This 16 piece band boosts having been on-going for the last 35 years . Originally under the musical direction of arranger/ composer Steve Devich, they have built a library of big band music containing over 450 charts!

The Mike Volz Sextet brings together some of the Twin Cities’ top musicians for a high-energy mix of classic repertoire, fresh arrangements, and high-energy improvisation. The group draws inspiration from the great multi-horn ensembles of the past while adding its own modern edge.   Featuring: Mike Volz - tenor saxophone Joe Hartnett - alto saxophone […]

Christian Swenson is a multi-instrumentalist and composer/arranger from Minneapolis, MN.   Christian’s septet takes inspiration from groups such as the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Dave Pell Octet, and the Duke Ellington small groups. Expect to hear the debut of many new, original arrangements, along with a few transcriptions of existing material.  As an arranger, Christian takes […]

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.

As an acoustic and electric bassist Calvin Caron has spent much of his musical life in pursuit of meaningful spiritual experiences. Whether it be the strong connection that forms with colleagues on the bandstand or getting lost in the music of others. He believes honesty, love and supporting others are of the utmost importance. Calvin […]

The Jeffrey Merrill trio is a swinging, groovin, toe-tapping, joy to hear. Their repertoire consists primarily of jazz standards, but don't let that fool you! This trio brings the intensity and seriousness this music demands.   Featuring: Nathan Norman - drums Christian Swenson - bass Jeffrey Merrill - piano

Founded in 2014 by Geoffrey West Senn and Mac Santiago (percussionist/drum set), the Twin Cites Latin Jazz Orchestra (TCLJO) brings together the drama of big band jazz, the rhythmic intensity of Latin music, and the virtuosity of eighteen of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished musicians.

Vocalist, Anya Menk, returns to Jazz Central with a benefit concert for CWF!   Conversations with Friends (CWF) is a dedicated, humanitarian, all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose members write weekly pen-pal letters and send birthday cards and Sunshine Club cards to people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center […]

D.M.C.A. quartet is a modern jazz group from the twin cities exploring sounds from all across the jazz spectrum. Compositions come from all four members, Dane, Mac, Chris, and Austin.   Featuring: Dane Folie - guitar Mac Wilms - saxophone  Chris Isler - drums Austin PeKarna - electric bass

The Masa Ishikawa Trio returns to Jazz Central Studio with various original compositions/arrangements. The trio features Chris Bates on bass and JT Bates on drums.   Originally from Fukushima, Japan, Masa Ishikawa came to the United States in 2003 to begin his formal musical training in Seattle, Washington. Masa has performed at various jazz festivals and concerts […]

David Hazeltine is one of a handful of contemporary pianists who has mastered all of the major musical skills, from improvisation and technique, to accompaniment, arranging, and composition. Even more impressive, David is the rare artist able to innovate in each category. Thus it’s no surprise that he’s the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of […]

New Orleans Holiday with the Reid Kennedy Trio returns to Jazz Central for two nights featuring vocalist Rachel Holder and special guest percussionist Andrew Gillespie.   featuring: Rachel Holder - vocals Phil Aaron - piano Graydon Peterson - bass Reid Kennedy - drums Andrew Gillespie - percussion