What is “Sitting-In”? Sitting in is not the same as a “jam session”. A musician’s definition of “sitting in” is to participate in a working group, as a guest, usually to play a couple of songs. This usually occurs at the invitation of someone in the band. This is how Jazz Musicians typically audition and […]

Jazz piano phenomenon Hiromi has seamlessly shifted from one spellbinding project to the next in her two decade-plus recording career. In the process, she’s earned a reputation as one of the most explosive live performers in jazz history. Furthermore, she has become a global ambassador for the art form. Her many triumphs include an NPR Tiny […]

Jazz piano phenomenon Hiromi has seamlessly shifted from one spellbinding project to the next in her two decade-plus recording career. In the process, she’s earned a reputation as one of the most explosive live performers in jazz history. Furthermore, she has become a global ambassador for the art form. Her many triumphs include an NPR Tiny […]

Tim Sparks has been redefining the acoustic guitar repertoire since he won the National Fingerpicking Championship in 1993 with a ground-breaking arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Equally at home with country, blues, jazz or World music, Sparks’s extraordinary ability has earned him an international reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists working today.

The Two Sundays Big Band is a group of young musicians from around the twin cities area. The group enjoys playing a variety of styles from beloved classics to original arrangements. Formed in 2015, Two Sundays was initially a jazz combo headed by two sets of brothers (Conor Stoebner, Parker Stoebner, Austin Wu, and Eric […]

The Cherry Pit presents an open jam for musicians and music lovers in the Twin Cities. It’s a social hub for Twin Cities creatives, a training ground to refine musicianship, and a vehicle for high-vibrational improvisation. This is not a free-form basement jam or strictly a jazz jam. Our goal is to find an equilibrium […]

An Evening of Sarah Vaughan Songs Bringing her love of Sarah back to the stage, Aja embodies the spirit of Sarah, Sassy and Divine all in one night! The Divine one. Ms. Sassy Sarah Vaughan. One of the defining voices of Jazz, Sarah Vaughan performed for almost 50 years, winning awards and accolades and working […]

Southside Aces are celebrating twenty years of performing the repertoire of the Jazz Age greats and beyond. From the early New Orleans of Jelly Roll Morton to the world-changing joys of Louis Armstrong. The barrel house sounds of Preservation Hall to the Crescent City rhythms of rock and roll pioneer Fats Domino. Treat yourself to […]

An album release event for saxophonist-composer Nelson Devereuax's new disc "three lights in the dark". Headtriiip will open.

Guitarist Kenny Reichert, pianist Bryan Nichols, and bassist Graydon Peterson will play two sets of dinner jazz. Recognized by DownBeat magazine as "a distinctive player and composer," Kenny Reichert has established himself as a compelling guitarist with an expressive, refined approach to his instrument. Blending lyricism with harmonic sophistication, he crafts music that is both adventurous […]

Hot Club Jazz Music is medicine, and Connie Evingson’ s "Jazz Rx for Body & Soul” aims to deliver a healthy dose. For this installment, Connie welcomes longtime collaborators Patty & the Buttons for a night of hot club swing that’ll lift your spirit and soothe your soul. Sounds like what the Dr. ordered! Connie […]

Drummer Kevin Washington and his septet RA Spirit

One of the Twin Cities’ most versatile musicians, drummer Kevin Washington makes jazz for the future. He often incorporates other genres, from Afro-Latin music to hip-hop and R&B beats. The son of saxophonist Donald Washington and singer Faye Washington, Kevin grew up in Detroit immersed in learning music and listening to the jazz greats who […]

An evening of music with Nils Westdal featuring Kavyesh Kaviraj.

Framework—the jazz trio composed of drummer Jay Epstein, guitarist Chris Olson, and bassist Chris Bates—will perform two hour-long sets. Chris Bates is an accomplished bassist recognized for his remarkable contributions to the world of jazz. Bates is a key member of the Atlantis Quartet, where his dynamic and inventive bass lines contribute to the ensemble's […]

A Fantastic Steely Dan Tribute! With dynamic lead vocalists driving every performance, richly layered harmonies, and a tight 4-piece horn section, Steeling Dan meticulously recreates the intricate jazz-rock fusion and sophisticated arrangements that defined the original band’s legacy. John Heinen: Lead Vocals Dave Larsen: Lead Vocals Stephanie Devine: Background and Lead Vocals Shelly Domke: Background […]

Saxophonist-composer Alex Hahn and his Reflections Tour

Alex Hahn’s Reflections Tour will spotlight music from his seven released albums as a bandleader. He’ll perform his favorite original compositions—at least one from every album—and update older originals with new twists and turns. Backing him is a fantastic Twin Cities–based band! Band Members: Alex Hahn - Saxophone Dan Carpel - Bass Pete James Johnson […]

Creative sounds and improvisations featuring the music of Renee Rosnes, Bennie Maupin, Paul Motian, and Carla Bley, among others.   Featuring: Mary Petrich - saxophones Tyler Lustek - piano Max Johnk - bass Adam Nussbaum - drums

An Evening of Expressive, Groovy Jazz Minneapolis-based jazz pianist and composer, Mary Louise Knutson has been called "one of the most exciting artists to happen to jazz piano in quite some time." Her warm, inviting tone, broad range of emotional expression, and distinctive compositions have brought her much recognition on the national music scene. If […]

A member of the Midwest music scene for many years, Ginger Commodore is a regular visitor to the Dakota stage. Classically trained, gospel-influenced, and jazz-inspired, Ginger’s musical foundation is a true amalgam of musical styles presented with her unique delivery.

For the first night of his Berlin residency, Bryan Nichols presents two very different trios: each a mix of longtime associates of Bryan's and newer faces to the Twin Cities improvised music community. Expect deconstructed songs, constructed improvisations, and much more. Set 1: Bryan Nichols - Piano Christopher Rochester - Saxophones Jay Epstein - Drums […]