav-R-Ice on bass and clarinet, Ron of Japan on trumpet, the Professa on drums, and Stuart on lead vocals.

“We’ve added members over the years, but we’ve stuck with the same name,” Stuart said. “Each member brings something different to the table and we can’t really be compared to any other group.”

Stuart, who said he’s been most inspired by his father, takes a great deal of satisfaction in being able to play for listeners of all ages.

In 1999, the group released its debut album “Yo, Yo,” and a follow-up album in 2002 entitled “The New No. 2.” The J. Davis Trio is based locally and does most of its touring around the Chicagoland area. The group is putting the final touches on its third album, “Crucible,” which will be available late 2005 or early 2006.

“This is the first time the J. Davis Trio will be performing at the House,” said John Ugolini, who handles the musical bookings for The House Café. “They’re an innovative, hip-hop group and it’s going to be a great show.”

The J. Davis Trio has worked hard to create a sound that is unique.

“Music – it’s about expressing yourself and we make music so we like it,” said Stuart. “And while we’re on stage, you can expect us to give it our all.”