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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T210000
DTSTAMP:20260508T180531Z
CREATED:20260317T173842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T180531Z
UID:10003403-1782327600-1782334800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:John Pizzarelli Trio: Dear Mr. Bennett
DESCRIPTION:“A tour de force… a rare entertainer of the old school.” – Seattle Times \n  \nGrammy-winning guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli celebrates the centennial of iconic singer Tony Bennett with a pair of heartfelt tributes. 2026’s Dear Mr. Bennett features Pizzarelli’s trio with bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson. Here\, they perform timeless songs that Bennett made famous. Then\, a 5-song EP will follow on August 7\, the week of Bennett’s 100th birthday \nWhen Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023\, the entire world of music felt the loss. Few artists have made as profound an impact over such a wide range of styles and eras. For example\, Bennett’s connections spanned Frank Sinatra\, Bill Evans\, Willie Nelson and Lady Gaga. \nFor world-renowned guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli\, Bennett was more than simply an influence. Pizzarelli’s late father\, the revered guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli\, was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer. There\, Bucky appeared on albums including 1960’s To My Wonderful One and 1969’s I’ve Gotta Be Me. Later\, John got his own opportunity to accompany Bennett for a radio broadcast with pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart. \nThe admiration ran both ways – Bennett often attended many of Pizzarelli’s performances. Additionally\, he sketched Pizzarelli’s likeness on two occasions. In fact\, Bennett created the charming artwork that graces the cover of Dear Mr. Bennett. Moreover\, he rendered it during an engagement at Feinstein’s nightclub at New York’s Loews Regency hotel. \nRecommended for fans of Bucky Pizzarelli\, Frank Vignola\, Howard Alden and Russell Malone.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/john-pizzarelli-trio-dear-mr-bennett-jun22-2026/2026-06-24/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/700x400-JohnPizzarelli.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T230000
DTSTAMP:20260508T180531Z
CREATED:20260317T173842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T180531Z
UID:10003404-1782334800-1782342000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:John Pizzarelli Trio: Dear Mr. Bennett
DESCRIPTION:“A tour de force… a rare entertainer of the old school.” – Seattle Times \n  \nGrammy-winning guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli celebrates the centennial of iconic singer Tony Bennett with a pair of heartfelt tributes. 2026’s Dear Mr. Bennett features Pizzarelli’s trio with bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson. Here\, they perform timeless songs that Bennett made famous. Then\, a 5-song EP will follow on August 7\, the week of Bennett’s 100th birthday \nWhen Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023\, the entire world of music felt the loss. Few artists have made as profound an impact over such a wide range of styles and eras. For example\, Bennett’s connections spanned Frank Sinatra\, Bill Evans\, Willie Nelson and Lady Gaga. \nFor world-renowned guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli\, Bennett was more than simply an influence. Pizzarelli’s late father\, the revered guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli\, was a frequent sideman for the legendary singer. There\, Bucky appeared on albums including 1960’s To My Wonderful One and 1969’s I’ve Gotta Be Me. Later\, John got his own opportunity to accompany Bennett for a radio broadcast with pianist Ralph Sharon and bassist Jay Leonhart. \nThe admiration ran both ways – Bennett often attended many of Pizzarelli’s performances. Additionally\, he sketched Pizzarelli’s likeness on two occasions. In fact\, Bennett created the charming artwork that graces the cover of Dear Mr. Bennett. Moreover\, he rendered it during an engagement at Feinstein’s nightclub at New York’s Loews Regency hotel. \nRecommended for fans of Bucky Pizzarelli\, Frank Vignola\, Howard Alden and Russell Malone.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/john-pizzarelli-trio-dear-mr-bennett-jun22-2026/2026-06-24/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/700x400-JohnPizzarelli.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260625T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260625T210000
DTSTAMP:20260601T200623Z
CREATED:20260326T202032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T200623Z
UID:10003377-1782414000-1782421200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE: Single Release Party
DESCRIPTION:“brassy\, smooth\, and syncopated with perfect finesse.” – Mpls.St.Paul\n  \nArthur L.A. Buckner is a drummer extraordinaire\, performing musician\, teaching artist\, and producer from the Northside of Minneapolis. He holds a master’s degree in Percussion Performance from McNally Smith College of Music. Over the last four years\, L.A. Buckner & Big Homie have released two critically acclaimed albums. Additionally\, they have performed to sold out audiences in venues across the country.  \nIn August 2020\, L.A. took iTunes by storm with the release of his debut album BiG HOMiE. There\, the album reached Number One on the Jazz chart within twenty-four hours of its release.  \nIn October 2024\, L.A. released his second album entitled Norfside. Here\, Norfside brings his musical vision full circle\, back to his roots. Moreover\, the new album pays homage to the community and the music he grew up with. Also\, Buckner honors the many other “Norfside” musicians that blazed a trail for him to follow. The album was produced by L.A. and the band\, mixed by Jesse Ray Ernster\, and mastered by the legendary Herb Powers. The new album is a step ahead from the previous album\, musically and sonically. Also\, it takes the band to a variety of new destinations. \nRecommended for fans of Robert Glasper\, Snarky Puppy\, Nate Smith and Butcher Brown.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/l-a-buckner-big-homie-single-release-party-jun25-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/700x400-LABucknerBiGHOMiE.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260626T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260626T210000
DTSTAMP:20260413T133728Z
CREATED:20260408T165336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T133728Z
UID:10003395-1782500400-1782507600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Stanley Jordan
DESCRIPTION:“a virtuosic tour de force” – L.A. Times\n  \nGuitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan’s career took flight in 1985 with commercial and critical acclaim. Since then\, he has consistently displayed a chameleonic musical persona of openness\, imagination\, versatility and maverick daring. Here\, he displays bold reinventions of classical masterpieces or soulful explorations through pop-rock hits. Also\, blazing straight ahead jazz forays and ultramodern improvisational works\, solo or with a group. Thus\, Jordan can always be counted on to take listeners on breathless journeys into the unexpected. \n“Jordan’s revolutionary approach to the instrument [is] shocking.” – All Music\nKey to Jordan’s fast-track acclaim is his mastery of a special technique on the guitar’s fretboard. Instead of conventional strumming and picking\, Jordan’s innovative “touch technique” is an advanced form of two-handed tapping. While a handful of others use similar techniques\, Stanley’s fluid\, multi-layered textures and sheer virtuosity raise the bar for excellence. However\, his technique\, though impressive\, is always a means to a musical end. \n”To see and hear Stanley Jordan play guitar is to witness higher-level instrumental performance.” — Roanoke Times\nHis music is imbued with a warmth and sensitivity that has captured the imagination of listeners worldwide. A classically trained pianist before playing guitar\, Jordan wanted greater freedom in voicing chords on his guitar. Then\, he applied piano principles to do so. Furthermore\, Jordan’s touch technique allows the guitarist to play melody and chords simultaneously with an unprecedented level of independence. It also allows Jordan to play simultaneously on two different guitars\, or even on guitar and piano. \nJordan has received four Grammy nominations. Additionally\, his 2011 album Friends was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. L.A. Times jazz critic Leonard Feather wrote\, “Genius is a word often tossed around in musical circles. But it has been rightfully applied to Stanley Jordan.” \nRecommended for fans of Pat Metheny\, Al Di Meola\, Larry Coryell and John McLaughlin.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/stanley-jordan-jun26-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Rock
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/700x400-StanleyJordan.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T210000
DTSTAMP:20260427T134011Z
CREATED:20260421T183804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T134011Z
UID:10003410-1782586800-1782594000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Andrew Walesch & His Orchestra: Vegas 1960
DESCRIPTION:“Fresh and classic at the same time” – Star Tribune\n  \nStep into the golden age of the Las Vegas showroom! There\, the orchestra was swinging\, the lights were low\, and every night felt like an event. “Vegas 1960” brings that world to life through the music of Sammy Davis Jr.\, Tom Jones\, Bobby Darin\, Ray Charles\, Frank Sinatra\, and more. Moreover\, the music is reimagined with fresh\, elegant arrangements for Andrew Walesch and His Orchestra.  \nHere\, this new show features specially curated charts by award-winning arranger Mike Crotty. Hear a blend of timeless standards and soulful classics into a vivid portrait of an era when style\, swagger\, and musicianship defined the stage. Led from the piano and center stage\, Walesch guides the evening with a blend of elegance\, energy\, and intimacy. Additionally\, he moves seamlessly from hard-swinging big band moments to late-night ballads that feel pulled from a smoky after-hours set. He’ll lead his world-class ensemble through arrangements that honor the spirit of the originals while offering something entirely new. “Vegas 1960” isn’t a tribute—it’s a reimagining of one of music’s most iconic moments. \nRecommended for fans of Tony Bennett\, Frank Sinatra\, Michael Bublé and Bing Crosby.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/andrew-walesch-his-orchestra-vegas-1960-jun27-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/700x400-AndrewWalesch-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T173000
DTSTAMP:20260424T211557Z
CREATED:20260407T184754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T211557Z
UID:10003391-1782923400-1782927000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:VIP Event: Mindi Abair
DESCRIPTION:Click the links below for show tickets!\nMindi Abair: JUL 1 • 7:00pm performance \n\nMINDI ABAIR: WINE AND JAZZ TASTING EXPERIENCE – VIP MEET & GREET \nIMPORTANT: This is not a ticket to the show. \nMake it an extra special night and join Mindi Abair for a pre-show wine-tasting experience for only $30. Tickets to this event are very limited. \nHosted by Mindi Abair + wine expert Eric Guerra\, you are invited to a private pre-show event where you will be entertained and participate through a very special wine + music experience. Pouring their company’s WINEandJAZZ.com fine wines\, Eric will walk the group through an informative wine-by-wine “taste like a sommelier” master class\, while Mindi then pairs each wine style with a live performance song.   \nCheck-in Time: Please arrive at the venue by 4:30PM. \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\n“an irresistible combination of power and soul” – Glide\n  \nDuring her remarkable twenty five-year recording career\, saxophonist/vocalist Mindi Abair has garnered two Grammy nominations. Also\, she has recorded with some of the biggest names in music and built a substantial following. There\, she is loved among jazz and blues audiences for her soaring melodies and powerhouse style. Mindi received her first Grammy nomination In 2014\, in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category. Here\, this was for Summer Horns with Dave Koz\, Richard Elliot and Gerald Albright. Then\, she received a 2015 nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for her solo LP Wild Heart. Additionally\, the album featured the late Gregg Allman\, Joe Perry\, Trombone Shorty\, Booker T. Jones\, Keb’ Mo’\, and Max Weinberg.  \nYou might know her as the featured saxophonist on American Idol. Or maybe from sitting in with Paul Shaffer on The Late Show with David Letterman. Or with The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Perhaps from moonlighting on tour with Duran Duran or Aerosmith. Moreover\, as a solo artist she has consistently topped the Billboard Contemporary Jazz and Blues charts. In 2018\, Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers won 8 Independent Blues Awards including Artist of the Year. Also\, an Independent Music Award for Best Blues Song Fan Award for “Pretty Good For A Girl” featuring Joe Bonamassa. Further\, in 2019\, 2020 and 2021 Mindi was nominated by the Blues Music Awards for Best Instrumentalist: Horn.  \nAs creator\, designer and owner\, Mindi launched www.wineandjazz.com in 2019 as a lifestyle concept. Here\, she brings together the worlds of wine and music through members-only exclusive wines paired with personally curated music playlists. Also\, label art and branded wine\, and music worldwide adventures and new year’s eve events. \nRecommended for fans of Peter White\, Candy Dulfer\, Dave Koz and Cory Wong.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/vip-event-mindi-abair-jul1-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/700x400-VIP-MindiAbair.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T210000
DTSTAMP:20260424T210745Z
CREATED:20260407T183534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T210745Z
UID:10003390-1782932400-1782939600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Mindi Abair
DESCRIPTION:VIP Meet & Greet Add-On. Click the links below for tickets!\nMINDI ABAIR: WINE AND JAZZ TASTING EXPERIENCE – VIP MEET & GREET \n\n“an irresistible combination of power and soul” – Glide\n  \nDuring her remarkable twenty five-year recording career\, saxophonist/vocalist Mindi Abair has garnered two Grammy nominations. Also\, she has recorded with some of the biggest names in music and built a substantial following. There\, she is loved among jazz and blues audiences for her soaring melodies and powerhouse style. Mindi received her first Grammy nomination In 2014\, in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category. Here\, this was for Summer Horns with Dave Koz\, Richard Elliot and Gerald Albright. Then\, she received a 2015 nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for her solo LP Wild Heart. Additionally\, the album featured the late Gregg Allman\, Joe Perry\, Trombone Shorty\, Booker T. Jones\, Keb’ Mo’\, and Max Weinberg.  \nYou might know her as the featured saxophonist on American Idol. Or maybe from sitting in with Paul Shaffer on The Late Show with David Letterman. Or with The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Perhaps from moonlighting on tour with Duran Duran or Aerosmith. Moreover\, as a solo artist she has consistently topped the Billboard Contemporary Jazz and Blues charts. In 2018\, Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers won 8 Independent Blues Awards including Artist of the Year. Also\, an Independent Music Award for Best Blues Song Fan Award for “Pretty Good For A Girl” featuring Joe Bonamassa. Further\, in 2019\, 2020 and 2021 Mindi was nominated by the Blues Music Awards for Best Instrumentalist: Horn.  \nAs creator\, designer and owner\, Mindi launched www.wineandjazz.com in 2019 as a lifestyle concept. Here\, she brings together the worlds of wine and music through members-only exclusive wines paired with personally curated music playlists. Also\, label art and branded wine\, and music worldwide adventures and new year’s eve events. \nRecommended for fans of Peter White\, Candy Dulfer\, Dave Koz and Cory Wong.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mindi-abair-jul1-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/700x400-MindiAbair.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260704T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260704T210000
DTSTAMP:20260406T134130Z
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260705T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260705T210000
DTSTAMP:20260609T203222Z
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260707T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260707T210000
DTSTAMP:20260611T182645Z
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:20260624T144125Z
CREATED:20260603T203800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T144125Z
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:20260609T203618Z
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:20260609T203618Z
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:20260609T204056Z
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:20260720T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260720T220000
DTSTAMP:20260702T133437Z
CREATED:20260630T183624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T133437Z
UID:10003536-1784574000-1784584800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Tim Sparks & Tom Lieberman
DESCRIPTION:“He’s one of the best musicians I know” – Leo Kottke\n\nTim Sparks has been redefining the acoustic guitar repertoire since he won the National Fingerpicking Championship in 1993 with a ground-breaking arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Equally at home with country\, blues\, jazz or World music\, Sparks’s extraordinary ability has earned him an international reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists working today. \nAs creative director and producer\, Tom Lieberman contributed to productions that received numerous awards of distinction. Moreover\, as a guitarist\, Tom has performed all over the country. For example\, he enjoyed a ten-year run on A Prairie Home Companion; Chet Atkins replaced him. Tom is part of acclaimed trio Rio Nido\, with Tim Sparks and vocalist Prudence Johnson. Additionally\, Tom performs both as a solo artist and with his group\, Tommy & The Liebermen. Then\, his 2013 album\, Common Denominator\, made Star Tribune’s Top Ten list for the year. Furthermore\, they described it as “bluesy\, simmering\, profoundly philosophical” and “a charming\, eclectic album of original songs.” \nRecommended for fans of Leo Kottke\, Marc Ribot\, Bill Frisell and Rio Nido.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/tim-sparks-tom-lieberman-jul20-2026/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/700x400-TimSparks.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260724T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260724T220000
DTSTAMP:20260724T195119Z
CREATED:20260630T181946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T195119Z
UID:10003535-1784919600-1784930400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Just the Two of Us: Celebrating Grover Washington\, Jr. & Bill Withers
DESCRIPTION:José James\, saxophone (Willie & the Bees\, Shangoya\, Ipso Facto)\nTommy Barbarella\, keyboards (Prince\, Greazy Meal)\nTony Axtell\, bass (David Sanborn)\nLaMont Keten\, vocals (MFellas)\nBrian Kendrick\, drums\nGeoff LeCrone\, guitar\nChico Harris\, percussion \nGrover Washington Jr. was a legendary jazz-funk and soul-jazz saxophonist and Grammy Award winner. He is considered by many to be one of the founders of the smooth jazz genre. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s\, Washington made some of the genre’s most memorable hits. There\, these include “Mister Magic”\, “Reed Seed”\, “Black Frost”\, “Winelight”\, and “Inner City Blues”. Additionally\, “Let it Flow (For ‘Dr. J’)” and “The Best is Yet to Come”. \nBill Withers was an American singer-songwriter\, known for his soulful voice. Also\, he wrote legendary hits like “Ain’t No Sunshine\,” “Lean on Me\,” and “Lovely Day.” There\, Withers was born in a small West Virginia coal-mining town\, Then\, he served in the Navy before launching his music career in the 1970s. Despite a relatively short period of active recording (1970-1985)\, his influence on soul and R&B music is profound and enduring. \nRecommended for fans of Bill Withers\, Grover Washington\, Jr.\, Stevie Wonder and George Benson.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/just-the-two-of-us-celebrating-grover-washington-jr-bill-withers-jul24-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/700x400-JustTheTwoOfUs.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260726T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260726T210000
DTSTAMP:20260724T191435Z
CREATED:20260421T184534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191435Z
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:20260727T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260727T220000
DTSTAMP:20260724T191439Z
CREATED:20260617T182351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191439Z
UID:10003522-1785178800-1785189600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Kavyesh Kaviraj & Omar Abdulkarim
DESCRIPTION:“the essence of what jazz is.” – Jazz Police\n  \nKavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories into his music\, carefully weaving his influences into a boundary-breaking modern jazz outfit. He is well-known in the Twin Cities and beyond as a pianist\, composer and arranger.  \nKavyesh has garnered acclaim in many musical climates\, and currently calls St. Paul\, MN home. Primarily a jazz pianist\, he is a sought-after musician in many genres. He has performed with internationally renowned artists like Wynton Marsalis\, David Sanchez\, Justin Robinson\, Roosevelt Collier\, Steve Cole and others. Further\, he has been an important member of the Twin Cities music community. He has worked with local jazz legends like Debbie Duncan\, Bruce Henry\, Babatunde Lea\, Kevin Washington\, and LA Buckner. Simultaneously he is active in hip-hop\, gospel\, R&B\, funk scenes and many crossover acts. \nOmar Abdulkarim has been playing the trumpet since he was fourteen months old. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Omar has shared the stage with Roy Hargrove\, Redman\, Method Man\, KRS-ONE and Talib Kweli. He has also performed with Nicholas Payton’s Television Studio Orchestra and Valerie Ponomarev’s Big Band. \nOmar’s versatility extends beyond live performances. He has written and recorded music with Lauryn Hill and Jose James. His influences include Fats Navarro\, Miles Davis\, Freddie Hubbard\, Woody Shaw\, John Coltrane and Lee Morgan. \nOmar’s journey reflects a dedication to his art. He continually expands his musical horizons and collaborates with a diverse range of artists. His rich experiences and influences have shaped him into a dynamic and innovative trumpet player. He makes significant contributions to both the jazz and contemporary music scenes. \nRecommended for fans of Roy Hargrove\, Ahmad Jamal\, Woody Shaw and Keith Jarrett.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/kavyesh-kaviraj-omar-abdulkarim-jul27-26/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/700x400-KavyeshOmar2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260804T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260804T210000
DTSTAMP:20260727T155005Z
CREATED:20260721T161554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T155005Z
UID:10003570-1785870000-1785877200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Larry McDonough: Conversations with Bill Evans Live - CD Release
DESCRIPTION:“McDonough’s piano stylings are intimate and innovative.” – Jazz Review\n  \nAward-winning pianist\, composer\, and singer Larry McDonough brings the legendary pianist and composer Bill Evans back to life. Here\, he does this in a live solo recording covering Evans’s music and personal life. \nAfter some solo piano songs from the CD\, Larry will be joined by his trio with Greg Stinson\, bass\, and Dean White\, drums\, to perform June 25\, 1961 – Bill Evans Trio at the Village Vanguard. \nJazz curator Steve Kenny calls pianist Larry McDonough the Bill Evans scholar of Minnesota. Also\, Larry grew up listening to and transcribing Evans’ music\, having seen his live performances in the 1970s. Further\, Larry has become friends with Evans’s widow Nenette\, who supports Larry’s projects. Moreover\, Larry is the only Minnesotan invited to study the Bill Evans Archival Collection at Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Additionally\, director Bruce Spiegel chose Larry to host Minnesota showings of his documentary film Bill Evans Time Remembered. \n“The Evans family is so grateful that Larry McDonough has chosen to remember my late husband Bill Evans. I like what Max Gordon said about Bill Evans in his book concerning his experiences as owner of the famed Village Vanguard club\, where Bill eventually became a regular: ‘The first time Bill Evans played the Village Vanguard\, he was the intermission pianist for the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ). The room was quiet when they played. When Bill Evans played\, the MJQ fans wondered\, ‘Who the hell was that?’ They’d never heard of him. He was filling space in between for the star attraction. Today Bill is the star attraction. When Bill Evans plays\, the Village Vanguard becomes Town Hall.'” – Nenette Evans \nRecommended for fans of Bill Evans\, Chet Baker\, Ron Carter and Vince Guaraldi.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/larry-mcdonough-conversations-with-bill-evans-live-cd-release-aug4-2026/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/700x400-LarryMcDonough.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260806T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260806T210000
DTSTAMP:20260724T191645Z
CREATED:20260520T165218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191645Z
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:20260724T191830Z
CREATED:20260513T145948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191830Z
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:20260724T191826Z
CREATED:20260526T182224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191826Z
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:20260724T191826Z
CREATED:20260526T182224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191826Z
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:20260724T191822Z
CREATED:20260430T185535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191822Z
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:20260814T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260814T220000
DTSTAMP:20260724T191816Z
CREATED:20260630T170130Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T191816Z
UID:10003534-1786734000-1786744800@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\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-aug14-2026/
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: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
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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
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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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T220000
DTSTAMP:20260724T192001Z
CREATED:20260520T153408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T192001Z
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
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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
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