News
Midwest Jazz Collective Brings Marquis Hill’s Sweet Surrender Trio To Midwest Venues Nov. 4–17
September 23, 2026 •Midwest Jazz Collective has announced a 14-stop tour (beginning at Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor and concluding at Berlin Jazz Club inn Minneapolis) featuring Thelonious Monk Competition-winning trumpeter Marquis Hill, bassist Micah Collier, and drummer Jillian Upshaw in their first-ever collaboration. Spanning 10 concert engagements and 4 educational workshops at regional universities, this tour […]
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. […]