The Bad Plus
The December tradition, which dates to 2001, continues, starting on Christmas night once again. The Twin Cities-launched modern-jazz standard-bearers have settled in with the lineup of cofounders Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (percussion) along with Ben Monder (guitar) and Chris Speed (saxophone), both of whom joined in 2021 and appear on two TBP albums, including last year’s “Complex Emotions.” On any given gig, the work of Monder or Speed might dominate as the Bad Plus explores its expansive repertoire of fusion, avant-jazz, pop and ballads, anchored by the progressive notions and occasional whimsy of its superb rhythm section.
THE BAD PLUS
DEC 25 • 6 & 8PM
DEC 26-28 • 7 & 9PM
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The New Standards
It was a joyous run of Holiday Shows for TNS with the return of John Munson, rebounding from a stroke. He played electric bass instead of his familiar upright, but he still had the same spirit and musicality, and his free-wheeling repartee with piano man Chan Poling kept the crowd eternally entertained. Vibraphonist Steve Roehm even spoke up; well, he whispered to Munson, who relayed Roehm’s message about the tailor of their snazzy suits, John Meegan of Top Shelf. After appearing with a parade of guests, expect the sharp-dressed men to strip down to a trio for their jazzy interpretations of pop favorites for their annual Preeners (pre-New Year’s Eve) shows.
PREENER’S EVE w/THE NEW STANDARDS
DEC 29-30 • 7PM
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Davina & the Vagabonds
There’s no New Year’s hangover for Davina Sowers, who has become something of the Queen of New Year’s Eve around here. After doing their annual duty on NYE for two shows, Davina & the Vagabonds are back for their yearly first-of-the-year fun. Expect a delicious helping of New Orleans flavored soul, with some classic R&B mixed in because no one around here does Aretha and Etta like Davina.
NEW YEAR’S EVE & DAY w/DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS
DEC 31 • 6 & 10:30PM
JAN 1 • 7PM
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Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Maybe you recognize the San Diego saxman/flutist. He’s been touring with the Rolling Stones since 2014, and he did a stint in Lenny Kravitz’s band. Denson was the saxophonist in Eddie Murphy’s smash movie “Coming to America” in the fictional band Sexual Chocolate. In the past three decades, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe has taken its jazzy funk all over, from Madison Square Garden to Bonnaroo. Now they’re back in the intimate confines in downtown Minneapolis.
KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE
JAN 2 • 6:30 & 9PM
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Kindred the Family Soul is a veteran, Grammy-nominated husband-and-wife R&B duo from Philadelphia who have worked with lots of their hometown stars including Jill Scott, Jazmine Sullivan and Bilal.
KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL
JAN 4 • 7PM
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Folk veteran Tom Rush, best known for “No Regrets” and that droopy mustache, is back, touting his 2024 release “Gardens Old, Flowers New”.