2024 ARTISTS PERFORMING ON THE JAZZ88 MAIN STAGE
STEFON HARRIS & BLACKOUT
Friday, June 21st at 8:30pm – Mears Park
Educator, Vibraphonist and Composer, Stefon Harris has been heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz” by The Los Angeles Times. A four-time GRAMMYTM nominee, he is a seven-time Best Mallet player by the Jazz Journalist Association, the recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award, Downbeat’s Critics Poll Winner for Vibraphone (2015, 2013) and 2014 Expanded Critic’s Poll for Vibes from Jazz Times. He won a 2014 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album for Wonder: The Songs of Stevie Wonder as a member of the SF Jazz Collective. Harris earned a BM in Classical Percussion and a MM in Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music. He tours worldwide with his bands Sonic Creed, Blackout and Ninety Miles. Harris teaches at New York University and is Artistic Director of Jazz Education at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). He has been Artist in Residence at Fontana Chamber Arts, Kalamazoo, The Lied Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and San Francisco Performances. Harris currently teaches at the Brubeck Institute through their Distance Learning program and at the Institute’s Summer Jazz Colony. Stefon’s landmark TED Talk, “There are No Mistakes On The Bandstand” was the most watched in its 2011 release and has over 500,000 views. He has emerged as a leading informance presenter in Corporate Leadership workshops with Fortune 100 companies around the world. In 2014 Stefon co-founded The Melodic Progression Institute with business partner Clif Swiggett. Their first app, Harmony CloudTM was released on iTunes in January 2016.
REGINA CARTER QUARTET
Saturday, June 22nd at 8:30pm – Mears Park
Violinist/educator Regina Carter is a recipient of the MacArthur ‘genius’ award and a Doris Duke Artist Award, has been named an NEA Jazz Master, and is a three-time Pulitzer Prize jurist. In 2018, Regina Carter was named artistic director of the Geri Allen Jazz Camp, formerly named, New Jersey Performing Arts All-Female Jazz Residency.
Regina tours with her own group and has appeared with such performers as Wynton Marsalis and JALC, Kenny Barron, Ray Brown, Mary J. Blige, Chucho Valdés, Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, Dolly Parton and Omara Portuondo. She has also been a guest soloist with several major symphony orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, and the Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo.
She is currently on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music and New Jersey City University and is artist in residence at the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. She has been resident artist for San Francisco Performances, and resident artistic director for SFJAZZ.
KARRIN ALLYSON
Friday, June 21st at 6:00pm – Mears Park
Throughout her fifteen albums, Karrin Allyson, five-time Grammy nominee in the Best Jazz Vocalist category, has demonstrated an uncanny ability to ‘get inside’ a lyric — to take over a song and reshape it into something magical.
“Ever since her impressive debut (I Didn’t Know About You, Concord, 1992) Karrin Allyson has successfully pulled material from both the pop and jazz world and it all works well with her voluptuous huskiness and rhythmic sensibility.” – Roger Crane, The International Review of Music
Stephen Holden, in a NY TIMES concert review, praised Allyson as “one of the most grounded singers working today,” with an “exceptionally keen eye for the smart, semi-obscure pop or jazz number that speaks directly to the moment.” In his WALL STREET JOURNAL preview, writer Will Friedwald buzzed, “she sings with amazing subtlety.” And in his lead JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE CD review, VOX critic Christopher Loudon said Allyson’s songs “shimmer with tender vibrancy.”
Karrin Allyson – vocals & piano
Marty Jaffe – bass
Vitor Goncalves – piano/ accordion
Jerome Jennings – drums
JOE LOVANO QUARTET FEATURING KENNY WERNER, JOHN LOCKWOOD & FRANCISCO MELA
Saturday, June 22nd at 6:00pm – Mears Park
Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer and producer Joe Lovano is fearless in finding new modes of artistic expression. With a Grammy Win for his 52nd Street Themes and 14 other nominations, he has won Down Beat Magazine’s Critics and Readers Polls countless times as Tenor Saxophonist, Musician of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year and Triple Crowns from Down Beat. He has also received numerous awards from Jazz Times and the Jazz Journalists Association for Tenor Saxophone, Album of the Year and Musician of the Year.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 29, 1952 he attended the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston where years later he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate. Since 2001 he has held the Gary Burton Chair in Jazz Performance and is a founding faculty member since 2009 of the Global Jazz Institute at Berklee directed by Danilo Pérez. He is a guest lecturer at New York University’s Jazz Program, Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music as well as Clinician at Universities around the globe.
From 1991 through 2016, Lovano released an unprecedented 25 records as a leader for the historic Blue Note Records. Joe Lovano Quartet: Classic! Live at Newport featuring Hank Jones was recorded in 2005 and released in 2016 to critical acclaim. In 2019, Lovano released his debut album as a bandleader on ECM Records, Trio Tapestry, with Marilyn Crispell and Carmen Castaldi. Over the next few years, Lovano saw the release of three additional ECM Records albums: ROMA, a collaboration with Enrico Rava; Arctic Riff, a special guest appearance with the Marcin Wasilewski Trio; and the sophomore release from Lovano’s Trio Tapestry, Garden Of Expression. In 2021, Lovano released Other Worlds, his third album with Sound Prints, a quintet he co-leads with trumpeter Dave Douglas. The next year brought a collaboration with guitarist Jakob Bro, Once Around the Room: A Tribute to Paul Motian. Most recently, Lovano released his third Trio Tapestry recording entitled, Our Daily Bread.
Joe has performed and recorded with a long list of jazz greats including Woody Herman, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Mel Lewis, Bob Brookmeyer, Paul Motian, Bill Frisell, Tony Bennett, Abbey Lincoln, Charlie Haden, John Scofield, Gunther Schuller, Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Ed Blackwell, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, Hank Jones, Dave Liebman, Michael Brecker, Dave Douglas, Judi Silvano, Ravi Coltrane, Chucho Valdés, Ornette Coleman, Diana Krall, and many others. Joe has created an extensive body of work for his own ensembles including strings, woodwinds, his horn-rich Nonet, the Classic Quartet, Trio Tapestry, and more. Joe Lovano continues to explore new horizons within the world of music as a soloist, bandleader and composer.
CLAUDIA MEDINA’S PERUVIAN PROJECT
Friday, June 21st – 4:00pm – Mears Park
Claudia Medina, a Los Angeles-based saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, music producer & educator, is committed to playing and never giving up. Medina is currently working on her debut solo album, after sharing performances with Grammy Award-winning artists including Aida Cuevas, Eva Ayllon, Paquito D’ Rivera, Berta Rojas, Susana Baca and Greg Phillinganes (Michael Jackson’s collaborator). Medina draws inspiration from Afro-Peruvian music, Latin music, and jazz, melding genres and inspiration from around the world to create an effortless blend of sophistication and passion that’s uniquely her own.
The first female Peruvian instrumentalist to earn a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music and a graduate of the National Conservatory of Peru, Medina is committed to spreading musical knowledge and education through teaching masterclasses and developing her education program From Peru to the World. Claudia Medina’s Peruvian Project is led by Medina whom she has toured and sold out shows in Peru, Colombia, Boston, New York, and Minnesota. Her accomplishments at Berklee include musical direction for the Idolos Latinos shows in 2018 & 2020 that sold out the Berklee Performance Center and leading her jazz quartet on a Peruvian tour. Medina’s Hollywood career as a film/tv composer and sound designer includes credits with short films such as “After Dark”, “House Call”, “Open Mic” among many more. Awards earned throughout her career include a TUMI USA award and the Inspirational Woman Award for Outstanding Artists from Latina Center MARIA.
Claudia Medina is partnered with:
- SYOS Signature Mouthpieces
- Cloudvocal Wireless Microphones
- FiR Audio In-Ear Monitors
Claudia Medina: Leader and Saxophones
Sten Johnson: Trumpet
Shane Cox: Trombone
Ted Godbout: Piano
Matt McIntyre: Bass
Miguel Hurtado: Drums
Andrew Gillespie: Percussion
Ivanna Cuesta: Percussion
Katia Cardenas: Vocals
KAVYESH KAVIRAJ QUINTET
Saturday, June 22nd – 2:00pm – Mears Park
Kavyesh Kaviraj is a pianist, composer, and arranger from India. Although primarily a jazz pianist, he is known for his versatility as a musician; thanks to his experience in different musical climates he is closely involved with settings of many different genres and styles.
Kavyesh was introduced to music at a very young age; born into a musical family, he started playing the piano at the age of 2 and has since been garnering experience towards an expansive international career. Thanks to his family’s rich musical ancestry, Kavyesh has been fortunate to be educated in both Western classical and contemporary music, but also in Indian Classical music, including both Carnatic and Hindustani styles. He often attributes this wide span of musical taste and experience to his education and cultural involvement within his childhood. Born to Indian parents in Oman, he began his fledgling musical career in the small town of Sohar, from where he moved to India to further his musical development and education, and subsequently pursued a professional music education in the United States. He has garnered attention and acclaim from the various musical environments he has been a part of, including Indian, Middle Eastern, and American shores.
Kavyesh graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2018, with a Bachelor of Music (B.M) degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Music. In 2019, Kavyesh received a full tuition grant to pursue a Masters’ degree at Berklee College’s Global Jazz Institute, where he was under the eminent tutelage of several jazz masters including Danilo Perez, Kenny Werner, JoAnne Brackeen among many others. He graduated in 2020 with a Master of Music (M.M) degree in Contemporary Performance.
Kavyesh is a member of the jazz quintet Mississippi and their second album was released in 2022. He has performed with national and international artists from many different genres, including Wynton Marsalis, David Sanchez, Roosevelt Collier, Jay Young and the Lyric Factory, Justin Robinson, Yolande Bruce, Debbie Duncan, Bruce Henry, Nooky Jones, Kevin Washington Quintet, Jamecia Bennett, I Self Devine, Lady Midnight, Desdamona, Toki Wright and several others.
Kavyesh is also a passionate music educator, with experience as a private instructor and experience as an educator in music academies and public schools alike. Kavyesh is currently on faculty at the piano department at The University of St Thomas and is also at the music department at Minneapolis College. Kavyesh is also an instructor for various musical arts at Walker West Music Academy. Kavyesh enjoys leading jazz workshops and teaching music classes for children and youth, and his work takes him across the US. His compositions and arrangements for various ensembles and configurations have been featured on radio, TV and collaborative exhibitions.
Jeff Bailey: bass
Kevin Washington: drums
Kavyesh Kaviraj: piano
Pete Whitman: sax
Omar Abdulkarim: trumpet
WALKER WEST JAZZWOMEN COLLECTIVE PRESENTS A CHRONOLOGY OF JAZZ MATRIARCHY
Saturday, June 22nd – 4PM- Mears Park
WALKER WEST JAZZWOMEN COLLECTIVE PRESENTS A CHRONOLOGY OF JAZZ MATRIARCHY
The Walker West Jazzwomen Collective brings together women, non-binary, and trans musicians with ties to the Twin Cities jazz scene to promote gender justice in jazz. The group performs a mix of original compositions and arrangements and consists of seven emerging instrumentalists including Sophia Kickhofel (Juilliard School) on alto saxophone, Izzy Karr (Berklee College of Music) on flute, Ella Grace (DePaul University) on trumpet, Sophia Kaufmann (Macalester College) on bass, Lo Salinas (Winona State) on keys, and Gabby Helf (Macalester College) on drums.
The Jazzwomen Collective is a part of Walker West’s Women in Jazz Initiative, which is focused on addressing the gender gap in jazz, promoting conversations about gender equity, and providing safe spaces for women, non-binary and trans players to experience #jazzwithoutpatriarchy, a movement being led by the Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice at Berklee College of Music. Programming is focused on creating supportive environments for women, non-binary, and trans students to play together, providing opportunities for connection and mentorship, and increasing visibility for women students, artists and organizations across MN. Learn more at walkerwest.org/women-in-jazz-initiative.
OTHER SCHEDULED PERFORMANCES
AHMED AND THE CREATORS
All jazz masters in their own right, these five musicians, led by master trumpet player Ahmed AbdulKarim, come together for an unforgettable set. With a dynamic blend of individual styles, these straight-ahead jazzers leave nothing on the table!
Abebi Stafford – piano
Dave Buchanan – tenor saxophone
Yoji Sera – drums
Dan Carpel – bass
Friday, June 21st – Erte Ale Ethiopian Restaurant – 8-10PM
AMEET
Blending musical influences from his native India with those of his home now in Minnesota, Ameet provides a mesmerizing experience with his original songs and enchanting stage performances.
As a young boy growing up in Mumbai, the singer-songwriter sang church hymns and anthems at his Jesuit grade school. He was deeply influenced by The Beatles, Culture Club, ABBA and Queen, and treasured his music collection, which included bootleg recordings of American Top 40 and Britain’s Top of the Pops.
The eclectic influences he’s soaked up have created his richly diverse sound, tempered with global sounds and interpreted through his unique vantage point.
Saturday, June 22nd – Big River Pizza – 5PM
AMY MANETTE
Amy is a Jazz & Blues singer with a voice powerful and pure, Amy Manette reaches deep and sings with a passion that will stir your soul. Amy’s voice is reminiscent of Etta James and Beth Hart.
Saturday, June 22nd – Papa Legba’s Lounge – 7-9PM
ANDREW SCHWANDT TRIO
Saxophonist Andrew Schwandt was born and raised in the Twin Cities and has been performing here as well as in New York City since 2002. After returning from New York, he formed the trio with two outstanding local musicians: Fred Flowerday on keyboard and Haralds Bondaris on drums. This project features all original music, influenced by some of Andrew’s favorite groups, especially Chris Potter’s Underground, Michael Brecker, and the Yellowjackets, and he’s thrilled to be able to present this band at the 2024 Twin Cities Jazz Fest! For more about Andrew, and to check out some live recordings, visit https://www.andrewstunes.com
Friday, June 21st – Big River Pizza – 9PM
an experiment WITH LESLIE PARKER & COLLABORATORS
Leslie Parker Dance Project brings together improvisers in the Twin Cities who practice various models of improvisation from around the world to participate in three weeks of practice (June 3 – June 20, 2024).Black Dance Improvisation, BDI, Intensive 2024 is an extension of the Call to Remember methodology, centering the embodied stories and lived experiences of Black, Native, Indigenous, and People Of Color. This opportunity is for but not limited to dance creatives steeped in performance practices.
BDI Intensive 2024 welcomes all bodies to participate in deepening awareness of Improvisation. Artists, organizers, activists, and co-conspirators of varied dance experiences are strongly encouraged to attend.
Join us for the culminating BDI Intensive event, an experiment with performances by Black Dance Improvisation Intensive participants & Music Collaborative:
Michael Wimberly – piano, drum kit
Farai Malianga – electronic, world hand percussionist
Dameun Strange – saxophone, electronics/synth/wind
DeCarlo Jackson – bass guitar, guitar, trumpet
An open public sharing of Black Improvisation at The Cedar Cultural Center on June 22, 2024 at 4:30pm. Free! Co-presented by Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Northrop, and The Cedar Cultural Center
Saturday, June 22nd – Cedar Cultural Center (Minneapolis) – 4:30PM
ARNE FOGEL 75TH BIRTHDAY SHOW (Ticketed Event)
ARNE FOGEL IS A 2018 INDUCTEE INTO THE “MINNESOTA MUSIC HALL OF FAME” AND IS A 2008 INDUCTEE INTO THE “MID-AMERICA MUSIC HALL OF FAME”.
Arne has written, produced and/or appeared in dozens of concert presentations in such venues as Orchestra Hall (where he performed as Rosemary Clooney’s opening act for her penultimate career appearance), Bloomington Center For the Arts, Crooners & The Dunsmore Room, Hanifl Center for the Performing Arts, Hopkins Center for the Arts, 3M History Theater, Phipps Center for the Arts, The Fitzgerald Theater, The Capri Theater, and many other venues throughout the Upper Midwest.
Arne has performed in countless “live” radio concerts and productions, including three years as a regular performer on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion”.
Sunday, June 23rd – Main Room @ Crooners – 6PM (cover charge)
BLUE OX JAZZ TRIO
The Blue Ox Jazz Trio performs frequently around the Twin Cities and plays everything from standard jazz repertoire to arrangements of classic pop tunes to original compositions.
Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd – Herbie’s on the Park – 6-8pm
BLULUNA
BluLuna is:
Dean Magraw: guitar
Rick Carlson: piano
Steve Pikal: bass
Jay Epstein: drums
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 1st original sonic art. The result is a startlingly warm delivery of a strong yet hyper-sensitive mélange of enchanting moments.
Friday, June 21st – MetroNOME Brewery – 9:30PM
BRASSZILLA
BrassZilla’s original music runs the gamut from “hip shakin’ beer jazz” – through several influences – all the way to chamber jazz, defying any typical ideas of genre or style. BrassZilla also plays and draws on the standards, including influences from blues, swing, NOLA and cool jazz. Latin, ska and reggae influences also pop up from time to time.
BrassZilla was founded by multi-instrumentalist Harold Longley, along with Zach Zins and Bob DeBoer, in 2011 as a way for the trio to explore their love of jazz, funk, blues, and other forms while touring in the U.S. and Europe with the Minneapolis rock band Chooglin’. Longley and DeBoer met in the 7th Street Entry basement during the 2005 cover song contest and afterwards took part in the first iteration of the band Eleganza! Drummer Andy Deckard sparked the band in new directions by setting a variety of tonal environments and easy-going pockets in which the horns can thrive.
Saturday, June 22nd – Big River Pizza – 9PM
BRYAN ENG (Ticketed Event)
Bryan Eng piano, vocals
Stephen Parisi bass
TJ Thompson drums
From New York City, multifaceted jazz pianist, singer, composer and actor, Bryan Eng is one of the most promising and accomplished entertainers of his generation. With performances on Broadway, the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, and an ongoing run as the youngest resident performer ever at the esteemed Carlyle Hotel, the 25-year-old entertainer has already made his mark on the world’s most esteemed stages.
Thursday, June 20th – Main Room @ Crooners – 7PM (Cover Charge)
CHARMIN MICHELLE W/ JOEL SHAPIRA
Sublime vocalist, Charmin Michelle and virtuoso guitarist Joel Shapira have over 27 years of performing experience, three recordings and a loyal and diverse fan base. Recent performance venues include: Sharon Wilson Center for the Arts in Milwaukee, the Dakota, Crooners, and the Lexington in the Twin Cities.
Friday, June 21st – Big River Pizza – 5PM
CONNIE EVINGSON
CONNIE EVINGSON is known for exploring a wide variety of musical styles. Her recorded catalog of acclaimed CD’s ranging from jazz and Broadway standards to the music of Peggy Lee, Dave Frishberg, the Beatles, bossa nova, gypsy jazz and more reflects an adventurous spirit that knows no boundaries. Connie appears regularly at Crooner’s, the Dakota, the Woman’s Club and various other Twin Cities venues. She has been a featured guest artist with Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, the Minnesota Orchestra conducted by Doc Severinsen, Philip Brunelle’s VocalEssence, the JazzMN Orchestra and has
toured worldwide with appearances at concert halls and theaters across the U.S., Europe and Japan. Her 10 CD’s have all charted in the Top 50 Jazz releases in the U.S. and Canada, and her music is included on numerous CD compilations in the U.S., China, France and Japan. She is a longtime member of the popular vocal jazz group Moore By Four and is a two-time recipient of the McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians and the Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. Connie and pianist Jon Weber first met at the 2003 Twin Cities Jazz Festival at Peavey Plaza, and have been working together ever since.
Friday, June 21st – Jazz 88/MPSVoices.com stage at Twin Cities PBS – 8:45PM
COURTNEY BURTON AND COURT’S IN SESSION
Courtney Burton is a gifted jazz vocalist with a profound passion for storytelling through music and a deep love for jazz that has been evident throughout her career. Her voice has been praised as “the sweetness of Sarah Vaughn, the vocal stylings of Ella Fitzgerald, the soul of Etta James… and the breathtaking hint of the ache of Billie Holiday.”
Courtney’s voice is rich in soul and emotion, having a unique ability to transport listeners through time and evoke nostalgic memories. She joined the Beasley Big Band as lead singer in 1996 and still performs with them today in the Twin Cities big band scene. Her vocal prowess and commanding stage presence have also been showcased through her collaboration with the Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra since 2019.
In 2009, Courtney founded Court’s In Session, a musical ensemble honoring her mentor and senior members of Beasley’s Big Band, including Ruben Haugen, Roger Bartlett, and Mel Carter Sr. The current lineup features Eric Edwalds on piano, Rich Goldman on saxophone and clarinet, Keith Schweitzer on bass, and Ryan Lodgaard on drums. They bring a fresh perspective to jazz classics while paying homage to the genre’s legends.
On Friday, June 21st: Grab your boogie shoes and get ready to swing the night away! Swing Dance Night returns to the Huntington® Bank Rotunda Friday, June 21, featuring Court’s In Session. The night’s festivities will kick off at 6:30 p.m., with a dance class led by Terry + Cindy of TC Swing. Following the lesson, live music hits from 7 – 8:30 p.m., the perfect opportunity to test out your brand-new skills! With plenty of space on the dance floor + some of the best musical talent in town, this is a night out at the Mall you won’t want to miss!
Swing Dance Night: Court’s In Session | Mall of America®
Friday, June 21st – Mall of America – Huntington® Bank Rotunda Stage – 6:30-7:30PM
Saturday, June 22nd – Jazz 88/MPSVoices.com stage at Twin Cities PBS – 5:30PM
DALE ALEXANDER SEXTET
Growing up in Minneapolis, pianist and drummer Dale Alexander’s first band was a trio with Prince and Andre Cymone. He recorded with Prince on the 94 East Street CD project right before Prince signed his solo contract. Subsequently, Dale was touring with Prince on the Sign ‘O the Times World tour as the drummer for Madhouse (the opening act for the tour). Dales has performed and recorded with many musical legends like George Benson – Everett Harp – Larry Graham – Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison – Frank Morgan – Billy Eckstine – John Heard Herb Ellis – Phil Upchurch – Eric Burdon (War)- Buddy Miles (Jimmy Hendrix) – Edgar Winter Jimmy Smith – Diane Reeves – Barbara Morrison – Glen Frey – Jimmy Buffet – Billy Taylor – The Temptations – Sheila E – Prince – Andre Cymone – Slash (Guns & Roses) – Jimmy Jam – Terri Lewis – Glen Frey (Eagles) – Robbie Kreiger (The Doors) – Marilyn Manson – John Denver – Motown recording legend Wa Wah Watson. Dale was a 2010 Grammy Nominee.
Friday, June 21st – Dunsmore Jazz Room @ Crooners – 6:30PM
DANIEL ROTTENBERG
Currently playing early jazz piano in Minneapolis, MN, Daniel Rottenberg’s foray into piano began at the age of four. His mom taught him chords and scales and easy songs, and as he progressed, he eventually began learning classical piano. Daniel wanted to be the next Mozart for a long time, composing his own pieces and flying through classical compositions. But by age twelve, Daniel discovered something new.
In Durango, Colorado, his hometown, Daniel met famous ragtime pianist Johnny Maddox at the Diamond Belle Saloon in the historic Strater Hotel and everything changed. Daniel learned Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” and “Maple Leaf Rag” and fell into the rabbit hole of ragtime piano. He spent the next five years studying jazz and ragtime, and throughout his remaining years in Durango he played at the Diamond Belle Saloon. During this period, he competed in the Old-Time Piano Playing Championship Junior Division and was featured in several school talent shows.
Saturday, June 22nd – Apostle Supper Club – 11AM-3PM
DUO CORDA
From Astor Piazzolla and Joaquín Rodrigo to Jaco Pastorius and Django Reinhardt, plus some original material and much more – that’s the repertoire of Duo CORDA.
Jacqueline Ultan is a singularly creative cellist and composer. Also a dedicated teacher, Ultan is on the faculty of MacPhail’s Center for Music and holds a Master’s Degree in Performance from Yale University. In demand locally and nationally, Ultan has recorded and collaborated extensively with many theater, pop, jazz, rock and new music artists.
Pavel Jany is a contemporary jazz guitarist and composer whose long musical journey encompasses many various styles. He has founded several international jazz projects on the Twin Cities’ music scene, including Brazilian jazz ensemble “Ticket To Brasil”, Gypsy jazz trio “Talking Strings”, and jazz fusion group “World Jazz Collegium”.
Saturday, June 22nd – MetroNOME Brewery – 6PM
ELLA GRACE 5TET
Ella Grace is an up-and-coming trumpeter, composer, educator, and producer labeled a “rising star” in the Twin Cities jazz scene. Ella’s musical upbringing began in Minnesota, where she studied with Steve Strand and learned under the mentorship of the state’s salient youth jazz ensembles including Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands, Minnesota All-State Jazz Band, and the Dakota Combo. In 2021, Ella moved to Chicago to pursue a degree in Jazz Studies at DePaul University where she currently studies with Chad McCullough. Ella now performs throughout the Midwest with several different ensembles including the Ella Grace 5tet. Led by Ella on trumpet, the Ella Grace 5tet is a flexible group that performs Ella’s original compositions in a variety of neo-jazz and jazz fusion styles. This iteration of the 5tet includes Jack Schabert on drums, Lasse Corson on piano, Sarah Navratil on tenor saxophone, and Adam Tucker on bass—all musicians with deep ties to the Twin Cities jazz scene.
Saturday, June 22nd – MetroNOME Brewery – 8PM
ERIN LIVINGSTON
Friday June 21st, Erin Livingston is joined by Phil Aaron on piano and Gary Raynor on upright bass. They will be playing a wide variety of jazz genres bringing spunk and pizazz to The St. Paul Hotel Lobby Bar!
Saturday June 22nd, Erin Livingston will be joined by Twin Cities Hot Club members Robert Bell on gypsy jazz guitar and Gary Schulte on fiddle. The trio will be swinging the Django tunes and bringing the French Cafe sound to The St. Paul Hotel Lobby Bar.
Friday June 21st, and Saturday, June 22nd – Saint Paul Hotel Lobby Bar – 4-8PM
EXPLOSION BIG BAND
Led by chief detonators Doug Haining, sax, and Scott Agster, trombone, the EXPLOSION big band draws from the area’s finest musicians. The EXPLOSION is ready to detonate with the classic sounds of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and more modern sounds of Thad Jones, Clare Fischer, Pat Metheny and others. The EXPLOSION ignites big band chestnuts, blasts into rock, erupts into swing, and is ready to ignite any event with a BIG BANG.
Personnel
Reeds:
Doug Haining, Alto 1
Chris Harris, Alto 2
Pete Whitman, Tenor 1
Joe Mayo, Tenor 2
Gus Sandberg, Bari
Bones:
Scott Agster, Bone 1
Pete Enblom, Bone 2
Dave Graf, Bone 3
Wade Clark, Bone 4
Trumpets:
Pete Davis, Lead Trumpet
Adam Rossmiller, Trumpet 2
Geoff Senn, Trumpet 3
Jeff Jensen, Trumpet 4
Preston Haining, Trumpet 5
Rhythm:
Ted Godbout, Piano
Chris Olson, Guitar
Matt Peterson, Bass
Trevor Haining, Drums
Friday, June 21st – Belvedere Stage @ Crooners – 8PM
GYPSY MANIA HOT CLUB QUARTET
Gypsy Mania “Hot Club” Quartet, a Twin Cities-based swing jazz band, performs a timeless jazz tradition commonly known as Gypsy Jazz, a blend of traditional Roma music and swing jazz. Originating in Paris in the early 1930s, the ‘Hot Club’ jazz tradition brings back happy memories of the swing jazz era, and for all an opportunity to nod, tap, or hit the dance floor. Their music keeps audience members on the edge (or out) of their chairs due to the band’s formidable improvisational prowess, exceptional stylistic dimension. – a group not to be missed.
Performing for over 16 years, the ensemble includes the unmistakable mastery of jazz violinist Gary Schulte, the diverse guitar styling of Glen Helgeson, the tasty, refined work of acoustic bassist Matt Senjem and rhythmic sensibility of jazz drummer Jay Epstein. Their self-titled CD, Gypsy Mania “Hot Club” Swing Jazz (2009), offers spontaneous and vivid performances in the Django Reinhardt tradition and includes savvy originals by guitarist and bandleader Glen Helgeson.
Friday, June 21st – UnitedHealthCare Jazz on 5th Street Stage – 5PM
JACK BRASS BAND
The Jack Brass Band was formed in 1999 in the Twin Cities. Based on the traditions of New Orleans’ brass bands, they are the ambassadors to the Crescent City’s rich musical history. The band plays “Feel-Good Music” for audiences of any age, for any occasion.
The band has the ability and repertoire to play everything from old New Orleans jazz from Louis Armstrong’s era, to the modern street Mardi-Gras anthems with the instrumentation, feel, and energy they have mastered through countless gigs, parades, festival appearances, and trips to New Orleans to listen, learn, and play alongside the masters.
Friday, June 21st – UnitedHealthCare Jazz on 5th Street Stage – 7:30PM
JAZZEN
Bobb Fantauzzo headlines JazZen, the Minneapolis based trio that embraces the essence of jazz with highly unusual instrumentation and inspired soloing. The organic timbre of Fantauzzo’s wooden world flutes, weaving through the swirling undercurrents provided by Aaron Kerr’s electric cello and Derrin Pinto’s drum kit, opens new sonic possibilities and creates a distinct sound that is simultaneously primitive and contemporary.
Saturday, June 22nd – MetroNOME Brewery – 3PM
JAZZ FESTIVAL JAM SESSION HOSTED BY GRAYDON PETERSON
Will Kjeer – Piano, Graydon Peterson – Bass, Abinnet Berhanu – Drums.
Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd – Pimento Jamaican Kitchen (Wabasha Street, Downtown Saint Paul) – 10PM
JAZZMN ORCHESTRA W/ SPECIAL GUEST JENNIFER GRIMM
JazzMN, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, was formed twenty years ago by Dr. Douglas Snapp with the mission to “Promote, Preserve and Perpetuate America’s Indigenous Art Music, Jazz”. Since its inception, the JazzMN Orchestra has presented more than 70 concerts in its main series with dozens of additional performances at jazz and art festivals around the Twin Cities. The music performed by the JazzMN Orchestra ranges from the very beginnings of jazz through contemporary and commissioned works by today’s composers. With the evolution of jazz impacting music across the world and jazz elements being found in many genres of music, JazzMN concerts have included works in Swing, Fusion, R&B, Latin, Rock, and even Rap genres. This effort to program works from Classic to Contemporary ties with JazzMN’s efforts to present jazz as an American art form that crosses age and race barriers. Now in its 21st season, the JazzMN Orchestra has featured international jazz artists such as Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Arturo Sandoval, Gordon Goodwin, Phil Woods, Nicholas Payton and Paquito D’Rivera.
Saturday, June 22nd – Crooners Supper Club (Belvedere Stage) – 4PM
JC SANFORD’S EQ (ELECTRIC QUARTET)
After spending 16 years in New York City as a professional musician, trombonist/composer JC Sanford returned to Minnesota in 2016. His most recent projects include a trio with pianist Michael Cain and bassist Anthony Cox called New Past and his Imminent Standards Trio which released consecutive recordings in 2021 and 2022. He has regularly been recognized as a “Rising Star” trombonist in DownBeat Magazine’s Critic’s Polls over the past several years and is conductor of the thrice-Grammy-nominated John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble. JC has performed as a trombonist with the likes of Danilo Pérez, Matt Wilson, and George Schuller, and been an ensemble member in wide-ranging groups such as Nathan Parker Smith’s prog-rock big band, Andrew Green’s film noir tribute Narrow Margin, singer-songwriter Joy Askew’s New York Brass, and Joseph C. Phillips, Jr.’s jazz/new music hybrid Numinous. He received a 2018 McKnight Composer Fellowship and several MN State Arts Board grants in recent years. He currently co-leads the modern jazz orchestra Inatnas Orchestra with his award-winning wife, composer Asuka Kakitani. His new project EQ (Electric Quartet) features a more “plugged-in” approach that utilizes electronics over a mix of originals and standards.
Saturday, June 22nd – Pimento Jamaican Kitchen (Wabasha Street, Downtown Saint Paul) – 8PM
JENNIFER GRIMM
Jennifer Grimm is an American jazz/r&b vocalist/composer, successful at home and abroad with her music and voice featured on networks including NBC, SHOWTIME, and USA. Described as milky, sexy, torchy, and sultry, Jennifer brings her clear voice and charismatic personality to the stage with the professionalism and ease of a lifelong entertainer.
Jennifer’s songwriting and producing has resulted in her original works being featured on NBC, UNIVERSAL, SONY, AMC, TLC, HULU, and CW in shows including Parenthood, House of Lies, Scandal, Suits, Stargirl, and Sing Off. In addition, Grimm works in the voiceover industry and has been the voice of many companies including Target, Caribou Coffee, OfficeMax, HealthPartners, Famous Dave’s and many more.
Jennifer Grimm can be found every week performing somewhere – her music and voice can be easily found (search streaming platforms for both ‘Jennifer Grimm’ and “Grimm and Cruz’ to hear her current projects) – visit jennifergrimm.com for her schedule.
Friday, June 21st – Apostle Supper Club 7-10PM
JON WEBER
Jazz pianist Jon Weber has recorded and toured all over the world, winning numerous honors for performance and composition – scoring extensively for television since 1987. Gary Burton, Roy Hargrove, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and Avishai Cohen have all recorded Jon’s music, and his critically acclaimed release, SIMPLE COMPLEX, rose to #1. Jon lives in New York City hosting NPR’s “Piano Jazz with Jon Weber” after frequently serving as guest host for Marian McPartland. In June 2022, PS Classics released “I Know Things Now” – a Sondheim tribute CD which Jon orchestrated and conducted. Also in June 2022, Jon served as musical director at Peggy Lee’s Centennial Concert in Carnegie Hall. In 2018, 2022, 2023 and 2024, Jon served as musical director for the O’Neill Theatre and conducted all three nights at the Cabaret Convention at Lincoln Center in October 2022. Weber performed in the 2022 London Jazz Fest and music director of the 2023 Cayman Arts Festival.
Thursday, June 20th – w/ Maurice Jacox – Apostle Supper Club 8-10PM
Friday, June 21st – solo at Episcopal Homes – 2PM &; w/ Connie Evingson – Jazz 88/MPSVoices.com stage at Twin Cities PBS – 8:45PM
Saturday, June 22nd – solo at Episcopal Homes – 2PM &; w/ Patty Peterson – Apostle Supper Club 8-10PM
KEVIN GAMBLE QUARTET
Kevin Gamble is not just a piano player; he is a passionate and dedicated musician who fills each composition with his unique energy and creativity. With a love for both creating original music and collaborating with other exceptionally talented musicians in his local community, Kevin has solidified his place as a respected figure in the music industry.
Saturday, June 22nd – MetroNOME Brewery – 4:30PM
KEVIN JACKSON
Kevin Jackson is an exceptional musician, pianist, singer, and instructor. Kevin has traveled nationally performing at legendary venues including The Apollo, and Madison Square Garden. Performing with the likes of Sounds of Blackness, Mint Condition, Mick Sterling Band to name a few.
Friday, June 21st – Papa Legba’s Lounge – 7-9PM
LAAMAR
LAAMAR is the latest project led by Minneapolis-based singer, songwriter, saxophonist, and composer Geoffrey Lamar Wilson. Former frontman of Brooklyn-based Jus Post Bellum, Wilson is also known for his multilayered looped saxophone performances and catchy podcast ditties (Terrible, Thanks for Asking). On the band’s debut EP, Flowers, Wilson blends his idiomatic inspirations bridging folk, soul, R&B, and country with a constant ear toward racial and social justice issues and the shared human experience.
Thursday, June 20th – Mears Park- in Partnership with Lowertown Sounds – 6PM
LEE ENGELE & REYNOLD PHILIPSEK
The long running duo of vocalist Lee Engele and guitarist Reynold Philipsek makes a return appearance. A veteran of local big bands, small ensembles and theater, Lee has released a number of recordings to date, two with Reynold. She has performed in New York, and at major Twin Cities and Midwest venues. Reynold Philipsek is one of the area’s most prolific artists and songwriters and has appeared on over fifty recordings either under his own name or in support of other artists. His self-produced documentary, “A Life Well Played”, was the first-place winner in the short film category at the 2016 Highway 61 Film Festival.
Saturday, June 22nd – Heime’s Haberdashery – 2PM
LENORE RAPHAEL TRIO
Lenore Raphael is an internationally renowned jazz pianist, Steinway artist, jazz radio host and jazz teacher.
She has performed and sold out major jazz clubs and festivals…Dizzy’s at Jazz At Lincoln Center (3 times), The Blue Note (NYC), Birdland (NYC), Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s in London, The Jazz Showcase Chicago, The London Jazz Festival, The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival, The S.S. Oosterdam jazz cruise, and many more. She was one of three featured internationally renowned Steinway pianists including Ahmad Jamal and Abdullah Ibraham, at the Joy of Jazz Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. Lenore also performed Brecon International Jazz Festival, The North Carolina jazz festival, and the Casa Da Musica in Porto, Portugal
Lenore has 11 critically acclaimed recordings. Her 2010 recording Invitation was on Top 10 jazz radio stations for weeks. Her 2012 album “LOVE NOTES” a tribute to Oscar Peterson was voted by the BBC as best international jazz recording for 2013.
“Raphael is simply one of the best pianists in the jazz mainstream…she always swings’..John Gilbert, writer, Allaboutjazz.com
Friday, June 21st – Master Class at Schmitt Music – 2PM
Saturday, June 22nd – Jazz 88/MPSVoices.com stage at Twin Cities PBS – 9PM
LE PERCHERON (Ticketed Event)
Le Percheron is a long-standing creative project led by Adam Linz (Fat Kid Wednesdays) says “I love being able to have vibes, cornet, bass, drums. I’m a huge Don Cherry fan. One of my favorite Don Cherry groups is that European quartet with Karl Berger. I love that sound. So that’s kind of where the group started. It is an outlet for me to compose. My goal with Le Percheron is to continue to play with those guys. I don’t believe in overnight success. We’ve been a band for 8 years now, and I think we’re just getting comfortable. My goal is to keep developing the group. I love that those guys are so willing to go with me down this road. I’m not trying to push it, so we need to play all the time, either. I like to give things a lot of breathing room, so that when we do play, we have something to play about.” And now, with the addition of Bryan Murray, this group is really world-class and must be heard to be believed.
Le Percheron is:
Bryan Murray – Saxophones
Noah Ophoven-Baldwin – Cornet
Levi Schwartzberg – Vibes
Adam Linz – Bass
Cory Healey – Drums
Thursday, June 20th – Dunsmore Jazz Room @ Crooners – 6:30PM (cover charge)
LINDA PETERSON & JASON PETERSON DELAIRE
Jason Peterson DeLaire:
Jason is the son of Linda Peterson and was the first of the “next generation” to call music his occupation. He is proficient on keyboards and saxophone, as well as being a talented singer, songwriter and producer. Currently touring as the Saxophonist/Keyboardist with Michael Bolton, he has also toured and/or recorded with renowned artists such as Prince, Alexander O’Neal, Richard Marx, Donny Osmond, Oleta Adams, Solo, Cherrelle, Bobby Brown, Ben Sidran and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ Flyte Time Productions. Jason attended Berklee School of Music in Boston, studying film score and musical harmony. He is a well-rounded and versatile performer of classic jazz and R &B and has earned a reputation as a solid touring accompanist and ‘front’ solo performer. Jason put out a record called “After Hours” in 2022 and had incredible success at smooth jazz radio!
Linda Peterson:
Linda is an international recording artist, song writer, pianist and vocalist. She has appeared at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival several times. Linda has five CDs to her credit, two of which were recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark and the most recent CD, recorded in Buenos Aires with famed Argentine guitarist, Luis Salinas. A new CD of Linda’s original compositions was released in the summer of 2015, entitled “You Gotta Be Somewhere”. Ms. Peterson lives and works in Palm Springs, California during season and travels to Florida, Minnesota, Europe and South America to work during the summer months.
Saturday, June 22nd – Umbra at the Canopy by Hilton – 7-10PM
LINDSAY PEDALTY
Vocalist Lindsay Pedalty brings a fresh voice to the Twin Cities music scene. Her clear, unaffected voice is sophisticated and refreshing. She is comfortable singing a variety of music, including pop, both old and new rock, blues, jazz, standards, and even a country tune or two. She has experience performing at clubs and cafes with several local music acts as well as private events.
In the Twin Cities, some of the venues Lindsay has performed at include: Bunkers Bar and Grill, Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, Mancini’s Char House, Fine Line Music Café, Amsterdam Bar and Hall, Ward 6, Hell’s Kitchen, Cannon River Winery, O’Gara’s Garage, Dunn Brothers St. Paul, Dunn Brothers Wayzata, The Finnish Bistro, Wabasha Street Caves, The 400 Bar, Dr. Chocolate’s Chocolate Chateau, Nick and Eddie, Mattie’s On Main, Wild Tymes, The Terminal Bar, Jo Jo’s Rise and Wine, and the Underground Music Café.
Thursday, June 20th – Mancini’s Supper Club – 6:30-9:30PM
MAUD HIXSON W/ RICK CARLSON
Maud Hixson Bio:
Hailed as “gently virtuosic” (All About Jazz), Maud Hixson is a devoted exponent of great songs, ranging from the classic Great American Songbook to the often unsung or forgotten compositions awaiting rediscovery. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Maud made her Guthrie Theater debut in the Noel Coward revue Coward’s Women, also appearing in Park Square Theater’s The Soul of Gershwin. She teamed with Sir Richard Rodney Bennett in 2012 for the long-running Midtown Jazz at Midday concert series at Saint Peter’s and debuted her show Skyscraper Wits in London and New York in 2015. She has made three appearances at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall for the New York Cabaret Convention, presented by the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Maud received a Next Step Grant from the McKnight Foundation in 2015 and is the recipient of four Artist Initiative grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, one of which supported the research for her album comprised of compositions by Broadway composer Michael (Mickey) Leonard. Her newest recording is devoted to the music of her mentor, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, which earned a 2024 Bistro Award.
Rick Carlson Bio:
He has been the pianist for the Wolverines Big Band since 1980. He has performed on concert stages from London to New York City, and has appeared with Count Basie drummer Butch Miles, horn stars Warren Vaché, Delfeayo Marsalis, Evan Christopher and Wycliffe Gordon. His credits as musical director, arranger and pianist include the Guthrie Theater presentation of “Coward’s Women”, the Capri Theater “Legends Series” and in various concert and cabaret presentations internationally. He once opened for Rosemary Clooney, has accompanied Kathryn Crosby in cabaret shows, and counts Madeleine Peyroux among his many unwitting fans.
Saturday, June 22nd – Episcopal Homes – 6:30PM
MAURICE JACOX W/ JON WEBER
Maurice Jacox has been on the Twin City music scene for over 40 years. From The Butane Soul Review, to Soul Tight Committee, to the Straighten Up and Fly Right tribute to Nat King Cole, Maurice Jacox has a broad range of musical experience that illuminates and infiltrates each song he sings. With a mix of Jazz, Soul, R&B, Gospel, Big Band, Rock and Pop you’re in for a great night of music.
Thursday, June 20th – Apostle Supper Club – 8-10PM
MINNESOTA HARD BOP COLLECTIVE
American Jazz evolved from African rhythms and European harmonies in the first half of the 20th century; a series of sub genres have evolved, including Hard Bop Jazz. Hard Bop Jazz comes from a group of African American performers in the 1950s to express their civil rights. The music is hard-driving, often up-tempo, with extensive communication between the musicians and their audience. It’s physical, gripping, and sometimes joyfully relentless! This makes the music difficult to play but fun for the performers and the listeners.
Live music is often used as background to other activities such as dining, so Hard Bop Jazz is rarely performed outside niche jazz clubs that require a cover charge, especially during the winter when outdoor performance is more difficult in this climate. To remedy this problem, the Minnesota Hard Bop Collective (otherwise known as The MNHBC) was formed by Twin Cities professional jazz musicians in 2016 with the sole purpose of introducing a new generation of musicians and audiences to this music at area venues that don’t require a cover charge.
We have successfully been awarded numerous grant awards from the Metro Regional Arts Council, Saint Paul Cultural STAR, and The MN State Arts Board. We have been featured performers at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, KJ’s/Vieux Carre, Black Dog, FM 88.5 “Jazz88” and several other area jazz venues.
The mission of the MN Jazz Student Sit-In Series:
The mission of this performance series is to provide a formal opportunity for music students to sit in with professional jazz musicians, which aims to help teach students performance skills and confidence building that is not available in the classroom or open mic jam sessions. The performance series aims to provide a formal opportunity for music students to perform with and learn directly from professional Jazz musicians; this will provide students with performance skills and confidence building not available in the classroom or open mic jam sessions.
What is “Sitting-In”?
Sitting in is not the same as a “jam session”. A musician’s definition of “sitting in” is to participate in a working group, as a guest, usually to play a couple of songs. This usually occurs at the invitation of someone in the band. This is how jazz musicians typically audition and introduce one another.
Every working musician has a story about when they “sat in” and either got or didn’t get a gig. It is an essential skill for anyone pursuing a career as a jazz jusician.
Friday, June 21st – Walker West Music Academy Youth Stage at Saint City (formerly Creator’s Cup) – 5PM
NICOLE ZURAITIS
Nicole Zuraitis is a GRAMMY winning and 2X GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police), Nicole has positioned herself as one of the top artists and “prolific songwriters” (Broadway World) to watch in jazz and beyond.
Thursday, June 20th – Dakota Jazz Club – 7PM (Cover charge)
OMAR ABDULKARIM QUARTET
Minneapolis native Omar Abdulkarim has been playing trumpet since he was 14 months old, learning from his father, Ahmed Abdulkarim. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the renowned New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. He has performed around the world with various groups at the Haitian Jazz Festival, Switzerland at Marian’s Jazz room, also at the top clubs in New York including the Blue Note, Small, and Birdland. He has performed and worked with Roy Hargrove, Redman, Method Man, KRS-ONE, Talib Kweli, Lauren Hill, Nicholas Payton television studio orchestra, Jose James, and Valerie Ponomarev big band to name a few. His quintet held a yearlong residency performing at New York’s prestigious Standard Hotel playing 5 nights a week in the Boom Boom Room. He has also performed in an orchestra and jazz quartet on the largest cruise ship in the world “The Oasis of the Seas” He is currently leading his group in the Twin Cities area.
Saturday, June 22nd – Jazz 88/MPSVoices.com stage at Twin Cities PBS – 7:15PM
OSKAR STENMARK QUARTET (Ticketed Event)
Close out the Twin Cities Jazz Festival on a high note at the American Swedish Institute with Swedish jazz trumpeter, Oskar Stenmark! With a musical family lineage dating back to 1762, Oskar’s channels Voices of his Ancestors through his unique blend of jazz and Swedish folk music. Come hungry! FIKA will be serving a special jazz inspired menu during the show. No food/beverage minimum required. Purchase tickets here.
Sunday, June 23rd – American Swedish Institute – 6:00PM-8:00PM (cover charge)
PARISOTA HOT CLUB
Parisota Hot Club played its first official date at Brasserie Zinc in Minneapolis on Feb. 7, 2002, and has remained active on the local music scene ever since. At that time, they were at the vanguard of
local Hot Club bands devoted to the jazz stylings of Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli. It has since become the longest running Hot Club locally in the Twin Cities. The current Parisota lineup has been performing as a trio since 2015 with Robb Henry – guitar, Jim Plattes – violin and Matt Senjem – bass. The PHC sound is a mix of electric and acoustic with drums added on occasion.
The name Parisota is a blend of two locations; Paris, hometown of original PHC violinist and founding member Raphaël Fraisse, and the group’s home base, Minnesota.
Saturday, June 22nd – Big River Pizza – 7PM
PATTY PETERSON W/ JON WEBER
Patty Peterson was born into Minnesota’s First Family of Music; The Peterson Family. Along with her late parents, the legendary Willie and Jeanne Arland Peterson, all the family members are recording artists and involved in the national and international music scene.
As a vocalist, Patty has performed to sold-out audiences all over the country such as The Dakota, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Crooners in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Vibrato, Catalina’s Jazz Club and The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, California. In addition, Patty received the coveted Minnesota Music Award 7 times for best vocalist as well as best jazz recording and in 2019, she was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, along with her siblings. She was also named Minnesota’s Jazz Hero of 2020 via the Jazz Journalists Association for all her contributions to the Jazz community in Minnesota. Patty has released 5 solo recordings which feature luminaries Sheila E., David Hazeltine, Stokley Williams, and Ira Sullivan, as well as members of her entire family. Patty’s latest CD is entitled, “Count Your Blessings”, which was released in time for the 2019 Holiday Season.
Patty is also a well-known radio personality and the executive producer of the Minnesota Jazz Legends for KBEM 88.5FM
Saturday, June 22nd – Apostle Supper Club – 8-10PM
PATRICE GOODALL ABBE – Visual Artist
The art exhibit Jazz ‘n More shows four different collections of Patrice’s work translated through all of her senses to canvas for the fall and fabric for the body. Each painting is a combination of acrylic, watercolor, pen and sometimes liquid gold. The Jazz Collection is inspired by the photographs of Walter Griffin. These pieces show an intense yet whimsical view into the world of jazz.
Friday, June 21st – Dow Art Gallery – 10:00AM to 5:30PM
Saturday; June 22nd – Dow Art Gallery – 11:00AM to 4:00PM
PIERRE LEWIS
Saint Paul native Pierre Lewis spent his formative years filling in for Twin Cites organ legend Bobby Lyles. He has been keyboardist for R&B legends the Commodores for the past 12 years. He will be exploring his roots as one of the area’s most experienced masters of the Hammond B3 organ, channeling everyone from Jimmy Smith to Joey DeFrancesco.
Thursday, June 20th – Kollaborate at Papa Legba’s Lounge – 6:30-8:30PM
Saturday; June 22nd – Organ Quartet at Dark Horse Bar & Eatery – 7:30PM
RHINOCEROS DYNASTY
Composer/Saxophonist Aaron Hedenstrom is a contemporary saxophonist/composer whose sensibilities span from modern groove-based music to classical music and many sounds in-between.
Aaron’s collaborations as a saxophonist and composer/arranger have spanned across styles from indie artist S. Carey (of Bon Iver) to eclectic groups like The New Standards, to acclaimed jazz artists such as vibraphonist Stefon Harris, saxophonist Grace Kelly (of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert), and saxophonist Bob Reynolds (of John Mayer’s band). Aaron’s musical style has been developed studying with top-flight musicians including Rich DeRosa, Brad Leali, Steve Wiest, David Berger, and Ethan Wickman. Aaron’s compositions have been played worldwide by ensembles including the SFJazz High School All-Stars, Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble, UNT One Clock Lab Band, and more.
Friday, June 21st – Dark Horse Bar & Eatery – 9:15PM
SALSA DEL SOUL
Salsa del Soul is a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece orchestra performing various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean. Salsa del Soul was formed with the purpose of providing great dance music for Twin Cities Salsa fans. The musicians of Salsa del Soul represent some of the finest talents in the Twin Cities Latin music scene. The styles of music they perform include Son, Son Montuno, Plena, Cha-cha-cha, Bachata, Merengue, Timba, and, of course, Salsa! Salsa del Soul performs locally at restaurants and bars, jazz and Latin festivals, private engagements, and other locations and events.
Saturday, June 22nd – UnitedHealthCare Jazz on 5th Street Stage – 5PM
SOPHIA KICKHOFEL QUARTET
Sophia Kickhofel is a 20 year old multi-instrumentalist and composer from Apple Valley, Minnesota. She has performed around the world at venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, Carnegie Hall, the Library of Congress, Dizzy’s Club, the Dakota and New World Center for the Arts. Furthermore, Sophia studies jazz performance at the Juilliard School under the direction of saxophonist Dan Block and pianist Marc Cary. Sophia strives to create music that evokes empathy and a sense of community within the audience. In addition, she strives to minimize the gender disparities in jazz music through performance and education.
Saturday, June 22nd – Dark Horse Bar & Eatery – 9:15PM
SOUL LATIN QUINTET
Mac Santiago, B.M., has been playing music professionally since the age of sixteen. Mac grew up on the West Coast (Los Angeles and the Bay Area, attended Sonoma State University for three years, and graduated from Idaho State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Music. After a year or so back in L.A., he began touring in an effort to further his nonacademic experience.
In 1983 he settled in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, where he currently makes his home. His experiences there have been wide and varied over the past twenty-five years. Always a purveyor of jazz music, Mac has played in just about every musical configuration possible. Mac has toured with the British rock band Badfinger and played regularly with the best Jazz, Salsa, Country, and R&B groups in the area. He has performed in the pit orchestras of the world-famous Guthrie Theater and the Minnesota Opera as well as with blues legend Mojo Buford. Also, successful “one-offs” with the likes of Grover Washington Jr., Doc Severinson, The Dallas Brass, Savion Glover, Jack McDuff, Paul Bollenbeck and Dick Oatts, to name a few.
Mac has proven to be one of the truly versatile drummer/percussionists in the area.
Though known more as a player than a teacher, Mac has directed community-based local youth jazz groups in the Twin Cities area and has always been willing to share his knowledge and experience with his peers. To this end, Mac has co-founded a community based Jazz center in Minneapolis with pianist Tanner Taylor called Jazz Central Studios.
Aside from co-leading Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra( 18 piece) and performing regularly with The Voice runner up Nick “the Feelin’ “ David , Mac emphasizes that he no longer plays the drums – he plays the ensemble. He has developed quite a reputation as a superb accompanist both live and in the studio.
Soul Latin Quintet is:
An exploration of music that celebrates the fusion of Jazz and Latin music with a funky edge.
Steve Roehm -vibraphone
James Anton -bass
Joe Strachan- piano
Josh May-trumpet
Mac Santiago-percussion/ director
Friday, June 21st – Dark Horse Bar & Eatery – 7:30PM
SPACE
Formed in 2017, SPACE is a Minneapolis-based, modern jazz cooperative that seeks to bring the spontaneity and creative complexity of improvised music into playful collision with the performative intensity of rock-and-roll. SPACE’s all-original music immerses listeners in a radically egalitarian, ever-evolving sound story. Their first recording, 2019’s “Non-Trivial Problem”, was critically acclaimed and signaled the emergence of another serious jazz composer’s collective from Minnesota. SPACE’s appearance at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival comes on the heels of the CD release of their sophomore album “The Approaching Coast”, originally released digital-only in December 2022.
Jack Courtright – Trombone
Will Schmid – Guitar
Patrick Adkins – Piano
Alma Engebretson – Bass/Cello
Tarek Abdelqader – Drums
Saturday, June 22nd – Pimento Jamaican Kitchen (Wabasha Street, Downtown Saint Paul) – 6:30PM
STEVE KENNY QUARTET (Ticketed Event)
The Steve Kenny Quartet is a flexible membership ensemble that focuses on select Original Compositions by Steve Kenny and a number of crowd-pleasing innovative arrangements of Jazz standards. The group has been performing on Twin Cities Jazz Club stages for 10 years, has toured the Midwest and appeared on the music series at Drake University, the Eau Claire Jazz Festival, and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Steve Kenny is active in the Minnesota Jazz community as a performer, composer, and curator. Steve is a founding member of The Illicit Sextet, Group 47, What Would Monk Do? and his own Quartets. Steve was the curator of a weekly Saturday Jazz series at kj’s hideaway, and before that the Black Dog Cafe, producing over 400 Saturday Night Jazz shows. His latest recording, “Quartets”, includes original compositions played by 4 separate ensembles of Twin Cities Jazz musicians, including a Live version of Steve Kenny’s Ghost Suite. in 2019 the national Jazz Journalists Association named Steve as a “Minnesota Jazz Hero” for his work in the Jazz community and lifelong devotion to the idiom.
Thursday, June 20th – Dunsmore Jazz Room @ Crooners – 6:30PM (cover charge)
SWINGIN’ ON A STAR
This five-piece group enthusiastically plays jazz from America’s Swing Era. They have played over 140 concerts and dances in the past six years. Their lively tunes will make you smile, get your toes tapping, and maybe even get you out on the dance floor.
Vocals, Dorothy Doring
Sax, Steve Clarke
Percussion, Joe Steinger
Bass, Rick Korinek
Piano, Peter Hanson
BIG FUN!
Saturday, June 22nd – UnitedHealthCare Jazz on 5th Street Stage – 7:30PM
TAKE THAT BACK
Take That Back started as the meeting-of-the-minds of two veteran reed players, Joan Hutton and Sue Orfield. Drawn together by a passion for original music, both bandleaders are composers and improvisers, each with a unique musical voice. They joined creative forces with an incredible rhythm section of some of the Twin Cities’ busiest players–Ted Godbout (piano), Kameron Markworth (bass), and David Schmalenberger (drums)–and together they released an album of original music in 2022 (Take That Back, Shifting Paradigm Records) and have another scheduled for release in 2024.
Friday, June 21st – Jazz 88/MPSVoices.com stage at Twin Cities PBS – 7PM
THE AVANT GARDE
The Avant Garde is a Twin Cities based music and entertainment production company that puts on curated events featuring urban eclectic entertainment. They also do consulting and provide artist development and assistance to elevate their brand.
Chadwick “Niles” Phillips
Chadwick “Niles” Phillips is an artist & renaissance man who is the founder of “The Avant Garde” music and entertainment company that produces concerts featuring Twin Cities urban eclectic entertainment. He has worked for BET, CBS and NYC Fashion Week. As an artist he was signed to major label KOCH Records. Chadwick will be hosting the TPT Stage and The Avant Garde will be producing a concert for the 2024 Twin Cities Jazz Festival!
The Avant Garde / @theavantg
Chadwick “Niles” Phillips / @nilesgotyou
www.facebook.com/chadwick.phillips.5
www.facebook.com/theavantgardeis
www.theavantgardeis.com
Jackson Hurst
Jackson Hurst emerges as a solo artist with a different sound than he’s known for in the Twin Cities. The church kid forges a congruent and individual music career in the genres of R&B/Soul, Funk, Country and Pop that is heavily influenced by his roots in Gospel. Jackson is a part of the beloved Twin Cities music family “The Hurst’s”. For years they have presented classic performances as “The Hurst Family Experience”. With his debut single, “So Do I”, it is just the beginning of a new legacy built as an artist.
@iamjacksonhurst
www.facebook.com/iamjacksonhurst
Jordan Avent
Jordan Avent is an amazing vocalist from the Twin Cities. She began her love for music at the age of 4. She began singing in the youth choir at church and eventually worked her way up to leading solos. She sang at familiar spots here in the twin cities such as the Target Center, Minneapolis Convention Center, The Dakota Jazz Club and more. She had also worked with some of Minneapolis very own celebrities Jovonta Patton and Jamecia Bennett. She sings with a variety of cover bands around the Metropolitan and curates her own shows as well which includes the genres of R&B, Pop, Neo-Soul , Disco and Jazz. Singing is her passion. With so many great things in the making with Jordan’s career, stay tuned for what is next.
@jordanavent_
www.facebook.com/jordan.aventbarnett.5
Saturday, June 22nd – The UnitedHealthCare Jazz on 5th Street Stage – 3PM
Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd – Chadwick “Niles” Phillips hosts the Jazz 88/MPSVoices.com stage at Twin Cities PBS
THE JAZZ BRIDGE PROJECT
The Jazz Bridge Project was started in the year 2012 by the father and son team of guitarist, Roger Johnson and flautist, Rajiah Johnson. Their goal is to provide opportunities for a variety of musicians, which incorporates the bridging of various jazz talents known locally and nationally. A native of Upstate New York, Roger Johnson grew up hearing great organists like Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, and Lonnie Liston Smith. He was heavily influenced by John Coltrane and the 1960’s modal players. Rajiah Johnson has performed with the late saxophonist, Steve Lacy, and late organist, Jack McDuff, and recorded with the hip-hop band, Atmosphere, among others. Joining them will be:
Pierre Lewis – Keyboards
Batume – Drums
Jovon Williams – Saxophone
Friday, June 21st – MetroNOME Brewery – 6:30PM
THE LEGENDARY COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA (ticketed event)
CONDUCTOR/TRUMPET: Scotty Barnhart
GUEST VOCALIST: *Carmen Bradford
TRUMPETS:
Frank Greene, Lead Trumpet
Shawn Edmonds
Brandon Lee
Endre Rice
TROMBONES:
* Clarence Banks
Isrea Butler, Lead
Ron Wilkins, Bass Trombone
Mark Williams
SAXOPHONES:
Josh Lee, Baritone
Doug Miller, Tenor
Dave Glasser, Lead Alto & Flute
Stantawn Kendrick, Alto & Flute
Doug Lawrence, Tenor
RHYTHM SECTION:
Robert Boone, Drums
Trevor Ware, Bass
Will Matthews, Guitar
Reggie Thomas, Piano
MANAGER: * Dee Askew
*Indicates worked or performed with Count Basie
In the history of Jazz music, there is only one bandleader that has the distinction of
having his orchestra still performing sold out concerts all over the world, with members
personally chosen by him, for nearly 40 years after his passing. Pianist and bandleader
William James “Count” Basie was and still is an American institution that personifies the
grandeur and excellence of Jazz. The Count Basie Orchestra, today directed by Scotty
Barnhart, has won every respected jazz poll in the world at least once, won 18 Grammy
Awards, performed for Kings, Queens, and other world Royalty, appeared in several
movies, television shows, at every major jazz festival and major concert hall in the
world. The most recent honor is a 2024 Grammy Win of Best Large Jazz Ensemble for
“Basie Swings the Blues”!
Current members include musicians hired by Basie himself: Frequent guest vocalist
Carmen Bradford (joined in 1983) and trombonist Clarence Banks (1984). Long-time
members include Doug Miller (1989, formerly w/Lionel Hampton), guitarist Will
Matthews from Kansas City (1996), and members who have 15-25 years of service;
trombonist Mark Williams, trumpeters Shawn Edmonds and Endre Rice, saxophonists
Doug Lawrence (formerly w/Benny Goodman) and returning on lead alto, David Glasser.
Newer members include bassist Trevor Ware, lead trumpeter Frank Greene III and
trumpeter Brandon Lee, pianist Reginald Thomas, lead trombonist Isrea Butler, bass
trombonist Ronald Wilkins, alto sax and flute Stantawn Kendrick and the youngest
members, drummer Robert Boone and baritone saxophonist Josh Lee.
Sunday, June 23rd – Belvedere Stage @ Crooners – 4:30PM & 7:30PM (cover charge)
THE NEW STANDARDS
Formed in 2005 as an off-shoot project between three Minneapolis-based musicians and friends, The New Standards has grown into a globe-spanning adventure—filling theaters and clubs around the world and spawning several CDs, videos, cartoons, and dance and theater projects that have charmed and delighted an ever-multiplying legion of faithful fans.
Thursday, June 20th – Mears Park – in partnership with Lowertown Sounds 8:00PM
l fans.
THE OTHER OL’ BLUE EYES
When was the last time you heard a singer/songwriter bust into a fantastic bebop guitar solo? When was the last time you saw a jazz guitarist step up to the vocal mic and bring the audience to tears with a country ballad by Gram Parsons? Minnesota music legend Ben Glaros has found a way to bring this all together in his new duo “The Other Ol’ Blue Eyes”. He and bassist Bruce Morrow play a carefully curated blend of jazz standards, pop and country classics and original tunes. Songs made popular by Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra sit comfortably alongside David Bowie, Roxy Music and the Beatles and somehow it all makes beautiful sense. Throw in the improvisational talents of these two amazing musicians and you’ve got a truly unique night of music!
Friday, June 21st – Gambit Brewing Company – 6-9PM
THOUGHTCAST
ThoughtCast is a Minneapolis based band that focuses on original music, stimulating listeners with colorful rhythms and harmonies. The music offers freedom of expression but also ensnares the ears with infectious grooves.
ThoughtCast is comprised of four musicians:
Graydon Peterson (Bass)
Ben Ehrlich (Drums)
Jake Baldwin (Trumpet)
Joe Strachan (Keyboard)
Friday, June 21st – MetroNOME Brewery – 8PM
TIM SPARKS W/ BEN ABRAHAMSON & TED OLSEN
Tim Sparks has been redefining the acoustic guitar repertoire since he won the National Fingerpicking Championship in 1993 with a groundbreaking 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 has earned him an international reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists working today.
Friday, June 21st – Big River Pizza – 7PM
TOMMY BENTZ JAZZ TRIO
Growing up in a small Wisconsin town isn’t always limiting as it sounds. An eclectic musician, Bentz totes history with the violin, oboe, saxophone, guitar, and bass. Putting all of this musical knowledge together to start a band for the first time in high school, Bentz’s love of music would give him the flexibility to perform in rock, classical, jazz, blues, bluegrass and jam bands. When asked for his resume, Bentz’s list goes on…
His sound gives credence to this fact that the many faces and different genres of music have allowed him to create his own sound: one that blends ideals from many flavors of music into one (kind of like at the ice cream store he managed as a teen). The distinct movement, layering, and syncopation of his style, though intense, is immediately accessible to the listener. Some may say that Tommy Bentz’s greatest asset is his confident and mature electric slide guitar style, yet others will argue that his insightful lyrics and adept layering of sound are what keep them coming back to hear him play again and again. Regardless, with three full length albums under his belt – each of them a landmark of musical growth in a coming-of-age fashion, Tommy Bentz represents a man with spirit, drive, thoughtful journeys, and musical ability that so many musicians strive to achieve.
Saturday, June 22nd – Gambit Brewing Company – 6-9PM
VICKIE CRISLER RONDO GROUP
Five-piece Jazz band who has been playing in the Twin Cities for a while. Tim Mc Namath, guitar, Mike Leopoldo, bass, Jack Barrett, keys, Tony Mareno, drums, Felix James, saxophone & flute. Featuring Vickie Crisler smooth jazz vocals who performs music that touches the heart.
Sunday, June 23rd – Papa Legba’s Lounge – 5PM-7PM
WALKER WEST MUSIC ACADEMY & MACPHAIL CENTER FOR MUSIC YOUTH PERFORMANCES
Saturday, June 22nd – Jazz88 Main Stage in Mears Park – 12:00PM
YUNIOR ROMERO, saxophone
Sunday, June 23rd – Papa Legba’s Lounge – 1PM-3PM
