DakhaBrakha
Since the escalation of the war in Ukraine in 2022, this vital Ukrainian folk quartet has become increasingly popular in the United States. Wearing strikingly tall, furry folkloric headgear, these musicians deliver a distinctive sound they call “ethno-chaos.” The instrumentation is an enthralling blend of cello, accordion, percussion, electric piano and didgeridoo, with otherworldly vocals and polyphonic harmonies. In previous visits to the Dakota, leader Marko Halanevych has offered candid commentary and perspective on the situation in Ukraine, sharing messages of peace and solidarity. This is a truly remarkable experience.
DAKHABRAKHA
NOV 27 • 8PM
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Shaun LaBelle featuring Najee and Brian Simpson
LaBelle, a veteran Minneapolis-launched musician/producer now operating in smooth-jazz circles, enables the parade of smooth-jazz saxophonists at the Dakota to continue with Najee. Najee may be best known for the 1987 R&B hit “Sweet Love” and this century’s jazz favorites “Sweet Summer Nights” and “Perfect Nites,” but he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz and R&B. He’s worked with such formidable jazz men as George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham and Larry Carlton as well as R&B stars Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Freddie Jackson and Eric Benet. Najee lent his soprano sax and flute to Prince’s 2001 album “Rainbow Children.” LaBelle has also invited keyboardist Brian Simpson, known for a long stint with George Duke, to join in this smooth jazz summit.
SHAUN LABELLE feat. NAJEE & BRIAN SIMPSON
NOV 29 • 7 & 9PM
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Piano-playing harmonica master Corky Siegel, known for the Siegel-Schwall Band and Chamber Blues has found his groove with saxophonist Ernie Watts, who played with the Rolling Stones, Marvin Gaye and the Tonight Show Band, and they will add violinist Randy Sabien to the mix.
CORKY SIEGEL, ERNIE WATTS & RANDY SABIEN
NOV 30 • 7PM
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Minnesota’s piano-playing bicyclist George Maurer does his annual jazzy holiday show, a tradition that dates to 1998.
GEORGE MAURER GROUP ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW
DEC 1 • 7PM
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Buzzy young jazz vocalist Stella Cole, who has a noteworthy following on social media, offers her take on the holiday songbook, with backing by the Twin Cities’ own Laurel Strings.
CHRISTMAS DREAMING with STELLA COLE
w/Laurels String Quartet
DEC 2 • 7 & 9PM
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Nicholas David
He’s been playing his St. Nick’s Day holiday show for 12 years running, going back to when he was best known for coming in third place on NBC’s “The Voice.” For this year’s party, the Twin Cities-reared, piano-caressing soul man also known as Nick “The Feelin’” Mrozinski is gifting his fans with what sounds like his most personal and heartfelt album yet, “More Than Music.” The “more” in this case is a bevy of emotions and reflection as he takes stock of family, friends and fleeting fame with a content-sounding warmth and a Southern-y sonic blend that’s part Allman Bros. and Ray LaMontagne.
NICHOLAS DAVID: ST. NICK’S DAY SHOW & MORE THAN MUSIC ALBUM RELEASE
DEC 3 • 7PM
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