JazzInk

Danilo Perez, Coming to the Dakota on April 22

© Andrea Canter

It's a whirlwind of jazz starting Friday night and swirling through the week, from some impossible choices over the weekend, highly anticipated visiting artists, old favorites and emerging talents, as well as a preview of a new venue in an old haunt.

Big Gigs This Week

Cory Healey

Friday, April 17.Cory Healey's Beautiful Sunshine Band blends young emerging talents with still-young veterans, and the quintet promises to be one of region's leading voices of modern jazz. The University of Northern Iowa alum has only been in town about a year but Cory wasted no time becoming an in-demand drummer and bandleader. At Jazz Central, he's joined by two exquisite horns--Brandon Wozniak's tenor sax and Jake Baldwin's wily trumpet; Zacc Harris' adventurous guitar; and Erik Fratzke's unpredictable bass.

Javi Santiago

About ten minutes down the street at The Nicollet, a favorite son brings a sterling quartet to the bandstand for the Friday Night Jazz series. Pianist Javi Santiago, already a ten+-year veteran of local stages despite his youth, rounds up Zacc Harris, Yohannes Tona, and long-time cohort Miguel Hurtado for some original music (Javi is prolific!) and inventive arrangements. Note the series has moved to a 9 pm start time -- making doubleheaders with the not-far Jazz Central realistic.

Ann Hampton Callaway

At Orchestra Hall, the focus is on the music of Barbra Streisand as filtered through cabaret and stage sensation Ann Hampton Callaway, performing with the Minnesota Orchestra. A perennial award-winner, Callaway is always entertaining, and tonight she tackles one of her most significant sources of inspiration.

Dave Milne

Last spring, Dave Milne's One World Consort presented an Earth Day concert of the music of Fred Sturm. Now the hybrid jazz/classical ensemble celebrates Earth Day at Studio Z with special guest artist, bandoneon expert J.P. Jofre. (The concert will be repeated on Sunday at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.)

It's the first night of the Eau Claire Jazz Festival, with headliners New York Voices. Often compared to the Manhattan Transfer, NYV is known for its tight harmonies and inventive arrangements. They perform at the State Theater along with ensembles from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's award-winning jazz program.

Terell Stafford

Saturday, April 18.Eau Claire Jazz Festival continues today, with the headliner concert in the evening featuring trumpet king Terell Staffordwith Cuban transplant pianist Nachito Herrera. Held at the Eau Claire Memorial High School Auditorium, again jazz ensembles from UW-EC will perform as well.

Returning to the Twin Cities for the first time since the death of founding member Tim Hauser, The Manhattan Transfer will introduce Minnesota audiences to Trist Curless at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.

Lucia Sarmiento

Saturday Night at the Black Dog presents the up-and-coming talents of McNally Smith students Lucia Sarmiento and cohorts. From Lima, Peru, Lucia led a fiery ensemble at last year's Twin Cities Jazz Festival on the Youth Stage, but she belongs on the main stage. Tonight her band opens for a veteran quartet with Dean Granros, Steve Kenny, Ron Evaniuk and Alden Ikeda, just back from a performance at the Eau Claire festival. This series makes it easy to complete a doubleheader without moving the car!

Gary Schulte (Gypsy Mania)

Performing in the tradition of the French hot clubs, Gypsy Maniareturns to Jazz @ St. Barneys (St Barnabas Lutheran Church in Plymouth). Their three previous performances at St. Barney's “have dazzled our audiences. The remarkable technical facility of each of the players is matched only by the sheer energy and exuberance of the ensemble's performance," said St. Barnabas Center for the Arts Director Jeff Whitmill. "We're always excited when they return." Mania includes violinist Gary Schulte, guitarists Glen Helgeson and Reynold Philipsek, and bassist Matt Senjem, all long-time devotees to hot club swing.

Jay Young

At the Dakota, bassist Jay Young returns with his Lyric Factory. After their successful tributes to Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, the band now celebrates Herbie Hancock and Earth, Wind and Fire. Jay always assembles the hottest talents-- pianist Thom West, bassist Ian Young, violinist Ernest Bisong, drummer Kevin Washington, and vocalists Michelle Denise Michaels, Sarah Greer and Libby Turner Opanga.

Chris Thomson

Sunday, April 19. It's too rare that we hear saxophonist Chris Thomson in a leading role. Tonight Chris and his Quartet celebrate the release of his CD, Empathy, at the Icehouse (5 pm). The instrumentation lends itself to some unusual journeys-- tenor sax, accordion (Patrick Harison), bass (James Buckley) and drums (Martin Dosh)--and harmonies, sort of Hot Club Meets Avant Garde, and it is a much more interesting, and melodic, blend than that would suggest.

Monday, April 20. Pianist and educator at North Central College, Peter Shu is the featured artist at Jazz Central, with cohorts Gary Denbow on sax, Tom Lewis on bass and Kevin Mills on drums. Classically trained, Shu honed his jazz chops with the best-- Bobby Peterson, Mary Louise Knutson and Nachito Herrera. He brings his NCC jazz students into Jazz Central at least monthly.

John Raymond

Tuesday, April 21. It's been about a decade since a very young John Raymond introduced the Twin Cities to his trumpet talents and bandleading finesse. A few degrees and bands later, John returns from his home base in New York to adjudicate the Eau Claire Jazz Festival, lead clinics at Eden Prairie High School, and perform with his New York quartet in an evening concert in the high school auditorium. His talented crew includes American Piano Competition winner Sullivan Fortner, bassist Rick Rosato, and drummer Jay Sawyer.

Arne Fogel

If you have not made it out to Crooners's Lounge yet, here is a good excuse to venture to the north burbs -- the Acme Jazz Company with Arne Fogel. With some of the area's most inventive big band charts, Acme is the perfect foil for a real crooner, Arne. The music space at the renovated Shorewood is plenty big for a large ensemble and vocalist, the atmosphere somewhere between 70s lounge and 50s night club, and the menu has something for everyone--much like the music.

Danilo Perez

Wednesday, April 22. Panamanian pianist Danilo Perez is as known for his long-standing work with the Wayne Shorter Quartet as for his own bands and compositions. His Panama 500 celebrates 500 years of the first permanent European settlement in the New World (in Panama).Founder and Artistic Director of the Panama Jazz Festival, Perez is also Artistic Director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute in Boston’s Berklee College of Music. With his trio, Perez last visited Minnesota for the 2011 Twin Cities Jazz Festival. He's again joined by drummer Adam Cruz (just in town last week with Anat Cohen), along with bassist Ben Street.

Axel Zwingenberger and Lila Ammons

At Studio Z, trad pianist Butch Thompson joins German counterpart/boogie woogie expert Axel Zwingenberger with vocalist Lila Ammons for a night of "early jazz, classic boogie woogie and the blues." Lila and Axel formed a partnership some years ago, stemming from Lila's interest in the music of grandfather Albert Ammons, and they have extensively toured Europe.

LA saxophonist Tom Luer, who has significant ties to the Twin Cities (U of M) and Wisconsin (UW-EC), joins Chris Olson, Chris Bates and JT Bates tonight for some "new music" at Jazz Central.

Thursday, April 23. Jazz Central's Vocal Jazz Night presents the mighty fine duo of Rhonda Laurie and Phil Mattson. The Great American Songbook typically is their source.

Tom Ashworth

In Falcon Heights, the Underground Music Cafe presents Tom Ashworth's Fireside Five, typically featuring Brian Grivna, Phil Aaron, Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey, and usually with some topnotch guests. The band will be taking some time off soon, so this is a great time to check it out in a cozy setting.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities -- check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:

Friday, April 17. Irv Williams and Steve Blons, happy hour at the Dakota; Todd Harper Quartet, happy hour at the Black Dog; Patty Peterson and Friends at the Dakota; Thomas Bruce at Parma 8200; Donald Washington Quartet at the Black Dog; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Bryan Nichols and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Sheridan Zuther at Crooners' Lounge; John Paulson with Swing, Inc. at Signatures (Winona, MN); Jazz Crew (jam) at Jazz Central

Sheridan Zuther

Saturday, April 18. Zack Lozier 3 at Harriet Brewing Tap Room (5 pm); Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar (St Paul Hotel); Talking Strings at Loring Pasta Bar; Tim Patrick and Blue-eye Trio at Hell's Kitchen; Tim Sparks and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Debbie Duncan Quartet at Crooners' Lounge; "Border Music" with David Hidalgo and Mark Ribot at The Cedar; Twin Cities Cabaret Artists Network monthly salon at the Town House Bar

Sunday, April 19. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at the Lakesie Ballroom (Glenwood, MN); Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar; Emily Bear Trio at the Dakota; Southside Big Band at Edinborough Park; Jazz Brunch at Crooners; Lounge

Monday, April 20. JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse; Dorothy Doring at Crooners' Lounge

Tuesday, April 21. Patty and the Buttons at Cafe Maude; Park Evans/Ben Abrahamson/Nicholas Champeau acoustic guitar trio at the Black Dog; Explosion Big Band at Jazz Central; River City Jazz Orchestra at the Minnesota Music Cafe

Wednesday, April 22. Debbie Duncan at Crooners' Lounge; Riverside Swing Band at The Tangiers

Thursday, April 23. Minnesota State University Mankato, Jazz Ensembles Spring Concert at Halling Hall, MSU; Cartwright-Kinney-Lewis at Khyber Pass Cafe

Coming Soon!

. April 24, Tuck and Patti at the Dakota

. April 24, Arne Fogel at Parma 8200

. April 24, Endeavors followed by the Dakota Combo at Jazz Central

. April 24, James Wallace Quartet at The Nicollet
. April 24, JazzFly with Dorothy Doring at Golden's Deli

. April 25, JazzMN Orchestra with Bob Mintzer at Hopkins l High School Auditorium

. April 25, Jon Wood CD Release/Mancrush at the Black Dog
. April 25, Katia Cardenas and Joe Strachan, Public Kitchen (St Paul)
. April 25, Julius Collins and Ginger Commodore, Tribute to Stevie Wonder at the Dakota

. April 25-26, Irv Williams, Legends concert at The Capri

. April 26, KBEM's Jazz Noir at Vieux Carré

. April 26, Nellie McKay at the Dakota
. April 28, Paul Renz Quartet at Crooners' Lounge

. April 29-30, Madeleine Peyroux at the Dakota

. April 30, Thomas Bruce at Parma 8200

. May 1, Patty Peterson with Steve Cole, Ricky Peterson at the Icehouse

. May 1, Framework at The Nicollet

. May 2, Jason Moran and Robert Glasper at the Walker

. May 2, Adam Kohlker with the Good Vibes Trio at Jazz Central

. May 2, Dave Brattain Quartet/DD7 at the Black Dog
. May 4, Michael O'Brien at the Icehouse
. May 5, Paul Renz Quartet at the Aster

. May 8, Ron Miles with the Atrium Jazz Ensemble at Orchestra Hall (Target Atrium)

. May 10, Soul Cafe' at Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church

. May 11, Tim Berne's Snake Oil at the Icehouse
. May 14, JazzMN Orchestra at Chanhassan Dinner Theater
. May 20, Todd Clouser's A Love Electric at the Turf Club

. May 22, Chris Lomheim Trio at The Nicollet

. May 27-28, Rachelle Ferrell at the Dakota
. May 31-June 1, Lisa Fischer at the Dakota

. June 3, Steve Smith and Vital Information, NYC Edition at the Dakota

. June 16, Ticket to Brazil, Jazz in the Library at SunRay Library (St Paul)

. June 17, Good Vibes Trio, Jazz in the Library at Hamline Library (St Paul)

. June 21, Francisco Mela Trio, Jazz in the Library at St Paul Central Library

. June 22, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. June 23-24, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. June 25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park and beyond (Dr John, Potter/Holland/Louke/Harland Quartet, Francisco Mela with Nicholas Payton, Araya-Orta Quartet, Marquis Hill Blacktet)
. June 30, Francois Rabbath at Benson Great Hall, Bethel University

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS, Dakota Combo)

. August 7, Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

Irv Williams, "Legends" at the Capri Theater, April 25-26

The Phil Hey Quartet in a too-rare performance at Jazz Central, February 6

© Andrea Canter

While it was very disappointing to have the Chris Potter Quartet postponed due to the latest East Coast snowstorm, it was gratifying to hear two stellar local bands filling in last week at the Dakota (a last-minute assemblage from Steve Kenny and the Atlantis Quartet). Potter will be rescheduled. Meanwhile we have another week of largely local jazz wizards to warm our hearts and ears, including some of our long-standing titans-- Phil Hey, Kenny Horst, Bruce Henry, Chris Bates; one of our favorite "sons" on leave from the Big Apple (Javi Santiago); a pair of guitar-centric trios (Firebell, Framework); a visiting bass monster (Mark Dresser)... and more. And more.

Big Gigs This Week

Dave Hagedorn (PHQ)

Friday, February 6. Possibly no other band exemplifies the concept of the "Bridge" series at Jazz Central better than the Phil Hey Quartet. Nearly exclusively, the band played for more than a decade at the Artists Quarter until the AQ closed a year ago, and we have heard only a very few gigs since, making tonight's appearance at Jazz Central a very special treat. Hey, Phil Aaron, Tom Lewis and Dave Hagedorn suggest what might have become of the Modern Jazz Quartet had it continued into the new millennium--inventive arrangements of the most inventive artists of the 20th century (Coltrane, Shorter, Coleman) and stunning originals. Well, it's alloriginal!

Katie Gearty with Graydon Peterson

For some vocal pleasures, Parma 8200 presents the very versatile voice of Katie Geartyin the company of the very versatile support team of Chris Lomheim and Graydon Peterson. A perfect wind-down from a busy week.

Friday-Saturday, February 6-7. Studio Z hosts the annual Keys Please concerts, the 13-year collaboration of pianist/composers Carei Thomas, Todd Harper and Paul Cantrell, this year with guest artist, saxophonist Nathan Hanson. The musicians bring music from diverse genres to the stage every winter, and the addition of Hanson this year guarantees two nights of surprise.

Kenny Horst

Saturday, February 7. Another auspicious double header at the Black Dog! The Jon Pemberton Trio opens, with the talented pianist/trumpeter in the lead chair with pals Matt Peterson and Cory Healey. Prime time finds Kenny Horstback after performing last weekend with Dave Brattain, this time leading his own quartet with Pete Whitman, Steve Kenny and Tom Lewis.

Pavel Jany - Talking Strings

In Minneapolis, Talking Strings entertains at the Loring Pasta Bar. With Pavel Jany on guitar, Dan Weston on bass and Gary Schulte on violin, expect some diverse world music from three consummate string specialists.

Bruce Henry

Saturday-Sunday, February 7-8. The acclaimed Legends Series continues at the Capri Theater, bringing "home" stellar vocalist Bruce Henry in celebration of Black History Month. Now based in his childhood home Chicago, Bruce returns to the Twin Cities often. This weekend, he takes us on a musical journey from the African drum to the Great American Songbook.

Jay Epstein

Monday, February 9. Whenever Park Evans, Graydon Peterson and Jay Epstein convene, be ready to ring the Firebell! This blazing trio lights the stage at the Black Dog tonight, performing tunes from their recent release, Impossible Vacation, and new material.

Solomon Parham

Across town, Jazz Central puts the spotlight on tonight's "featured artist," trumpeter Solomon Parham. A Detroit native and dedicated jazz educator who directs bands at Walker West, Solomon is often heard with Eric Gravatt's Source Code. Wife and very fine vocalist Aja Parham joins him tonight.

Javi Santiago

And a bit down the street and a lot later in the evening, one of our native sons now living in New York creates some mayhem at the Icehouse. Pianist Javi Santiago is featured on JT's Jazz Implosion series, tonight celebrating an EP release for his Year of the Horse.He's joined by long-time drum partner Miguel Hurtado along with vocalist Proper T, guitarist Cory Wong, saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, and bassist Yohannes Tona.

Chris Olson (with Chris Bates)

Tuesday, February 10. The second night of back-to-back guitar trios at the Black Dog finds the common denominator--drummer Jay Epstein! Tonight Jay anchors Framework, featuring Chris Olson on guitar and Chris Bates on bass. It's really Olson's monthly "Chris Olson Project" night, and what a great project. Framework features original composition as well as intriguing arrangements of modern jazz giants.

Wednesday, February 11. Master of modern jazz/fusion bass Mark Dresser can be heard twice today: He's conducting a free public master class at the University of Minnesota (Ferguson Hall) at 3 pm, then moving across town to McNally Smith's auditorium for an evening concert (7:30 pm) -- also free. Dresser is known for expanding the sonci and musical possibilities of the acoustic bass, using unconventional amplification techniques, and has performed solo and notably with John Zorn, Myra Melford, Anthony Braxton and Nicole Mitchell.

George Cartwright

At Jazz Central, it's Chris Bates'improv night, and he's performing with PKD featuring brother JT and saxophonist George Cartwright. Notes Chris, "I’ve been intrigued and inspired by George Cartwright for a long long time. I’m excited to be playing with him for the first time. Plus, guys, JT Bates."

Gary Schulte

Thursday, February 12. The popular quintet Axis Mundiperforms tonight at Hell's Kitchen -- leader Glen Helgesen (guitar), Gary Schulte (violin), Chris Bates (bass) and two percussionists-- Dave Stanoch and Michael Bissonnette.

More Jazz All Week!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities -- check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:

Friday, February 6. Irv Williams Trio, happy hour at the Dakota; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; John Paulson with Swing, Inc. at Signatures Restaurant (Winona); Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's Lounge; Tim Patrick and His Blue-Eyed Band at the Eagles' Club; Tommy O'Donnell at Scusi!

Sophia Shorai

Saturday, February 7. Sidewalk Cafe at Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); Pig's Eye Jass Band at the Eagles' Club; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Sophia Shorai at Hell's Kitchen; 7 Cats Swing Band at Crooner's Lounge; Barbara Meyer with Stan & Honeybee at The Nicollet; Mill City Hot Club at Erte

Sunday, February 8. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Fuzzy Math at the Black Dog (4 pm); Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar; Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra with Paula Lammers at Cinema Ballroom

Monday, February 9. Denny Malmberg and guest at Fireside Pizza; BZ3 Organ Trio at the Narrows Saloon; Tommy and the Lieberman at the Dakota; the Riverside Trio at Crooner's Lounge; Fireside Five Quintet at the Underground Music Cafe

Tuesday, February 10. Don Strong, happy hour, followed by Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's Lounge; Sean McMahon and Adi Yeshaya, Live at 5 at McNally Smith; Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Nova Jazz Orchestra at Minnesota Music Cafe; Cedar Avenue Big Band at Jazz Central

Wednesday, February 11. Denny Malmberg and guest at Fireside Pizza; Lila Ammons Trio, Jazz at the Tangiers; Lisa Anderson Quartet at Crooners' Lounge

Thursday, February 12. Jennifer Grimm at Jazz Central; Larry Dunsmore at Crooner's Lounge

Coming Soon!

. February 13, The Assad Brothers with Romero Lubambo at the Dakota

. February 13, Jason Squinobal Quartet at Studio Z

. February 13, Fall of the House of Usher

. February 14, Nachito Herrera Valentines Day dinner and cocktail shows at the Dakota

. February 14, Paul Harper Quartet (Opening - Central Standard Time) at the Black Dog

. February 14, Maud Hixson, Rick Carlson "Bad for Each Other" at the Icehouse.

. February 14, Connie Evingson, "This Funny Thing Called Love" at the Cabaret at Camp Bar

. February 14, The Girls (Patty Peterson, Lori Dokken, Judi Vinar, Erin Schwab, Rachel Holder-Hennig), "This Thing Called Love" at the Hopkins Center for the Arts

. February 15, Longfellow Concert and fundraiser, Laura Caviani, Pete Whitman and more (3 pm) at Christ Lutheran Church (Minneapolis)
. February 15, Chomsky (Andrew Foreman et al) at the Aster Cafe'

. February 16, Jon Wood/Dave Brattain at Jazz Central

. February 16, Enormous Quartet at the Icehouse

. February 17, Jack Brass Band at the Amsterdam

. February 17, Explosion Big Band at Jazz Central

. February 17-18, David Sanborn with Ricky Peterson at the Dakota

. February 20, Chris Lomheim Trio at Jazz Central

. February 21, Studio Z Winter Jazz Festival (Adam Meckler Orchestra, Endeavors, Atlantis Quartet, Mancrush, Nichols/Bates/Bates, Graydon Peterson Quartet)

. February 21, Glen David Andrews at the Dakota

. February 21, Good Vibes Trio at the Black Dog (Opening - Central Standard Time)

. February 21, U Wisconsin River Falls Jazz Ensemble with Donny McCaslin, William Abbot Concert Hall at UW-River Falls

. February 21, Twin Cities Cabaret Network Salon at Town House Bar

. February 22, Lulu's Playground at Jazz Central (3 pm)

. February 23, Irv Williams at Jazz Central

. February 23, Quintet Party with Red 5 and Cory Healey's Beautiful Sunshine Band at the Icehouse

. February 24, Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra at Jazz Central

. February 25, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium

. February 25, Leisure Valley at Cafe Maude

. February 27, Javi Santiago and Friends at Jazz Central

. February 28, U of M Jazz Festival with guest Pat Mallinger (evening concert)

. February 28, Zacc Harris Group at the Black Dog (Opening - Central Standard Time)

. February 28, Arne Fogel & Jennifer Eckes, “What The World Needs Now: The Songs of Burt Bacharach & Hal David” at the Bloomington Center for the Arts

. February 28, Minnesota State University Mankato Jazz Mavericks, with Mike Stern and Kenni Holmen in Halling Recital Hall, MSU Mankato

. March 2, Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands Winter Concert at Famous Dave's (Uptown)

. March 3, Rene Marie at the Dakota

. March 6, Eric Gravatt and Dean Magraw at The Nicollet

. March 6, "Raisin’ Cane: A Harlem Renaissance Odyssey" with Jasmine Guy and the Avery Sharpe Trio at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium

. March 7, DD7 at the Black Dog (Opening - Charles Lincoln Group)

. March 9, David Sanchez Quartet at the Dakota

. March 10-11, Cassandra Wilson at the Dakota

. March 12, Jack DeJohnette at Walker Art Center, McGuire Theater

. March 13, Foreign Motion at The Nicollet

. March 13, Peter Vircks Quartet at Jazz Central

. March 14, Chris Botti at Orchestra Hall

. March 15, Jazz Mn Orchestra with Pete Christlieb at Hopkins High School Auditorium

. March 20, Jake Baldwin Quintet at The Nicollet

. March 23-24, Steve Tyrell at the Dakota

. March 25-26, Delfeayo Marsalis (Southern Gentleman) at the Dakota

. March 27, How Birds Work at The Nicollet

. March 29, Tierney Sutton and Mark Summer at the Dakota

. April 16, Anthony Cox and Jeremy Walker, "Rage of Achilles" at Orchestra Hall (Target Atrium)

. April 16, Bettye LaVette at the Dakota

. April 17, Ann Hampton Callaway at Orchestra Hall

. April 24, Tuck and Patti at the Dakota

. April 25, JazzMN Orchestra with Bob Mintzer at Hopkins l High School Auditorium

. April 25-26, Irv Williams, Legends concert at The Capri

. April 26, KBEM's Jazz Noir at the Dakota

. April 27, Omar Sosa at the Dakota

. April 29-30, Madeleine Peyroux at the Dakota

. May 2, Jason Moran and Robert Glasper at the Walker

. May 9, PipJazz "Women in Jazz" -- afternoon workshop and evening concert at The Bedlam

. June 25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park and beyond

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS, Dakota Combo)

Romero Lubambo joins the Assad Brothers at the Dakota, February 13

© Andrea Canter

The Saint Paul Art Crawl will bring extra crowds to Lowertown this weekend; jazz in the neighborhood and nearby will keep the artful vibe going long after dark. Jazz and the return of our spring weather will add to the warming trend throughout the metro as well, with weekend visits from Tuck & Patti, Bob Mintzer and Nellie McKay; the third installment of the KBEM Jazz Noir radio show providing a sneak preview of Vieux Carré; a true "Legends" concert at the Capri with Irv Williams and Debbie Duncan; another local legend (Jimmie Wallace) at The Nicollet; nights of young and even younger lions at Jazz Central and the Black Dog; and local celebrations of International Jazz Day (April 30).

Big Gigs This Week

Tuck & Patti

Friday, April 24. Together performing (as well as life partners) for three decades, the vocal/guitar jazz duo Tuck (Andress) and Patti (Cathcart)met at an audition in Las Vegas, began performing as a duo in California in 1981, and now have fifteen albums and a world of fans to their credit. With Tuck on guitar and Patti as vocalist/composer/arranger, the pair have forged a partnership unequaled in modern music, applying a simple formula: Says Tuck, “Patti writes and arranges; I am just the orchestra.” With his six strings, Tuck indeed conjures a symphony. The duo returns to the Dakota for one night.

Jake Baldwin, Nelson Devereaux (Endeavors)

Young and younger--that's the line-up tonight at Jazz Central as Endeavors hits at 7 on the Bridge Series, followed by the Dakota Combo at about 9:30. Actually the Dakota Combo has ties to both bands. About two years ago, a band of young emerging talents dubbed themselves Courageous Endeavors and quickly became one of the most exciting on the Twin Cities jazz scene, and released their debut CD, Prototype, in summer 2014. The band (Nelson Devereaux, Joe Strachan, Brian Courage and Miguel Hurtado) went on hiatus when Courage moved to New York last fall, but now has reformed as simply Endeavors, with bassist Ryan Hayes replacing Courage and adding another horn, trumpeter Jake Baldwin.

Dakota Combo

In their high school days, Baldwin and Strachan played together in the Dakota Combo, an audition-only ensemble of the region's top high school jazz artists, and a collaboration among the MacPhail Center for Music and Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education. The 9th edition of the Dakota Combo performs their annual spring gig tonight, showcasing chops as performers and composers under the direction of Adam Linz.

Jimmie Wallace

Steve Kenny's Friday Night Jazz at The Nicollet welcomes one of the living legends of Twin Cities jazz when saxophonist James (Jimmie) Wallacetakes the bandstand with his veteran team of Kenny on FLUMPET™, Ron Evaniuk on bass, and Alden Akeda on drums. "Jimmy-apolis" still plays around town with the Capri Big Band and Cornbread Harris, as well bringing his own bands into such spots as the Red Stag.

Jon Wood

Saturday, April 25. At the Black Dog, the Saturday Night Jazz series boasts a "young lions" night of its own. Music kicks off at 7 with a celebration of three recordings from young guitar master Jon Wood. Whether playing at Jazz Central or in a Minnesota Guitar Society sponsored master class, Jon's diverse mix of classical, jazz, and pop music (along with an occasional pinch of Latin, blue grass, blues, and R & B, and flamenco) appeals to diverse audiences. His three recordings include his original jazz compositions (Far From Home), a solo classical guitar album (Chitarra Sonata), and a live album of Jon's band "Iron Chops" (Iron Chops Live at Jazz Central). Helping him celebrate at the Black Dog will be his Iron Chops ensemble, featuring Dave Brattain (tenor and soprano sax), Javi Santiago (piano), Graydon Peterson (bass), and Dave Schmalenberger (drums).

Lars-Erik Larson (Mancrush)

In the prime time slot, Mancrush returns with leader Lars-Erik Larson (drums) and cohorts Brandon Wozniak (sax), Zacc Harris (guitar) and Bryan Nichols (piano). With rapidly growing audience from the Black Dog to Icehouse, Mancrush plays everything from folk tunes to Bartok, as well as Larson's eclectic original compositions.

Katia Cardenas

Continuing the theme of young talents, the intriguing duo of Katia Cardenas and Joe Strachan perform at a new venue for music, Public Kitchen across from Mears Park in St Paul. Vocalist Katia has only been hitting the local stages for the past year or so, but is building her audience fast with her appealing blend of the great songbooks' repertoire and more contemporary fare. Pianist Joe Strachan is largely known for his contributions to such modern jazz projects as Endeavors, Jake Baldwin's quartets, the Adam Meckler Orchestra, etc, and promises to offer exciting accompaniment to Katia's vocals. As for the Public Kitchen-- this elegant Lowertown space is worth a visit for the kitchen alone.

JazzMN Orchestra

Veterans take over in Hopkins as the JazzMN Orchestra closes out its season with a very special guest, Yellowjackets saxman Bob Mintzer. Minnesota's answer to the Village Vanguard Orchestra, JazzMN will feature music from Mintzer's current project, the "Bob Mintzer R & Big Band," including the works of Sly Stone, the Isley Brothers, Sam & Dave, and James Brown. In the guest vocalist slot, Patty Peterson makes a welcome return to JazzMN, paying tribute to recently departed jazz giants Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco and Lew Soloff.

Irv Williams

Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26. The popular Legends Series continues at the Capri Theater this weekend, with a Saturday evening and Sunday matinee performance of "Saxy Smooth," featuring two favorite living legends of Minnesota jazz, saxophonist Irv Williams and vocalist Debbie Duncan. Notes Capri Artistic Director for the Legends series, Dennis Spears, “Irv Williams is not only a Minnesota legend. He is known nationally and internationally as ‘Mister Smooth.’ One toot from his horn and you will know why. Paired with Debbie Duncan on vocals, this will be one saxy treat!” Adding to fun the will be Irv's happy hour partner Steve Blons (guitar) along with Jay Young (bass) and Nathan Norman (drums). Call it "Saxy, Smooth, and Sassy!"

Sunday, April 26. Been wanting a peak at the new Hamm Building space, Vieux Carré? Tonight you can get a preview as well as enjoy the third installment of the KBEM project Jazz Noir. An original radio drama series complete with live voice actors and musicians in front of a live audience, it's just like in the early days of radio. For this third episode, Morning Follows Night, playwrights Christina Ham, Dominic Orlando and Josh Wilder were commissioned to explore the rich Minneapolis jazz club scene between 1946 and 1956. The playwrights collaborated with composers/jazz musicians Chris Bates, Steven Hobert and Solomon Parham, who perform their original jazz music score for the drama. Shows at 5 and 8 pm, with the later show broadcast live on KBEM 88.5 fm.

Nellie Mckay

And she's hard to classify, but who cares? Singer, pianost, ukulele player, songwriter, comedienne -- Nellie McKay can wear all those hats simultaneously, whether channeling Doris Day or tackling modern pop. She's back at the Dakota for one night of musical fun.

Doug Haining

Monday, April 27. Multi-reed expert Doug Haining is so often leading the band--Explosion Big Band, Twin Cities 7--that we seldom get a chance to enjoy hearing him in the spotlight. On the Featured Artist series at Jazz Central, Doug gets to shine, be it on tenor or alto sax, clarinet or flute. Or maybe all of the above.

Over at the Icehouse (which coincidentally gets underway about the time Jazz Central cools off), JT's Jazz Implosion implodes with the energy of Brandon Wozniak, Bryan Nichols, and JT Bates himself.

Paul Renz

Tuesday, April 28. Veteran guitarist Paul Renz brings his quartet to a new venue when he takes the stage at Crooners Lounge. One of the busiest jazz educators in town, Renz spends less time on the bandstand but will be heard more in coming weeks. His musical partner in the quartet is renowned flautist Anders Bostrom, an old pal from Berklee College of Music days who appears on several of Paul's recordings.

Ben Abrahamson

Wednesday, April 29. There are few musicians in town with the eclectic resume of young guitarist, Ben Abrahamson, who fills the "new music" slot at Jazz Central tonight with two other guitar talents -- Park Evans and Nick Champeau-- as the Acoustic Trio. There should be a hearty dose of flamenco and Brazilian beats.

At The Nicollet, the eclectic FireFly Forest project from Steven Hobert (accordion) takes the stage, with Sarah Larsson (vocals, French Horn, percussion), Kathleen Hobert (voals, tap dance, percussion), Kevin Row (bass), Jeff Schraw (percussion), Nathan Eliot (guitar) and Natalie Locke (percussion). Not sure how they will all fit on that stage but it will be a musical feast.

Madeleine Peyroux

Wednesday-Thursday, April 29-30. Her career has progressed in a bit of a jagged fashion but vocalist Madeleine Peyrouxhas released some highly praised albums lately. She's back at the Dakota in time to celebrate International Jazz Day and some swinging songs.

Thursday, April 30 -- International Jazz Day! Sponsored by UNESCO, this is a global celebration. In Minnesota, IJD events have been registered by the Dakota (Madeleine Peyroux), Jazz Central (Debbie Duncan), and the Black Dog (TBA). The Dakota is offering a special opportunity to view a live webcast of the IJD official global concert in Paris, with Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and more, with a package including lunch with Peyroux or just a viewing ticket of the broadcast which is set for 11:30 am. See the Dakotawebsite for more info and tickets.

Debbie Duncan

This might be the first time Debbie Duncan has performed at Jazz Central, and you could not ask for a better show to honor International Jazz Day than Minnesota's "First Lady of Song." Debbie had a chance to sit in with the Delfeayo Marsalis band at the Dakota last month and she fit the music as if it had been arranged just for her. You know it will be a night of not only great vocal jazz but crack-up entertainment as well.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities -- check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:

Friday-Sunday, April 24-26. Zeitgeist Early Music Festival at Studio Z

Friday, April 24. Irv Williams and Steve Blons, Happy Hour at the Dakota; Todd Harper, happy hour at the Black Dog; The Riverside Trio at Crooners' Lounge; John Paulson with Swing, Inc. at Signatures (Winona); Arne Fogel at Parma 8200; Jake Hanson and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar (Saint Paul Hotel); Charmin Michelle with the Ray Siegl Trio at Scusi; Optimum Trajectory at the Underground Music Cafe

Milo Fine

Saturday, April 25. Debbie Duncan, brunch at Hell's Kitchen; Davu Seru with Milo Fine at Schmidt Artists Lofts (noon); Charmin & Shapira at Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); Augsburg Jazz Ensembles at Famous Dave's Uptown (4 pm); GST at Hell's Kitchen; Talking Strings at Loring Pasta Bar; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar (Saint Paul Hotel); Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; Julius Collins and Ginger Commodore at the Dakota; Paula Lammers Trio at the Mason Jar; Southside Aces at Eagles Aerie Club; Sheridan Zuther at Crooners' Lounge; John Penny Trio at Scratch Bar and Grill; Trent Baarspul Trio, late set at Public Kitchen

Sunday, April 26. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Jazz Brunch at Crooners' Lounge; Joel Shapira, solo guitar at the Black Dog (3 pm); Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinema Ballroom; Zacc Harris Trio at Riverview Wine Bar

Monday, April 27. Maurice Jacox Trio at Crooners Lounge

Tuesday, April 28. Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra at Jazz Central; Northwestern University (MN) spring jazz concert at Marantha Hall, Northwestern University; Eric Leeds and Paul Peterson at the Icehouse

Wednesday, April 29. Andrew Walesch Quartet at Crooners Lounge; North Hennepin Community College Jazz Band, spring concert at NHCC Fine Arts Building; Parisota Hot Club at The Tangiers; The Neighborhood Jazz Trio at Barbette

Thursday, April 30. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Jazz I with Jamey Simmons at Gantner Concert Hall, UW-EC; Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Wabasha Street Caves; Mia Dorr at Crooners Lounge

Coming Soon!

. May 1, Patty Peterson with Steve Cole, Ricky Peterson at the Icehouse

. May 1, Framework at The Nicollet

. May 2, Jason Moran and Robert Glasper at the Walker

. May 2, Adam Kohlker with the Good Vibes Trio at Jazz Central

. May 2, Dave Brattain Quartet/DD7 at the Black Dog

. May 8, Ron Miles with the Atrium Jazz Ensemble at Orchestra Hall (Target Atrium)

. May 8, Presidential Flow (Mayo, Brattain, Nair, Evans, Granowski) at The Nicollet

. May 9, Joe Mayo/Cory Healey's Beautiful Sunshine Band at the Black Dog

. May 10, Soul Cafe' at Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church

. May 11, Tim Berne's Snake Oil at the Icehouse

. May 15, Minnesota Youth Jazz Band at The Nicollet

. May 16, Headspace followed by the Paul Renz Quartet at the Black Dog

. May 22, Chris Lomheim Trio at The Nicollet

. May 23, Central Standard Time followed by Firebell at the Black Dog

. May 27-28, Rachelle Ferrell at the Dakota

. May 29, Bottomless Pit at The Nicollet

. May 30, Dave Martin Trio followed by the Atlantis Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 2, Tim Reis Rolling Stones Project at the Dakota

. June 3, Steve Smith and Vital Information, NYC Edition at the Dakota

. June 5, Paul Harper's Show and Tell at The Nicollet

. June 6, Lulu's Playground followed by The Five at the Black Dog

. June 12, Tommy Bentz Quartet at The Nicollet

. June 13, Will Schmid Trio followed by the Graydon Peterson Quartet

. June 16, Ticket to Brazil, Jazz in the Library at SunRay Library (St Paul)

. June 17, Good Vibes Trio, Jazz in the Library at Hamline Library (St Paul)

. June 19, The Dakota Combo followed by Dean Granros' Tall Tales at The Nicollet

. June 20, John Penny/Jay Epstein Duo followed by the Phil Hey Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 21, Francisco Mela Trio, Jazz in the Library at St Paul Central Library

. June 22, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. June 23-24, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. June 25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park and beyond (Dr John, Potter/Holland/Louke/Harland Quartet, Francisco Mela with Nicholas Payton, Araya-Orta Quartet, Marquis Hill Blacktet)

. June 28, John Pizzarelli at the Dakota

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS, Dakota Combo)

. August 7, George Brooks/ Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz, Studio Z

Jason Moran joins Robert Glasper at the Walker, May 2nd

Jason Moran and Robert Glasper together at the Walker Art Center on May 2nd

© Andrea Canter

Green leaves, crab apple blossoms, tulips and a good be-bop riff-- you have to love spring in Minnesota, once it gets here. Can't use the weather as an excuse these days-- it isn't too cold, there's no snow and ice, and it isn't too hot yet! Take your ears out for a spin: Some veteran ensembles at The Nicollet and Black Dog, young lions and a visiting New Yorker at Jazz Central, a visiting duo of piano titans at the Walker -- it's a jazz lovers weekend. The work week kicks off with homecoming gigs (sort of) for Minnesota bassists at the Icehouse.

Big Gigs This Week

Javi Santiago

Friday, May 1. Youth rules tonight at Jazz Central, as the Javi Santiago Quartet takes its place on the Bridge Series. With 20-somethings Javi on piano and Cory Healey on drums, the youthful "old-timers" Zacc Harris (guitar) and Cody McKinney (bass) will have to keep them in line! Special "welcome back" to Cody who finished studies at the New School in New York this winter. Stick around for some even younger talents as the late show features the U of M Jazz Combodirected by Phil Hey.

Framework

Down the street, Friday Night Jazz at the Nicollet features the venue debut of Framework, the string trio that brings together three inventive improvisers in Chris Olson (guitar), Chris Bates (bass) and Jay Epstein (drums). Longtime favorites at the Artists Quarter, the band has found new audiences at Jazz Central and the Black Dog, fueling their sets with covers of Coltrane, Shorter and Coleman, as well as their own compositions.

Patty Peterson

And just a few blocks down at the Icehouse, Patty Peterson and Friends rocks the old bricks with special friend Steve Cole on sax and brother Ricky Peterson on keys and vocals. The music will definitely lean toward smooth, but no one melds jazz, R&B and smooth better than Patty and her pals. With the usual suspects--Paul Peterson, Jason Peterson DeLaire, Billy Franze and Bobby Vandell.

Robert Glasper & Jason Moran (photo WBGO)

Saturday, May 2. What might be billed as one of the biggest jazz nights of 2015 in the Twin Cities, the Walker Art Center presents a dazzling piano duo-- McArthur "Genius Grant" recipient Jason Moran and Grammy-winner Robert Glasper. Old pals from Houston, they've been touring in honor of Blue Note Records 75th anniversary, offering music that touches on the roots of jazz as well as their collaborative improvisations. Moran is no stranger to the Walker, having presented commissioned works several times in the past decade, and has appeared as a member of Charles Lloyd's Quartet at the Dakota; Glasper has not been in town for a while but his recent exploits with his electrified Robert Glasper Experience should intrigue-- this is an acoustic show at the Walker. First show sold out so a 10:30 late set was added.

Good Vibes Trio

At Jazz Central, it's also a special Saturday night as Chris Bates' Good Vibes Trio (with Dave Hagedorn and Phil Hey) welcomes New York-based tenor saxophonist Adam Kolker. In addition to earning a couple Grammys working with Ray Baretto, Adam has perfomed with the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Fred Hersch, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Bruce Barth, Judi Silvano and more, and has led groups with the likes of John Abercrombie and Billy Hart.

Anthony Cox

Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog kicks off with a band led by sax veteran Dave Brattain with drummer Mac Santiago. The prime time set features Anthony Cox's DD7 -- that's a two or three-horn band depending on Mike Lewis's schedule. Lewis is not on tonight, but with Brandon Wozniak and Steve Kenny, there's plenty of horn power, fueled by bassist Cox and drummer JT Bates.

Sunday, May 3. Make it campus jazz day! The Century Jazz Ensemble holds its annual Swing Into Spring concert mid-afternoon on the Century College campus. The long-running ensemble includes alums of the Century College jazz program and faculty. Later in the afternoon, in Northfield, Adam Kolker (see Saturday at Jazz Central) is the special guest with St. Olaf Jazz Ensembles II and III on the St. Olaf campus. Come evening, you can enjoy the U of M Jazz Ensembles I and II in a salute to Big Bands at Ted Mann.

Michael O'Brien

Monday, May 4. At the Icehouse, JT's Jazz Implosion brings a favorite son back to the Twin Cities. New York-based bassist Michael O'Brien is just visiting, but he's here for a week or so, starting tonight with a formidable ensemble including Zacc Harris, Jake Baldwin, Brandon Wozniak and JT Bates himself. (Catch Michael next Friday at Jazz Central.)

Maryann Sullivan and Jim Chenoweth

Tuesday, May 5. You can count on a swinging good time whenever Maryann Sullivan and Corner Jazz are on the band stand, and tonight that good time is at The Nicollet. The band will barely fit on the stage-- bassist Jim Chenoweth, drummer Nathan Norman, trombonist Dave Graf, and pianist Andrew Walesch-- who very well might join Maryann on vocals.

It will be a different sort of good time, but good nonetheless, when Coloring Time featuring Cody McKinney takes the stage at the Icehouse. Quoting their press, "Coloring Time is a musical accident waiting to happen, so to speak. Instrumentalists Casey O’Brien (bass), Graham O’Brien (drums), John Keston (keys), Robert Mulrennen (guitar) and Jon Davis (reeds) pave nebulous jazzways on which vocalist/MCs Joe Horton, Kristoff Krane and Adam Svec race headlong to rapture and epiphany." Special guest, bassist Cody McKinney, is back in town after completing studies at the New School in New York, and he is wasting no time returning to the heart of the Twin Cities music community.

Lila Ammons

Wednesday, May 6.Lila Ammons has royal jazz roots -- grandfather Albert Ammons of boogie-woogie fame, uncle Gene Ammons, bebop tenor titan. And she has a stunning voice that is equally comfortable on a jazz ballad and a boogie-woogie blues. Often touring in Europe, she's around this spring and singing with local royalty-- pianist Thom West, bassist Tom Lewis, and drummer Nathan Norman, tonight at Crooner's Lounge.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities -- check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:

Friday, May 1. Irv Williams, happy hour at the Dakota; Todd Harper's Piano Fridays at the Black Dog; Andrew Walesch at Parma 8200; John Paulson with Swing, Inc. at Signatures (Winona); Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra and the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Jazz Band at ARCC Performing Arts Center; Matra at the Black Dog; Infinite Variety Band at Crooner's Lounge

Saturday, May 2. Charmin & Shapira, Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); Lila Ammons, 3 pm at Club Saragota (Duluth); Talking Strings at Loring Pasta Bar; Zacc Harris and Phil Aaron, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Paula Lammers with Mary Louise Knutson and Nuhjume at Antonello Hall, MacPhail Center for Music; Seven Cats Swing Band at Crooners' Lounge

Sunday, May 3. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Jazz Brunch at Crooners' Lounge; Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar

Paula Lammers

Monday, May 4. Scott Agster at Jazz Central; Paula Lammers at Crooners' Lounge

Tuesday, May 5. Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Dean Magraw and Davu Seru at the Black Dog; Brio Brass at Edinborough Indoor Amphitheater; Bill Simenson Orchestra at Jazz Central; Robert Everest at Crooners' Lounge

Wednesday, May 6. John Penny Trio at Scratch Bar & Grill; Wolverines Trio at Hell's Kitchen; Anthony Cox at Jazz Central; Three Faces at Lake & Irving

Thursday, May 7. Benny Weinbeck, Wayzata Lunds & Byerly's; Moonlight Serenaders at Wabasha Street Caves; Normandale Community College Jazz Band at Lorenz Fine Arts Auditorium (NCC); Joel Shapira at Hell's Kitchen

Coming Soon!

. May 8, Ron Miles with the Atrium Jazz Ensemble at Orchestra Hall (Target Atrium)

. May 8, Presidential Flow (Mayo, Brattain, Nair, Evans, Granowski) at The Nicollet

. May 8, Joel Shapira Trio at Parma 8200

. May 9, Joe Mayo/Cory Healey's Beautiful Sunshine Band at the Black Dog

. May 10, Southside Aces (brunch), Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard (evening) at the Dakota

. May 10, Soul Cafe' at Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church
. May 10, Paul Renz Quartet at the Aster Cafe

. May 11, Tim Berne's Snake Oil at the Icehouse

. May 12, Vicky Mountain at The Nicollet

. May 13, Casey O'Brien Quartet at Jazz Central

. May 15, Minnesota Youth Jazz Band at The Nicollet

. May 15, Michael O'Brien Quartet at Jazz Central

. May 15, Maud Hixson at Parma 8200

. May 16, Headspace followed by the Paul Renz Quartet at the Black Dog

. May 22, Chris Lomheim Trio at The Nicollet

. May 22, Travis Anderson Trio at Parma 8200

. May 23, Central Standard Time followed by Firebell at the Black Dog

. May 27-28, Rachelle Ferrell at the Dakota

. May 29, Bottomless Pit at The Nicollet

. May 29, Connie Evingson at Parma 8200

. May 30, Dave Martin Trio followed by the Atlantis Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 2, Tim Reis Rolling Stones Project at the Dakota

. June 3, Steve Smith and Vital Information, NYC Edition at the Dakota

. June 5, Paul Harper's Show and Tell at The Nicollet

. June 6, Lulu's Playground followed by The Five at the Black Dog

. June 12, Tommy Bentz Quartet at The Nicollet

. June 13, Will Schmid Trio followed by the Graydon Peterson Quartet

. June 16, Ticket to Brazil, Jazz in the Library at SunRay Library (St Paul)

. June 17, Good Vibes Trio, Jazz in the Library at Hamline Library (St Paul)

. June 19, The Dakota Combo followed by Dean Granros' Tall Tales at The Nicollet

. June 20, John Penny/Jay Epstein Duo followed by the Phil Hey Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 21, Francisco Mela Trio, Jazz in the Library at St Paul Central Library

. June 22, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. June 23-24, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. June 25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park and beyond (Dr John, Potter/Holland/Louke/Harland Quartet, Francisco Mela with Nicholas Payton, Araya-Orta Quartet, Marquis Hill Blacktet)

. June 28, John Pizzarelli at the Dakota

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS, Dakota Combo)

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

Tim Berne's Snake Oil - coming to the Icehouse, May 11

Red Planet -- at Jazz Central on May 8

© Andrea Canter

Some jazz giants visit this week (Tim Berne, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez), and the weekend is filled with veterans and rising stars across the metro. Spring is here, and we're warming up for big sounds this summer.

Big Gigs This Week

Dean Magraw

Friday, May 8. A Twin Cities favorite for the past decade, Red Planetplays less often these days but with no less intensity. Dean Magraw, Chris Bates and Jay Epstein invigorate Jazz Central Studios on the Bridge Series, now starting at 7 pm. Don't worry about dinner, Vanessa Lopez will turn up about 8 pm with her almost nightly treats.

Joel Shapira

Virtuosic guitarist Joel Shapira plays at Parma 8200 on a rare instrumental Friday. Nothing beats some inventive guitar trio music to melt away the stress of the week!

Ron Miles

A late night treat at Orchestra Hall tonight (10:30 pm) is the finale of the new Jazz in the Target Atrium series curated by Jeremy Walker. Following the orchestra's concert earlier in the evening, the Target Atrium welcomes Denver-based trumpeter Ron Miles with the Atrium ensemble, featuring Bryan Nichols, Anthony Cox and JT Bates. Miles is a long-time cohort of Bill Frisell as well as an accomplished leader, composer and educator.

Cory Healey

Saturday, May 9. The weekly double-header at the Black Dog brings young saxophonist Joe Mayo and company to start off the evening with a bang, followed by another young bandleader, drummer Cory Healey and his Beautiful Sunshine Band. Usually with two horns, tonight the Sunshine will be delivered as a quartet with Jake Baldwin, Zacc Harris and Erik Fratzke.

Dave Karr

Over at the Icehouse, you could not ask for a more sublime duo than Bryan Nichols and Dave Karr. A few generations apart, Bryan (piano) and Dave (sax) nevertheless find a lot of common ground musically, and it's really hard to beat free music at this level accompanied by some of the most inventive dining options in the area.

Tony Balluff (Southside Aces)

Sunday, May 10. The Dakota offers two stunning options for Mothers Day -- brunch with the Southside Aces, dinner or whatever with Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard. The Aces are a top-notch New Orleans swing band headed by Tony Balluff; Prudence and Dan are a velvety voice/piano team celebrating the release of their new Gershwin. Their special guest tonight is ragtime piano magician Butch Thompson.

Steve Blons, Soul Cafe'

Another option for Mothers Day, and anyone else who likes some exquisitely rendered straight-ahead jazz melded with modern poetry is Soul Café, once a monthly event and now performing a few times each year at their home base, the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. Led by guitarist Steve Blons, the current configuration includes Dave Graf on trombone, Brad Holden on sax, and Darryl Boudreaux on percussion, with guest readers adding the poetic touches. Of tonight's concert, dubbed "Breathing Lessons," Steve says, "It's Spring and Minnesotans are feeling giddy. Yet, while the weight of winter may finally be lifting, the world can still feel heavy on our shoulders. Breathing helps. Beauty helps. Lighten your load relaxing with an hour of jazz and poetry. Rest in the images and the music. Re-attune to the natural rhythms of breath and heartbeat."

Tim Berne

Monday, May 11. Once in a while, JT Bates turns his Jazz Implosion into an international jazz explosion! Tonight, he welcomes avant garde saxophonist Tim Berne and his Snake Oil ensemble to the Icehouse for a night of gleeful mayhem. Snake Oil, which just released a new album on ECM (You've Been Watching Me), includes clarinetist Oscar Noriega, pianist Matt Mitchell, and drummer/percussionist Ches Smith. This band will transform the Icehouse into an inferno.

At the Dakota, Cuban pianist Nachito Herrera departs from his usual weekend gigs to bring "Back to Cuba" to the stage, featuring Grammy winners drummer, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez and bassist José Armando Gola, and vocalist Mirdalys Herrera.

Nachito Herrera

Tuesday, May 12. Vocalist Vicky Mountainhas been gigging more lately, and we're all the better for it. Tonight she invites us all to put on our swing dance shoes at The Nicollet, aided and abetted by guitarist Dave Martin and bassist Jim Chenoweth.

Wednesday, May 13. Former Minnesotan, NY-based saxophonist Nick Videendrops into the Icehouse, where he will play with three of our best-- Bryan Nichols, Chris Bates and Cory Healey. Among his credits, Nick has played with Superpower Horns, including a recording session with Beyonce'. Expect a jazzier version of Nick at the Icehouse.

At Jazz Central, "new music" night, Secret Stash house bassist Casey O'Brien brings in his Ghost Dance project with fellow improvisers Nathan Hanson on sax and Davu Seru on percussion. The original compositions, in the words of MPR's David Cazares, yields "sounds that dance in the air."

Adam Linz

Thursday, May 14. Possibly the least likely jazz venue in the metro -- Khyber Pass Cafe in St. Paul sports improvised music every Thursday night. Tonight marks the return of Le Percheron, a cross-generational project headed by bassist Adam Linz, along with a troupe of modern experimenters including saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, vibes master Levi Schwartzberg, and drummer Cory Healey. Enjoy experimental music and some small plates from the kitchen!

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities -- check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:

Friday, May 8. Irv Williams and Mary Louise Knutson, happy hour at the Dakota; Todd Harper Piano Fridays at the Black Dog; Eastside at Hell's Kitchen; Zacc Harris and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Larry Dunsmore and Sheridan Zuther at Crooners Lounge; Trio Brasiliero with Pavel Jany and Natania Kamin at the Cedar Cultural Center; Classic Big Band & the Nostalgics Quartet at Bloomington KC Hall

Sheridan Zuther

Saturday, May 9. Talking Strings at Loring Pasta Bar; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar, Saint Paul Hotel; Nujume with Paula Lammers Quartet, Antonello Hall at MacPhail Center for Music; Pippi Ardennia's PipJazz Improv Night at the Bedlam Lowertown

Sunday, May 10. Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons at the Aster; Jazz Jam and Brunch at Crooners Lounge; Mothers' Day Big Band Blowout at the Como Dockside Pavilion; Fuzzy Math at the Black Dog; Jerry O'Hagan Orchestra with Charmin Michelle at Cinema Ballroom; Zacc Harris Trio at Riverview Wine Bar; Zack Lozier Three at Underground Music Cafe; Paul Renz at the Aster

Monday, May 11. Ray Covington and Bob Johnston at Crooners Lounge; Evan Benidt at Jazz Central

Tuesday, May 12. 7 Cats Swing Band at Crooners Lounge; Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Chris Olsen and Kevin Daley, duets at the Black Dog; Nova Jazz Orchestra at Minnesota Music Cafe; Cedar Ave Big Band at Jazz Central

Wednesday, May 13. Lila Ammons Trio at the Tangiers

Thursday, May 14. Fuzzy Math at Hell's Kitchen; JazzMN Orchestra with Patty Peterson at Chanhassan Fireside Theater

Coming Soon!

. May 15, Minnesota Youth Jazz Band at The Nicollet

. May 15, Michael O'Brien Quartet at Jazz Central

. May 15, Maud Hixson at Parma 8200

. May 16, Headspace followed by the Paul Renz Quartet at the Black Dog

. May 20, Todd Clouser's A Love Electric at the Turf Club.

. May 20, Pete Whitman's Ageless Quartet at Jazz Central

. May 22, Chris Lomheim Trio at The Nicollet

. May 22, Travis Anderson Trio at Parma 8200

. May 22, Kristin Sponcia Quartet at Jazz Central

. May 23, Central Standard Time followed by Firebell at the Black Dog

. May 25, David Martin at Jazz Central

. May 27, Pat Kuehn Quartet at Jazz Central

. May 27-28, Rachelle Ferrell at the Dakota

. May 29, Bottomless Pit at The Nicollet

. May 29, Connie Evingson at Parma 8200

. May 30, Dave Martin Trio followed by the Atlantis Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 2, Tim Reis Rolling Stones Project at the Dakota

. June 3, Steve Smith and Vital Information, NYC Edition at the Dakota

. June 4, Phil Mattson Group at Jazz Central

. June 5, Paul Harper's Show and Tell at The Nicollet

. June 6, Lulu's Playground followed by The Five at the Black Dog

. June 12, Tommy Bentz Quartet at The Nicollet

. June 13, Will Schmid Trio followed by the Graydon Peterson Quartet

. June 16, Ticket to Brazil, Jazz in the Library at SunRay Library (St Paul)

. June 17, Good Vibes Trio, Jazz in the Library at Hamline Library (St Paul)

. June 19, The Dakota Combo followed by Dean Granros' Tall Tales at The Nicollet

. June 20, John Penny/Jay Epstein Duo followed by the Phil Hey Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 21, Francisco Mela Trio, Jazz in the Library at St Paul Central Library

. June 22, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. June 23-24, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. June 25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park and beyond (Dr John, Potter/Holland/Louke/Harland Quartet, Francisco Mela with Nicholas Payton, Araya-Orta Quartet, Marquis Hill Blacktet)

. June 28, John Pizzarelli at the Dakota

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS, Dakota Combo)

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

Michael O'Brien at Jazz Central, May 15th

Eric Gravatt and Dean Magraw (Saturday at Studio Z)

© Andrea Canter

In Northeast Minneapolis, it's Art-a-Whirl weekend. In the Twin Cities metro area, it might be dubbed Jazz-a-Whirl. Actually that title might fit every weekend here. This weekend is the final gig for former resident bassist Michael O'Brien's current visit, a CD release for JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske's "Jazz in the Lobby Bar," a "comeback" of sorts for veteran guitarist Paul Renz, a grand finale for Jazz at Studio Z's fourth season with Eric Gravatt and Dean Magraw, an evening with Maud Hixson at Parma, and an evening at the Dakota with the king of rag and stride piano, Butch Thompson. The whirl continues into the week, with a Monday showdown of two volcanic drummers at the Icehouse (JT Bates and Dave King) and a Wednesday night homecoming at the Turf Club for Todd Clouser and A Love Electric. It's just mid-May but we are already feeling some summer heat!

Big Gigs This Week

Michael O'Brien

Friday, May 15. New York bassist and former Twin Citian Michael O'Brien has been in town for a couple weeks, and he finishes off his performance at Jazz Central tonight with his "Triage" ensemble, featuring pianist Chris Lomheim and drummer Jay Epstein. The trio played their inaugural gig two years ago at the Artists Quarter-- it's been too long between gigs for such elegant music.

JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske turn the Lobby Bar of the Saint Paul Hotel into an intimate jazz club every weekend (September-May). Tonight they celebrate their seven-year collaboration with the release of Jazz in the Lobby Bar, adding in pals Nathan Norman, Pete Whitman and Richard Kriehn as they recreate the weekly gig in the hotel's larger Promenade Ballroom. The arrangements perfectly display JoAnn's unique phrasing and interpretative sense, as well as Jeff's ability to comp as well as serve as a second voice.

At Parma 8200, another notable songbird, Maud Hixson, draws from an uncommon songlist supported by pianist/husband Rick Carlson and bassist Gordy Johnson.

Eric Gravatt

Saturday, May 16.Zacc Harris brings his fourth annual Jazz at Studio Z season to a close with the daunting duo of Eric Kamau Gravatt and Dean Magraw. About a year ago the two veterans released Fire on the Nile, and the fire just keeps burning. They'll kickoff the evening with a free public master class. Emphasis on "master."

Paul Renz

Down the hill at the Black Dog, an old favorite from the Artists Quarter resurfaces as Headspace plays the opening set. Also resurfacing after bicep surgery, guitarist Paul Renz and his quartet take the stage for the second part of "Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog," in the company of special guest, flautist Anders Bostrom. Renz is jumpstarting his new ensemble, with Wes Ruelle on piano, Jonathan Thomas on bass, andJessie Lesmeister on drums.

Butch Thompson

Sunday, May 17. Two Sundays in a row with Butch Thompson at the Dakota? Last week, Thompson was a special guest with Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard; tonight it's his show as the ragtime and stride piano/clarinet veteran helps swing the night away.

Katia Cardenas

Monday, May 18. One of the bright young lights on the local jazz scene, vocalist Katia Cardenas brings sophistication (and a bit of Ella?) to Foodie Night at the Dakota. Her repertoire is evolving to encompass not only the Great American Songbook but her own spin on more contemporary fare.

Dave King

At the Icehouse, JT's Jazz Implosion tonight features Real Bulls--a drum duel with JT and Dave King. More like Raging Bulls!

Tuesday, May 19. Hot club guitar stylist Stephane Wremble returns to the Dakota, going beyond Django and infusing his music with everything from blues to flamenco to rock.

Todd Clouser

Wednesday, May 20. Minnesota native guitarist/composer Todd Clouser has been spending most of his time in Mexico lately where he has initiated some innovative music education programs while honing his composition and vocal chops. His A Love Electric band has evolved into a more rock-oriented ensemble with a firm jazz foundation. He's back in town this week, bringing his current edition of ALE to the Turf Club.

Billed as Boomers vs Millennials, a quartet of Pete Whitman, Jay Young (the Boomers), Javi Santiago and Miguel Hurtado (the Millennials) will really be a collaborative effort, not a war, as the cross-generational talents merge at Jazz Central.

Martha Alkins

Thursday, May 21. The weekly vocal jazz night at Jazz Central features a newer talent, Martha Alkins, who presents "Generations of Jazz" -- songs from the 20s to the 70s, backed by pianist Ian Carleton and bassist Graydon Peterson.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities -- check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:

Friday, May 15. Irv Williams and Mary Louise Knutson, happy hour at the Dakota; Todd Harper Piano Fridays at the Black Dog; Tim Sparks and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Vinnie Rose Trio at Crooners Lounge; Donald Washington Quartet at the Black Dog; Minnesota Youth Jazz Band at The Nicollet (7:30 pm)

Saturday, May 16. Art-a-Whirl music: Charlie Lincoln Group at Elias Metal Studio; Fall of the House of Usher at Broadway and Central NE; Talking Strings at Loring Pasta Bar; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar (Saint Paul Hotel); Nick Videen Quartet at Cambridge High School; Patty Peterson and Friends at Crooners Lounge; Paula Lammers Trio at the Mason Jar; Charmin Michelle at the St. Cloud Eagle's Aerie Club; Maurice Jacox Trio at the Normandy Kitchen; Twin Cities Cabaret Artists Network monthly salon at the Town House

Sunday, May 17. Charmin Michelle with Rick Carlson at Seward Co-op; Patty and the Buttons at the Aster; Robert Everest at Maria's; Jazz Brunch at Crooners Lounge; Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview Wine Bar; Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands spring concert at McNally Smith (Mid Level and Jazz III)

Monday, May 18. Adam Rossmiller at Jazz Central

MYJB

Tuesday, May 19. Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar; Acme Jazz Company with Arne Fogel at Crooners Lounge; Explosion Big Band at Jazz Central; Patty and the Buttons at Cafe Maude; River City Jazz Orchestra at Minnesota Music Cafe; Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands spring concert at Famous Dave's Uptown (North Metro Honor Band)

Wednesday, May 20. Stu Blu and Friends at Lake Harriet Spiritual Community; Zacc Harris Trio at Cafe Maude; Andrew Walesch at Crooners Lounge; River City Jazz Orchestra at Como Dockside; Minnesota Youth Jazz Bands spring concert at McNally Smith (Jazz I and II)

Thursday, May 21. Third Thursday (Joe Damman, Scott Fultz, Davu Seru) at Khyber Pass Cafe

Coming Soon!

. May 22, Chris Lomheim Trio at The Nicollet

. May 22, Travis Anderson Trio at Parma 8200

. May 22, Kristin Sponcia Quartet at Jazz Central

. May 23, Central Standard Time followed by Firebell at the Black Dog

. May 24, Ginger Commodore and Friends at the Dakota

. May 25, David Martin at Jazz Central

. May 26, David Torn (solo) at The Cedar

. May 27, Pat Kuehn Quartet at Jazz Central

. May 27-28, Rachelle Ferrell at the Dakota

. May 29, Bottomless Pit at The Nicollet

. May 29, Connie Evingson at Parma 8200

. May 30, Dave Martin Trio followed by the Atlantis Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 1, Dean Granros' Tall Tales, CD Release at the Icehouse

. June 2, Tim Reis Rolling Stones Project at the Dakota

. June 3, Steve Smith and Vital Information, NYC Edition at the Dakota

. June 4, Phil Mattson Group at Jazz Central

. June 5, Paul Harper's Show and Tell at The Nicollet

. June 6, Lulu's Playground followed by The Five at the Black Dog

. June 12, Tommy Bentz Quartet at The Nicollet

. June 13, Will Schmid Trio followed by the Graydon Peterson Quartet

. June 16, Ticket to Brazil, Jazz in the Library at SunRay Library (St Paul)

. June 17, Chris Bates' Good Vibes Trio, Jazz in the Library at Hamline Library (St Paul)

. June 19, The Dakota Combo followed by Dean Granros' Tall Tales at The Nicollet

. June 19, Bill Frisell at the Dakota

. June 20, John Penny/Jay Epstein Duo followed by the Phil Hey Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 21, Francisco Mela Trio, Jazz in the Library at St Paul Central Library

. June 22, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. June 23-24, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. June 25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park and beyond (Dr John, Potter/Holland/Louke/Harland Quartet, Francisco Mela with Nicholas Payton, Araya-Orta Quartet, Marquis Hill Blacktet)

. June 28, John Pizzarelli at the Dakota

. June 29, Becca Stevens at the Dakota

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS, Dakota Combo)

. July 5, Vincinius Cantauria at the Dakota

. July 12, Edina Jazz Fest at Centennial Lakes Park

. July 18, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. July 23, John Raymond Quartet with Billy Hart at the Dakota

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

Chris Lomheim Trio (at The Nicollet May 22)

Firebell (Park Evans, Graydon Peterson and Jay Epstein) -- Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog

© Andrea Canter

Seems we were just shivering and complaining about our cool spring, and here it is, Memorial Day Weekend and (finally) some warm sunshine. New challenges await, of course, like getting the garden planted, summer vacation reservations confirmed, and-- figuring out how to contend with parking and crowds as the Saints new ballpark opens in Lowertown -- scene of some of the area's most inventive jazz in recent months. This weekend will be the first big test of "baseball meets improvised music", with a Saints home game getting underway Saturday at the same time as gigs at the Black Dog and Studio Z; a new, late night improvised music series at Public Kitchen on Friday might actually benefit as an after-game destination--for those already in the area. Plan accordingly!

Big Gigs This Week

Chris Lomheim

Friday, May 22. At The Nicollet, the Chris Lomheim Trio debuts on the Friday Night Jazz series. Any fan of piano jazz should be familiar with the elegant Mr. Lomheim, whose Evanescent touch graces whatever he's playing, be it original compositions from his recent Timelines recording or standards from bebop and beyond. With Gordy Johnson and bass and Reid Kennedy on drums, Chris promises an evening of joyful jazz.

Travis Anderson

Piano trio jazz is also on the menu at Parma 8200, where the Travis Anderson Trio(Steve Pikal, Nathan Norman) swings through a rare instrumental Friday night. And I mean swing.

Kristin Sponcia

Tonight at Jazz Central, former McNally Smith faculty Kristin Sponcia plays her first of two gigs within a week, while on break from graduate studies at the University of Illinois (Champaign). On the Bridge Series, it's the quartet with Kristin on piano and vocals, backed by Mike Krajewski (guitar), Graydon Peterson (bass) and Dave Schmalenberger (drums). (See Thursday below for Kristin's gig on the Vocal Jazz series.)

Pawan Benjamin

Following at 9:30, Jazz Central hosts a fundraising concert to support communities damaged by earthquakes in Nepal. Music will be provided by an explosive young trio featuring Javi Santiago on piano, Miguel Hurtado on drums, and visiting Milwaukee-born saxophonist Pawan Benjamin. Pawan first met Javi and Miguel in New York where he can Miguel were classmates at the Manhattan School of Music; this is not Pawan's first visit to Jazz Central, where he hopes to raise funds to help his family's village, among others.

Kevin Gastonguay

A new addition to music in Lowertown is Public Kitchen & Bar, just off Mears Park and offering a 10 pm show of improvised music on Fridays in the lower level lounge. Tonight, Gastonguay (Kevin) + Markworth (Kameron) + Schmidt(Zach), a new piano/bass/drum trio, do the honors.

Jay Epstein, Firebell

Saturday, May 23. Lowertown jazz and improvised music will test the impact of baseball tonight. At the Black Dog--which could be jammed earlier with pre-game traffic, the Saturday Night Jazz series continues with the usual double-header: Opening will be the cross-generation antics of Central StandardTime, featuring teen bass master Charlie Lincoln with Steve Kenny, Sten Johnson, Dave Roos and Dennis Glaus. At 8:30, catch a couple sets with Firebell-- a veteran guitar trio with Park Evans, Graydon Peterson and Jay Epstein. Expect a lot of original material from their new CD, Impossible Vacation.

At Studio Z, the Twin Cities epicenter for new music, it's a rare double piano trio configuration with Chris Granias and Carei Thomas on the grands. Billed as "new improvisations for two pianos and assorted instruments," there is no one better to handle "assorted instruments" than Douglas Ewart, playing multiple reeds and percussion, including is home-made instruments.

Connie Evingson

You can avoid parking dilemmas and head for the Aster at St. Anthony Main where songbird Connie Evingson will swing for the rafters with Patty and the Buttons. Notes Connie, "I always have a great time singing with Patty & the Buttons, and the bohemian vibe of the Aster Cafe makes it especially fun!" Patty (aka Patrick Harison) and his "buttons" (accordion)--with Tony Balluff, Mark Kreitzer and Keith Boyles -- swing and sway in a mix of New Orleans, hot club, and 1920s beats.

Ginger Commodore

Sunday, May 24. Back one more time by popular demand-- Ginger Commodore and Julius Collins reprise "A Night of Wonder", their tribute to the great Stevie Wonder, at the Dakota. These two amazing vocalists are joined by Donnie La Marca (keys), Art Haynes (bass),Troy Norton (guitar), Bobby Commodore (drums),Daryl Boudreaux (percussion), and Ashley Commodore, Geoff & Chreese Jones (vocals).

David Martin

Monday, May 25. End your holiday weekend with some virtuosic guitar from David Martin, in the spotlight at Jazz Central. He's joined by bassist Jim Chenoweth and drummer Joel Arpin.

Tuesday, May 26.Guitarist/composer David Torn returns to the Twin Cities for a solo show at The Cedar. Known for his melding of acoustic and electronic elements and particularly his use of loops, Torn was here at the Walker back in 2007 with his Presenz ensemble. Now he's touring in support of his new solo effort on ECM, Only Sky.

Larry McDonough

Larry McDonough and friends reprise their Chet Baker tribute, first heard at Jazz Central last winter and now an encore at the Dakota. McDonough handles the singing Chet (as well as piano), while Steve Kenny takes on the trumpet role, with superb backing from Paul Peterson on saxes, Greg Stinson on Bass, Dean White on drums, and former WCCO anchor Don Shelby reading poetry about Baker and Bill Evans, written by regular McDonough cohort and saxophonist, Richard Terrill.

Rachelle Ferrell

Wednesday-Thursday, May 27-28.“The songwriter translates emotion into words. The singer's job is to translate the words back into emotion." So said vocalist Rachelle Ferrell, and she lives these words whenever she's on stage. Returning to the Dakota for two nights, Ferrell is a singular force. She has a six-octave range and can sing in “whistle register” like Minnie Riperton; studied voice, piano and violin in her youth and attended the Berklee College of Music; sang back up to Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Wiliams and George Duke. While her popularity has ebbed and flowed, she was largely beneath the jazz scene’s radar until recently. Dakota owner Lowell Pickett mentioned that there were no words to describe her. Maybe that’s true. Or maybe all words describe her.

Phil Mattson

Thursday, May 28. The second of Kristin Sponcia's Jazz Central gigs in the past week (see Friday), tonight the spotlight is on her skills as a vocalist, with Phil Mattson handling the piano duties. Which is only fitting as Kristin was a member of the Phil Mattson Singers when she was a Twin Cities resident.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities -- check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:

Friday, May 22. Irv Williams and Steve Blons, happy hour at the Dakota; Todd Harper Piano Fridays at the Black Dog; Debbie Duncan at Hell's Kitchen; Bryan Nichols and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Dave Ziffer at Ingredients Cafe; Optimum Trajectory at Underground Music Cafe; BZ3 Organ Trio at the Black Dog; Jello Slave at the Aster

Saturday, May 23. Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; Sophia Shorai at Hell's Kitchen; Talking Strings at Loring Pasta Bar; Debbie Duncan Quartet at Crooners' Lounge; Zacc Harris Trio at Merlin's Rest Pub

Sunday, May 24. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Jazz Brunch at Crooners' Lounge; Joel Shapira, solo guitar at the Black Dog (4 pm); Zacc Harris Trio at Riverview Wine Bar; T Collective at the Icehouse

Monday, May 25. JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse

Tuesday, May 26. Cafe Accordion Orchestra at Loring Pasta Bar; Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra at Jazz Central

Debbie Duncan

Wednesday, May 27. Charmin Michelle at The Marsh; Debbie Duncan Quartet at Crooners Lounge; Pat Kuehn Trio at Jazz Central; Lila Ammons Trio at The Tangiers

Thursday, May 28. Wes Ruelle Trio at Hell's Kitchen; Dave Ziffer at the Underground Music Cafe

Coming Soon!

. May 29, Bottomless Pit at The Nicollet

. May 29, Connie Evingson at Parma 8200

. May 30, Dave Martin Trio followed by the Atlantis Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 1, Dean Granros' Tall Tales, CD Release at the Icehouse

. June 2, Tim Reis Rolling Stones Project at the Dakota

. June 3, Steve Smith and Vital Information, NYC Edition at the Dakota

. June 4, Phil Mattson Group at Jazz Central

. June 5, Paul Harper's Show and Tell at The Nicollet

. June 6, Lulu's Playground followed by The Five at the Black Dog

. June 12, Tommy Bentz Quartet at The Nicollet

. June 13, Will Schmid Trio followed by the Graydon Peterson Quartet

. June 16, Ticket to Brazil, Jazz in the Library at Sun Ray Library (St Paul)

. June 17, Chris Bates' Good Vibes Trio, Jazz in the Library at Hamline Library (St Paul)

. June 19, The Dakota Combo followed by Dean Granros' Tall Tales at The Nicollet

. June 19, Bill Frisell at the Dakota

. June 20, John Penny/Jay Epstein Duo followed by the Phil Hey Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 21, Francisco Mela Trio, Jazz in the Library at St Paul Central Library

. June 22, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. June 23-24, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. June 25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park and beyond (Dr John, Potter/Holland/Louke/Harland Quartet, Francisco Mela with Nicholas Payton, Araya-Orta Quartet, Marquis Hill Blacktet)

. June 28, John Pizzarelli at the Dakota

. June 29, Becca Stevens at the Dakota

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS, Dakota Combo)

. July 5, Vinicius Cantauria at the Dakota

. July 12, Edina Jazz Fest at Centennial Lakes Park

. July 18, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. July 19, Midtown Global Market Music Festival

. July 23, John Raymond Quartet with Billy Hart at the Dakota

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

Dean Granros' Tall Tales -- CD Release on June 1 at the Black Dog

With a shiny new McKnight Fellowship, Atlantis Quartet plays the Black Dog Saturday night

© Andrea Canter

There's what might be dubbed a mini-jazz fest in St. Paul's Lowertown this weekend-- warming up the neighborhood for the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, only 4 weeks away! (And with no Saints home game, parking should be "normal".) The coming week also brings a parade of stars into the Dakota, offering an alternative to the Rolling Stones on June 3 while putting Stones'"backups" on the jazz club stage. The week also brings the debut release from Dean Granros' new band, Tall Tales and a new voice/guitar duo from veterans Sarah Greer and John Penny. Better tighten your seat belts, this week will be a whirlwind of music.

Big Gigs This Week

A few years back -- The Jackson brothers

Friday, May 29. Just run up and down a two-block stretch of East 4th Street tonight! You can support young artists and have a great time doing it at The Bedlam, where rap/hip-hop band Heiruspecs again teams up with St. Paul Central High School in a fundraiser for scholarships to support students heading to higher education and careers in the arts. Joining the music performances will be the Byzantine Sextet, a St. Paul-based jazz band headed by Central alum/Augsburg student DeVante and brother/U of Manitoba student DeCarlo Jackson, with former scholarship recipient and Central alum Edmund Catlin, South High graduating senior Charlie Lincoln, Hill-Murray alum John Blanda and Central alum Evan Slack.

Charlie Lincoln

Down the street at the Black Dog, a unique double-header starts off with the core rhythm team of the dark and edgy Fall of the House of Usherensemble--that's Chris Cunningham on guitar, Chris Bates on bass and Greg Schutte on drums, joined by guests Michelle Kinney (cello), Nathan Hanson (saxes) and Ivan Cunningham (saxes). Stay for the late round with the young talents of Charlie Lincoln's Physical Memory Dump, with Peter Goggin on alto sax and Joey Hayes on drums. (Seems Charlie will also be running from the Bedlam to the Black Dog!)

Doug Haining

On the other side of the river, talents runs equally deep with two bands of veterans two hours and a few miles apart. At Jazz Central, Doug Haining revives his Cannonball Collective. The band first came together a few years ago at the Artists Quarter to celebrate the music of Cannonball Adderley. Now performing on the 7 pm Bridge Series, Haining brings back Zack Lozier (trumpet), Keith Boyles (bass) and Mac Santiago (drums), along with young upstart Joe Strachan on piano.

Bottomless Pit

On Steve Kenny's Friday Night Jazz at The Nicollet series, Joel Shapira's new Bottomless Pit takes over the bandstand, featuring stalwart jazzers Pete Whitman, Tom Lewis and Eric Kamau Gravatt levitating the works of Coltrane, Coleman, Shorter and more.

Connie Evingson

For your vocal pleasures, Connie Evingson (with Rick Carlson, Gordy Johnson and Dave Karr) brings you music from her wide range of influences and projects, from standards to The Beatles to hot club swing to Dave Frishberg, in the cozy lounge of Parma 8200 in Bloomington. Wine, pasta, cannoli, Connie. Perfect ingredients for Friday night chill-out.

Zacc Harris, Atlantis Qt

Saturday, May 30. Just announced as 2015 recipients of a $25,000 McKnight Musicians Fellowship, the Atlantis Quartet (Zacc Harris, Brandon Wozniak, Chris Bates, Pete Hennig) will be flying higher than ever when they play the headline slot at the Black Dog. They're also warming up for two back-to-back festival gigs, June 27 at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival and July 4 at the Iowa City Jazz Festival. Starting out the evening is another veteran ensemble headed by guitar monster David Martin, with pals Chris Bates and Pete Hennig warming up for their set with Atlantis.

At Pama 8200, the Benny Weinbeck Trio has been providing elegant piano trio jazz for the past few years, every Saturday night in the bar/lounge. Pianist Benny's long-standing trio cohorts, Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey, have their own longstanding partnership, including a couple years backing vocalist Stacy Kent. Communication is seamless and that's reflected in the music.

Walker West students at the TC Jazz Fest

Sunday, May 31. Where will the next young hotshots in local (or perhaps national) jazz come from? Walker West Music Academy invites us to find out at their annual Rev. Carl Walker/Grant West Honors Recital in their new performance space (4 pm). Performances feature Walker West's graduating high school seniors and other up-and-coming talents of the Academy. WWMA has long served as a breeding ground for future pro musicians and educators, especially those who ultimately pursue careers in jazz, and their faculty sports some of the area's top jazz artists, including Peter Leggett, Solomon and Aja Parham, Kevin Washington and more.

Orchestra for Ants

The Aster Cafe at St. Anthony Main offers a unique and historic setting for music (and food!). Tonight, hear the Orchestra for Ants, which suggests busy electronics but is self-described as 'outlaw-jazzmenco.' The Ants are three accomplished guitarists with diverse music backgrounds and chops---leader Ben Abrahamson (Lulu's Playground) who gravitates toward flamenco, Brazilian and 12-string; Park Evans (Firebell), master of "jazz shred comedy," and Nick Champeau, "cowboy casual." It's jazz, flamenco, swing and more. Definitely fun and surely musical.

The outdoor band concert season is underway at the Lake Harriet bandshell, and tonight features the popular Brazilian jazz ensemble, Ticket to Brasil, headed by guitarist Pavel Jany. Lake Harriet leaves room for dancing, which will be encouraged.

Tall Tales

Monday, June 1. For all of his 40+ years in local jazz and improvised music with such landmark bands as The Whole Earth Rainbow Band, Kamanari, Curlew and How Birds Work, guitar master Dean Granros has a relatively small discography in his own name and no recordings that feature his gnarly compositions. With his new quartet and self-titled CD (Tall Tales), Dean corrects that omission, and does so convincingly. Join Dean, Zacc Harris, Chris Bates and Jay Epstein tonight at the Icehouse as they celebrate the CD's release on Shifting Paradigm Records. You get a copy of the CD with your $12 admission. It's definitely worth minor parking hassles for the CD alone.

Peter Schimke

Earlier in the evening (e.g., you can make this gig and get to the Icehouse before Tall Tales gets underway), the spotlight is turned on pianist Peter Schimke at Jazz Central. An integral part of many ensembles (How Birds Work, Mississippi, Estaire Godinez, Irv Williams), Peter seldom gets the recognition his talent deserves.

Dean Magraw

Tuesday, June 2.It's the "first Tuesday" which means Dean Magraw and Davu Seru at the Black Dog. Often there's a guest artist as well, but the duo alone is indendiary-- Magraw the master of all genres on guitar, Seru both performer and scholar of African percussion.

The Rolling Stones roll into town for a blowout tomorrow night at TCF Bank Stadium, and in their wake the Dakota has booked two nights with "20 Steps to Stardom" star vocalist/Stones back-up singer Lisa Fischer (Sunday-Monday) and one gig--tonight-- with Stones' (and former Allman Brothers Band) saxman Tim Ries and Stones vocalist Bernard Fowler in a band dubbed Band 2. Rounding out the band will be local heavyweights Cory Wong, Gary Raynor and Kevin Washington.

Steve Smith

Wednesday, June 3. If you are not headed to TCF Bank Stadium to hear the Stones tonight, you can nevertheless get high on music and particularly jazz percussion at the Dakota with Steve Smith and Vital Information, NYC Edition. Recently named #1 fusion drummer by Modern Drummer's Readers Poll, Smith has assembled a Big Apple cast including keyboardist Mark Soskin (Sonny Rollins/Herbie Mann), alto saxophonist Andy Fusco (Buddy Rich/Mel Lewis), guitarist Vinny Valentino (Jimmy McGriff/Bill Evans), and bassist Baron Browne (Jean-Luc Ponty/Billy Cobham). With this line-up, Smith combines the talents of his three working bands--jazz-rock ensemble Vital Information, his Buddy Rich alumni project Buddy's Buddies, and his legends tribute band, Jazz Legacy.

John Penny

At Jazz Central, two veterans of the local jazz scene debut their duo on the studio's "new music" night. Vocalist Sarah M. Greer is known for tackling more avant garde projects as well as providing instruction to those interested in modern approaches to jazz singing; guitarist/composer (and sometimes vocalist) John Penny is a prolific writer who has performed recently with Jay Epstein and Anthony Cox.

Connie Evingson again! First Wednesdays are reserved for "Jazz in the Lounge" at the Minneapolis Woman's Club, and Connie's guests tonight include a formidable trio of Chris Lomheim, Dean Magraw and Dave Karr. Open to public consumption.

Phil Mattson Singers

Thursday, June 4. At Jazz Central, the Phil Mattson Singers return for Vocal Jazz Night, bringing with them a thick book of songs with sophisticated arrangements from director, pianist and voice coach Phil Mattson. This is our local version of Manhattan Transfer. Over in Falcon Heights (St Paul), new University of Northern Colorado grad, bassist Ted Olsen, brings his quintet to the folksy digs of the Underground Music Cafe.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities -- check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:

Friday May 29. Irv Williams and Steve Blons, happy hour at the Dakota; Todd Harper Piano Fridays with the Harper, Nair, Leipold Trio at the Black Dog (5-7 pm); Bryan Nichols and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; the Zacc Harris Group at Hell's Kitchen; River City Jazz Orchestra at Minnehaha Park Bandshell

Saturday, May 30. Mill City Hot Club, brunch at Hell's Kitchen; Parisota Hot Club at Crooners; Scatting Workshop with Sarah Greer at Jazz Central (1:30 pm); Talking Strings at Loring Pasta Bar; Jake Hanson and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Tom Lieberman at the Aster; Vinnie Rose at Ole Piper Inn (Blaine)

Sunday, May 31. Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Jazz Brunch at Crooners; Carleton College Jazz Band Concert at the Concert Hall, Carleton College; Zacc Harris Trio at Riverview Wine Bar; Lisa Fischer at the Dakota (sold-out); Adam Meckler's Student Combos at Jazz Central; T-Collective at the Icehouse

Monday, June 1. Capri Big Band at Como Dockside; Jazz on the Prairie Big Band at Lake Harriet Bandshell; Milo Fine & Benjamin Mansavage at

Tuesday, June 2. Cafe Accordion Orchestra at Loring Pasta Bar; Maryann Sullivan's Corner Jazz at The Nicollet; Bill Simenson Orchestra at Jazz Central; Coloring Time (LOTT and Joey Van Phillips) at the Icehouse

Maryann Sullivan and Corner Jazz

Wednesday, June 3. Vinnie Rose followed by Andrew Walesch at Crooners; Wolverines Trio at Hell's Kitchen; Southside Big Band at Como Dockside;

Thursday, June 4. Gypsia Mania Hot Club Quartet at Hell's Kitchen; Moonlight Serenaders at Wabasha Street Caves; Claudia Schmidt and Dean Magraw at Gingko Coffee House; Vinnie Rose at Adagio Pizza Factory

Coming Soon!

. June 5, Paul Harper's Show and Tell at The Nicollet

. June 5, Dean Sorenson Sextet at Jazz Central

. June 6, Ted Olsen Group followed by The Five at the Black Dog
. June 6, Vector Families (aka Dave King's PBR Street Gang) at Studio Z

. June 7, Jazz on the Prairie Big Band Festival at Staring Lake (Eden Prairie)

. June 8, Chris Bates' Good Vibes Trio at the Icehouse

. June 10, Charmin & Shapira and Friends at the Dakota

. June 11, Dorothy Doring and Donald Thomas at Jazz Central

. June 11, Le Percheron at Khyber Pass Cafe

. June 12, Tommy Bentz Quartet at The Nicollet

. June 13, Will Schmid Trio followed by the Graydon Peterson Quartet

. June 14, Charanga Tropical at Lake Harriet Bandshell

. June 15, Bryan Nichols' We Are Many at the Icehouse

. June 16, Ticket to Brazil, Jazz in the Library at Sun Ray Library (St Paul)

. June 17, Chris Bates' Good Vibes Trio, Jazz in the Library at Hamline Library (St Paul)

. June 19, The Dakota Combo followed by Dean Granros' Tall Tales at The Nicollet

. June 19, Bill Frisell Trio with Tony Scherr and Rudy Royston at the Dakota

. June 20, John Penny/Jay Epstein Duo followed by the Phil Hey Quartet at the Black Dog
. June 20, Next Generation Showcase, Jazz at Studio Z

. June 21, Francisco Mela Trio, Jazz in the Library at St Paul Central Library

. June 22, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. June 23-24, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. June 25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park and beyond (Dr John, Potter/Holland/Louke/Harland Quartet, Francisco Mela with Nicholas Payton, Araya-Orta Quartet, Marquis Hill Blacktet)

. June 28, John Pizzarelli at the Dakota

. June 29, Becca Stevens at the Dakota
. June 30, Francois Rabbath, Benson Great Hall (Bethel College)

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS, Dakota Combo)

. July 5, Vinicius Cantauria at the Dakota

. July 12, Edina Jazz Fest at Centennial Lakes Park

. July 18, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. July 19, Midtown Global Market Music Festival

. July 23, John Raymond Quartet at the Dakota

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

Chris Bates' Good Vibes Trio at the Icehouse, June 8

Dave Karr, appearing Saturday at the Black Dog with The Five

© Andrea Canter

Another weekend of hard-to-decide choices for live jazz followed by a week of local favorites. Summer is here, and our festival countdown stands at three weeks... actually less counting some popular pre-fest gigs starting June 16. (We'll preview those starting next week!) This weekend some beloved veterans and young lions share the attention, and in some cases, the stage. (What? No jazz is listed in the Strib for the "big gigs" this week? Good thing you are reading this!)

Big Gigs This Week

Dean Sorenson

Friday, June 5. Trombonist, arranger and above all, jazz educator Dean Sorensonis seldom heard outside of the U of M jazz program, making tonight's sextet gig at Jazz Central (8:30 pm) a rare treat. Dean's resume includes playing and arranging for the Glen Miller Orchestra and authoring a stack of books and materials aimed at jazz students and their instructors, as well as heading the jazz studies program at the University of Minnesota where he has helped launch careers of many of our top area musicians. But tonight it is all about performance, and Dean has quite a crew of colleagues--Steve Kenny (trumpet), Dave Milne (tenor saxophone), Chris Lomheim (piano), Tom Lewis (bass) and Phil Hey (drums). Come down to Jazz Central earlier for a 7 pm set featuring McNally Smith guitar student Julian Manzara and trumpeter Robert Reeve.

Paul Harper

Over at The Nicollet, veteran saxophonist Paul Harperbrings in his Show and Tell quartet (9 pm), with guitarist Mike Cramer, bassist Charlie Riddle and drummer/ Illicit Sextet collaborator Nathan Norman. If you have not ventured into The Nicollet yet, the Friday night jazz series curated by Steve Kenny is a good starting point for music in this south-of-downtown neighborhood along the north end of Eat Street. There's beer, wine, espresso and cafe goodies and ample space to relax while listening to some of the area's finest jazz artists.

Irv Williams and Steve Blons

And if you want to kickoff the evening with some Happy Hour fun, Irv Williams and Steve Blons usually hold court on the Dakota's patio in nice weather. Between Irv and Steve, there's at least 150 years of jazz (Irv accounting for a lot of those years!), and this sax/guitar duo is as suave and sublime as it gets. How perfect for a Friday night prelude!

Dave King

Saturday, June 6. It's another Saint's home game Saturday night, but you don't want to miss Lowertown jazz of this caliber. Take the Green Line LRT or drive in early and find parking (check out Union Depot Garage) -- deciding where to go should be your only dilemma. Jazz at Studio Z welcomes the band formerly known as Dave King's PBR Street Gang, now dubbed the Vector Families. Don't ask. Just enjoy some of the region's most inventive modern music as created by Bad Plus/Happy Apple drummer King, sax legend-in-the-making Brandon Wozniak, working guitar legend Dean Granros, and internationally acclaimed bassist/cellist Anthony Cox. They'll present a 6 pm (free) master class followed by the concert at 7 pm. Expect to hear music from their upcoming debut recording.

Ted Olsen

Overlapping the first part of the evening and just a block away, Saturday Night at the Black Dog presents two bands covering about four generations. Opening (7 pm) will be he Ted Olsen Group, led by recent University of Northern Colorado grad, bassist Ted Olsen, backed by an ensemble of slightly older young lions, including saxophonist Joe Mayo and drummer Miguel Hurtado.

Kenny Horst, The Five

Prime time (8:30 pm) features a band that has been around a long time yet seldom heard, The Five. Headed by 80-something sax icon Dave Karr, and with young bassist Ryan Hays the only musician under 50, the rest of The Five include Steve Kenny, Mikkel Romstad and Kenny Horst. Bebop never sounded so good!

Arne Fogel

In downtown Minneapolis, Arne goes to Hell! Arne Fogel, that is, crooning his way through Hades at Hell's Kitchen (6 pm) with a swinging trio of Rick Carlson, Steve Pikal and Dick Bortolussi.

Bend in the River Big Band

Sunday, June 7. Fans of Big Band have a festival all their own, with the 25th annual Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie (2-8 pm),hosted by the Jazz on the Prairie Big Band at Staring Lake Park in Eden Prairie. The line-up this year, in addition to the host big band, includes Just Friends Big Band, Acme Jazz Company, Bend in the River Big Band, Good News Big Band, and the River City Jazz Orchestra.

Dave Hagedorn, Good Vibes Trio

Monday, June 8. JT's Jazz Implosion series at the Icehouse presents the ever-elegant creativity of the Chris Bates' Good Vibes Trio, with masters-of-their-axes Dave Hagedorn on vibes and Phil Hey on drums. Always worth staying up to hear (9:30 pm start), with original compositions and interesting arrangements.

Tuesday, June 9. At least for the month of June, The Nicollet is presenting Swing Tuesdays (7:30 pm), and tonight the swingers are Doug Haining and the Twin Cities 7,surely the most swinging "little big band" in town. The swing dance community tends to follow such bands from one end of the metro to the other, so either bring your dancing shoes or sit close to the wall!

Chris Olson

Across town to Lowertown, it's Second Tuesday, aka Chris Olson Project at the Black Dog (7 pm). Guitarist Chris usually has one or two guests to join him making some merry mayhem.

Wednesday, June 10. At the Dakota, one of Foodie Night's favorites returns-- Charmin and Shapira and Friends (7 pm). An extension of the ever-popular voice/guitar duo Charmin (Michelle) and (Joel) Shapira, this quintet covers standard, bossa and more with a lot of panache and a fair amount of fun as well. "Friends" include saxophonist Paul Harper, bassist Tom Lewis and drummer Nathan Norman.

Chris Bates

Chris Bates' monthly Magica Improvisado at Jazz Central brings together a trio of fellow improvisers (guitarist Chris Olson and drummer Adrian Suarez) to reconsider the music of Jimi Hendrix, the Bee Gees, Neil Young, Elvis Costello, Lennon & McCartney and more (8:30 pm).

Levi Schwartzberg

Thursday, June 11. Avant garde jazz at an Afghani cafe? For more than a year now, Khyber Pass Cafe in St Paul has presented unique improvising ensembles on Thursday nights. Tonight is a double header (9 pm) with some overlapping personnel, with the Levi Schwartzberg Quintet sharing the night with Adam Linz's Le Percheronensemble. Young vibes talent Levi, just starting his second year at the U of M, is the common denominator. His quintet includes recent high school grads and alums of the Dakota Combo -- Aidan Sponheim, Peter Goggin, Charlie Lincoln and Benjamin Beyene. Le Percheron, in addition to Linz and Schwartzberg, includes saxophonist Brandon Wozniak and trumpeter (and frequent Khyber Pass artist) Noah Ophoven-Baldwin.

Dorothy Doring

On totally different notes (or planets), Dorothy Doring and Donald Thomas pair up for Vocal Jazz Night at Jazz Central (7:30 pm). Dorothy's range covers it all from jazz standards to pop and blues, while Donald's deep voice offers equal facility and tonal contrast. A long-standing duo appealing to a broad audience.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities -- check out calendars at Jazz Police, KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You, as well as here on the blog. More jazz to tickle your ears:

Friday, June 5. Todd Harper Piano Fridays (with Nathan Hanson), early eve at the Black Dog; Bryan Nichols and James Buckley, dinner sets at the Icehouse; Katie Gearty at Parma 8200; Tim Patrick and his Blue Eyed Band at Minnehaha Falls Park bandshell; Classic Big Band and the Nostalgics at Bloomington KC Hall

Saturday, June 6. Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Charmin and Shapira at Midtown Global Market (12:30 pm); Talking Strings at Loring Pasta Bar; Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200; Pig's Eye Jass Band at Eagle's Aerie Club; Zacc Harris and Matt Peterson, dinner sets at the Icehouse

Sunday, June 7. Robert Everest, Brunch at Maria's; Patty and the Buttons, brunch at the Aster; Robert Everest, brunch at Maria's; Jazz Brunch at Crooners Lounge; Zacc Harris Trio at the Riverview

Zacc Harris

Monday, June 8. Minneapolis Police Swing Band at Como Dockside; Southside Big Band at Centennial Lakes Park; Eric Wangensteen at Jazz Central

Tuesday, June 9. Nova Jazz Orchestra at Minnesota Music Cafe; Cedar Avenue Big Band at Jazz Central; Cafe Accordion at Loring Pasta Bar

Wednesday, June 10. Debbie Duncan at Crooners Lounge; Good News Big Band at Centennial Lakes Park; Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project at Powderhorn Park

Thursday, June 11. Joel Shapira at Hell's Kitchen; Benny Weinbeck and Gordy Johnson at Parma 8200; Minnesota Jazz Orchestra, swing dance at Wabasha Street Caves

Coming Soon!

. June 12, Tommy Bentz Quartet at The Nicollet

. June 13, Will Schmid Trio followed by the Graydon Peterson Quartet
. June 13, Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project at Lake Harriet Bandshell

. June 14, Charanga Tropical at Lake Harriet Bandshell

. June 15, Bryan Nichols' We Are Many at the Icehouse

. June 16, Ticket to Brazil, Jazz in the Library at Sun Ray Library (St Paul)

. June 16, Pete Whitman X-Tet at Jazz Central

. June 17, Chris Bates' Good Vibes Trio, Jazz in the Library at Hamline Library (St Paul)

. June 19, The Dakota Combo followed by Dean Granros' Tall Tales at The Nicollet

. June 19, Bill Frisell Trio with Tony Scherr and Rudy Royston at the Dakota

. June 20, John Penny/Jay Epstein Duo followed by the Phil Hey Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 20, Adam Meckler Quintet; Doug Haining's Twin Cities 7 at Episcopal Homes/Iris Park (Twin Cities Jazz Fest - PreFest)

. June 21, Francisco Mela Trio, Jazz in the Library at St Paul Central Library

. June 21, St Peter Street Stompers; Southside Aces at Episcopal Homes/Iris Park (Twin Cities Jazz Festival Pre-Fest)

. June 22, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. June 23, Master Class (free) with Francisco Mela and Jon Weber at Walker West

. June 23, Lila Ammons Quartet, Langford Chiropractic Outdoor Stage (Twin Cities Jazz Festival Pre-Fest)

. June 23-24, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. June 25-27, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Mears Park and beyond (Dr John, Potter/Holland/Louke/Harland Quartet, Francisco Mela with Nicholas Payton, Araya-Orta Quartet, Marquis Hill Blacktet)

. June 28, John Pizzarelli Quartet at the Dakota

. June 29, Becca Stevens at the Dakota

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, COLOSSUS, Dakota Combo)

. July 5, Vinicius Cantauria at the Dakota

. July 12, Edina Jazz Fest at Centennial Lakes Park

. July 18, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. July 19, Midtown Global Market Music Festival

. July 23, John Raymond Quartet at the Dakota

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

. August 8, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota

Pete Whitman and the X-Tet -- Back at Jazz Central on June 16

Pete Whitman -- X-Tet and Quartet at Jazz Central

© Andrea Canter

Unofficially, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival gets underway in the coming week with the 5th annual Jazz in the Library series of pre-fest gigs in three Saint Paul community libraries. Both Saint Paul and Minneapolis turn up the heat a notch across assorted venues offering a broad array of that hard-to-define genre we call jazz. Surely that will put us in a festive mood, come rain or come shine.

The Lead Sheet will try something a little different this week-- with recent improvements in the Jazz Police online calendar, I'm trying out an expanded Big Gigs but eliminating the long list of additional gigs under More Jazz, instead providing the link to the Jazz Police calendar as well as several other sites listing area music. Seems redundant to spend the time collating another list that already exists. (Artists-- you can help ensure the Jazz Police calendar has your gig listed-- send info to tc@jazzpolice.com) I will continue to list Coming Soon but without any intent to be exhaustive -- again, see the Jazz Police calendar for upcoming events.

Big Gigs This Week

Atlantis Quartet

Friday, June 12. Three ongoing jazz series offer diverse options tonight: At Jazz Central (The Bridge Series), the venerable ensemble Atlantis Quartet is back in action just a week after their high-spirited Black Dog gig. They're building up a head of steam for upcoming festival gigs-- on June 27 at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival (Union Depot stage) and on July 4 at the Iowa City Jazz Festival (Main Stage). Of course when the band includes Zacc Harris, Brandon Wozniak, Chris Bates and Pete Hennig, you always have a good head of steam!

For Friday Night Jazz at The Nicollet, Steve Kenny presents (and joins) the Tommy Bentz Quartet. An eclectic musician who grew up in small-town Wisconsin and graduated from UW-Eau Claire, Tommy has played violin, oboe, saxophone, guitar, and bass. His original music--intense yet accessible-- blends southern jam style rock and acoustic singer-songwriter flair while reflecting his experience with jazz and classical performance. Tommy's quartet includes guitarist Jason McLean and drummer Alex Burgess, along with series curator, Steve on his custom-built flumpet™.

Tommy Bruce

In Bloomington, Parma 8200 typically reserves Friday nights for vocal jazz, and tonight's show features the undersung Thomas (Tommy) Bruce. Tommy comes by his vocal chops honestly, brother of the late Roberta Davis and uncle of Yolande Bruce (Moore by Four), but he's gone his own way. Backed by Rick Carlson and Gordy Johnson, Tommy will put you in a relaxed frame of mind with great standards, "clean and sophisticated. Smooth, but exciting is our goal, to keep you entertained for a night out." Can't be that on a Friday night!

Steve Roehm, New Standards

At the Dakota, the popular New Standards celebrates a decade of great pop and rock filtered through the acoustic jazz tradition. Chan Polling (keys), John Munson (bass and vocals) and Steve Roehm (vibes) always pack the house, and tonight there are two ticketed shows.

Irv Williams

Happy Hours and dinner sets bring more great music with no covers. Irv Williams and Steve Blons continue happy hour on the patio (weather permitting) at the Dakota; Todd Harpercontinues his Piano Fridays at the Black Dog, tonight with electric cello artist Aaron Kerr; and the Icehouse hosts piano/bass duo Bryan Nichols and James Buckley over the dinner sets. Nichols and Buckley repeat tomorrow night.

Charmin Michelle

Saturday, June 13. There's a community festival this weekend at 38th Street and Chicago in south Minneapolis, featuring all sorts of music, arts and food entertainment. At 11:30 am, Charmin Michelle sings out with help from frequent partners Joel Shapira, Bruce Heine and Doug Hill.

Graydon Peterson

Saturday Night at the Black Dog features a young quartet headed by high school senior Will Schmid (guitar), with cohorts from Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and Southwest high schools. They're followed by relative oldsters in the Graydon Peterson Quartet, with Peterson on bass and Adrian Suarez on drums, and 20-somethings Joe Strachan on piano and Jake Baldwin on trumpet (filling in for usual trumpeter Adam Meckler). A lot of original music will be flowing along with the espresso, beer and wine tonight!

Doug Little, Charanga Tropical

The Northern Spark Festival fills the usual nighttime entertainment void with a wide range of music and other entertainments throughout the city after dark and past dawn. At the Walker Art Center (10 pm), you can hear Doug Little's Charanga Tropical as they warm up for their historic journey to Havana for the Danson Festival, the first American band to play the event. It's billed as a "dance party" so dress your feet accordingly.

At the Dakota, the British contemporary jazz demons, Acoustic Alchemy, mix their magic potions over two sets: Greg Carmichael on nylon string guitar, Miles Gilderdale on steel string acoustic and electric guitars, Fred White on keyboards, and the powerhouse rhythm section of Greg Grainger on drums and brother Gary Grainger on bass.

Maud Hixson and Rick Carlson

Sunday, June 14. There's always jazzy brunch options around town-- Robert Everest for some Brazilian jazz with your Mexican eggs at Maria's, swing with Patty and the Buttons at the Aster, and the jazz brunch and jam at Crooner's Lounge. There's a special treat this afternoon at St. Albert the Great Church in south Minneapolis -- Maud Hixson with Rick Carlson will celebrate Judy Garland's birthday month with "What Judy Means to Jazz." They draw songs from Judy's classic MGM film musicals, such as: "Get Happy,""The Man That Got Away,""The Boy Next Door,""You Made Me Love You," and of course, "Over the Rainbow."

Andrew Schwandt

The Star Tribune named Fuzzy Math the runner-up in its Best of MN 2012 list for "Best jazz act for people bored with jazz." At the Black Dog at 4 pm for their monthly gig, the band is led by pianist/composer Mark Vandermyde, with Andrew Schwandt on sax, Matt Peterson on bass, and Haralds Bondaris on drums.

Monday, June 15. They might swing you to death but you will sure have fun along the way! The Travis Anderson Triois back for a Foodie Night at the Dakota. Oscar Peterson influenced pianist Travis Anderson keeps the party rolling with like-minded bassist Steve Pikal and drummer Nathan Norman, and typically a guest or two will show up before the evening ends.

Trombone master and jazz educator Jeff Rinear is in the spotlight at Jazz Central tonight. Jeff's long list of credits includes the Pete Whitman's Departure Point and X-Tet, JazzMN Big Band and The Butanes.

Bryan Nichols

At the Icehouse, JT's Jazz Implosion brings "an insanely rare show" from Bryan Nichols' large ensemble, We Are Many. "Many" is nine including Jeremy Ylvisaker, Brandon Wozniak, Nelson Devereaux, Dave Graf, Adam Linz, James Buckley, and JT Bates. A second set "live from New York" features Jonah Parzen-Johnson on baritone saxophone and analog synthesizer. Just the description makes you shake your ears: "Imagine the raw energy of an Appalachian choir, balanced by a fearlessly exposed saxophone voice, resting on a strikingly unique combination of analog synthesizer components sitting on the floor... as Jonah uses his feet to weave square and sawtooth waves into a surging base for folk-inspired saxophone melodies, overblown multi phonics, vocalizations, and patiently developed circular breathing passages. Every element is performed and recorded at the same time, by one person, without any looping, overdubbing or recorded samples."

Pavel Jany, Ticket to Brasil

Tuesday, June 16. In the first of the three Jazz in the Library concerts, the smoldering Ticket to Brasil led by Pavel Jany brings samba and bossa to the Sun Ray Library east of downtown St Paul. Guitarist Jany has directed this seasoned ensemble for a long time, and they are among the most popular Latin groups in the metro. These library gigs are free, cosponsored by the Twin Cities Jazz Festival and St Paul library system. For once you might be able to dance in the library.

Freddy Cole

The Dakota welcomes back Freddy Cole, Nat's younger brother who has made his own name with his own talents, garnering a Grammy nomination in 2010 and accumulating accolades from jazz giants: John Hendricks dubbed him a “real Prince of Song, upholding a noble tradition as only he can.” Others noted, “His talent and music are like a fine, rare wine” (Benny Golson); “he sounds wonderful”(Betty Carter); “Freddy bears a standard and is an inspiration to those of us who love the music. It's reassuring to hear the magic he brings…” (Abbey Lincoln); “one of my very favorite singers” (Milt Jackson); and “one of few true great ones” (Jimmy Scott).

Pete Whitman directs X-Tet

Jazz Central's "Big Band Tuesdays" typically presents an area big band, but tonight they shrink the stage area a bit for the Pete Whitman X-Tet, a rare appearance from the ensemble that used to hit monthly at the Artists Quarter. Whitman has never wavered in his inclusion of the best talents in the region, from 80-something Dave Karr to younger lions like Adam Meckler and tonight's pianist, 20-something Joe Strachan (sitting in for Laura Caviani). The repertoire is largely original works from band members. And the sound is so big, you might forget it's merely and X-Tet!

Dave Hagedorn, Good Vibes

Wednesday, June 17.The second Jazz in the Library brings Chris Bates' Good Vibes Trio to St. Paul's Hamline-Midway Library. Hot off a big night at the Icehouse last Monday, the guys are in sizzling form and ready to introduce the Midway community to some of the most engaging and original modern jazz on the planet. With Bates on bass, Dave Hagedorn on vibes and Phil Hey on drums, this will be a festival highlight--even before the festival gets underway.

Apparently it is Pete Whitman Week at Jazz Central, as the saxophonist returns with his quartet. And what a quartet-- Chris Lomheim on piano, Gary Raynor on bass and Dave Schmalenberger on drums. If you count the members of the X-Tet, Pete will have brought 13 different and outstanding artists into Jazz Central within 24 hours.

Bobb Fantauzzo

An interesting evening for fans of music and poetry at the Black Dog: The inventive group Rhizosphere meets poets Hawona Sullivan Janzen, Kathryn Kysar, and Lynette Reini-Grandell. Rhizosphere has been in action about three years, a collaboration among multi-flautist Bobb Fantauzzo, Gabriella Sweet on slide guitar and accordion, Mike Bruns on guitar, Jonathon Townsend on drums and percussion, and Sean Egan on clarinet.

Thursday, June 18. Last night it was poets, tonight Bobb Fantauzzo and his flute collection accompany young vocalist Katia Cardenas as part of the first-ever Kingfield Porch Fest, a multi-site evening of entertainment in the Kingfield neighborhood of South Minneapolis. Bobb and Katia will be on the porch at 4515 First Ave South. Meanwhile, veteran songstress Debbie Duncan captivates in Hell -- at Hell's Kitchen.

Noveau Flamenco guitarist Ottmar Liebert and his Luna Negra ensemble return to the Dakota, with ample documentation of their rise to the top of instrumental music charts and record sales.

More Jazz Near You!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. Jazz Police also posts monthly calendars for jazz at The Dakota, The Nicollet, Jazz Central and the Black Dog, and these and other venues maintain calendars on their websites. KBEM and KFAI radio also host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars.

Coming Soon!

More listings on the online sites above. Among the great gigs coming your way:

. June 19, The Dakota Combo followed by Dean Granros' Tall Tales at The Nicollet

. June 19, Bill Frisell Trio with Tony Scherr and Rudy Royston at the Dakota

. June 20, John Penny/Jay Epstein Duo followed by the Phil Hey Quartet at the Black Dog

. June 20, Adam Meckler Quintet; Doug Haining's Twin Cities 7 at Episcopal Homes/Iris Park (Twin Cities Jazz Fest - PreFest)

. June 21, Francisco Mela Trio with Mary Louise Knutson and Graydon Peterson, Jazz in the Library at St Paul Central Library

. June 21, St Peter Street Stompers; Southside Aces at Episcopal Homes/Iris Park (Twin Cities Jazz Festival Pre-Fest)

. June 22, Kurt Elling at the Dakota

. June 23, Master Class (free) with Francisco Mela and Jon Weber at Walker West

. June 23, Lila Ammons Quartet, Langford Chiropractic Outdoor Stage (Twin Cities Jazz Festival Pre-Fest)

. June 23-24, Cecile McLorin Salvant at the Dakota

. June 27-July 1, Twin Cities Bass Camp with Francois Rabbath and Cloudmakers Trio at Bethel University

. June 28, John Pizzarelli Quartet at the Dakota

. June 29, Becca Stevens at the Dakota

. June 30, Francois Rabbath at Bethel University

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, Dakota Combo)

. July 5, Vinicius Cantauria at the Dakota

. July 12, Edina Jazz Fest at Centennial Lakes Park

. July 18, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. July 19, Midtown Global Market Music Festival

. July 23, John Raymond Quartet at the Dakota

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

. August 8, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota

Francisco Mela, Artistic Director of the 2015 Twin Cities Jazz Festival

Ornette Coleman (Wikimedia-Commons)

© Andrea Canter

“Coleman was dancing in our heads—harsh yet jubilant, alienated yet benevolent…True, he challenged every pre-conception of Western music…but that was secondary to his magnanimous spirit, his blinding unison of purpose.” –Gary Giddens, Visions of Jazz

“Most people think of me only as a saxophonist and as a jazz artist, but I want to be considered as a composer who could cross over all the borders.” – Ornette Coleman

The father of "free jazz" and one of the most revolutionary musicians of all time, Pulitzer prize-winning saxophonist Ornette Coleman died on June 11 of cardiac arrest. In addition to the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for his recording, Sound Grammar, Coleman was also honored as an NEA Jazz Master in 1984 and with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

Born into the blues tradition of his native Texas, Ornette Coleman is most known as a saxophonist but taught himself other instruments, including trumpet and violin. He took up the alto saxophone in high school, switching to tenor to play R&B before discovering bop and developing a unique style that would influence the next four generations of jazz artists. But during his early career, Coleman’s experimental sounds were greeted with anything but acclaim and respect. Sometimes paid to not play, this off-beat innovator struggled to find an audience and compatible collaborators, finally meeting some kindred spirits (Don Cherry and Billy Higgins, later Ed Blackwell, Paul Bley, and Charlie Haden) while living in Los Angeles.

In the late 50s and early 60s, Ornette found artistic if not commercial success, notably through the release of The Shape of Jazz to Come and a legendary gig at the Five Spot in 1959, and the release of three more pivotal recordings in 1960-- his double quartet project Free Jazz: A Collective Improvisation and two quartet recordings, Change of the Century and This Is Our Music. Ornette received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1967—the first ever awarded specifically for jazz composition. The following year, he released New York Is Now and Love Call, with Colemandoubling on trumpet with tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman, bassist Jimmy Garrison and drummer Elvin Jones.

As the 70s began, Coleman experienced more commercial success, appearing at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1971 and on tour with the Newport musicians in Europe. Always experimenting, Coleman electrified his band in the mid 70s, initially a septet but later evolving into a smaller ensemble, Prime Time. Most significant collaborations during the 1980s included Pat Metheny (Song X) and the Grateful Dead, both of which extended his audience and led to his formation of the Harmolodic label and affiliation with Polygram France.

Over his sixty-year career, Coleman worked in diverse configuration, from duet to symphony orchestra. Recognition came late but significantly—a 1994 MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Award, induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, an honorary doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, the American Music Center Letter of Distinction, and the New York State Governor Arts Award. In 1997, Coleman was recognized through Lincoln Center’s four-night Civilization series at Avery Fisher Hall, with Coleman and Prime Time sharing the stage with the New York Philharmonic and the first performance of the original quartet in 20 years.

Noted Gary Giddens (Visions of Jazz), Coleman “resisted the laws of harmony, melody, rhythm, and pitch, all of which he ultimately revised in the abracadabra of harmolodic”—a concept that he first presented in his “Skies of America” symphony, which premiered in New York and performed in Paris in 1972. He abandoned chord changes and the conventional 32-bar AABA song form, and promoted interactive improvisation among the members of his quartet and trio, generating reactions ranging from highest praise to dismay to shock from musicians, critics, and listeners. Further, Coleman developed a “human” sound, described by Howard Mandel as “more than imitative vocalization, but rather an audible equivalent to the hum of one's internal monologue, whether it's a roar of pleasure, a cry of pain, a whisper of tenderness or a question to the cosmos.”

Dancing In Your Head, featuring the Master Musicians of Jajouka, introduced Coleman’s electric Prime Time band in 1977, and evolved into the 1982 free-jazz album Of Human Feelings, fueled by the dynamic electric bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma. Also in the 1980s, Coleman collaborated with guitarist Pat Metheny, yielding1986’s Song X, and 1988’s Virgin Beauty, which featured a guest appearance by Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia. In the ’90s, Coleman's recordings included 1995’s Tone Dialing and 1996’s simultaneous releases, Sound Museum: Hidden Man and Sound Museum: Three Women.

Sound Grammar

Sound Grammar, recorded live in Germany in 2005, was Coleman’s first release of all-new material in nearly a decade, with six new compositions and new interpretations of his classics “Song X” and “Turnaround.” His quartet then featured two bassists (Greg Cohen’s plucking and Tony Falanga’s bowing) along with Ornette’s son Denardo Coleman on drums.

The only time I saw Coleman was when he last appeared in the Twin Cities in 2005, with a celebration of his 75th birthday and the release of Sound Grammar. The newly renovated Walker Art Center presented a three-day “Dancing in Your Head” festival, with a series of locally-based performers from Anthony Cox to the Bad Plus to Happy Apple and a performance by Coleman himself with his working quartet, as part of the Northrop Auditorium Jazz Series, co-sponsored by the Walker Art Center and held at Ted Mann Concert Hall. Finally, the spirit of Coleman was celebrated with the Dancing in Your Head Marathon, a 4 pm-midnight nonstop music bazaar featuring a host of Twin Cities musicians with Happy Apple, The Bad Plus, and the Bang-On-A-Can All-Stars, who premiered a new Ornette Coleman commission.

It took me years to appreciate the genius of Ornette Coleman. My first Ornette album was "Shape of Jazz to Come." I didn't get it. I put it aside. Something drew me to attend his concert at Ted Mann in 2005. Maybe seeing as well as hearing helped. In the years since, I have heard a lot of Ornette's music, courtesy of local bands like the Phil Hey Quartet, Good Vibes Trio, and particularly the young student musicians in the Dakota Combo.

Coleman's last public performance came at a celebration of his 84th birthday in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. But we will be hearing his music, and his influence, for generations to come.

The 17th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival, June 25-27

© Andrea Canter

It's here! The 2015 Twin Cities Jazz Festival gets underway in phases, officially opening on June 25 but preliminary events began a few days ago with Jazz at the Library gigs in St. Paul and some "Music on the Move" sets this weekend. Format for the Lead Sheet will be a little different for this week, and this edition will run through the festival finale on June 27. Of course there's a lot of other music around town as well.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival: The Big (and Free) Gigs

Swinging with the TC7!

Saturday-Sunday, June 20-21."Music on the Move" includes gigs along the Green Line Stops of University Avenue, some serving as festival previews. Episcopal Homes at Iris Park will host two bands on Saturday and two bands on Sunday. Kicking off Saturday at 1:30 pm will be the Adam Meckler Quintet. A prolific composer and performer, trumpeter Adam also leads the popular Adam Meckler Orchestra and Lulu's Playground. His cohorts include Nelson Devereaux, Zacc Harris, Chris Bates and Greg Schutte. Following at 6 pm will be Doug Haining and the Twin Cities 7, swinging through Basie, Ellington and more as they have done for the past 15 years. Come Sunday, enjoy the St. Peter Street Stompers at 1:30 pm, performing traditional New Orleans jazz under the leadership of Chuck DeVore. The weekend winds up at 6 pm with the Southside Aces, a "true authentic" New Orleans dance hall-style band with Tony Balluff, Robert Bell and pals.

Francisco Mela

Sunday, June 21. The final Jazz at the Library concert takes place this afternoon at the Saint Paul Central Library, featuring Festival Artistic Director Francisco Mela . A charismatic drummer favored by luminaries from McCoy Tyner to Kenny Barron to Joe Lovano, Cuban native Mela has appeared locally at Jazz Fest, the Dakota, Hopkins Center for the Arts and MacPhail. For this Jazz at the Library finale, Mela will be joined by local favorites, Mary Louise Knutson on piano and Graydon Peterson on bass. (Catch Mela again Saturday night, June 27.)

Lila Ammons

Tuesday, June 23. The final "pre-fest" gig belongs to the Lila Ammons Quartet, performing in Highland on the Langford Chiropractic Outdoor Stage. With a legacy like Uncle Gene Ammons and Grandfather Albert Ammons, vocalist Lila was destined for jazz stardom. She sings ballads, standards, blues and boogie woogie throughout Europe and the Twin Cities. Her talented cohorts include pianist Thom West, bassist Jay Young and drummer Jay Epstein.

Francisco Mela workshop

Also this evening at Walker West, Francisco Mela and perennial fest pianist Jon Weber hold a master class open to the public. This is a great opportunity for student musicians as well as fans of all ages to get some new insights and, very likely, a highly entertaining experience.

Pippi Ardennia

Thursday, June 25. Once again, Music at Mears, held on Thursday nights throughout the summer, sponsors the Twin Cities Jazz Festival's opening night (June 25), launching the annual Club Crawl. On the Mears Park stage again as music host will be singer/songwriter and PipJazz Foundation leader Pippi Ardennia. Along with the young artists who have served as PipJazz Youth, Pippi will present three hours of what she calls "pipjazz," or "music that makes you feel good." Most of the clubs and venues open during the festival will host music tonight, from salsa lessons and dance music from Salsa del Soul at Rice Park to the annual duo night with Arne Fogel and Maud Hixson at Mancini's, from Patty Peterson and Friends at the Amsterdam to Firebell and the Illicit Sextet at the Black Dog.

Among the more esoteric offerings on this first festival night, Tim Kliphuisjoins Sam Miltich and the Clearwater Hot Club at Heartland. Award-winning Dutch violinist Kliphuis blends classical, gypsy and folks styles. Add in Django Reinhardt devotee, guitarist Sam Miltich, and the swinging Clearwater Hot Club, featuring Gary Schulte (violin), Mike Miller (drums) and Matthew Miltich (bass), and you have something very swinging and very special.

Cameron Kinghorn

Another stylistic mashup at The Bedlam finds two young trumpeters leading the BDP 5-Tet, Cameron Kinghorn and Jake Baldwin. With this ensemble, Kinghorn adds vocals while Baldwin adds some trombone, and with Ted Godbout (keys), Andrew Foreman (bass) and Andres Crovetti (drums), they cut across jazz, R&B and a little pop.

Jon Weber

Pianist and host Jon Weber starts his three-night run at the soon-to-open Vieux Carré in the old Artists Quarter space in the Hamm Building. Each night Weber performs with a trio for about an hour, followed by an open jam, usually featuring some of the night's headliners. Note start times of 8, 8:30 and 9 pm respectively on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Solomon Parham

Also starting a three-night run, trumpeter Solomon Parham will play a set with his "Group" followed by a "Smooth and Groove" Jam Session, at the Bedlam starting each night at 9 pm.

Laura Caviani

Friday, June 26. Start your festival afternoon with an open clinic at McNally Smith College and trumpet star Nicholas Payton, then move on to Mears Park where pianist Laura Caviani will be on the Main Stage (4 pm), making her first-ever festival appearance in a leading role. Laura has assembled a special trio, with Kansas City bassist Bob Bowman and McNally Smith professor of percussion, Dave Schmalenberger. Tunes from Bowman's new album as well as some Caviani originals will be on the set list.

Araya brothers (Araya Orta)

The "headline" sets this evening will draw big, so come early! At 6 pm, welcome the return festival engagement of the Araya-Orta Quartet with their special guest, steel pan artist Othello Molineaux. The two pairs of brothers (Araya and Orta) were here in 2012 and wowed the crowd with their exciting Latin rhythms. This time, with former Jaco Pastorius cohort Molineaux, they will pay tribute to Jaco.

Chris Potter

And wrapping up an amazing Friday at Mears, the final set (8:30 pm) features a new collaborative quartet of Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland. Each of these artists is a headliner in his own right. The night air will simply crackle with this quartet. Normally we don't have fireworks at this festival. This night, the display will be non-stop.

There's a lot more on Friday, from the Latin-tinged Iowa ensemble Laranja (Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage) to the beloved JazzMn Orchestra with Patty Peterson (Rayette Lofts Stage at Union Depot North Plaza) to a Jazz Central Studios"all-star" night at The Bedlam with Joe Mayo and Adam Meckler and What Would Monk Do closing the night at the Black Dog. On the Green Line, an impressive line-up at Ngon Bistro (Green Line) includes a trio with Phil Aaron, Steve Pikal and Phil Hey, a vocal double set with Lee Engele and Vicky Mountain, and a new trio of Davu Seru, Dean Granros and Chris Bates.

Jazz Around Mpls ensemble (photo Kelle Green)

Saturday, June 27. Students and other learners have two choices (at the same time) for clinics this morning -- with Chris Potter at McNally Smith and with local drum hero Kevin Washington at The Bedlam. The latter is a master class format focusing on two high school ensembles, the local Dakota Combo and the visiting City Six from Iowa City. More student activity fills the North Plaza at Union Depot with the annual Youth Showcase sponsored by the Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education. The showcase, from noon to 5 pm, displays the talents of five bands, including middle school and high school jazz camp ensembles and the all-star Dakota Combo and City Six.

Jack Brass Band

The most highly publicized event of course is Dr. John and the Nite Trippers(3:30 pm) in the new CHS Field, with the New Orleans sounds of our Jack Brass Band opening (2:15 pm). With 4000 (free and VIP) tickets reserved in advance, anyone without a reserved ticket should arrive early to get in line for the remaining seats. This will be the first concert ever presented at CHS. And the largest ever presented at a Twin Cities Jazz Festival. But there's a lot more on Saturday. At Union Depot, enjoy the Atlantis Quartetbefore they head down to the Iowa City Jazz Festival (5:30 pm) and stay to hear the European elegance of the Cloudmakers Trio ( 7 pm), based in London and featuring Wisconsin-raised bassist Michael Janisch. Bands of young artists are celebrated on the AARP Main Stage at Mears Park with the Walker West Jazz Ensembles (2:30 pm), recent University of Northern Colorado graduate Ted Olsen and his quintet (4 pm), and 2014 Monk Trumpet Competition winner Marquis Hill and his Blacktet (6 pm).

Davu Seru

Catch the best of modern chamber jazz at the Black Dog, starting at 7 pm with Davu Seru's Clicksong, followed by the six-month old Bottomless Pit (Joel Shapira, Pete Whitman, Tom Lewis, Eric Gravatt) and ending the night with Steve Kenny's Group 47, on hiatus this past year while young pianist Will Kjeer spent a year at Interlochen. Better catch the band tonight before Will heads off to Cal Arts!

Debbie Duncan

Vocalists are not as prevalent at this year's festival as in the past, but you'll find Yolande Bruce at Arnellia's (5 pm) and Debbie Duncan on the 6th Street Stage (7:15 pm).

Francisco Mela

And the grand finale? Francisco Mela brings in his new Crash Trio with special guest Nicholas Payton (8:30 pm, AARP Main Stage). It's not Mela's first time on our main stage--in the past five years he has appeared with Joe Lovano's Us Five, his own Cuban Safari, and --moved to the Amsterdam when Mears Park washed out--with Melissa Aldana's trio last year. Why does he call it Crash Trio? He's a drummer. You'll get it.

This is nowhere near a complete summary of the music and venues that make up the 17th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Full information including downloadable schedules, artist bios, sponsor lists and more can be found on the fest website at www.hotsummerjazz.com; see updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Big Gigs, Before and After

There actually is a lot of jazz in the coming week aside from the jazz festival. Or perhaps because of the jazz festival? Your ears should not want for any break in the action!

Bill Frisell

Friday, June 19. Once again, guitar legend Bill Frisell comes to town with a different configuration than the last, or the one before that.... This edition of the Bill Frisell Trio features long-time associate Tony Scherr on bass and recent cohort (Beautiful Dreamers, Big Sur) Rudy Royston on drums. They're at the Dakota for just one night, two sets at 7 and 9 pm, and it will surely be magical.

Jon Pemberton

Jazz Central offers an intriguing double header tonight, with veteran trumpeter/pianist Jon Pemberton on keys with bassist Matt Peterson and drummer Cory Healey on "The Bridge" series (7 pm)."Originals, bebop, hard bop, and standards, with tunes by yours truly, Tom Harrell, Sam Rivers, Bobby Peterson, Wayne Shorter, and Monk," promises Pemberton. The late set brings together "Two Steves Swinging Like Hell," Steven Hobert on piano and Steve Pikal on bass. And as Hobert says, it's going to be "mighty fun."

Dakota Combo

South of downtown Minneapolis sits one of the best kept jazz secrets in town -- Friday Night Jazz at the Nicollet. The weekly cast features some of the most inventive cats around, and sometimes a surprising new ensemble as well. Tonight is a rare double-header, starting out (7 pm) with the last club gig of the 2014-2015 edition of the Dakota Combo, the metro-wide high school ensemble directed by Adam Linz. Six just graduated from high school and are heading on to study jazz and/or other things in college programs. This is their warmup for final gigs at the Twin Cities Jazz Fest and Iowa City Jazz Fest. And they should heat up the stage to a warm sizzle for Dean Granros' Tall Tales (9 pm), riding high after their CD release at the Icehouse a few weeks ago. Dean and Zacc Harris make it a double guitar quartet with Chris Bates and Jay Epstein.

Maud Hixson and Rick Carlson

In the burbs, enjoy a nearly monthly show with Maud Hixson at Parma 8200, with Rick Carlson on piano and Gordy Johnson on bass. The only thing predictable about the set list is that it will feature Maud's intimate stylings and at least a song or two you didn't know were out there.

Lars-Erik Larson

Saturday, June 20. Lowertown is having a little festival of its own, between the Black Dog and Studio Z. Good thing the venues are a block apart. Zacc Harris' Jazz at Studio Z finishes its season with its second annual NextGen showcase, tonight featuring the Lars-Erik Larson Trio and Charlie Lincoln Group. Larson has only been in town a couple years and already is proving to be one of the most creative bandleaders, with Mancrush and Ramtrak. Tonight's trio features guitarist Thomas Nordlund and bassist Andrew Foreman. The Charlie Lincoln Group has been heard at the Black Dog and Jazz Central in the past year. Led by new South High grad Charlie on bass, the rest of the crew are equally precocious--Aidan Sponheim, Peter Goggin, Joey Hayes, Levi Schwartzberg and Sam Stroup.

Phil Hey

At the Black Dog, two bands of veterans play back-to-back. Up first, the John Penny/Jay Epstein Duo, with composer/guitarist John offering sublime harmonies offset by drummer Jay's playful rhythms. This is a reprise of their first collaboration at the 2014 festival. The second half of the evening features one of the longest-running quartets from the days of the Artists Quarter, the Phil Hey Quartet. A 21st century Modern Jazz Quartet with emphasis on "modern," the PHQ boasts local legends Phil Aaron, Tom Lewis, Dave Hagedorn and of course Phil Hey behind the trapset. They're saluting the late Ornette Coleman as well as other muses.

Patty Peterson

Sunday, June 21. It's Father's Day and wouldn't Dad enjoy hearing one or two of the top area vocalists? Take him to brunch at the Icehouse for a change of pace, not your usual Sunday restaurant but savvy food and savvy music. And brunch is served with the Patty Peterson Trio -- Patty with nephew Jason Peterson DeLaire and pal Billy Franze.

Back in 2009, Connie Evingson put together a program in tribute to Peggy Lee for her new Jazz at the Jungle series at the Jungle Theater. Six years and six seasons later, Connie continues Jazz at the Jungle, and now reprises Happy With the Blues, featuring her recent collaborator Jon Weber on piano, Dave Karr on sax and Gordy Johnson on bass. Hear favorites like "Fever", "He's A Tramp", "Johnny Guitar" and more from the Peggy Lee Songbook. There's two shows, 4:00 and 7:30 pm.

Kurt Elling

Monday, June 22. Kurt Ellingseems to get to the Dakota annually, and often it's with a new recording. Now he's just released Passion World (Concord Jazz, 2015), a wide-reaching exploration of passion and desire interpreted through the lens of diverse world cultures. Since each of Elling's previous ten albums received a Grammy nomination, we can expect the same here. He's coming with Gary Verace on piano, John McLean on guitar, Clarke Sommers on bass, and Christian Euman on drums. One night, two sets at 7 and 9 pm. (See Pamela Espeland's review of Passion World in Minn Post)

JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse features a new quartet headed by acrobatic percussionist Davu Seru, with Jake Baldwin (trumpet), Park Evans (guitar) and Josh Granowski (bass). Inventive soundmasters, all around.

Cecile McLorin Salvant

Tuesday-Wednesday, June 23-24. Kurt Elling last night and now Cecile McLorin Salvant for two nights, at the Dakota? If this is an embarrassment of riches, we can stand the embarrassment just fine. Winner of the 2010 Monk Vocal Competition, Grammy nominee with her first commercial release (Woman Child), Downbeat New Artist and Top Female Vocalist in 2013, and recently on tour with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, seems there are no mountains Cecile can't climb.... and she's only 26. Imagine Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln melted together... Cecile seems to exude the entire history of vocal jazz. And really, she is just beginning.

Ted Olsen

Wednesday, June 24. Bassist Ted Olsen wasted no time lining up gigs after spring graduation from the University of Northern Colorado. The St Paul native warms up for his main stage gig at JazzFest with a performance tonight at Jazz Central. His usual cohorts include Jake Baldwin, Javi Santiago and Miguel Hurtado, making it a Young Lions blowout.

Thursday, June 25. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band returns to the Dakota, bringing with it a trail of New Orleans music and collaboration going back 40 years.

Linda Peterson

Friday-Saturday, June 26-27. Back in the Cities for the summer, vocalist/pianist Linda Peterson entertains anyone in the burbs who is not at Jazz Fest! Friday night she's at Parma 8200 in Bloomington (7:30 pm); Saturday night catch her at Crooners in Fridley (7:30 pm).

More Jazz Near You!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. Jazz Police also posts monthly calendars for jazz at The Dakota, The Nicollet, Jazz Central and the Black Dog, and these and other venues maintain calendars on their websites. KBEM and KFAI radio also host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. (KBEM will broadcast live from the TC Jazz Festival each evening.) Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars.

Coming Soon!

More listings on the online sites above. Among the great gigs coming your way:

. June 27-July 1, Twin Cities Bass Camp with Francois Rabbath and Cloudmakers Trio at Bethel University

. June 28, John Pizzarelli Quartet at the Dakota

. June 29, Becca Stevens at the Dakota

. June 30, Francois Rabbath at Bethel University

. June 30-July 1, Charles Lloyd Quartet at the Dakota

. July 2-4, Iowa City Jazz Festival (Charles Lloyd, Dave Douglas, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Julian Lage, Brian Charette, Atlantis Quartet, Becca Stevens, Dakota Combo)

. July 5, Vinicius Cantauria at the Dakota

. July 9, James Buckley Trio, All Originals at Studio Z

. July 12, Edina Jazz Fest at Centennial Lakes Park

. July 16, Red Planet, All Originals at Studio Z

. July 18, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. July 19, Midtown Global Market Music Festival

. July 23, John Raymond Quartet at the Dakota

. July 23, Nichols/Bates/Bates, All Originals at Studio Z
. July 24, Jon Pemberton's Tribute to Lee Morgan at The Nicollet

. July 30,dā-kə-bro̵̅o̅-dā, All Originals at Studio Z

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

. August 8, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota

Charles Lloyd, coming to the Dakota June 30-July 1

Pippi Ardennia and PipJazz Band, Music at Mears

© Andrea Canter

· Incredibly fine weather for a jazz festival, big puffy clouds, cooling breeze, perfect low 80s temperatures and plenty of sunshine. No excuses!

Pippi

Music at Mears special festival Thursday night presented one of the brightest entertainers in the Twin Cities, Pippi Ardennia and her cast of PipJazz Youth. Her house band is something quite special as well -- with Peter Schimke on piano, Richard Johnson on keyboards, Jay Young on bass, Glenn Swanson on drums. That's a New York-ready ensemble! First set treat-- young violinist Zosha Warpeha, home briefly from studies in New York at the New School.

Tim Kliphuis

· Swinging at Heartland: Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis joined forces with guitar ace Sam Miltich and the Clearwater Hot Club. There was some dancing in the aisles, probably a first at Heartland.

Dancing in Rice Park

Dancing in Rice Park was a given, with Salsa del Soul on stage and hundreds crowded on to the "dance floor" -- and you could hear the energy and the rhythms at least two blocks away.

Park Evans

With two regular members of Firebell fulfilling other obligations, guitarist Park Evans was the only member of the core band to play at the Black Dog, but the "subs" were up to the task-- Cody McKinney on bass and Greg Schutte on drums. This might be the start of a new band! Some of the region's finest modern jazz bands will be filling the schedule at the Black Dog all weekend. (And their iced chai is the most refreshing non-alcoholic drink in Lowertown.)

Francisco Mela

Next, a preview of the renovated space once occupied by the Artists Quarter in the Hamm Building, now run by the Dakota as Vieux Carré. Ready enough for some hot piano trio music hosted by Jon Weber, with Billy Peterson on bass and Francisco Mela on drums. That's as hot as any piano trio anywhere-- "Blue Moon,""Well You Needn't" and more. Open jam session scheduled for later in the evening.

Sisters in song--Yolande, Patty and Debbie

Patty Peterson and Friends were cooking at the Amsterdam, and near the end of the last set, Yolande Bruce and Debbie Duncan were called to the stage. They had just finished a duet set at Arnellia's. Spontaneous combustion. Patty closed out the night with stellar "Shadow of Your Smile." Caught some of the live KBEM broadcast from The Bedlam as I drove away from downtown.

Maud, Arne and the Wolverines Trio

Personal tradition--end Jazz Night Out at Mancini's with Arne Fogel and Maud Hixson, with the Wolverines Trio (Rick Carlson, Steve Pikal, Jendeen Forberg). And what a way to end my night-- a spontaneous duet on "My Funny Valentine" in response to a request. Had never heard the verse but of course Maud knows it. The back and forth of the two voices was stunning.

So much music, so little time. Missed a lot more than I heard. Good crowds everywhere I

went. Looking forward to tough choices today and tonight with so much divese music.

Oops, gotta run, Nicholas Payton clinic at McNally Smith starts at 3!

Irv Williams - Mr Smooth at the "Pinnacle" (CD release July 6)

© Andrea Canter

Is it difficult to come down from a jazz festival high? I'll let you know when I come down. After three solid days of music at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, I am off to another three-day extravaganza, the Iowa City Jazz Festival (July 2-4), where I expect to see a couple dozen Twin Citians as well as two of my favorite MN bands-- the Atlantis Quartet and Dakota Combo. They perform in Iowa as part of the first Iowa-Minnesota jazz fest exchange. We heard their fabulous Laranja ensemble here on the 6th STreet Stage last Friday, along with the City Six of Iowa City on our youth showcase at Union Depot. Now Atlantis will appear on the Iowa City Main Stage, while the high schoolers of the Dakota Combo perform on the Youth Stage in Iowa City.

But there is more music here in Minnesota this weekend and through next week!

Big Gigs!

Iowa City Jazz Festival

Thursday-Saturday, July 2-4. The Iowa City Jazz Festival always brings some Twin Cities jazz fans south (5-hour drive). See the festival website for the full schedule, including B-3 ace Brian Charette and vocalist Becca Stevens on Thursday; Rudresh Mahanthappa's Bird Calls, Dave Douglas' High Risk and Whirlpool with Ron Miles on Friday; and Julian Lage, Ben Allison, the Atlantis Quartet and Charles Lloyd Quartet on Saturday. http://www.summerofthearts.org/festival-menu/jazz-festival/about.aspx

Ted Olsen

Friday, July 3.On the Friday Night Jazz at the Nicollet series, celebrate the holiday weekend with the core rhythm team that performed with Ted Olsen's quintet on the Main Stage of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Ted's trio features Ted on bass, Javier Santiago on piano, and Miguel Hurtado on drums. These guys have been on Twin Cities stages since their early teens. Now all hold music degrees and are already significant contributors to the local jazz scene.

Tommy Bruce

At Parma 8200, hear the stirring vocals of Thomas Bruce, in the fine company of Rick Carlson and Gordy Johnson... and we hear that one can also watch the fireworks from Parma's patio. Fireworks inside, fireworks outside. And just in case you missed one of Debbie Duncan's three jazz festival performances last weekend, you can catch her tonight at Crooner's Lounge.

Described as an "under the radar gig", Sweet 16 (above the Black Dog) hosts Nathan Hanson, Doan Brian Roessler and Marc Anderson in "essentially a house concert." What a house.

Wolverines Big Band

Saturday, July 4. Tonight you have a rare opportunity to enjoy the swinging, Basie-inspired Wolverines Big Band, three top vocalists, and a lakeside display of fireworks-- all at Excelsior Commons on Lake Minnetonka. There's family fun all afternoon, leading up to the Big Band concert. The Wolverines have been around for more than 40 years, but in recent years the big band gigs have been few and far between, while the Wolverines Trio is a frequent booking at Hell's Kitchen. Tonight, drummer and leader Jendeen Forberg gathers the full flock, backing singers Maud Hixson, Judi Vinar (Donaghy) and Jason Richards. Fireworks at sundown, of course!

Thomas Strommen

Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog features two bands with overlapping (and young!) personnel. Opening will be Dark Blue, featuring some young guns, all affiliated at one time or another with the University of Wisconsin River Falls--Thomas Strommen on tenor, Jason McLean on guitar, Dylan Nelson on bass and Alex Burgess on drums. Stick around for the Independence Day Quintet, featuring veterans Steve Kenny on Flumpet™ and Mikkel Romstad on piano, along with Strommen and Burgess.

Sunday, July 5. A special night of Brazilian song at the Dakota--Brazilian singer/guitarist Vinicius Cantuaria presents a program of Jobim. Cantuaria started out as drummer for Caetano Veloso in the late 70s, and has been based in New York for the past 20 years. Among his many collaborators are David Byrne, Laurie Anderson, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Jenny Scheinman, and more. The BBC refers to him as the "master of the sublimely sensual." This is simply beautiful music.

Billy Peterson & Irv Williams

Monday, July 6. With each new recording over the past decade, sax legend Irv Williams has suggested it would be his last. Pinnacle may or may not be his finale, but at nearly 96, Irv is more seriously talking "retirement." Whatever. This recording with guitarist Steve Blons and bassist Billy Peterson is a capstone, not only for Mr. Smooth's engaging horn but also for the inclusion of segments of an interview with Leigh Kamman, what turned out to be Leigh's final interview before his passing in October 2014. Kamman will be with us in spirit at the CD release party tonight at the Dakota.

Dean Magraw

Tuesday, July 7. It's First Tuesday at the Black Dog with Dean Magraw and Davu Seru, the monthly improv session with two of the most enchanting improvisers in the metro. Over at Jazz Central, the mighty Bill Simenson Orchestra fills half the performance space, still sizzling after their Twin Cities Jazz Festival performance at Como Park. The Icehouse presents a new installment of Coloring Time, a jazz/fusion project with a revolving cast. Tonight's guests include young keyboard giant Ted Godbout.

Faye Washington, Capri Big Band

Wednesday, July 8. Chris Bates hosts his monthly Magica Improvisado at Jazz Central, a night of new music and "magical improvisations." Tonight, original music and some seldom-heard covers from bassist Bates, pianist Peter Schimke and drummer Cory Healey. Something more family-oriented, the Capri Big Band (led by Faye Washington) performs at Minnehaha Falls Park tonight. Enjoy swinging jazz and treats from Sea Salt Eatery or your own picnic basket.

james buckley

Thursday, July 9. Apparently curating two jazz series is not enough for Steve Kenny. He's got a new grant to support a second summer season of All-Originals at Studio Z -- the invited bands only perform original music. The kickoff show tonight features truly one of a kind--bassist James Buckley-- with two frequent partners, pianist Bryan Nichols and drummer JT Bates.

A new voice in the Twin Cities makes her Jazz Central debut tonight. Christine Hitt earned a Masters of Music degree at the University of Arizona, and has recorded with such luminaries as Ugonna Okegwo, Hubert Laws, Slide Hampton, Steve Smith, and Curtis Fuller. Her band includes Eric Hitt, Dave Schmalenberger and Brian Handeland.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. Jazz Police also posts monthly metro jazz highlights. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com)

Coming Soon!

. July 10, Dean Granro's Tall Tales at The Nicollet

. July 11, Jacob Teichroew Group with Adam Meckler at Jazz Central

. July 11, Laura Caviani Trio with Gordy Johnson and Jay Epstein at the Black Dog

. July 12, Edina Jazz Fest at Centennial Lakes Park

. July 13, Jacob Teichroew Group at the Icehouse

. July 15, Pete Whitman's X-Tet at Jazz Central

. July 16, Red Planet, All Originals at Studio Z

. July 17, Jay Young's Lyric Factory, Top 10 Hits at the Dakota

. July 17, Kjeer, Horst and Friends at The Nicollet

. July 17, Dean Magraw and Steven Hobert at Jazz Central

. July 17, Arne Fogel at Parma 8200

. July 18, Joe Mayo Quartet at the Black Dog

. July 19, Midtown Global Market Music Festival

. July 23, John Raymond Quartet at the Dakota

. July 23, Nichols/Bates/Bates, All Originals at Studio Z

. July 24, Jon Pemberton Tribute to Lee Morgan at The Nicollet

. July 24, Maud Hixson at Parma 8200

. July 25, Cory Healey's Beautiful Sunshine Band at the Black Dog

. July 28, Corner Jazz (Maryann Sullivan) at The Nicollet

. July 30, dā-kə-bro̵̅o̅-dā, All Originals at Studio Z

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

. August 8, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. August 13, Michael Janisch Paradigm Shift Quartet at Studio Z

. August 20, Adam Meckler Quintet Live Recording at Studio Z

. August 25, Cyrus Chestnut Trio at the Dakota

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota

Laura Caviani brings her trio to the Black Dog, July 11

Red Planet's orbit brings the trio to Studio Z on July 16

Whew, back to normal after two long weekends of jazz festivals. Although what is "normal" on the local jazz scene? There seem to be more and more options, even as some old favorites disappear. We mourn the decision to discontinue music at Fireside Pizza, another casualty of ASCAP/BMI licensing fees. Hopefully Denny Malmberg and Charmin Michelle will be able to continue their long-running (and marvelous) collaboration elsewhere. Maybe professional licensing organizations should consider the difference between music in a small venue such as a bar or pizza parlor versus Carnegie Hall or Birdland? Meanwhile, we still have plenty of those small venues as well as larger music spaces that are managing fees or hosting all-original music. This week we can enjoy the ongoing jazz series at Jazz Central, The Nicollet, Black Dog and Studio Z, the long-awaited opening of Vieux Carré in the old Artist Quarter space, the first Edina Jazz Festival, the St. Croix Vineyards Jazz Festival, a visiting saxophonist playing two venues, a too-rare appearance from one of our veteran guitar trios... and there's always more.

Big Gigs This Week

Irv Williams

Friday, July 10. Anytime Irv Williams is on the bandstand, it is a "big gig." Earlier in the week, Irv celebrated what he (again) asserts will be his final recording, Pinnacle. But he isn't retiring from the Happy Hour gigs at the Dakota, which this week features pianist Mary Louise Knutson.

Nelson Devereaux

Jazz Central offers a unique double-header. Leading off as part of the Bridge Series will be Milwaukolis, a blending of Twin Cities and Milwaukee musicians-- local powerhouse saxophonist Nelson Devereaux and his Milwaukee pals, Cody Steinmann on guitar and Paul Westfahl on drums. The compositions will come from the three musicians, drawing on modern inspirations such as hip-hop and rock. The late show features a trio led by 17-year-old pianist Jordan Anderson, with his slightly older cohorts-- Charlie Lincoln on bass and Ben Ehrlich on drums. Jordan has been performing with area ensembles (Walker West, Dakota Combo, PipJazz) since he was 13, and will be leaving for Berklee College of Music summer program in Boston right after this gig.

Dean Granros

At The Nicollet, it is a return engagement for Dean Granros'Tall Tales, a double guitar quartet featuring Granros and Zacc Harris, along with Chris Bates and Jay Epstein. This band formed less than a year ago and has quickly gained a substantial following as well as releasing what should be regarded as one of the year's top recordings. The repertoire includes original Granros tunes as well as nods to Mingus, Monk, Coleman and more.

Patty Peterson

For some outdoor family fun and terrific music, check out Kelly Park in Apple Valley, where their weekly music series presents Patty Peterson and Friends. It's free, it's a lovely suburban park, and you can't beat Patty and her friends for an evening of song. Another option--and no cover-- is an evening at Crooner's Lounge, where Judi (Donaghy) Vinar settles in with one of her favorite sources of support, the Wolverines Quartet (Rick Carlson, Steve Pikal, Jendeen Forberg and Doug Haining).

And if you happen to be near Bemidji, vocalist Charmin Michelle and guitar ace Sam Miltich are performing at Brigid's Cross Irish Pub. Things will be swinging in Bemidji tonight!

Saturday, July 11. It's a "soft opening" at Vieux Carré tonight as downtown St. Paul celebrates Bastille Day. There's music from 2 pm on the West 7th Place ped mall, with a special "preview" night at VC featuring Connie Evingson and the Parisota Hot Club. It's the old AQ space with a new "speakeasy" vibe.

There are at least two winery-based jazz festivals this weekend. The 3rd annual St. Croix Vineyards Wine and Jazz Festival takes place outside of Stillwater from noon til early evening with a first-class line-up: Javi Santiago Quartet, Noon;Andrew Walesch Trio Featuring Adam Meckler, 1:30;Kevin Washington Quartet, 3:00; and Doug Little's Seven Steps to Havana, 4:30. And across the border into Wisconsin, it is the first Jazz in July festival at the Dragonfly Winery in St. Croix Falls, featuring an afternoon with Patty Peterson and Friends.

Javi Santiago

Dinner sets at the Icehouse typically feature a pianist/bass or guitar/bass duo, and tonight the piano bench will be filled by young Turk Javi Santiago, joining forces with veteran bassist James Buckley. With no cover and a very inventive (and tasty) dinner menu, the Icehouse is often thejazz bargain of the weekend.

Laura Caviani

Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog is always a good bet, and tonight features the Black Dog debut of Laura Caviani and her trio. It seems Laura has played everywhere but this is a first. And helping mark the occasion will be long-time cohorts Gordy Johnson on bass and Jay Epstein on drums. Count on some Monk as well as original music. And come early, the opening set features King/Fletcher/Woods, aka Jeff King, Charles Fletcher and Eron Woods, three veterans also making their Black Dog debut.

Will Schmid

Out in the west burbs, you can hear a youthful trio at the 318 Cafe. Minnetonka High School senior Will Schmid plays a cool guitar with pals Tyler Wagner on bass and Jesse Thorson on drums. The 318 is a cozy bar and cafe with a perfect vibe for a warm summer night. Like the music.

Once in a while there's a special Saturday gig at Jazz Central. Tonight, New York-based saxophonist Jacob Teichroew and his quartet make the first of two Twin Cities appearances, with trumpeter Adam Meckler joining in tonight. (Teichroew will be at the Icehouse Monday night.)

Chris Lomheim

Want a jazzy nightcap? Tonight (and every Saturday night during Sommerfest), pianist Chris Lomheim plays a solo set in the Target Atrium of Orchestra Hall. The Atrium is a superb setting for such music, and you can't beat the view of Peavy Plaza and Nicollet Mall. Or the sounds of Lomheim's solo piano.

Sunday, July 12. Yet another community jazz festival launches tonight, with the Edina Jazz Festivalat Centennial Lakes Park. Taking place in the Maetzold Amphitheater and Hughes Pavilion, artists include vocalist Dan Ristrom, the New Orleans-style Midnight in Moscow, and (again!) vocalist Patty Peterson.

Monday, July 13. If you missed Jacob Teichroew at Jazz Central, you can hear the New York saxophonist and his band tonight via JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse.Jacob's music reflects the diversity of his mentors in classical music as well as jazz (he studied with Antonio Hart and Vijay Iyer). Sitting in with his quartet tonight will be locals Adam Meckler and Charlie Christenson.

Katia Cardenas

Tuesday, July 14. It's the public grand opening of the Dakota's new club, Vieux Carré, in the Hamm Building, downtown St. Paul, and the schedule calls for jazz every Tuesday and Friday featuring local standouts. And it is the look of the future tonight as the opening artist is young vocalist Katia Cardenas. Katia has already appeared at Jazz Central, the Dakota and other venues, rounding up a growing fan base with her wide-ranging repertoire -- she can cover Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, but also seems equally adept at modern folk/pop/blues. Joining her tonight for three sets will be a band of young monsters-- Kevin Gastonguay on keys, Ted Olsen on bass, and Zach Schmidt on drums. Notes Katia, "It will be an amazing night of live jazz, with a few fun r&b and blues tunes thrown in! We are so grateful to be a part of the future of this music institution."

Chris Olson

In Lowertown, it's the monthly Chris Olson Project at the Black Dog. Olson's guests tonight include bassist extraordinaire Chris Bates and young drum master Cory Healey, playing unique arrangements of rock classics by Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, The BeeGees, Elvis Costello and more. Bates tried out some of this music at Jazz Central last month and the arrangements are ear-bending. And cool.

At the Dakota, Charmin and Shapira and Friends host a Foodie Night, meaning no cover to hear this polished and swinging ensemble.

Pete Whitman, X-tet

Wednesday, July 15. Maybe the Pete Whitman X-Tet has found a new home! The X-Tet returns to Jazz Central on "new music night" after their stellar June gig. The band played nearly monthly at the Artists Quarter through 2013, and perhaps we can anticipate a similar regularity at Jazz Central? It's a unique ensemble with vibes and plenty of horn power, featuring the top musicians in the metro.

At Vieux Carré, enjoy favorites from A Prairie Home Companion as New Shoes (Gary Raynor, Rich Dworsky and Peter Johnson of Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band) continue opening week music.

Red Planet

Thursday, July 16.Steve Kenny and Illicit Productions continue to reign as producers of local jazz series. The second summer season of All Originals at Studio Z continues tonight with Red Planet. Dean Magraw, Chris Bates and Jay Epstein have entertained with the trio's highly accomplished high-wire jazz for more than a decade, and the intimate studio setting of Studio Z is a perfect atmosphere for some of the most sophisticated modern music in the region.

At Vieux Carré, the new club is wasting no time booking the best of local jazz-- tonight the Chris Lomheim Trio takes the stage, with Gordy Johnson and Reid Kennedy backing the elegant pianist.

For vocal night at Jazz Central, check out Charlie Christenson, head of the Voice Department at McNally Smith. Charlie has worked with such stars as Theo Bleckmann and Kate McGarry, and peforms with the McNally Smith Faculty Vocal Quartet.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. Jazz Police also posts monthly metro jazz highlights. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com)

Coming Soon!

. July 17, Zacc Harris and Chris Bates, early set at Vieux Carre'

. July 17, Jay Young's Lyric Factory, Top 10 Hits at the Dakota

. July 17, Kjeer, Horst and Friends at The Nicollet

. July 17, Dean Magraw and Steven Hobert at Jazz Central

. July 17, Arne Fogel at Parma 8200

. July 18, Joe Mayo Quartet at the Black Dog

. July 19, Midtown Global Market Music Festival

. July 20-21, Nachito Herrera and the Universals at the Dakota

. July 21, Jeremy Walker Trio at Vieux Carre'

. July 22, Steve Kenny's Group 47 at Vieux Carre'

. July 23, John Raymond Quartet at the Dakota

. July 23, Zack Lozier 3/Travis Anderson Trio at Vieux Carre'

. July 23, Nichols/Bates/Bates, All Originals at Studio Z

. July 24, Jon Pemberton Tribute to Lee Morgan at The Nicollet

. July 24, Zacc Harris & Javi Santiago/Ginger Commodore Quartet at Vieux Carre'

. July 24, Maud Hixson at Parma 8200

. July 25, Cory Healey's Beautiful Sunshine Band at the Black Dog

. July 25, Daddy Squeeze Band at Vieux Carre'
. July 25, Reynold Philipsek CD Release at 318

. July 28, Corner Jazz (Maryann Sullivan) at The Nicollet

. July 30, dā-kə-bro̵̅o̅-dā, All Originals at Studio Z

. July 30, Zack Lozier 3/Mississippi at Vieux Carre'

. July 31, Jeremy Walker Duo at Vieux Carre'

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota

. August 8, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. August 13, Michael Janisch Paradigm Shift Quartet at Studio Z

. August 15, Freedom Jazz Festival (Minneapolis, TBA)

. August 20, Adam Meckler Quintet Live Recording at Studio Z

. August 22, Jeremy Siskind Trio with Nancy Harms at the Dakota

. August 25, Cyrus Chestnut Trio at the Dakota

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota


John Raymond brings his quartet to the Dakota on July 23

John Raymond, Minnesota CD Release at the Dakota on July 23

Chris Lomheim Trio at Vieux Carre' on July 16

Happy to report there is now another venue with significant jazz bookings to include in the Lead Sheet-- Vieux Carré opened earlier this week; the websiteis up and running, and the club calendar is pretty much filled for July with music five nights per week, jazz at least two of those nights and often more. Add those gigs to the regularly scheduled action at the Dakota, Jazz Central, The Nicollet, Black Dog, Parma 8200, Icehouse, The Tangiers, Crooners Lounge, Normandy Kitchen, and more, and it's hard to understand anyone asking, "How can I find jazz in the Twin Cities?" But I still get that question now and then.... so because not everyone gets their jazz news online, KBEM asked me to start bringing a few tips from The Lead Sheet into the studio every Thursday afternoon, around 4:40 pm for 5-10 minutes, starting Thursday, July 23. Some excerpts will be rebroadcast on Friday mornings. Radio is still a viable means of communicating jazz news! Tune into KBEM (88.5 fm) every day; tune into KFAI (90.3 fm) often as well for daily music and a few jazz shows throughout the week. (Hear my friend Larry Englund's "Rhythm and Blues" every Saturday morning.)

Of course I can mention more jazz right here. This week we can enjoy two generations of jazz artistry with young pianist Will Kjeer joining forces with his uncle, Kenny Horst, at The Nicollet; a new dazzling duo of Dean Magraw and Steven Hobert at Jazz Central; two nights with Nachito Herrera and a new collaboration at the Dakota; and a homecoming for trumpeter John Raymond, performing at the Dakota (Thursday) and hanging around til at least the following Monday (Icehouse).

Big Gigs This Week

Will Kjeer and Uncle Kenny Horst

Friday, July 17. Before he closed the Artists Quarter at the end of 2013, owner/drummer Kenny Horst had welcomed nephew Will Kjeer to the stage more than a few times, now and then with his trio and weekly for about six months as pianist for Steve Kenny's Group 47-- all while Will was still in high school. Now, after a post high school year at Interlochen and a couple months before he starts college studies at Cal Arts, Will has organized a "Summer Band" at The Nicollet with Uncle Kenny on drums. Keeping the cross-generational theme, Will's band also includes veteran saxman Dave Brattain and 18-year-old bassist Charlie Lincoln, himself heading to jazz studies in September, on the other coast at Berklee.

Steven Hobert and Dean Magraw

At Jazz Central, a relatively new partnership is on display with guitarist Dean Magraw and pianist Steven Hobert. The pairing debuted a few months ago, showcasing two of the area's most imaginative musicians. Dean and Steven are capable of magical mayhem in any context.

Arne Fogel

Parma 8200 continues its Friday nights of top area vocalists, and tonight it's crooner (and historian) Arne Fogel withfrequent collaborators Steve Pikal and Rick Carlson,while other dinner music options tonight include a sublime duo of Dave Karr (sax) and Bryan Nichols(piano) at the Icehouse and the string half of the Atlantis Quartet, Zacc Harris (guitar) and Chris Bates (bass) at Vieux Carré.

Jazz at the Black Dog is not limited to Saturdays! As usual, Todd Harper hosts Piano Fridays during happy hours, tonight with saxophonist Chris Hagedorn, paving the way for the always surprising Donald Washington Trio (with Yohannes Tona and Mick LaBriola) later in the evening.

Jay Young

The Dakota hosts another night with Jay Young and the Lyric Factory, and tonight's theme is "Bandwith: A Tribute to 50 Years of Top Ten Hits." Bassist Jay and ensemble promise arrangements of classic to current hits by Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Pink Floyd, Chaka Khan, Prince, The Beatles, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Simply Red, Cheryl Lynn, Lizz Wright, and many more.

Saturday, July 18. If it's a summer weekend, there must be a music festival somewhere! This afternoon and evening, Midtown Global Market hosts its annual Music Festival, and you can hear some favorite jazz performers, including the vocals and guitar of the long-time duo Charmin Michelleand Joel Shapira and the youthful antics of the Levi Schwartzberg Quintet.

Joe Mayo

Saturday Night at the Black Dog presents a saxophonic evening! Leading off will be a free jazz duo of saxophonists John Devine and Bill Lang. These veterans are followed by a much younger gaggle of improvisers led by saxophonist Joe Mayoand his quartet--with Zacc Harris, Andrew Foreman and Lars-Erik Larson. Wouldn't it be cool if Devine and Lang sat in?

Linda Peterson

Crooner's Lounge features pianist/vocalist Linda Peterson, who now makes her primary home in Minnesota after building her career in southern California. Sister of Patty, Billy, Paul and Ricky, there's likely to be at least one other Peterson on the bandstand.

Peter Schimke

Dinner sets at Vieux Carré tonight feature the Peter Schimke Duo... meaning there is another musician. A mystery at the moment. But as long as you can hear Peter's keyboards, you have a great band experience awaiting.

Maud Hixson

Sunday, July 19. Swinging jazz with brunch? At least two venues will oblige on Sundays. At the Aster Cafe, hear Patty and the Buttons, aka accordionist Patrick Harison and his swinging cronies (usually Tony Balluff, Keith Boyles, and Mark Kretizer). At Crooners Lounge, there's a weekly brunch, this week featuring Maud Hixson and the Wolverines Trio (Rick Carlson, Steve Pikal, Jendeen Forberg). Swing those eggs and screwdrivers!

Charmin Michelle

St. Albert the Great Church in south Minneapolis has hosted a series of Sunday afternoon jazz concerts this summer, and today's offering is Charmin Michelle, singing with support from saxophonist Kenni Holmen, pianist Bill Duna, bassist Kent Saunders and drummer Jay Epstein.

Brian Grivna

Monday, July 20. He doesn't take the spotlight often, but it's always a treat to hear saxophonist Brian Grivna, and tonight he is the featured artist at Jazz Central. Take advantage of the opportunity-- between gigs with JazzMN, touring pit orchestras and theaters, it's not every night we can hear Brian in a jazz club setting!

Rhonda Laurie

Fans of vocal jazz will enjoy tonight at Crooners, with the Rhonda Laurie Trio. Rhonda has a special fondness for the songs of the 30s and 40s, but also finds obscure gems from other eras to keep a listener on full alert. Her cohorts tonight are Rick Carlson and Steve Pikal, so you know the night will swing.

Davu Seri

JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse is always worth the late night, but tonight's show is among the most unusual of the series in recent memory. Featuring vocalist/spoken word artist Mankwe Ndosi, cellist Tomeka Reid, bassist Silvia Bolognesi and percussionist Davu Seru, Body mEmOri"works in both structured and free improvisation to open imagination spaces and build interconnection with wisdoms of ancestry and the forces of nature... the worlds of string, text, percussion and voice transport us through time and universes both cosmic and intimate." At the Icehouse the band will be joined by master improviser, saxophonist Nathan Hanson.

Nachito Herrera

Monday-Tuesday, July 20-21. Hearing Nachito Herrera at the Dakota is nothing new -- the Cuban pianist has been burning down the stage for more than a decade. But for these two nights, celebrating the re-establishment of US-Cuba diplomatic relations, Herrera brings an all-star ensemble to his home venue, dubbed The Universals. The band features eclectic violinist Karen Briggs, Cuban drum star Raul Pineda, New York-based saxophonist Mike Phillips, and Senagalese bassist Cheikh Ndoye, pledging to take us "around the world in two nights."

Park Evans

Tuesday, July 21. Vieux Carré starts its second week with pianist/composer Jeremy Walker and his trio--sure to include two of the area's best on bass and drums. In Lowertown, imaginative guitarist Park Evans takes the bandstand at the Black Dog.

Two of the area's finest big bands are on call tonight, with the combustible Explosion Big Band, led by Doug Haining and Scott Agster, filling the chairs at Jazz Central, while "up north," the adventurous Acme Jazz Company is on the bandstand at Crooners Lounge.

Group 47

Wednesday, July 22. It's always a treat, and an increasingly rare one, to hear Steve Kenny's Group 47. With pianist Will Kjeer at Interlochen most of the past year, and now heading to Cal Arts in September, the gigs will continue to be intermittent. The band reconvened to play one of the last sets of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival last month, and now they make their debut at Vieux Carré tonight: leader/flumpeter Steve Kenny, young lion tenor saxophonist Thomas Strommen, pianist Kjeer, bassist Adam Tucker, and drummer Alex Burgess. The repertoire is largely original music, including tunes from their 2014 LP, Straight to Vinyl.

John Raymond

Thursday, July 23. When Twin Cities native trumpeter John Raymond released Foreign Territory this spring, he made a quantum leap forward in his already-burgeoning career. In part it was the company he kept--pianist Dan Tepfer, bassist Joe Martin and titanic drummer Billy Hart. In part it was his fresh approach to composition-- using jazz masters and masterpieces as points of inspiration, not imitation. John is as excited to bring this project home to the Dakota as we are to hear it. For his Midwest tour, he has Tepfer (a monster in his own right) on piano, Chris Tordini on bass (recently here with Becca Stevens), and young drummer Jay Sawyer who accompanied John to Eden Prairie High School last April. John notes that Chris and Jay "bring equally as much to the music as Joe and Billy did on the album." (Note that John will also perform at the Chateau St. Croix Winery jazz fest Saturday, July 25, and with local pals (and visiting bassist Brian Courage) at the Icehouse on Monday, July 27.)

Bryan Nichols

Not all the fun takes place tonight in Minneapolis. Tonight's installment of the All Originals series at Studio Z features an awe-inspiring trio of Bryan Nichols, Chris Bates and JT Bates (aka Nichols/Bates/Bates). Put Nichols at Studio Z's sparkling Steinway, add the playfully inventive Bates brothers, and you're set for an evening that defines "all originals."

There's an enviable double header at Vieux Carré tonight, starting dinner hour with the swinging Zack Lozier Three in the unusual configuration of trumpet, bass and either guitar or piano; hang around for more traditional but no less playful or swinging, the Travis Anderson Trio.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. Jazz Police also posts monthly metro jazz highlights. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com)

Coming Soon!

. July 24, Jon Pemberton Tribute to Lee Morgan at The Nicollet

. July 24, Zacc Harris & Javi Santiago/Ginger Commodore Quartet at Vieux Carre'

. July 24, Maud Hixson at Parma 8200
. July 25, Chateau St Croix Winery Jazz Fest (St Croix Falls) with the John Raymond Group, Ticket to Brasil and Atlantis Quartet
. July 25, Christ the King Church Music Fest with Travis Anderson, Irv Williams and Ginger Commodore

. July 25, Cory Healey's Beautiful Sunshine Band at the Black Dog

. July 25, Peter Schimke Duo/Daddy Squeeze Band at Vieux Carre'
. July 25, Reynold Philipsek CD Release at 318
. July 27, John Raymond (MN) Quartet with Dave Karr, Brian Courage at the Icehouse

. July 28, Corner Jazz (Maryann Sullivan) at The Nicollet
. July 29, Mountain King (Brian Courage, Graydon Peterson, Jeremy Boettcher) at Jazz Central

. July 30, dā-kə-bro̵̅o̅-dā, All Originals at Studio Z

. July 30, Zack Lozier 3/Mississippi at Vieux Carre'

. July 31, Jeremy Walker Duo/Parisota Hot Club at Vieux Carre'
. July 31, The Girls ("A Diva Tribute") at Chanhassan Dinner Theater
. July 31, Peter Kogan Group CD Release, Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall (10 pm)
. August 3, Courageous Endeavors (the original band) at the Icehouse

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota
. August 7, Patty Peterson and Friends at the Icehouse
. August 7, Atlantis Quartet at Vieux Carre'

. August 8, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. August 13, Michael Janisch Paradigm Shift Quartet at Studio Z

. August 15, Freedom Jazz Festival (Minneapolis, TBA)

. August 20, Adam Meckler Quintet Live Recording at Studio Z

. August 20-27, Bridge Chamber Music Festival, Northfield (Laura Caviani and Dave Milne on 8/21; Dave Hagedorn on 8/24)

. August 22, Jeremy Siskind Trio with Nancy Harms at Vieux Carré

. August 25, Cyrus Chestnut Trio at the Dakota

. August 30, Tootie Heath Trio with Ethan Iverson and Ben Street at the Dakota

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 11, Christian Scott and Stretch Music at the Dakota

. September 17, Patricia Barber at the Dakota

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota

. October 4, Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra at the Dakota

. October 25, Benny Green Trio at the Dakota

. November 16, Regina Carter's Southern Comfort at the Dakota

He's back! Brian Courage returns for a few gigs starting July 27th at the Icehouse (John Raymond QT)

Three-bass hit! Mountain King reunites at Jazz Central, July 29

It seems like we have a jazz festival every weekend this summer -- if not an event so named, at least there are enough concerts and gigs to choose from that it seems like an endless celebration. This week we celebrate CD releases, homecomings and reunions; there's at least one "jazz festival" in the region, and Sommerfest brings jazz to the Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall in the midst of Aquatennial. You can enjoy music outdoors or indoors, rain or shine. And you can get an early glimpse of the Lead Sheet on Thursday afternoons, 4:40 pm on KBEM, aka Jazz 88.5.

Big Gigs This Week

Jeremy Walker in the Target Atrium

Friday, July 24. A new addition to Orchestra Hall's Sommerfest this year, weekends during the music festival include concerts in the Target Atrium before (at 6 pm) and after (at 10 pm) the regularly scheduled concert in the main hall. And jazz is a significant part of the schedule. Tonight, the Atrium Jazz Trio (usually Jeremy Walker, Anthony Cox, JT Bates) performs the late show. Particularly after dark, the Target Atrium brings a slice of Manhattan and Jazz at Lincoln Center to the Minneapple. (Note the solo performance by Chris Lomheim tomorrow at 10!)

Pete Whitman

Jazz Central hosts Mississippi, a quartet that grew from the original Andres Prado Quintet that played the Artists Quarter some years ago when guitarist Prado spent a couple years here before returning to his native Peru. He left a fine ensemble to carry on his inventive interpretations of Coltrane, Coleman, and original works-- Pete Whitman, Peter Schimke, Jeffrey Bailey and Kevin Washington.

Down a couples miles at The Nicollet, trumpeter Jon Pemberton leads a tribute to the great Lee Morgan. Jon used to hold these tributes more often, at the Artists Quarter, and his talented crew of popular veterans tonight includes Dave Brattain, Mikkel Romstad, Tom Lewis and Jay Epstein.

Ginger Commodore

Vocalist Ginger Commodore makes her Vieux Carré debut tonight with her long-standing quartet -- pianist Lee Blaske, bassist Mark Weisburg, and drummer Bobby Commodore, plus special guest, saxophonist Rich Manik. Ginger seems to be the essence of the new club--classy, accessible, a little sweet and a little sassy. Should be a perfect fit.

Maud Hixson with Rick Carlson

And tonight Parma 8200 hosts the monthly gig of the sublime Maud Hixson Trio, with songbird Maud, her husband Rick Carlson on piano, and Gordy Johnson on bass. You can be sure of several things whenever you hear Maud -- her voice will win you over before the first tune is done, she'll sing some songs you have heard before but maybe never really heard before, and she'll sing at least one (probably more) song you never heard before-- perhaps from an obscure songwriter or perhaps just an obscure tune from one of the famed writers of the Great American Songbook.

John Raymond

Saturday, July 25. This one is really dubbed a "jazz festival" -- in St. Croix Falls, WI, the Chateau St. Croix Winery encourages wine tasting in the midst of some great jazz, starting at noon with the John Raymond Group. Back in Minnesota briefly with a few gigs to celebrate his spring release, Foreign Territory, trumpet master John performed at the Dakota a couple nights ago with New York cohorts; today he teams up with old pals Bryan Nichols, Ted Olsen and Jay Epstein. Later in the afternoon, hear the samba sounds of Ticket to Brasil and the original music of the Atlantis Quartet. That's some pretty hefty jazz --all free, all outdoors.

And another music festival takes place this afternoon in Bloomington at Christ the King Church, with jazzers Creole Four, Irv Williams and Ginger Commodore performing.

Cory Healey

Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog has an abbreviated schedule tonight, with just one band playing two sets, starting at 7 pm due to the Lowertown Blues Festival. But the one band is a doozie, Cory Healey's Beautiful Sunshine Band. The music is sunny and mostly original compositions, played by a highly regarded crew-- saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, trumpeter Jake Baldwin, guitarist Zacc Harris, bassist Erik Fratzke, and drummer Healey. Note there is a home Saints game this evening too, so plan ahead to avoid parking and traffic snags.

Doug Little

Doug Littlerecently returned from Cuba where his Charanga Tropical band performed at Havana's Danson Festival; still in a Cuba frame of mind, Doug brings his globally connected Seven Steps to Havana ensemble to the Dakota for an evening of steamy Cuban rhythms and reconsiderations of jazz classics.

Another CD from Reynold Philipsek? It would seem too much to have a new release at least once per year...if they weren't so darn good. This time, with Quintessence, the guitarist/composer goes mostly solo with re-workings of earlier material and some new ones, including the one quartet track inspired by the upcoming documentary about his life and music. Celebrate with Reynold and pals Matt Senjem and Michael Bissonnette at the 318 Cafe in Excelsior. Your ticket ($12) includes the CD.

Andrew Walesch

Sunday, July 26. Crooners has music six nights per week plus Sunday jazz brunch. This week, young pianist/vocalist Andrew Walesch lives up to the venue name, with a fine quartet including Gordy Johnson, Jay Epstein and a guest horn player. Walesch listened well to the recordings of Frank Sinatra, but has also headed a big band.

Brian Courage

Monday, July 27. JT's Jazz Implosion offers the first of several opportunities to hear former Minnesota resident, bassist Brian Courage since he moved to New York a year ago. Tonight at the Icehouse, Brian joins the cast of the John Raymond Group, along with octogenarian saxman Dave Karr and drummer JT Bates. Raymond notes that this is his first time playing with Karr, something he (and we) are looking forward to.

Another visiting native son, guitarist Luke Polopnik, will be the featured artist at Jazz Central. The St. Paul native is now based in Omaha but gets back home now and then to play with old friends.

Maryann Sullivan and Corner Jazz

Tuesday, July 28. The Nicollet hosts another swing night with Maryann Sullivan's Corner Jazz ensemble (usually Doug Haining, Jim Chenoweth, Trevor Haining and perhaps a guitar and/or horn). Swing dancing is encouraged and usually a major component to the evening.

Park Evans (Firebell)

At Vieux Carré, the edgy trio Firebell (Park Evans, Graydon Peterson, Jay Epstein) have the night to themselves, and the $5 cover should encourage a good turnout.

Jeremy Boettcher (Mountain King)

Wednesday, July 29. The acoustic bass trio Mountain King reunite tonight at Jazz Central in honor of Brian Courage's visit. With Graydon Peterson and Jeremy Boettcher, the trio will bring smiles or even downright grins to the faces of listeners and, if ears could smile, there would be plenty as well. Mountain King began about two years ago at the Artists Quarter and was already a popular act when the club closed at the end of that year. A few gigs at Jazz Central later, Courage left for New York and we have been awaiting his return ever since. As virtuosic as are these musicians, something about three acoustic basses just makes you smile, and the clever arrangements of standards as well as original tunes creates a perfect repertoire.

Vocalist Lila Ammons is on stage at Crooners with her trio (usually featuring Thom West on piano), and her takes on standards and more modern tunes are always stunning.

Kevin Daley (da-ka-broo-da)

Thursday, July 30. As band names go, dā-ke-brōō-dā is one of the oddest. But the music is original and highly listenable. This relatively new ensemble (Kevin Daley, Dave Brattain, Pooch Heinie, Dave Stanoch) brings their "all originals" to the summer Thursday night series, All Originals, at Studio Z in St. Paul. The series is in its second season, curated by Steve Kenny.

Charmin and Shapira

Not far away at the Black Dog, Charmin Michelle and Joel Shapirabring their classy duo to the stage, an ideal blending of voice and guitar that yields warm standards, bossas and more.

Zack Lozieer

And a few blocks west, Vieux Carré presents a double-header, starting with the no-cover dinner sets with the Zack Lozier Three, followed by the $5 cover set with Mississippi (see Friday above). It's a homecoming for Mississippi which played its first sets at the old Artists Quarter in this space. On the same stage.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. Jazz Police also posts monthly metro jazz highlights. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com)

Coming Soon!

. August 1, Chris Lomheim solo, Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall (10 pm)
. August 3, Courageous Endeavors (the original band) at the Icehouse

. August 6, George Brooks with Larry Coryell and Bombay Jazz at the Dakota
. August 7, Patty Peterson and Friends at the Icehouse
. August 7, Atlantis Quartet at Vieux Carre'

. August 8, PipJazz at The Bedlam

. August 13, Michael Janisch Paradigm Shift Quartet at Studio Z

. August 15, Freedom Jazz Festival (Minneapolis, TBA)

. August 20, Adam Meckler Quintet Live Recording at Studio Z

. August 20-27, Bridge Chamber Music Festival, Northfield (Laura Caviani and Dave Milne on 8/21; Dave Hagedorn on 8/24)

. August 22, Jeremy Siskind Trio with Nancy Harms at Vieux Carré

. August 25, Cyrus Chestnut Trio at the Dakota

. August 30, Tootie Heath Trio with Ethan Iverson and Ben Street at the Dakota

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 11, Christian Scott and Stretch Music at the Dakota

. September 17, Patricia Barber at the Dakota

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota

. October 4, Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra at the Dakota

. October 25, Benny Green Trio at the Dakota

. November 16, Regina Carter's Southern Comfort at the Dakota

Courageous Endeavors Reunion-- Icehouse on August 3

Babatunde Lea bring his quintet to the Black Dog, August 1

Brian Courage

The "Young Lions" and "Old Tigers" are at it again, gigging with and beside each other in another jazz-filled week. Two more opportunities to hear visiting bassist Brian Courage before he heads back to New York, including a reunion of Courageous Endeavors; even younger bassist Charlie Lincoln plays one of his last gigs before starting college studies in California; veteran percussionist/educator Babatunde Lea make a too-rare appearance leading his quartet; guitarist and fusion pioneer Larry Coryell returns to the Dakota with frequent collaborator George Brooks.

Big Gigs This Week

Joe Mayo

Friday, July 31. Triple bill at Jazz Central tonight, starting with the ensemble President Flow, led by young saxophonist Joe Mayo, Gen Xers Park Evans on guitar and Josh Granowski on bass, and veteran drummer Rick Nair on the 2-piece drum kit. As a lead in to the usual Jazz Crew jam, bassist Charlie Lincoln leads his quintet for one set, showing off the talents of recent high school grads-- Lincoln, saxophonist Peter Goggin, trumpeter Aiden Sponheim, keyboardist Levi Schwartzberg and drummer Joey Hays.

At The Nicollet, Rare Medium makes its series debut, featuring Jaim Zuber on guitar, Jesse Mueller on keys, Aaron McCabe on trumpet, Joan Hutton on sax, Joshua Stallings on bass and Ryan Johnson on drums. The band cites such divergent influences as Herbie Hancock, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Miles Davis and The Meters.

Whatever you do earlier, make a point of hitting Orchestra Hall at 10 pm (following the orchestra concert) for Peter Kogan's CD release in the Target Atrium. Principal timpanist for the orchestra, Kogan is also a jazz artist who has rounded up a top-flight ensemble for the recording and performance --Chuck Lazarus (trumpet), Scott Agster (trombone), Pete Whitman (sax), Sean Turner (piano), Cory Wong (guitar), and Brian Courage (bass). Lazarus, of course, is also a fellow member of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Jeremy Walker

At Vieux-Carré, start the evening early with the Jeremy Walker Duo --the entrepreneurial pianist and composer teaming up with another artist of substance, and stay on for the swinging fun of the Parisota Hot Club.

Patty Peterson (The Girls)

Friday-Saturday, July 31-August 1. In the last decade, one of the most popular vocal teams was The Girls, which at one time or another included Debbie Duncan, Lori Dokken, Erin Schwab, Judy Donaghy (Vinar), Patty Peterson and Rachel Holder. This weekend they reunite for two shows -- "A Diva Tribute"--at Chanhassan Dinner Theater. These are not simply great voices, these are great entertainers.

Babatunde Lea

Saturday, August 1. No ball game in Lowertown tonight, but fireworks prevail nevertheless. Saturday Night at the Black Dog leads off with veteran band led by saxophonist Joe Smith, with Dick Studer on bass and Kenny Horst on drums, followed by the series debut of the Babatunde Lea Quintet. Lea, who built his reputation playing with the likes of Stan Getz and Leon Thomas, spent several decades in the Bay Area before relocating to the Midwest, now in St. Paul. A teacher and mentor as well as performer and composer, Lea has introduced local audiences to the "troponga"-- a kit melding African percussion and American jazz drumset. His cohorts tonight include Nelson Devereaux on sax, Zacc Harris on guitar, Phil Aaron on piano, and Chris Bates on bass.

Choro Borealis

A lot of bands are making their Vieux Carré debuts, and tonight its Choro Borealis, a trio led by 7-string guitar and global music specialist Robert Everest, with the O'Keefe brothers-- Pat on clarinet and bass clarinet, and Tim on mandolin and percussion. This is Brazilian music that goes beyond samba and bossa to the more complex and soaring rhythms of choro and more.

Chris Lomheim

Last of the Sommerfest Atrium Jazz gigs at Orchestra Hall following Somerfest concert (10 ish), with another round of solo piano from Chris Lomheim. We rarely get to hear him in this context, and his bass notes are such that you might swear there is an invisible bassist standing next to the piano. A very special summer treat. And it's free!

Sunday, August 2. Jazz brunch options--Patty and the Buttons bring swing to your mimosa at the Aster Cafe; Robert Everest puts some samba in your salsa at Maria's; and Maud Hixsonwill make the bubbles rise from your champagne at Crooners Lounge. At the Dakota, smooth and soulful saxman Boney James plays two sets to cap off the
weekend.

Later in the day, enjoy Woody Allen at the State Theater with his New Orleans jazz ensemble. No, not a movie-- real live jazz! Allen plays a mean swinging clarinet.

Nelson Devereaux and Joe Strachan

Monday, August 3. Young and versatile trombonist Nick Syman takes the spotlight at Jazz Central. Later in the evening, young and versatile also describes the musicians of Courageous Endeavors, reuniting briefly with a gig at the Icehouse -- part of JT's Jazz Implosion series. Co-founder Brian Courage takes his rightful spot on bass, with the rest of the original band-- Nelson Devereaux, Joe Strachan and Miguel Hurtado. After Brian moved east, the band became Endeavors, but this is a now rare opportunity to hear the original group.

Arne Fogel

Tuesday, August 4. Officially this is National Night Out. Unofficially it's Twin Cities Big Band Night, with three of the area's veteran bands on three stages. At Crooners, enjoy dinner or lounge at the bar with the exciting charts of the Acme Jazz Company and Mr. Crooner himself, Arne Fogel. At Jazz Central, it's the monthly residency of the inventive Bill Simenson Orchestra, loaded with a who's who in metro jazz. And in St Paul, O'Gara's hosts the long-running monthly performance of Beasley's Big Band.

Connie Evingson

Wednesday, August 5. A perfect start to the evening? Songbird Connie Evingson, pianist Sanford Moore and saxophonist Dave Karr in the lounge at the Minneapolis Woman's Club. Sanford and Dave are both long-term cohorts of Connie, Sanford of course from the beginning of Moore by Four, Dave her frequent partner in the Jazz at the Jungle (Theater) series.

Over at Jazz Central, a new band with the intriguing name Elephant Crossing makes its debut, led by relative newcomer, pianist Ari Nahum. In his spare time, Ari is a resident in internal medicine at the U of M and a potter. His partners include Adam Meckler, Gus Sandberg, Ryan Hayes and Zach Schmidt.

Foodie Night at the Dakota features vocalist Maud Hixson in a new trio setting with guitarist Dave Singley and bassist Keith Boyles. With no cover, it's an amazing jazz bargain.

Katia Cardenas

Thursday, August 6. A dazzling piano/guitar duo open the evening at Vieux Carré -- Dan Musselman and David Feily will be providing a lot more than background music for the dinner sets. And the singer who officially opened Vieux Carré a couple weeks ago, Katia Cardenas takes the spotlight at Jazz Central for vocal night.

Bombay Jazz with George Brooks

At the Dakota, guitar hero Larry Coryell returns with his Bombay Jazz project, featuring saxophonist George Brooks. East meets West, jazz meets traditional East Indian music.

Graydon Peterson

At Studio Z, the All Originals summer series continues with the Graydon Peterson Quartet-- with Adam Meckler, Joe Strachan and Adrian Suarez and a sheaf of original works.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. Jazz Police also posts monthly metro jazz highlights. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com)

Coming Soon!

. August 7, Patty Peterson and Friends at the Icehouse
. August 7, Diana Krall at the State Theater
. August 7, Atlantis Quartet at Vieux Carre'

. August 10, Will Kjeer at Jazz Central

. August 11, Javi Santiago Trio at Vieux Carre'

. August 13, Michael Janisch Paradigm Shift Quartet at Studio Z

. August 14, Steve Kenny's Group 47 at The Nicollet

. August 15, Freedom Jazz Festival (Minneapolis, TBA)

. August 15, Larry McDonough Quartet/Will Kjeer Summer Band at the Black Dog

. August 20

, Adam Meckler Quintet Live Recording at Studio Z

. August 21, Bob Bowman at Jazz Central

. August 20-27, Bridge Chamber Music Festival, Northfield (Laura Caviani and Dave Milne on 8/21; Dave Hagedorn on 8/24)

. August 22, Jeremy Siskind Trio with Nancy Harms at Vieux Carré

. August 25, Cyrus Chestnut Trio at the Dakota

. August 28, No Room for Squares at The Nicollet

. August 30, Tootie Heath Trio with Ethan Iverson and Ben Street at the Dakota

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 11, Christian Scott and Stretch Music at the Dakota

. September 17, Patricia Barber at the Dakota

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota

. October 4, Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra at the Dakota

. October 25, Benny Green Trio at the Dakota

. November 16, Regina Carter's Southern Comfort at the Dakota

Michael Janisch leads Paradigm Shift at Studio Z, August 13

Happy 96 Irv Williams! Party at the Dakota, August 9

Summer means more venues for jazz and music of all sorts. There's festivals, patios, and now even breweries with mini-fests and outdoor stages. All of which means there are more, and harder, choices to be made. This weekend, the Lowertown Guitar Festival invades Mears Park, bringing guitars of all shapes, sizes and genres. Weekly jazz series continue at Studio Z, The Nicollet and Black Dog; find music, especially jazz, nightly at the Dakota, Vieux Carré, Jazz Central and Crooners Lounge. Almost every micro brewery has some sort of music to offer, and of course this is triple art festival weekend-- Uptown, Powderhorn and Loring Park that boast some live music among the pots, crafts, and paintings. And perhaps the biggest event of all, in terms of its rarity--Irv Williams will celebrate #96 with a party gig at the Dakota on Sunday.

Big Gigs This Week

Atlantis Quartet

Friday, August 7. In what they say will be their last public performance in the Twin Cities until December, the Atlantis Quartet plays Vieux Carré for the first time, promising a couple sets of old favorites before they retire many of their landmark tunes in favor a "new sound." Zacc Harris leads with Brandon Wozniak, Chris Bates and Pete Hennig. The opening band is a Jeremy Walker Duo with Jeff Brueske, warming up for Walker's Trio tomorrow at the Black Dog.

Eric Gravatt

At Jazz Central, veteran Weather Report drummer Eric Kamau Gravattis back with Source Code, usually with Dean Magraw, Solomon Parham, Dave Graf and Ron Evaniuk. It's the perfect band for the Bridge Series, as Source Code's primary home for years was the old Artists Quarter.

Patty Peterson

At the Icehouse, hear Patty Peterson and Friends in a venue that seems to be designed for this band - big stage, colorful lighting, versatile sound system, and a big bar. "Friends" joining the talented vocalist include family--brother Paul and nephew Jason DeLaire--and "friends"--Billy Franze and Bobby Vandell. Jazz and R&B blend seamlessly. Down the street at The Nicollet, jazz makes a left turn with the John Devine-Bill Lang Quartet (with Brock Thorson and Alden Ikeda). Free jazz takes over.

Ginger Commodore

Downtown Minneapolis, Ginger Commodore and her GCQ quartet hit the stage for an evening of blues and gospel tinged standards and pop hits, featuring Ginger's long-time accomplices -- Lee Blaske, Mark Weisburg and Bobby Commodore. Another vocalist needing no introduction, Diana Krallreturns to the State Theater, on tour promoting her eclectic recording, Wallflower. Krall probably tours 80% of the year but even in a large theater, she brings intimacy and that "in the moment" verve.

Dean Granros

Saturday, August 8. It's the annual Lowertown Guitar Festival presented by McNally Smith College of Music, covering two stages-- the main stage in Mears Park, and the adjacent 6th Street Stage. The music runs the gamut, with some sets of particular interest to jazz fans -- Dean Granros (2:30 Main Stage), Tim Sparks (4 pm Main Stage), and Park Evans (8 pm 6th Street).

Pippi Ardennia

Stay in Lowertown for more jazz -- Pippi Ardennia returns with her PipJazz ensemble at the Bedlam. Tonight her focus is on her young protegés, including pianist/composer/arranger Jo Schad, saxophonists Lee Tran and Walter Hampton, bassist Gavin Taylor-Stark, and drummer Dario Parker. Around the corner at the Black Dog, the piano-bass-drum trio is on full display. Start the evening with bassist Ted Olsen and his trio (with Javi Santiago and Miguel Hurtado), then stay on for the Jeremy Walker Trio, with Jeff Brueske and Nathan Norman.

Orchestra for Ants

Public Kitchen gets into the act tonight with a double-header: The early evening brings in saxophonists Donald Washington and Nathan Hanson, with Doan Roessler on bass and Tim Duroche on drums, followed by a guitar fest postscript-- Orchestra for Ants, a playful three-guitar trio with Ben Abrahamson, Park Evans and Nick Chapeau.

Irv Williams

Sunday, August 9. Andrew Walesch ensures both swing and croon for jazz brunch at Crooners. The big party of the day of course is at the Dakota, where "Mr. Smooth"Irv Williamsslides into another year, celebrating 96 and still blowing sweet. And yes, he still plays at Happy Hour at the Dakota every Friday.

Monday, August 10. The Jazz Central spotlight falls on 18-year-old pianist Will Kjeer. After spending a post-high school year at the Interlochen Academy, Will is packing for college studies at Cal Arts, so this is a good opportunity, and perhaps one of the last for a while, to hear his amazing command of the keyboard and his original compositions.

Charmin & Shapira & Friends

Always a good time, Charmin and Shapira and Friends hits their monthly Foodie Night at the Dakota. Vocalist Charmin Michelle and guitarist Joel Shapira have a long-standing duo partnership, which about three years ago spawned the quintet edition with Paul Harper, Tom Lewis and, special guest tonight, Jay Epstein.

Todd Clouser

At the Icehouse, JT's Jazz Implosion welcomes Minnesota native guitarist Todd Clouser,celebrating the American release of his latest recording, Chant. For the Midwest edition of the band, Todd features two drummers--Greg Schutte and JT

Bates, along with James Buckley and Jake Baldwin. Guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker later presents a solo set.

Javi Santiago

Tuesday, August 11. Turning the Ted Olsen Trio inside-out, the same threesome perform as the Javi Santiago Trio at Vieux Carré (with Miguel Hurtado on drums).

At the Icehouse, an unusual duo -- the Potash Twins-- celebrate their first recording. These young men have prodigious talents on the trombone, mentored by Wynton Marsalis, and currently attend college in New York.

Wednesday, August 12. Jazz Central presents "new music" on Wednesdays and what's newer than a new band? Dubbed Claw Machine, the trio is led by bassist Kameron Markworth, a relatively new artist on the local scene, with Trent Baarspul on guitar and Lars-Erik Larson on drums. Judging Markworth by the company he keeps, this will be a great debut at JC.

Connie Evingson

Vocalist Connie Evingson wraps up a residency at the American Swedish Institute with a two-show evening at the ASI. During the past year, Connie researched the ASI archives and wrotea song "about the life of Jacob Fahlstrom, the first Swede in Minnesota. What a story! A 12-year old cabin boy from Stockholm, he arrived at Hudson Bay in 1809, came to Minnesota at age 14, married a woman of Ojibwe and African descent at age 28, and worked as a fur trader, mail courier, and farmer." Joining Connie will be a talent-heavy band of Sam Miltich, Gordy Johnson, Jay Epstein and violinist Sara Pajunen. (Note tickets remain only for the 6 pm show.)

And speaking of debuts, it's a busy week for Ginger Commodore and her quartet, and tonight they make their debut at Crooners Lounge. If you missed them at the Dakota, here's another opportunity in a different venue.

Michael Janisch

Thursday, August 13. The All Originals jazz series at Studio Z welcomes Minnesota native bassist Michael Janisch. Janisch grew up in Wisconsin and ultimately landed in London where he performs with his quartet and with the Cloudmakers Trio--recently on the Union Depot Stage during the Twin Cities Jazz Fest. Janisch was also at Studio Z about a year ago with his American quartet. This visit, he teams up with local stars Zacc Harris, Brandon Wozniak and Pete Hennig.

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. Jazz Police also posts monthly metro jazz highlights. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. The live edition of The Lead Sheet can be heard at 4:40 pm on Thursdays on KBEM, excertps rebroadcast at 7:40 am on Fridays. Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com)

Coming Soon!

. August 14, Steve Kenny's Group 47 at The Nicollet

. August 15, Charmin Michelle Quartet with Laura Caviani at The Normandy Kitchen

. August 15, Larry McDonough Quartet/Will Kjeer Summer Band at the Black Dog

. August 17, Eric Harland and Rude Unkel at the Dakota

. August 20, Adam Meckler Quintet Live Recording at Studio Z
. August 20, KBEM Gallery Grooves at the Walker Art Center, with Robert Everest Quartet

. August 20-27, Bridge Chamber Music Festival, Northfield (Laura Caviani and Dave Milne on 8/21; Dave Hagedorn on 8/24)

. August 21, Bob Bowman at Jazz Central

. August 21, Adam Meckler Quintet, Live Recording at The Nicollet

. August 22, Adam Meckler Quintet, Live Recording at the Black Dog

. August 22, Jeremy Siskind Trio with Nancy Harms at Vieux Carré

. August 25, Cyrus Chestnut Trio at the Dakota

. August 28, No Room for Squares at The Nicollet

. August 30, Tootie Heath Trio with Ethan Iverson and Ben Street at the Dakota

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 1, Tanner Taylor at Crooners Lounge
. September 4, KBEM Last Days of Summer Cruise with Cameron Kinghorn and Joe Strachan

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 11, Christian Scott and Stretch Music at the Dakota

. September 13-14, Bill Carrothers Trio at Crooners Lounge

. September 17, Patricia Barber at the Dakota

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota

. September 29, Laura Caviani Trio with Todd Straight and Bob Bowman at Crooners Lounge

. October 4, Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra at the Dakota

. October 25, Benny Green Trio at the Dakota

. November 16, Regina Carter's Southern Comfort at the Dakota

Eric Harland and Rude Unkel bring some new sounds to the Dakota on August 17

The Adam Meckler Quintet starts a three-night, three-venue run of live recording sessions, August 20-22

Another week featuring our youngest jazzers as well as our elders, sometimes together on the same gig. All Originals at Studio Z welcomes a native son; two cross-generational ensembles play one more time before going on hiatus --at least til college winter break; the Peterson Family celebrates Linda's CD release; another favorite vocalist returns from maternity "leave," and Adam Meckler starts a three-night, three-venue live recording project. That's the tip of the Twin Cities' jazz iceberg.

Big Gigs This Week

Group 47

Friday, August 14.Steve Kenny's Group 47 has had a surprisingly long run given that three of the five musicians have been engaged in college (or pre-college) studies since the band formed at the Artists Quarter in 2013. Gigs are now tied to pianist Will Kjeer's college schedule, as he starts his first classes at Cal Arts in September, making tonight's Friday Night Jazz at The Nicollet show the last for a while. The band plays an all-original repertoire, and each time out the tunes seem to have been re-examined and given new twists.

Connie Evingson

Also inclined to give crowd favorites new twists and nuances, vocalist Connie Evingson will be in the lounge at Parma 8200 in Bloomington, while original compositions and inside-out arrangements are the norm for bassist Anthony Cox, who brings a trio into Jazz Central.

Debbie Duncan

It's perhaps not the first venue you think of for modern improvising bands, but the SW Crafthouse (aka Senor Wong) in St Paul hosts three young inventors-- Cory Healey, Chris Bates and Jake Baldwin. On the other hand, Patty Peterson and Friends, seem like a perfect fit to Crooner's Lounge where they land tonight, as does Debbie Duncan who makes her first appearance at Vieux Carré. She's likely to be a fixture there as she was at the Artists Quarter -- it's just a room that screams for Debbie! Plan to arrive early as the free dinner hour sets feature guitarist Zacc Harris and visiting bassist, Michael Janisch, hot off his quartet gig at Studio Z last night.

Will Kjeer

Saturday, August 15. Leaving town in style, Will Kjeer has another "farewell" gig, this time leading the Will Kjeer Summer Band as the opening act for Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog. His cohorts include fellow college freshman-to-be Charlie Lincoln on bass (Charlie is off to the Berklee College of Music in a few weeks), Steve Kenny on Flumpet™, Uncle Kenny Horst on drums, and special guests.

Larry McDonough

It's a tough act to follow but the Larry McDonough Quartet is up to the task. Pianist (and attorney) Larry always includes some original tunes (in very original time signatures) as well as crafty arrangements, and his band featuring Richard Terrill (sax), Greg Stinson (bass) and Dean White (drums) has developed a musical telepathy.

At Vieux Carré, pianist Chris Lomheim plays (free!) for the dinner hour sets, and if you peruse the venue calendar, you will see his name on a number of early evenings. Seems he is the house pianist this month!

Charmin Michelle

Over at the Normandy Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis, the "Third Saturday" jazz program is expanding, at least in its scope of musicians. These monthly nights have often presented singer Maurice Jacox; now they're adding some other area favorites. Tonight, Charmin Michelle brings in a formidable quartet with Laura Caviani, Jay Young and Eric Gravatt. This band would rate Birdland or the Blue Note in New York.

Andrew Walesch

Sunday, August 16. Crooners Lounge hosts jazz brunch every Sunday, and this month (and beyond?) that means singer/pianist Andrew Walesch with Gordy Johnson and Jay Epstein, and usually a guest horn player. Walesch brings his own touch of Sinatra to the band stand, and has also taken on curatorial duties for a large part of Crooner's daily schedule. (Watch for news of a Tuesday night instrumental jazz series-- serious jazz with such guests as Tanner Taylor, Laura Caviani, and-- a special two-night gig with Bill Carrothers, all coming this fall.)

Linda Peterson

The long awaited CD release from Linda Peterson is finally here -- with an early evening bash at the Icehouse. Vocalist/pianist Linda has at least partially relocated to the Twin Cities after living and working in southern California. Much of the Peterson family will be on hand to help celebrate this unique compilation of Linda's international releases (You Gotta Be Somewhere).

Monday, August 17. We've seen drummer Eric Harland in many configurations recently, with Joshua Redman's quartet, Charles Lloyd's quartet, SF Jazz Collective and just six weeks ago with Dave Holland, Chris Potter and Lionel Loueke at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. But with his new Rude Unkal ensemble, it's "garage jazz" funk all the way, tonight at the Dakota.

Jana Nyberg

Tuesday, August 18. Nice double header at Vieux Carré tonight. Start out early evening (no cover!) with the always magnificent piano of Chris Lomheim, easing you into Jana Nyberg's "comeback" kickoff gig following her maternity leave. Now in the role of Augie's mom as well as talented singer/songwriter/flautist/educator, Jana brings back the Jana Nyberg Group featuring husband (Augie's dad!) Adam on trumpet and, often, companion vocals. The rest of the team is back too-- Thomas Nordlund on guitar, Matt Peterson on bass and Andres Crovetti on drums. Standards, originals, jazzy pop, always a lot of energy flowing among these musicians.

Jack Brass Band

Wednesday, August 19. So where does a New Orleans style brass band go after opening for Dr. John in the first-ever concert at the new CHS Field? To the Icehouse, of course. Tonight, Jack Brass Band, directed by Mike Olander and featuring a cast of top Twin Cities brass artists, brings their funky Crescent City swing to south Minneapolis.

At Jazz Central, hear back-to-back bands featuring young talents with connections to McNally Smith College of Music. Saxophonist Lucia Sarmiento, a former student of Andres Prado in her native Peru, leads an ensemble of like-minded pals, including, yet again, another opportunity to hear pianist Will Kjeer. A late set features another young gun, saxophonist Adrian Larkin and his band, The Blue. Both bands include guitarist Trevor Wiest.

Katia Cardenas

Vocalist Katia Cardenas returns to the Dakota with a young lion line up of Ted Godbout (piano), Andrew Foreman (bass), and Zach Schmidt (percussion).

Adam Meckler

Thursday, August 20. For the past two years, trumpeter Adam Meckler has focused his composing and bandleading talents on his Adam Meckler Orchestra, with breathtaking results (e.g., the AMO's debut recording, When Clouds Look Like This). Now Meckler turns his attention back to his quintet and three consecutive nights of live recording at three venues. Things kick-off tonight on the All Originals jazz series at Studio Z, where Adam leads pals Zacc Harris, Nelson Devereaux, Graydon Peterson and Greg Schutte. Notes Adam of his return to writing for the quintet, "Writing for the big band has forced me to think about each musician differently, and to consider all of the various orchestration options each instrument provides, so my new quintet music definitely has some of that happening." (He's back in the "live studio" Friday at The Nicollet and Saturday at the Black Dog.)

More Jazz!

Keep up with the live jazz scene in the Twin Cities. The most comprehensive jazz calendar can be found at Jazz Police, but you will also find jazz listings at KBEM, Rhythm and Grooves and Jazz Near You. Jazz Police also posts monthly metro jazz highlights. KBEM and KFAI radio host jazz programs regularly and provide daily notices of jazz gigs and concerts. The live edition of The Lead Sheet can be heard at 4:40 pm on Thursdays on KBEM, excertps rebroadcast at 7:40 am on Fridays. Venues and artists are reminded to send information to online and print calendars (e.g. tc@jazzpolice.com)

Coming Soon!

. August 20-27, Bridge Chamber Music Festival, Northfield (Laura Caviani and Dave Milne on 8/21; Dave Hagedorn on 8/24)

. August 21, Bob Bowman at Jazz Central

. August 21, Arne Fogel at Parma 8200

. August 21, Adam Meckler Quintet, Live Recording at The Nicollet

. August 22, Zacc Harris American Reverie Trio (debut) followed by Adam Meckler Quintet, Live Recording at the Black Dog

. August 22, Jeremy Siskind Trio with Nancy Harms at Vieux Carré

. August 25, Cyrus Chestnut Trio at the Dakota

Cyrus Chestnut

. August 26-27, Ben Sidran at the Dakota

. August 28, No Room for Squares at The Nicollet

. August 28, Maud Hixson at Parma 8200

. August 29, Dean Sorenson Sextet, CD Release at the Black Dog

. August 29, Patty Peterson and Friends at the Dakota

. August 30, Tootie Heath Trio with Ethan Iverson and Ben Street at the Dakota

. August 31, Terence Blanchard and E-Collective at the Dakota

. September 1, Tanner Taylor at Crooners Lounge

. September 7-8, Victor Wooten at the Dakota

. September 8, Dave Karr Quartet at Crooners

. September 11, Christian Scott and Stretch Music at the Dakota

. September 13-14, Bill Carrothers Trio at Crooners Lounge

. September 15, Tommy O'Donnell Trio at Crooners Lounge

. September 17, Patricia Barber at the Dakota

. September 22, Chris Lomheim Trio at Crooners Lounge

. September 22-23, Lizz Wright at the Dakota

. September 29, Dave Graf Quartet at Crooners Lounge

. October 4, Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra at the Dakota

. October 8, Jazz in the Target Atrium (Orchestra Hall), with Wessell Anderson

. October 13, Phil Hey Quartet at Crooners

. October 20, Laura Caviani Trio with Bob Bowman and Todd Straight at Crooners

. October 25, Benny Green Trio at the Dakota

. November 16, Regina Carter's Southern Comfort at the Dakota

Jeremy Siskind Trio with Nancy Harms, at Vieux Carre' August 22 (photo courtesy of the artists)

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, April 17-23

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, February 6-12

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, April 24-30

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, May 1-7

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, May 8-14

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, May 15-21

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, May 22-28

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, May 29 - June 4

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, June 5-11

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, June 12-18

Ornette Coleman: 1930-2015

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, Festival Edition! June 19-27

Twin Cities Jazz Festival: Scenes and Sounds, Thursday (June 25)

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, July 3-9

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, July 10-16

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, July 17-23

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, July 24-30

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, July 31-August 6

The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Live Jazz, August 7-13

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