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. Sparks continues to surprise, challenge, and thrill audiences with his diverse repertoire and stunning technique. Equally at home with Country Blues, Jazz or World Music, Sparks' extraordinary ability […]

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 […]

Come out January 4 to the brand new, yet to be named, gallery in the Ivy Building (2637 27th Avenue S., Minneapolis). The space is amazing, the music will be warm and Soop Lights Show will be providing beautiful visuals. Pat Keen/Mike Munson are two incredibly improvisers and all-around musicians who teamed up earlier this […]

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 […]

On her remarkable debut album, 2025’s Escape, Peruvian-American saxophonist/composer Lucia Sarmiento emerges as a rising star in modern jazz. Here, she delivers playful yet intricate melodies. “When I play the saxophone, I love […]

The Legendary Cornbread Harris! James Samuel Cornbread Harris Jr- or just plain Cornbread; pianist, local legend and a founder of the “Minneapolis Sound” returns with his brand of blues, jazz and original music on the Main Stage of Crooners. He brings with him his six piece backup band of “friends” who have supported him these many years for a […]

An Evening of Great Jazz and World Music Dean Magraw and Suwal Singh bring their music to the Dunsmore Jazz Room! This fortuitous collaboration presents a fresh expression of the […]

Ahmed Abdulkarim has been performing music his entire life. He began on the piano, then moved to the bugle to the trombone before finally settling on the trumpet in 1956. Trumpet jazz is where he truly found his voice. Abdulkarim studied under Manny Laureano of the Minnesota Symphony and has performed at legendary venues including […]

Three of the Twin Cities’ most creative musicians have performed since 1997 as Framework, specializing in original works and inventive covers of modern jazz heroes​. Framework is one of the […]

Milwaukee saxophonist Ryan Meisel presents a night of original jazz featuring Minneapolis-based guitarist Toivo Hannigan and bassist Dan Carpel with Milwaukee’s Jake Polancich on drums. The quartet will perform music from Meisel’s latest vinyl recordings: "Spirit Dance," a tribute to 1960s John Coltrane, and "Jarred," inspired by 1970s Miles Davis. Band Members: Ryan Meisel - […]

Original Roots & Soul music With: Blair Krivanek, Nick Salisbury, and Greg 'Hit Man' Schutte

Burning Vocals, Traditional & Contemporary Orchestral Jazz, Swing & Bop The Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra brings together world-class musicianship and cinematic big-band power under the direction of celebrated composer, arranger and pianist Adi Yeshaya, whose credits span Prince, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne, Burt Bacharach and more. Known for his imaginative orchestrations and bold […]

Saxophonist David Binney stands out as one of the most prolific jazz musicians on the scene today. Here, critics and fans acclaim him as a considerable and highly individual compositional talent. Furthermore, Jazz Times recently picked Binney one of a handful of “players who have created an alternative jazz-scene… all of whom are playing adventurous, original music.”  His latest […]

Mississippi Hot Club is a gypsy jazz quartet of Minnesota natives—Joshua Parlanti, Alissa “Big Al” Jacobsen, Joseph Downing, and Ian Stenlund. Their name nods to the mighty Mississippi, the lifeblood river that runs through their Minneapolis hometown. With a deep passion for gypsy jazz (also known as jazz manouche or hot club jazz), the band […]

An Evening of Evocative Instrumental Music Sticky melodies layered over funky grooves, with clever arrangements, tasty solos, and plenty of vibraphone! Steve Roehm: Vibraphone Dan Schwartz: Guitar, Vocals Nick Salisbury: Bass Greg Schutte: Drums If you spend some time with the quartet’s music, you won’t be surprised to learn its members are in-demand players around […]

Legendary Vocal Group Returns! Vocal Jazz Legends Moore By Four are celebrating 40 years together! Hear them singing gems from their early days at Ruby’s Cabaret through their years of touring and concert performances. Ashley Commodore: Vocals Ginger Commodore: Vocals Connie Evingson: Vocals Dennis Spears: Vocals Sanford Moore: Piano Jay Young: Bass Steve Jennings: Drums […]

Your host Peter Kogan on the tubs, with Ian Duerr, Dennis Carlson, Max Johnk, & Mitch Van Laar.

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 […]

Melvin Gibbs will be doing a live remix of his latest album, Amasia: Anaminia Sessions 2, which Pitchfork described as a "dynamic amalgam of avant-club music, post-vaporwave prog, and electrifying jazz fusion.” Before and after Gibbs’s set, expect to hear a DJ set of deep jazz and soul cuts, future-forward R&B, and experimental ambience from […]

Julian Davis Reid is a contemplative, emotionally dynamic pianist and composer. His group’s two-set performance of his new album, Vocation, will explore the relationships in his life most precious to him and will invite you to explore those most precious to you. Band Members: Julian Davis Reid - Piano Runere Brooks - Bass James Russell […]

Please join Canadh Croí as we celebrate the release of our debut album “Badenya”. Canadh Croí is a multi-cultural musical ensemble that combines the complex and irresistible rhythms of West Africa with the beautiful, flowing melodies of Ireland and Scotland. The group features a stellar lineup of Twin Cities musicians, ranging from internationally recognized masters to dedicated […]

{Trés} Live at the Cedar: Puerto Rico, Jazz & Chamber Music Join {Trés} and special guest Miguel Zenón for a night of electrifying chamber music that blurs the lines between classical, jazz, and folkloric traditions. Featuring selections from Pedacito de Tierra—a bold, genre-defying work blending chamber music, electronics, and oral histories from the Puerto Rican […]

The Music of Django Reinhardt The Red Hot Django Peppers after 8 years in the Twin Cities are releasing their first debut album. Ryan Picone: Lead Guitar Daniel Lentz: Violin […]

Tram is a trio featuring Andrew Tomten on saxophone, Matt McIntyre on hybrid guitar, and Toby Ramaswamy on drums. Inspired by the music of Stanton Moore and Charlie Hunter, the group plays a mix of funk-jazz originals as well as interpretations of standards. For this show, vocalist Aby Wolf will join the fray, featuring on […]

Longtime Low bassist and comic artist Zak Sally joins the rhythm section of Roma di Luna (JG Everest, Ryan Lovan, and Ben Durrant) and woodwind artist Matty Harris to perform longform dreamscapes rooted in jazz, noise, indie rock, and free improvisation.

Phil Aaron has been a mainstay in the Twin Cities jazz scene for over thirty years. Phil has recorded five CD’s and has performed with many national and international musicians, including Lee Konitz, Eric Alexander, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jim Rotondi, Jim Snidero, Byron Stripling, Kendra Shank, Evan Christopher, John Fedchock, Jackie Allen and Barbara Morrison. He’s […]

A Special Birthday Celebration! Multi-instrumentalist and multi-award winner Steve Clarke returns to Crooners in celebration of his birthday. His rich and soaring sounds combined with his all-star rhythm section make […]

Bigger Shoe is an original jazz group formed in late 2015 by saxophonists Joe Mayo and Clay Pufahl. Members also include Joey Van Phillips (drums), Matt Peterson (bass), and Dylan Nau (guitar).

"fantastic Django Reinhardt-inspired melodies" - Baby Blue Arts The Red Hot Django Peppers are a fiery Twin Cities–based hot club band. They are devoted to keeping the spirit of Django Reinhardt alive while adding their own spark to the tradition. Also, the group is led by guitarist Ryan Picone, an acolyte of world-renowned guitarist Stéphane […]

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 […]

Throughout their storied forty-three-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded twenty-six albums, and received sixteen Grammy nominations, winning two. Additionally, they have performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial […]

Acclaimed Minneapolis jazz guitarist and composer Cody Steinmann brings his quartet to Berlin as the first stop of his 2026 Midwest tour—right in his hometown. Band Members: Cody Steinmann - Guitar Calvin Caron - Bass Solomon Parham Nick Zuck - Drums ⊹ Jazz88 (KBEM) calls Cody Steinmann "one of the most prolific guitarists in the […]

An Evening of Jazz and Blues Slip into the glow of Blue Nights, with an intimate evening of jazz and blues with the Amy Manette Band. Featuring the sounds of […]

Dave Hagedorn is a retired Artist in Residence at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where he taught percussion, jazz studies, and world music. In June, 2019, Downbeat magazine awarded St. Olaf Jazz I an Outstanding Performance amongundergraduate large jazz ensembles, and in June, 2011, Downbeat magazine deemed St. Olaf Jazz I to be the […]

Lomheim/OBrien/Epstein - This piano trio's new disc, "Triage" has the most extraordinary lyricism coupled with a rich and robust expression of melody in every one of their compositions. The interplay […]

Jazz, Contempory, and Classic American Songbook For this show, Bernadette will be singing an eclectic mix of new and old jazz arrangements. She will be sharing her own journey of how jazz can be a powerful and positive way to exercise and build social connections through music. The proceeds from this show will go to Fraser, […]

Aaron Shapiro will lead a quartet in a set of original works crafted over the past decade in Chicago, each piece shaped by his experiences performing and collaborating throughout the city’s creative music scenes. Band Members: Aaron Shapiro - Guitar Nate Lepine - Saxophone /Flute John Sutton - Bass Tommaso Moretti - Drums ✧ Guitarist […]

Modern jazz from south Minneapolis. Creating and improvising, without worrying about what jazz should be. Big Blue Moon features a flexible lineup around Nick Bhalla’s piano.

Warm up your weekend with a delicious breakfast, camaraderie and festive music! Mega Yacht and Pick, Buttons & Bow will play from 9am-12pm

Bring Your Requests for a Night of FUN Cabaret! Kick off your weekend while you “Laugh The Night Away with Erin and Jay Cabaret”. They will be rounding out your week with some of their all time favorites, and lots of requests from you! Share an intimate night with Erin and Jay in the Dunsmore Room! Up close […]

Known as a “man of great musical imagination,” Bruce Henry is an internationally-known vocalist, composer, storyteller, recording artist and educator. Additionally, Bruce teaches musical history, traditions and culture as he entertains and enraptures audiences with his vocal agility. Anchored in Chicago, with roots in the Twin Cities, Bruce shares his expertise and creativity across the nation and […]

Barlow and his exceptionally gifted ensemble will present an enchanting evening of timeless jazz/R&B classics designed to captivate and invigorate your spirit. Band Members: Nathan Barlow - Lead Vocals Trevor Peterson - Bass Eric Mayson - Keyboard/Vocals Toby Ramaswamy - Drums ⊹ Vocalist Nathan Barlow has played all over the Twin Cities at venues such […]

Hamilton de Holanda is one of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians—a global ambassador, virtuoso performer, and groundbreaking improviser. Picking up the mandolin at the age of five, he redefined the ten-string version […]

Painted in the broadest of strokes, the stories of Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez may seem similar. Both started life in Havana, discovered their gifts and passions for music and headed to the United States. There, they melded the music of their homeland with a wide variety of influences, each in their own deeply personal way. Rodriguez was born […]

It was in late 2022 that Jarrod Lawson had the biggest, and most unexpected, thrill of his music career. He had just received a glowing endorsement in print from Michelle Obama, in an Entertainment Weekly interview. When asked who she was listening to, after mentioning Beyonce, added “There’s this young jazz, blue-eyed soul kid Jarrod Lawson that I’m loving.” […]

Nathan Hanson and Erik Fratzke will explore the nooks and crannies of post-structuralist and restructuralist melodies and grooves. Jazz tunes, folk songs, and classic skronk will inform the proceedings. Join us and become familiar with the unfamiliar. Then, Scott Burton and Steve Hirsh will add their instincts to the Fratzke/Hanson ambiance for a second set […]

An Evening of A Cappella and Doo-Wop Get in the mood for Valentine’s Day with The Fairlanes “My Romance” show! Featuring love songs from the ’40s to the ’70s, you’ll […]

An Evening of Great Guitar Mastery and Bossa Nova! GRAMMY AWARD nominated guitarist Diego Figueiredo is a virtuoso with an infectious, joyful feeling that will leave you amazed and happy. A world-wide Brazilian guitar phenom, experience Diego in an intimate and unencumbered solo concert like you’ve never heard before. Diego Figueiredo: Guitar Diego Figueiredo is an extraordinary […]

Bulldozer School is a boundary-pushing trio featuring bassist and multi-instrumentalist Anthony Cox, drummer Dave King, and saxophonist/electronic artist Brandon Wozniak. The group moves fluidly between original compositions, reimagined standards, and […]

An Evening of Creative Popular Nostalgia In this brand-new show to the Crooners Main Stage, we’ll explore the sonic push and pull that reflects the current state of the world today. From rock to jazz, Latin to old school funk and everything in between. Along the way we’ll find out why its music… music that […]

Jovon Williams uses some of his favorite tunes as a template to express his feelings and visions as an artist: a culmination of hardship and gratitude forged from navigating youth. Band Members: Jovon Williams - Saxophones Tarek Abdelqader - Drums Hans Fuerst - Piano/Keys Ethan Yeshaya - Bass ⊹ Jovon Williams is an up-and-coming legend […]

Colonel Mustard's Mechanical Orchestra is a New Orleans and Balkans styled brass band playing the music of Paul Fonfara. Our repertoire includes cinematic avant spy jazz, tango, klezmer, modern modal takes on traditional Balkans sounds and vintage-esque big band arrangements.

An Evening of Bluegrass, Great Vocal Harmony, and Original Songs The Double Down Daredevils are a 6 piece band playing Bluegrass standards and many original songs as well. The band has […]

Manouche-jazz played in the French swing tradition of the 1930’s

Brazilian vocalist Natania and group Ticket To Brasil will bring a playlist of great bossa classics and groovy Brazilian jazz tunes to Crooners' Main Stage on Saturday, January 31st at 7:00 PM Natania Kamin: Vocal Pavel Jany: Guitar John Croarkin: Sax, Flute, Harmonica Ted Godbout: Piano Matt Senjem: Bass Josue Alfaro: Drums, Vocal

Martin Dosh and JT Bates have been exploring rhythms in tandem since the turn of the century, drawing from shared influences of all areas of jazz music, pocket drumming, and sampling/collage music. ✧ Growing up in a musical family gave JT Bates an early start into sound and rhythmic exploration. He set on the path […]

Live sets by Parisota Hot Club are a melting pot of styles steeped in blues, jazz and ’60’s pop music. Retro noire style movie themes, à la Henry Mancini and others, selections by Django Reinhardt, Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles are standard set features.Familiar melodies, unexpected excursions, and sonic surprises reminiscent of vintage psychedelic Brit-Rock, […]

Best of Straight-Ahead, Brazilian, and Contemporary Jazz This ensemble of veteran musicians combines the best of straight-ahead, Brazilian, and contemporary jazz from such artists as Brad Mehldau, Eliane Elias, Keith Jarrett, Yellowjackets, Wayne Shorter, Bobby McFerrin and more. The trio (Mark Weisberg, Michael Pilhofer, Phil Kadidlo) will interpret these gems in musical conversation with the […]

Donald Harrison, saxophone Billy Harper, saxophone Cecil McBee, bass George Cables, piano Eddie Henderson, trumpet David Weiss, trumpet Billy Hart, drums Experience counts, especially in jazz. The more time musicians spend interpreting tunes and interacting with others, the more articulation an audience can expect. You can hear the fruits of such work in the expressive […]

Resonance: A David Feily Release Residency explores how new music comes alive in real time. On three Sundays in February, live shows will coincide with the release of brand-new recordings from top Twin Cities guitarist David Feily. Each release and corresponding show will highlight Feily as a composer, bandleader, guitarist, and improviser and display how […]