Dakota

Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap
2025-10-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-22 21:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
“[Bridgewater] has a technique and musicality that bests most performers of her generation.” – Guardian

“Charlap is masterful… rollicking stride piano, bebop virtuosity and harmonically opulent modernism.” – New York Times

Effortless. Spontaneous. Inimitable. The convergence of two of jazz’s most legendary forces of nature.
Moreover, their virtuosic interpretations traverse the musical spectrum. For example, they draw on the canons of luminary composers: Ellington, Porter, Sondheim, LeGrand, Simon, and others. Here, they range from intimate ballads to soulful grooves, delivered with daring expression born of their musical chemistry.
Each performance is a sublime tour-de-force.
2017 NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater is a restless explorer. Moreover, she has collaborated with master musicians of Mali, interpreted the cabaret of Kurt Weill and embraced the hard bop of Horace Silver. Here, she is joined by Grammy-winning pianist Bill Charlap for these intimate duo performances featuring jazz classics and songbook standards.
Dee Dee Bridgewater first gained recognition in the early 1970s with the great Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. Since then, she has thrived wherever she’s landed. On Broadway, she earned a Tony Award for her work in the original production of The Wiz. Then in Paris, she spent more than a decade as France’s greatest champion of jazz.
Pianist Bill Charlap is a consummate soloist and bandleader. Additionally, he is known for work with Tony Bennett, Phil Woods, Barbra Streisand, and his own superb trio. Further, Charlap is one of the most respected keyboardists in jazz and leader of one of its great piano trios. His newest release, Street of Dreams, was released in 2021.
Recommended for fans of Dianne Reeves, Bill Evans, Cassandra Wilson and Benny Green.

Chris Botti
2025-10-23 18:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-23 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-10-24 18:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-24 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-10-25 18:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-25 21:00 - 23:00
“A jazz-pop powerhouse” – The New York Times

Chris Botti – Trumpet
Lee Pearson – Drums
Daniel Chmielinski – Bass
Anastasiia Mazurok – Violin
John Splithoff – Vocals
Julian Pollack – Piano
Veronica Swift – Vocals
With 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. 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.
Furthermore, his touring schedule is ambitious, often on the road for as many as 300 days per year. The trumpeter has also performed with many of the finest symphonies and at some of the world’s most prestigious venues. Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House and the Real Teatro di San Carlo in Italy. His 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. The 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.
Recommended for fans of David Sanborn, Kenny G, Rick Braun and Boney James.

Brandee Younger Trio
2025-10-27 19:00 - 21:00
“modern harp traditions… with such strength, grace and commitment” – New York Times

Brandee Younger is revolutionizing the harp’s role in modern music. She has worked relentlessly over the past fifteen years to stretch boundaries and limitations for harpists. In 2022, she made history. Then, she became the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition. That same year, she also earned an NAACP Image Award nomination. Later, she won the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album for her latest, Brand New Life. Also ever-expanding as an artist, she has worked with Common, Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Pharoah Sanders and Christian McBride.
Her original composition “Hortense” was featured in the Netflix concert-documentary, Beyoncé: Homecoming. Also, Brandee performed her original music for Quincy Jones and Steve McQueens’ “Soundtrack of America”. Here, Brandee stands on the shoulders of the very women who ushered in the harp as a clear and distinct voice in jazz & popular styles. These include Detroit natives Dorothy Ashby & Alice Coltrane.
Her latest album, Brand New Life, builds on her already rich oeuvre, and cements the harp’s place in popular culture. As the title of the album suggests, Brand New Life is about forging new paths–artistic, personal, political, and spiritual. Younger imbues her music with a sense of purpose and respect of legacy. There, she creates a larger platform for the harp to reach newer and wider audiences than ever before. Additionally, Younger serves on the faculty at New York University, Steinhardt School and The New School College of Performing Arts.
Recommended for fans of Alice Coltrane, Dorothy Ashby, Gregoire Maret and Ravi Coltrane.
📸: Erin O’Brien

Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra feat. Jennifer Grimm
2025-10-29 19:00 - 21:00
“wonderful arrangements” – Aretha Franklin

When the artistry of vocalist Jennifer Grimm met the mastery of composer-arranger Adi Yeshaya, a new sound was born. Don’t miss this thirteen-piece jazz orchestra in a night of compositions and new arrangements of jazz and pop favorites.
Composer, arranger and jazz pianist Adi Yeshaya was born and raised in Israel. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Adi has been active as a musician and educator for nearly four decades. He has arranged and orchestrated shows for many artists. These include Prince, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne and Burt Bacharach. Also, Adi has arranged for the Swiss Jazzaar Jazz Festival and NBC’s The Voice. As a resident of the Twin Cities, he served as a pianist and musical director for Debbie Duncan for nearly three decades until her passing. Moreover, he has performed and arranged for the Minnesota Orchestra with conductors Sarah Hicks and Doc Severinsen. Further, he’s worked with countless singers and ensembles like Bruce Henry, Cookie Coleman, the Guthrie Theater and Jack McDuff. Also, he plays with JazzMN Orchestra and of course his own Big Band. Adi is an active educator, as well. To that end, he has taught at the University of Minnesota, McNally Smith College of Music and Berklee College of Music.
Jennifer Grimm was born into one of America’s last-standing traveling vaudeville families. She continues to choose music and entertainment as her profession. Moreover, she regularly appears in concert halls, theaters, jazz clubs, and performing arts centers nationwide.
Jennifer has landed many TV spots for her original music: whether singing, songwriting or producing. Additionally, she works in the voiceover industry and has been the voice of many national companies and numerous audiobooks.
Recommended for fans of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thad Jones and Maria Schneider.

Kenni Holmen
2025-11-03 19:00 - 21:00
“Kenni Holmen is a musical freak of nature” –Vulfpeck

Kenni Holmen is one of the most active recording and touring musicians from the Twin Cities area. He performed and recorded with many local, national and international artists over his thirty-year career.

Kenni has performed with Prince, Cory Wong, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, T.C. Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie. Also, Donny Osmond, The Rev. Billy Graham Crusade, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Doc Severinsen, and Garrison Keillor. Additionally, The Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, just to name a few. Kenni has recorded with Janet Jackson, Rod Stewart, Prince, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Ben Sidran, Babyface, Mandy Moore, and more.

Holmen remains busy recording album projects and jingles. Also, he writes, co-produces and performs with New Age artist Lorie Line, a role he has held since 1993. This includes a performance at The White House in the fall of 2000. Twin Cities Reader magazine voted Kenni Best Tenor Sax Player. Moreover, Kenni is also featured with Prince’s long-running horn section, The HornHeads. With them, he has toured throughout the United States and Europe since 1992.
Recommended for fans of Dave Koz, Cory Wong, The Hornheads and Prince.

L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE
2025-11-08 19:00 - 21:00
“brassy, smooth, and syncopated with perfect finesse.” – Mpls.St.Paul

Arthur “L.A.” Buckner is one of the Twin Cities’ most creative drummers. He also took iTunes by storm with the release of his project BiG HOMiE. Here, his August 2020 release reached Number One on the iTunes jazz charts within twenty-four hours.
Buckner’s music is a fusion of his influences: Gospel, R&B, hip hop, African rhythms, and jazz. Then, on BiG HOMiE his music explodes in a fiery journey of syncopation and truth. He has earned the respect of the most trained musical ear to the everyday music lover that appreciates a good “bop.” Here, Buckner serves as executive producer, collaborating with some of the finest musicians in Minnesota. Also, the album included a feature by Mint Condition’s Stokely Williams. Further, the original single “Ooowee” solidifies L.A. as a writer/producer to be reckoned with. Additionally, the album includes a creative rendition of “Deja Vu” and a jolting take on “Human Nature”.
BiG HOMiE is a dynamic and electrifying band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The band leader is Arthur “L.A.” Buckner on drums; Jamani Buckner, percussion; David Feily, guitar; David Smith, keyboards; Jovon Williams, woodwinds; and Ethan Yeshaya, bass. Together, they create a powerful fusion of musical styles, incorporating elements of funk, rock, hip-hop, Gospel and jazz. With captivating performances and catchy melodies, BiG HOMiE has been winning over audiences and gaining recognition for their spiritual sound.
Recommended for fans of Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy, Nate Smith and Butcher Brown.

Joshua Redman Quartet
2025-11-09 17:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-09 20:00 - 22:00
“a swinging, expressive improviser… masterpiece” – All Music

Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists working today. Joshua was born in Berkeley, California, and he is the son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff. He was exposed at an early age to a variety of music (jazz, classical, rock, soul, Indian, Indonesian, Middle-Eastern, African). Also, a wide range of instruments (recorder, piano, guitar, gatham, gamelan). Then, Redman began playing clarinet at age nine before switching to the tenor saxophone one year later.
John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball Adderley and his father, Dewey Redman influenced Redman early on. Also, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Earth, Wind and Fire, Prince, The Police and Led Zeppelin drew Joshua more deeply into music. Joshua loved playing saxophone and was a member of the award-winning Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble and Combo from 1983-86. However, he always put academics first, and he never seriously considered becoming a professional musician.
In 1991 Redman graduated from Harvard College summa cum laude, with a B.A. in Social Studies. He had already been accepted by Yale Law School, but deferred entrance for what he believed was only going to be one year. Then, Redman won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition, propelling him to near-certain stardom.
Over the past three decades, the saxophonist, composer, and bandleader has consistently demonstrated how to honor music’s verities while expanding its reach in contemporary settings. Redman’s latest, 2025’s Words Fall Short, is an organic next step. Thus, inspiring new collaborators bring this new collection of previously unheard originals to life.
Joshua Redman – tenor saxophone
Paul Cornish – piano
Philip Norris – bass
Nazir Ebo – drums
Recommended for fans of Cannonball Adderley, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride and Chris Potter.

John Scofield's Combo 73
2025-11-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-12 21:00 - 23:00
“Scofield is one of the most prolific and admired jazz musicians of his generation” – NPR

Aside from being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar, John Scofield is a rare creative artist. He is a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent, rock-solid aesthetic identity. Looking to commemorate his seventy-third year, Scofield has penned a collection of new compositions. Also, he reformed his swinging group, formerly Combo 66, to tour the music.
Rising star Gerald Clayton is an obvious choice on piano, an instrument central to the tunes. The connection between Scofield and drummer Bill Stewart strengthens as the decades pass. It was Stewart who introduced bassist Vicente Archer to the project eight years ago. Scofield is thrilled with the group and in addition to the musical combustion, especially enjoys the inter-generational quality. Here, seventies, fifties and forties are represented! Scofield will close 2025 with this band on tour.
Scofield is a triple Grammy award winning artist with fan bases in many camps and over fifty recordings as leader. Here, he has expressed himself in the vernacular of bebop, blues, jazz-funk, organ jazz, acoustic chamber jazz, electronically tinged groove music, jam band style and orchestral ensembles with ease and enthusiasm. Also, he has earned multiple Grammy nominations and is an Officier dans L’Ordre des Arts and Lettres by France. Moreover, Scofield tours the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups. He has shared stages and studios with Miles Davis, Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, and Herbie Hancock. Also, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau, Eddie Harris, and John Mayer. Furthermore, Phil Lesh, Aaron Neville, Mavis Staples and Medeski, Martin & Wood among many music legends.
Recommended for fans of Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Robert Glasper and Miles Davis.

Django Festival Allstars
2025-11-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-16 20:00 - 22:00
“buoyant rhythm, blinding technique, solid entertainment!” – New York Times

“a jazz lioness with a pure tone… and sure swing style.” — JazzTimes

Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt. Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing.
The star musicians of the Django Festival Allstars have grown into a brilliantly cohesive group. They have performed at top concert halls and festivals to standing ovations. Also, they have wowed audiences in venues across North America.
The group’s music transports listeners to Paris in the 1920s and ’30s. Here, the All-stars bring Reinhardt’s music into the 21st century. They honor traditions and standards while adding their own interpretations, arrangements, and original compositions. They swing like crazy and will break your heart with a ballad.
Led for years by guitar master Dorado Schmitt, the Allstars are now fronted by Dorado’s son, Samson. Samson has been playing professionally since he was twelve years old and has several recordings to his credit. Flanked by the other superb musicians in this group, the future of Django’s music is in good hands indeed!
Veronica Swift has made her mark on the international jazz scene as one of the star vocalists of her era. Now, Swift expands her style, establishing herself as a skilled rock and soul singer as well as a dynamic performer. Here, she transcends styles, and fully embodies them with authenticity to tell a story. This makes her one of the most skillful singers in any genre and displays her theatrical approach.
Veronica Swift, vocals
Samson Schmitt, lead guitar, vocals
Pierre Blanchard, violin
Ludovic Beier, accordion and accordina
Antonio Licusati, bass
Francko Mehrstein, rhythm guitar
Recommended for fans of Django Reinhardt, John Jorgenson, Stephane Wrembel and Biréli Lagrène.

Kavyesh Kaviraj & Omar Abdulkarim – In Harmony A Tribute to Roy Hargrove & Mulgrew Miller
2025-11-17 19:00 - 21:00
“the essence of what jazz is.” – Jazz Police

Kavyesh 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.
Kavyesh 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.
Omar 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.
Omar’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.
Omar’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.
Recommended for fans of Roy Hargrove, Ahmad Jamal, Woody Shaw and Keith Jarrett.

Let it Be Jazz - Connie Evingson Sings the Beatles
2025-11-20 19:00 - 21:00
“Evingson [is] among the first-rank of today’s jazz vocalists.” – AllMusic

Connie Evingson reprises her Beatles CD “Let it Je Jazz,” featuring fresh, unusual treatments of Lennon and McCartney favorites, putting a new spin on songs you thought you knew.
Minnesota born-and-raised, Connie Evingson has a catalog of acclaimed albums that cover a wide range within the jazz genre. The Twin Cities-based singer possesses an adventurous spirit that, like her music, knows no boundaries. Thus, her albums span jazz to Broadway standards, to covering Peggy Lee or The Beatles. Her ten albums released through Minnehaha Music have all charted in the Top 50 in the United States and Canada. Additionally, listeners can hear them on radio stations around the globe.
Evingson has toured worldwide, with appearances at concert halls, theaters and festivals in the U.S., Europe and Japan. For example, memorable performances include Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, Michael Feinstein, and Vince Giordano. She has made multiple performances on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. Also, she has collaborated with the Minnesota Orchestra and Toronto Symphony conducted by Doc Severinsen. Additionally, she’s performed with JazzMN Orchestra and Vocalessence. Moreover, Evingson is a two-time recipient of both the McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians as well as the Minnesota State Arts Board Artist’s Initiative Grant.
“it was sheer pleasure to realize the success that Minnesota-reared vocalist and arranger Connie Evingson had when preparing Let It Be Jazz… I was dumbfounded by the style and grace exuded from this recording… Evingson applies bossa nova to “From Me to You,” tango to “When I’m 64,” and swing to “Blackbird.” What is offered is a real mixed bag in the best way. Almost every jazz subgenre is represented.” – All About Jazz, review of Let it Be Jazz
Recommended for fans of Karrin Allyson, Stacey Kent, John Pizzarelli and Jane Monheit.

Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
2025-11-22 18:30 - 21:00, 2025-11-22 21:00 - 23:00
“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times

Boney James’s latest, 2024’s Slow Burn is a new high point in a remarkable career that now spans more than three decades. He has earned a long list of accolades: four Grammy nominations and three NAACP Image Award nominations. Also, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009, Billboard named James one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade. In 2024, Boney became the first ever artist to score twenty Number One singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart.
But James has never been one to look backwards and Slow Burn, which the artist produced, marks several firsts. These begin with the album’s opening track, “Arcadia”. Here, the very first notes on the album are the acoustic bass playing of the legendary Marcus Miller. It’s one of the few times that Miller, known for his electric bass guitar work, has committed his standup bass playing to a recording. Furthermore, it is the first time that James has incorporated an upright bass into his own music.
Next is James’ intriguing interpretation of the classic “Butterfly,” co-written by master keyboardist Herbie Hancock and Bennie Maupin. Then, the track features Marcus Miller again as well as young lion Cory Henry’s inspired electric piano. “This beautiful melody got stuck in my head,” explains James. “I have never covered a tune by a legend like Herbie before and I hope we did him justice.”
Rising star R&B vocalist October London is featured on the first single from the album, “All I Want Is You”. James says, “It’s one of the most exciting vocal collaborations I’ve ever recorded.”
Recommended for fans of Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.

VIP Event: Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
2025-11-22 20:15 - 21:00
Boney James VIP event.

VIP Meet & Greet will be after the 1st show and before the doors open for the 9pm performance.
• 6:30PM TICKET HOLDERS – will be asked to stay in the room after the performance.
• 9PM TICKET HOLDERS – Please arrive to the club before 8pm.
You will need to check in and then we will escort you to the VIP area for the meet & greet, before the doors are opened at 9PM.
THIS VIP MEET & GREET add on will include:
• Pre-show photo Meet & Greet with Boney James
• Early Entry to the Venue
• Exclusive, collectible VIP laminate
THIS IS NOT A TICKET FOR THE SHOW!

“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times

Boney James’s latest, 2024’s Slow Burn is a new high point in a remarkable career that now spans more than three decades. He has earned a long list of accolades: four Grammy nominations and three NAACP Image Award nominations. Also, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009, Billboard named James one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade. In 2024, Boney became the first ever artist to score twenty Number One singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart.
But James has never been one to look backwards and Slow Burn, which the artist produced, marks several firsts. These begin with the album’s opening track, “Arcadia”. Here, the very first notes on the album are the acoustic bass playing of the legendary Marcus Miller. It’s one of the few times that Miller, known for his electric bass guitar work, has committed his standup bass playing to a recording. Furthermore, it is the first time that James has incorporated an upright bass into his own music.
Next is James’ intriguing interpretation of the classic “Butterfly,” co-written by master keyboardist Herbie Hancock and Bennie Maupin. Then, the track features Marcus Miller again as well as young lion Cory Henry’s inspired electric piano. “This beautiful melody got stuck in my head,” explains James. “I have never covered a tune by a legend like Herbie before and I hope we did him justice.”
Rising star R&B vocalist October London is featured on the first single from the album, “All I Want Is You”. James says, “It’s one of the most exciting vocal collaborations I’ve ever recorded.”
Recommended for fans of Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.

Davina and The Vagabonds
2025-11-23 19:00 - 21:00
“Davina and the Vagabonds combat heartache with sugar and sass.” – Downbeat

Davina 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.
Much 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.
On 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.
To 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.”
Recommended for fans of Pokey LaFarge, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Hot Sardines and Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Kirk Whalum
2025-11-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-24 21:00 - 23:00
“soul-cleansing… focused and adventurous playing” – Jazz Times

Soulful, passionate, stirring… these are the words that describe Kirk Whalum’s music most often. Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. It’s forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene. The 80’s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was there that Kirk ultimately developed both his “voice” and songwriting in the crucible of the local club scene. It was also in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him and brought him on tour.
After moving to Los Angeles, Kirk became an in-demand session player. He worked with Barbra Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones, and most notably, Whitney Houston. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, “I Will Always Love You.” Kirk soon followed that career high point with his phenomenal hit album For You. Also, it became perhaps the most successful of over twenty-five solo recordings to date. Others include his eclectic, and much lauded, Gospel According to Jazz series (Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4).
Kirk has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his musical excellence. For example, he has three Dove Award nominations and an NAACP Image Award nomination. Additionally, Kirk has won two Stellar Awards: Gospel music’s highest honor. A twelve-time Grammy nominee, Kirk won his first Grammy (2011) for Best Gospel Song. Kirk has also been honored with a Brass Note on the Memphis Walk of Fame and a Star on the Nashville Walk of Fame.
In a career spanning several decades, Kirk has a sound that is uniquely his. Thus, it is a sound that leaves an indelible imprint on the listener.
Recommended for fans of Larry Carlton, Bob James, Al Jarreau and Brian Culbertson.

Shaun LaBelle feat. Najee & Brian Simpson
2025-11-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-29 21:00 - 23:00
“smooth jazz with an edge, with funk and rock elements” – Pioneer Press

Shaun LaBelle’s producing career has been filled with legendary groups. For example, David Pack (Ambrosia), Everette Harp, Jeff Kashiwa, and Steve Reid (Rippingtons.) Also, Shaun has worked with Branford Marsalis and the group Pieces of a Dream. Shaun performed bass on the Larger Than Life tour for Grammy award-winning recording artist Jody Watley. Currently, Shaun’s new releases Your Love Kept Calling my Name and Mon Cher Amour have charted on Billboard. Here, he reached Number Eighteen on the smooth jazz charts and Number One on UK Soul, three weeks in a row.
Najee is a fearless chart-topping contemporary jazz pioneer. In a business where trends and artists come and go, the genre-bending saxophonist’s staying power is a rare blessing. The Grammy and NAACP award-winning musician is one of the brightest stars in contemporary jazz for close to four decades. Here, he credits his genuine love for connecting with people, coupled with his consummate musicianship and sheer passion for music. Moreover, he has collaborated with Prince, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Herbie Hancock, among others.
Keyboardist/composer Brian Simpson moved to Los Angeles directly after college. Soon, he was playing alongside Gerald Albright and Norman Brown and eventually on a world tour with Janet Jackson. In 1990 Simpson received a call from George Duke. Then, Simpson spent the next decade touring and producing with the late jazz legend. It was his tenure with George that led to working with a variety of artists. There, he connected with James Ingram, Anita Baker, Dave Koz, and Wayman Tisdale.
Recommended for fans of Jeff Lorber, David Sanborn, Bob James and Marcus Miller.

Corky Siegel, Ernie Watts & Randy Sabien
2025-11-30 19:00 - 21:00
“national treasure” – Downbeat

Jazz icon Ernie Watts and blues harmonica ace Corky Siegel first met in Mumbai. They were each invited by the distinguished violin virtuoso, Dr. L. Subramaniam to perform in his Global Fusion project. Then, they became best friends from the moment they met. Further, they continue to collaborate in celebrated performances and on acclaimed recording projects. Here, the evening will be a display of musical fireworks from these iconic masters, filled with remarkable stories and humor. In Corky’s words: “Innocent victims of incredible good fortune.”
Corky Siegel is hailed as one of the world’s great blues harmonica and keyboard players. Corky has a pivotal influence in modern music. He has close associations with the blues masters in the earlier days of Chicago blues through his Siegel-Schwall Band. Furthermore, he has achieved a surprising level of success in bringing together blues and classical audiences. For all these reasons Downbeat Magazine calls him a “national treasure.”
Ernie Watts is a two-time Grammy winning saxophonist. Watts played in the Tonight Show band with Doc Severinsen for Johnny Carson for twenty years. He toured with the Rolling Stones, Charlie Haden, Buddy Rich and Pat Metheny. Additionally, he recorded with Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Frank Zappa and others. Also, Watts appears on over 1500 recordings, always exhibiting his unforgettable gift for improvisation.
Randy Sabien has over forty years of performing experience as a contemporary violinist. He worked with Jim Post, Greg Brown, Kate Wolf, Corky Siegel and more. Additionally, he has played notable stages including Austin City Limits and A Prairie Home Companion. Further, Randy founded the string department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1978.
Recommended for fans of Leo Kottke, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown.

George Maurer Group Annual Holiday Show
2025-12-01 19:00 - 21:00
“What’s the Maurer magic? A mix of wit, sophistication, humor and keeping it fresh.” – Minnpost

This merry band of “genre-bending eclectics” (Jazz 88) has been entertaining sold-out houses at the Dakota since 2000. The George Maurer Group takes the stage by storm with their irreverent style and sly musical humor. Here, they will bring you an evening filled with witty stage banter, clever musicianship, and surprising twists on holiday classics. For example, think Thelonious Monk meets “Sleigh Ride,” the Beatles’ “Drive My Sleigh,” Herbie Hancock’s “Driftin’” a la “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and more!
George Maurer’s artistic career is an exciting and unpredictable journey. He’s always on the fast track as he performs and composes music that crosses genres, disciplines and, increasingly, continents. Moreover, George’s artistic curiosity and always-expanding boundaries constantly lead him down intriguing new professional and personal paths. Thus, they all intersect in the art he is creating now. He draws together his musical knowledge with the cultural exploration and diversity of experiences that have marked his life.
George launched his career as a solo pianist, made his mark in jazz and detoured down many other avenues. He has arranged music and been in the pit for countless musicals. He’s also played with groups ranging from a Native American country band to his own jazz ensemble. Additionally, he has released more than twenty recordings on his own label. His introductions to different styles, instruments and collective histories add texture to his music while contributing to his unique voice as a musician.
George’s versatility on the piano and keyboard lands him all in all kinds of talented company. He arranges music for orchestras and mans the piano for the nationally touring Midtown Men, putting him on stage with renowned orchestras like the Boston Pops.
Recommended for fans of Billy Joel, Harry Connick, Jr., Frankie Valli and Jersey Boys.
