Dakota

Songstress - A Tribute to Anita Baker
2026-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
“intensely, passionately romantic… sophisticated pop-soul” – New York Times

With her classy, refined brand of romantic soul, Anita Baker was one of the definitive voices of R&B in the 1980s. She is often associated with the “quiet storm” sub-genre. However, Baker’s sound incorporates not only R&B, but also elements of jazz, gospel, and pop. In this new show, an all-star collection of Twin Cities talent celebrates her biggest hits and her enduring sound.
A member of the Midwest music scene for many years, Ginger Commodore is a regular visitor to the Dakota stage. Classically trained, gospel influenced, and jazz inspired, Ginger’s musical foundation is a true amalgam of musical styles. Further, Ginger presents her sound with her own unique delivery.
Originally from Chicago, Kendra Glenn realized her gift of singing at age 10 in church choir. Then, Kendra moved to the Twin Cities in the early 90’s and has made herself a household name. Furthermore, she has worked with Nicholas David, R Factor, Scott Holt, and many others.
Aimee K. Bryant’s work has always revolved around a well-told story. A longtime member of the Twin Cities theater scene, she performs on some of the nation’s most acclaimed stages. For example, The Guthrie Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, Penumbra Theatre and the Children’s Theatre Company. Furthermore, she is a Founding Ensemble Member of Congo Square Theatre. McKnight Theatre selected her as an Artist Fellow, and City Pages named her Actress of the Year.
Band:
Deevo Dee, guitar
Brian Ziemniak, keyboards
Tony Axtell, bass
Brian Kendrick, drums
Daryl Boudreaux, percussion
Recommended for fans of Vanessa Williams, Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson and Patti LaBelle.

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.

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.

Shemekia Copeland
2026-02-25 19:00 - 21:00
“Copeland is the greatest blues singer of her generation.” – Washington Post

Shemekia Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. The multi-Grammy nominee is beloved and honored worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty and humor of her revelatory songs. Additionally, she is celebrated for her winning, engaging personality. The Chicago Tribune says, “Copeland is the greatest female blues vocalist working today. There’s no mistaking the majesty of her instrument, nor the ferocity of her delivery.”
On Copeland’s latest album, 2024’s Blame It On Eve, the songs all hit hard. Here, jaw-dropping performances instantly take hold and command repeated listening. “There’s serious business on the new album,” Copeland says. “But there are a lot of smiles here too, a lot of joyous moments. It’s my blues for sure but it’s the brighter side. Issues are always important to me, but so is rocking, dancing and just having fun. And that’s something we all can all agree on.”
With Blame It On Eve, Copeland embarks on what she calls “a vacation from all the heaviness.” It features twelve new songs that tackle subjects as important as a woman’s right to choose and climate change. However, it also leaves space for Copeland to have fun and unwind. Here, Copeland is inspired throughout.
Forbes declared, “Shemekia is fearless, honest and hopeful…she holds back nothing as she delivers hard-hitting musical truths.” Further, John Prine paid her a huge compliment when he said, “She simply doesn’t sound like anybody else.” And none other than Copeland’s friend, the legendary Mavis Staples, announced, “I am so happy Shemekia is delivering these songs that the world needs to hear. Her voice is strong and soulful, and her message comes from her heart.”
Recommended for fans of Koko Taylor, Bettye LaVette, Ruthie Foster and Buddy Guy.

The Pharcyde
2026-02-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-27 21:00 - 23:00
“self-conscious rap smarts and postmodern pop-cult potpourri” – Pitchfork

In the early 90’s, gangsta rap consumed the airwaves, and the majority of West Coast rappers strapped on their Locs, Chuck Taylor’s & Ben Davis’. However, The Pharcyde decidedly maintained a willfully weird vision, staying true to themselves. There, with their left field but still South-Central sensibility, rap had seen few groups so self-deprecating and so smart. Moreover, they featured four visionary rappers adroitly able to split the difference between helium-voiced and hard-core.
Listening to Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde two full decades after its release, its sense of timeliness is unmistakable. Every song on the album inverts a hoary hip-hop cliché. The album features classics like “Oh Shit,” “Otha Fish”, “Ya’ Mama,” and hit single, “Passing Me By”. Thus, it’s not surprising that it went Platinum and garnered comparisons to De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest. Everyone from Pitchfork Media to The Source has hailed it as one of the greatest albums ever made.
Speaking on the passage of time, their second release, LabCabInCalifornia, has revealed exactly how far-reaching The Pharcyde’s vision was. There, they enlisted a young, unknown James Yancey aka J DILLA to produce beats, including the classic “Runnin”. Then, they collaborated with director Spike Jonze (“Being John Malkovich” “Adaptation”) on the groundbreaking video for “Drop”. The album consistently reinforced their steadfast refusal to tread familiar artistic grounds.
Today, The Pharcyde is still performing and touring the globe. They continue to hone their individual abilities yet carry on the name & legacy in its original fashion. They still seduce their audience with the same boyish charm that founded them at the beginning. The Pharcyde is still influencing the hip-hop artists and sounds of today and will continue to for years to come.
Recommended for fans of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Digital Underground and Beastie Boys.

Ladies of Soul, Vol. 3: A Celebration of Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill & Mary J. Blige
2026-02-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-28 21:00 - 23:00
Celebrating three of the most iconic and influential voices in modern R&B and soul!

Ladies of Soul, Vol. 3 honors the artistry, songwriting, and cultural impact of Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and Mary J. Blige. Here, each of these artists reshaped contemporary soul by blending R&B, hip-hop, jazz, gospel, and raw emotional storytelling.
The evening will feature powerhouse vocal performances backed by an A-List band. Additionally, hear beloved classics, deep cuts, and fan favorites from across these legendary catalogs.
Solorah The Essence is the vocalist/leader of jazz/R&B fusion collective Bakkwooddrift. Also, her angelic voice embodies soulful black music.
Ashley Commodore is a singer from a family of talented, accomplished musicians. Her mother Ginger, father Bobby, and brother Brandon are all Twin Cities gems performing in varied music genres. Ashley has been featured with Grammy Award winning group the Sounds of Blackness. Additionally, she currently tours with national recording artist Stokley Williams. Further, she is the newest member of the jazz vocal ensemble, Moore By Four. When not out on the road with Stokley & the VÜ, you can find her sitting in with the Dr Mambo’s Combo at Bunkers Bar and Grill.
Singer/songwriter/actor Monique Blakey discovered her very large voice at a very young age. She began singing at the age of five and acting by the age of nine. Monique was immediately thrust into talent shows, plays, and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down yet! Additionally, she has worked on network TV, recorded with several mainstream artists, and acted in several stage productions. Also, she recently landed her first role in a Hulu series.
The Band:
Tony Axtell, bass
Deevo, guitar
RAWTWHYLAH, drums
Tommy Barbarella, keys
Recommended for fans of Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and Mary J. Blige.

Slum Village w/ Room3 & Kevin Gamble
2026-03-04 19:00 - 21:00
“ill beats, boastful raps… gritty and soulful music” – Pitchfork

With Room3 & Kevin Gamble
Kaleidoscopic jazz fusion collective Room3 joins Slum Village as backing band for the evening. Here, the live band element adds depth and color to the group’s iconic sound.
Slum Village is not just a music group, but a close-knit brotherhood tied together by friendship and their shared musical passions. They emerged in the early 1990s from the dynamic streets of Conant Gardens in Detroit. There, led by T3, Baatin, and the iconic J Dilla, the group quickly became a cornerstone in Detroit’s hip-hop scene.
J Dilla’s enduring influence continued to shape the group. For example, his protégé, Grammy-nominated producer Young RJ, stepped in as a rapper in 2009. Also, through T3 and Young RJ’s stewardship, Slum Village has continued to innovate. There, 2002’s Trinity and standout track “Tainted” are revered among hip-hop fans. Additionally, 2004’s standout album Detroit Deli featured the popular single “Selfish” with Kanye West and John Legend.
T3 and Young RJ have been instrumental in preserving and expanding the group’s legacy. Their involvement led to later albums like Villa Manifesto and YES, which includes posthumous productions by Dilla. Today, Slum Village remains a celebrated name in the world of Detroit hip-hop. With over a decade of collaboration, T3 and Young RJ stay true to the group’s founding ethos while introducing new vitality and a contagious zest.
Their recent works include singles “Request,” “Factor,” “So Superb,” and the acclaimed 2024 album F.U.N. This album features artists like Cordae, Larry June, Elijah Fox, and Eric Roberson. It highlights their continued commitment to breaking new ground and thrilling audiences globally. Here, explore their musical journey and experience the sounds that have established them as hip-hop royalty.
Recommended for fans of J Dilla, Eric Roberson, Dwele and Talib Kweli.

John Oates & The Good Road Band
2026-03-06 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-06 21:00 - 23:00
“engaging, unpretentious voice… sincere and modestly virtuosic” – Acoustic Guitar

John Oates is celebrating twenty-five years as an accomplished solo recording artist. John celebrated this milestone by releasing his newest project, 2025’s self-titled album Oates.
Oates is a co-founder of the most successful duo in rock history, Hall & Oates. Thus, he is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and The American Songwriters Hall of Fame. Also, he received the prestigious BMI Icon Award as well as numerous American Music, MTV awards and multiple Grammy nominations.
Oates has been part of pop music history’s most iconic moments. For example, he was part of the groundbreaking “We Are The World” charity session. Further, Hall and Oates headlined the first Live Aid concert in Philadelphia. More recently, John is very active with various philanthropic organizations such as Feeding America, Movember, Teen Cancer America and more.
In addition to having sold over 80 million albums as a former member of Hall & Oates, he has recorded eight solo albums. He is currently touring the world with his Good Road Band and Acoustic Quartet performing his new original songs. Additionally, they cover past hits as well as selections of influential music he calls “the songs that made me”. Here, these are selected from the early days of rock, soul, folk and R&B.
Recommended for fans of Hall & Oates, Boz Scaggs, Bruce Hornsby and Jeff Lynne.
📸: Jason Lee Denton

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.

Dessa
2026-03-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-15 22:00 - 23:30
“Dessa is a rock star… a unique gift for innovative turns of phrase.” – Star Tribune

Spanning genres and disciplines, Dessa’s style is defined by tenderness, ferocity, candor, and wit. As a musician, she’s co-composed for large choirs and crowd-surfed at rock clubs. Also, she recorded a live album with the Grammy-winning Minnesota Orchestra and contributed a track to the Number One album The Hamilton Mixtape. Her TED Talk, which recounts her science experiment on how to fall out of love, has notched more than 5 million views. She’s written for The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler. Additionally, she hosted two seasons of a podcast for the BBC. Also, she’s published several poetry books and literary collections including the memoir-in-essays My Own Devices.
Dessa’s musical career began in earnest when she was asked to join Minneapolis’ Doomtree collective. Here, the hip-hop crew is known for bold production, charismatic lyricists, and explosive live shows. Then, she started touring hard as a solo act after her 2010 release A Badly Broken Code. Since then, she’s released five more full-length albums, working across sounds and styles. Meanwhile, she keeps her razor-sharp writing front and center.

Lady Midnight is a vocalist and performance artist who draws upon her multidisciplinary background and Afro-indigenous roots to create work that reflects our collective lives. City Pages named Lady Midnight Best Twin Cities Vocalist and named her album, Death Before Mourning, Best Album of 2020. She has performed across the country, sharing stages with legendary acts like Common, Moby, Andra Day, and Aloe Blacc.
Recommended for fans of Doomtree, P.O.S., Sims and Sage Francis.
📸: Athel Rogers

The MPLS Men Of Motown
2026-03-21 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-21 21:00 - 23:00
“an unbelievable night of iconic songs” – Explore MN

With Special Guests The MPLS Women of Motown
Feat. Courtnie, Kayla & Kathleen Johnson and Kiana Marie
Feat. Lamont Keten, Len Jones, RoShewn Harrington, David Chill Anderson, Shayde Stephens
This dynamic and soulful show features The Mfellaz and the timeless sounds of Motown. Furthermore, the music of Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, The Four Tops and the mighty Temptations.
The show features The KAJ Orchestra led by Kirk A. Johnson, formerly of Prince and The New Power Generation. Also, the music takes you back in time to when these impressive artists created Motown’s danceable arrangements and choreography.
Lamont Keten has been a featured and supporting vocalist for Musicians4Musicians and The Soul Tight Committee. Additionally, he’s worked with The Maxx Band Soul Experience, Mid America Talent, and the world-famous Alexander O’Neal.
Len Jones has been a featured vocalist for Sounds of Blackness and Musicians4Musicians. He is also a writer and producer for KatPhewd Productions.
RoShewn Harrington is an in-demand writer, producer, and featured artist. He has appeared with the Greats Gone 2 Soon live music series, Musicians4Musicians, and Two 4 the Show.
David Chill Anderson has been an acclaimed featured vocalist for many years. Further, he has appeared in MFellaz, The Not Guilty Band, and the Al Green and Bill Withers show.
Shayde Stephens has been a featured vocalist for BKS, Who Nu, High and Mighty, Synergy, Bella Diva, and R Factor.
Recommended for fans of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and The Temptations.

Morgan James VIP Experience
2026-03-24 17:00 - 17:30
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.

Dobet Gnahoré
2026-04-12 19:00 - 21:00
“Take the energy of Lauryn Hill, the consciousness of India.Arie, and the mystique of Erykah Badu, and you got Dobet Gnahoré.” –St. Louis American

Dobet Gnahoré is a renowned African singer, dancer, songwriter, and percussionist. She is known for her dynamic performances and ability to blend various musical styles from across the African continent. Furthermore, her work emphasizes cultural preservation and advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.
Dobet Gnahoré was born in Côte d’Ivoire to a musical family. Her father, Boni Gnahoré, played percussion and was a founding member of the renowned Ivorian cultural organization, Ki-Yi M’Bock. That is where Dobet’s training began. There, she learned various African musical traditions, including dance and percussion. This comprehensive training helped her develop a deep appreciation for African cultural heritage and artistic expression.
Dobet started performing with Ki-Yi M’Bock in her teens, beginning her career as a professional artist. Her performances were characterized by energetic dance routines, intricate rhythms, and soulful singing. Then, these quickly drew attention both locally and internationally. Dobet’s music is a vibrant blend of traditional African rhythms and contemporary styles. Additionally, she sings in various African languages, but recently has written mostly in the Bété language, one of the many regional languages of Côte d’Ivoire. Here, her powerful voice and stage presence are complemented by her mastery of many traditional African instruments.
Dobet’s work is influenced by her desire to promote African cultural heritage and address social issues such as gender equality, poverty, and environmental sustainability. Her lyrics often touch on themes of empowerment, resilience, and unity.
In 2010, Dobet earned further renown when her collaboration with American singer India.Arie. Then, their song “Pearls” earned them a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. That same year, the UK’s Guardian newspaper crowned her with the “best performance” accolade at the prestigious WOMAD festival.
Recommended for fans of India.Arie, Angelique Kidjo, Richard Bona and Sona Jobarteh.

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
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.
