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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260704T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260704T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260331T183017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T134130Z
UID:10003384-1783191600-1783198800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Davina and The Vagabonds
DESCRIPTION:“This music\, as retro as it may be at times\, feels fun\, frisky and alive.” – American Songwriter\n  \nDavina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene. Their high-energy live shows feature level-A musicianship\, sharp-dressed professionalism and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. Also\, their influences range from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits. Moreover\, the band is converting audiences one show at a time\, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe. \nMuch like the music\, the story spurns era\, expectation and classification. The often unbelievable\, sometimes harrowing\, and wholly inspiring journey of Davina Sowers gave birth to her eponymous band in 2004. As the tale goes\, she grew up in the economically depressed Allegheny town of Altoona\, PA. She now describes the town as “awesome in the industrial era\, but horrible for high school.” Then\, she was adopted by her stepfather when he was in his 80s; he passed when she was just 13. Through him and his Edison phonograph\, she first heard the music that would start her journey. For example\, The Ink Spots\, Sidney Bechet\, Louis Armstrong\, Louis Prima\, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and many others. “Great man. He was my angel and still is\,” she says. \nOn her own\, she vividly recalls hours in front of the record player at home. There\, she religiously spun Led Zeppelin\, Black Sabbath and Simon and Garfunkel records belonging to her folk singer mom. \nTo this day\, Davina still refers to music as “my first and eternal love.” Despite early dalliances with classical piano and guitar\, she developed a heavy drug habit in high school. Further\, this morphed into heroin dependency\, left her homeless\, sent her in and out of jail and brought on all manner of trouble. Kicking dope on the streets\, she “got clean\, started the band and worked [her] ass off every day since.” \nRecommended for fans of Pokey LaFarge\, Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, The Hot Sardines and Squirrel Nut Zippers.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/davina-and-the-vagabonds-jul4-2026/
CATEGORIES:Blues,Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/700x400-Davina.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260705T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260705T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260521T211149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T203222Z
UID:10003492-1783278000-1783285200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Natania & Ticket to Brasil
DESCRIPTION:Natania Kamin is a charismatic vocalist\, songwriter and dancer who is passionate about sharing the music of her native Brazil with American audiences. \nTicket To Brasil is a bossa nova\, samba and Brazilian jazz project founded by contemporary jazz guitarist and composer Pavel Jany. The group has performed at many national and international jazz events and has opened for such renowned artists as Trio Brasileiro\, Brazilian singer Cibelle and American jazz vocalist Karrin Allyson. \nNatania Kamin\, vocals\nPavel Jany\, guitar\nJohn Croarkin\, sax/flute/harmonica\nTed Godbout\, piano\nAnibal Soares\, bass\nJosue Alfaro\, drums/vocal \nRecommended for fans of Gal Costa\, Cibelle\, Gilberto Gil\, and Caetano Veloso.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/natania-ticket-to-brasil-july5-2025/
CATEGORIES:Global,Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-NataniaTicketToBrasil.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260707T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260707T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260528T213058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T182645Z
UID:10003501-1783450800-1783458000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Moore By Forty!
DESCRIPTION:“Their high-energy stage presence\, distinctive voices\, close harmonies makes Moore By Four a must-see-and-hear.” – MinnPost\n  \nFeat. Sanford Moore\, Ginger Commodore\, Connie Evingson\, Dennis Spears\, and Ashley Commodore \nMoore By Four quickly established themselves as a fixture on the Twin Cities music scene upon their 1986 inception. There\, they started out at Ruby’s Cabaret in Minneapolis. The group performed sold-out concerts at the Guthrie and Fitzgerald Theaters and went on to tour Europe and Japan. Then\, they shared concert billing with Harry Connick\, Jr.\, Joe Williams\, Carmen McRae\, Sarah Vaughan and Dizzy Gillespie. Further\, they performed at concert halls and jazz festivals around the world. They’ve sung for the U.S. Olympic Committee\, the Super Bowl\, the Minnesota Twins\, Vikings and Timberwolves. Also\, former President and Mrs. Clinton\, Mikhail and Raisa Gorbachev\, Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel\, the King and Queen of Sweden. Additionally\, they’ve played countless special events\, benefits\, corporate functions\, colleges and universities\, concert halls and festivals in the U.S.\, Europe and Japan.  \nThe harmonies put forth by the four vocalists immediately invoke thoughts of Manhattan Transfer. They do this with their precise vocal control and polish\, pulsating rhythms and innovative arrangements. However\, the individuals’ grounding in gospel\, jazz\, pop and theater provides a far broader range to the group’s musical offerings.  \nThe group’s repertoire\, arranged by Director Sanford Moore\, originally specialized in music from the swing era. Moreover\, it has broadened to also include contemporary jazz\, original compositions and new arrangements of great standards. They pull tunes from Broadway\, Hollywood and the Cotton Club period. Then\, they perform these songs in what has become known as the signature style of Moore By Four. \nRecommended for fans of Manhattan Transfer\, New York Voices\, The Four Freshmen and Take 6.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/moore-by-forty-jul7-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-MooreByForty.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260709T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260709T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260603T203800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T133232Z
UID:10003505-1783623600-1783630800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:BZ3 Organ Trio: Album Release Show
DESCRIPTION:Minneapolis-based funk-soul-jazz powerhouse BZ3 Organ Trio is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated second album\, Note Salad. Here\, the album features the synergistic talents of organist Brian Ziemniak\, guitarist David Feily\, and drummer Kevin Washington. Furthermore\, the new record serves up a masterful blend of deep-pocket grooves\, complex progressive-rock-tinged arrangements\, and explosive jazz improvisation. \nThe album features Dr. Mambo’s Combo legendary vocalist Margaret Cox. There\, she joins the band for an explosive run through of Aretha Franklin’s “Baby I Love You”. Additionally\, Mint Condition’s Stokley Williams adds steel drum and percussion to the simmering groove of their original “Magic Carpet”.  \nRecommended for fans of Jimmy Smith\, Joey DeFrancesco\, Jack McDuff and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bz3-organ-trio-album-release-show-jul9-2026/
CATEGORIES:Funk,Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/700x400-BZ3-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260712T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260712T193000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260414T172954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T203618Z
UID:10003401-1783877400-1783884600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Rebirth Brass Band
DESCRIPTION:“there is not a band on earth that is better. Stunning.” – Flea\, Red Hot Chili Peppers\n  \nFor almost four decades\, the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band has been “stunning” fans. Further\, they are loved worldwide for their fiery live shows and rich musical catalog. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition. Also\, they weave a tapestry that combines elements of jazz\, funk\, soul\, R&B. Then\, they incorporate more of the sounds from the streets they grew up on. Their sound has traveled from their legendary twenty-five-year run of Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf to stages all over the world. Rebirth is the soundtrack of the Crescent City and her premier musical ambassador. \nRebirth was founded by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier over thirty-five years ago. They began their career playing on the sidewalks of the French Quarter and quickly landed gigs at second line parades. Those auspicious beginnings have led to thousands of shows to music aficionados everywhere\, including heads of state and royalty. \nThe band’s unique “soundtrack of New Orleans” has also garnered admiration from artists of all genres. They’ve shared the stage and collaborated with everyone from the Grateful Dead to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Also\, Maceo Parker\, Green Day\, U2\, James Brown\, 311\, G-Love\, MuteMath\, Juvenile\, Train\, Big Freedia\, Ani DiFranco\, and Galactic. Further\, Allen Toussaint\, Neville Brothers\, Quincy Jones and Trombone Shorty. \nRecommended for fans of Trombone Shorty\, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band\, Kermit Ruffins and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/rebirth-brass-band-jul12-2026/2026-07-12/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/700x400-RebirthBrassBand.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260712T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260712T220000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260414T172954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T203618Z
UID:10003402-1783886400-1783893600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Rebirth Brass Band
DESCRIPTION:“there is not a band on earth that is better. Stunning.” – Flea\, Red Hot Chili Peppers\n  \nFor almost four decades\, the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band has been “stunning” fans. Further\, they are loved worldwide for their fiery live shows and rich musical catalog. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition. Also\, they weave a tapestry that combines elements of jazz\, funk\, soul\, R&B. Then\, they incorporate more of the sounds from the streets they grew up on. Their sound has traveled from their legendary twenty-five-year run of Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf to stages all over the world. Rebirth is the soundtrack of the Crescent City and her premier musical ambassador. \nRebirth was founded by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier over thirty-five years ago. They began their career playing on the sidewalks of the French Quarter and quickly landed gigs at second line parades. Those auspicious beginnings have led to thousands of shows to music aficionados everywhere\, including heads of state and royalty. \nThe band’s unique “soundtrack of New Orleans” has also garnered admiration from artists of all genres. They’ve shared the stage and collaborated with everyone from the Grateful Dead to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Also\, Maceo Parker\, Green Day\, U2\, James Brown\, 311\, G-Love\, MuteMath\, Juvenile\, Train\, Big Freedia\, Ani DiFranco\, and Galactic. Further\, Allen Toussaint\, Neville Brothers\, Quincy Jones and Trombone Shorty. \nRecommended for fans of Trombone Shorty\, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band\, Kermit Ruffins and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/rebirth-brass-band-jul12-2026/2026-07-12/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/700x400-RebirthBrassBand.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260513T145341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T204056Z
UID:10003474-1784228400-1784235600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Southside Aces Album Release
DESCRIPTION:“flawlessly replicate the sound of classic New Orleans” — Prairie Uprising\n  \nSouthside Aces vinyl release party! \nIt’s a special night at the Dakota\, as Southside Aces proudly release their tenth album\, The Big Beat. Here\, this will be their first ever album on vinyl. Ten tracks showcasing their obvious love of New Orleans music. Louis Armstrong\, Jelly Roll Morton\, Kid Ory\, and Fats Domino are all represented here. Additionally\, a little Amy Winehouse\, Butch Thompson\, and Duke Ellington thrown in for good measure. It’s a New Orleans party on a record. If you can’t hire the Aces for your next seafood boil\, then all you’d have to do is pull The Big Beat off your shelf and give it a spin! \nThe band will perform all the songs from the record\, and be available to sign your personal copy.  \nFor over two decades Southside Aces have been playing the repertoire of the Jazz Age greats and beyond. From the early New Orleans of Jelly Roll Morton to 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 on their eighth album\, 2022’s Minneapolis Bump. Here\, this album contains fifteen originals in the traditional style. March 2026 saw the release Les Oignons\, the band’s spotlight on the music of Sidney Bechet. Also\, now their tenth album\, The Big Beat. You hear it all when you’re in front of the Aces. Moreover\, treat yourself to a century’s worth of New Orleans Jazz. \nRecommended for fans of Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, Tuba Skinny\, Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/southside-aces-album-release-jul16-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-SouthsideAcesAlbumRelease.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260726T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260726T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260421T184534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T133938Z
UID:10003411-1785092400-1785099600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Keiko Matsui
DESCRIPTION:“A musician of depth\, range\, grace and talent.” – All About Jazz\n  \nAcclaimed pianist\, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui’s transcendent and haunting melodies have long sought to build bridges. Her sonic cultural exchange has reached the hearts and minds of fans throughout the world. Also\, it has fostered collaborations with icons like Miles Davis\, Stevie Wonder\, Hugh Masekela and Bob James. \n“I have this dream where we can each cherish our own happiness and learn to accept and care for one another.” This declaration is a tall order but if anyone can pull it off\, Matsui can. There is a reason why the stunning\, soft-spoken\, and petite powerhouse with such a commanding presence at the piano has amassed a devout following through the years. “When I tour around the world and witness how my music cuts through our differences and connects everyone\, it makes me feel euphoric!” exclaims Keiko. Furthermore\, she has lent her voice to raise awareness for causes like The Daniel Pearl and Susan G. Komen Foundations. \nKeiko harnesses this joy on her thirtieth recording\, 2023’s Euphoria. Keiko is joined by her touring band\, bassist Rico Belled\, guitarist JP Mourao and drummer Jimmy Branly. Then\, she credits them for making the rigors of touring bearable. However\, Euphoria promises to be a watershed moment for Keiko. Here\, she has poured her heart and soul into this project and the result is an utterly inspiring\, epic statement. Keiko declares\, “At the core of this album are beauty\, strength\, energy\, love\, and hope. These are all the things in life that we need to move forward on a new path. This music is dedicated to a new era.” \nRecommended for fans of David Sanborn\, Oleta Adams\, Brian Culbertson and Bob James. \n📸: Raj Naik
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/keiko-matsui-jul26-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/700x400-KeikoMatsui.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260806T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260806T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260520T165218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T131753Z
UID:10003488-1786042800-1786050000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:I Am In Love: Jane Monheit Sings Cole Porter
DESCRIPTION:“Monheit continues to dazzle… intoxicating” – Downbeat\n  \nJane Monheit\, one of today’s most celebrated voices\, honors Great American Songbook icon Cole Porter with a long-awaited tribute. With a stellar ensemble backing her and stylish new arrangements\, Monheit brings new life to Porter’s classics. “Easy to Love”\, “From This Moment On”\, “Night and Day” and more. Here\, she reimagines golden-era standards with passion\, charm\, and modern sophistication. A must-see for jazz lovers and fans of the Songbook\, Monheit and Porter combine to create a glamorous celebration of wit\, melody\, and swing. \nJane Monheit sings jazz and adult contemporary music with a deep passion for the Great American Songbook. Additionally\, she released many highly acclaimed solo albums\, won countless awards and accolades\, and toured internationally for over two decades. Here\, Jane established herself as an extremely successful bandleader. Also\, she has enjoyed the privilege of making music with some of the greatest musicians\, arrangers\, and producers in jazz.  \nBy 22\, Jane worked with legends such as Tommy Flanagan\, Ron Carter\, and Kenny Barron. Then\, she recorded her first albums and toured the planet. Those projects led her to collaborate with jazz luminaries such as Terence Blanchard\, Ivan Lins\, John Pizzarelli\, Christian McBride\, and many more. Countless television appearances followed\, including David Letterman\, Conan O’Brien\, CBS Sunday Morning\, and Good Morning America. She also appeared on The Tonight Show\, The View\, and many popular international talk shows.  \nMonheit has continued to tour the world nearly nonstop\, playing iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl. Also\, she has headlined nearly every legendary jazz club on the planet. These include\, most notably\, NY stalwarts the Village Vanguard and Birdland. \nRecommended for fans of Diana Krall\, Norah Jones\, Tierney Sutton and Stacey Kent.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/i-am-in-love-jane-monheit-sings-cole-porter-aug6-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-JaneMonheitSingsColePorter.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260810T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260810T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014129
CREATED:20260513T145948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T135505Z
UID:10003475-1786388400-1786395600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Django Festival Allstars
DESCRIPTION:“Buoyant rhythm\, blinding technique\, solid entertainment!” – New York Times\n  \nDjango Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumpin’ joie de vivre made him an icon for an unlikely range of luminaries. There\, guitar greats from Carlos Santana to Eric Clapton cite Django as an influence. Furthermore\, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsies in tribute\, and Willie Nelson adopted his influence in country-swing. \nThe Django Festival Allstars have grown into a brilliantly cohesive group of star musicians who’ve taken America by storm. Here\, they perform at top concert halls and festivals to standing ovations. \nThe music speaks of Paris in the 20s and 30s when “gitane” music filled the air. There\, it was in the cafés\, the streets\, in the countryside\, a romantic Paris with lovers\, campfires. Also\, a time of Montmartre\, la belle époque\, le Boudon café\, café au lait\, luscious pastry\, and a great glass of wine. Django was “king”. He teamed with jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli and made musical history. \nThe Django Festival Allstars bring this music to today… combining known standards and original music to intoxicating effect!! Now\, they swing like crazy and will break your heart with a ballad. \n“The highpoint of the entire weekend of the Playboy Festival at The Hollywood Bowl was The Django Festival Allstars” – LA Scene Magazine \n“Some of the greatest musicians in the world” – Leonardo DiCaprio \n“Sensational” – George Benson \nRecommended for fans of Django Reinhardt\, Sidney Bechet\, Paco de Lucia and Astor Piazzolla.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/django-festival-allstars-aug10-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-DjangoFestivalAllstars.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260526T182224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T125427Z
UID:10003495-1786474800-1786482000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Stanley Clarke N•4EVER
DESCRIPTION:“the baddest bassist on the planet” – All About Jazz \n  \nStanley Clarke has attained “living legend” status during his over fifty-year career as a bass virtuoso. He is an NEA Jazz Master and four-time Grammy winner. Also\, he is the first bassist in history who doubles on acoustic and electric bass with equal ferocity. Moreover\, he is the first jazz-fusion bassist ever to headline tours\, selling out shows worldwide. A veteran of over forty albums\, he won the 2011 Best Contemporary Jazz Album Grammy for The Stanley Clarke Band. Clarke co-founded the seminal fusion group Return to Forever with Chick Corea and Lenny White. Then\, in 2012 Return to Forever won a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album\, Forever. \nIn definitive innovator fashion\, jazz legend Stanley Clarke reimagines the genre with his 2025 double album Last Train to Sanity. Here\, he created this album as a gift for his fans. Last Train to Sanity encompasses music Clarke has been sharing around the world with his newest band Stanley Clarke N•4EVER. \nThis new band was originally formed out of a desire to honor Clarke’s longtime friend and collaborator Chick Corea. However\, 4EVER has quickly become a fusion force all its own\, furthering the tradition of cultivating the cutting edge. True to the evolution of jazz fusion\, 4EVER brings a powerful combination of jazz harmony and improvisation with rock\, funk\, R&B\, hip-hop and electronic music influences. \nClarke will release Last Train to Sanity as a double-CD/vinyl package. Also\, he will release a deluxe package that features collectors‘ items. He will also release the record in conjunction with an exclusive coffee-table book. This is filled with rare clippings\, photographs\, and stories from Stanley’s illustrious journey in music to date. \nRecommended for Fans of Jaco Pastorius\, Marcus Miller\, Victor Wooten and John Patitucci. \n📸: Matt Lorentzen
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/stanley-clarke-n4ever-aug11-2026/2026-08-11/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-StanleyClarkeN4EVER.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T233000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260526T182224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T125427Z
UID:10003496-1786483800-1786491000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Stanley Clarke N•4EVER
DESCRIPTION:“the baddest bassist on the planet” – All About Jazz \n  \nStanley Clarke has attained “living legend” status during his over fifty-year career as a bass virtuoso. He is an NEA Jazz Master and four-time Grammy winner. Also\, he is the first bassist in history who doubles on acoustic and electric bass with equal ferocity. Moreover\, he is the first jazz-fusion bassist ever to headline tours\, selling out shows worldwide. A veteran of over forty albums\, he won the 2011 Best Contemporary Jazz Album Grammy for The Stanley Clarke Band. Clarke co-founded the seminal fusion group Return to Forever with Chick Corea and Lenny White. Then\, in 2012 Return to Forever won a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album\, Forever. \nIn definitive innovator fashion\, jazz legend Stanley Clarke reimagines the genre with his 2025 double album Last Train to Sanity. Here\, he created this album as a gift for his fans. Last Train to Sanity encompasses music Clarke has been sharing around the world with his newest band Stanley Clarke N•4EVER. \nThis new band was originally formed out of a desire to honor Clarke’s longtime friend and collaborator Chick Corea. However\, 4EVER has quickly become a fusion force all its own\, furthering the tradition of cultivating the cutting edge. True to the evolution of jazz fusion\, 4EVER brings a powerful combination of jazz harmony and improvisation with rock\, funk\, R&B\, hip-hop and electronic music influences. \nClarke will release Last Train to Sanity as a double-CD/vinyl package. Also\, he will release a deluxe package that features collectors‘ items. He will also release the record in conjunction with an exclusive coffee-table book. This is filled with rare clippings\, photographs\, and stories from Stanley’s illustrious journey in music to date. \nRecommended for Fans of Jaco Pastorius\, Marcus Miller\, Victor Wooten and John Patitucci. \n📸: Matt Lorentzen
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/stanley-clarke-n4ever-aug11-2026/2026-08-11/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-StanleyClarkeN4EVER.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260812T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260812T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260430T185535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T133913Z
UID:10003447-1786561200-1786568400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Braxton Cook
DESCRIPTION:“Cook’s newest record… is another kaleidoscopic vignette” – Downbeat\n  \nWhen the vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Braxton Cook first started working on the album that would become 2025’s Not Everyone Can Go\, he was going through several transitions that he just couldn’t ignore. Last year\, Cook spent lots of time on the road — in Europe and Asia\, along with two United States tours. “I was just very busy\, and trying to juggle that with family\, it was a lot to manage\,” Cook said. Then\, in a moment of self-reflection\, he looked back on the past year\, noticed a theme emerging. Thus\, he came to this conclusion: It was OK to let go of things that weren’t serving him any longer. Transitions were natural as he stepped into fatherhood. “It was only pushing me more in that direction of understanding\,” he continued. “There’s grief that comes along with having to let certain things go to make time for the things I truly value.”  \nOne can hear Cook breaking through on Not Everyone Can Go. Here\, his signature mix of jazz and R&B feels indebted to similar hybrids of yesteryear. Musically\, the album conjures images of bright evening sunshine\, when the temperature begins to cool. Not quite Quiet Storm\, instead\, the album dabbles between the margins\, which won’t surprise Cook’s fans. He’s released acclaimed albums like Somewhere In Between\, No Doubt and Who Are You When No One Is Watching?. There\, he’s made a career of blurring the lines between genres\, landing on a sound that isn’t just one thing. Moreover\, while that’s made his music tough to pin down\, that also makes it all the more intriguing. Additionally\, the fact that you can’t label it just R&B or just jazz lends to the music’s attraction. \nRecommended for fans of Robert Glasper\, Hiatus Kaiyote\, Kamasi Washington and Thundercat. \n📸: Ricardo Nagaoka
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/braxton-cook-aug12-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/700x400-BraxtonCook.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260817T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260817T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260527T191947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T125420Z
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:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260520T153408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T191052Z
UID:10003482-1787079600-1787090400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Grace Kelly
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 \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:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260505T191429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T140751Z
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:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260505T191429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T140751Z
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:20260902T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260520T153902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T154235Z
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:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260520T153902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T154235Z
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:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260520T161007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T131709Z
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:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260520T161007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T131709Z
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:20260909T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260506T173340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T140742Z
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  \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.”  \nThe curious teenager started skipping school to frequent the city’s Latin Quarter. At sixteen\, the fearless teen joined the Lost Wandering Blues and Jazz Band with whom she toured Europe. She discovered Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday while “voraciously picking up all the songs and all the guitar playing” she could. \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. \nMadeleine might attribute her success to “mostly luck”. However\, to the industry and loyal fans alike\, it is the immense talent and utter dedication to her craft that shines through. “Peyroux is a tremendous talent and almost a total intuitive” reflects Larry Klein\, “she has the capacity to get the magic. When she sings and plays her guitar\, great things happen.” \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:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260506T173340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T140742Z
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  \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.”  \nThe curious teenager started skipping school to frequent the city’s Latin Quarter. At sixteen\, the fearless teen joined the Lost Wandering Blues and Jazz Band with whom she toured Europe. She discovered Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday while “voraciously picking up all the songs and all the guitar playing” she could. \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. \nMadeleine might attribute her success to “mostly luck”. However\, to the industry and loyal fans alike\, it is the immense talent and utter dedication to her craft that shines through. “Peyroux is a tremendous talent and almost a total intuitive” reflects Larry Klein\, “she has the capacity to get the magic. When she sings and plays her guitar\, great things happen.” \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:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260528T151231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T125412Z
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:20260920T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260920T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260224T181030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T130615Z
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:20261001T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261001T210000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20251119T193017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T231416Z
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T203000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260604T203023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T133303Z
UID:10003506-1791829800-1791837000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Hiromi: The Trio Project
DESCRIPTION:“One of jazz piano’s most brazenly virtuosic players.” – New York Times\n  \nHiromi brings back her Trio Project in Fall 2026\, with a new recording and new tour. Here\, she reunites with English drummer Simon Phillips (Jeff Beck\, Judas Priest\, Tears for Fears\, Toto\, The Who). “It is always an amazing experience to be able to work with Simon\,” says Hiromi. Joining them onstage is bassist James Genus (Herbie Hancock\, Whitney Houston\, Roy Haynes\, Chick Corea\, Daft Punk\, SNL). \nHiromi has enjoyed a fruitful twenty-plus year career as a recording artist. Moreover\, the jazz piano phenomenon has shifted seamlessly from one spellbinding project to the next. In the process\, she’s earned a reputation as one of the most explosive live performers in jazz history. Further\, she has become a global ambassador for the artform. Her many triumphs include an NPR Tiny Desk Concert that has racked up 2 million views. \nAdditionally\, she represented her native Japan with a performance at the 2021 Summer Olympicsin Tokyo. Also\, in 2024 the Japanese Academy awarded her Best Music Score for the animated feature film Blue Giant. Then\, she won a Grammy Award for a collaboration with fusion hero Stanley Clarke. Her artistry is—to borrow a descriptor the New Yorker favored —“dazzling.” \nHere\, Hiromi’s monumental success lies in her rare ability to deliver not only show-stopping virtuosity but also sheer joy. \nRecommended for fans of Chick Corea\, Keith Jarrett\, Herbie Hancock and Ahmad Jamal. \n📸: Mitsuru Nishimura
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/hiromi-the-trio-project-oct12-2026/2026-10-12/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/700x400-HiromiTrio.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T230000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260604T203023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T133303Z
UID:10003507-1791838800-1791846000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Hiromi: The Trio Project
DESCRIPTION:“One of jazz piano’s most brazenly virtuosic players.” – New York Times\n  \nHiromi brings back her Trio Project in Fall 2026\, with a new recording and new tour. Here\, she reunites with English drummer Simon Phillips (Jeff Beck\, Judas Priest\, Tears for Fears\, Toto\, The Who). “It is always an amazing experience to be able to work with Simon\,” says Hiromi. Joining them onstage is bassist James Genus (Herbie Hancock\, Whitney Houston\, Roy Haynes\, Chick Corea\, Daft Punk\, SNL). \nHiromi has enjoyed a fruitful twenty-plus year career as a recording artist. Moreover\, the jazz piano phenomenon has shifted seamlessly from one spellbinding project to the next. In the process\, she’s earned a reputation as one of the most explosive live performers in jazz history. Further\, she has become a global ambassador for the artform. Her many triumphs include an NPR Tiny Desk Concert that has racked up 2 million views. \nAdditionally\, she represented her native Japan with a performance at the 2021 Summer Olympicsin Tokyo. Also\, in 2024 the Japanese Academy awarded her Best Music Score for the animated feature film Blue Giant. Then\, she won a Grammy Award for a collaboration with fusion hero Stanley Clarke. Her artistry is—to borrow a descriptor the New Yorker favored —“dazzling.” \nHere\, Hiromi’s monumental success lies in her rare ability to deliver not only show-stopping virtuosity but also sheer joy. \nRecommended for fans of Chick Corea\, Keith Jarrett\, Herbie Hancock and Ahmad Jamal. \n📸: Mitsuru Nishimura
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/hiromi-the-trio-project-oct12-2026/2026-10-12/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/700x400-HiromiTrio.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T213000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260318T212518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T215158Z
UID:10003359-1792265400-1792272600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Branford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves celebrate John Coltrane At The Ordway
DESCRIPTION:“Marsalis performs and speaks with a combination of fire and tenderness” – Pop Matters\n  \n“[Reeves is] one of the standout voices of our age” – NPR \n  \nSeptember 2026 marks the centennial of John Coltrane’s birth\, one of jazz’s most transcendent voices. To honor his enduring legacy\, the Branford Marsalis Quartet and Dianne Reeves will record a tribute album which revisits Coltrane’s seminal 1963 collaboration with vocalist Johnny Hartman. Here\, the album will include all the tracks from the original Coltrane/Hartman recording\, alongside a selection of additional Coltrane classics.  \nSaxophonist Branford Marsalis stands as one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. Marsalis is a NEA Jazz master\, three-time Grammy Award winner\, and Tony and Emmy Award nominee. Furthermore\, he performs concertos with symphony orchestras and sits in with members of the Grateful Dead. However\, the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet. After more than three decades with minimal personnel changes\, critics and audiences revere this celebrated ensemble for its uncompromising interpretations. Additionally\, they cover a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics.  \nFive-time Grammy winner Dianne Reeves is the world’s pre-eminent jazz vocalist. There\, Reeves is revered for her virtuosity\, improvisational prowess and unique jazz and R&B stylings. Reeves won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings — a Grammy first in any vocal category. George Clooney’s award-winning film Goodnight and Good Luck featured Reeves\, and she received a Grammy for her contribution.  \nReeves has received honorary doctorates from DePaul University\, the Berklee College of Music and The Juilliard School. Also\, she was named a NEA Jazz Master — the highest jazz honor in the United States. Here\, this collaboration with the Branford Marsalis Quartet will be Reeves’ first album in twelve years. \nRecommended for fans of John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman\, Cassandra Wilson\, Chris Potter and Lizz Wright. 
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/branford-marsalis-dianne-reeves-celebrate-john-coltrane-at-the-ordway-oct17-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/700x400-offsite-Marsalis-Reeves-.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T203000
DTSTAMP:20260615T014130
CREATED:20260506T180607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T135438Z
UID:10003458-1792693800-1792701000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Chris Botti
DESCRIPTION:“A jazz-pop powerhouse” – The New York Times \n  \nWith a solo career spanning two decades\, Chris Botti is the highest-selling instrumental artist in the United States. His success has crossed over to audiences usually reserved for pop music. Additionally\, his ongoing association with PBS has led to four Number One jazz albums\, as well as multiple Gold\, Platinum and Grammy Awards. He performs worldwide and sells millions of albums. Further\, his form of creative expression is rooted in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. \nHe performs worldwide and sells millions of albums. Further\, his form of creative expression is rooted in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. Over the past three decades\, Botti has recorded and performed with the best in music. He’s worked with Sting\, Barbra Streisand\, Tony Bennett\, Lady Gaga\, Josh Groban\, Yo-Yo Ma\, Michael Bublé and Paul Simon. Also\, Joni Mitchell\, John Mayer\, Andrea Bocelli\, Joshua Bell\, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and even Frank Sinatra. \nHis live performances are inspiring and moving. However\, his recorded output has firmly established him as a clarion voice in the American contemporary music scene. Moreover\, his recordings highlight his uniquely expressive sound and soaring musical imagination. Botti also showcases his softer side\, in a warm\, intimate celebration of melodic balladry. \nThe Chris Botti experience can be felt on recordings\, in concert with his band\, or with a symphony orchestra. Botti has thoroughly established himself as one of the important\, innovative figures of the contemporary music world. \nRecommended for fans of Sting\, David Sanborn\, Kenny G\, Michael Bublé and Boney James.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/chris-botti-oct-2026/2026-10-22/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/700x400-Chris-Botti.jpg
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