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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T203000
DTSTAMP:20260724T191814Z
CREATED:20260703T163854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191814Z
UID:10003547-1786818600-1786825800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Mohini Dey
DESCRIPTION:“Dey is a phenomenon” – Steve Vai\n\n\nMohini Dey is an Indian bass guitarist\, arranger\, producer & vocalist with unique style and impeccable technique. She has gained international recognition for her extraordinary talent and versatility. Also\, she has collaborated with numerous renowned artists and performed on prestigious stages around the world. \nForbes India has described her as the “most successful musician under thirty”. Moreover\, she has been working professionally in the music industry for the past nineteen years. She is the only female bassist on Music Radar’s Top Ten Bassists of the twenty-first century. Further\, she has over 20 million YouTube views with 200k subscribers\, 500k Instagram followers\, and 200k Facebook followers. \nShe released her debut album\, Mohini Dey\, in 2023. Then\, it met with rave reviews from fans and critics worldwide. Mohini has recently appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk\, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon\, and a North American tour with singer Willow Smith. Mohini also recently did an intensive one-on-one interview with famous YouTuber Rick Beato. There\, she discussed her techniques on bass\, equipment and more. Mohini was also invited to record at the legendary Sweetwater studio A in Fort Wayne\, Indiana. There\, she recorded two tracks and gave an interview. BET.com also recently featured her. \nShe has worked with artists like Steve Vai\, Zakir Hussain\, Quincy Jones\, Vinnie Colauita\, Stanley Clarke\, and Jordan Rudess. Also\, Mike Stern\, Dean Brown\, Marco Minneman\, Stu Hamm\, Plini\, Louiz Banks\, Ranjit Barot\, Chad Wackerman\, Chad Smith\, and Simon Phillips. \nRecommended for fans of Stanley Clarke\, Tal Wilkenfield\, Matteo Mancuso and Stanley Jordan.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mohini-dey-aug15-2026/2026-08-15/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Rock
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/700x400-MohiniDey.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T230000
DTSTAMP:20260724T191814Z
CREATED:20260703T163854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191814Z
UID:10003548-1786827600-1786834800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Mohini Dey
DESCRIPTION:“Dey is a phenomenon” – Steve Vai\n\n\nMohini Dey is an Indian bass guitarist\, arranger\, producer & vocalist with unique style and impeccable technique. She has gained international recognition for her extraordinary talent and versatility. Also\, she has collaborated with numerous renowned artists and performed on prestigious stages around the world. \nForbes India has described her as the “most successful musician under thirty”. Moreover\, she has been working professionally in the music industry for the past nineteen years. She is the only female bassist on Music Radar’s Top Ten Bassists of the twenty-first century. Further\, she has over 20 million YouTube views with 200k subscribers\, 500k Instagram followers\, and 200k Facebook followers. \nShe released her debut album\, Mohini Dey\, in 2023. Then\, it met with rave reviews from fans and critics worldwide. Mohini has recently appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk\, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon\, and a North American tour with singer Willow Smith. Mohini also recently did an intensive one-on-one interview with famous YouTuber Rick Beato. There\, she discussed her techniques on bass\, equipment and more. Mohini was also invited to record at the legendary Sweetwater studio A in Fort Wayne\, Indiana. There\, she recorded two tracks and gave an interview. BET.com also recently featured her. \nShe has worked with artists like Steve Vai\, Zakir Hussain\, Quincy Jones\, Vinnie Colauita\, Stanley Clarke\, and Jordan Rudess. Also\, Mike Stern\, Dean Brown\, Marco Minneman\, Stu Hamm\, Plini\, Louiz Banks\, Ranjit Barot\, Chad Wackerman\, Chad Smith\, and Simon Phillips. \nRecommended for fans of Stanley Clarke\, Tal Wilkenfield\, Matteo Mancuso and Stanley Jordan.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mohini-dey-aug15-2026/2026-08-15/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Rock
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/700x400-MohiniDey.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260817T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260817T210000
DTSTAMP:20260724T191958Z
CREATED:20260527T191947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191958Z
UID:10003499-1786993200-1787000400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Ben Sidran
DESCRIPTION:“Inspirational\, entertaining\, life-affirming and swinging like crazy.” – London Jazz News\n  \nBen Sidran’s love of music has led to work as pianist\, singer-songwriter\, author\, record producer and music journalist. Also\, he has accomplished many other things in his sixty-year career. Further\, he acts as his own short-order cook\, juggling his own career and his projects. He has produced Steve Miller\, Mose Allison\, Diana Ross\, Boz Scaggs\, Phil Upchurch\, Tony Williams\, Jon Hendricks\, Richie Cole and Van Morrison. He recorded his most recent solo album\, 2024’s Rainmaker\, in France and features a collection of original songs. He channels today’s complexities through his “hipster” filter and demonstrates why he is indeed the “first ever existential jazz rapper”.  \nIt’s been a long and varied journey for Sidran. As a six-year-old in Racine\, Wisconsin\, he played boogie-woogie piano\, leaning into his jazz records\, “literally like an Eskimo huddled around a fire”. Then\, he would grow up to play boogie-woogie piano around the world. He may be better known in Europe and Japan than in America. Also\, this is a fact of life for most jazz musicians. Despite that\, Ben Sidran is an American success story. \nHe’s a jazz pianist of international renown\, lyricist of a rock classic\, award-winning national broadcaster\, record and video producer. Also\, he’s a scholar\, author\, journalist\, and father to a second-generation musical prodigy. Sidran makes your average Renaissance man look like a slacker. \nHe is joined by his longtime bandmates and collaborators\, Billy Peterson on bass and Leo Sidran (his son) on drums. Also\, featuring special guest Ricky Peterson on organ. \nRecommended for fans of Mose Allison\, Marcia Ball\, Dan Hicks and Joey DeFrancesco. \n📸: Jean-Baptiste Millot
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/ben-sidran-aug17-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-BenSidran-qIIPJx.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T220000
DTSTAMP:20260814T172129Z
CREATED:20260520T153408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T172129Z
UID:10003482-1787079600-1787090400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Grace Kelly w/ special guest JangmiArts
DESCRIPTION:“tenacious… clearly in possession of virtuoso talents” – New York Times\n  \nGrace Kelly is an unequivocal musical prodigy: a singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer and bandleader. Also\, she has rocked the jazz world through sold-out concerts and fifteen acclaimed albums. Further\, her resume includes performing at the Hollywood Bowl and joining the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert – all before reaching her mid-twenties. In 2022\, Berklee College of Music’s Board of Trustees named her its youngest member.  \nGrace’s early career highlights include performing at Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration at age sixteen. Additionally\, at fourteen she performed as a soloist with the Boston Pops\, playing an original composition with the legendary orchestra. Since then\, she has led her band in over 1\,000 shows across thirty-five countries. Moreover\, she’s performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center\, Moscow Symphony Hall\, and international jazz festivals. Critics tout her scorching saxophone stylings and purring vocals\, and she has performed and recorded with renowned artists. Here\, these include Lin Manuel-Miranda\, Dave Brubeck\, Lee Konitz\, Phil Woods\, Huey Lewis\, Harry Connick Jr.\, and Jon Batiste. Also\, Gloria Estefan\, Questlove\, and Wynton Marsalis. \nGrace’s latest release\, 2024’s At The Movies: Grace Kelly with Strings\, was inspired by Charlie Parker with Strings. This remains one of Grace’s all-time favorite albums. Additionally\, the album reflects her love of classic and contemporary movies. Here\, she reimagines some of her favorite movie music as well as songs by legendary film composers. Furthermore\, fresh arrangements showcase her signature sound.  \n“Grace Kelly plays with intelligence\, wit and feeling. She has a great amount of natural ability and the ability to adapt. That is the hallmark of a first-class jazz musician.” – Wynton Marsalis  \n“A highly accomplished musician with a charismatic and contagiously uplifting stage presence.” – Jon Batiste \nMixed Roots Foundation in collaboration with JangmiArts presents:\nCelebrating 15 years as a Foundation this year\, with roots in multiculturalism over 30 years ago in Owatonna\, MN. Led by Holly Choon Hyang Bachman\, a Korean adoptee who grew up in Owatonna\, MN\, and graduated from the University of Minnesota\, Twin Cities\, Mixed Roots Foundation raises awareness and funds for the global multicultural\, adoption\, and foster care community and their families. It has a national presence\, is headquartered in Los Angeles\, and has regional impact in San Francisco\, Minneapolis\, and New York. As part of the Foundation’s Next Chapter\, Mixed Roots Foundation will officially launch its flagship program\, the Mixed Roots Academy\, which will focus on four pillars of Entrepreneurship | Arts | Education | Philanthropy. It will partner with Owatonna High School\, serving as its first Founding High School\, where it all started with the Mixed Roots Cultural Diversity student group in 1995\, which still exists today.\n\nGrace Kelly\, a Korean American saxophonist who recently celebrated 20+ years in jazz\, had the unique opportunity to perform at the Inaugural Mixed Roots Jazz Festival in June\, held in Fairfield\, CT\, earlier this summer. The performance pre-launched the Arts Pillar of the Mixed Roots Academy.\n\nIn addition\, with Minnesota still home to the largest population of Korean Adoptees worldwide\, the collaboration with JangmiArts Korean Culture Dance and Drum\, a longtime community partner and friend of Mixed Roots Foundation\, will showcase Korean culture and heritage at Grace Kelly’s show\, who is also part of the Korean American diaspora. This will be an amazing and fun way to further engage\, promote\, and support the next generation of artists and musicians\, as well as the broader audience at the Dakota.\n\nJangmiArts\, directed by Korean Adoptee Han G-in Newmaster since 1997\, has evolved from a children’s dance group into an all-ages Music\, Dance\, Drumming\, and Arts program. Adult Korean Adoptees\, their children\, Korean Internationals\, Other Korean Americans\, and multicultural Koreans are part of the JangmiArts family and community.\nRecommended for fans of Joshua Redman\, Emmet Cohen\, Christian McBride and Branford Marsalis.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/grace-kelly-aug18-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-GraceKelly.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T210000
DTSTAMP:20260724T192004Z
CREATED:20260505T191429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T192004Z
UID:10003450-1787166000-1787173200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Spyro Gyra
DESCRIPTION:“these… grooves are state-of-the-art” – All About Jazz\n  \nIn 2024\, Jay Beckenstein and band started its observation of the fiftieth anniversary of the band. What started as a diversion\, something that was just for fun (and twenty-five cents at the door) continues its evolution into 2025. It began inauspiciously when Beckenstein and a few musician friends in Buffalo\, NY organized a get together on their shared night off from working in bands that actually made money. It was a simple\, humble idea with a name that was likewise simple and humble\, “Tuesday Night Jazz Jam”.  \nFast forward fifty years and this jazz super-group has released over thirty albums\, garnering gold and platinum along the way. They’ve played over 10\,000 concerts on six continents. Further\, Spyro Gyra has maintained its standards of excellence. Thus\, these standards have sustained them on the “A list” of live attractions in jazz for fifty years. Renowned bass player Will Lee once referred to the ensemble as a “well-oiled road machine” as a tribute to their daunting schedule\, bringing their music to fans around the globe. \nFans of the band are familiar with the group’s rise to international prominence from humble beginnings in Buffalo\, New York. That’s when a few area musicians arranged for a weekly gig of playing less commercial music on everyone’s night off. Soon the word got around; the core group was joined by many musicians to come and have fun. And customers started showing up\, too\, prompting the club owner to press Beckenstein for a band name. Beckenstein offered up this late night\, tipsy answer\, “You can call it ‘spirogyra’”\, algae he had studied once. The next week\, he came back and there it was\, misspelling and all\, and so it began in 1974. \nRecommended for fans of Return to Forever\, Yellowjackets\, David Sanborn and Brecker Brothers. \n📸: David White
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/spyro-gyra-aug19-2026/2026-08-19/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-SpyroGyra.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T230000
DTSTAMP:20260724T192004Z
CREATED:20260505T191429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T192004Z
UID:10003451-1787173200-1787180400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Spyro Gyra
DESCRIPTION:“these… grooves are state-of-the-art” – All About Jazz\n  \nIn 2024\, Jay Beckenstein and band started its observation of the fiftieth anniversary of the band. What started as a diversion\, something that was just for fun (and twenty-five cents at the door) continues its evolution into 2025. It began inauspiciously when Beckenstein and a few musician friends in Buffalo\, NY organized a get together on their shared night off from working in bands that actually made money. It was a simple\, humble idea with a name that was likewise simple and humble\, “Tuesday Night Jazz Jam”.  \nFast forward fifty years and this jazz super-group has released over thirty albums\, garnering gold and platinum along the way. They’ve played over 10\,000 concerts on six continents. Further\, Spyro Gyra has maintained its standards of excellence. Thus\, these standards have sustained them on the “A list” of live attractions in jazz for fifty years. Renowned bass player Will Lee once referred to the ensemble as a “well-oiled road machine” as a tribute to their daunting schedule\, bringing their music to fans around the globe. \nFans of the band are familiar with the group’s rise to international prominence from humble beginnings in Buffalo\, New York. That’s when a few area musicians arranged for a weekly gig of playing less commercial music on everyone’s night off. Soon the word got around; the core group was joined by many musicians to come and have fun. And customers started showing up\, too\, prompting the club owner to press Beckenstein for a band name. Beckenstein offered up this late night\, tipsy answer\, “You can call it ‘spirogyra’”\, algae he had studied once. The next week\, he came back and there it was\, misspelling and all\, and so it began in 1974. \nRecommended for fans of Return to Forever\, Yellowjackets\, David Sanborn and Brecker Brothers. \n📸: David White
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/spyro-gyra-aug19-2026/2026-08-19/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-SpyroGyra.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260824T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260824T210000
DTSTAMP:20260730T154725Z
CREATED:20260717T150241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T154725Z
UID:10003567-1787598000-1787605200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:The New Bluebloods
DESCRIPTION:Minneapolis’s Up-and-Coming Guitar Heroes\n  \nGet ready to experience the next generation of Twin Cities talent! The New Bluebloods: Minneapolis’s Up-and-Coming Guitar Heroes shines a spotlight on some of the city’s most exciting young guitarists\, rising artists who are pushing musical boundaries while carrying on Minneapolis’s rich musical legacy. From soulful blues and jazz to rock\, funk\, and beyond\, this is your chance to discover the future of the Minneapolis music scene before everyone else does. \nPlayers:\nFeaturing an all-star Twin Cities lineup: \nGuitarists –\nDavid Feily\nKray Klaas\nNate Walker\nDemitri Rallis\nCassandra Johnson\nIsaac Levy\n+ More \nRhythm Section –\nTony Axtell\, bass\nMatthew Mwangi\, drums\nJordan Hedlund\, keyboards
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-new-bluebloods-aug24-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Rock
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/700x400-TheNewBluebloods.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260830T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260830T210000
DTSTAMP:20260730T133541Z
CREATED:20260728T163829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T133541Z
UID:10003577-1788116400-1788123600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Paris Nights
DESCRIPTION:“fantastic Django Reinhardt-inspired melodies” – Baby Blue Arts\nThe Red Hot Django Peppers are a fiery Twin Cities–based hot club band. They are devoted to keeping the spirit of Django Reinhardt alive while adding their own spark to the tradition. Here\, the group is led by guitarist Ryan Picone\, an acolyte of world-renowned guitarist Stéphane Wrembel. Also\, they feature the dynamic interplay of guitarist Ian Stenlund\, the soaring violin of Daniel Lentz\, and the driving pulse of bassist Sean Roderick. Together\, they create a sound that’s at once timeless and fresh\, blending dazzling virtuosity with irresistible swing. \nThe Red Hot Django Peppers’ audience grows with each performance. Moreover\, they are not just torchbearers of Django’s legacy\, but innovators bringing new energy and excitement to hot club jazz. \nThe Twin Cities Hot Club (TCHC) represents Minnesota in the burgeoning hot club revival. There\, this was originally popularized by Django Reinhardt\, Stephane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. Now\, they recreate the famous la pompe that distinguishes this romantic brand of acoustic jazz. Also\, they cover gypsy bossa nova\, musette\, bolero\, and swing. TCHC perform this timeless deep-rooted music that is physical\, alive and speaks directly to the heart. \nTCHC formed in 2005 and have been sharing their expressive\, “hot” style with audiences ever since. Additionally\, the group has been featured on Jazz 88 and Minnesota Public Radio. Moreover\, they have received rave reviews in Vintage Guitar Magazine\, Acoustic Guitar Magazine\, the Twin Cities Jazz Society and the Star Tribune. \nMembers include Robert Bell on guitar\, Gary Schulte on violin\, Stan Ponkin on guitar and Matt Peterson on bass. \nRecommended for fans of Django Reinhardt\, Stephane Wrembel\, Dorado Schmitt and Bireli Lagrene.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/paris-nights-aug30-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/700x400-ParisNights.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260831T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260831T210000
DTSTAMP:20260727T131815Z
CREATED:20260721T171527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T131815Z
UID:10003571-1788202800-1788210000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Chopin's Heart
DESCRIPTION:Original music inspired by the cabarets of Europe circa 1939.\n  \n“Chopin’s Heart (music) is brilliant. Vocals and lyrics really affecting.” – audience member\n  \nSingers Jennifer Grimm\, Maud Hixson and Prudence Johnson deliver composer Gary Rue’s beautiful songs. Here\, these are inspired by the cabaret music of pre-World War II Warsaw\, an artistic hotbed rivaling that of Berlin and Paris. Further\, as Europe stands on the precipice in 1939\, the past\, present and future collide in these songs. Additionally\, they cover emotions like longing\, lust\, betrayal\, fear\, hope\, redemption\, and of course\, love. \nThe show is titled “Chopin’s Heart” after the famous composer Frederic Chopin. Also\, he asked that\, upon his death in Paris\, his heart be removed and taken back to his beloved Warsaw. Nearly a religious icon\, Chopin’s heart became a rallying cry for partisans during the war. There\, they secreted it into the countryside until peace returned. \nHere\, the show features pianist extraordinaire Dan Chouinard and the vibrant violin of Randy Sabien. Additionally\, Chopin’s Heart composer and lyricist Gary Rue\, co-creator of nearly 100 scores for musical theatre. \nRecommended for fans of Melomani\, Henryk Wars\, Kurt Weill and George Gershwin.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/chopins-heart-aug31-2026/
CATEGORIES:Cabaret,Jazz,Torch Songs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/700x400-ChopinsHeart.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T210000
DTSTAMP:20260724T192259Z
CREATED:20260520T153902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T192259Z
UID:10003483-1788375600-1788382800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Bob James
DESCRIPTION:“one of the biggest stars of smooth jazz” – Jazz Times \n  \nGrammy winner and Fourplay founder Bob James is a legend in the world of jazz. There\, he is revered for his discography of more than fifty-eight albums. Moreover\, he pioneered the sounds and style that came to be known as contemporary jazz. Thus\, Bob’s shadow looms large over the music world of the last fifty-plus years. \nDiscovered by Quincy Jones in 1963\, Bob briefly played piano for Sarah Vaughan\, before becoming a solo artist in 1974. Then\, many solo projects followed\, as well as collaborations with such artists as Roberta Flack\, David Sanborn\, and Earl Klugh. Furthermore\, smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay brought improvised music to the mainstream in exciting new ways. And he’s still going as strong as ever. \nHe also recorded Touchdown\, which included his composition\, “Angela\,” the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi. Here\, this remains possibly James’ best-known work. Additionally\, Bob composed all the original music used in that television series for its entire run. \nJames is recognized as one of the progenitors of smooth jazz. However\, his music has also had a profound effect on the history of hip hop having been sampled often. Two of James’ songs –“Nautilus” from 1974’s One and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” from 1975’s Two – are among the most sampled in hip-hop history. \nRecommended for fans of David Sanborn\, Ramsey Lewis\, Larry Carlton and Jeff Lorber.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bob-james-sep-2026/2026-09-02/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-BobJames-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260903T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260903T210000
DTSTAMP:20260724T192259Z
CREATED:20260520T153902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T192259Z
UID:10003484-1788462000-1788469200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Bob James
DESCRIPTION:“one of the biggest stars of smooth jazz” – Jazz Times \n  \nGrammy winner and Fourplay founder Bob James is a legend in the world of jazz. There\, he is revered for his discography of more than fifty-eight albums. Moreover\, he pioneered the sounds and style that came to be known as contemporary jazz. Thus\, Bob’s shadow looms large over the music world of the last fifty-plus years. \nDiscovered by Quincy Jones in 1963\, Bob briefly played piano for Sarah Vaughan\, before becoming a solo artist in 1974. Then\, many solo projects followed\, as well as collaborations with such artists as Roberta Flack\, David Sanborn\, and Earl Klugh. Furthermore\, smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay brought improvised music to the mainstream in exciting new ways. And he’s still going as strong as ever. \nHe also recorded Touchdown\, which included his composition\, “Angela\,” the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi. Here\, this remains possibly James’ best-known work. Additionally\, Bob composed all the original music used in that television series for its entire run. \nJames is recognized as one of the progenitors of smooth jazz. However\, his music has also had a profound effect on the history of hip hop having been sampled often. Two of James’ songs –“Nautilus” from 1974’s One and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” from 1975’s Two – are among the most sampled in hip-hop history. \nRecommended for fans of David Sanborn\, Ramsey Lewis\, Larry Carlton and Jeff Lorber.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bob-james-sep-2026/2026-09-03/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-BobJames-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T210000
DTSTAMP:20260724T192256Z
CREATED:20260520T161007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T192256Z
UID:10003486-1788548400-1788555600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Cécile McLorin Salvant
DESCRIPTION:“She is a modern jazz marvel.” – Star Tribune\n  \nCécile McLorin Salvant is a composer\, singer\, and visual artist. The Late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and full-fledged musicality\, which light up every note she sings.” Here\, Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling. She finds connections between vaudeville\, blues\, folk traditions from around the world\, theater\, jazz\, and baroque music. Moreover\, Salvant is an eclectic curator\, unearthing rarely recorded songs with strong narratives\, interesting power dynamics\, unexpected twists\, and humor.  \nSalvant won the Thelonius Monk competition in 2010. Also\, she received Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album for three consecutive albums. Here\, these include 2018’s The Window\, 2017’s Dreams and Daggers\, and 2015’s For One To Love. Additionally\, she earned a Grammy nomination for 2014’s WomanChild. Then\, in 2020 Salvant received the MacArthur fellowship and the Doris Duke Artist Award. Her 2022 recording Ghost Song garnered two more Grammy nominations and wide critical acclaim.  \nSalvant released her latest album\, Oh Snap\, in 2025. Here\, this album features twelve very personal songs by Salvant. Further\, she mostly recorded it outside of a traditional studio environment and it showcases her genre-spanning tastes and influences.  \nFor this album\, Salvant wrote these short\, intimate songs as part of a creative quest. Here\, she sought to place spontaneity and joy at the center of her writing process. She originally recorded them alone\, at home\, never intending for them to be released. Moreover\, the songs reflect Salvant’s wide-ranging musical influences from her 1990s childhood in Miami. There\, sounds from boy bands to grunge to classical to folk are present. Additionally\, there are party tracks with beats\, samba grooves\, and quiet folk songs. \nRecommended for fans of Lizz Wright\, Kandace Springs\, Cassandra Wilson and Veronica Swift.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/cecile-mclorin-salvant-sep4-2026/2026-09-04/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-CecileMcLorinSalvant.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260904T230000
DTSTAMP:20260724T192256Z
CREATED:20260520T161007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T192256Z
UID:10003487-1788555600-1788562800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Cécile McLorin Salvant
DESCRIPTION:“She is a modern jazz marvel.” – Star Tribune\n  \nCécile McLorin Salvant is a composer\, singer\, and visual artist. The Late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and full-fledged musicality\, which light up every note she sings.” Here\, Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling. She finds connections between vaudeville\, blues\, folk traditions from around the world\, theater\, jazz\, and baroque music. Moreover\, Salvant is an eclectic curator\, unearthing rarely recorded songs with strong narratives\, interesting power dynamics\, unexpected twists\, and humor.  \nSalvant won the Thelonius Monk competition in 2010. Also\, she received Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album for three consecutive albums. Here\, these include 2018’s The Window\, 2017’s Dreams and Daggers\, and 2015’s For One To Love. Additionally\, she earned a Grammy nomination for 2014’s WomanChild. Then\, in 2020 Salvant received the MacArthur fellowship and the Doris Duke Artist Award. Her 2022 recording Ghost Song garnered two more Grammy nominations and wide critical acclaim.  \nSalvant released her latest album\, Oh Snap\, in 2025. Here\, this album features twelve very personal songs by Salvant. Further\, she mostly recorded it outside of a traditional studio environment and it showcases her genre-spanning tastes and influences.  \nFor this album\, Salvant wrote these short\, intimate songs as part of a creative quest. Here\, she sought to place spontaneity and joy at the center of her writing process. She originally recorded them alone\, at home\, never intending for them to be released. Moreover\, the songs reflect Salvant’s wide-ranging musical influences from her 1990s childhood in Miami. There\, sounds from boy bands to grunge to classical to folk are present. Additionally\, there are party tracks with beats\, samba grooves\, and quiet folk songs. \nRecommended for fans of Lizz Wright\, Kandace Springs\, Cassandra Wilson and Veronica Swift.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/cecile-mclorin-salvant-sep4-2026/2026-09-04/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-CecileMcLorinSalvant.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260906T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260906T210000
DTSTAMP:20260818T201533Z
CREATED:20260806T200643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T201533Z
UID:10003591-1788721200-1788728400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Tyreek McDole
DESCRIPTION:“vocal maturity… recalled the romantic styles of Johnny Hartman and Billy Eckstine” – DownBeat\n  \nTyreek McDole is a multi-award-winning Haitian American vocalist from central Florida. Now\, his soulful baritone and deeply reflective artistry are making waves across the New York and international music scenes. McDole approaches performance as a space for healing\, reflection\, and collective dreaming — treating each concert as both offering and ritual. Here\, he believes that music is one of the highest forms of communication. \nHe first gained national recognition at the 2018 Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center. There\, he received the Outstanding Vocalist Award presented by Wynton Marsalis. In 2023\, he won first place at the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Furthermore\, he became only the second male winner in the competition’s history. \nSince then\, McDole has shared the stage with Jeff Goldblum\, Rodney Whitaker\, Theo Croker\, Maurice Brown\, and Joey Alexander. Also\, Terri Lyne Carrington\, Nicholas Payton\, and Nick Jonas\, among many others. Additionally\, he has appeared at leading venues and festivals worldwide. \nA graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, he developed his craft under the mentorship of master artists. There\, he worked with Gary Bartz\, Sullivan Fortner and Weedie Braimah. Thus\, this training grounded his sound in the lineage of Black American Music while pushing its language forward. \nMcDole released his critically acclaimed debut album\, Open Up Your Senses\, in 2025. There\, he blends original compositions with freedom songs\, spirituals\, and works that speak to justice\, unity\, and ancestral memory. The record reached Number One on JazzWeek charts and earned four stars from DownBeat. Moreover\, it has been praised for its emotional depth and spiritual resonance. \nThis is not simply a concert\, but a healing space — a ritual and an invitation to open your senses. \nRecommended for fans of Gregory Porter\, Endea Owens\, Gretchen Parlato and Brandee Younger.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/tyreek-mcdole-sep6-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/700x400-TyreekMcDole.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260907T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260907T210000
DTSTAMP:20260817T133605Z
CREATED:20260813T203833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T133605Z
UID:10003597-1788807600-1788814800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:A Night for Nina: The Cast of Nina Simone: Four Women
DESCRIPTION:A celebration of Nina Simone’s influence from the Pillsbury House Theatre cast of Nina Simone: Four Women.\n  \nAmid the tumultuous Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s\, Nina Simone’s songs captured America’s anguish and galvanized activists working to alter the course of history. \nSet in the aftermath of the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham\, Alabama\, Nina Simone: Four Women imagines a conversation between Simone and three Black women whose personal stories help inspire her cathartic anthem\, “Mississippi Goddam.” Here\, through live music\, movement\, and charged conversation\, witness the birth of a song that gave voice to a movement. \nThomasina Petrus is an acclaimed and sought-after stage performer. There\, she has portrayed lead characters on Penumbra\, Park Square\, Mixed Blood\, Illusion\, Guthrie\, Capri and Old Arizona Theatre stages. Additionally\, she has performed with “Cornbread” Harris\, Jevetta Steele\, Stokley\, Prince\, Lou Bellamy\, Lewis Whitlock\, and Marion McClinton. \nAimee K. Bryant has built a lengthy resume performing on stages throughout the Twin Cities. Also\, Aimee was named City Pages 2015 Actress of the Year and was a McKnight Theatre Artist Fellow for 2015-2016. She has appeared onstage at Penumbra\, The Guthrie\, MN State Fair and many others. \nKashimana is a mother\, musician\, vocalist\, composer\, producer and teaching artist with a rich soulful blues voice. The name Kashimana means “that’s their heart”. Here\, you can hear Kashimana’s heart beating in the compelling sound of their music. Further\, she explores soul\, R&B\, folk\, Afro-funk and more. \nErin Willis is an actor\, musician\, and teacher who performs across the country. Since arriving in Minneapolis\, she has taught at The Guthrie and Children’s Theatre Co. Further\, Erin is so excited to be a part of the vibrant Twin Cities arts community. \nRecommended for fans of Nina Simone\, Billie Holiday\, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/a-night-for-nina-the-cast-of-nina-simone-four-women-sep7-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Theater
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/700x400-NinaSimone.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260908T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260908T210000
DTSTAMP:20260807T141213Z
CREATED:20260506T173340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T141213Z
UID:10003590-1788894000-1788901200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Madeleine Peyroux
DESCRIPTION:“It’s rare to find someone capable of injecting such life into every single lyric.” – London Jazz News\n  \n“We Are America is a celebration of great Americans and American music. I want to remind us all of who we are.” \nThis is a celebration of American composers and performers who deeply influenced American culture. Here\, all of whom are the children of immigrants\, or descendants of our formerly enslaved Black American brethren. “My music and these performances are part of a dialogue. That’s what art is. It’s engagement\, community. I believe more than anything in getting together with people and listening to music and conversing. Music is the only way I’ve ever built community.” \nMuch like songbird Edith Piaf\, Madeleine Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Just like the ‘little sparrow’\, Madeleine befriended the city’s street musicians and made its Latin quarter her first stage. Years later\, Peyroux would cite iconic Piaf as an influence on her music. There\, her rendition of Piaf’s classic “La Vie En Rose”\, soulfully captures the tune’s romanticism and melancholy. \nMadeleine “grew up in a house filled with music” and from an early age “instinctively realized music’s soothing power”. Then\, young Madeleine moved to Paris with her mother in 1987 following her parents’ divorce. “To soothe me during the upheaval”\, she recalls\, “I was given a guitar and took to playing in the streets almost immediately.”  \nThirty years after her formative busking days Peyroux is the proud curator of nine beguiling albums. The soundtrack of Oscar-winner The Shape of Water features her atmospheric version of Serge Gainsbourg’s “La Javanaise”. Additionally\, her countless accolades include the coveted BBC International Artist of the Year honor. \nRecommended for fans of Norah Jones\, Melody Gardot\, Diana Krall and Stacey Kent.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/madeleine-peyroux-sep-2026/2026-09-08/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-MadeleinePeyroux.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T210000
DTSTAMP:20260807T141213Z
CREATED:20260506T173340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T141213Z
UID:10003453-1788980400-1788987600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Madeleine Peyroux
DESCRIPTION:“It’s rare to find someone capable of injecting such life into every single lyric.” – London Jazz News\n  \n“We Are America is a celebration of great Americans and American music. I want to remind us all of who we are.” \nThis is a celebration of American composers and performers who deeply influenced American culture. Here\, all of whom are the children of immigrants\, or descendants of our formerly enslaved Black American brethren. “My music and these performances are part of a dialogue. That’s what art is. It’s engagement\, community. I believe more than anything in getting together with people and listening to music and conversing. Music is the only way I’ve ever built community.” \nMuch like songbird Edith Piaf\, Madeleine Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Just like the ‘little sparrow’\, Madeleine befriended the city’s street musicians and made its Latin quarter her first stage. Years later\, Peyroux would cite iconic Piaf as an influence on her music. There\, her rendition of Piaf’s classic “La Vie En Rose”\, soulfully captures the tune’s romanticism and melancholy. \nMadeleine “grew up in a house filled with music” and from an early age “instinctively realized music’s soothing power”. Then\, young Madeleine moved to Paris with her mother in 1987 following her parents’ divorce. “To soothe me during the upheaval”\, she recalls\, “I was given a guitar and took to playing in the streets almost immediately.”  \nThirty years after her formative busking days Peyroux is the proud curator of nine beguiling albums. The soundtrack of Oscar-winner The Shape of Water features her atmospheric version of Serge Gainsbourg’s “La Javanaise”. Additionally\, her countless accolades include the coveted BBC International Artist of the Year honor. \nRecommended for fans of Norah Jones\, Melody Gardot\, Diana Krall and Stacey Kent.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/madeleine-peyroux-sep-2026/2026-09-09/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-MadeleinePeyroux.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260910T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260910T210000
DTSTAMP:20260807T141213Z
CREATED:20260506T173340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T141213Z
UID:10003454-1789066800-1789074000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Madeleine Peyroux
DESCRIPTION:“It’s rare to find someone capable of injecting such life into every single lyric.” – London Jazz News\n  \n“We Are America is a celebration of great Americans and American music. I want to remind us all of who we are.” \nThis is a celebration of American composers and performers who deeply influenced American culture. Here\, all of whom are the children of immigrants\, or descendants of our formerly enslaved Black American brethren. “My music and these performances are part of a dialogue. That’s what art is. It’s engagement\, community. I believe more than anything in getting together with people and listening to music and conversing. Music is the only way I’ve ever built community.” \nMuch like songbird Edith Piaf\, Madeleine Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Just like the ‘little sparrow’\, Madeleine befriended the city’s street musicians and made its Latin quarter her first stage. Years later\, Peyroux would cite iconic Piaf as an influence on her music. There\, her rendition of Piaf’s classic “La Vie En Rose”\, soulfully captures the tune’s romanticism and melancholy. \nMadeleine “grew up in a house filled with music” and from an early age “instinctively realized music’s soothing power”. Then\, young Madeleine moved to Paris with her mother in 1987 following her parents’ divorce. “To soothe me during the upheaval”\, she recalls\, “I was given a guitar and took to playing in the streets almost immediately.”  \nThirty years after her formative busking days Peyroux is the proud curator of nine beguiling albums. The soundtrack of Oscar-winner The Shape of Water features her atmospheric version of Serge Gainsbourg’s “La Javanaise”. Additionally\, her countless accolades include the coveted BBC International Artist of the Year honor. \nRecommended for fans of Norah Jones\, Melody Gardot\, Diana Krall and Stacey Kent.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/madeleine-peyroux-sep-2026/2026-09-10/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-MadeleinePeyroux.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260913T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260913T230000
DTSTAMP:20260807T140545Z
CREATED:20260528T151231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T140545Z
UID:10003500-1789326000-1789340400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Dominique Fils-Aimé
DESCRIPTION:“so much soul… unmistakably sunlit style” – Spin\n  \nDominique Fils-Aimé has established herself as one of today’s leading voices in vocal jazz. Also\, the Montreal singer-songwriter has won two Juno Awards. Her latest album\, Our Roots Run Deep (2023)\, earned the 2024 JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Additionally\, it received the 2024 Félix Award for Best Jazz Album at ADISQ. There\, this affirms the importance of her artistic vision at the crossroads of jazz\, soul\, and blues. \nIn February 2026\, she unveiled the second chapter of her sophomore trilogy with new album My World Is The Sun. With this project\, Fils-Aimé continues her exploration of sonic\, creative\, and spiritual freedom. \nOn stage\, she offers an immersive performance that invites audiences to delve into the roots of their soul. Moreover\, she is guided by a profound quest for connection. She released her first live album Live at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2025. Here\, it stands as a testament to the strength of her stage presence and her ability to forge an intimate bond with her audience. \nIn recent years\, she has performed on many prestigious stages. For example\, Blue Note New York\, Blue Note Los Angeles\, Monterey Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz Festival. Additionally\, she has opened for Melody Gardot\, Diana Krall\, and Jamie Cullum in many European theaters. \nIn 2026\, Dominique Fils-Aimé will bring her new album to the stage on a world tour. Thus\, she has announced concerts in Europe at La Maroquinerie (Paris) and Le Botanique (Brussels). Further\, dates in Canada at the Montreal International Jazz Festival\, and across the United States. \nRecommended for fans of Erykah Badu\, Gregory Porter\, Lianne La Havas and José James. \n📸: Vladim Vilain
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/dominique-fils-aime-sep13-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-DominiqueFilsAime.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260914T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260914T210000
DTSTAMP:20260807T140615Z
CREATED:20260611T151246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T140615Z
UID:10003512-1789412400-1789419600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Lucía
DESCRIPTION:“rich kaleidoscope of references… unique voice” – DownBeat\n  \nLucía is a 24-year-old vocalist from Veracruz\, México. Her singular artistic vision bridges the gaps between jazz\, Latin and pop music. Lucía Gutierrez Rebolloso started her musical career at the age of two. There\, she sang and danced in her parents’ son jarocho band\, Son de Madera. Then\, she began studying voice at the age of thirteen at Universidad Veracruzana. Additionally\, she received a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies there. In 2022\, she became the first Mexican artist to enter the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition\, which she won. \nLucía has already collaborated with several world-renowned artists and musicians. Here\, these include Natalia Lafourcade\, Aloe Blacc\, La Santa Cecilia\, Quetzal\, Son de Madera\, Alex Mercado and the National Jazz Orchestra of Mexico (ONJMX in Spanish). She has performed on notable stages worldwide\, including Carnegie Hall and Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Also\, Royce Hall at UCLA\, the ASU Gammage in Arizona\, and El Cantoral. Additionally\, the National Center for the Arts and the Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris in Mexico City. She has also performed in renowned festivals like the Vancouver Folk Festival and the International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato\, Mexico. \nLucía released her first full album in 2025. Here\, it presents Lucía’s interpretations of jazz standards (“What a Difference a Day Makes\,” “You Must Believe in Spring\,”). Also\, classic Spanish songs (“Silencio\,” “La Llorona\,” “Como Fue”) and current pop songs (by Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo). Furthermore\, the album featuring an extraordinary group of musicians including Edward Simon\, David Sanchez\, Larry Grenadier and Antonio Sánchez. \nRecommended for fans of Bria Skonberg\, Emma Smith\, Rachael & Vilray and Stella Cole. \n📸: Shervin Lainez
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/lucia-sep14-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/700x400-Lucia.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T203000
DTSTAMP:20260807T140658Z
CREATED:20260715T160329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T140658Z
UID:10003561-1789498800-1789504200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Mike Stern Band
DESCRIPTION:“an amazing ear for harmony and endlessly creative… exhilarating” – PopMatters\n  \nMike Stern is one of the true guitar greats of his generation. There\, he plays with remarkable facility\, and his searing lines draw mainly on bebop and the blues. Additionally\, he carries a rock-tinged intensity. He uniquely combines the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall\, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent\, overdriven attack of Jimi Hendrix. \nStern made his mark with Miles Davis in the early ‘80s before launching his solo career in 1985. Since then\, he has released seventeen recordings as a leader\, six of which received Grammy nominations. Moreover\, his latest recording\, 2024’s Echoes and Other Songs\, features an all-star cast. \nMusicians\, critics and fans hail drummer Dennis Chambers for his technique and speed. Furthermore\, they particularly praise his ability to play “in the pocket”. Thus\, he has worked with John Scofield\, George Duke\, Brecker Brothers\, Steely Dan\, Santana\, Parliament/Funkadelic\, John McLaughlin\, and more. \nBassist Noam Tanzer moves among a diverse world of styles. There\, these vary from improvised music to hardcore metal\, from indie rock in Spanish to the music of Billy Strayhorn. Noam has worked with Paquito D’Rivera\, Miguel Zenon\, Julieta Rada and others. \nRegarded as the First Lady of jazz guitar\, Leni Stern has become a respected force on the global music scene. Also\, she has led her own groups for over three decades. Additionally\, Guitar Player once described her work as “a case study in the interactive properties of composition and improvisation.” \nSaxophonist Bob Franceschini ranks among the most in-demand players in New York. There\, he has worked with George Benson\, Eddie Palmieri\, Woody Shaw\, Kenny Kirkland\, Chris Botti\, Chaka Khan and many others. \nRecommended for fans of John Scofield\, Miles Davis\, Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorius. \n📸: Sandrine Lee
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mike-stern-band-sep15-2026/2026-09-15/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/700x400-MikeStern.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T230000
DTSTAMP:20260807T140658Z
CREATED:20260715T160329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T140658Z
UID:10003562-1789506000-1789513200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Mike Stern Band
DESCRIPTION:“an amazing ear for harmony and endlessly creative… exhilarating” – PopMatters\n  \nMike Stern is one of the true guitar greats of his generation. There\, he plays with remarkable facility\, and his searing lines draw mainly on bebop and the blues. Additionally\, he carries a rock-tinged intensity. He uniquely combines the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall\, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent\, overdriven attack of Jimi Hendrix. \nStern made his mark with Miles Davis in the early ‘80s before launching his solo career in 1985. Since then\, he has released seventeen recordings as a leader\, six of which received Grammy nominations. Moreover\, his latest recording\, 2024’s Echoes and Other Songs\, features an all-star cast. \nMusicians\, critics and fans hail drummer Dennis Chambers for his technique and speed. Furthermore\, they particularly praise his ability to play “in the pocket”. Thus\, he has worked with John Scofield\, George Duke\, Brecker Brothers\, Steely Dan\, Santana\, Parliament/Funkadelic\, John McLaughlin\, and more. \nBassist Noam Tanzer moves among a diverse world of styles. There\, these vary from improvised music to hardcore metal\, from indie rock in Spanish to the music of Billy Strayhorn. Noam has worked with Paquito D’Rivera\, Miguel Zenon\, Julieta Rada and others. \nRegarded as the First Lady of jazz guitar\, Leni Stern has become a respected force on the global music scene. Also\, she has led her own groups for over three decades. Additionally\, Guitar Player once described her work as “a case study in the interactive properties of composition and improvisation.” \nSaxophonist Bob Franceschini ranks among the most in-demand players in New York. There\, he has worked with George Benson\, Eddie Palmieri\, Woody Shaw\, Kenny Kirkland\, Chris Botti\, Chaka Khan and many others. \nRecommended for fans of John Scofield\, Miles Davis\, Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorius. \n📸: Sandrine Lee
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mike-stern-band-sep15-2026/2026-09-15/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/700x400-MikeStern.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T210000
DTSTAMP:20260908T133837Z
CREATED:20260904T161311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T133837Z
UID:10003631-1789671600-1789678800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:A Night Dedicated to Cassandra Wilson
DESCRIPTION:An all-star tribute to one of jazz’s most iconic voices.\n  \nWe are sad to hear the news of the passing of Cassandra Wilson at age seventy. She was a singer’s singer\, one of those artists who seemed to be as admired by peers as by fans. There\, she became one of the most acclaimed jazz vocalists of the 1990s and beyond. Moreover\, she accomplished this through her unmistakably deep\, smoky voice and adventurous approach to song interpretation. \nWilson was best known for her genre-bending voice\, which expanded the boundaries of traditional blues-based jazz. At the heart of all her work was her idiosyncratic contralto\, a soulful sound distinctly tied to her roots. \nShe won numerous awards\, including two Grammys and an Honorary Doctorate in Music from Berklee College of Music. Also\, she received the highest jazz award in the country\, being named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022. \nShe released more than twenty albums as a primary leader. With an average of ten to twelve songs per studio album\, she recorded roughly 200 to 250 songs. Her total count is significantly higher when including guest appearances on projects by artists like Wynton Marsalis\, Terence Blanchard\, and Bill Frisell. \nWilson counted herself as one of the types of musicians that are really concerned about the art of jazz. There\, she became “really motivated every day to get up and create something brand new”. Furthermore\, she offers that you should “focus on honing your craft and being able to communicate as best as possible\, your ideas as an artist”. (Mississippi Public Broadcasting) \nHere\, this special show includes favorites “Time After Time”\, “Strange Fruit”\, “Tupelo Honey”\, “Waters of March” and many more. \nGinger Commodore\, vocals\nAdi Yeshaya\, piano\nJay Young\, bass\nBrandon Commodore\, drums\nDaryl Boudreaux\, percussion\nOmar Abdulkarim\, trumpet \nRecommended for fans of Dianne Reeves\, Dee Dee Bridgewater\, Diana Krall and Lizz Wright.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/a-night-dedicated-to-cassandra-wilson-sep17-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/700x400-CassandraWilson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260920T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260920T210000
DTSTAMP:20260724T193137Z
CREATED:20260224T181030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T193137Z
UID:10003322-1789930800-1789938000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights at Orchestra Hall
DESCRIPTION:“He’s the only individual artist to top the Hot 100 with both a vocal hit and an instrumental hit.” – Billboard\n  \nGet ready for a very special evening with Herb Alpert and his brand-new Tijuana Brass. Herb along with his six great musicians will be playing all your favorite TJB hit songs just as you remember. The band includes Bill Cantos (piano & marimba)\, Kerry Marx (guitar)\, Ryan Dragon (trombone)\, Kris Bergh (trumpet)\, Ray Brinker (drums) and Hussain Jiffry (bass). \n2025 marked the sixtieth anniversary of the iconic album Whipped Cream & Other Delights. Herb and the band will be performing many of those great songs in addition to many other hit songs. “The Lonely Bull”\, “Spanish Flea”\, “Taste of Honey”\, “Mexican Shuffle”\, “Tijuana Taxi”\, “This Guy’s In Love With You”\, “What Now My Love”\, “Zorba the Greek”\, “Ladyfingers”\, “Rise” and many other delights. Further\, the show features a giant video screen. There\, hundreds of classic photos\, videos\, art and various memorabilia from Herb’s music career will be displayed.  \nA legendary trumpet player\, Herb Alpert’s extraordinary musicianship has earned him five Number One hits. Additionally\, he has nine Grammy Awards\, fifteen Gold albums\, fourteen Platinum albums and has sold over 72 million records worldwide. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass propelled his sound into the limelight\, at one point outselling The Beatles two to one. In 1966\, they achieved the remarkable feat of simultaneously having four albums in the Billboard Top Ten. Furthermore\, they had five in the Top Twenty. Alpert is also the only artist who has had a Number One instrumental (“Rise”) and a Number One vocal record (“This Guy’s In Love With You”). \nRecommended for fans of Chris Botti\, Andy Williams\, Sergio Mendez & Brasil ’66 and Chuck Mangione. \n📸: Dewey Nicks\n \nThis performance excludes A-Train membership benefits\, except for early access.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/herb-alpert-the-tijuana-brass-other-delights-sep20-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/700x400-offsite-Herb-Alpert.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260920T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260920T210000
DTSTAMP:20260910T134958Z
CREATED:20260909T173424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T134958Z
UID:10003632-1789930800-1789938000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Southside Aces: A Night in New Orleans
DESCRIPTION:“flawlessly replicate the sound of classic New Orleans” — Prairie Uprising\n  \nFor 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. \nIn 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”! \n“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 \n“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 \nRecommended for fans of Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, Tuba Skinny\, Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller. \n📸: Paul Udstrand
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/southside-aces-a-night-in-new-orleans-sep20-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/700x400-SouthsideAces.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260927T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260927T173000
DTSTAMP:20260729T172305Z
CREATED:20260612T192958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T172305Z
UID:10003516-1790526600-1790530200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:VIP Event: Alicia Witt: Album Release
DESCRIPTION:Click the link below for show tickets!\nAlicia Witt: Album Release – SEP 27 • 7:00pm performance \n\nAlicia Witt VIP Meet & Greet Upgrade – $50 \nIMPORTANT: This is not a ticket to the show.\nYou must have a concert ticket in order to purchase this VIP Meet & Greet upgrade. \nJoin Alicia Witt for an exclusive pre-show VIP experience!\nYour VIP upgrade includes: \n\nPre-show Meet & Greet with Alicia Witt\nPhoto Opportunity\nAutographs (Bring up to 5 items from home or purchase merchandise at the merch table)\n\nCheck-in Time: Please arrive at the venue by 4:30 PM.\nAfter check-in\, you’ll be escorted to the VIP area for the meet & greet\, which takes place before doors open at 5:30 PM. \n*Availability for this event is limited to ensure proper time to spend with everyone. \n\n“gorgeously sung… If this is what ‘directing from beyond’ sounds like\, it’s rather beautiful.” – Times UK\, 7/2026\n  \nAlicia Witt releases Between Heaven and Earth\, the haunting and deeply personal new album\, August 28 via Thirty Tigers. Witt recorded the album live in New York City with producer Joe Henry and a band she assembled specifically for the project. Now\, the album occupies a space suspended between transcendence and intimacy. On it\, Witt channels “eternal unconditional love” and “the place suspended between heaven and earth.” \nDavid Lynch’s influence and memory profoundly shaped the album. There\, his impact on Witt stretches back to her first film role as Alia in Dune at age seven. “I can’t imagine who I would be without David Lynch\,” Witt reflects. “He is weaved throughout the fabric of my life.” Throughout Between Heaven and Earth\, Witt explores what she learned from Lynch “regarding love. The eternal nature of it\, the idea that only love is real.” Moreover\, she describes his presence as palpable during the record’s creation. “David was with us every day in the studio. All six of us in the band felt his presence.” \nWitt is widely recognized for her acclaimed acting career spanning film\, television\, and stage. However\, music remains a constant throughline in her life. She is a classically trained pianist who supported herself as a musician when she first moved to Los Angeles. Also\, Witt integrates music into her creative identity\, through her own songwriting and in many of her onscreen roles. She’s released multiple full-length albums\, including Revisionary History (2015)\, The Conduit (2021)\, and I Think I’m Spending Christmas With You (2024). Here\, Between Heaven and Earth represents the latest chapter in that ongoing musical journey. \nWitt tracked the album live over four days\, recording vocals and instrumentation simultaneously. There\, she embraced what she calls a “visceral and eternal” energy\, one that “could never be replicated.” Guided by Henry’s vision and the chemistry of the musicians in the room\, the band created the songs instinctively and in-the-moment. Consequently\, the album features minimal overdubs and an openness to what Witt repeatedly refers to as “that place”. Thus\, the transcendent emotional state she connects to through Transcendental Meditation\, prayer\, creativity\, and Lynch’s work itself. \nThe songs on Between Heaven and Earth explore themes of longing\, fate\, healing\, surrender\, nostalgia\, gratitude\, and connection through what Witt describes as a lens of “insistent optimism.” The title track embraces “a mystical connection with a brand-new person.” Also\, they root themselves in “childlike faith in the possibility” and the belief that “it does no harm to dream.” On “Artifacts\,” Witt examines “releasing ancient lessons that no longer serve\,” gently excavating old wounds and learning “how to love.” Also\, “Kindred” channels the feeling of “walls crumbling” and “barriers evaporating in a fabric made of light and destiny.” Then\, “Build Me A Dream” reflects on “constructing the reality we wish to exist in” and recognizing “an eternal soul connection.” \nElsewhere\, songs like “Freeze Frame\,” “Test Drive\,” and “Blue Moon” meditate on alternate timelines and nostalgia. Also\, the peaceful acceptance of connections that were not meant to remain. On “Thank You\,” featuring John Paul White\, Witt transforms heartbreak into gratitude. Here\, Witt reflects on relationships that “cleared the way for new relationships and opportunities to come in.” On “Love Anyway\,” Witt sings about unconditional love that remains even when unreturned: “The love is what’s important. You love and give love without condition or expectation.” \nWitt closes the album with “The Director\,” a bonus track she describes as “communication with David” and “a collection of his words to me since he passed away.” She completed the song spontaneously during the album’s final day in the studio. There\, she recorded a single uninterrupted performance while the microphones continued running during lunch break. “I just knew when I played this one that it had arrived and was complete at last\,” she recalls. \nFor Witt\, Between Heaven and Earth ultimately explores connection — to spirit\, to memory\, to other people\, and to something larger than ourselves. “Too often\, it seems to me\, people imagine love in a vacuum\,” she explains. “I know love to be eternal and unconditional.” Thus\, the result is an album rooted not in bitterness or regret. Here\, it’s rooted in surrender\, gratitude\, wonder\, and the belief that “only love can change minds and hearts.” \n“What all these songs have in common is that there is no bitterness. No angst\, no revenge\, nothing resembling hatred or regret\,” Witt says. “This is my offering. May it bring you exactly where you need it to bring you.” \nPresave the album here\nRecommended for fans of Patty Griffin\, Over the Rhine\, Shawn Colvin and Natalie Merchant.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/vip-event-alicia-witt-album-release-sep27-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/700x400-VIP-AliciaWittAR-VIP.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260927T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260927T210000
DTSTAMP:20260729T165811Z
CREATED:20260612T192607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T165811Z
UID:10003515-1790535600-1790542800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Alicia Witt: Album Release
DESCRIPTION:VIP Meet & Greet Add-On. Click the links below for tickets!\nAlicia Witt: Album Release – SEP 27 • 4:30pm VIP Meet & Greet \n\n“gorgeously sung… If this is what ‘directing from beyond’ sounds like\, it’s rather beautiful.” – Times UK\, 7/2026\n  \nAlicia Witt releases Between Heaven and Earth\, the haunting and deeply personal new album\, August 28 via Thirty Tigers. Witt recorded the album live in New York City with producer Joe Henry and a band she assembled specifically for the project. Now\, the album occupies a space suspended between transcendence and intimacy. On it\, Witt channels “eternal unconditional love” and “the place suspended between heaven and earth.” \nDavid Lynch’s influence and memory profoundly shaped the album. There\, his impact on Witt stretches back to her first film role as Alia in Dune at age seven. “I can’t imagine who I would be without David Lynch\,” Witt reflects. “He is weaved throughout the fabric of my life.” Throughout Between Heaven and Earth\, Witt explores what she learned from Lynch “regarding love. The eternal nature of it\, the idea that only love is real.” Moreover\, she describes his presence as palpable during the record’s creation. “David was with us every day in the studio. All six of us in the band felt his presence.” \nWitt is widely recognized for her acclaimed acting career spanning film\, television\, and stage. However\, music remains a constant throughline in her life. She is a classically trained pianist who supported herself as a musician when she first moved to Los Angeles. Also\, Witt integrates music into her creative identity\, through her own songwriting and in many of her onscreen roles. She’s released multiple full-length albums\, including Revisionary History (2015)\, The Conduit (2021)\, and I Think I’m Spending Christmas With You (2024). Here\, Between Heaven and Earth represents the latest chapter in that ongoing musical journey. \nWitt tracked the album live over four days\, recording vocals and instrumentation simultaneously. There\, she embraced what she calls a “visceral and eternal” energy\, one that “could never be replicated.” Guided by Henry’s vision and the chemistry of the musicians in the room\, the band created the songs instinctively and in-the-moment. Consequently\, the album features minimal overdubs and an openness to what Witt repeatedly refers to as “that place”. Thus\, the transcendent emotional state she connects to through Transcendental Meditation\, prayer\, creativity\, and Lynch’s work itself. \nThe songs on Between Heaven and Earth explore themes of longing\, fate\, healing\, surrender\, nostalgia\, gratitude\, and connection through what Witt describes as a lens of “insistent optimism.” The title track embraces “a mystical connection with a brand-new person.” Also\, they root themselves in “childlike faith in the possibility” and the belief that “it does no harm to dream.” On “Artifacts\,” Witt examines “releasing ancient lessons that no longer serve\,” gently excavating old wounds and learning “how to love.” Also\, “Kindred” channels the feeling of “walls crumbling” and “barriers evaporating in a fabric made of light and destiny.” Then\, “Build Me A Dream” reflects on “constructing the reality we wish to exist in” and recognizing “an eternal soul connection.” \nElsewhere\, songs like “Freeze Frame\,” “Test Drive\,” and “Blue Moon” meditate on alternate timelines and nostalgia. Also\, the peaceful acceptance of connections that were not meant to remain. On “Thank You\,” featuring John Paul White\, Witt transforms heartbreak into gratitude. Here\, Witt reflects on relationships that “cleared the way for new relationships and opportunities to come in.” On “Love Anyway\,” Witt sings about unconditional love that remains even when unreturned: “The love is what’s important. You love and give love without condition or expectation.” \nWitt closes the album with “The Director\,” a bonus track she describes as “communication with David” and “a collection of his words to me since he passed away.” She completed the song spontaneously during the album’s final day in the studio. There\, she recorded a single uninterrupted performance while the microphones continued running during lunch break. “I just knew when I played this one that it had arrived and was complete at last\,” she recalls. \nFor Witt\, Between Heaven and Earth ultimately explores connection — to spirit\, to memory\, to other people\, and to something larger than ourselves. “Too often\, it seems to me\, people imagine love in a vacuum\,” she explains. “I know love to be eternal and unconditional.” Thus\, the result is an album rooted not in bitterness or regret. Here\, it’s rooted in surrender\, gratitude\, wonder\, and the belief that “only love can change minds and hearts.” \n“What all these songs have in common is that there is no bitterness. No angst\, no revenge\, nothing resembling hatred or regret\,” Witt says. “This is my offering. May it bring you exactly where you need it to bring you.” \nPresave the album here\nRecommended for fans of Patty Griffin\, Over the Rhine\, Shawn Colvin and Natalie Merchant.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/alicia-witt-album-release-sep27-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/700x400-AliciaWittAlbumRelease.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260928T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260928T210000
DTSTAMP:20260817T133558Z
CREATED:20260813T204513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T133558Z
UID:10003598-1790622000-1790629200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Kavyesh Kaviraj: Sanctuary
DESCRIPTION:“he’s a natural musical storyteller with a great future” – Jazzwise\n  \nKavyesh Kaviraj\, piano\nGraydon Peterson\, bass \nMiguel Hurtado\, drums\nAlan Snow\, 1st violin \nSarah Grimes\, 2nd violin \nLydia Grimes\, viola  \nSonia Mantell\, cello \nKavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories into his music. Here\, he carefully weaves all his influences into a boundary-breaking modern jazz outfit. He is known as a pianist\, composer and arranger\, collaborating frequently with the finest Twin Cities artists and beyond.  \nKavyesh has garnered acclaim in many musical climates\, but calls St. Paul\, MN home. Furthermore\, he is a sought-after musician in many genres but is primarily a jazz pianist. He has performed with several internationally renowned artists. For example\, Wynton Marsalis\, David Sanchez\, Justin Robinson\, Roosevelt Collier\, Steve Cole\, and others. Additionally\, he has been an important member of the local music circuit. Here he collaborates with local jazz legends like Debbie Duncan\, Bruce Henry\, Babatunde Lea\, Kevin Washington\, and L.A. Buckner. Also\, he is active in hip-hop\, gospel\, R&B\, funk scenes and many crossover acts. \nKavyesh’s debut album\, 2024’s Fables\, describes his long journey of honing his craft in Oman\, India and the Twin Cities. Accompanied by the Twin Cities’ finest musicians\, Fables is a vivid journey through this young composer’s lens. \nKavyesh was born into music. Born to Indian parents in Oman\, he began his fledgling musical career in the small town of Sohar. There\, his family\, steeped in rich musical ancestry\, encouraged him to begin his journey at the piano at age two. Thus\, he attributes his span of musical curiosity and experience to his upbringing. Moreover\, he is educated in both South Indian Carnatic music and North Indian Hindustani music. \nRecommended for fans of Ahmad Jamal\, Kenny Barron\, Wynton Marsalis and Joey Alexander.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/kavyesh-kaviraj-sanctuary-sep28-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/700x400-KavyeshKaviraj.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261001T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261001T210000
DTSTAMP:20260724T193312Z
CREATED:20251119T193017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T193312Z
UID:10003196-1790881200-1790888400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez
DESCRIPTION:“Alfredo\, one of the greatest piano players of all time!” – Quincy Jones\n  \n“[Martinez is] an incomparable performer… a traditional Afro-Cuban music superstar” – New York Times\n  \nPainted in the broadest of strokes\, the stories of Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez may seem similar. Both started life in Havana\, discovered their gifts and passions for music and headed to the United States. There\, they melded the music of their homeland with a wide variety of influences\, each in their own deeply personal way. \nRodriguez was born into a musical family\, his father a popular singer and TV host. Martinez\, on the other hand\, honed his craft on the streets of Havana\, learning the deeply rooted percussion and vocal style of Afro-Cuban folkloric and religious music. \n“What makes this duo completely different is that I came from the folkloric side and Alfredo came from the classical side. You put those things together and you come out with an extraordinary and different sound.” – Pedrito Martinez \nPianist Alfredo Rodriguez’s sound embodies the collective sound of Miami\, blending Latin pop\, timba\, salsa\, bachata\, tango\, reggaeton\, and bolero. It’s a musical fusion that encompasses the diverse Latin community while celebrating individuality and fostering unity. It calls upon Rodriguez’s roots just as much as his newly learned experiences\, representing a new phase of life.  \nPedrito Martinez is a consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum. Since settling in New York in 1998\, Pedrito has recorded or performed with Paul Simon\, Wynton Marsalis\, and Paquito D’Rivera. He has also worked with Bruce Springsteen\, Ruben Blades\, Eddie Palmieri\, Dave Matthews\, and Sting. Moreover\, he has contributed to over seventy-five albums. \nFurthermore\, he is also the world’s first-call rumbero—playing\, singing\, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. Pedrito was a founding member of the highly successful Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band Yerba Buena. \nRecommended for fans of Poncho Sanchez\, Chucho Valdés\, Afro-Cuban All Stars and Eddie Palmieri. \n📸: Anna Webber
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/alfredo-rodriguez-pedrito-martinez-oct1-2026/
CATEGORIES:Global,Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/700x400-AlfredoRodriguezPedritoMarti.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261003T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261003T193000
DTSTAMP:20260831T134324Z
CREATED:20260826T215238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T134324Z
UID:10003616-1791048600-1791055800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Paris Chansons
DESCRIPTION:“French music with lots of international twists… true joy” – Broadway World\n  \nParis Chansons is an exciting French band with an Eastern European twist. They are known for their original renditions of French favorites from Aznavour\, Dassin\, Piaf\, Macias\, Adamo and Dalida\, all the way to contemporary artists like Zaz & Stromae! Their exhilarating performances are punctuated with jazz standards as well as classics in Russian\, Italian\, and other languages. \nThree multilingual singers bring unparalleled diversity to their shows. Julia Kantor\, originally from Ukraine\, lived and studied in France where she discovered in French music a soul connection that still imbues every performance. She entrances the stage with a sultry voice and dynamic presence. Together with her husband\, Jacob\, a Russian-born singer/songwriter\, they launched Paris Chansons. Max Cohen grew up in Morocco steeped in French music\, particularly the songs of Enrico Macias. Max’s rich velvety tone delivers beautifully nuanced renditions of his favorites\, complete with a signature North African lilt. \nSuperb musicianship anchors the ensemble\, effortlessly moving from jazzy improvisation to slow-burning balladry to blistering gypsy fervor. All seasoned pros\, the musicians are Jeff Lams on piano\, Adam Cohen on upright bass\, Endre Balogh on violin\, Sinclair Lott on drums\, and Jacob Kantor on guitar. Paris Chansons takes you on a journey without leaving your seat (except\, of course\, to dance!)\, a spectacular celebration of French and international music that brings the world that much closer. \nRecommended for fans of Pink Martini\, Paris Combo\, The Hot Sardines and Zazou.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/paris-chansons-oct3-2026/2026-10-03/1/
CATEGORIES:Global,Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/700x400-ParisChansons.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR