At the age of 24, Dale Alexander had a rich and varied musical background than many musicians achieve in a lifetime. Studying with prominent musicians such as Marvin Dahlgren and Dr. Reginald Buckner of the University School of Music served to enhance Dale’s unlimited natural musical talent. He was recognized by the University of Wisconsin […]

A funky instrumental trio consisting of three of the Twin Cities’ most seasoned musicians (we’re talking fresh herbs—none of the stale, dried-out store-bought stuff), Trench Size Trio have been developing […]

Chroma is an electric-based jazz fusion trio that features saxophonist Jonah Walt, keyboard/synth bassist Zach Luginbill and drummer Fletcher Myhre. The group’s sound is inspired by saxophonist Chris Potter’s “Circuits” trio and the duo DOMi and JD Beck.

Red Thread and Ponyfolk are two Minnesota-based ensembles devoted to building community around Midwestern European roots music. The two bands team up to present an “alternative” holiday celebration, sharing new and old songs of winter, luck, and family from Scandinavian, Yiddish/Klezmer, Slavic, English, and Irish roots.

Nolan Mancl-Saxon is an in-demand composer and percussionist based in Minneapolis. Their upcoming album, Music of a Moment, fuses elements of jazz, funk and R’n’B to create a unique conception of improvised music.

“Hot Club” Swing Jazz in the Roma Style A Twin Cities-based swing Jazz band will perform ‘Hot Club’ holiday favorites in the gypsy jazz style. The Quartet performs a timeless jazz tradition commonly known as jazz manouche, a blend of traditional Roma music and swing jazz. The ‘Hot Club’ jazz tradition brings back happy memories […]

Henry Scamurra’s Urban Forum is a group of young musicians pushing their sound to the next level at every turn. Their fiery modern sound is rooted in jazz but actively mingles with other genres and sounds. Band Members: Henry Scamurra - Alto Saxophone Isaiah Petrie - Vibraphone Jaylen Ward - Drums Spencer Reeve - Acoustic […]

DJ Tarik Thornton, the South Minneapolis–based host of the cult-favorite “Quiet Village” radio show, brings his signature sound back to Berlin. Tarik digs deep into funk, soul, and rare grooves to create timeless sets. Tarik Thornton is a New Orleans native who resides in South Minneapolis. He is known as a crate-digging connoisseur and radio […]

This program is a weekend of putting on a big band jazz show, with a rehearsal on Saturday and a show on the Sunday afternoon.

Two sets of original Soul & Soul-Jazz - also some standards and a few seasonal hits. With: Tarek Abdelqader, Dan Carpel, and Blair Krivanek

A High Energy Swing and Jazz Holiday Show! Get ready for an evening filled with music, laughter, heartwarming stories, and nostalgia, from The Nutcracker Suite to newly arranged holiday favorites. Kyle Tennis: Guitar, Vocals David Strong: Saxophone, Flute, Vocals Gus Lindquist: Trumpet, Vocals Alan Lecher: Trombone, Vocals Greig Tennis: Upright Bass Tyler Anderson: Drums For the last fifteen years Riverside Swing Band has […]

Holiday Soul, Rhythm, Blues, Gospel and Jazz! Soulful sounds of the holidays we all love! Join us for the rich sound of this world class baritone as he brings you back to the soul of the holiday with friends and especially family, with hints of Gospel Jazz and just plain old fun, don’t miss this […]

Live at the Minnesota Music Cafe No Cover

Channy Leaneagh (Poliça, Roma di Luna) has curated an auspicious night with Gold Minefield. This will be the first time that Roma di Luna players Channy, JG Everest, Ben Durrant, and Ryan Lovan will have shared a stage since 2018. Channy will start the night with a solo set playing a collection of her own […]

Dinner Show — $185Includes a four-course dinner, show admission, tax, and gratuity. Cocktail Show — $115Includes a $20 food/drink voucher, a champagne toast at midnight, tax, and gratuity. Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene. Their high-energy live shows feature level-A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. […]

At the age of 24, Dale Alexander had a rich and varied musical background than many musicians achieve in a lifetime. Studying with prominent musicians such as Marvin Dahlgren and […]

For over two decades, Southside Aces have been playing the repertoire of the Jazz Age greats and beyond. Here, they play the early New Orleans of Jelly Roll Morton and the Chicago […]

Drummer Matt Wilson brings his delightful Christmas Tree-O to Berlin. Their annual sold-out engagements at the Jazz Standard (now held at Dizzy’s) have become a New York City holiday tradition. The band has featured a range of music legends as guests, including Bill Frisell, Jason Moran, Joe Lovano, Kurt Elling, Aaron Diehl, Christian McBride, Marshall […]

To appreciate the cool vibe jazz saxophonist Brandon Wozniak brings to a set, it pays to watch him stride to the bandstand. With a tall and imposing presence, Wozniak evokes the image of the great horn players in whose steps he follows. Among them would certainly be Dexter Gordon, the silky smooth master whose photo […]

Holiday Blues Show Cornbread & Friends --- Thursday December 18 The Hook and Ladder Theater Doors 6:30pm :: Music 7:30pm :: 21+ RESERVED SEAT: $27 Box Office / $30.21 Online SRO: $22 Box-Office / $25.05 Online / $27 Door ---- BOX-OFFICE Tickets Are Available in The Zen Arcade During Hours of Operation. For More Information visit www.ZenArcadeTHC.com […]

December is a joyous holiday season for all. Though the best music so far has been Christmas music... NOT ANYMORE!! This show will celebrate Hanukkah music! Growing up black and Jewish, Adam Bohanan always found himself torn between two worlds. Loving his roots in both cultures, he decided to bring them together with a Hanukkah […]

Seriously, these guys are pilots for A Major Airline during the day, and at night they turn into superstar musicians. Slow down the holiday rush and join us for a night of Hard Bop, Latin Jazz, Soulful Ballads, and Standards. Come explore some of the stories behind the music we play. It will give you […]

Hipshaker MPLS Heavy Funk & Rare Soul Dance Party Original Vinyl 45s! DJs Brian Engel, Greg Waletski, George Rodriguez --- Friday, December 19 The ZEN ARCADE Doors 8:30pm :: Music 8:30pm :: 21+ GA: $12 Box-Office / $14.23 Online / $17 Door --- BOX-OFFICE Tickets Are Available in The Zen Arcade During Hours of Operation. […]

Classic Holiday Swing CD release of the album “When Winter Comes”, filled with classic and lesser-known seasonal and holiday songs. Featuring songwriters from Irving Berlin to Mel Tormé to Vince Guaraldi. Hear songs such as “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride”. Maud Hixson: Vocals Rick Carlson: Piano Hailed as “gently virtuosic” (All […]

Straight out of the Way Back machine – Shaw, Bates, & Bates. One night only!

“Festive Beats of Afrika” is a 120-minute live concert at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis that celebrates Africa’s vibrant rhythms, unity, and cultural brilliance through music, dance, and storytelling. The show features Carolyne Naomi performing Afrobeat and Holiday fusion songs, Diatoti delivering energetic Congolese music, and Afrocontigbo, a dynamic dance team blending traditional and […]

Classic Holiday Pop, Jazz and Blues Embrace the holiday spirit with a beautiful, fun and intimate concert filled with the nostalgic sounds and memories of some of your favorite holiday/Christmas […]

On the cusp of his 30th birthday, pianist/composer Kavyesh Kaviraj will extend the table by inviting several of his musical compadres to sit in. Celebrate alongside some of the Twin Cities’ finest musicians—special guests galore. Drummer Ben Ehrlich and bassist Graydon Peterson will round out Kavy’s trio. ⊹ Kavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories […]

True Joyous, Festive Holiday Cabaret All the fun of the holidays season presented with humor and joy. Untraditional songs that will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. Join Me with Lori Dokken on Piano, Nate Babbs on drums and Ben Kelly on bass. My special guests Gregg Peterson, Jen Maren and Dane Stauffer will also being lending holiday cheer. Doug Anderson has […]

Join trumpeter Ella Grace and her band of musicians with ties to the Minnesota jazz scene for an evening of Ella’s original arrangements of classic holiday tunes! Backed by Tyler Lustek on piano, Adam Tucker on bass, and Jack Schabert on drums, Ella will help you get in the holiday spirit with all of your […]

A Wonderful Holiday Tradition! Of course it’s the most wonderful time of the year when Santa and the Minnesota Boychoir appear (at Crooners)! Come hear sacred and secular classics along […]

Jazz Piano Trio Including Local Legends Join three iconic Minnesota jazz performers as they share some of their favorite hard-swinging jazz standards, American Songbook hits, and a holiday classic or two. Will Kjeer: Piano Kenny Horst: Drums Billy Peterson: Bass No more legendary a rhythm section exists in the midwest than that of Kenny Horst and […]

NxtGn star Will Aldrich returns to Fingal’s Cave for the umpteenth time. Honestly, we love this kid, and he puts on a great show.