The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, June 28-July 4

Twin Cities Jazz Festival at Mears Park

© Andrea Canter

My favorite weekend of the year actually gets underway Thursday, June 27^th with the kickoff of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival; Friday and Saturday boast an eclectic mix of jazz styles, from trad to swing to bebop to avant garde, from soul jazz to funk, solo performers to big bands, youth to octogenarian veterans. And yes, there are some other jazz events in the coming week apart from the festival.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Friday, June 28th

There’s two outdoor stages for opening night as well as at least a dozen clubs, bars, and restaurants boasting festival jazz. The full line-up and schedule are available online and in the program booklet available at all participating venues.

Illicit Sextet

On the Main Stage: The Illicit Sextet won many fans in the 90s.  After a decade- long hiatus, the band—Steve Kenny, Paul Harper, David Roos, Chris Lomheim, Tom Pieper and Nathan Norman-- reunited in 2009, stronger than ever, and released a new CD (Chapter Eleven) this spring. You can hear their new original compositions and celebrate the new CD (4 pm).  At 6 pm, the festival continues its tradition of promoting tomorrow’s stars with the Ariel Pocock Trio. Only 20, Ariel already is an award-winning pianist/vocalist with worldwide performance credits. Winner of Downbeat Student Awards for both piano and voice, the Seattle-area native is a student at the University of Miami. Pocock will be joined by regular cohorts, bassist Chris Croce and drummer (and Twin Cities native) Matt Buckner.

Kenny Werner (TC Jazz Festival)

Closing the Main Stage tonight (8:30 pm) is one of the most prolific composers and recording artists in modern jazz, pianist Kenny Werner. His seasoned trio includes bassist Johannes Weidenmueller and drummer Ari Hoenig (who has performed a couple times at the Artists Quarter in the past few years). Werner most recently was at the Dakota when Debbie Duncan sat in! Werner will offer a free clinic at 5:30 pm at McNally Smith.

Sixth Street Stage: Named after the Iowa town where leader Steve Jennings’ great-grand parents settled in 1870, Story City has evolved from its beginnings as a quartet in 2008 to the imaginative percussion-heavy octet that ignites audiences today. Drummer Jennings is joined by Andrew Schwandt, Karl Koopman, Sean Turner, Terry Burns, Steve Faison, Shai Hayo and Dave Schmalenberger. They open the Sixth Street Stage at 5 pm.

Bryan Nichols

Amsterdam Bar: Music goes nonstop from 6 pm til 1 am, starting with guitar master Cory Wong, followed by brilliant pianist Bryan Nichols and his double-sax quintet (featuring Brandon Wozniak and Michael Lewis), and the three sets dubbed the Jazz Central Showcase. The showcase brings an array of artists from newbies like Trevor Haining and Brian Courage to veterans, including Dave Karr, Dave Graf, Phil Aaron, Doug Haining and Mac Santiago, in new configurations, all quintets.

Jon Weber

Artists Quarter:  Perennial festival favorite Jon Weber returns to the AQ to host a night of piano wizardry and late night festival jams. (Rumor – Connie Evingson will sit in?) But check out the free early set—young pianist Will Kjeer and his Blue Haven quartet are back at the AQ to reinforce the view that jazz is not dead!

Black Dog:  The relatively new ensemble Triosé is swinging, inventive and full of mischief. All alums of the UW-Eau Claire, the band includes guitarist Vinnie Rose, bassist Jeremy Boettcher and drummer Adrian Suarez. Their 7:30 pm set is followed by another trio – pianist Todd Harper, bassist Andrew Foreman and drummer Peter Leggett.

Rhonda Laurie

Golden’s Deli: A new festival venue this year, Golden’s hosts two nights of the Minnesota Vocal Showcase. Tonight’s sets feature Maryann Sullivan, Rhonda Laurie, Vicky Mountain and Connie Olson, starting at 7 pm. Each singer will be joined by a steady rhythm section. Pick up some great deli concoctions at Golden’s and munch to the music.

More: Bar hopping is not a bad idea tonight. Check out: Yohannes Tona and JazZen at the Hat Trick; Clearwater Hot Club at Heartland; JoAnn Funk Trio in the Lobby Bar of the St Paul Hotel; John Penny with Ray Rivera at Señor Wong; Bobby Schnitzer at Trattoria da Vinci, and the Kevin Washington Quintet at the Minnesota Music Café.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival, June 29th

Today there’s a record four outdoor stages, adding the new Union Depot outdoor stage and the annual Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education Youth Stage. And a full afternoon and evening at Mears Park plus another round of clubs in the evening and wee hours.

Walker West Jazz Ensemble

Mears Park Main Stage: As they typically do every year, the Walker West Academy of Music jazz ensembles start things off at Mears Park  (2 pm), and every year the pool of teen talent just seem better than ever. And speaking of a talent pool, the JazzMN Orchestra boasts a number of the area’s most respected musicians. Today they join forces with savvy vocalist Connie Evingson in a salute to Hollywood. 

Matt Slocum

At 6 pm we welcome the return of native son, acclaimed drummer Matt Slocum. Slocum has released two outstanding recordings and is building a reputation as a clinician as well as performer and composer.  His quartet includes volcanic saxophonist Walter Smith III, with whom he will conduct a free clinic at McNally Smith, at 2 pm. Rounding out the ensemble are local heroes Bryan Nichols and Chris Bates.

Cyrus Chestnut (TC Jazz Festival)

The festival’s closing set at Mears Park (8:30 pm) features internationally renowned pianist Cyrus Chestnut and his trio. It’s been a long while since Chestnut played in the Twin Cities. Known for his soulful swing, Chestnut cut his teeth with Betty Carter and Wynton Marsalis, and since has released 15 recordings. Chestnut will conduct the final clinic at McNally Smith at 5:30 pm.

Sixth Street Stage: Starting at 1 pm, you can hear an exciting and diverse line-up that truly defines Twin Cities jazz. Soon to leave the Twin Cities, pianist Kristin Sponcia brings her quartet at 1 pm; veteran horn virtuosos Dave Graf and Doug Haining follow  at 3 pm; next at 5 pm, hear the ever evolving Adam Meckler Orchestra, an 18-piece ensemble featuring mostly young up-and-comers like Nelson Devereaux (sax) and Joe Strachan (piano) and led by outlandishly talented trumpeter/composer Adam Meckler. Closing the stage, it’s Salsa del Soul at 7:15 pm – the band most likely to get a crowd up and dancing as they have done at a number of previous festivals.

Union Depot Outdoor Stage. A new depot and a new outdoor stage for the festival! From 1:30 -8 pm, hear an eclectic line-up that includes Brio Brass, guitarist Dave Ziffer, the Atlantis Quartet, St Peter Street Stompers, and vocalist Lee Engele.

The Dakota Combo on the Youth Stage

Youth Stage. Again sponsored by the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education, the Youth Stage has been part of the festival for over a decade. Set up outside the Black Dog on Prince Street, the stage opens at 1 pm with an ensemble from a new jazz camp, Jazz Around Minnepolis, and closes with the Dakota Combo, an all-star high school band directed by Adam Linz. In between, here an X-Tet from Stillwater, the McNasty Brass from McNally Smith, and student-led bands Byzantine Sextet and the Jack Breen Group.

Artists Quarter: It’s Jon Weber’s last night and for sure, he will make the most of it. With all the pianists featured at the festival, perhaps we can anticipate some four-handed duels?

Alicia Renee (A Rey)

Amsterdam Bar: Remember hearing Alicia Renee sing with Jon Weber a few festival ago? She’s still singing, now with a new band A Rey, kicking off the Amsterdam at 6 pm. She’s followed by the always-effervescent Patty Peterson “and Friends,” and the second Jazz Central Showcase, again featuring mixes of newcomers and veterans, with young lions Javi Santiago, Miguel Hurtado, Ted Olsen, Joe Mayo and Ted Godbout collaborating with established stars like Graydon Peterson, Steve Kenny, Dave Hagedorn, Jay Epstein and more.

Golden’s Deli: The second night of the Minnesota Vocal Showcase brings favorites and new voices to the stage, starting at 7 pm with Judi Donaghy Vinar and introducing relative newcomers Martha Alkins and Colleen Wold-Heibeler, and new resident Tony London.

Joel Shapira

More! Another new venue, Black Bear Crossings at the Como Lakeside Pavillion gets a strong initiation with the Larry McDonough Quartet; the Black Dog has something for everyone, starting with Papa John Kolstad followed by the Joel Shapira Trio and a genre-crossing ensemble, Dead Cat Swing. Gypsy Mania will be swinging at Heartland; and the JoAnn Funk Trio continues her Blossom Dearie salute at the Lobby Bar of the St Paul Hotel. And there’s even more, consult the program or online schedule.

Other Big Gigs This Week

Friday, June 28. It’s always a good night when Ginger Commodore and her band (Lee Blaske, Mark Weissbeg, Bobby Commodore, Deevo, Kathy Jensen) take the stage at the Dakota. It’s hard to compete with the jazz festival, but consider this a mini-version! If you can hang out for Late Night, the younger generation of Commodores—drummer Brandon and singer Ashley—will be heading the 11:30 pm set.

Doug Little

Saturday, June 29. The jazz series at Hotel Ivy’s Porter and Frye continues with the Doug Little Trio. We seldom have a chance to hear this warm-toned saxophonist outside the contexts of his Latin bands (Seven Steps to Havana, Charanga Tropicale). Still, it is hard to imagine that Little will not bring some tropical warmth to this gig, given his fluency in Spanish and Portuguese and experiences in Cuba and Brazil!

Tuesday, July 2. Two outstanding bands celebrate “150 Years of Brazilian Music” at the Fine Line Music Café. Dibigode is one of the leading purveyors of Brazilian instrumental music. The quintet has been together for six years, garnering national and international attention at major festivals and via their debut recording. They will be joined by Choro Borealis, led by local Brazilian guitarist Robert Everest with clarinetist Pat O’Keefe and percussionist Tim O’Keefe.

Evan Montgomery (Lulu's Playground)

Wednesday, July 3. The Artists Quarter welcomes back Lulu’s Playground, one of the area’s most unusual and musically intriguing ensembles. The instrumentation alone is noteworthy—accordion (Steven Hobert), cello (Cory Grossman), guitar (Evan Montgomery) and trumpet (Adam Meckler. And each musician has a long list of credentials through other projects. In my first encounters with this unusual quartet, I found the music fresh, intriguing, genre-defying and playful. The same adjectives apply to the their debut recording, Shadow Voices, celebrated last January. Wonder what they’ve cooked up now?

Jendeen Forberg

Thursday, July 4. There's enough fireworks whenever the Wolverines Big Band takes the stage, but tonight there's even more to celebrate as the Wolves mark their 40th anniversary with a gig at Excelsior Commons. Joining the big band, led by drummer Jendeen Forberg, will be favorite vocalists Maud Hixson, Judi Donaghy Vinar and Arne Fogel. 

More Jazz

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Friday, June 28. Charmin Michelle at Parma; Lee Engele and Reynold Philipsek at Kip’s Irish Pub

Saturday, June 29. Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma; Capri Big Band at Centennial Lakes; Ticket to Brasil at Loring Pasta Bar

Sunday, June 30. Regina Marie Williams at the Dakota; Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinema Ballroom; Pavel Jany solo guitar at Como Lakeside Pavillion

Monday, July 1. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; JT’s Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse; Southside Aces at Famous Dave’s (Uptown); Shilad Sen at Jazz Central

Tuesday, July 2. Cory Wong Quartet followed by the Zacc Harris Trio at the Artists Quarter; Dean Magraw and Davu Seru at the Black Dog; Beasley’s Big Band at O’Gara’s; Bill Simenson Big Band at Jazz Central; Sophia Shorai at the Dakota; Triosé at Café Maude (Penn Av)

Wednesday, July 3. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Steve Kenny and the Bastids, early set at the Artists Quarter; Joel Shapira at Café Maude (Penn Av)

Thursday, July 4. Wolverines Big Band at Excelsior Commons Park. (Note many venues closed for the holiday)

Coming Soon!

. July 5-7, Iowa City Jazz Festival with Pharoah Sanders, Fred Hersch, Charlie Hunter, Christian Scott, Lonnie Smith and more

. July 8, Milo Fine Free Jazz Ensemble at Homewood Studios

. July 8-9, Pharoah Sanders at the Dakota

. July 13, St Croix Vineyards Jazz Festival in Stillwater (Atlantis Quartet, Patty Peterson and more)

. July 14, PipJazz Sundays with Louis Alemayehu at Landmark Center

. July 18, Stanley Jordan at the Dakota

. July 19, Maud Hixson at Parma

. July 23, Badi Assad at the Dakota

. July 25, Benefit for Jeremy Walker at the Dakota

. July 27, Dakota Street Fest (Nicollet Mall)

. August 10, Todd Clouser and A Love Electric with Cyro Baptista at the Icehouse

. September 14, Selby Ave Jazz Festival

Stanley Jordan, coming to the Dakota July 18th

Jazz Face: Jeanne Arland Peterson, 1921-2013

© Andrea Canter

If Minnesotans only know one area jazz musician by name, it’s most like Jeanne Arland Peterson. Maybe they remember her as the organist for the Minnesota Twins 40 years ago. Or remember her voice and piano skills over two decades on WCCO radio. More recently, she was often heard with three (and later four) generations of family musicians on holiday concert and jazz festival stages, or with her daughters Patty and Linda at a Mother’s Day brunch. Area jazz fans delighted in her forceful swing and amazing dexterity that recalled her muses, Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson. With Judy Garland, Jeanne held the distinction as the only women in the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, and two governors proclaimed days in her honor. And she once joined the “other” grand dame of jazz, Marian McPartland, on a segment of NPR’s Piano Jazz.

Jeanne passed away today after 91 years of a life invested in music and family. And there was no tighter bond for Jeanne than music and family. Jeanne and her late husband Willie raised five amazing musicians (Linda, Ricky, Billy, Patty and Paul) and inspired many more across the next generations, within the family but also within the larger community of musicians. Over the years we all became part of the Petersons (Minnesota’s First Family of Music), through those holiday concerts, birthday celebrations at the Artists Quarter and Dakota, the family affairs on the stages of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival and numerous fund-raising and celebratory events.

Failing health couldn’t keep Jeanne away from the piano. Even when it seemed she couldn’t muster the energy to face the day, she couldn’t pass up the chance to play one more song. Her music was her life source, and the legacy she leaves all of us.  

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, June 21-27

David Murray

© Andrea Canter

It seems May’s cool weather brought June’s showers, but with the Solstice comes the hot vibes of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, opening Thursday in St. Paul at Mears Park. And there’s plenty of steam leading up to the festival.

Big Gigs This Week

Maud Hixson with Rick Carlson

Friday, June 21. Welcome summer with the soft breeze that always surrounds songbird Maud Hixson, tonight in the agile company of Rick Carlson and Gordy Johnson at Parma. And help Maud celebrate getting back “on her feet” and tossing away those crutches! Expect some of the exquisite songs from her new release, Don’t Let a Good Thing Get Away. Really. Don’t let this get away!

Interesting instrumentation and inventive musicians combine at the Red Stag when Leisure Valley takes the stage. With Bruce Thornton (clarinet, bass clarinet), Patrick Harison (accordion), Chris Bates (bass), and Joey Van Phillips (drums), this is top flight, late night entertainment.

Pete Whitman

Friday-Saturday, June 21-22. Dubbed “Mississippi” (there must be a story about that), this new quartet of long-time cohorts debuts at the Artists Quarter this weekend, with Pete Whitman, Peter Schimke, Jeff Bailey and Kevin Washington. All accomplished post bop specialists, there might be some touches of Brazil as well, given all have worked with Andres Prado.

Saturday, June 22. The Sibley House Historic Site in Mendota brings the past into the present as trad piano master Butch Thompson and friends celebrate the old Emporium of Jazz with this special outdoor concert. Also on hand--Charlie DeVore on trumpet, Tom Andrews on drums, Steve Pikal on bass and guest vocalist, Lee Engele.

Jason Peterson DeLaire

The new Jazz at the Ivy series continues tonight with a special family affair, as mother and son, singer Linda Peterson and saxophonist Jason Peterson DeLaire, entertain in the lounge at Porter and Frye. We should hear more from Linda over the next month or so as she spends her summer visiting family.

Sunday, June 23. Music for a summer Sunday includes vocalist Paula Lammers at Como Lakeside Pavillion in mid afternoon, and the tropical sounds of Ticket to Brasil at Lake Harriet Bandshell in the early evening. You might be inspired to dance at both (free) events.

Sunday-Monday,  June 23-24. One of the leading voices in modern jazz, saxophonist David Murray makes a long awaited return to the Twin Cities with his Infinity Quartet and neo-soul star singer Macy Gray. Murray, co-founder of the World Saxophone Quartet, has been busy with his big band in recent years, but his Infinity Quartet includes big voices—pianist Marc Cary, bassist Jaribu Shahid and drummer Nasheet Waits. The ensemble recently released Be My Monster Love (along with vocalist Gregory Porter), considered one of the best from the prolific Murray. At the Dakota for two nights, expect to hear new compositions with lyrics by Ishmael Reed and some reinventions of Macy Gray hits.

Noah Ophoven-Baldwin

Monday, June 24. Jazz Central’s Monday programming goes in two directions—veteran jazzers in new configurations and young up-and-comers. In the latter category is tonight’s featured performer, trumpeter Noah Ophoven-Baldwin, recent graduate of the U of M jazz program who has been heard lately with the Adam Meckler Orchestra and Ellen Lease/Pat Moriarty ensembles. Expect the unexpected, particularly with the later set jam session.

And here’s advance info about JT’s Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse! The first set will feature Embezzler with Adam Linz (bass), Paul Metzger (guitar) and JT Bates (drums), which should go far in melting any ice at the Icehouse. The late set is special delivery from Chicago and Norway, with improvising musicians Fred Lonberg-Holm (cello), Stale Liavik Solberg (drums), and Keefe Jackson (reeds).

Adam Meckler

Tuesday, June 25. And speaking of the Adam Meckler Orchestra, tonight is the band’s finale at Jazz Central. With 18 musicians who are routinely pulling in and audience of 30+, AMO has literally outgrown the venue, where it has performed monthly over the past year. AMO moves to a regular slot at the Artists Quarter next month. So come early for a seat, and be ready for some of the most adventurous big band programming in the Midwest!

Wednesday, June 26. Tonight is the final installment of the Jazz in the Library pre-festival series sponsored by the St Paul Libraries, with hot Latin sounds of Salsabrosa filling the Riverview Library on the West Side. It’s an early evening set, free, and will end in plenty of time to cross the bridge and head to the Artists Quarter for the Phil Hey Quartet.  Simply, the PHQ is one of the best modern jazz ensembles in the region.

Talking Strings

Thursday, June 27. Finally, the festival comes alive from Mears Park to Mancini’s to the Artists Quarter to Jazz Central and many clubs in between. It’s Funk Night on the Mears Park Stage (RJ and the Soul, Black Market Brass and New Sounds Underground), stride night at the Artists Quarter (Butch Thompson and Jon Weber), Dorothy Doring and JazzFly at Golden’s Deli, Teresa Manzella at the Hat Trick, Arne Fogel and Maud Hixson at Mancini’s, JoAnn Funk at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel), Talking Strings and Donald Washington at the Black Dog, Maryann Sullivan and Tanner Taylor at Jazz Central, and more. Check the festival website for full schedule.

More Jazz Every Night!

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Friday, June 21. Irv Williams and Peter Schimke, Happy Hour at the Dakota followed by special “Free Friday” (no cover) with the Southside Aces;  Todd Harper (solo piano) followed by the Brad Bellows/Donald Washington Quartet at the Black Dog

Bobb Fantauzzo of Rhizosphere

Saturday, June 22. Arne Fogel at Club Saratoga (Duluth); Rhizosphere and Gnarl at the Black Dog; Neighborhood Trio at the Red Stag; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Zacc Harris Trio at Loring Pasta Bar; Regina Marie Williams in "Eartha: The Whole Kitt and Kaboodle" at the Capri

Regina Marie Williams

Sunday, June 23. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster Café; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria’s Café; Regina Marie Williams in "Eartha: The Whole Kitt and Kaboodle" (matinee) at the Capri;Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinema Ballroom; Off the Cuff #5 (improvised music) at the Aster Café. (Note: Music at the Riverview Wine Bar is temporarily discontinued.)

Monday, June 24. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Headspace at the Artists Quarter; Brio Brass at Como Lakeside Pavillion

Tuesday, June 25. Cory Wong Quartet followed by Dean Magraw and Friends at the Artists Quarter; Café Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Arne Fogel with Acme Jazz Co at the Shorewood

Wednesday, June 26. Wolverines at Hell’s Kitchen; Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Pete Whitman at Jazz Central; Steve Kenny and the Bastids, early set at the Artists Quarter

Thursday, June 27. Charmin and Shapira at the Dakota; Connie and Herb at the Bean (Andover)

Coming Soon!

. June 28 Twin Cities Jazz Festival with Kenny Werner, Ariel Pocock, Jon Weber and more

. June 28, Ginger Commodore at the Dakota

. June 29, Twin Cities Jazz Festival with Matt Slocum & Walter Smith III, Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Youth Stage and more

. July 3, Lulu’s Playground at the Artists Quarter

. July 5-7, Iowa City Jazz Festival with Pharoah Sanders, Fred Hersch, Charlie Hunter, Christian Scott, Lonnie Smith and more

. July 8, Milo Fine Free Jazz Ensemble at Homewood Studios

. July 8-9, Pharoah Sanders at the Dakota

. July 13, St Croix Vineyards Jazz Festival in Stillwater (Atlantis Quartet, Patty Peterson and more)

. July 14, PipJazz Sundays with Louis Alemayehu at Landmark Center

. July 18, Stanley Jordan at the Dakota

. July 19, Maud Hixson at Parma

. July 23, Badi Assad at the Dakota

. July 25, Benefit for Jeremy Walker at the Dakota

. July 27, Dakota Street Fest (Nicollet Mall)

. August 10, Todd Clouser and A Love Electric with Cyro Baptista at the Icehouse

. August 17, Burnsville Art and All That Jazz Festival, Nicollet Commons Park (Burnsville)

Twin Cities Jazz Festival, June 27-29 at Mears Park

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, June 14-20

Ramsey Lewis with Henry Johnson and Joshua Ramos

© Andrea Canter

Finally, the weather is heating up, maybe drying out? Making the evenings perfect for getting out an enjoying live music. And the music is surely heating up as well, building up to our end-of-the-month Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Of course, any given weekend typically seems like a jazz festival around here. This weekend, KBEM brings yet another innovative project to local audiences, this time Destination Twin Cities with Butch Thompson and choreographer Sarah LaRose-Holland; the Atlantis Quartet returns to the Artists Quarter with tunes from their upcoming CD release; the edgy threesome Triose takes the Late Night slot at the Dakota; and Sidewalk Café opens the St Paul “Jazz in the Library” prelude to the festival. In the coming week, we welcome home Reid Anderson, this time without the Bad Plus as he collaborates with members of the SPCO on some new music; and for two nights, the Dakota hosts Ramsey Lewis and Dee Dee Bridgewater –together.

Big Gigs This Week

Jay Young

Friday, June 14. Bassist Jay Young is one of the best known sidemen in town, supporting such stars as Bruce Henry, Debbie Duncan, Ginger Commodore and more. But he’s taken on the role of bandleader a few times as well, usually with his Lyric Factory ensemble in tributes to Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire. It’s EWF that he salutes tonight at the Dakota, in his usual company with son Ian Young (also on bass), saxman Pete Whitman, pianist Thom West, drummer Kevin Washington, and a vocal trio of Judi Donaghy Vinar, Sarah Greer, and Katie Gearty.

Triose'

Triosé is a three-way collaboration of some fast-rising stars, guitarist Vinnie Rose, bassist Jeremy Boettcher, and drummer Adrian Suarez, all graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s renowned jazz program. In the past year they have recorded covers and originals, live and in studio, keep steady gigs at Shanghai Bistro in Hudson and Eau Claire, and have been on stage at the Artists Quarter, Café Maude and tonight, the Dakota, on the Late Night shift.

Bryan Nichols

At the Black Dog, an outstanding collaboration continues the Community Pool: Deep End series curated by Nathan Hanson and Brian Roesslar—as they bring in monster keyboardist Bryan Nichols for some inventive mayhem.

Friday-Saturday, June 14-15. Surely one of the most hip and inventive of local jazz ensembles, the Atlantis Quartet has built a large following over its seven-year run, no surprise given the engaging nature of their mostly original music and on-stage performance. Unquestionably modern and unerringly accessible, the AQ (Zacc Harris, Brandon Wozniak, Chris Bates, Pete Hennig) returns to the Artists Quarter this weekend, no doubt sharing some of the new tunes on their upcoming CD.

Butch Thompson

We’ve had the great fortune to enjoy some new productions from KBEM, fueled in part with Legacy funding—our tax dollars at work! This weekend, “Destination Twin Cities” features a collaboration between trad piano master Butch Thompson and choreographer Sarah LaRose-Holland and her Kinetic Evolution dance troupe, with three performances at the Lab Theater in the Minneapolis Warehouse district (Friday night, Saturday matinee and Saturday night). The gist of the show is the unique history of the Twin Cities, from Swede Hollow to 60s counter culture Minneapolis and more.  Making a cameo appearance will be songbird Maud Hixson.

Sidewalk Cafe'

Sunday, June 16.  A few years ago, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival and St Paul Library system forged a partnership to bring jazz to St Paul neighborhoods as a jump-start to the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. The first of three “Jazz in the Library” performances takes place this afternoon at the Central library in downtown St. Paul, featuring the swinging trio, Sidewalk Café. Hot off the release of a new CD (Crème Brulée), this band of string virtuosos (Gary Schulte on violin, Reynold Philipsek on guitar, Jeff Brueske on bass) will kick-off festival activities in joyful fashion.

Dean Magraw

Monday, June 17. Dean Magraw has been performing all over the area lately, but this will be an extra special evening when he headlines at Jazz Central, the underground studio known for presenting new artists and veterans in new configuration with new music. Plus it is perhaps the most intimate jazz space in the Upper Midwest!

Tuesday, June 18. The Artists Quarter has been saving Tuesday nights for the house timekeepers, Billy Peterson and Kenny Horst, in varying formats with inventive musicians. Tonight, one such artist, Brandon Wozniak, joins Billy and Kenny for a night of pure magic. Brandon is one of the most versatile jazzers in the region, and particularly creative when he’s given the space to cut loose.

Reid Anderson

Tuesday-Wednesday, June 18-19. Postponed due to the now-resolved SPCO lock-out, Bad Plus bassist Reid Anderson comes home for two nights of collaboration with members of the SPCO in the orchestra’s rehearsal space (408 St Peter, St Paul), part of the Liquid Music series. Reid’s first full-length work, The Rough Mixes, features SPCO violinists Steven Copes and Sunmi Chang and Mn Orchestra cellist Anthony Ross, as well as acclaimed jazz percussionist Jeff Ballard (Brad Mehldau Trio, Joshua Redman’s Elastic Band) and Anderson on electronics; video design by Brooklyn-based architect Cristina Guadalupe. Says Reid, “The meeting place of elements – a shoreline, for example – is always new, unstable, mysterious. And mystery is what I love most in music.”  

Wednesday, June 19. The second Jazz in the Library gig features an early evening with the George Maurer Trio at the Merriam Park Library. Keyboardist, bandleader, composer and arranger George Maurer always brings in a crowd, and his  arrangements are always savvy and dance-worthy.

Dee Dee Bridgewater

Wednesday-Thursday, June 19-20.  Two of the most accomplished musicians in modern jazz get together on the stage of the Dakota – Ramsey Lewis and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Collaborators earlier in their careers, each has forged a signature jazz persona. Lewis is best known for hits like “The In Crowd,” “Hang On Sloopy” and “Wade In The Water”; his music has always had wide appeal with its tinges of gospel, soul and R&B. Dee Dee Bridgewater defines the word “entertainer” – winner of Broadway’s Tony Award, London’s Laurence Olivier Award, France’s Victoire de la Musiqe, and three Grammy Awards, as well as host of the award-winning NPR series, Jazz Set. Recent projects have included Red Earth (the music of Mali) and Eleanora Fagan (Billie Holiday).

More Jazz Every Night!

Be sure to check live jazz calendars on Jazz Police and KBEM sites. Also find a growing number of events on the Jazz Near You site, a service of All About Jazz. A few more gigs of note:

Friday, June 14. Irv Williams and Peter Schimke, Happy Hour at the Dakota; Arne Fogel at Parma; Lee Engele with Reynold Philipsek at The Wine Market; Todd Harper, early set at the Black Dog; Chris Lomheim and Gordy Johnson at the Icehouse; Firefly with Jello Slave, late set at the Icehouse

Saturday, June 15. Charmin and Shapira at Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske at the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Joel Shapira Trio at Loring Pasta Bar; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma; Lila Ammons Quintet at Honey;  Phil Aaron and Adam Wozniak at the Icehouse; Pavel Jany Trio in the Jazz Lounge, Hotel Ivy; St. Peter Street Stompers at the Red Stag

Sunday, June 16. Robert Everest, brunch at Maria’s Café; Zacc Harris Trio at Riverview Wine Bar; Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinemal Ballroom

Monday, June 17. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Headspace at the Artists Quarter; Southside Big Band at Lake Harriet Bandshell; Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse (Santiago, Duke, Wozniak and Hurtado)

Tuesday, June 18. Patty and the Buttons at Café Maude (Penn Av); Cory Wong Quartet, early set at the Artists Quarter; Roseville Big Band at Frank Rog Amphitheater (Roseville); Café Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Explosion Big Band at Jazz Central

Steve Kenny and the Bastids

Wednesday, June 19. Charmin Michelle and Denny Malmberg at Fireside Pizza; Sister Swing (Rhonda Laurie and Maryann Sullivan) at the Eagles' Club; Zacc Harris Trio at Café Maude (Penn Av); Steve Kenny and the Bastids at the Artists Quarter, followed by the Doug McDonald Trio; Classic Big Band at Como Lakeside Pavillion; Larry McDonough at Three Crows (Delano); Graydon Peterson Quartet at Jazz Central

Thursday, June 20. Vinnie Rose at Adagio Pizza Factory; Pete Whitman X-Tet at the Artists Quarter; Beasley’s Big Band at Wabasha Street Caves; Vocal Night at Jazz Central;  Rhonda Laurie at Barbette

 

Coming Soon!

. June 21, Maud Hixson at Parma

. June 21-22, Mississippi (Whitman, Schimke, Bailey, Washington) at the Artists Quarter

. June 23-24, David Murray Infinity Quartet with Macy Gray at the Dakota

. June 23, Ticket to Brasil at Lake Harriet Bandshell

. June 25, Adam Meckler Orchestra at Jazz Central

. June 26, Salsabrosa (Jazz in the Library), Riverview Library

. June 27-29, Twin Cities Jazz Festival with Cyrus Chestnut, Kenny Werner, Matt Slocum, Ariel Pocock, JazzMN Big Band, Jon Weber and more

. June 28, Ginger Commodore at the Dakota

. July 3, Lulu’s Playground at the Artists Quarter

. July 5-7, Iowa City Jazz Festival with Pharoah Sanders, Fred Hersch, Charlie Hunter, Christian Scott, Lonnie Smith and more

. July 8, Milo Fine Free Jazz Ensemble at Homewood Studios

. July 8-9, Pharoah Sanders at the Dakota

. July 13, St Croix Vineyards Jazz Festival in Stillwater (Atlantis Quartet, Patty Peterson and more)

. July 14, PipJazz Sundays with Louis Alemayehu at Landmark Center

. July 19, Maud Hixson at Parma

. July 23, Badi Assad at the Dakota

. July 25, Benefit for Jeremy Walker at the Dakota

. July 27, Dakota Street Fest (Nicollet Mall)

. August 17, Burnsville Art and All That Jazz Festival, Nicollet Commons Park (Burnsville)

David Murray, coming to the Dakota, June 23-24