Cotter Schools is excited to announce our upcoming Jazz Festival, featuring a headliner concert with Bijon Watson and the Explosion Big Band. Bijon is a 3-time Grammy Award–winning trumpet player and will be backed by some of the best jazz musicians in the Midwest. Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM Location: HBP Theater at […]
For Mali Obomsawin (Odanak First Nation), the language of free jazz and the language of Wabanaki are variations on a shared theme. Together with her sextet, their composer/bassist weaves the prosody of one into the syntax of the other. Stories emerge: atonal winds wail over woozy bass lines; voices crescendo over beating hand drums. Melding […]
Civil Disobedience is a project initiated by New York bassist David Ambrosio, showcasing the works of progressive jazz composers from the late 1960s Blue Note era. Featured composers include Bobby Hutcherson, Jackie McLean, Stanley Cowell, Harold Land, Joe Chambers, Duke Pearson, and James Spaulding. Civil Disobedience was conceptualized and convened as an artistic response to […]
Michael Gulezian (gu-LAY-ze-in) is one of the most highly acclaimed solo acoustic instrumental guitarists of our time. He’s a phenomenal technical guitarist with the rare ability to transcend his own virtuosity, creating music that touches and moves people at the deepest level – boundary-free, mind-opening, emotionally imbued, horizon-expanding, spiritually inspired, conformity-crushing, fearless, genre-bending, transcendent, soulful, […]
. Storydance Theatre presents a story play dealing with the effects of hate and finding justice. A workshop on dealing with trauma after facing hate will also be offered as part of the Finding Elijah project. In Jewish folklore the biblical prophet Elijah wanders the earth to provide justice, compassion, and healing in times of […]
Pat Metheny was born in Lee’s Summit, MO on August 12, 1954 into a musical family. He started on trumpet at the age of eight, then switched to guitar at age twelve. By fifteen, he worked regularly with the best jazz musicians in Kansas City, receiving valuable on-the-bandstand experience. Then, Metheny burst onto the international jazz scene in […]
32nd Street Jazz returns to Fingal’s Cave with a special performance featuring vocalists Becky Sun & Anne Lippin.
Backed by a four-piece band, CusCampbell delivers a dynamic, high-energy concert known for its polished musicality, relatability, and powerful crowd engagement – often moving through the audience to create an intimate, unforgettable experience. CusCampbell: Trombone CusCampbell’s highlights include two 30-city national tours with Demola the Violinist, a televised performance for Mayor Michelle Wu, a virtual […]
The Incomparable Music of Randy Newman: presenting songs of humor and biting satire Performed by Old Men Do Newman featuring Mark Bloom, Mike Cramer, Owen Grossman, Mike Kraemer, and Bruce Thornton
Yasmin Williams is one of the most innovative voices in guitar playing today, crafting rich instrumental compositions that sway from traditional folk to atmospheric soundscapes, experimenting with rich tapestries of sound. Her performance at The Cedar this Spring is sure to be a highlight of our 2026 calendar. Yasmin Williams is an innovative guitarist and […]
Steve Haskin Ensemble Steve Haskin is one of the founders of the Minnesota guitar society. He created the newsletter and the Guitarathons. He will be performing originals and jazz standards with harmonica wizard Clint Hoover who has recently returned from many years living in Pittsburgh. The ensemble also includes Michael Ziegahn, singer and percussionist Terry […]
Described as a cross between Tina Turner and Miriam Makeba, Nomfusi is a South African singer poised for greatness. The soul of Mama Afrika meets the fire of Motown and Soul… in a pint-sized packet of dynamite. After a mere six years in the industry, and with over twenty international tours under her belt, Nomfusi […]
Over the course of a music career that is approaching its 40-year mark, Adi Yeshaya has earned international recognition as an arranger, composer and orchestrator. He has collaborated with renowned artists, including Prince, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne, Doc Severinsen and Burt Bacharach. In addition, he has been arranging music for NBC The Voice. […]
Sarah Clausen (Chicago) and Nelson Devereaux (Minneapolis) will take turns performing solo sets on woodwinds and electronics. ⊹ “With Many Hands is outstanding Its slow-moving, almost ambient songs, built largely from reeds, electronics, and voice, span a kaleidoscopic range of moods and textures.” – Chicago Reader ⊹ Sarah Clausen is a saxophonist, sound artist, and […]
Settle in for a cozy night of music with Minneapolis based vocalist and singer songwriter, Bridget Cushman! With influences such as Sara Bareilles, Lawrence, and Lake Street Dive, Cushman will […]
Big band jazz music and dancing.
Jonah Walt and his exemplary band will debut two sets of Walt’s dynamic jazz fusion compositions, which contain themes of radical hope and political action. Band Members: Jonah Walt - Saxophone David Feily - Guitar Jason Craft - Keys Ryan Butler - Bass Pete Hennig - Drums ✧ Jonah Walt is a rising saxophonist and […]
Brooklyn-based composer Kelly Moran’s music lives at the intersection of classical, minimalism, jazz, and electronic music. She returns to the Twin Cities following a stunning debut performance with Liquid Music in 2025.
Dean Harrington earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the U of MN and was a first prize winner in the Schubert Club student scholarship competition. For the last two decades he has been performing music with his own band Mill City Hot Club and other local groups playing swing, gypsy […]
Join us for an evening of impact, inspiration, and joy. Get ready to dress up, swing out, and make a difference at our Spring Swing Gala. Hosted at our historic Capri Theater—a cultural landmark in North Minneapolis—this unforgettable night features live entertainment, delicious cuisine, and powerful stories of community impact. Whether you are a longtime PCYC supporter or […]
Garrett Jones is a Minneapolis-based bassoonist and composer known for his cross-genre bassoon techniques and jazz bassoon recordings. His original compositions for bassoon and rhythm section bring Western classical compositional techniques to an improvisational setting.
Della Mae is a GRAMMY-nominated all-woman string band playing bluegrass, Americana, and folk music steeped in rich harmonies and soul-stirring melodies. As a majority queer, fiercely feminist five-piece acoustic outfit, sing fearlessly on topics that might rile the genre’s traditionally conservative audiences. Recent albums have covered everything from domestic violence and fertility issues to the […]
Join us for a celebration of 30 years with Bells of the Lakes, a community handbell ensemble based here in the Twin Cities. We will have a Silent Auction, Raffles, a Reception and Celebration! Come join in the fun!
BluLuna was formed by four veteran musicians out of their love for myriad genres of the jazz idiom without restraining themselves to one specific branch of the music. By focusing on familiar melodic compositions, this bias-free approach has allowed them to concentrate on playing very fresh and sparkling ideas honoring the wide range of America's […]
Come watch the Minnehaha Academy Jazz Combo perform at MetroNOME Brewery in Downtown St. Paul on April 28 at 7pm! You’ll hear a great mix of jazz, latin, funk, and more as they recap all the tunes they have learned this year. The $10 cover charge supports MetroNOME’s mission for music education and the Minnehaha […]
Dale Alexander at the age of 24 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 […]
The Outside In isn’t your grandma’s modern jazz band. Ethan Ostrow’s project blends elements of rock, funk, and folk with something completely new. Band Members: Nick Marziani - Saxophone Ethan Ostrow - Piano David Feily - Guitar Ethan Yeshaya - Bass Colin Mitchell - Drums ⊹ Formed in New York City in 2022, The Outside In […]
Minneapolis guitarist, composer, and singer John Penny and his Virtual Band, deliver musical inspiration to audiences with original World Jazz and American Roots music. Penny has performed thousands of gigs including as a band member and in special concerts with Jazz greats Eric Gravatt, Bobby Lyle, Bernard Purdie, Jack MacDuff, and more. This solo project […]
Jazz with an Understated Vibe Versatility can be rewarding but some music just feels like home. Vocalist Prudence Johnson returns to her jazz roots with the Halcyon Jazz Quartet, following their sparkling debut at Crooners last spring. With an “off the beaten path” approach to repertoire and featuring the amazing Dave Hagedorn on vibes, and […]
Zacc Harris is a Minneapolis-based guitarist, composer, and bandleader who has been an integral part of the Twin Cities jazz scene since 2005. Recognized for his articulate guitar work, inventive compositions, and dynamic live performances, he performs with and leads a range of projects, including the Atlantis Quartet, the Zacc Harris Group, and American Reverie. […]
Join local jazz vocalist and songwriter Dakota Andersen at the release show for his debut album, Switchgrass! Featuring all original jazz compositions in a variety of styles and folk/fusion openers Cass & Rachel and the Ryan Garmoe Trio, this show has a little bit of something for everybody.
Al Di Meola is one of the top guitarists of our time. Here, he has enjoyed a celebrated career that has spanned more than four decades. His fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation, provocative lyrical melodies, and sophisticated harmony are at the heart of his music. Among his myriad critical accolades are multiple Grammys and Grammy nominations. […]
Al Di Meola is one of the top guitarists of our time. Here, he has enjoyed a celebrated career that has spanned more than four decades. His fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation, provocative lyrical melodies, and sophisticated harmony are at the heart of his music. Among his myriad critical accolades are multiple Grammys and Grammy nominations. […]
“Puuluup are true originals with a cult following. They are doing something pretty unusual, pushing obscure folk material towards the mainstream with a whole lot of panache.” – SONGLINES Puuluup was formed in 2014 by two talharpa enthusiasts Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson. Ramo Teder is a multi-instrumentalist and has been known for his long solo […]
SUNDAY FUN-DAY!! Resident Fingerstyle Guitarist Joe Nicola returns to The White Squirrel Bar! Sunday, May 3rd from 1-4pm. 974 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA *With Special Guests "Rockabilly Mayhem!"
One of today’s most exciting saxophonists celebrates John Coltrane’s centennial! Isaiah Collier is a musical virtuoso in the truest sense of the phrase. He began playing saxophone at age eleven, and his intuitive proficiency earned him attention early on. Ever since, his band Isaiah Collier and The Chosen Few has been turning ears. In 2025 he […]
The Northern Pines Harmony Brigade presents its annual a cappella Harmony Showcase on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West in Plymouth. The evening features championship barbershop quartets and a full chorus of singers from across the country. Open to the public; families and music lovers are welcome.
Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso whose groundbreaking artistry has redefined the instrument for the 21st century. Here, he is hailed as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.” Moreover, Shimabukuro has captivated audiences across the globe with his masterful technique, innovative spirit, and deeply expressive performances. He seamlessly blends elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, […]
Nicholas David’s albums sound fantastic. He sounds great on TV. However, nothing compares to the magic, the excitement, the immediacy of seeing him live! He returns with his signature brand of soul-stirring rock music to record a new album. The St. Paul singer/songwriter has been making music from the heart, for the heart for nearly […]
Bobby J's West Bank Social Club plays at Crooners Supper Club for their Under the Tent Series Wednesday May 6th from 7pm to 8:30 pm
Doors open at 4:45 PM for Dinner and Drink service. Marimba prowess Jenny Klukken leads her jazz quartet from her stunning 5 octave marimba; playing audience favorites like Brubeck and Jobim, as well as her own compositions. Jenny Klukken is a fresh and unique artist; combing her classical music background with her passion for jazz […]
Swing Dancing on Thursday Nights Nostalgic Big Band music Join in the Dance or just Enjoy the Music Come on down for the fun times on Thursdays nights Doors open at 6:00pm Swing Dance Lesson at 6:15pm (included with admission) Live music from 7:00 - 10:00 Admission: $15 general admission $10.00 cash / $11.00 card […]
Rick Carlson taught himself to play the piano by studying the vast works of Count Basie and Duke Ellington and capitalizing on a long string of happy accidents. He has also perfected the art of “circular drinking”, whereby he can sip martinis uninterrupted while still playing a cohesive piano solo. He has been the pianist […]
We're taking our Roots & Soul stick down to W. 7th Street's newest venue (I think) Place has a very nice vibe to it so come on down if you can With: Dan Carpel, Blair Krivanek and Greg 'the Hit Man' Schutte
Beech Montana is a new instrumental project helmed by guitarist Joey Hays. Five versatile performers will be performing two sets of improvised music, laying the sonic train tracks in front of them as they go. Expect ambient soundscapes, fierce breakbeats, and a group of skilled artists deep in discovery. Band Members: Joey Hays - Guitar […]
RetroFizz presents their 4th annual all-star tribute to the legendary Burt Bacharach. This year’s special guests will include Leslie Vincent, Dylan Hicks, Willie Wisely, Kijana Gant, Kathleen Johnson, Katie Gearty, Katy Vernon, and Chris Pavlich! A portion of the proceeds will benefit SACA (Southern Anoka Community Assistance) Food Shelf.
Multiple award-winning guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Tommy Castro is a California-based blues and rock powerhouse. Here, he captivates audiences with his soul-drenched vocals, searing guitar work, and high-energy live shows. Furthermore, as frontman of the telepathically tight and wildly raucous Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, he’s released seventeen albums. Here, they span a wide stylistic range—from horn-driven […]
Do you like film and video game music? Do you like animals? Do you want to see how little the basic idea of how to accomplish space travel has changed in 124 years since the characters in the 1902 film "A Trip to the Moon" went on their lunar mission compared to Artemis II's voyage? […]
Bryan Nichols is a pianist, composer, and educator based in Minneapolis. Often found playing jazz and improvised music, but at home in a variety of musical worlds, he leads and composes for his own trio, quintet, and nonet in addition to performing, recording, and touring with forward-thinking artists like Nicole Mitchell, Ron Miles, and Olga […]
"A Tribute to Jazz Rock Fusion of the 1970's". Great classics by Chick Corea, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Weather Report, Steely Dan, Pat Metheny and more. Presented by members of Global Jazz Collegium and featuring vocalist André Neves as a special guest, this dynamic show is the one you don’t want to miss!
The duo ‘Ones and Twos’ featuring bassist Anthony Cox and pianist Jeremy Walker, will play a free benefit concert this Saturday May 9th at 7 pm. The fundraiser supports rent assistance and mutual aid efforts for Twin Cities families. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church opens their Bartsch Room for an evening of wonderful jazz music in […]
SlovCzech is an Eastern European folk-rock band based in the Twin Cities and was founded in 2008 by Petr Bachan (electric & acoustic guitar) from Czech Republic along with Jozef Klobusnik (accordion) from Slovakia. Other members include Mary Larew (violin), Dan Yoon (bass guitar), Ryan Leach (trumpet & keyboard), and homegrown Minnesota members Sara Jeddeloh […]
Veteran guitarist Paul Silbergleit returns to Jazz Central Studios, this time with his regular Milwaukee-based trio, to celebrate their release of The Stillness of July on Calligram Records (Chicago)! Paul […]
The original American Roots Revue crew is back! Tonight, experience Gospel, R&B, blues, folk, rock and all stops in between. Here, the scintillating foursome will be backed by a superlative band led by Billy Steele from Sounds of Blackness (keyboards/vocals). Also, Joe Savage (pedal steel), Yohannes Tona (bass), Greg Schutte (drums), and David Felly (guitar). Robert Robinson gives us reason […]
Guitarist Robb Henry is introduced to French expatriate violinist Raphaël Fraisse in December 2001 and voila! Parisota Hot Club. Original intention in getting together to explore the music of Django Reinhardt. At this time, it was the first Hot Club of the 2000's devoted to the jazz stylings of Reinhardt and violinist Stephan Grappelli to […]
