Latin jazz legend Paquito D’Rivera is the subject of a documentary premiering on PBS this month called “Paquito D’Rivera: From Carne Y Frijol to Carnegie Hall.” It tells his story from his earliest days as musical prodigy growing up in Cuba and follows his first encounter with Dizzy Gillespie, his defection to the United States,...Read More

Here are the top ten new releases from Jazz88! Vote for your five favorites below!   Ski Club – Swing Tune Paquito D’Rivera – La Fleur De Cayenne The Empress – Nica’s Dream James Brandon Lewis – Exactly, Our Music Rachel Therrien – Back Home Matty Harris – Farmers Market Okonski – Summer Storm Astronomy...Read More

“It’s a jazz concert, so you never know what to expect! Anything goes!” NEA Jazz Master saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Paquito D’Rivera connected with Jazz88 in anticipation of his performance, along with the Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Latin Experience, on Friday, June 23 for the 25th Twin Cities Jazz Festival. D’Rivera covered his love of Dizzy Gillespie’s...Read More

Some high-profile spots on the Jazz88 Mainstage at the 2023 Twin Cities Jazz Festival now have equally high-profile artists booked.  The Festival’s outgoing Executive Director Steve Heckler made the first wave of artist announcements on Jazz88 Tuesday morning, Jan. 17, for the 24th edition of the Fest: https://kbem-od.streamguys1.com/kbem/20230117135452-SteveHecklerJan17.mp3 After having to cancel prior bookings due...Read More