For the second time in less than a month, Otto’s Niteclub, 118 E. Lincoln Highway, featured the fluid jazz and hip-hop blend of the J. Davis Trio (JDT).

Armed with the same suave demeanor, the act returned with special guest Lunchbox Law and a headlining spot.

Milwaukee’s Upside Groove Coalition (UGC) kicked off Friday’s show shortly after 10 p.m. Throughout their 21 songs, the quintet combined elements of saxophone-driven funk, lounge and blues.

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UGC performed contrived, original sing-alongs, while butchering songs by the Rolling Stones, Santana and the Doors. Singer Richie Howell spent more time parading around the stage and dancing like a drunk at a wedding than singing on key.

The performance sunk the lowest when saxophone player Matt Ostlund begged for “all the lovers to shake their sweet ol’ booties on the dance floor,” and then demonstrated what he meant.

A saving grace in the form of the J. Davis Trio took the stage promptly at midnight.

The Otto’s faithful were privy to about 20 songs of intelligent and introspective hip-hop.

Covertly referencing artists like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Big Bopper and Pink Floyd, the JDT provided those in attendance with a history lesson.

Chicago rapper and human beatbox Lunchbox Law joined the stage on his birthday for a handful of songs, including “A Disgrace to Leopards.”

The JDT, claiming to be “rap music for the rest of us,” performed tracks from its debut album titled “Yo Yo 1,” and their recent follow-up “New No. 2.”

Oozing fluidity, the JDT seemed unphased when an overzealous fan jumped on stage and grabbed a microphone to join in the action. After security removed the offender, front man Stuart joked that “This sort of thing never happens to guitarists.”

In honor of Homecoming weekend, the JDT performed “Reunion Song,” a 30-second tribute to the questions asked at reunions. The evening then closed with “The Breath of a Tiny Dragon.”

The Baldwin Brothers, also scheduled to perform, were removed due to a death in a band member’s family.