Minneapolis-based drummer/producer JT Bates is preparing for a show on Monday, August 14 with Todd Clouser (guitar) and John Medeski (keys). Bates connected with The Afternoon Cruise to talk about what it’s like to play with such heavyweights and what they plan to bring to the Icehouse stage. Listen here: This interview originally aired on...Read More

Versatile pianist Ted Godbout is a consummate sideman, supplying the needed support on keys for many of the greats in the Twin Cities and beyond; but on Wednesday, August 9, Godbout will be stepping out as leader to bring his musical vision to the Capri Theater plaza as part of the JazzAccess Series. Check out...Read More

Adam Meckler isn’t just a trumpet player. He’s a writer, an arranger, a curator, a podcaster, an educator, and more. He came down from Michigan’s upper peninsula to get his Twin Cities-based orchestra back together for a show at Crooners on Friday (Aug. 4). In the conversation, Meckler and Jazz88’s Sean McPherson discuss Meckler’s approach...Read More

Jason Fabus is a Minnesota-educated jazz musician making his way out in Los Angeles. He’s swinging back through town to visit friends and play a couple of shows. He’ll be at Crooners this Friday night (Aug. 4) with Graydon Peterson (bass) and Phil Hey (drums) supporting. Fabus is a bit of an odd bird in...Read More

Twin Cities-based cellist Greg Byers stopped by The Afternoon Cruise to chat about his new album, Dear Zbigniew, how his visit to Poland in 2018 for the Seifert International Jazz Violin Competition changed his life, and where he believes the world of bowed jazz players is heading. Check out a conversation between Greg Byers and...Read More

Composer/pianist/music director/vocalist Billy Stritch connected with Jazz88 ahead of his upcoming Crooners show, “A Musical Night Out with Billy Stritch.” In the interview, Billy talks about what he’s learned from working with greats like Liza Minnelli, Linda Eder, and others. He also shared a memory of playing with the late, great Tony Bennett in Stritch’s...Read More

Brian Ziemniak of the BZ3 Organ Trio rolled through The Afternoon Cruise to talk about their upcoming show at Crooners, and he brought along Julius Collins, one of the special guests joining the group on stage. Check out the full conversation here: This interview originally aired on The Afternoon Cruise on 7/21/23 This podcast was...Read More

Bruce Henry dates his music career back to the first time he got paid to make music in a nightclub, almost fifty years ago. He’ll be celebrating his breathtaking career at the Dakota on Saturday night. Check out a conversation between Bruce Henry and Jazz88’s Sean McPherson here: This interview originally aired on The Afternoon...Read More

Vibraphonist/composer Cecilia Smith connected with Jazz88 to discuss her latest album, The Mary Lou Williams Resurgence Project Vol. 1. Smith has been on a campaign since the late ’90s to shine a light on Mary Lou Williams’ contributions to the culture of jazz, and music in general. Listen for insight on how Smith goes about...Read More

Minneapolis Community Education is presenting its annual summer production, a musical adaptation of the film, Bring It On, playing at Southwest High School now through July 22. Jazz88 summer interns RJ, Lorelei, and Cristian spoke with actor Ari Sanford and Student Engagement Coordinator JoEllyn Jolstad about the cast, and how the show was put together....Read More