News
One of the Great Ones: Dave Karr, 1930-2026
July 20, 2026 •One of the busiest musicians throughout his career and one of the most beloved by colleagues and jazz fans alike, saxophone master and Minnesota Jazz Legend Dave Karr passed away July 19th at age 96. He was perhaps best known as a tenor player, but also made his mark on bari, leading his “Mulligan Stew” […]
Jazz Central Studios – education and performance space announces plans to leave subterranean digs
July 5, 2026 •Following is an announcement from Jazz Central Studios Managing Director Mac Santiago: After 16 years in the lower level we have decided to “level-up” to a space right upstairs from our current location. This move is an out-growth of our education partnership with North Star Jazz Workshops whose phenomenal growth over the past two years […]
Upper Midwest Jazz Fests Kick Off Summer—Twin Cities, Iowa City and Northfield
June 13, 2026 •It’s become a tradition! The Upper Midwest presents three great jazz festivals over three weekends, starting with the Twin Cities Jazz Festival June 19-20; moving south the the Iowa City Jazz Festival July 3-5; and then moving back north to the Northfield Jazz Festival July 10-12. And these jazzy weekends, featuring an exciting assortment of […]
Minnesota’s Jazz Heroes 2026: Reverend Carl Walker and Grant West
April 22, 2026 •As an international membership organization of traditional and new media professionals covering jazz, the Jazz Journalists Association has, since 2001, sought nominations of “grassroots culture workers” who “go beyond their professional responsibilities to sustain and expand on musical activities with local and regional impact.” For 2026, the JJA celebrates 35 “Jazz Heroes” from 33 locales […]
The Yellowjackets and the JazzMN Orchestra with Michael Mayo Headline the 2026 Twin Cities Jazz Festival
March 23, 2026 •The Yellowjackets and the JazzMN Orchestra with Michael Mayo are the headliners for the 28th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival appearing on the main stage in Mears Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota on June 19th and 20th Watch the TCJS website for more details as more of the schedule is announced: https://www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com/ Yellowjackets Friday, June […]