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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Dakota
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250908T152719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214751Z
UID:10003002-1763060400-1763067600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Alex Cuba
DESCRIPTION:“Staying true to his Spanish language folk-funk-rock hybrid has paid off.”— Billboard\n  \nIt’s a strange thing\, watching audiences sing along with Alex without speaking his native Spanish. But they do. They “la-la-la” their way from chorus to chorus\, caught up in his inescapable gravitational pull. His warm\, elastic vocals float above a sound essentially from everywhere. It’s an effortless mix of funk\, soul\, and pan-Latin textures\, and no matter where you’re from\, you can’t help it. You’re home.  \nHe discovered music’s power to mesmerize and transport you at an early age. “I used to skip meals\,” says Cuba\, speaking of the long days he spent locked in his room as a child in Artemisa\, Cuba\, mastering the bass. “My mother would have to remind me that I was human\, that I needed food. Music has always taken me away like that.” Today\, he carries audiences away with his performances in the same fashion\, from the Hollywood Bowl to Radio Music City Hall. There\, he has shared the stage with artists as diverse as Sheryl Crow and Juan Luis Guerra. He casts his spell as if genres weren’t a thing.  \nAt the heart of his ability to charm anything that breathes is Alex’s mastery of a deeper\, more important language. The dude speaks joy. And it doesn’t matter if it’s Tito Puente joy or Stevie Wonder joy; it’s contagious. It shines through songs he’s co-written with Nelly Furtado and Jason Mraz. It’s the north star of his compositions.  \nThis undeniable exuberance\, expressed with masterful musicianship\, has catapulted Alex to the highest levels of global critical acclaim. It led this fiercely independent artist to two Juno awards\, four Latin Grammys\, and a 2022 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album. \nRecommended for fans of Nelly Furtado\, Cimafunk\, Pedro Guerra and Leonel Garcia. \n📸: Eduardo Rawdriguez
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/alex-cuba/
CATEGORIES:Global,R&B/Soul,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-AlexCuba.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250911T132435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214910Z
UID:10003050-1763492400-1763499600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Mac Ayres: The Piano Tour
DESCRIPTION:“one of R&B’s most interesting and most underrated singer-songwriters” – Billboard\n  \nMac Ayres is a self-taught and independent singer-songwriter\, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Long Island\, NY. He draws inspiration from some of the great artists of our time including D’Angelo\, Stevie Wonder\, J Dilla and more. Also\, his breakout single “Easy” released off his debut project\, Drive Slow\, has been certified gold.  \nHis previous albums\, Comfortable Enough (2023)\, Magic 8Ball (2021)\, Juicebox (2019)\, Something to Feel (2018) and Drive Slow (2017) have received attention from Vogue\, Billboard\, Complex\, Highsnobiety\, the BBC and more. Moreover\, Mac has headlined and sold-out various venues across the globe. Thus\, he is one of this generation’s most exciting voices in R&B. \nRecommended for fans of Leon Bridges\, Ray Lamontagne\, Bruno Major\, Black Pumas and Allen Stone.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mac-ayres-the-piano-tour-nov18-2025-tec-83438/
CATEGORIES:R&B/Soul,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-MacAyres.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251121T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251121T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250923T164322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T215002Z
UID:10003094-1763751600-1763758800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Nur-D
DESCRIPTION:“His energy is electric\, his mission inspired” – Lavender\n  \nNur-D isn’t your typical hip-hop artist. Hailing from Minnesota\, he brings something fresh to the scene. Here\, this is hip-hop packed with personality\, high-energy performances\, and a kaleidoscopic mix of influences. Think contemporary rap infused with the pageantry of ‘80s glam rock\, with a sprinkle of pop and funk. It’s music made for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in.  \nHis newest album\, 2025’s Chunkadelic\, is his most personal and hands-on project yet. Inspired by funk and soul\, the project is a vibrant celebration of creativity\, resilience\, and staying true to yourself. Additionally\, there’s more than a sprinkle of “shaking ass and getting paid”. \nSince bursting onto the scene in 2018\, Nur-D is turning up the volume on his signature style. With ten full-length projects\, each with their own flair in his discography\, Nur-D has something special for any occasion. You can go out on the town with “Take My Picture” or bop to “Collide”. Then\, channel flirty energy with “All My Friends Are So Hot\,” or just “Strut” your stuff. Don’t be afraid to ride the “Black Wizard Wave” and celebrate yourself! Finally\, let “HVN” ring with community and uplift you\, leaving you feeling “Glorious!”  \nNur-D’s infectious energy and joy shine through\, where sharp lyricism\, humor\, and storytelling come together to create something special. Moreover\, his music is hip-hop with heart\, wit\, and a message\, delivered in a style that’s entirely his own. Also\, Nur-D has performed alongside MisterWives\, Ludacris\, Tyler The Creator\, and the Minnesota Orchestra. \nOne thing is clear: Nur-D isn’t just making music. He’s making a movement. It’s easy to see why many people are calling Nur-D the next big thing out of Minnesota! \nRecommended for fans of Atmosphere\, Dessa\, Ludacris and Tyler the Creator.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/nur-d-nov21-2025/
CATEGORIES:R&B/Soul,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-Nur-D.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250908T152902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T195146Z
UID:10003086-1763836200-1763845200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
DESCRIPTION:“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times\n  \nBoney 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. \nBut 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. \nNext 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.” \nRising 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.” \nRecommended for fans of Rick Braun\, Brian Culbertson\, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/boney-james-the-slow-burn-tour/2025-11-22/3/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-BoneyJames-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T201500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250908T152904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T195047Z
UID:10003007-1763842500-1763845200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:VIP Event: Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
DESCRIPTION:Boney James VIP event.\n  \nVIP Meet & Greet will be after the 1st show and before the doors open for the 9pm performance. \n• 6:30PM TICKET HOLDERS – will be asked to stay in the room after the performance.\n• 9PM TICKET HOLDERS – Please arrive to the club before 8pm. \nYou 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. \n THIS VIP MEET & GREET add on will include:\n• Pre-show photo Meet & Greet with Boney James\n• Early Entry to the Venue\n• Exclusive\, collectible VIP laminate \nTHIS IS NOT A TICKET FOR THE SHOW!  \n\n“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times\n  \nBoney 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. \nBut 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. \nNext 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.” \nRising 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.” \nRecommended for fans of Rick Braun\, Brian Culbertson\, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/vip-event-boney-james-the-slow-burn-tour/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-BoneyJames.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T230000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250908T152902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T195146Z
UID:10003087-1763845200-1763852400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
DESCRIPTION:“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times\n  \nBoney 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. \nBut 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. \nNext 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.” \nRising 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.” \nRecommended for fans of Rick Braun\, Brian Culbertson\, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/boney-james-the-slow-burn-tour/2025-11-22/4/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-BoneyJames-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251124T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251124T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250916T183800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T215113Z
UID:10003075-1764010800-1764018000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Kirk Whalum
DESCRIPTION:“soul-cleansing… focused and adventurous playing” – Jazz Times\n  \nSoulful\, 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. \nAfter 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). \nKirk 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.  \nIn 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. \nRecommended for fans of Larry Carlton\, Bob James\, Al Jarreau and Brian Culbertson.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/kirk-whalum-nov24-2025/2025-11-24/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-KirkWhalum.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251124T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251124T230000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250916T183800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T215113Z
UID:10003076-1764018000-1764025200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Kirk Whalum
DESCRIPTION:“soul-cleansing… focused and adventurous playing” – Jazz Times\n  \nSoulful\, 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. \nAfter 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). \nKirk 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.  \nIn 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. \nRecommended for fans of Larry Carlton\, Bob James\, Al Jarreau and Brian Culbertson.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/kirk-whalum-nov24-2025/2025-11-24/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-KirkWhalum.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251128T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251128T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250908T152906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T224912Z
UID:10003009-1764356400-1764363600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:The Very Best of Julie London By Jaedyn James & Alex Browne
DESCRIPTION:“Sultry and powerful R&B… fierce” – Maximum Ink\n  \n“The Very Best of Julie London” will be a sultry night celebrating a jazz icon’s greatest hits and timeless elegance. Produced and performed by Jaedyn James and Alex Browne and backed by an incredible full band featuring strings\, horns\, flute\, piano\, and upright bass.  \nJulie London is a renowned American singer and actress\, celebrated for her sultry voice and intimate singing style. Born in California in 1926\, Julie began her career in the entertainment industry as an actress in the 1940s. However\, it was her musical talent that truly set her apart. Then\, her breakthrough came with the 1955 release of “Cry Me a River”. This song showcased her smoky vocal tone and became an instant classic. Throughout her career\, Julie recorded over thirty albums\, often working with top jazz musicians and arrangers. \nVocalist Jaedyn James is a dynamic force in the music industry\, seamlessly blending her talents as a singer\, songwriter\, producer\, and entertainer. She is well-known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence. Moreover\, Jaedyn has carved a niche for herself with her unique sound that often fuses elements of soul\, funk\, and R&B. Additionally\, her songwriting reflects a keen insight into the human experience\, touching on themes of love\, resilience\, and empowerment. Whether performing live or crafting new events\, Jaedyn James continues to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of her artistry. \nMusic Director Alex Browne is a versatile musician whose talents span across trumpet playing\, teaching\, and bandleading. As a trumpet player\, Alex showcases a profound mastery of the instrument. Here\, they captivate audiences\, performing with acts such as Bebe Zahara\, Purple Funk Metropolis\, and Jaedyn James. However\, their passion for music extends beyond performance. A dedicated teacher\, Alex inspires students of all ages at Walker West and MCTC. \nRecommended for fans of Julie London\, Irma Thomas\, Anita O’Day and Ella Fitzgerald.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-very-best-of-julie-london-by-jaedyn-james-alex-browne/
CATEGORIES:R&B/Soul,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-JaedynJames.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251129T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251129T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250926T202806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T215207Z
UID:10003104-1764442800-1764450000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Shaun LaBelle feat. Najee & Brian Simpson
DESCRIPTION:“smooth jazz with an edge\, with funk and rock elements” – Pioneer Press\n  \nShaun 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. \nNajee 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. \nKeyboardist/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. \nRecommended for fans of Jeff Lorber\, David Sanborn\, Bob James and Marcus Miller.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/shaun-labelle-feat-najee-brian-simpson-nov29-2025/2025-11-29/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-ShaunLaBelleNajeeBrian2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251129T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251129T230000
DTSTAMP:20260430T100605
CREATED:20250926T202806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T215207Z
UID:10003105-1764450000-1764457200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Shaun LaBelle feat. Najee & Brian Simpson
DESCRIPTION:“smooth jazz with an edge\, with funk and rock elements” – Pioneer Press\n  \nShaun 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. \nNajee 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. \nKeyboardist/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. \nRecommended for fans of Jeff Lorber\, David Sanborn\, Bob James and Marcus Miller.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/shaun-labelle-feat-najee-brian-simpson-nov29-2025/2025-11-29/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-ShaunLaBelleNajeeBrian2.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR