Dakota

Paris Nights
2026-01-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
“fantastic Django Reinhardt-inspired melodies” – Baby Blue Arts

The Red Hot Django Peppers are a fiery Twin Cities–based hot club band. They are devoted to keeping the spirit of Django Reinhardt alive while adding their own spark to the tradition. Also, the group is led by guitarist Ryan Picone, an acolyte of world-renowned guitarist Stéphane Wrembel. Also, they feature the dynamic interplay of guitarist Ian Stenlund, the soaring violin of Daniel Lentz, and the driving pulse of bassist Sean Roderick. Together, they create a sound that’s at once timeless and fresh, blending dazzling virtuosity with irresistible swing.
In 2024, The Peppers made history as one of the first hot club bands to play the legendary Blue Ox Festival. There, they quickly became the talk of the festival. Their momentum continues in 2025 as they join an international lineup of world-class players at the prestigious Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest.
The Red Hot Django Peppers’ audience grows with each performance. Here, they are not just torchbearers of Django’s legacy, but innovators bringing new energy and excitement to hot club jazz.
Hot Club Mania features an exceptional stylistic dimension with prodigious improvisation – a group not to be missed. Experience a spontaneous, vivid performance by some of Minnesota’s most stellar artists played in the Django Reinhardt French swing tradition.
The ensemble includes the unmistakable mastery of jazz violinist Gary Schulte, plus the diverse guitar styling of Glen Helgeson. Also, tasty, refined bass work by acoustic bassist Steve Pikal and accomplished jazz drummer Jay Epstein.
Hot Club Mania is the creation of longtime bandleader and guitar stylist Glen Helgeson. Helgeson is a true jazz ambassador, bringing diverse styles to people, and manifesting an unusual ability to write in those genres.
Recommended for fans of Django Reinhardt, Stephane Wrembel, Dorado Schmitt and Bireli Lagrene.

Yellowjackets
2026-01-21 19:00 - 21:00
“Yellowjackets sound as vital and tight as they ever have” – Glide

Throughout their storied forty-three-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded twenty-six albums, and received sixteen Grammy nominations, winning two. Additionally, they have performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success.
The Yellowjackets formed in the late 1970’s as the backup band for guitarist Robben Ford. They recorded their first album together in 1980. Shortly after that recording, however, Ford decided to part ways and go in a different musical direction. As a result, the modern-day Yellowjackets were formed — a trio with Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip and Ricky Lawson. Since then, and with the addition of Bob Mintzer, the Yellowjackets have gained and maintained prominence as one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups.
Over the years the band has undergone numerous lineup changes. Never failing to rise to the inevitable challenges of adjustment, the Yellowjackets have maintained an extraordinarily high quality of musicianship. Moreover, this superb musicianship is the rival of many but a surprise to no one who knows and appreciates the band and their music.
The most recent addition to the band adds Australian bass player Dane Alderson into the mix. With his exceptional rhythmic sensibility and natural disposition toward groove, Dane brings a new energy to the band and adds a youthful approach to the music.
Their recent albums are a true testament to the longevity and resilience of a band who debuted over forty years ago. Consistently reinventing themselves through elevated instrumentation in their signature electro-acoustic soundscape, the current lineup showcases a collective at their prime.
Recommended for fans of Spyro Gyra, Brecker Brothers, Chick Corea and Return to Forever.

Davina and The Vagabonds
2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-14 19:00 - 21:00
“This music, as retro as it may be at times, feels fun, frisky and alive.” – American Songwriter

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.

Bruce A. Henry
2026-01-24 19:00 - 21:00
“A true master of the jazz art form.” – Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

Known as a “man of great musical imagination,” Bruce Henry is an internationally-known vocalist, composer, storyteller, recording artist and educator. Additionally, Bruce teaches musical history, traditions and culture as he entertains and enraptures audiences with his vocal agility. Anchored in Chicago, with roots in the Twin Cities, Bruce shares his expertise and creativity across the nation and overseas.
Bruce is a singer and bandleader with a long history of stellar jazz concerts, moving R&B shows and revered tribute performances. Here, his tribute shows entertain audiences with inspired interpretations of classics. Furthermore, he has honored Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. As a vocalist extraordinaire, he handles an eclectic mix of styles with ease.
Both his voice and mind are treasures, and a concert, residency or workshop with Bruce is not to be missed. They leave you lifted, enriched and energized from his performance. Moreover, you become more knowledgeable, reflective and inspired from his innate ability to teach. Also, he developed his program The Evolution of African American Music for residencies, informative concerts and published curriculum. Time spent in community with Bruce and friends, whether in concert or workshop, is pure joy.
Recommended for fans of Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin.

Hamilton de Holanda
2026-01-26 19:00 - 21:00
“master of the Brazilian version of mandolin” – Billboard

Hamilton de Holanda is one of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians—a global ambassador, virtuoso performer, and groundbreaking improviser. Picking up the mandolin at the age of five, he redefined the ten-string version of the instrument. Then, he transformed it into a versatile voice that bridges the worlds of jazz, choro, and beyond.
The foundation of his music comes from a combination of family encouragement and formal training with a university degree in composition. Additionally, the freedom of Brasília’s choro street jams, where he grew up.
Hamilton is a multi-award-winning musician. He is a four-time Latin Grammy winner with seventeen nominations—including a Grammy nod for Best Latin Jazz Album. In Brazil, he has achieved star status, earning widespread acclaim from critics, peers, and audiences alike.
Furthermore, Hamilton’s influence continues to grow, due to his unique approach to improvisation and electrifying stage presence. In 2024 alone, he achieved 14 million streams across 180 countries and reached over 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
In addition to his career as a performer, Hamilton was one of the founders of the world’s first Choro School. There, this was established in Brasília in 1997. He also spearheaded a petition to Brazil’s National Congress to establish a National Day of Choro. Thus, this helps secure the genre’s cultural legacy.
Hamilton’s career is defined by his ability to blend Brazilian traditions with global sounds. His collaborations include Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Milton Nascimento, Djavan, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Dave Matthews, John Paul Jones, and Hermeto Pascoal.
Hamilton’s music connects cultures, celebrates diversity, and pushes the boundaries of sound, solidifying his place as a true innovator and cultural ambassador.
Recommended for fans of Béla Fleck, Chick Corea, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Hermeto Pascoal.

Jarrod Lawson
2026-01-28 19:00 - 21:00
“absolutely top-quality soul music… outstanding” – BBC Music

It was in late 2022 that Jarrod Lawson had the biggest, and most unexpected, thrill of his music career. He had just received a glowing endorsement in print from Michelle Obama, in an Entertainment Weekly interview. When asked who she was listening to, after mentioning Beyonce, added “There’s this young jazz, blue-eyed soul kid Jarrod Lawson that I’m loving.”
At the time Jarrod was receiving major airplay in the U.S. and in Europe. Here, this was largely due to his remake of the Isley Brothers Seventies classic “Footsteps In The Dark”. This followed his 2020 sophomore album Be the Change. That album made its mark immediately, with entries at #1 on Amazon’s Jazz Albums chart and at #2 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.
For singer/songwriter/keyboardist Lawson, the appreciation of his music in his native U.S. was particularly gratifying. His 2014 breakthrough had been primarily in Europe, where in a whirlwind couple of years he played festival, club and concert dates in fifteen countries. Additionally, this included the North Sea Jazz Festival, London Jazz Festival and the world-renowned Ronnie Scott’s Club. Furthermore, he powered his way into the Dutch Top Forty Albums chart.
He has since performed around the world in Tokyo, Beijing, Melbourne and at Indonesia’s Java Jazz festival. Further, in the U.S. he has performed at many of the leading jazz venues from New York to Seattle.
The album is a beautiful, restrained, dreamy mix of love songs, irreverence and social commentary. Thus, SoulTracks.com described the album as “a masterpiece”. Also, they hailed it “an instant classic that would have fit just as comfortably in 1970 as it does in 2020”.
Recommended for fans of Stevie Wonder, Bobby Caldwell, Rachelle Ferrell and Rahsaan Patterson.

The Cookers
2026-02-01 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show

“A dream team of forward-leaning hard-bop” – The New York Times

Donald Harrison, saxophone
Azar Lawrence, saxophone
Cecil McBee, bass
George Cables, piano
Eddie Henderson, trumpet
David Weiss, trumpet
Billy Hart, drums
Experience counts, especially in jazz. The more time musicians spend interpreting tunes and interacting with others, the more articulation an audience can expect. You can hear the fruits of such work in the expressive language The Cookers bring to the bandstand. This exciting all-star septet summons an aggressive mid ‘60s spirit with a potent collection of expansive post-bop originals. Additionally, they have the requisite killer instincts and pyrotechnic playing expected of some of the heaviest hitters today.
Cecil McBee, George Cables, Eddie Henderson, and Billy Hart started in the heady era of the mid ‘60s. There, that period found the dimensions of hard bop morphing from their original designs. Furthermore, each artist helped facilitate the process as members of some of the most important bands of the era. Hart and Henderson were members of Herbie Hancock’s groundbreaking Mwandishi group. And, Cecil McBee anchored Charles Lloyd’s great ’60s quartet alongside Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette. Billy Harper was part of Lee Morgan’s last group, and also Max Roach’s Quartet and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Further, George Cables was featured in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon and Art Pepper.
David Weiss, Azar Lawrence and Donald Harrison are from a more recent generation and are the youngest members of the band. There, they gained experience performing with Art Blakey, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Charles Tolliver, Roy Haynes and Herbie Hancock.
Recommended for fans of the Jazz Messengers, Lee Morgan, Herbie Hancock and the SFJazz Collective.

Cafe Accordion Orchestra w/Prudence Johnson
2026-02-02 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show

“a guaranteed good time… A local treasure” – MinnPost

Dan Newton, accordion and vocals
Eric Mohring, mandolin, fiddle and vocals
Brian Barnes, guitar and vocals
Erik Lillestol, bass
Joe Steinger, percussion
Elizabeth Rowan, percussion
Prudence Johnson, vocals
Dan Newton’s Café Accordion Orchestra (CAO) performs an eclectic mix full of French flair, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude. The heart of the CAO repertoire is the romantic, gypsy-influenced valse-musette. Then, the group complements the musettes with swing, ballads, tangos, cha-chas, rumbas, and cumbias to create a wonderfully varied show. Moreover, they inject their music with good humor and expressive abandon.
CAO is led by Dan Newton on accordion and vocals, with Eric Mohring on mandolin, violin and vocals. Also, Brian Barnes on guitar and vocals, Erik Lillestol on bass and vocals, and Joe Steinger on percussion. CAO has been delighting audiences and dancers alike since 1995.
One might wonder how a group of musicians in Minnesota end up forming a band that plays French musette. Additionally, hot club swing, Tin Pan Alley, Latin music and cinematic themes. There, it all started with a tune composed in 1992 by Newton. Dan had been introduced to the Parisian sidewalk cafe accordion sound while teaching at a music camp. Then, a friend commented that one of the tunes in particular sounded like “cafe accordion” music.
Prudence Johnson’s career has taken her from honky-tonks to Carnegie Hall, from the theater stage to the Silver Screen, from the Midwest to the Middle East. Also, with her roots in folk and country music, Prudence developed a passion for jazz.
Recommended for fans of Paris Combo, Pearl Django, Rio Nido and A Prairie Home Companion.

Southside Aces: A Night in New Orleans
2026-02-03 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show

“flawlessly replicate the sound of classic New Orleans” — Prairie Uprising

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

The Headhunters
2026-02-04 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“Remarkably masterful, fresh-sounding, and creatively restless” – AllMusic

The Headhunters form one of the foundations of jazz and funk music. They formed in 1973 and are known for their iconic best-selling recordings released in the mid-1970s. Furthermore, the ensemble continues to impress audiences at their live shows and with their album releases today. While Herbie Hancock has not regularly joined them during fifty years of recording and touring, they always feel his influence. Here, Headhunters co-leaders and best friends Mike Clark and Bill Summers carry forward the legacy with timeless, paradigm-shifting classics. Hits like “Watermelon Man,” “Chameleon,” “Butterfly,” “Sly” and “Palm Grease” are just a few examples.
The Headhunters’ latest recording, 2025’s Live at Garcia’s Chicago, is a reflection of the band’s fifty-year breadth, depth and innovation. The album captures an electric live performance at the new state-of-the-art listening room with Clark and Summers at the helm.
The album’s A side opens with the band’s perennial jam “4 String Drive”. Then, they play the 2024 original composition “The Stunt Man”. There, tracks “Warrior Suite” and “Watermelon Man” root the album in the spirituality that “Baba Bill” has infused in The Headhunters since day one in 1973. Side B includes a modern funk rendition of Bob Marley’s classic “I Shot the Sheriff”. Then, they perform covers of Thelonious Monk’s “Monk’s Dream” and Chick Corea’s “Humpty Dumpty”. Finally, an extended drum and percussion conversation called “Headhunters Drums” rounds out the eight song LP.
Catch the band on the road in 2026 featuring co-leaders Summers and Clark. There, New Orleans veterans Chris Severin (bass), Clarence Johnson (saxophone) and Shea Pierre (keyboards) will join them.
Recommended for fans of Herbie Hancock, Spyro Gyra, Weather Report and Galactic.
📸: Rick Swig

Meshell Ndegeocello
2026-02-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-09 21:00 - 23:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 9pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“The world needs more musicians like her, creatively restless and ambitious” – NPR

Meshell Ndegeocello has survived the best and the worst of what a career in music has to offer. She eschewed genre for originality, celebrity for longevity, and musical trends for musical truths. Fans have come to expect the unexpected and follow her journey. Then, she delves into soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, rock, all bound by the search for love, justice, respect and resolution. Thus, these sonic investigations have defied and redefined expectations for women, for queer artists, and for black music for over thirty years. Additionally, she remains one of few women who write the music, sing the songs, and lead the band.
A bass player above all else, Meshell brings her warm, fat, and melodic groove to everything she does. She has earned a Grammy award among numerous nominations. Moreover, she has played alongside the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Alanis Morrisette, James Blood Ulmer, and The Blind Boys of Alabama. Also, Tony Allen, John Medeski, Billy Preston, and Chaka Khan. As for her own bass-playing influences, she credits Sting, Jaco Pastorius, Family Man Barrett, and Stevie Wonder. Meshell is always grateful to share the stage and believes music is a fellowship. Here, she looks to spread that gospel with every creation and collaboration.
Ndegeocello says that she tries to create music that musicians enjoy playing. “I really love the musical interaction – the playing off of each other,” she says. “It’s such a divine experience. Playing music is one of the few spaces where I feel genderless and raceless. And when the audience can dance, move, and experience transcendence while we are playing live, it feels like I have purpose.”

Matteo Mancuso
2026-02-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-10 21:00 - 23:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 9pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“Matteo is the evolution of fusion guitar… breathtaking” – Steve Vai

Matteo Mancuso was born in 1996 and raised in the province of Palermo. There, people quickly recognized him as a musical prodigy. His father, Vincenzo Mancuso, a well-known guitarist and producer, guided Matteo’s introduction to the world of music.
Teaming up with his father, Matteo made waves in Sicily’s jazz scene, participating in local festivals at just eleven years old. The duo explored a diverse repertoire, spanning from Django Reinhardt to contemporary jazz. Then, as a teenager, Matteo pursued his passion by enrolling in a music high school, specializing in classical guitar.
After he earned his high school diploma, he founded the Snips trio, gaining widespread acclaim for their fusion take on classic standards. As a collaborator with Yamaha Guitars, Matteo showcased his expertise at NAMM 2019 in Los Angeles. Additionally, he participated as a judge at the “Young Guitar Festival” in Bangkok. 2019 also marked his venture into Russia, conducting masterclasses in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Perm.
Mancuso graduated from the Conservatory of Palermo in 2022 with a degree in jazz guitar. Then, he immediately resumed touring and shared the stage with Al Di Meola during the Eddie Lang Jazz Festival. In 2023, the legendary PFM invited Matteo as a guest for their new live album.
Later in 2023, Mancuso joined Tommy Emmanuel on stage at the Teatro Golden in Palermo. Then, he embarked on a summer headlining tour, featuring previews of songs from Matteo’s eagerly anticipated debut solo album.
“He’s a beautiful player and he is so versatile, he plays any style, he plays rock, he plays Django, pretty amazing.” – Eric Johnson
Recommended for fans of Steve Vai, John Scofield, Eric Johnson and Al Di Meola.

Our Neighbor: A Benefit Concert
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00
A Night of Music and Solidarity for our Community
*THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT*
To keep the love and solidarity going, we will be hosting a FREE livestream on the day of the show (see link below).

SHAREABLE LIVESTREAM LINK

Plus, the donation link is live for anyone who wants to support!
Please note: This is a donation link only. Donations do not include admission to the show.
Donate via Givebutter:
https://givebutter.com/ZCsc1C
﻿﻿
Funds raised will be going to:
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
Community Aid Network MN
American Civil Liberties Union
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Groundwork Legal
Show Lineup
The New Standards will be joined by Special Guests including:

Jeremy Messersmith
Aby Wolf & Eric Mayson
Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith
Matt Wilson
Dylan Hicks & Small Screens
Lucy Michelle
John Fields
Ken Chastain
Tina Schlieske
Curtiss A
& More

Our city has felt the fracturing Federal efforts in many ways. Tonight, we come together as a community to celebrate the things that make us great: diversity, inclusion, and love.
Throughout the month of February, MN Music venues will be raising their voices and raising money in solidarity with our community.
*Valentine’s Menu is Not Available for this show.

Valentine's Day w/ Sophia Shorai & Tommy Barbarella
2026-02-14 18:30 - 20:30
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 6:30pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“abundant joy… the prominence of her enthusiasm is hard to ignore.” – All About Jazz

Sophia Shorai is a vocalist driven by an intuitive hunger for the “great song.” As a mainstay of Minneapolis music since 2010, she possesses the rare, chameleonic ability to inhabit any genre. Here, she handles the complex architecture of the Great American Songbook with ease. Equally, she evokes the raw grit of soul, funk, and R&B.
Her precision was forged early. There, she mimicked jazz legends from her father’s record collection and began classical training at age five. Shorai bypassed prestigious conservatories to dive straight into the Twin Cities’ live and commercial recording circuits. There, she turned her voice into a versatile powerhouse. She has contributed to international films, TV shows, and major advertising campaigns since the late 1990s.
While renowned for her mastery of the jazz idiom, Shorai currently explores the lean, emotive landscapes of contemporary soul and pop. Collaborating with producer Bryan Hanna, she strips away the decorative to focus on the bone-deep impact of her original songwriting. Her new album, TIME, arrives in Spring 2026—a testament to a career spent proving she can sing anything, and a soul that won’t settle for anything less than a classic.
Tommy Barbarella is one of the most active keyboard players in Minneapolis and beyond. His work with Prince’s New Power Generation (1991-96) put him on the map, and his playing with regional funk/soul favorites Greazy Meal cemented his reputation as a go-to funk and pop keyboardist. Recently he has performed with Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, and a reunited NPG.
“Sophia has everything a singer could want: soul, versatility… a unique style, and visceral love of music and performance. Whether she’s belting or crooning, she breaks hearts.” Adam Levy, guitarist, singer/songwriter for The Honeydogs.
Recommended for fans of Karrin Allyson, Stacey Kent, Ingrid Michaelson and Lennon Stella.

Cory Henry Duo Feat. Robert "Sput" Searight
2026-02-15 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-15 20:00 - 22:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 5:30pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 8pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“joyfully mixes gospel harmony, R&B hooks, and jazz” – All About Jazz

Grammy-winning artist Cory Henry has made a significant mark in the music industry. He recently won the award for Best Roots Gospel Album in 2025 for his deeply personal project, Church. This album reflects the rich musical heritage that has shaped his artistry and resonated with audiences worldwide. Additionally, PBS aired a documentary on the making of Church, providing an intimate look at his creative process.
Henry’s versatility as a musician has led him to work with a diverse array of artists. These include Bruce Springsteen, Imagine Dragons, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder & more.
Originally hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Cory was a key member of the Grammy-winning group Snarky Puppy. Then, he launched his solo career in 2018 with his debut, Art of Love. His sophomore project, Something to Say, was Grammy-nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album in 2022. Here, this showcased his growth as an artist. He followed up with Operation Funk in 2023, and his live album, Live at the Piano, received a nomination in 2024.
In 2024, while touring with the legendary Stevie Wonder, Henry recorded a holiday album titled A Wonderful Holiday. He collaborated with members of Wonder’s band, recording during his days off. This project showcases his ability to blend his unique style, further highlighting his musical versatility. Additionally, Cory made a memorable appearance as a guest performer with Jon Batiste at Coachella in 2024.
Cory Henry’s journey from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to international stages is a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. As he continues to explore new musical territories and push boundaries, Henry remains an influential figure in contemporary music.
Recommended for fans of Snarky Puppy, Jon Batiste, Stevie Wonder and Anderson.Paak.

Kandace Springs
2026-02-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-17 21:00 - 22:00
“a voice that could melt snow” – Prince

Pianist and singer Kandace Springs is one of the premier female artists of the jazz/soul genre. Her natural gifts for lyricism and soulfulness have earned her recognition worldwide. Further, her late mentor Prince described her as having “a voice that could melt snow”.
The Nashville native has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. Here, she has made several national TV appearances, and headlines major jazz festivals. Moreover, she has collaborated with such luminaries as Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, David Sanborn and Norah Jones. The Washington Post exclaims, “Kandace Springs’s voice is undeniable. It’s one of those generational voices; from the first note, you know it’s special.”
She embodies the same spirit and soul of the great vocalists of the past on whose shoulders she stands. She simultaneously draws on jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRae and multi-genre masters like Nina Simone and Roberta Flack. To that end, Springs recently released an orchestral reimagining of Billie Holiday’s Lady in Satin. Kandace looks forward to releasing a new album in Spring 2026 and hitting the road backed by her ace all-female rhythm section.
Kandace’s 2024 release, Run Your Race, was a tribute to her late father, legendary Nashville soul singer Scat Springs. Here, it is the first album of hers to feature almost all original songs. Every song was written by Kandace both solo and with some stellar collaborators. Prior to that in 2020, Kandace released The Women Who Raised Me. There, the album garnered five-star reviews from DownBeat and The New Yorker. Additionally, it won the Deutscher JazzPreis for best vocal album of the year.
Recommended for fans of Lizz Wright, Gregory Porter, Cassandra Wilson and Prince.

Marc Ribot: Hurry Red Telephone
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00
“Ribot’s style [is] embedded in jazz vocabulary, but angular and gritty” – Sound of Boston

Marc Ribot, guitar
Sebastian Steinberg, bass (Soul Coughing)
Chad Taylor, drums
Briggan Krauss, saxophone (Sexmob)
Marc Ribot was never suited to play straight jazz. Ribot realized that in his 20s while trying to bop with veteran organist Jack McDuff. But Ribot soon found his calling—and the core of his mission, really—both in the city’s melting pot and in its no-holds-barred No Wave scene. There, he threw out the rules he was trying to ace and joined the Lounge Lizards. Then, he accepted Tom Waits’ invitation to play on Rain Dogs. Ribot stopped trying to sound like the guitarist he was supposed to be and became, instead, the guitar player he was.
For over four decades, he has been an indispensable collaborator to the likes of Waits, Robert Plant, and John Zorn. Additionally, so many others that his list of credits reads like a library’s card catalog. But Ribot has also been a great bandleader, from his renegade bunch Ceramic Dog to his committed Latin band, Los Cubanos Postizos.
Twenty years ago, Ribot convened a glorious quartet, Spiritual Unity, to tackle the songbook of Albert Ayler. Then, Roy Campbell died and Henry Grimes had to step away for health concerns. However, Ribot and drummer Chad Taylor wanted to maintain the exploratory energy of that band with a new lineup. Ribot called on Sebastian Steinberg, a collaborator and confidant since the ‘80s and an anchor of his great Shrek.
The new group is Hurry Red Telephone. During the quartet’s 2025 tours, guitarist Ava Mendoza added the combustible extra ingredient. Here, her chemistry with Ribot seemed to push each of them to play a bit harder, meaner, wilder. For 2026, saxophonist Briggan Krauss will step into that role with Hurry Red Telephone. Thus begins yet another chapter in Ribot’s ever-unfolding quest to find new ways to play.
Recommended for fans of Fred Frith, Arto Lindsay, Tim Berne and John Zorn.
📸: Eric van den Brulle

esperanza spalding
2026-02-21 19:00 - 21:00
“one of the most fruitful and strikingly original careers in contemporary pop.” – Rolling Stone

Here, esperanza performs songs from all eight of her previous albums, songs from current releases, plus a special preview of her forthcoming project. She emphasizes simplicity and intimacy of voice, bass, and songs in this special trio configuration.
Born in 1984 in Portland, Oregon, esperanza spalding is an eaabibacliitoti* artist. She trained and initiated in the North American (masculine) jazz lineage and tradition. Her work interweaves through various combinations of instrumental music, bass playing, improvisation, singing, composition, poetry, dance, and therapeutic research. She also engages in storytelling, teaching, regenerative agriculture, urban land & artist-sanctuary custodianship. Moreover, through her art she grows in love as a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, auntie, great-auntie, friend. She collaborates with her hometown community to decolonize within and through that community.
2024’s Milton + esperanza is spalding’s first new album since she released 2021’s songwrights apothecary lab. That album, and 2019’s 12 Little Spells, both won Grammy Awards (Best Jazz Vocal Album). spalding released a protest song in 2024 entitled “Não Ao Marco Temporal” that was recorded in Rio. A five-time Grammy winner and eleven-time nominee, spalding has previously released eight full length albums. She has worked with her heroes, including Milton Nascimento and Wayne Shorter. Furthermore, she has collaborated with Q-Tip, Janelle Monae, Robert Glasper, Terri Lyne Carrington and many others.
She also co-leads workshops and therapeutic-arts research residencies. She does this through her dance project “Off Brand gOdds” and her therapeutic music incubator “Songwrights Apothecary Lab”. In 2024, she received the Doris Duke Foundation Artist Award and was a 2016 Ford Foundation “Art of Change” Fellow.
*European-African ancestored being influenced by American cultures living in Indigenous Territories of Turtle Island.
Recommended for fans of Stevie Wonder, Robert Glasper, D’Angelo and Cécile McLorin Salvant.
These tickets do not qualify for the A-Train discount.

Emmet Cohen Trio
2026-03-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-01 20:30 - 22:30
“one of the finest piano players to emerge in decades…” – All About Jazz

Multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen has emerged as one of his generation’s pivotal art figures. A recognized prodigy, Cohen began Suzuki method piano instruction at age three. There, his playing quickly became a mature melding of musicality, technique, and concept. Downbeat observed that his “nimble touch, measured stride and warm harmonic vocabulary indicate he’s above any convoluted technical showmanship.” In the same spirit, Cohen has noted that playing jazz is “about communicating the deepest levels of humanity and individuality. It’s essentially about connections,” both among musicians and with audiences. He leads his namesake ensemble, the Emmet Cohen Trio, and is a vibrant solo performer. Furthermore, he is in constant demand as a sideman. Here, he possesses a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire, Cohen plays with the command of a seasoned veteran and the passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium.
Emmet Cohen is committed to the intergenerational transfer of artistic knowledge, history, and traditions. His signature undertaking is the Masters Legacy Series, a celebratory set of recordings and interviews honoring legendary jazz musicians. He serves as both producer and pianist for each album in the series. The goal of this ongoing project is to provide musicians of multiple generations with a forum. Thus, they transfer the unwritten folklore that is America’s unique musical idiom. Cohen has observed that playing jazz “is enriched immeasurably by connecting and studying with jazz masters, forging backward to the very creation of the art form.” Volume one of the series features drummer Jimmy Cobb, and volume two spotlights bassist Ron Carter. Future Masters Legacy Series releases will include Cohen’s recordings with Benny Golson, Tootie Heath, and George Coleman.
Recommended for fans of Oscar Peterson, Benny Green, Kenny Barron and Brad Mehldau.

Antonio Rey
2026-03-09 19:00 - 21:00
Two-time Latin Grammy-winner Antonio Rey (Spain) is widely regarded as one of the top flamenco guitarists of his generation. He is lauded for his stunning virtuosity, impeccable tone, and his lush and soulful compositions. Also, he has won many of Spain’s most prestigious guitar competitions and received numerous awards. For example, Spain’s National Guitar Award, shared by the likes of Paco de Lucia and Vicente Amigo.
His 2024 album Historias de un Flamenco won the Latin Grammy for Best Flamenco Album, and was also nominated for a 2025 Grammy. Additionally, he won the 2020 Latin Grammy for his album Flamenco Sin Fronteras.
Antonio regularly tours major theaters, concert halls and festivals around the world. This includes recent homage concerts to Paco de Lucia in Carnegie Hall and Madrid’s Teatro Real. Here, he appeared both as a featured soloist and with Al di Meola along with de Lucia’s nephew Antonio Sanchez.
He has performed with top flamenco legends including maestro Paco de Lucia himself, dancers Farruquito and Antonio Canales. Also, international artists such as Alejandro Sanz, Pablo Alboran and jazz greats including Richard Bona and Al di Meola. Recognized as Paco de Lucia’s successor, Antonio Rey now steps into the spotlight captivating audiences worldwide.
Recommended for fans of Paco de Lucia, Vicente Amigo, Las Migas and Carmen Linares.

Immanuel Wilkins Quartet
2026-03-10 19:00 - 21:00
“improbable balance of ethereal and earthy… sublime” – Downbeat

Award-winning alto saxophonist and composer Immanuel Wilkins burst onto the musical scene in 2020 with his critically acclaimed debut, Omega. October 2024 saw the release of Wilkins’ third album, Blues Blood.
Accolades, awards, and critical acclaim have followed with each of Wilkins’ album releases. Omega was named the best new jazz release by The New York Times and best debut jazz album by NPR. Also, it was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best Jazz recording. The year ended on an even higher note, with Wilkins winning the prestigious Letter One Rising Stars Award. Two years later, Wilkins released his sophomore album, The 7th Hand. Like his debut, it topped numerous year-end lists including Jazzwise, NPR, The New York Times, The Financial Times, and JazzTimes. In 2023, Wilkins was awarded with three DownBeat Critics Poll Awards. These included Best Alto Saxophonist, Best Rising Star Composer, and Best Rising Star Group. In 2024, German Deutscher Jazz Preis named his quartet best international live act of the year.
Wilkins and his quartet have toured extensively and graced some of the most esteemed stages in the world. Notable performances include Montreal Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz, North Sea Jazz, Pori Jazz, and Newport Jazz Festival. Also, the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, SFJAZZ, and Elbphilharmonie.
In addition to touring as a leader, Wilkins continues to record and share the bandstand with both his peers and his longtime mentors. For example, Jason Moran, Kenny Barron, Wynton Marsalis, Bob Dylan, Solange, Joel Ross, Gerald Clayton, and Lalah Hathaway.
Recommended for fans of Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Ravi Coltrane and Charles Lloyd.
📸: Joshua Woods

Los Lobos
2026-03-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00
“one of the hottest live acts on the planet” – BBC

It’s a matter of time. Fifty years to be exact. And in that time Los Lobos have created an unprecedented body of work, a legacy of greatness. The numbers are staggering: 100+ gigs a year for five decades running, crossing millions of miles to rock millions of fans. And that’s just at the live shows.
They’ve also recorded seventeen studio albums, seven live LPs, three compilations, two EPs, two DVDs, and contributed over forty guest appearances on their friends’ recordings. They have garnered five Grammys, an Austin City Limits Hall of Fame induction and the ALMA Ritchie Valens Pioneer Award.
But beyond all the hoopla and applause (and the source of it all, really) is the tremendous heart. Rather, hearts. Cinco corazones. Five blood brothers who have dedicated their off-stage time to helping others, working for peace and justice. Further, they’ve penned some of the most literate and important music of their time. They transform the hard cries from the East L.A. barrio into songs of hope, tales of common folk finding ways to endure.
The young wolves were weaned on late-night radio’s soul, R&B, and doo-wop. Were cured through the African-American currents of the blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll. An amalgam. As proud Chicanos, their songs have always glistened with the distillation from their Mexican and Latin American roots.
Quite simply, they are one of the tightest, one of the best, one of the most prolific bands ever. And, amazingly, with the original founding members as the pack the entire time. Unprecedented. As their liner notes put it, quite simply: “Los Lobos still are David Hidalgo, Louie Pérez, Jr., Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, Steve Berlin.”
Recommended for fans of Alejandro Escovedo, Roy Orbison, Ritchie Valens and Elvis Presley.
These tickets do not qualify for the A-Train discount.

MMEA All-State Jazz Band
2026-03-18 19:00 - 21:00
Minnesota Music Educators Association is proud to present the All-State Jazz Band at the Dakota. MMEA’s All-State Ensembles are built with 625 accomplished young musicians from 269 programs within the state of Minnesota.
Recommended for fans of Maria Schneider, Dean Sorenson, Libby Larsen and Bob Mintzer.
