Dakota

Morgan James VIP Experience
2026-03-24 17:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago)
Morgan James is hosting VIP events prior to the show, giving a chance for fans to get together and celebrate good music in an intimate setting.
VIP attendees will be treated to an exclusive performance, story telling, a question and answer session with Morgan, photo and autograph sessions and everyone will walk away with an exclusive piece of merchandise only available to VIPs at each show.
VIP Experiences include:

Early entrance and crowd-free merchandise shopping
A commemorative piece of merchandise
Individual photo opportunity with Morgan James
Autograph session with Morgan James
Group question and answer session with Morgan James — ask your most burning question!
Private performance by Morgan James

IMPORTANT: This is not a ticket to the show.
You must have a concert ticket in order to purchase this VIP Meet & Greet.

Check-in Time: Please arrive at the venue by 4:45 PM.
After check-in, you’ll be escorted to the VIP area for the meet & greet.

“A phenomenal talent whose feel for classic soul music is bone deep… This woman is on fire.” – New York Times

Morgan James has a voice that needs to be heard. After her grandmother heard her sing, the matriarch paid for James’ voice lessons, positive that her granddaughter had talent. However, despite the often-treacherous terrain of the music industry, James has never tired in her quest. There, she has tussled with unimaginative label executives, covered and owned Beatles songs, and cast a woman as Jesus. Through it all, James has carved out an enviable career, always on her own terms.
James has a particular taste for inserting herself into men’s spaces. Here, she twists hyper-masculine songs to her will, changing their meanings in the process. Furthermore, she brings that feminist lens to the forefront in her most recent project, 2025’s Soul Remains the Same. Moreover, she reinterprets tracks from AC/DC, Stone Temple Pilots, and Pearl Jam. “Something I’ve always loved, and I’ve done throughout my career, is sing songs that are not just written by men, but especially made for men,” she says. “And make them my own.”
Here, Soul Remains the Same transforms testosterone-soaked ‘80s and ‘90s radio classics of her youth into poignant, soulful, deeply personal covers. “I don’t try to change something to be clever. I don’t want to change something that’s already great,” James says. “But sometimes I’ll hear a song and think to myself, ‘This would be amazing with horns, or what would this sound like with a choir or a B3?’” James picked which tracks to cover after a road trip on which she and her husband belted along to some old favorites. Then, she created sexy, bold versions of cuts like Whitesnake’s “Is This Love”. Also, a deliciously moody version of Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight.”
Recommended for fans of Nina Simone, Postmodern Jukebox, Pink Martini and Aretha Franklin.

Morgan James
2026-03-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-24 21:00 - 23:00
“A phenomenal talent whose feel for classic soul music is bone deep… This woman is on fire.” – New York Times

Morgan James has a voice that needs to be heard. After her grandmother heard her sing, the matriarch paid for James’ voice lessons, positive that her granddaughter had talent. However, despite the often-treacherous terrain of the music industry, James has never tired in her quest. There, she has tussled with unimaginative label executives, covered and owned Beatles songs, and cast a woman as Jesus. Through it all, James has carved out an enviable career, always on her own terms.
James has a particular taste for inserting herself into men’s spaces. Here, she twists hyper-masculine songs to her will, changing their meanings in the process. Furthermore, she brings that feminist lens to the forefront in her most recent project, 2025’s Soul Remains the Same. Moreover, she reinterprets tracks from AC/DC, Stone Temple Pilots, and Pearl Jam. “Something I’ve always loved, and I’ve done throughout my career, is sing songs that are not just written by men, but especially made for men,” she says. “And make them my own.”
Here, Soul Remains the Same transforms testosterone-soaked ‘80s and ‘90s radio classics of her youth into poignant, soulful, deeply personal covers. “I don’t try to change something to be clever. I don’t want to change something that’s already great,” James says. “But sometimes I’ll hear a song and think to myself, ‘This would be amazing with horns, or what would this sound like with a choir or a B3?’” James picked which tracks to cover after a road trip on which she and her husband belted along to some old favorites. Then, she created sexy, bold versions of cuts like Whitesnake’s “Is This Love”. Also, a deliciously moody version of Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight.”
Recommended for fans of Nina Simone, Postmodern Jukebox, Pink Martini and Aretha Franklin.

Mark Lettieri Group
2026-04-01 19:00 - 21:00
“groundbreaking, genre-bending innovative group” – Jazz Guitar Today

Mark Lettieri is a six-time nominated, five-time Grammy winning guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor. He creates acclaimed guitar-based instrumental music and is a member of leading instrumental bands Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. Also, he is a session musician proficient in a multitude of styles. Thus, he has recorded and performed in virtually every genre of popular music with both independent and major-label artists.
In 2024 Lettieri released his highly anticipated new album, Can I Tell You Something? Here, Lettieri explores the world of instrumental music, blending elements of jazz, funk, rock, and soul. Further, he creates a sound that is distinctly his own. On display is his trademark intricate guitar work, infectious funk, and a range of dynamic compositions that highlight his versatility and creativity.
Mark joined Snarky Puppy in 2008, and his work with the group has resulted in five Grammy Awards. Then in 2018, Lettieri helped form The Fearless Flyers, with Cory Wong, Nate Smith, and Joe Dart. The Vulfpeck-adjacent quartet has four releases to date.
As a sideman, Lettieri has performed and/or recorded with a myriad of artists including Erykah Badu and David Crosby. Also, Kirk Franklin, The Jacksons, Fred Hammond, Tori Kelly, 50 Cent, Ledisi, Tamela Mann, Lecrae, Lupe Fiasco, and Keyshia Cole. Additionally, Xzibit, Anthony Evans, Phillip Phillips, Nelly, Chrisette Michele, Myron Butler, and even alongside comedians Dave Chappelle and Harry Shearer.
Recommended for fans of Snarky Puppy, Cory Wong, Nate Smith and Lettuce.

What's Going On: 29th Annual Celebration of the Life & Music of Marvin Gaye
2026-04-03 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-03 21:00 - 23:00
Celebrate Marvin Gaye’s birthday with an all-star lineup!

Marvin Gaye was truly a unique and gifted performer. Musician, poet, activist and visionary, Marvin’s influence still has a powerful effect on people’s lives to this day. His influence can still be heard and felt in the music of today’s most popular artists. Born on April 2nd, 1939, MidAmerica Talent has assembled an all-star lineup to pay a special musical birthday tribute to the R&B/soul legend.
Featuring vocalists:
Jay Bee
Ray Covington
Erica West
Lynval Jackson
Band –
Yonathan Bekure, bass
Brian Ziemniak, keyboards
David Eiland, saxophone
Daryl Boudreaux, percussion
Brian Kendrick, drums
David Feily, guitar
Recommended for fans of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield.

Take 6
2026-04-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-11 20:30 - 22:30
“baddest vocal cats on the planet!” – Quincy Jones

10 Grammy Awards
10 Dove Awards
Gospel Music Hall of Fame
Take 6 is Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea and Khristian Dentley. Here, they are the quintessential a cappella group and the model for vocal genius. Moreover, they are the preeminent and best a capella group in the world.
Their illustrious career has garnered ten Grammy Awards, ten Dove Awards, a Soul Train Award, and membership in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. A true musical phenomenon, the ensemble features six virtuosic voices united in crystal clear harmony. Further, this is set against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements, and funky grooves. Together, this bubbles into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop.
They’ve earned collaborations and praise from such luminaries as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Whitney Houston. Additionally, the multi-platinum selling sextet has toured across the globe and collaborated across genres. Thus, they are recognized as the greatest a cappella group in the world.
Take 6 has come a long way from their days at Huntsville, Alabama’s Oakwood College. There, McKnight formed the group as The Gentleman’s Estate Quartet in 1980. The group eventually became known as Alliance but they found that there was another group with the same name. Then, they became Take 6. Their self-titled debut CD won over jazz and pop critics and they’ve never slowed down.
Recommended for fans of Naturally 7, Boyz II Men, New Edition and Manhattan Transfer.

Big Daddy Kane
2026-04-17 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-17 21:00 - 23:00
“one of the fiercest emcees of his era” – Albumism

Big Daddy Kane is one of hip-hop’s most lyrical, diverse, innovative, trendsetting M.C.s. He is known by many attributes: Dark Gable, Black Caesar and King Asiatic Nobody’s Equal, but he is known to the world as Big Daddy Kane.
This baritone voiced, stylish dressing M.C. were the one to first bring the “playa” element to hip-hop. There, Kane, along with Bobby Brown and Michael Jordan, put dark skin back on the map. Kane was the first rapper to ever hold two sold out shows at the world-famous Apollo Theater for women only. Also, he appeared in magazines Right On and Source, and let’s not forget the infamous Madonna Sex book. However, in the words of the late Big Pun, Kane is not only a playa, he just crush a lot. Referring to his rapid fire, metaphoric battle rap style.
Kane’s influences are Muhammad Ali, Marvin Gaye, and his rap hero Grand Master Caz of the Cold Crush Brothers. However, on stage the James Brown and the Famous Flames influence is evident as well. With several Gold albums, Kane has endured over a long career giving us a deep catalogue of timeless music.
As a powerful figure in the rap game, Kane has collaborated with many artists. Here, he has worked with Kool G Rap, Masta Ace and Craig G, Public Enemy and Ice Cube. Also, Heavy D, UGK, Busta Rhymes, Patti LaBelle, Quincy Jones and more. All of that along with a Grammy award makes Big Daddy Kane a hip-hop legend, a member of the elite circle of rap royalty. Furthermore, the 2005 VH1 Hip Hop Honors honored him during the broadcast. Additionally, Kane continues to touch millions of fans worldwide. LONG LIVE THE KANE!!!
Recommended for fans of Biz Markie, Public Enemy, EPMD and Erik B. & Rakim.

VIP Event: Black Violin: Full Circle Tour
2026-04-23 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-24 16:00 - 17:00
Invitation to pre-show experience with Black Violin, including:

Access to view a portion of soundcheck
Q&A session
Photo opportunity with Kev and Wil
Commemorative VIP laminate
VIP access to the merchandise booth and a 20% discount on any available item

IMPORTANT: This is not a ticket to the show.
You must have a concert ticket in order to purchase this VIP Meet & Greet.

“fusion of classical, hip-hop, blues, and R&B” – Glide

Step into Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour! Here, Grammy-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine the possibilities of music by merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse. Also, this tour captures the essence of returning to where it all began—transformed and reimagined. Each powerful performance invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys, discovering that even as we evolve, we’re often drawn back to our roots with renewed purpose.
From high school orchestra classmates to groundbreaking artists, Black Violin’s path reflects resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge expectations. Furthermore, their Black Violin Foundation reaches over 100,000 students each year, building a legacy that transcends the stage. Join them for an unforgettable night that celebrates growth, music, and the beauty of coming full circle.
The members of Black Violin met on the first day of orchestra class in 1996. There, they both attended Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. (Baptiste originally wanted to play saxophone in the band. However, the orchestra teacher assigned him to his class after winning a golf bet with the band instructor.) Classically trained by day, they faithfully put on their headphones and listened to the hottest rap records each night. Then, after attending different colleges, they reconvened, moved into an apartment together, and started trying to produce other musicians.
They developed an act covering hip-hop songs on their violins, which became popular in local clubs. Two years after sending in a tape to Showtime at the Apollo, the show invited to appear— which they won, and kept winning. Since then, they’ve worked with Alicia Keys, Alessia Cara, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), and more.
Recommended for fans of 2Cellos, Lindsey Stirling, The String Queens and Damien Escobar.

Black Violin: Full Circle Tour
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-24 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-24 21:00 - 23:00
VIP Meet & Greet Add-On. Click the links below for tickets!
APR 23
APR 24

“fusion of classical, hip-hop, blues, and R&B” – Glide

Step into Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour! Here, Grammy-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine the possibilities of music by merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse. Also, this tour captures the essence of returning to where it all began—transformed and reimagined. Each powerful performance invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys, discovering that even as we evolve, we’re often drawn back to our roots with renewed purpose.
From high school orchestra classmates to groundbreaking artists, Black Violin’s path reflects resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge expectations. Furthermore, their Black Violin Foundation reaches over 100,000 students each year, building a legacy that transcends the stage. Join them for an unforgettable night that celebrates growth, music, and the beauty of coming full circle.
The members of Black Violin met on the first day of orchestra class in 1996. There, they both attended Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. (Baptiste originally wanted to play saxophone in the band. However, the orchestra teacher assigned him to his class after winning a golf bet with the band instructor.) Classically trained by day, they faithfully put on their headphones and listened to the hottest rap records each night. Then, after attending different colleges, they reconvened, moved into an apartment together, and started trying to produce other musicians.
They developed an act covering hip-hop songs on their violins, which became popular in local clubs. Two years after sending in a tape to Showtime at the Apollo, the show invited to appear— which they won, and kept winning. Since then, they’ve worked with Alicia Keys, Alessia Cara, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), and more.
Recommended for fans of 2Cellos, Lindsey Stirling, The String Queens and Damien Escobar.

Robert Glasper OG Acoustic Piano Trio
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-27 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-28 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-29 21:30 - 23:30
“mélange of contemporary jazz, beat-heavy hip-hop, and neo-soul melodies.” – Rolling Stone

Robert Glasper – Piano
Vicente Archer – Bass
Damion Reid – Drums
Jahi Sundance – DJ
Robert Glasper is the leader of a new sonic paradigm with a career that bridges musical and artistic genres. To date, he boasts five Grammy wins and sixteen nominations across eleven categories. Additionally, he received an Emmy for his song for Ava Duvernay’s critically hailed documentary 13th with Common and Karriem Riggins. His work and accolades bridge all aspects of the music business, from live touring to film scoring, composing and producing.
Evolution is his hallmark. Glasper’s breakout crossover album Black Radio changed the face of the genre and set a new expectation for what popular music could be. Then, the album won him the Grammy for best R&B album. Further, it established him as the musician of choice for some of the world’s most iconic artists. Glasper played keys throughout Kendrick Lamar‘s To Pimp A Butterfly, winning another Grammy for the elastic track “These Walls”. The ongoing Black Radio series has become Glasper’s calling card, upholding a place at the heart of a trailblazing community. Collaborators range from long-time sonic brothers Mos Def and Bilal to legends including Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu.
Glasper’s eternal pursuit to further his sound has been consistent in challenging and transforming his creative horizons across the board. Whether producing a remix album with Kaytranda or as a bandleader, Robert consistently defies the limits of the genre. Moreover, this is evident in his expansive portfolio and range of projects. His acoustic trio simultaneously defies and elevates the traditional idiom, uniting it effortlessly with electronics from visionary DJ Jahi Sundance. August Greene is a collaboration with Common + Karriem Riggins. R+R=Now is a new supergroup at the crossroads of hip-hop and jazz.
Recommended for fans of Kamasi Washington, Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild and Kendrick Lamar.
📸: Todd Cooper
