News
Beyond “Feels So Good”: Steve Kenny Quintet Celebrates the Jazz Legacy of Chuck Mangione
September 1, 2026 •For a generation of listeners, a few notes are all it takes. That warm, unmistakable flugelhorn sound enters over an easy electric groove, the melody rises, and suddenly it is 1978 again. Chuck Mangione’s “Feels So Good” became one of the most recognizable instrumental recordings of its era — an extraordinary crossover success that carried […]
A full day of free music with three stages on Nicollet Mall at the Dakota Block Party September 26th, 2026
August 26, 2026 •The 2026 Dakota Block Party will present a lineup of more than a dozen free musical acts throughout the afternoon and evening, along with food and beverage offerings from Dakota and local partners. Performers include Karrin Allyson, The Sounds of Blackness featuring. Jamecia Bennett, The New Standards, Moore by Four, Lucia Sarmiento, Joe Pulice Big […]
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” […]
Kaviraj, Abdulkarim team up at Dakota
July 19, 2026 •Piano wizard Kavyesh Kaviraj and trumpeter Omar Abdulkarim, who are frequent collaborators, will team up again at the Dakota at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 27. Along with drummer Kevin Washington and bassist Dan Carpel, they will play a mix of originals and new arrangements from both co-leaders.
Steve Kenny Quintet Plays MetroNOME Brewery’s Fingal’s Cave on Friday, July 31st
July 14, 2026 •The Steve Kenny Quintet will play a special show with elements of tribute to Sonny Rollins in recognition of his recent passing. The show will also include some Miles Davis material celebrating his 100th birthday. Also, there will be a Chuck Mangione tune or two in tribute to the late, great flugelhornist, composer and bandleader. […]
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 […]