Joe Pulice Big Band feat. Ricky Peterson
2026-05-14 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
“Jazz is practically in [his] DNA” – Star Tribune

The Joe Pulice Big Band is a high voltage, all-star fifteen-piece big band from the Twin Cities.
This performance will highlight the music of the most famous big bands throughout jazz history. Drummer Joe Pulice, one of the region’s elite musicians, is a two-time Minnesota Jazz Music Award recipient. Also, in 1986, Joe toured with Woody Herman and his Thundering Herd.
During the 1990’s, Joe played vibes and percussion with world-renowned drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt’s group, Kamanari. Joe also played with Jack McDuff and his band, The Heatin’ System. Additionally, Joe has been the drummer for the JazzMN Orchestra for the last twenty years.
Ricky Peterson is one of the most sought-after studio and session keyboard players and producers in America. Furthermore, Ricky tours with Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, John Mayer and currently with Stevie Nicks.
Recommended for fans of Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Gene Krupa and Count Basie.

The New Standards
2026-05-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-17 19:00 - 21:00
“The DNA of the band and its members has its feet firmly rooted into punk/pop culture.” – New York Times

Minnesota stalwarts The New Standards create an intriguing blend of everything from classic cabaret to punk rock. Here, they blend the freedom of jazz with the soul of pop and rock. They make it work through offbeat humor and sheer musicianship. The instrumentation is simple: John Munson of Trip Shakespeare/Semisonic fame on bass; Chan Poling, founder of the new-wave group The Suburbs on piano; and Steve Roehm on vibes. Chan and John split the singing. A footstomp here, a shout-out there, a fiery solo, and it’s cooked. Simple, elegant, illuminating.
The New Standards started in 2005 as an off-shoot project. Since then, TNS has grown into a globe-spanning adventure, filling theaters and clubs around the world. Additionally, they have created several albums, videos, cartoons, dance/theater projects, and ancillary gewgaws that have charmed and delighted faithful fans.
All three are fans of great songwriting. However, they sensed a lack of an interesting jazz trio repertoire beyond the usual “old standards”. Thus, they got together originally to play and sing their favorite songs from every era, particularly post-1960s pop music. Familiar tunes in a stripped-down acoustic setting, leaving room for solos and arrangements with the freedom of jazz. Yet, they never fully abandon the modest soul of pop and rock.
Another thing: though you may associate an acoustic tango version of Britney Spears’s “Toxic” with camp, TNS is not a lounge or novelty act. One listen to their music reveals that they take their music-making as well as their jobs as entertainers seriously.
And yet, they are very funny.
Recommended for fans of Joe Henry, Semisonic, The Suburbs and Dylan Hicks.

Travis Anderson Trio: The Music of Studio Ghibli
2026-05-18 19:00 - 21:00
“They swing like there’s no tomorrow.” – Jazz Police

With energy and chops to burn, The Travis Anderson Trio brings fresh interpretations to standards and more – from Chopin to Mario Bros – they swing like there’s no tomorrow while saluting the great trios of yesterday.
Here, The Travis Anderson Trio celebrates the music of the greatest animated films ever made. With fresh takes on classics like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, this trio brings unrivaled energy to family-friendly tunes. Whether you’re 8 or 80, there’s something here for everybody!
Travis Anderson has been delighting audiences with his dazzling piano technique and inventive arrangements since 2003. Additionally, he has taken his unique piano style all over the metro area and beyond.
Steve Pikal is one of the most in-demand bassists in the region. Adept at many genres, his joyous stage presence and buoyant playing add an exciting element to every show.
Versatile, dynamic, and hard-swinging, Nathan Norman is a first-call drummer in the Twin Cities. Also, he has collaborated with many of the area’s finest artists, including Bruce Henry, Debbie Duncan, Charmin Michelle, and more.
Recommended for fans of Oscar Peterson, George Gershwin, Art Tatum and Vince Guaraldi.

Southside Aces: A Night in New Orleans
2026-05-19 19:00 - 21:00
“flawlessly replicate the sound of classic New Orleans” — Prairie Uprising

For over two decades, Southside Aces have been playing the repertoire of the Jazz Age greats and beyond. Here, they play the early New Orleans of Jelly Roll Morton and the Chicago joys of Louis Armstrong. The evocative compositions of the young Duke Ellington to the barrel house sounds of Preservation Hall. Even the early rock and roll of Fats Domino! Their belief in the contemporary vitality of New Orleans music can be heard in their eighth album, 2022’s Minneapolis Bump. Here, this album contains fifteen originals in the traditional style. The Aces will release two more albums in 2026, including Les Oignons, featuring the music of Sidney Bechet. You hear it all when you’re in front of the Aces. Moreover, treat yourself to a century’s worth of New Orleans jazz.
In New Orleans, the jazz tradition thrives off a wide array of styles. Here, the Aces possess a diverse repertoire, with a roll call that includes jazz giants. For example, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, and Bix Beiderbecke. Additionally, Crescent City classics like “Bourbon Street Parade”, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”, and “St. James Infirmary”. Also, they cover the funky rhythms of brass band powerhouses like “Mardi Gras in New Orleans” and “Palm Court Strut”!
“Some 1500 miles from New Orleans and the Mardi Gras, and what do you think? It’s bouncing around the Mississippi River up here close to the Northern Star.” — Leigh Kamman, The Jazz Image
“The performers are virtuosi and flawlessly replicate the sound of classic New Orleans… The concert was wonderful and demonstrates the continued vitality of this sort of music.” — John Beckmann, Prairie Uprising
Recommended for fans of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tuba Skinny, Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller.
📸: Paul Udstrand

Steve Cole: Record Release
2026-05-23 19:00 - 21:00
“Cole is redefining smooth jazz” – All About Jazz

Join us to celebrate the release of Steve Cole’s twelfth solo album, Sleight of Hand. This dynamic new recording showcases Cole’s signature saxophone sound. Moreover, it features standout guest performances from guitar virtuoso Cory Wong. Additionally, legendary bassist Will Lee (David Letterman Band), and renowned B3 master Ricky Peterson (Stevie Nicks).
Steve Cole is widely recognized as one of contemporary jazz’s most influential and expressive voices. The Chicago native exploded onto the scene with 1998’s Stay Awhile, which fellow Chicagoan Brian Culbertson produced. The disc scored multiple Number One hits and earned Cole the Oasis Smooth Jazz Award for best new artist. Then, he released his sophomore set, Between Us, in 2000. Also, he recorded 2003’s NY LA, 2005’s Spin, 2006’s True, 2009’s Moonlight, 2013’s True, 2016’s Turn It Up, 2019’s Gratitude, and his latest, 2023’s Without a Doubt. Then, Without a Doubt landed four singles on the top of the Smooth Jazz Chart.
Beyond his solo career, Cole has brought his signature sound to collaborations with an impressive roster of artists. For example, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Boz Scaggs, Larry Carlton, Jeff Lorber, Jim Peterik, Freddie Cole, Cyrus Chestnut, and KMFDM. He has also appeared as a featured soloist with the City of Prague Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Cole is a founding member of The Sax Pack, the celebrated sax trio with Kim Waters and Jeff Kashiwa.
Additionally, Dr. Cole serves as a Clinical Professor and Teaching Fellow at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. There, he teaches music industry entrepreneurship and mentors the next generation of artists and innovators.
Steve Cole, saxophone
Kavyesh Kaviraj, keyboards
Jeff Bailey, bass
David Feily, guitar
Kirk Johnson, drums
Recommended for fans of Chris Botti, Brian Culbertson, Eric Marienthal and Mindi Abair.

Glen David Andrews
2026-05-25 19:00 - 21:00
“the most charismatic performer in New Orleans… spectacular” – Offbeat

Glen David Andrews is a native son and a beloved musician of New Orleans. Furthermore, he is a warrior for cultural preservation at a time when indigenous traditions are being threatened in the city. Here, his commanding voice and disarmingly honest manner provide a musical experience that never fails to meet the moment. Also, he is hailed for his fierce trombone sound – a powerful, emotional, and resonant blend of smoothness and grit.
Glen’s music is packed with beauty, hard-earned truths, compassion, humor, anger, joy, and – most of all – hope.
Glen comes from a storied and extended family of musicians. He was born in New Orleans’ historic Tremé neighborhood, widely considered the oldest Black community in the United States. There, he was transfixed by the magic and mystery of the city’s second-line parades. Then, Andrews and his older brother, Derrick Tabb (Rebirth Brass Band), along with cousin Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, learned the history of the brass band tradition firsthand. They learned from iconic figures like Tuba Fats.
Glen has been touring since the age of fourteen, performing in cities around the world. Moreover, he has played in New Birth, Lil Rascals, and Tremé brass bands. He brings equal measures of musicianship and showmanship to each. He now fronts his own high-powered ensemble that expertly fuses traditions from jazz, gospel, rock, blues and funk.
In recent years, he earned prestigious recognition and began making headliner status at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Glen has released several recordings under his own name including the popular Redemption and Portrait of the Treme Prince. Additionally, he is featured on the Galactic hit “You Don’t Know” from the album Ya-Ka-May.
Recommended for fans of Trombone Shorty, Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic and Davina and The Vagabonds.

Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio
2026-05-26 19:00 - 21:00
“Kurt Rosenwinkel is a genius” – Eric Clapton

The New York Times hailed, “Kurt Rosenwinkel can say more in a few lines [of music] than most guitarists manage over the course of an entire career. A relentless explorer … Rosenwinkel has staked out a singular position in jazz’s firmament as a player, composer, and bandleader with a vast and supremely sophisticated harmonic vision and melodic sensibility.”
Kurt Rosenwinkel is a highly acclaimed and influential jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader. Furthermore, critics and fans laud him as one of the most important jazz musicians of his generation. Rosenwinkel has spent decades pushing the boundaries of the jazz genre. Additionally, he developed a signature sound that has captivated audiences worldwide.
He has been a distinct and prominent creative voice at the forefront of modern music for more than three decades. Since his 1991 debut on the New York music scene, Kurt has gained international recognition for his deft artistry and unabated individualism. His fifteen albums plainly demonstrate his legacy as the preeminent jazz guitar voice of his generation. Here, each one inspires legions of musicians young and old around the globe.
Over the last thirty-plus years, Rosenwinkel has released a series of groundbreaking albums and collaborated with jazz legends. Moreover, he continues to inspire the next generation of jazz musicians. Here, his innovative approach to composition and improvisation has made him a household name among jazz enthusiasts.
Recommended for fans of Brad Mehldau, Pat Martino, Ben Monder and Kenny Wheeler.
📸: Marco Preikschat

Robert Glasper OG Acoustic Piano Trio
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-27 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-28 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-29 21:30 - 23:30
“mélange of contemporary jazz, beat-heavy hip-hop, and neo-soul melodies.” – Rolling Stone

Robert Glasper – Piano
Vicente Archer – Bass
Damion Reid – Drums
Jahi Sundance – DJ
Robert Glasper is the leader of a new sonic paradigm with a career that bridges musical and artistic genres. To date, he boasts five Grammy wins and sixteen nominations across eleven categories. Additionally, he received an Emmy for his song for Ava Duvernay’s critically hailed documentary 13th with Common and Karriem Riggins. His work and accolades bridge all aspects of the music business, from live touring to film scoring, composing and producing.
Evolution is his hallmark. Glasper’s breakout crossover album Black Radio changed the face of the genre and set a new expectation for what popular music could be. Then, the album won him the Grammy for best R&B album. Further, it established him as the musician of choice for some of the world’s most iconic artists. Glasper played keys throughout Kendrick Lamar‘s To Pimp A Butterfly, winning another Grammy for the elastic track “These Walls”. The ongoing Black Radio series has become Glasper’s calling card, upholding a place at the heart of a trailblazing community. Collaborators range from long-time sonic brothers Mos Def and Bilal to legends including Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu.
Glasper’s eternal pursuit to further his sound has been consistent in challenging and transforming his creative horizons across the board. Whether producing a remix album with Kaytranda or as a bandleader, Robert consistently defies the limits of the genre. Moreover, this is evident in his expansive portfolio and range of projects. His acoustic trio simultaneously defies and elevates the traditional idiom, uniting it effortlessly with electronics from visionary DJ Jahi Sundance. August Greene is a collaboration with Common + Karriem Riggins. R+R=Now is a new supergroup at the crossroads of hip-hop and jazz.
Recommended for fans of Kamasi Washington, Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild and Kendrick Lamar.
📸: Todd Cooper

Jon Cleary
2026-05-31 19:00 - 21:00
“Cleary is the 8th wonder of the world” – Bonnie Raitt

Jon Cleary has led the ever-evolving musical landscape of New Orleans for thirty-five years. Now, the Grammy Award-winning pianist decided to bring that sound back home, both figuratively and literally. There, he assembled his Absolute Monster Gentlemen in his home studio in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. Then, he drew up a setlist of some of his most beloved songs– and some new favorites– and rolled tape.
“We set out to capture that sound in the old-fashioned way: everybody in the room, playing together,” Cleary explains.
Thus, the result is The Bywater Sessions, a musical tour-de-force that showcases the grit, funk and joy that’s packed concert halls from New Orleans to Tokyo and beyond. Here, it’s a stunning collection of performances that affirms Cleary’s place in the New Orleans musical vanguard.
“There’s a lot to be said for the ‘lean and mean’ sound of a piano trio, stripped down to basics, simple and direct,” Cleary says. “But recently, I’ve been experimenting with different combinations; adding horns, guitar, percussion and even another keyboard player. This expanded line-up has allowed the arrangements to blossom in new directions.”
“Sophisticated, nasty, good-time, low-down funk is the folk music of New Orleans,” Cleary says. “Everyone playing on this recording is a New Orleanian by birth or by choice. Having learned their craft at the feet of the masters who in turn were taught by the old lions in their day. It’s a tradition stretching back over two hundred years. The roots go deep, but each generation, growing up with street parades and second-lines, absorbs the old and introduces the new.”
Recommended for fans of Dr. John, James Booker, The Meters and Professor Longhair.
📸: Steve Rapport

Stella Cole
2026-06-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-01 21:00 - 23:00
“vintage superstar” – Postmodern Jukebox

With a voice that bridges generations, Stella Cole has cultivated nearly 2 million social media followers. There, she connects with them through her fresh interpretations of timeless songs by Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Nat “King” Cole. Moreover, fans and critics often described her as a Laufey-meets-Bublé sensation. Thus, Cole brings a fresh interpretation of classic repertoire to a new generation.
Cole was raised in rural Illinois on Hollywood musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and The Wizard of Oz. However, Cole told Elle that she “never expected this life,” and she has earned praise for her soulful interpretations of the Great American Songbook. Additionally, she’s earned fans including James Taylor, David Foster, and Michael Bublé. Moreover, she’s performed on The Today Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, Tamron Hall, and toured the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
“It’s amazing to think that this music can be a balm for people’s stress and anxiety,” says Stella. “Don’t forget, these songs helped people get through the Great Depression and World War II. That’s the most gratifying thing of all, experiencing how this music can help people.” Here, Cole remains authentic and faithful to the traditions in which these songs have been heard for all these years. Furthermore, she adds a personal charisma that transcends the generations.
Recommended for fans of Emmaline, Haley Reinhart, Postmodern Jukebox and Morgan James.

Vincen García
2026-06-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-02 21:00 - 23:00
“a searing mixture of incredible chops and mind-boggling groove” – Guitar World

Vincen García is a Spanish bassist from Valencia. Moreover, critics and fans acclaim him as one of the most prestigious figures in the modern jazz and funk scene worldwide. He has over fourteen years of professional experience and has developed a distinctive, modern sound marked by energetic and gritty execution.
Born into a musical family, his parents introduced him to performance and touring at an early age. There, his mother was a vocalist and his father a trumpeter. Then, he began playing bass in his high school band and developed his craft entirely as a self-taught musician.
Vincen ranks among the most listened-to bassists globally in terms of streaming. Here, he has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views and reactions. Additionally, he has become one of the most impactful artists in the genre. Thus, he has performed at Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), the North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands), or the Pori Jazz Festival (Finland). His first album, 2023’s Ventura, received an overwhelmingly positive reception in cities around the world. García also collaborates on tours with international artists like Cory Wong and Jesús Molina. The artist will present his second album in 2026 with a world tour that will span every continent.
As a result, he has become one of the most important and influential Spanish artists on the international stage.
Recommended for fans of Cory Wong, Mohini Dey, Matteo Mancuso and Victor Wooten.

MonoNeon
2026-06-06 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-06-06 21:00 - 23:00
“MonoNeon’s astounding musical range, tone and taste are always on full display.” – Fender

MonoNeon is an American bassist and experimental musician from Memphis, Tennessee. He is known for his presence on YouTube playing bass guitar and being one of the last people to work with Prince. He is notable for his participation on the 2020 Nas album King’s Disease, for which he won a Grammy. Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has referred to Mono as “The greatest… electric bass player”. Fender released the MonoNeon Collection, which included the MonoNeon Jazz Bass VSignature, in 2022.
MonoNeon was the last bassist hired by Prince. Here, they worked together for a brief but pivotal time before Prince’s death in 2016. Unlike most artists in Prince’s orbit, he allowed MonoNeon significant creative freedom. MonoNeon says he often encouraged him to “do whatever I wanted to do” musically.
MonoNeon has played the stages of Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Summer Camp, and Blue Note Jazz Festival. Also, Ground Up, New Orleans Jazz Festival, Life is Beautiful Festival, and more. Additionally, he has worked with Mavis Staples, George Clinton, Kat Williams, Nas, Ne Yo, and Mac Miller. Also, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Kingfish, Pete Rock, and more.
Recommended for fans of Ghost-Note, Thundercat, Mohini Dey and Victor Wooten.

Room3
2026-06-09 19:00 - 21:00
“groups of young virtuosos rarely sound so connected” – Jazz 88

Room3 blends tradition and experimentation as a jazz fusion wild card. They craft an imaginative, melodic and rhythmically sharp sound, mixing elements of contemporary jazz, prog rock, funk and more. Here, the collective operates out of Minneapolis most commonly as a five-piece. Room3 is Eli Awada on keyboards, Wormdove (aka Beck Anderson) on bass, and RAWTWHYLAH (aka Colin Mitchell) on drums. Also, Evan Espinoza Robles on percussion, and Mike Green on guitar. Moreover, Room3 has performed consistently at prestigious venues across the Twin Cities, from Dakota to the First Avenue Mainroom. Additionally, First Avenue recently selected them as one of its “Best New Bands of 2024.” Their debut album, Bill’s Garden, is out now.
“Discovering the world of Room3 is like watching a Miyazaki film for the first time.” – Natalia Toledo of The Current
“Groups of young virtuosos rarely sound so connected while playing music together.” – Sean McPherson of Jazz88
Recommended for fans of Chick Corea, Weather Report, Snarky Puppy and Ezra Collective.

Inara George (of The Bird and the Bee)
2026-06-10 19:00 - 21:00
“exploring the intersection between jazz, Tropicalia, and indie pop” – AllMusic

Inara George is a Los Angeles–based singer and songwriter whose voice and musicality move easily between pop, folk, and jazz. Here, she is best known as one half of The Bird and the Bee with Grammy-winning producer Greg Kurstin. Additionally, she is a member of The Living Sisters. She has built a rich and varied career that spans acclaimed solo work, collaborations with VanDyke Parks and Michael Andrews. Furthermore, her performances range from venues like the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall to beloved Los Angeles clubs like Largo and the Troubadour.
Her latest release is 2026’s Songs of Douglass and Littell. There, she revisits music written years ago by her friends and longtime collaborators Philip Littell and Eliot Douglass. The album offers a fresh interpretation of their work—one that veers into new territory for George. Moreover, she dives more deeply into jazz-inspired phrasing, harmony, and mood than ever before. However, these interpretations fit seamlessly within the arc of her broader catalog. Here, they reflect the same warmth, wit, and melodic imagination that define her earlier work. In performance, the music from Songs of Douglass and Littell feel like a natural extension of the voice and sensibility that have long been at the heart of her sound.
Recommended for fans of Nellie McKay, The Bird and the Bee, Amos Lee & Ingrid Michaelson.

Bruce A. Henry & The Dakota Present: Hands & Hearts for the Arts
2026-06-11 19:00 - 21:00
All proceeds from the Livestream and Give Butter will go to Hands & Hearts for the Arts for T. Mychael Rambo.

Livestream tickets: Purchase here (The link to this streaming show will be emailed to you 24 hours before the concert and again, one hour before the concert start time.)
Just looking to make a donation? Donate here with Give Butter

“[Rambo is a] local theater legend” – Music in MN

Following suit of the previous, and very first initiative, Hands & Hearts for the Arts returns to lend a hand to our friend, T. Mychael Rambo. A continued initiative that provides support for artists when they need it most.

FEATURING:
Kevin Kling
Thomasina Petrus
Aimee K. Bryant
Johnnie Brown
Frank Sentwali
Judah Gardener
Ray Covington
Maya Marchelle
Ashley Dubose
Kennadi Watkins
WITH:
Brian Ziemniak – Piano
Jeff Bailey – Bass
Kevin Washington – Drums
Dave Feily – Guitar
Daryl Boudreaux – Percussion
The first recipient of this initiative was Regina Marie Williams back in 2023. Now, the recipient is T. Mychael Rambo – a three-time Emmy award winner, beloved actor and singer who has touched the hearts of audiences across the vast metropolitan area for years. Moreover, he is a regular performer at the Dakota who also has graced stages like the Guthrie, Penumbra, Ordway, and many more.
Recently, T. Mychael suffered a temporary health setback that has rendered him unable to work. Additionally, this includes regular performances that he has been involved in for years.
Known as a “man of great musical imagination,” Bruce Henry is an internationally-known vocalist, composer, storyteller, recording artist and educator. Additionally, Bruce teaches musical history, traditions and culture as he entertains and enraptures audiences with his vocal agility. Anchored in Chicago, with roots in the Twin Cities, Bruce shares his expertise and creativity across the nation and overseas.
Recommended for fans of Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin.

Kinga Głyk
2026-06-15 19:00 - 21:00
“Kinga Głyk is leading the vanguard of musicians taking jazz to the mainstream” – Guitar World

Kinga Głyk is a bassist and composer with a distinctive funk-driven sound. Also, she has quickly become one of the most compelling voices of the new jazz generation. She has released five original albums: Rejestracja, Happy Birthday, Dream, Feelings and Real Life. An artist rooted in improvisation, she blends jazz with a modern, electronic groove. Moreover, she has performed on many notable European stages, including the North Sea Jazz Festival. Additionally, she has played Blue Note Rio de Janeiro, all the way to the islands of Japan and Expo Osaka. Kinga is inspired by sounds and people who don’t always speak the same language. However, as she says herself: “Music can be interesting and powerful enough to move the heart, even if there are no words.”
Her track “Joy Joy” has amassed over 1.5 million views on YouTube. Further, her bass arrangement of “Tears in Heaven” has reached an impressive 20 million. Here, this is clear proof that Kinga’s music resonates with listeners around the globe. Discover it for yourself at one of her upcoming concerts.
Recommended for fans of Mark Lettieri, Nate Smith, Mohini Dey and Victor Wooten.
📸: Róża Kadi

John Pizzarelli Trio: Dear Mr. Bennett
2026-06-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-22 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-06-24 19:00 - 21:00
“A tour de force… a rare entertainer of the old school.” – Seattle Times

Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli celebrates the centennial of iconic singer Tony Bennett with a pair of heartfelt tributes. 2026’s Dear Mr. Bennett features Pizzarelli’s trio with bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson. Here, they perform timeless songs that Bennett made famous. Then, a 5-song EP will follow on August 7, the week of Bennett’s 100th birthday
When Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023, the entire world of music felt the loss. Few artists have made as profound an impact over such a wide range of styles and eras. For example, Bennett’s connections spanned Frank Sinatra, Bill Evans, Willie Nelson and Lady Gaga.
For world-renowned guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, Bennett was more than simply an influence. Pizzarelli’s late father, the revered guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer. There, Bucky appeared on albums including 1960’s To My Wonderful One and 1969’s I’ve Gotta Be Me. Later, John got his own opportunity to accompany Bennett for a radio broadcast with pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart.
The admiration ran both ways – Bennett often attended many of Pizzarelli’s performances. Additionally, he sketched Pizzarelli’s likeness on two occasions. In fact, Bennett created the charming artwork that graces the cover of Dear Mr. Bennett. Moreover, he rendered it during an engagement at Feinstein’s nightclub at New York’s Loews Regency hotel.
Recommended for fans of Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Howard Alden and Russell Malone.

Acoustic Alchemy
2026-06-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-23 21:00 - 23:00
“Utter perfection.” – PopMatters

Greg Carmichael says, “Well at least nobody could ever accuse us of releasing too much music! But I think our fans know by now that we’re a little obsessive about only releasing music when we have something ready that we really love.” There, they released their latest EP, The Empire of Lights, in 2025.
Here, the four tracks on their latest release revisit familiar themes for longtime fans. Moreover, they play a western shuffle on “8,000 Miles” and inject reggae flavours into “Alisio”. Also, they deliver upbeat joy on “Back to Back” and the laid-back groove of “Other People”. “We hope there’s something here for everyone,” says Miles Gilderdale. “We’re very lucky that over the years we’ve found fans that just get what we’re doing, so we can wear our influences on our sleeves and not have to try and fit into any one style.’
The band has been recording and touring for over thirty-five years. However, that spirit of never trying to fit in may help explain the band’s longevity. Here, they just make music that they love. “I feel really grateful that we’ve been on such a long journey with our fans and they’re still there with us.” Greg says, “We talk after shows and it’s always such an honor to hear the stories of how our music has been the soundtrack to so many people’s lives.”
Here, this EP starts a series of shorter musical releases that will eventually combine into a full album. Miles says, ‘We know that these days people listen to our music in lots of different ways. But I think we all remember the thrill of bringing a new record home and listening from start to finish. So we try and make sure everything we release works in that way as well as on playlists.”
Recommended for fans of Fourplay, David Benoit, Peter White and Larry Carlton.
