Dakota

Livingston Taylor
2026-06-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
“Taylor is a terrific performer: generous, funny, wry” – East Greenwich News

Livingston Taylor’s career as a professional musician spans more than five decades, encompassing performance, songwriting, recording, and teaching. Thus, people often describe him as equal parts Mark Twain, college professor, and musical icon. Livingston maintains an active touring schedule of over 100 shows a year. There, he delights audiences with his wit, warmth, and expansive repertoire drawn from twenty-five albums, along with beloved classics.
As a songwriter, Livingston has penned Top Forty hits that his brother James Taylor recorded. Additionally, he has shared the stage with artists such as Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, and Jimmy Buffett. Taylor’s music spans many genres—folk, pop, classical, gospel, and jazz. His performances range from upbeat storytelling and intimate ballads to full orchestral concerts, which he delivers with his trademark ease and connection.
For over three decades, alongside his performing career, Livingston served as a full professor at Berklee College of Music, There, he created and taught the acclaimed course Stage Performance. His former students include Charlie Puth, John Mayer, Susan Tedeschi, Molly Tuttle, Liz Longley, and Gavin DeGraw. Today, Livingston takes this course “on the road,” teaching at colleges and institutions nationwide. For example, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, NASA’s Goddard Space Center, and Tulane Law School. He based his book Stage Performance on the course and more than fifty years (5,000+ hours) of real-world stage experience. Moreover, performers and presenters have made it a go-to resource for elevating their craft from good to truly professional.
An airplane-flying, motorcycle-riding, singing storyteller, Livingston Taylor continues to captivate audiences wherever he performs. Solo, with a band, or in front of an orchestra, Taylor brings heart, humor, and humanity to every stage.
Recommended for fans of James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett and Joni Mitchell.
📸: Mim Adkins

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

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

Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio
2026-05-26 19:00 - 21:00
“Kurt Rosenwinkel is a genius” – Eric Clapton

The New York Times hailed, “Kurt Rosenwinkel can say more in a few lines [of music] than most guitarists manage over the course of an entire career. A relentless explorer … Rosenwinkel has staked out a singular position in jazz’s firmament as a player, composer, and bandleader with a vast and supremely sophisticated harmonic vision and melodic sensibility.”
Kurt Rosenwinkel is a highly acclaimed and influential jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader. Furthermore, critics and fans laud him as one of the most important jazz musicians of his generation. Rosenwinkel has spent decades pushing the boundaries of the jazz genre. Additionally, he developed a signature sound that has captivated audiences worldwide.
He has been a distinct and prominent creative voice at the forefront of modern music for more than three decades. Since his 1991 debut on the New York music scene, Kurt has gained international recognition for his deft artistry and unabated individualism. His fifteen albums plainly demonstrate his legacy as the preeminent jazz guitar voice of his generation. Here, each one inspires legions of musicians young and old around the globe.
Over the last thirty-plus years, Rosenwinkel has released a series of groundbreaking albums and collaborated with jazz legends. Moreover, he continues to inspire the next generation of jazz musicians. Here, his innovative approach to composition and improvisation has made him a household name among jazz enthusiasts.
Recommended for fans of Brad Mehldau, Pat Martino, Ben Monder and Kenny Wheeler.
📸: Marco Preikschat

Artemis: Sketches Of Miles
2026-05-13 19:00 - 21:00
“an extremely cosmopolitan, sleek, rhythm-forward, modern sound.” – NPR

Renee Rosnes, piano
Ingrid Jensen, trumpet
Nicole Glover, saxophone
Noriko Ueda, bass
Allison Miller, drums
In celebration of Miles Davis’s centennial, the award-winning Artemis explores his monumental impact. Here, they showcase new arrangements largely drawn from the trumpeter’s signature 1960’s period. Furthermore, from introspective moods to free interplay and dramatic shifts, Artemis presents a fascinating look at the many moods of Miles.
Artemis—named for the Greek goddess—is a multinational ensemble of jazz instrumental virtuosos. Pianist and composer Renee Rosnes founded the group in 2017. Now, its current lineup includes pianist Renee Rosnes, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, bassist Noriko Ueda, and drummer Allison Miller. Here, each member is an accomplished bandleader with a major career and a prolific body of work.
The group’s third release, 2025’s Arboresque, features original songs by all members with fresh arrangements of classic material. Then, The Guardian named the recording one of its Top Ten Jazz Albums of 2025. There, they praised its “cliché-free individuality and congenial collective spirit radiantly combined.” Thus, the band’s popularity has continued to grow through performances at major festivals and venues worldwide. Moreover, they delivered a powerful appearance in May 2025 on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series. There, NPR hailed Artemis as “a killer line-up of players, composers and performers… who converge on an extremely cosmopolitan, sleek, rhythm-forward, modern sound.”
Further, DownBeat magazine’s Annual Readers Poll voted Artemis Jazz Group of the Year for three consecutive years (2023–2025). Additionally, the Jazz Journalists Association named them Mid-Size Ensemble of the Year in both 2024 and 2025.
Recommended for fans of Pat Metheny, Maria Schneider, Christian McBride and Amina Figarova.
📸: John Abbott

Brad Mehldau Trio
2026-05-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-11 19:00 - 21:00
“Mehldau is the most influential jazz pianist of the last 20 years” – New York Times

One of the most lyrical and intimate voices of contemporary jazz piano, Brad Mehldau has forged a unique path. Here, he embodies the essence of jazz exploration, classical romanticism and pop allure. Mehldau has garnered critical acclaim as a bandleader, and major international exposure in collaborations with Pat Metheny, Renee Fleming, and Joshua Redman. Furthermore, Mehldau continues to garner numerous awards and admiration from both jazz purists and music enthusiasts alike. His forays into melding musical idioms have seen brilliant reworkings of songs by contemporary songwriters. He covers The Beatles, Cole Porter, Radiohead, Paul Simon, Gershwin and Nick Drake, among others. Also, he has earned recognition for the ever-evolving breadth of his own significant catalogue of original compositions. With his self-proclaimed affection for popular music and classical training, “Mehldau is the most influential jazz pianist of the last 20 years”. (The New York Times)
Mehldau’s musical personality forms a dichotomy. He is first and foremost an improviser. He cherishes the surprise and wonder occurring from a spontaneous musical idea that is expressed directly, in real time. But he also has a deep fascination for the formal architecture of music, and it informs everything he plays. In his most inspired playing, the actual structure of his musical thought serves as an expressive device. As he plays, he listens to how ideas unwind, and the order in which they reveal themselves. Each tune has a strongly felt narrative arch, whether it expresses itself in a beginning, an end, or something left intentionally open-ended. The two sides of Mehldau’s personality—the improviser and the formalist—play off each other. Thus, the effect is often something like controlled chaos.
Recommended for fans of Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Ahmad Jamal.
📸: Yoshika Horita

American Roots Revue:
2026-05-09 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-09 19:00 - 21:00
A living tribute to the diverse musical traditions that have shaped our nation.

The original American Roots Revue crew is back! Tonight, experience Gospel, R&B, blues, folk, rock and all stops in between. Here, the scintillating foursome will be backed by a superlative band led by Billy Steele from Sounds of Blackness (keyboards/vocals). Also, Joe Savage (pedal steel), Yohannes Tona (bass), Greg Schutte (drums), and David Felly (guitar).
Robert Robinson gives us reason to believe that the greatest music reaches every name and crosses every boundary. Thus, Robinson has wowed audiences from the Pontiac Silverdome to South Korea. Here, Robert is “God’s canary,” with the ability to sing any song and yet remain true to his vision.
Tonia Hughes is a recent McKnight Fellow. Her passion for music often results in culturally diverse collaborations alongside some of Minnesota’s most accomplished musicians. Furthermore, she has performed at Orchestra Hall, Lincoln Center and at hundreds of venues throughout the Twin Cities.
J.D. Steele exploded onto the Minnesota music scene in the mid 1980’s along with Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Then, Mr. Steele and his dynamic vocal siblings, The Steeles, garnered every major music award Minnesota has to offer.
Billy Steele performs, writes, and produces for the Grammy-winning ensemble Sounds of Blackness. Also, Billy is the youngest of the legendary Steele family. Additionally, he appears on soundtracks with artists such as Rod Stewart and Luther Vandross.
Larry Long is an American singer-songwriter who has made his life work the celebration of everyday heroes. Here, author and historian Studs Terkel called Larry “a true American troubadour.” When America’s foremost folksinger, Pete Seeger, learned that Long was called the Pete Seeger of Minneapolis, Seeger chuckled. “I’d be proud to be known as ‘the Larry Long of New York.'”
Recommended for fans of Pete Seeger, Robert Robinson, Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan.

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers
2026-05-08 19:00 - 21:00
“Sizzling, slow-burning, gritty blues and rock” – Living Blues

Multiple award-winning guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Tommy Castro is a California-based blues and rock powerhouse. Here, he captivates audiences with his soul-drenched vocals, searing guitar work, and high-energy live shows. Furthermore, as frontman of the telepathically tight and wildly raucous Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, he’s released seventeen albums. Here, they span a wide stylistic range—from horn-driven R&B and hot-blooded soul to gritty, stripped-down rock and electric blues.
With his latest release, 2025’s Closer To The Bone, Castro returns to his roots. He delivers what he calls “a real blues record, the way they would have made them back in the day.” Thus, the album becomes Castro’s rawest and most direct blues effort to date.
Early on, Castro was inspired by icons like Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, and Mike Bloomfield. Then, he absorbed everything from Ike & Tina Turner to John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy. There, he developed a uniquely uplifting and soulful style rooted in blues, R&B, and funk. Castro formed the first Tommy Castro Band in 1992.
Castro is one of the most decorated artists in contemporary blues, winning ten Blues Music Awards. Furthermore, these include four B.B. King Entertainer of the Year honors—the genre’s highest accolade. Here, his no-frills, 150-shows-a-year approach has earned him a fiercely loyal fanbase and praise from legends like Joe Bonamassa, who says, “Tommy has always been top of the heap among blues guitar players. He always puts on a great show.”
With Closer To The Bone, Tommy Castro strips it all back to deliver an album brimming with grit, fire, and authenticity. “This is the deeper blues side of me,” says Castro. “With these songs, I am at my most authentic.”
Recommended for fans of Coco Montoya, Jimmy Thackery, Walter Trout and Tab Benoit.

Martin Zellar
2026-05-07 19:00 - 21:00
“His songs are just too beautiful, too fully realized to ignore.” – Austin Chronicle

If you ask singer-songwriter Martin Zellar what he’s most proud of over his long career, he answers, “I guess that I’ve managed to support my family by writing, recording, and performing music for over thirty-five years. It hasn’t always been easy or glamorous, but I’ve found a way. I still love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else. And honestly, the fact that I’m not qualified to do anything else has been a motivator”. The truth is, Martin has made his living because he has always reliably delivered what his fans expect. Here, Zellar consistently provides quality songwriting and heartfelt performances.
Immediately after graduating from high school Martin moved to Minneapolis and formed the country-rock band The Gear Daddies. There, the band comprised friends and fellow Austinites Nick Ciola, Billy Dankert and Randy Broughten. The Gear Daddies had some success, and a lot of fun. Moreover, they consider themselves lucky to have been part of the 1990’s Twin Cities music scene.
The Gear Daddies released three critically acclaimed albums and toured non-stop. Additionally, they performed on Late Night with David Letterman before amicably parting ways in 1992. Zellar then went on to record and perform as a solo artist, releasing seven more albums. His 1993 release, Born Under, and his 2012 release, Roosters Crow, were especially well-received by critics.
Martin continues to record and perform as a solo artist and with his band the Hardways. That’s what he continues to do, and he still has fun. In October 2023, Zellar released Head West, his first new offering in over a decade, to wide critical acclaim.
Recommended for fans of The Gear Daddies, The Jayhawks, Peter Himmelman and BoDeans.

Jake Shimabukuro
2026-05-04 19:00 - 21:00
“His ability to leap genres and play jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, folk and classical is impressive.” – Downbeat

Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso whose groundbreaking artistry has redefined the instrument for the 21st century. Here, he is hailed as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.” Moreover, Shimabukuro has captivated audiences across the globe with his masterful technique, innovative spirit, and deeply expressive performances. He seamlessly blends elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, folk, and traditional Hawaiian music.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Jake began playing the ukulele at age four. Then he quickly developed a unique style that pushed the instrument far beyond its traditional boundaries. He first gained international recognition after his jaw-dropping rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral. There, this video introduced millions to the ukulele’s untapped potential.
Over the course of his career, Shimabukuro has released numerous acclaimed albums, collaborating with an array of legendary artists. For example, Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Ziggy Marley, and Mick Fleetwood. Furthermore, he has performed everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to the Hollywood Bowl and the Kennedy Center. His most recent projects showcase both his dazzling technical command and his growing focus on emotional storytelling through music.
Beyond the stage, Jake is a passionate advocate for music education and community outreach. There, he frequently performs at schools and benefit concerts to inspire the next generation of musicians. Whether playing an intimate solo show or headlining with a full band, Shimabukuro continues to prove that the ukulele is an instrument of infinite possibilities—one that speaks a universal language of joy, connection, and hope.
Recommended for fans of Keola Beamer, Paula Fuga, Iam Tongi and Tommy Emmanuel.

Al Di Meola: Guitarchitect
2026-05-02 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-01 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-01 18:30 - 20:30
“a terrifyingly dexterous electric guitarist… a remarkable acoustic shredder.” – Premier Guitar

Al Di Meola is one of the top guitarists of our time. Here, he has enjoyed a celebrated career that has spanned more than four decades. His fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation, provocative lyrical melodies, and sophisticated harmony are at the heart of his music. Among his myriad critical accolades are multiple Grammys and Grammy nominations. Additionally, twelve awards from polls conducted by Guitar Player magazine, which inducted Di Meola into its Gallery of Greats.
A bona fide guitar hero and prolific composer, Di Meola has created more than thirty albums as a leader. Furthermore, he has collaborated on about a dozen others. These include fusion supergroup Return to Forever (with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, and Lenny White). Also, the celebrated acoustic Guitar Trio (featuring fellow virtuosos John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía). Further, the Rite of Strings trio (with Clarke and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty). Here, his dazzling technique has made him a hero to fretboard fanatics. However, the depth of Di Meola’s writing, along with the soulfulness and inherent lyricism of his expressive playing, have won him a worldwide fanbase beyond the guitar aficionado set.
Recommended for fans of Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia and Wayne Shorter.

Leela James: 2BHONEST
2026-05-02 19:30 - 21:30
“burnished Southern soul… lung-busting power” – Rolling Stone

Leela James has carved out a singular space in music where classic soul meets contemporary R&B. She does this with a voice that’s raw, powerful, and unmistakably soul-stirring. She broke out with her debut, 2005’s A Change Is Gonna Come. Since, Leela has earned a reputation for blending deep, emotive storytelling with gritty vocals and timeless grooves. Influenced by legends like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Chaka Khan, she channels the spirit of old-school soul while fearlessly pushing musical boundaries.
Early in her career, she was honored by the legendary James Brown, who affectionately coined her “The Goddaughter of Soul.” There, he recognized her authentic voice and powerful connection to the roots of the genre.
Ms. James has gone on to record and release seven LPs, delivering seven Top Twenty R&B radio singles. These include two Number One tracks on the Billboard charts. Her 2021 single “Complicated” topped the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart for three consecutive weeks. Thus, this solidified her reputation as a force in contemporary soul.
Her beloved ballad, 2022’s “Fall For You” is considered a modern classic and was certified Gold, surpassing 500,000 units sold. Over the years, her music has become synonymous with passion, authenticity, and emotional honesty. Here, this includes hits like “Don’t Want You Back” and “Say That” featuring Anthony Hamilton.
In 2014, Leela won The Soul Train Certified Award. Then in 2021, she garnered an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best R&B Collaboration. She earned another NAACP nomination in 2025 for her powerful single “Lookat Whatcha Done Now” featuring Kenyon Dixon. There, this further cemented her role as a vital and enduring voice in modern soul.
Recommended for fans of Lalah Hathaway, Eric Roberson, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott.

VIP Event: Al Di Meola: Guitarchitect
2026-05-02 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-01 16:00 - 17:00
Upgrade your evening with an exclusive VIP Meet & Greet experience with Al Di Meola. This limited opportunity offers fans an intimate behind-the-scenes look before the show begins.
Invitation to pre-show experience with Al Di Meola, including:

Pre-show soundcheck
Pre-show meet & greet with Al Di Meola

IMPORTANT: This is not a ticket to the show. You must have a concert ticket in order to purchase this VIP Meet & Greet.
If you have tickets to the late show, you may join us for the VIP experience, but you must return at the start of your show time.

“a terrifyingly dexterous electric guitarist… a remarkable acoustic shredder.” – Premier Guitar

Al Di Meola is one of the top guitarists of our time. Here, he has enjoyed a celebrated career that has spanned more than four decades. His fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation, provocative lyrical melodies, and sophisticated harmony are at the heart of his music. Among his myriad critical accolades are multiple Grammys and Grammy nominations. Additionally, twelve awards from polls conducted by Guitar Player magazine, which inducted Di Meola into its Gallery of Greats.
A bona fide guitar hero and prolific composer, Di Meola has created more than thirty albums as a leader. Furthermore, he has collaborated on about a dozen others. These include fusion supergroup Return to Forever (with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, and Lenny White). Also, the celebrated acoustic Guitar Trio (featuring fellow virtuosos John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía). Further, the Rite of Strings trio (with Clarke and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty). Here, his dazzling technique has made him a hero to fretboard fanatics. However, the depth of Di Meola’s writing, along with the soulfulness and inherent lyricism of his expressive playing, have won him a worldwide fanbase beyond the guitar aficionado set.
Recommended for fans of Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia and Wayne Shorter.

Paul Thorn
2026-04-30 19:00 - 21:00
“More of a revival than a concert.” – KDHX

When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn. Here, he has spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop. Maybe he learned the power of minimalism from his years as a pro boxer; maybe it just comes naturally. But whether he’s aiming for heads, hearts, hips or the occasional funny bone, he always hits his target. Further, he somehow manages to condense large nuggets of wisdom into tight little mantras. The kind embroiderers stitched onto pillows before internet memes existed.
Thorn’s new album, 2025’s Life is Just A Vapor, contains some beauties. “Life is a vapor, let’s live it while we can”. “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do” (from “Tough Times Don’t Last”). “Any mountain up ahead is just a hill” (from “Old Melodies”). Here, there are words of advice, comfort, support, encouragement, often meant to uplift, especially in times of struggle.
“I like for people to be touched by music and get something from it. Something that they can take with them throughout the day,” Thorn says. “Every song on this album, there’s a message in it of some sort about how to live life.”
American Blues Scene writer Don Wilcock calls Thorn “an everyman (who) addresses things we all think about. But few can articulate with the kind of candor, humor and folksy truth that immediately endear him to almost everyone lucky enough to hear his music.”
Recommended for fans of Robert Earl Keen, Rosanne Cash, The Mavericks and Todd Snider.
📸: Jeff Fasano

Joey Alexander
2026-04-29 19:00 - 21:00
“seemingly limitless technique… dazzling” – NPR

Joey Alexander is one of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz. He is a Grammy-nominated jazz pianist and composer from Bali, Indonesia. He has released seven acclaimed albums, and performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall, and the Grammy Awards.
Alexander burst onto the global jazz scene in 2015 with his debut album My Favorite Things. Since then, he has released seven albums, earning widespread acclaim and three Grammy Award nominations. There, My Favorite Things was nominated for Best Instrumental Album, and he also earned Best Jazz Solo noms for “Giant Steps” and “Countdown.”
His albums My Favorite Things and Countdown both reached Number One on the Billboard Jazz Charts, while Eclipse climbed to Number Three.
Joey has performed for President Barack Obama at the White House and President Bill Clinton at the Arthur Ashe Learning Center Gala. Additionally, he has appeared at the Grammys, The Grand Ole Opry, the Apollo Theatre and Carnegie Hall. Furthermore, he performs at major jazz festivals, clubs, and concert halls worldwide.
TV show 60 Minutes has profiled him, and The New York Times has featured him. Here, this solidifies his reputation as a prodigious talent and a leading figure in modern jazz.
Recommended for fans of McCoy Tyner, Ahmad Jamal, Brad Mehldau and Keith Jarrett.

Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet
2026-04-28 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-04-28 19:00 - 20:30
“A pianist of imperial command, possessed of a dazzling, deceptively casual virtuosity” – New York Times

Cuban pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdés is the most influential figure in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. Here, in a rich career spanning sixty years, he has won seven Grammy and seven Latin Grammy Awards. Moreover, Chucho pushes boundaries in pursuit of new expressions in Afro-Cuban music. Additionally, his influence in the genre is immeasurable, establishing the standard by which younger generations create their own.
Chucho received musical education through formal studies and countless nights on the best stages in Cuba. There, he performed with his father, Bebo Valdés, and his orchestra Sabor de Cuba, and with the seminal Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna. Chucho is acclaimed as the founder, pianist, and main composer and arranger of Irakere, a landmark ensemble in Cuban music. Also, Chucho led Irakere for more than thirty years, but since 2005 he has focused on his personal career. Here, he showcases his piano prowess with small ensembles, like the Afro-Cuban Messengers, Jazz Batá, and his acclaimed Royal Quartet.
Chucho has been named an NEA Jazz Master. Additionally, he earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. Also, he was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received a DC Jazz Festival Lifetime Achievement Award. There, he joined an illustrious list that includes Kenny Barron, James Moody, Ellis Marsalis, George Wein, and Dave Brubeck.
Valdés is a restless visionary forever evolving Afro-Cuban music. Further, he is as creative and playful as ever on his Grammy-nominated, Latin Grammy-winning release, 2024’s Cuba & Beyond.
Recommended for fans of Arturo Sandoval, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Alfredo Rodriguez and Nachito Herrera.

Julius Rodriguez
2026-04-27 19:00 - 21:00
“tremendous sense of harmony and virtuosity” – New York Times

Julius Rodriguez is an American jazz pianist, composer, and rising star in the vibrant alternative jazz scene. There, Rodriguez is known for his soulful sound and dynamic playing. He blends a deep understanding of traditional jazz with modern influences, creating a distinctive voice that resonates across genres. His music effortlessly merges elements of jazz, funk, and soul, capturing the essence of both old-school and contemporary styles.
Born and raised in New York, Rodriguez began his musical journey at an early age. Furthermore, he studied piano and drums, developing a love for jazz through the city’s rich musical history. He made a name for himself at eleven years old in the vibrant West Village jazz club scene. Later, he honed his craft at the Juilliard School of Music, where he further shaped his sound and refined his improvisational skills.
Rodriguez’s artistry extends beyond his musicianship. As a composer and bandleader, he brings a unique energy to every performance, seamlessly navigating between melodic inventiveness and intricate rhythms. His debut album, Let Sound Tell All, showcased his ability to craft intricate compositions that push the boundaries of jazz. His most recent album, Evergreen, further demonstrates his growth as an artist. Here, he blends rich, complex arrangements with a deep sense of emotion, continuing to push the boundaries of the genre.
Rodriguez continues to establish himself as one of the most promising voices in contemporary alternative jazz. His work as a collaborator is equally impressive. He has worked with Meshell Ndegeocello, Lianne La Havas, Remi Wolf, Kurt Elling, and Chris Botti. Also, A$AP Rocky, Cautious Clay, and Madison McFerrin. With impeccable technique, musicality, and vision, Julius Rodriguez is poised to become one of the defining voices of his generation.
Recommended for fans of Gerald Clayton, Immanuel Wilkins, Jon Batiste and Julian Lage.

The Wailers
2026-04-26 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-04-26 18:00 - 20:00
“pure positive vibes… vibrant, relevant, and revolutionary” – Broadway World

The Wailers emerged as a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae band. They are hailed for hits like “Simmer Down”, “Trenchtown Rock”, “Nice Time”, “War”, “Stir It Up” and “Get Up, Stand Up”.
They released four albums before signing to Island Records in 1972. Two more albums were created before Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left the band in 1974. Then, Bob Marley carried on with a new line-up.
After the death of Marley in 1981, the Wailers continued, led by Aston Barret. The band continued to play a heavy worldwide touring schedule and recorded with several singers. In 1989, Aston Barrett released the album I.D. and continued using the Wailers name when collaborating with other artists.
Under the guidance of Aston Barrett Jr, son of the legendary “Familyman”, The Wailers continue to preserve the legacy of their iconic sound. Their culture-defining music, embodying the spirit of the 70s reggae movement, has left an indelible mark on the industry.
In 2022, The Wailers welcomed a new vocalist, Mitchell Brunings. Here, he adds even more dynamic energy to their already electrifying live shows. Brunings is a talented vocalist who has made a name for himself with his soulful voice and powerful stage presence. Moreover, The Wailers continue to captivate audiences with their unique brand of reggae. There, they blend the sounds of the past with a fresh, contemporary flair. Brunning’s addition to the band has been widely praised by fans and music critics alike. Here, this solidifies The Wailers’ status as one of the most exciting live acts in the world.
Experience the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire in a set that is truly unforgettable.
Recommended for fans of Bob Marley, Toots and The Maytals, John Holt and Steel Pulse.
