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 […]

A new show inspired by icons Ray Charles, Brian Auger, Booker T., Georgie Fame & Graham Bond. Willie & Tommy join up with trap kit genie Dave Anania, string bass pusher Jeremy Boettcher & wonderkid saxophonist/flutist Nelson Devereaux. Here, they wade into vintage covers and Wisely originals alike.

Minneapolis-based jazz pianist and composer, Mary Louise Knutson (k’NOOT-son), has been called "one of the most exciting artists to happen to jazz piano in quite some time." Her warm, inviting tone, broad range of emotional expression, and distinctive compositions have brought her much recognition on the national music scene.

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 & others.

Join the premiere big band in the Twin Cities, JazzMN Orchestra, for an unforgettable evening. This esteemed ensemble tackles blistering, swinging and innovative arrangements from the collection of the Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Orchestra. Longtime JazzMN drummer Joe Pulice has been tapped as music director. Further, this promises to be another great concert with the band at the Dakota.

Charles McPherson was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1939 and moved to Detroit at the age of nine. He moved to New York in 1959, joined bassist Charles Mingus’s band in 1960 and stayed with the group until 1972. During his twelve years working with Mingus, McPherson collaborated frequently with Barry Harris, Lonnie Hillyer, George Coleman […]

Davina and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene. Their high-energy live shows featurelevel-A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. Also, their influences range from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits. Moreover, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, […]

Jazz is a melting pot of cultures and tradition. The trio is a mixture of culture and creativity. The trio brings a hot new sound that has elements of American, Puerto Rican and Ethiopian culture.   Javier Santiago - piano Chris Smith - upright bass Abinnet Berhanu - drums

Minneapolis-based jazz pianist and composer, Mary Louise Knutson (k’NOOT-son), has been called "one of the most exciting artists to happen to jazz piano in quite some time." Her warm, inviting tone, broad range of emotional expression, and distinctive compositions have brought her much recognition on the national music scene.

Dakota favorites, Jay Young and The Lyric Factory started as a father/son duo in the mid-90s that has grown into a multi-faceted family of Minneapolis’ “first call” musicians who’ve been performing for sold-out audiences around the Twin Cities since 2005.

In this digital age, it’s hard to appreciate the things in life that are considered, “vintage.” Soundxcape is made up of traditional musicians that grew up in the age of the “DJ”. Sounxcape captures the idea of “old souls with forward thoughts”. Join us while we experiment in this realm.   Featuring: Javier Santiago - […]

Join the Fridley High School Jazz ensemble for their Spring Showcase. This dedicated community of students will be performing selections from the last academic year of music-making, including both big band and newer selections. Siena Olson: Director Noah Burkhardt: Flute Kenneth Thao: Flute Eli Yang: Alto Sax Alex Johnson: Tenor Sax Alison Martin: Violin Fara […]