An Evening of Expressive, Groovy Jazz Minneapolis-based jazz pianist and composer, Mary Louise Knutson 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. If […]

A member of the Midwest music scene for many years, Ginger Commodore is a regular visitor to the Dakota stage. Classically trained, gospel-influenced, and jazz-inspired, Ginger’s musical foundation is a true amalgam of musical styles presented with her unique delivery.

For the first night of his Berlin residency, Bryan Nichols presents two very different trios: each a mix of longtime associates of Bryan's and newer faces to the Twin Cities improvised music community. Expect deconstructed songs, constructed improvisations, and much more. Set 1: Bryan Nichols - Piano Christopher Rochester - Saxophones Jay Epstein - Drums […]

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 […]

The Boys are back!!!! Here some free free jazz with the Twin Cities dynamic quartet. Magraw, Bates, Kaviraj, Epstein

One of the most lyrical and intimate voices of contemporary jazz piano, Brad Mehldau has forged a unique path. Here, he embodies the essence of jazz exploration, classical romanticism and pop allure. Mehldau has garnered critical acclaim as a bandleader, and major international exposure in collaborations with Pat Metheny, Renee Fleming, and Joshua Redman. Furthermore, […]

Saint Paul native Pierre Lewis spent his formative years filling in for twin cites organ legend Bobby Lyles. He has been keyboardist for R&B legends the Commodores for the past 12 years. He will be exploring his roots as one of the area's most experienced masters of the Hammond B3 organ, channeling everyone from Jimmy […]

The Bill Simenson Orchestra is a 17 piece big band (5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums). Since June of 2012 the band has performed the first Tuesday of every month at Jazz Central Studios.

Two of the most respected artists in contemporary jazz join forces in this duo. Brad Mehldau is hailed as “one of modern jazz’s most innovative musicians” by Glide Magazine. Christian McBride says, “Brad is justifiably revered as one of the greatest pianists of all time. I’m very proud to have been friends and cohorts with him […]

New York-based saxophonist, composer, and educator David Bixler continues his recent streak of creative reinvention with incognito ergo sum—the second release from his boundary-pushing trio with bassist Dan Loomis and drummer/percussionist Fabio Rojas. A follow-up to the trio’s 2020 debut, Inside the Grief—which responded powerfully to the overlapping crises of that year—this new album draws […]