Dakota

Preener's Eve w/The New Standards
2025-12-30 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
“The DNA of the band and its members has its feet firmly rooted into punk/pop culture.” – New York Times

Minnesota stalwarts The New Standards create an intriguing blend of everything from classic cabaret to punk rock. Here, they blend the freedom of jazz with the soul of pop and rock. They make it work through offbeat humor and sheer musicianship. The instrumentation is simple: John Munson of Trip Shakespeare/Semisonic fame on bass; Chan Poling, founder of the new-wave group The Suburbs on piano; and Steve Roehm on vibes. Chan and John split the singing. A footstomp here, a shout-out there, a fiery solo, and it’s cooked. Simple, elegant, illuminating.
The New Standards started in 2005 as an off-shoot project. Since then, TNS has grown into a globe-spanning adventure, filling theaters and clubs around the world. Additionally, they have created several albums, videos, cartoons, dance/theater projects, and ancillary gewgaws that have charmed and delighted faithful fans.
All three are fans of great songwriting. However, they sensed a lack of an interesting jazz trio repertoire beyond the usual “old standards”. Thus, they got together originally to play and sing their favorite songs from every era, particularly post-1960s pop music. Familiar tunes in a stripped-down acoustic setting, leaving room for solos and arrangements with the freedom of jazz. Yet, they never fully abandon the modest soul of pop and rock.
Another thing: though you may associate an acoustic tango version of Britney Spears’s “Toxic” with camp, TNS is not a lounge or novelty act. One listen to their music reveals that they take their music-making as well as their jobs as entertainers seriously.
And yet, they are very funny.
Recommended for fans of Joe Henry, Semisonic, The Suburbs and Dylan Hicks.

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe
2026-01-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-01-02 21:00 - 23:00
“complex yet danceable beats… dirty blues, spacey soul” – Glide

KDTU has electrified audiences around the world for over twenty-five years. They have played the fields of Naeba in Japan at the infamous Fuji Rock Festival. Also, the hallowed stage of Madison Square Garden, joining the Dave Matthews Band and The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Further, he performed as Sexual Chocolate (Karl was in the original band in the movie Coming To America and its sequel) at the Outside Lands Music festival in San Francisco. And, they were the first late night act at the inaugural Bonnaroo festival. KDTU has been a dominating force in music for nearly three decades.
All-night, sold-out concerts during Jazzfest in New Orleans have featured sit-ins by legends like Lenny Kravitz and Steve Winwood. (Karl has recorded and toured with both!) Also, avant-garde luminaries like Marc Ribot and Boyfriend. Rolling Stones bandmates Chuck Leavell and Bernard Fowler have also joined onstage and on record. There, Karl replaced the great Bobby Keys as saxophonist in 2014. Denson has also worked with Lukas Nelson, John Oates, Michael Franti, Warren Haynes, Ivan Neville, and Anders Osborne. Additionally, Big Daddy Kane, Roy Hargrove, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Joshua Redman, Marcus King, and Bernie Worrell, among others.
Very few concertgoers have been untouched by the Tiny Universe live. They toured the country with the Allman Brothers, My Morning Jacket, D’Angelo, The Roots, and Public Enemy. Also, Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, Parliament Funkadelic, Slightly Stoopid, and Widespread Panic. In addition to KDTU, Karl Denson aka “Diesel” is a founding member of the seminal groove act The Greyboy Allstars.
Recommended for fans of Parliament Funkadelic, Galactic, Greyboy Allstars and Soulive.

The Shabby Road Orchestra
2026-01-03 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-01-03 21:00 - 23:00
Taking only the Beatles seriously since 2017.

The Shabby Road Orchestra is a 12-piece Minneapolis ensemble known for its head-turning performances of late-period Beatles recordings.
The Shabby Road Orchestra:
Adam Levy, guitar, vocals
Andy Nelson, woodwinds
Brandon Sampson, guitar, vocals
David Foley, horns, woodwinds
Ken Chastain, drums, vocals
Jacqueline Ultan, cello
Joe Carey, guitar, vocals
John Eller, guitar, piano, vocals
John Fields, bass
John Sievers, trombone
Paul Scott, piano, keys
Tom Scott, keys, percussion, sound effects
Recommended for fans of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Who and The Monkees.
Band illustration by Anita White

One World: The Best of Sting & The Police
2026-01-07 19:00 - 21:00
Journey through the iconic sounds of Sting and The Police with One World, the ultimate Police tribute band. They capture the electrifying energy and musical genius of the legendary Police trio and the expansive Sting solo catalog.

Together, Sting and The Police sold over 200 million records in the 1980s, 1990s and beyond. Led by Todd Ortberg, the classic Police trio expands and comes alive. Thus, this seven-piece ensemble truly nails the sounds and energy of both Sting and The Police.
Relive the memories and dance to the infectious rhythms of classic hits. Hear songs like “Roxanne,” “Every Breath You Take,” “Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” “Message In a Bottle,” “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic”, “Fields of Gold”, “Englishman in New York” and many more. One World’s captivating performance will transport you back to the era of pop-infused rock, reggae and new wave that defined the 1970s and 1980s.
Prepare to be mesmerized by soaring vocals, rocking guitars, pulsating rhythms and the signature Sting and The Police sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. One World fills its shows with passion, energy, and sheer musical brilliance. Experience the things that made Sting and The Police one of the most influential bands of all time.
This show features soaring vocals and great rock/ska rhythms. Also, layers of saxophones, keyboards and backing singers round out a fully musically textured show. One World consistently sells out theaters and clubs in the Minneapolis area. Don’t miss it!
Recommended for fans of The Police, Sting, Queen and U2.

Lucia Sarmiento
2026-01-08 19:00 - 22:00
“a modern jazz sound unbound by geography, genre, or convention” – Jazz World

On her remarkable debut album, 2025’s Escape, Peruvian-American saxophonist/composer Lucia Sarmiento emerges as a rising star in modern jazz. Here, she delivers playful yet intricate melodies. “When I play the saxophone, I love that feeling of danger,” says Sarmiento. With a powerful tenor sound and an effervescent personality, she explains, “I’m drawn to music filled with intensity and risk that captures every fiber of your being in the moment; that’s why I love jazz.”
Lucia has performed on sold-out stages with international pop stars Pitbull and Karol G. Additionally, she has also headlined jazz festivals under her own name. Her fearless approach to music and her commitment to crafting bold, textured compositions make her an exciting new jazz voice.
“Minneapolis raised me musically,” she reflects. “It’s a smaller city compared to LA or NYC, but the music scene is vibrant, steeped in the legacy of Prince. I began performing with Prince’s long-time collaborators and Weather Report’s legendary drummer Eric Gravatt right out of college. I got to explore every genre from Minneapolis funk to brass band, and from Motown to free jazz. What was really important was that I came to develop my own sound. At first, it wasn’t easy to keep up with the loud drums, distorted guitars and very experienced funk players, so I spent lots of time working on my sound and time. I also admire how Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer, and Chris Potter play with so much strength and a sense of urgency—that’s how I want to play.”
In recent years, Lucia has gained a social media following of over 100k+ people. Also, she has released educational videos in Spanish and English that provide a global perspective on jazz and saxophone.
Recommended for fans of Chris Potter, Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer and Wayne Shorter.

Infidels: A Bob Dylan Tribute
2026-01-11 19:00 - 21:00
Infidels is a new local Bob Dylan tribute supergroup featuring Terry Walsh (Belfast Cowboys) on vocals, piano and guitar. Here, he joins bandmates Dave Russ (drums) and Bart Bakker (bass). Also, longtime veteran singer-songwriter Dan Israel is on vocals and guitar, and ace lead guitarist Steve Brantseg. Brantseg currently plays in Dan’s band along with the Suburbs, Curtiss A and Who Are They?, and many others over the years (including Bash & Pop, the Phones, Willie Wisely, and more).
They debuted at Duluth Dylan Fest in 2022 and returned for another Dylan Fest in 2023. Moreover, they can’t wait to bring an inspired, impassioned set list to The Dakota. Here, they present songs that span the wide breadth of Dylan’s rich body of material, from the ’60s on into the ’00s.
Terry Walsh started playing in various Twin Cities rock bands. Then, he toured as Slim Dunlap’s bass player in 1997, opening for Son Volt. In 2001 Walsh hit upon the idea to form a Van Morrison tribute band. There, Terry spent the rest of the year learning Van songs and building an all-star band. The band played their first show at the old 400 Bar on Saint Patrick’s Day 2002.
Dan Israel is a longtime fixture on the Minneapolis music scene. He was the first guest on 89.3 The Current’s Local Show and has been called “the hardest working singer-songwriter in Minnesota.” He has released sixteen critically acclaimed albums, including 2020’s Social Distance Anxiety Disorder, which many critics and fans have praised as his finest record yet.
Recommended for fans of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and Van Morrison.

VIP Event: Orianthi
2026-01-14 16:30 - 17:30
Invitation to pre-show experience with Orianthi, including:

Official VIP laminate
Photo opportunity with Orianthi
Up to 2 personal items signed

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 4:30PM.
After check-in, you’ll be escorted to the VIP area for the meet & greet, which takes place before doors open at 5:30 PM.

“effortless shredder… special and transcendent” – Blues Rock Review

Orianthi (Orianthi Panagaris) looks as much like a rock star as she does a supermodel. But it’s her extraordinary guitar chops that turn the most heads. She began playing professionally when she was thirteen years old. Since then, she has performed and/or toured with Carlos Santana, Steve Vai, Alice Cooper, Richie Sambora and Dave Stewart. Furthermore, she was hired by Michael Jackson for his “This Is It Tour” before his untimely death. Orianthi was a member of the supergroup Hollywood Vampires (Cooper, Joe Perry, Johnny Depp and Tommy Henriksen).
Orianthi’s debut album, Violet Journey, was released in 2005 and she has issued five solo albums to date. She was featured accompanying Carrie Underwood during a Grammy Awards telecast, and performed on American Idol. Also, she appears in Michael Jackson’s documentary concert film, This Is It. Elle magazine named Orianthi one of the 12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists. Additionally, she won the 2010 Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year award from Guitar International magazine.
She released her latest recording, Some Kind of Feeling, in June 2025. The first single, “First Time Blues,” features Joe Bonamassa on guitar. Here, she burns up the tune with her impassioned vocals and blazing guitar licks. She and Bonamassa have played together often, but this marks their first recording together.
Orianthi explains: “‘First Time Blues’ is about that feeling of when you first feel brokenhearted. It doesn’t change throughout life if you really have the strength to love and be all-in every time. I’m guilty of that… throwing myself into the fire just to get burned, heal, then get burned again…or not. You never know. Love is a gamble!”
Recommended for fans of Joe Bonamassa, Ana Popovic, Bernard Allison and Nita Strauss.

Orianthi
2026-01-14 19:00 - 21:00
“effortless shredder… special and transcendent” – Blues Rock Review

Orianthi (Orianthi Panagaris) looks as much like a rock star as she does a supermodel. But it’s her extraordinary guitar chops that turn the most heads. She began playing professionally when she was thirteen years old. Since then, she has performed and/or toured with Carlos Santana, Steve Vai, Alice Cooper, Richie Sambora and Dave Stewart. Furthermore, she was hired by Michael Jackson for his “This Is It Tour” before his untimely death. Orianthi was a member of the supergroup Hollywood Vampires (Cooper, Joe Perry, Johnny Depp and Tommy Henriksen).
Orianthi’s debut album, Violet Journey, was released in 2005 and she has issued five solo albums to date. She was featured accompanying Carrie Underwood during a Grammy Awards telecast, and performed on American Idol. Also, she appears in Michael Jackson’s documentary concert film, This Is It. Elle magazine named Orianthi one of the 12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists. Additionally, she won the 2010 Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year award from Guitar International magazine.
She released her latest recording, Some Kind of Feeling, in June 2025. The first single, “First Time Blues,” features Joe Bonamassa on guitar. Here, she burns up the tune with her impassioned vocals and blazing guitar licks. She and Bonamassa have played together often, but this marks their first recording together.
Orianthi explains: “‘First Time Blues’ is about that feeling of when you first feel brokenhearted. It doesn’t change throughout life if you really have the strength to love and be all-in every time. I’m guilty of that… throwing myself into the fire just to get burned, heal, then get burned again…or not. You never know. Love is a gamble!”
Recommended for fans of Joe Bonamassa, Ana Popovic, Bernard Allison and Nita Strauss.

Those Medley Kids perform Fragile
2026-01-15 19:00 - 21:00
Performing Yes’ 1971 classic album Fragile in its entirety Medley

Plus, select cuts from iconic prog rockers Genesis, Rush, King Crimson and ELP.
Those Medley Kids recreate the music of iconic prog rock giants Genesis, Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, and Rush. Ambitious compositions, experimentation, concept-driven lyrics, and instrumental virtuosity take center stage in this otherworldly tribute to rock’s most musically excessive epoch.
Band:
Brian Ziemniak, keyboards
David Anania, drums
Charles Fletcher, bass
Alex Maiers, guitar
David Russ, vocals
Deb Brown, vocals
Recommended for fans of Yes, King Crimson, Genesis and Rush.

The Belfast Cowboys
2026-01-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-17 20:30 - 22:30
“conjures up the spirit and the songs of Ireland’s greatest export” – Chicago Tribune

The Belfast Cowboys is a nine-piece, horn-driven band from Minneapolis that specializes in the music of Van Morrison. Entering their third decade, they are adept at mixing rock, blues, roots and soul sounds. Led by veteran songwriter/guitarist Terry Walsh, the Cowboys have flourished in the renowned Minnesota music scene. They have consistently packed houses and wowed crowds since 2002.
Terry Walsh got his start playing in various Twin Cities rock bands. He toured as Slim Dunlap’s bass player in 1997, opening for Son Volt. In 2001 Terry hit upon the idea of forming a Van Morrison tribute band. Terry spent the rest of the year learning Van songs and building an all-star band. The band played their first show at the old 400 Bar on Saint Patrick’s Day 2002.
Many musicians have played with the band, but the ‘A’ team was soon established. It includes Dan Kowalke (guitar, vocals, Joe Baumgart (bass), Dave Kirby and Dave Haugen (drums, backing vocals), Joe Loskota (keyboards, backing vocals). The horn section includes Paul Gronert (sax), Matt Hanzelka (trombone), Tim Martin (trumpet), Vic Volare (sax, flute). Bandleader Terry Walsh (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica, piano).
The band has expanded its content over the years to include rock and soul covers. Terry’s own originals have become fan favorites. Now a beloved staple in Minnesota, the 9-piece Belfast Cowboys averaged over 120 shows a year before the pandemic. The bar-tested troubadours are known for playing epic sets at their weekly Minneapolis gigs and drawing crowds to outdoor festivals. Occasionally they’ll venture beyond the Midwest to play Ireland, Phoenix, and New York’s Times Square. Once they opened for the band Chicago in front of 15,000 people.
Recommended for fans of Bruce Springsteen, G.B. Leighton, Tina and the B-Sides and Van Morrison.

Halloween, Alaska: Farewell Performance
2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-23 21:30 - 23:30
“sweetly brooding electronic pop” – Spin

Halloween, Alaska’s churning, meditative sound neither embodies youth, naivety, anger nor desperation. It’s a unique statement from a veteran band with a persistent cult following and a distinctive indie M.O. Moreover, listeners can hear and feel its influence far beyond its native Minneapolis.
In the early ’00s, Halloween, Alaska took root as a semi-electronic diversion from its members’ primary rock/jazz projects. Here, these included The Bad Plus, 12 Rods, Love-cars, Happy Apple, and more. A self-titled debut album made sufficient waves to inspire more recording, more shows, more expenditures, more experimentation. Then, the group has continued to expand its palette outward from a dedicated core of arty, ambient rock.
2018’s Le Centre reveals an audacious set from a group that embraced electronic elements with live instruments well before such practices became standard. Le Centre reveals Halloween, Alaska as a warmly human outfit. Here, lyrics and themes neither strive for earnestness nor dismiss it.
The band’s songs exude a range of commanding moods and textures. Here, frenetic indie-prog with unlikely pinches of R&B or blue-eyed soul, complemented by a Prince-inflected guitar solo. There, a modernist mash-up of Spoon and a Steely Dan B-side. They traverse post-D’Angelo funk through the lens of hazy ’90s slow-core. Then, their slow-burning dance floor balladry harkens to the band’s ambient ’00s origins.
Initially, Halloween, Alaska started as a true side project, an outlet for indulging electronic tones and an almost meditative restraint. Over the last two decades, the group has adapted and endured with a collaborative, experimental spirit. Here, they confidently color outside the lines without betraying the ultimate beauty of the bigger picture.
James Diers • voice, guitars, keys
Jacob Hanson • guitars, voice
David King • drums, keys
William Shaw IV • bass guitar, keys

The Rolling Stoners
2026-01-25 19:00 - 21:00
Fueled by the spirit (and sound) of The Stones… the Rolling Stoners.

A Minnesota-based tribute to the greatest rock band of all time: The Rolling Stones. These red-blooded ramblers aren’t just a cover band: they’re a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll experience. Here, this group is fueled by friendship, swagger, and a deep love for the early-era Stones. The Rolling Stoners bring the hits (and deep cuts) to life with indulgent, high-energy performances that pack dance floors and light-up nights.
The band features Emmy Award-winning musicians and members from a host of MN bands. Members of Enemy Planes, Dream Crusher, Run Westy Run, Space Monkey Mafia, Heartless, Al Church, and Timbre Ghost are involved. Additionally, a rotating cast of other Minneapolis musicians join the fun!
Then, they play anywhere from festivals and theaters to casinos, clubs, and backyard BBQs. Also, The Rolling Stoners have built a rep for delivering one of the best live shows in the multiverse. Got honky-tonk women and midnight ramblers in your crowd? Good. They’ll take it from there.
Recommended for fans of The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Beatles and The Kinks.

Chastity Brown
2026-01-30 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-31 19:00 - 21:00
“brooding soul eloquence… and folk-infected naturalness.” – NPR

Gospel and blues, melodic sensibility, and honest emotion…
Based in Minnesota, with roots in Tennessee, Chastity Brown grew up surrounded by country and soul music. In the gospel church of her childhood, she played saxophone and drums. Also, she found her singing voice and a passion for music. NPR’s “Favorite Sessions,” CMT, American Songwriter, the London Times and Paste Magazine have all featured her.
Like so many artists who endured the uncertainty of the 2020 lockdown, Chastity instinctively turned inward. At first, she did this out of self-preservation, and then the new songs kept coming and coming. Since finishing her last album, 2017’s Silhouette Of Sirens, she estimates she’s written nearly 100 new songs. Ten of these found their way onto her latest, 2022’s Sing To The Walls.
Sing To The Walls is a sonically expansive album, mining the roots of Americana, folk, and soul music. However, Chastity delivers her stories in a style that feels remarkably timely, modern, and forward-thinking. Here, these songs unfold with Chastity’s expressive voice and expansive melodies, leading the listener through intertwining tendrils of atmospheric sounds.
Between writing sessions she’s been vibing to chilled-out, forward thinking artists like Leon Bridges, H.E.R., SZA, and Daniel Caesar. Like them, she expands beyond genre and her folk/roots history to encompass her appreciation of all Black American musical art forms. “I also want to poke at what the blues is,” Chastity reflects. “It has a lot of stereotypes, like it’s mostly only played by blue-eyed white guys now. But what about Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey? I feel so closely connected, in a pure, undeviating lineage, to the heritage of being a Black, queer blues woman.”
Recommended for fans of H.E.R., Rhiannon Giddens, Valerie June and Brittany Howard.

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

Mason Jennings
2026-02-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-07 21:00 - 23:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – FEB 6: 7pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – FEB 7: 6:30pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – FEB 7: 9pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“ragged, intimate voice and simple ruminations” – Rolling Stone

Minneapolis songwriter Mason Jennings recently released a new video for the single, “Only Lovers Welcome” from his brand-new album. Now, 2023’s Underneath the Roses is available.
Here, Jennings writes that the songs from Underneath the Roses were “written in an unprecedented burst.” This followed the birth of his son, Western, in March 2022. Jennings explains, “I hadn’t written any songs in about a year. I had been dealing with the psychological after-effects of the pandemic as well as the loss of my dad. So, when Western was born, I didn’t expect to be writing much. But immediately he was responding to music in a very intense way. For this album, between May and November 2022, I wrote forty-eight songs! They certainly uplifted me and connected me with the creative spirit, and spirit in general, again. They cover all kinds of ground but, when I listen back, I think the central theme is overcoming fear with love.”
Jennings also released a video for “No Ordinary Friend,” which he explains “Depicts two of the most important decisions a person can make. One, whether or not they believe in a loving higher power and two, who they decide to choose as a lifelong romantic partner. This song is referring to both of those and the choices I’ve made.”
“Stone Gossard and Regan Hagar from Loosegroove Records helped me edit the forty-eight down to eleven. I then enlisted the help of my Painted Shield bandmates to record the songs.”
Jennings and Gossard are ongoing collaborators in the band Painted Shield, who released their debut album in 2021. Their album was also released on Loosegroove, the influential indie label that Gossard founded back in 1994.
Recommended for fans of Charlie Parr, M. Ward, G. Love & Special Sauce and Jack Johnson.

Eric Gales – A Special Evening of Acoustic Blues
2026-02-08 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“One of the best if not the best, guitarist in the world today.” – Joe Bonamassa

A rare and special acoustic show! For one night only, Eric Gales sets his blistering electric guitar work aside for his equally brilliant acoustic playing. Here, Gales retains his trademark intensity and dynamism, allowing his virtuosic playing to shine in a different way.
Eric Gales is a blues firebrand whose passion, power, and virtuosity have shaped one of the most inspiring careers in modern music. Gales has redefined the blues with raw emotion, fearless creativity, and a sound that bridges genres and generations. Here, he has accomplished this in a career spanning over three decades and eighteen albums. Often hailed as the modern-day heir to Jimi Hendrix, Memphis-born Gales commands the stage with electrifying intensity and soulful authenticity.
His acclaimed 2022 album Crown showcases his finest work to date, melding extraordinary guitar mastery with deeply personal songwriting. Additionally, Gales has performed alongside legends like Carlos Santana, Eric Johnson, and Zakk Wylde. Moreover, he has earned praise from Joe Bonamassa and Dave Navarro.
Gales stands as one of the most dynamic and expressive guitarists of his generation. Here, he is an artist whose music continues to inspire and ignite audiences around the world.
Recommended for fans of Jimi Hendrix, Joe Bonamassa, Luther Allison and Walter Trout.
📸: Jim Arbogast

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.

C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
2026-02-11 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“contemporary, turbo-charged dance music” – Boston Globe

Clayton Joseph Chenier is Creole music royalty. His father, the legendary Clifton Chenier, invented the style of music we know today as Zydeco. Moreover, Clifton is the first Creole musician to be recognized with a Grammy Award.
Raised in this indigenous American culture with its own distinctive language, cuisine and music, C.J. delivers soulful vocals along with jaw-dropping masterful accordion-driven rock, Zydeco and blues.
C.J. spent his childhood in the tough tenement housing projects of Port Arthur, Texas. C.J. joined his father’s band on his twenty-first birthday. His first gig was playing for the opening of the now world-renowned Antone’s in Austin, Texas.
On the road, his father showed him how to front a world class touring band. He taught C.J. how to run the family business and how to develop his lifelong passion for music into a career. When Clifton died in 1987 his son, C.J., adopted the Red Hot Louisiana Band. Moreover, he recorded his debut album for the great American independent label Arhoolie Records.
C.J. has also played with John Mayall, The Gin Blossoms, Ray Parker, Jr., Joe Sample, Jimmie Vaughan, Sonny Landreth and Buckwheat Zydeco. Also, The Jon Stewart Show and CNN have featured him. Additionally, he has performed at numerous music festivals around the world. Further, he is a consistent crowd pleaser for The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Attending a C.J. Chenier show is a transformative experience. You may come in tired and beat up just from living in this world – but you will leave renewed and happy. And that is the promise C.J. makes. “You can’t come to my show and stay unhappy. You’re going to break a smile before too long. This is happy music.”
Recommended for fans of Terrance Simien, Buckwheat Zydeco, Queen Ida and Chubby Carrier.

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.

Steely Dane
2026-02-13 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-13 21:00 - 23:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 6:30pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 9pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“the band is energetic and sounds amazing” – Milwaukee Magazine

In 2010, co-founders David Adler and David Stoler (The Steely Daves) put together a tribute show for Steely Dan. There, they would feature the best musicians in the Madison, WI music scene. Madison is located in Dane County, WI, thus the name.
The first Steely Dane show featured over thirty of Madison’s best rock and jazz musicians, and it sold out. Not ones to waste a herculean effort of arranging a full night’s worth of the Dan’s best stuff, the crew decided to do it again, and again… and oops, now it’s no longer a show, it’s a BAND.
Since then, the band has trimmed down to the current fourteen-piece family. Now, that features a four-piece horn section, two female backup singers, two guitars, two keyboards, vibes, and percussion. Here, they have all the instruments necessary to recreate the amazing mixes of the Dan’s albums and live performances. Moreover, the band has won multiple awards for best tribute band and sold out theaters from Chicago to Minneapolis. Additionally, they are a perennial favorite at summer festivals as well.
Their songbook features over fifty songs from both Steely Dan and Donald Fagen’s solo career. This allows them to play different shows night after night. Furthermore, they have even performed complete album shows for The Royal Scam, Aja, and Gaucho.
Recommended for fans of Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.

Rogue Valley
2026-02-18 19:00 - 21:00
“Koza is a rare talent… the band around him occupies similar rarefied air.” –No Depression

Rogue Valley is an Americana band based in the Twin Cities. Here, the blend of urban development and natural landscape converge along the shores of the Mississippi River. The band raced onto the local scene a little over a decade ago, with four full-length albums in a single year. Then, in 2016 the band followed up with the anthemic, twangy surf-rock collection radiate/dissolve. However, since then it’s been mostly sporadic social media posts claiming, “Coming Soon.”
Individually, the band members have all remained occupied. Vocalist Linnea Mohn shares the stage with singer-songwriters Aby Wolf and Jonatha Brooke. Drummer Luke Anderson and guitarist Peter Sieve have joined up with the Iowa-based Lissie. Also, bassist Cody McKinney continues to push boundaries with his compositions and collaborations. Since Rogue Valley’s last release, songwriter-vocalist Chris Koza has released three solo albums (Sleepwalkers Part 1 & 2, and the instrumental On Horseshoe Lake). Additionally, in 2022 he joined the legendary Gordon Lightfoot on a run that would become his final Midwest tour.
Now the hum of optimism surrounding new music is beginning its tangible crescendo. The new album, 2023’s Shell Game, is a nod to natural and created structures that both contain and obscure.
A cocoon yields a butterfly; a riverbed holds a story; a body houses a soul. A shell mirrors the meditative drone of an ocean crashing onto itself. For every journey, there are moments and minutiae in between as bright or dark as any greater narrative. Shell Game roams familiar territory and also furthers the idea of Americana and the Rogue Valley aesthetic.

Pianist Stephen Wallack has always been drawn to instrumental music. Inspired by the grandiose feelings of George Winston’s music and the rich imagery within film scores, Wallack has released six albums of original music. His latest, 2025’s Open, is his journey to connect with a deeper self-awareness and a greater hope that we can all find inner peace.
Recommended for fans of Lissie, Jeremy Messersmith, Jenny Lewis and Birds of Chicago.
