Pianist Joey Alexander with bassist Kris Funn and drummer Jonathan Barber

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 […]

Joey has been widely regarded as one of the most highly skilled pianists and thoughtful improvisers in jazz. On his seventh album, 2023’s Continuance, Indonesia-born pianist, composer, and bandleader Joey Alexander has far surpassed his earlier incarnations. Here, he’s now comfortable in his new identity as a composer-pianist of fertile imagination and emotional depth.

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.

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. The NEA Jazz Master, three-time Grammy winner and Tony nominee regularly performs concertos with symphony orchestras and sits in with members of the Grateful Dead. However, the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet.

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. The NEA Jazz Master, three-time Grammy winner and Tony nominee regularly performs concertos with symphony orchestras and sits in with members of the Grateful Dead. However, the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet.

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. The NEA Jazz Master, three-time Grammy winner and Tony nominee regularly performs concertos with symphony orchestras and sits in with members of the Grateful Dead. However, the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet.

David Mitchell is a working jazz musician, music educator, and former tech business owner. His Youth In Jazz non-profit runs the Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands program. It also sponsors free jazz concerts by professional musicians in schools and community centers. Tonight David will perform tasteful jazz standards with a wonderful group of musicians. David Mitchell […]

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. The NEA Jazz Master, three-time Grammy winner and Tony nominee regularly performs concertos with symphony orchestras and sits in with members of the Grateful Dead. However, the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet.

From swing to jazz to bottleneck blues to folk, Grammy-winning acoustic guitarist Pat Donohue plays it all. He does this with a flourish of artistry and melodic inspiration. Chet Atkins called Pat one of the greatest finger pickers in the world today; Leo Kottke called his playing “haunting.”

A three-time Emmy Award-winning actor, vocalist, arts educator and community organizer; T. Mychael Rambo is a long-standing Twin Cities arts community pillar. T. Mychael has made an indelible mark in the Twin Cities. Here, he has performed principal roles at such theaters as the Guthrie, Ordway Theatre, Illusion Theatre, and Mixed Blood. Also, Park Square […]

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.