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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251124T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251124T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250916T183800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T215113Z
UID:10003075-1764010800-1764018000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Kirk Whalum
DESCRIPTION:“soul-cleansing… focused and adventurous playing” – Jazz Times\n  \nSoulful\, passionate\, stirring… these are the words that describe Kirk Whalum’s music most often. Kirk’s big\, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. It’s forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston\, TX nightclub scene. The 80’s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was there that Kirk ultimately developed both his “voice” and songwriting in the crucible of the local club scene. It was also in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him and brought him on tour. \nAfter moving to Los Angeles\, Kirk became an in-demand session player. He worked with Barbra Streisand\, Al Jarreau\, Luther Vandross\, Larry Carlton\, Quincy Jones\, and most notably\, Whitney Houston. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit\, “I Will Always Love You.” Kirk soon followed that career high point with his phenomenal hit album For You. Also\, it became perhaps the most successful of over twenty-five solo recordings to date. Others include his eclectic\, and much lauded\, Gospel According to Jazz series (Chapters 1\, 2\, 3 and 4). \nKirk has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his musical excellence. For example\, he has three Dove Award nominations and an NAACP Image Award nomination. Additionally\, Kirk has won two Stellar Awards: Gospel music’s highest honor. A twelve-time Grammy nominee\, Kirk won his first Grammy (2011) for Best Gospel Song. Kirk has also been honored with a Brass Note on the Memphis Walk of Fame and a Star on the Nashville Walk of Fame.  \nIn a career spanning several decades\, Kirk has a sound that is uniquely his. Thus\, it is a sound that leaves an indelible imprint on the listener. \nRecommended for fans of Larry Carlton\, Bob James\, Al Jarreau and Brian Culbertson.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/kirk-whalum-nov24-2025/2025-11-24/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-KirkWhalum.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251123T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251123T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20251007T165848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T132140Z
UID:10003116-1763924400-1763931600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Davina and The Vagabonds
DESCRIPTION:“Davina and the Vagabonds combat heartache with sugar and sass.” – Downbeat\n  \nDavina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene. Their high-energy live shows feature level-A musicianship\, sharp-dressed professionalism and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. Also\, their influences range from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits. Moreover\, the band is converting audiences one show at a time\, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe. \nMuch like the music\, the story spurns era\, expectation and classification. The often unbelievable\, sometimes harrowing\, and wholly inspiring journey of Davina Sowers gave birth to her eponymous band in 2004. As the tale goes\, she grew up in the economically depressed Allegheny town of Altoona\, PA. She now describes the town as “awesome in the industrial era\, but horrible for high school.” Then\, she was adopted by her stepfather when he was in his 80s; he passed when she was just 13. Through him and his Edison phonograph\, she first heard the music that would start her journey. For example\, The Ink Spots\, Sidney Bechet\, Louis Armstrong\, Louis Prima\, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and many others. “Great man. He was my angel and still is\,” she says. \nOn her own\, she vividly recalls hours in front of the record player at home. There\, she religiously spun Led Zeppelin\, Black Sabbath and Simon and Garfunkel records belonging to her folk singer mom. \nTo this day\, Davina still refers to music as “my first and eternal love.” Despite early dalliances with classical piano and guitar\, she developed a heavy drug habit in high school. Further\, this morphed into heroin dependency\, left her homeless\, sent her in and out of jail and brought on all manner of trouble. Kicking dope on the streets\, she “got clean\, started the band and worked [her] ass off every day since.” \nRecommended for fans of Pokey LaFarge\, Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, The Hot Sardines and Squirrel Nut Zippers.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/davina-and-the-vagabonds-nov23-2025/
CATEGORIES:Blues,Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/700x400-DavinaAndTheVagabonds.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T230000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T195146Z
UID:10003087-1763845200-1763852400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
DESCRIPTION:“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times\n  \nBoney James’s latest\, 2024’s Slow Burn is a new high point in a remarkable career that now spans more than three decades. He has earned a long list of accolades: four Grammy nominations and three NAACP Image Award nominations. Also\, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009\, Billboard named James one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade. In 2024\, Boney became the first ever artist to score twenty Number One singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. \nBut James has never been one to look backwards and Slow Burn\, which the artist produced\, marks several firsts. These begin with the album’s opening track\, “Arcadia”. Here\, the very first notes on the album are the acoustic bass playing of the legendary Marcus Miller. It’s one of the few times that Miller\, known for his electric bass guitar work\, has committed his standup bass playing to a recording. Furthermore\, it is the first time that James has incorporated an upright bass into his own music. \nNext is James’ intriguing interpretation of the classic “Butterfly\,” co-written by master keyboardist Herbie Hancock and Bennie Maupin. Then\, the track features Marcus Miller again as well as young lion Cory Henry’s inspired electric piano. “This beautiful melody got stuck in my head\,” explains James. “I have never covered a tune by a legend like Herbie before and I hope we did him justice.” \nRising star R&B vocalist October London is featured on the first single from the album\, “All I Want Is You”. James says\, “It’s one of the most exciting vocal collaborations I’ve ever recorded.” \nRecommended for fans of Rick Braun\, Brian Culbertson\, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/boney-james-the-slow-burn-tour/2025-11-22/4/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-BoneyJames-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T201500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T195047Z
UID:10003007-1763842500-1763845200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:VIP Event: Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
DESCRIPTION:Boney James VIP event.\n  \nVIP Meet & Greet will be after the 1st show and before the doors open for the 9pm performance. \n• 6:30PM TICKET HOLDERS – will be asked to stay in the room after the performance.\n• 9PM TICKET HOLDERS – Please arrive to the club before 8pm. \nYou will need to check in and then we will escort you to the VIP area for the meet & greet\, before the doors are opened at 9PM. \n THIS VIP MEET & GREET add on will include:\n• Pre-show photo Meet & Greet with Boney James\n• Early Entry to the Venue\n• Exclusive\, collectible VIP laminate \nTHIS IS NOT A TICKET FOR THE SHOW!  \n\n“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times\n  \nBoney James’s latest\, 2024’s Slow Burn is a new high point in a remarkable career that now spans more than three decades. He has earned a long list of accolades: four Grammy nominations and three NAACP Image Award nominations. Also\, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009\, Billboard named James one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade. In 2024\, Boney became the first ever artist to score twenty Number One singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. \nBut James has never been one to look backwards and Slow Burn\, which the artist produced\, marks several firsts. These begin with the album’s opening track\, “Arcadia”. Here\, the very first notes on the album are the acoustic bass playing of the legendary Marcus Miller. It’s one of the few times that Miller\, known for his electric bass guitar work\, has committed his standup bass playing to a recording. Furthermore\, it is the first time that James has incorporated an upright bass into his own music. \nNext is James’ intriguing interpretation of the classic “Butterfly\,” co-written by master keyboardist Herbie Hancock and Bennie Maupin. Then\, the track features Marcus Miller again as well as young lion Cory Henry’s inspired electric piano. “This beautiful melody got stuck in my head\,” explains James. “I have never covered a tune by a legend like Herbie before and I hope we did him justice.” \nRising star R&B vocalist October London is featured on the first single from the album\, “All I Want Is You”. James says\, “It’s one of the most exciting vocal collaborations I’ve ever recorded.” \nRecommended for fans of Rick Braun\, Brian Culbertson\, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/vip-event-boney-james-the-slow-burn-tour/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-BoneyJames.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251122T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T195146Z
UID:10003086-1763836200-1763845200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
DESCRIPTION:“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times\n  \nBoney James’s latest\, 2024’s Slow Burn is a new high point in a remarkable career that now spans more than three decades. He has earned a long list of accolades: four Grammy nominations and three NAACP Image Award nominations. Also\, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009\, Billboard named James one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade. In 2024\, Boney became the first ever artist to score twenty Number One singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. \nBut James has never been one to look backwards and Slow Burn\, which the artist produced\, marks several firsts. These begin with the album’s opening track\, “Arcadia”. Here\, the very first notes on the album are the acoustic bass playing of the legendary Marcus Miller. It’s one of the few times that Miller\, known for his electric bass guitar work\, has committed his standup bass playing to a recording. Furthermore\, it is the first time that James has incorporated an upright bass into his own music. \nNext is James’ intriguing interpretation of the classic “Butterfly\,” co-written by master keyboardist Herbie Hancock and Bennie Maupin. Then\, the track features Marcus Miller again as well as young lion Cory Henry’s inspired electric piano. “This beautiful melody got stuck in my head\,” explains James. “I have never covered a tune by a legend like Herbie before and I hope we did him justice.” \nRising star R&B vocalist October London is featured on the first single from the album\, “All I Want Is You”. James says\, “It’s one of the most exciting vocal collaborations I’ve ever recorded.” \nRecommended for fans of Rick Braun\, Brian Culbertson\, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/boney-james-the-slow-burn-tour/2025-11-22/3/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-BoneyJames-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251121T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251121T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250923T164322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T215002Z
UID:10003094-1763751600-1763758800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Nur-D
DESCRIPTION:“His energy is electric\, his mission inspired” – Lavender\n  \nNur-D isn’t your typical hip-hop artist. Hailing from Minnesota\, he brings something fresh to the scene. Here\, this is hip-hop packed with personality\, high-energy performances\, and a kaleidoscopic mix of influences. Think contemporary rap infused with the pageantry of ‘80s glam rock\, with a sprinkle of pop and funk. It’s music made for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in.  \nHis newest album\, 2025’s Chunkadelic\, is his most personal and hands-on project yet. Inspired by funk and soul\, the project is a vibrant celebration of creativity\, resilience\, and staying true to yourself. Additionally\, there’s more than a sprinkle of “shaking ass and getting paid”. \nSince bursting onto the scene in 2018\, Nur-D is turning up the volume on his signature style. With ten full-length projects\, each with their own flair in his discography\, Nur-D has something special for any occasion. You can go out on the town with “Take My Picture” or bop to “Collide”. Then\, channel flirty energy with “All My Friends Are So Hot\,” or just “Strut” your stuff. Don’t be afraid to ride the “Black Wizard Wave” and celebrate yourself! Finally\, let “HVN” ring with community and uplift you\, leaving you feeling “Glorious!”  \nNur-D’s infectious energy and joy shine through\, where sharp lyricism\, humor\, and storytelling come together to create something special. Moreover\, his music is hip-hop with heart\, wit\, and a message\, delivered in a style that’s entirely his own. Also\, Nur-D has performed alongside MisterWives\, Ludacris\, Tyler The Creator\, and the Minnesota Orchestra. \nOne thing is clear: Nur-D isn’t just making music. He’s making a movement. It’s easy to see why many people are calling Nur-D the next big thing out of Minnesota! \nRecommended for fans of Atmosphere\, Dessa\, Ludacris and Tyler the Creator.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/nur-d-nov21-2025/
CATEGORIES:R&B/Soul,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-Nur-D.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251120T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20251003T160241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T225155Z
UID:10003114-1763665200-1763672400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Let it Be Jazz - Connie Evingson Sings the Beatles
DESCRIPTION:“Evingson [is] among the first-rank of today’s jazz vocalists.” – AllMusic\n  \nConnie Evingson reprises her Beatles CD “Let it Je Jazz\,” featuring fresh\, unusual treatments of Lennon and McCartney favorites\, putting a new spin on songs you thought you knew. \nMinnesota born-and-raised\, Connie Evingson has a catalog of acclaimed albums that cover a wide range within the jazz genre. The Twin Cities-based singer possesses an adventurous spirit that\, like her music\, knows no boundaries. Thus\, her albums span jazz to Broadway standards\, to covering Peggy Lee or The Beatles. Her ten albums released through Minnehaha Music have all charted in the Top 50 in the United States and Canada. Additionally\, listeners can hear them on radio stations around the globe. \nEvingson has toured worldwide\, with appearances at concert halls\, theaters and festivals in the U.S.\, Europe and Japan. For example\, memorable performances include Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis\, Michael Feinstein\, and Vince Giordano. She has made multiple performances on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. Also\, she has collaborated with the Minnesota Orchestra and Toronto Symphony conducted by Doc Severinsen. Additionally\, she’s performed with JazzMN Orchestra and Vocalessence. Moreover\, Evingson is a two-time recipient of both the McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians as well as the Minnesota State Arts Board Artist’s Initiative Grant. \n“it was sheer pleasure to realize the success that Minnesota-reared vocalist and arranger Connie Evingson had when preparing Let It Be Jazz… I was dumbfounded by the style and grace exuded from this recording… Evingson applies bossa nova to “From Me to You\,” tango to “When I’m 64\,” and swing to “Blackbird.” What is offered is a real mixed bag in the best way. Almost every jazz subgenre is represented.” – All About Jazz\, review of Let it Be Jazz \nRecommended for fans of Karrin Allyson\, Stacey Kent\, John Pizzarelli and Jane Monheit.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/connie-evingson-let-it-be-jazz-nov20-2025/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/700x400-ConnieEvingson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251119T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251119T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20251003T155629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T133755Z
UID:10003113-1763578800-1763586000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Toronzo Cannon
DESCRIPTION:“exceptionally gifted… man\, he can play” – Blues Blast\n  \n“I want my songs to be heard and experienced\, not just listened to\,” says cliché-defying\, internationally beloved Chicago bluesman Toronzo Cannon. Cannon is on the cutting edge of today’s contemporary blues scene. Further\, critics hail him as one of the genre’s most creative artists. Fans love him for his richly detailed\, truth-telling original songs\, blistering\, inventive guitar work and impassioned vocals.  \nHere\, his heroes inspire his sound. For example\, Hound Dog Taylor\, Muddy Waters\, Elmore James\, Albert King\, Son Seals and Jimi Hendrix. Moreover\, on his latest release\, 2024’s Shut Up And Play!\, Cannon blazes his own path with eleven emotionally charged originals. Thus\, his powerful\, cathartic guitar solos and his soulfully authoritative voice fuel his imaginative songs. \nShut Up And Play! features Cannon\, a former Chicago bus driver\, delivering timeless stories of common experiences. Further\, his lyrics are set ablaze by his passionate and focused guitar playing. Here\, Cannon sings of the heartbreak of lost love\, the humor of daily life\, and the pain of feeling invisible. Chicago’s New City declared\, “Toronzo Cannon spins the innate human capacity of misery and regret into a kind of furious ecstasy.” \n“I write what I know\, what I feel\,” Cannon says. “Listen to the lyrics. I am a Black man in America. These are NOT protest songs. I try to create honest\, common sense understanding with my songs.” \nCannon has earned ten Blues Music Award nominations. Further\, as his fan base expands\, so do his friendships with famous musicians. Gary Clark\, Jr. declared\, “Toronzo is a beast. He lights the room up.” Also\, Joe Bonamassa rightly pronounced\, “Toronzo’s a great guitar player\, excellent vocalist and an amazing personality.” \nRecommended for fans of Lonnie Brooks\, Walter Trout\, Bernard Allison and Corey Stevens.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/toronzo-cannon-nov19-2025/
CATEGORIES:Blues,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/700x400-ToronzoCannon2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250911T132435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214910Z
UID:10003050-1763492400-1763499600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Mac Ayres: The Piano Tour
DESCRIPTION:“one of R&B’s most interesting and most underrated singer-songwriters” – Billboard\n  \nMac Ayres is a self-taught and independent singer-songwriter\, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Long Island\, NY. He draws inspiration from some of the great artists of our time including D’Angelo\, Stevie Wonder\, J Dilla and more. Also\, his breakout single “Easy” released off his debut project\, Drive Slow\, has been certified gold.  \nHis previous albums\, Comfortable Enough (2023)\, Magic 8Ball (2021)\, Juicebox (2019)\, Something to Feel (2018) and Drive Slow (2017) have received attention from Vogue\, Billboard\, Complex\, Highsnobiety\, the BBC and more. Moreover\, Mac has headlined and sold-out various venues across the globe. Thus\, he is one of this generation’s most exciting voices in R&B. \nRecommended for fans of Leon Bridges\, Ray Lamontagne\, Bruno Major\, Black Pumas and Allen Stone.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mac-ayres-the-piano-tour-nov18-2025-tec-83438/
CATEGORIES:R&B/Soul,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-MacAyres.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251117T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251117T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20251003T154811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T165125Z
UID:10003112-1763406000-1763413200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Kavyesh Kaviraj & Omar Abdulkarim – In Harmony A Tribute to Roy Hargrove & Mulgrew Miller
DESCRIPTION:“the essence of what jazz is.” – Jazz Police \n  \nKavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories into his music\, carefully weaving his influences into a boundary-breaking modern jazz outfit. He is well-known in the Twin Cities and beyond as a pianist\, composer and arranger.  \nKavyesh has garnered acclaim in many musical climates\, and currently calls St. Paul\, MN home. Primarily a jazz pianist\, he is a sought-after musician in many genres. He has performed with internationally renowned artists like Wynton Marsalis\, David Sanchez\, Justin Robinson\, Roosevelt Collier\, Steve Cole and others. Further\, he has been an important member of the Twin Cities music community. He has worked with local jazz legends like Debbie Duncan\, Bruce Henry\, Babatunde Lea\, Kevin Washington\, and LA Buckner. Simultaneously he is active in hip-hop\, gospel\, R&B\, funk scenes and many crossover acts.  \nOmar Abdulkarim has been playing the trumpet since he was fourteen months old. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Omar has shared the stage with Roy Hargrove\, Redman\, Method Man\, KRS-ONE and Talib Kweli. He has also performed with Nicholas Payton’s Television Studio Orchestra and Valerie Ponomarev’s Big Band. \nOmar’s versatility extends beyond live performances. He has written and recorded music with Lauryn Hill and Jose James. His influences include Fats Navarro\, Miles Davis\, Freddie Hubbard\, Woody Shaw\, John Coltrane and Lee Morgan. \nOmar’s journey reflects a dedication to his art. He continually expands his musical horizons and collaborates with a diverse range of artists. His rich experiences and influences have shaped him into a dynamic and innovative trumpet player. He makes significant contributions to both the jazz and contemporary music scenes. \nRecommended for fans of Roy Hargrove\, Ahmad Jamal\, Woody Shaw and Keith Jarrett.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/kavyesh-kaviraj-omar-abdulkarim-nov17-2025/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/700x400-KavyeshOmar2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251116T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251116T220000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250910T162307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T153113Z
UID:10003057-1763323200-1763330400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Django Festival Allstars
DESCRIPTION:“buoyant rhythm\, blinding technique\, solid entertainment!” – New York Times\n\n\n“a jazz lioness with a pure tone… and sure swing style.” — JazzTimes\n  \nDjango Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration\, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover\, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt. Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing. \nThe star musicians of the Django Festival Allstars have grown into a brilliantly cohesive group. They have performed at top concert halls and festivals to standing ovations. Also\, they have wowed audiences in venues across North America.  \nThe group’s music transports listeners to Paris in the 1920s and ’30s. Here\, the All-stars bring Reinhardt’s music into the 21st century. They honor traditions and standards while adding their own interpretations\, arrangements\, and original compositions. They swing like crazy and will break your heart with a ballad.   \nLed for years by guitar master Dorado Schmitt\, the Allstars are now fronted by Dorado’s son\, Samson. Samson has been playing professionally since he was twelve years old and has several recordings to his credit. Flanked by the other superb musicians in this group\, the future of Django’s music is in good hands indeed! \nVeronica Swift has made her mark on the international jazz scene as one of the star vocalists of her era. Now\, Swift expands her style\, establishing herself as a skilled rock and soul singer as well as a dynamic performer. Here\, she transcends styles\, and fully embodies them with authenticity to tell a story. This makes her one of the most skillful singers in any genre and displays her theatrical approach. \nVeronica Swift\, vocals\nSamson Schmitt\, lead guitar\, vocals\nPierre Blanchard\, violin\nLudovic Beier\, accordion and accordina\nAntonio Licusati\, bass\nFrancko Mehrstein\, rhythm guitar \nRecommended for fans of Django Reinhardt\, John Jorgenson\, Stephane Wrembel and Biréli Lagrène.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/django-festival-allstars-nov16-2025-01-tec-83419/2025-11-16/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-DjangoFestivalAllStarsVeronicaSwift2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251116T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251116T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250910T162307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T153113Z
UID:10003048-1763316000-1763323200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Django Festival Allstars
DESCRIPTION:“buoyant rhythm\, blinding technique\, solid entertainment!” – New York Times\n\n\n“a jazz lioness with a pure tone… and sure swing style.” — JazzTimes\n  \nDjango Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration\, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover\, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt. Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing. \nThe star musicians of the Django Festival Allstars have grown into a brilliantly cohesive group. They have performed at top concert halls and festivals to standing ovations. Also\, they have wowed audiences in venues across North America.  \nThe group’s music transports listeners to Paris in the 1920s and ’30s. Here\, the All-stars bring Reinhardt’s music into the 21st century. They honor traditions and standards while adding their own interpretations\, arrangements\, and original compositions. They swing like crazy and will break your heart with a ballad.   \nLed for years by guitar master Dorado Schmitt\, the Allstars are now fronted by Dorado’s son\, Samson. Samson has been playing professionally since he was twelve years old and has several recordings to his credit. Flanked by the other superb musicians in this group\, the future of Django’s music is in good hands indeed! \nVeronica Swift has made her mark on the international jazz scene as one of the star vocalists of her era. Now\, Swift expands her style\, establishing herself as a skilled rock and soul singer as well as a dynamic performer. Here\, she transcends styles\, and fully embodies them with authenticity to tell a story. This makes her one of the most skillful singers in any genre and displays her theatrical approach. \nVeronica Swift\, vocals\nSamson Schmitt\, lead guitar\, vocals\nPierre Blanchard\, violin\nLudovic Beier\, accordion and accordina\nAntonio Licusati\, bass\nFrancko Mehrstein\, rhythm guitar \nRecommended for fans of Django Reinhardt\, John Jorgenson\, Stephane Wrembel and Biréli Lagrène.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/django-festival-allstars-nov16-2025-01-tec-83419/2025-11-16/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-DjangoFestivalAllStarsVeronicaSwift2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251115T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251115T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214827Z
UID:10003005-1763233200-1763240400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Iam Tongi
DESCRIPTION:“a soaring performance” – American Songwriter\n  \nYou can hear it in the gentle rasp of his wave-washed vocal soul. You can see it in his smile. For Iam Tongi\, music is about transformation – and it always has been.  \nTongi is a Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter and the Season twenty-one champion of American Idol. Twenty-year-old Tongi first picked up a ukulele in the fifth grade. Here\, he became immersed in a deeply musical world filled with the traditional singing and dance of Pacific Island cultures. Living in the small town of Kahuku on the northern tip of Ohau\, Tongi learned to sing from his father. Moreover\, his father\, in turn\, had learned from his father before him.  \nClearly blessed with an expressive\, charismatic voice\, Tongi was pushed hard. Thus\, he developed a multi-faceted sound blending island reggae with the influence of his family record collection. There\, this included country (Kenny Rogers)\, classic rock (Dr. Hook)\, and R&B (Luther Vandross). Tongi played his first show by age thirteen. However\, after moving to Seattle a few years later – and losing his father in 2021 – the young talent nearly gave music up completely. His mother secretly signed him up for American Idol. Then\, Tongi’s viral audition performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters” became one of Idol’s all time emotional highlights. Finally\, he went on to win Season twenty-one\, making history as the first Pacific Islander to ever win the show. \nRecommended for fans of Jack Johnson\, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole\, Maoli and Kolohe Kai.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/iam-tongi/
CATEGORIES:Global,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-IamTongi.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251115T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251115T140000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20251009T220024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T171004Z
UID:10003120-1763208000-1763215200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Jeff Daniels
DESCRIPTION:“an engaging and extremely funny frontman” – Glide\n  \nIn 1976\, Jeff Daniels bought a Guild D-40 from Herb David’s Guitar Studio in Ann Arbor\, Michigan. Then\, he threw it in the back of his old Buick and moved to New York City. That guitar led to a creative outlet\, became a solace\, a road into the artist that he didn’t know existed. Now\, over forty years later\, he’s still writing songs\, singing them\, and playing. \nSince 2000\, Daniels has played venues The Birchmere\, Club Passim\, Café Lena\, New York City’s 54 Below and Birdland. Also\, City Winery in New York and Nashville\, The Barns at Wolf Trap\, Austin’s Cactus Café\, and Annapolis’s Ram’s Head Tavern. Additionally\, Houston’s Mucky Ducks\, The Dakota in Minneapolis\, The Ark in Ann Arbor\, and Chicago’s Old School of Folk Music. Also\, Seattle’s Third Door\, Alaska’s Latitude 62\, and many more. He has toured both coasts with his son’s band\, the Ben Daniels Band. Moreover\, he’s shared the stage with Lyle Lovett\, John Hiatt\, Joe Ely\, Cheryl Wheeler\, Guy Clark\, Christine Lavin\, Keb’ Mo’ and Bruce Hornsby. In 2012\, the Martin Guitar Company began selling the OM Jeff Daniels Custom Artist Edition Guitar. He also narrated their award-winning documentary\, “The Ballad of The Dreadnought.”  \n“In 1976\, I moved to New York to become an actor. What I didn’t plan on was being influenced by so many off-Broadway playwrights. In particular\, Lanford Wilson\, who would later go on to win a Pulitzer Prize for his play Talley’s Folly. Lanford taught me so much about the writing process. In Hollywood\, the joke is if you ask any actor what he wants to do\, he’ll say\, “direct.” Not me. I wanted to write. So I did. With a guitar in my hands.” \n* There will be no Valet offered for this show. \n\nRecommended for fans of John Prine\, Loudon Wainwright III\, John Hiatt and Brent Cobb.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/jeff-daniels-nov15-2025/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-JeffDaniels.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251114T213000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251114T233000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T185838Z
UID:10003004-1763155800-1763163000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Jeff Daniels
DESCRIPTION:“an engaging and extremely funny frontman” – Glide\n  \nIn 1976\, Jeff Daniels bought a Guild D-40 from Herb David’s Guitar Studio in Ann Arbor\, Michigan. Then\, he threw it in the back of his old Buick and moved to New York City. That guitar led to a creative outlet\, became a solace\, a road into the artist that he didn’t know existed. Now\, over forty years later\, he’s still writing songs\, singing them\, and playing. \nSince 2000\, Daniels has played venues The Birchmere\, Club Passim\, Café Lena\, New York City’s 54 Below and Birdland. Also\, City Winery in New York and Nashville\, The Barns at Wolf Trap\, Austin’s Cactus Café\, and Annapolis’s Ram’s Head Tavern. Additionally\, Houston’s Mucky Ducks\, The Dakota in Minneapolis\, The Ark in Ann Arbor\, and Chicago’s Old School of Folk Music. Also\, Seattle’s Third Door\, Alaska’s Latitude 62\, and many more. He has toured both coasts with his son’s band\, the Ben Daniels Band. Moreover\, he’s shared the stage with Lyle Lovett\, John Hiatt\, Joe Ely\, Cheryl Wheeler\, Guy Clark\, Christine Lavin\, Keb’ Mo’ and Bruce Hornsby. In 2012\, the Martin Guitar Company began selling the OM Jeff Daniels Custom Artist Edition Guitar. He also narrated their award-winning documentary\, “The Ballad of The Dreadnought.”  \n“In 1976\, I moved to New York to become an actor. What I didn’t plan on was being influenced by so many off-Broadway playwrights. In particular\, Lanford Wilson\, who would later go on to win a Pulitzer Prize for his play Talley’s Folly. Lanford taught me so much about the writing process. In Hollywood\, the joke is if you ask any actor what he wants to do\, he’ll say\, “direct.” Not me. I wanted to write. So I did. With a guitar in my hands.” \nRecommended for fans of John Prine\, Loudon Wainwright III\, John Hiatt and Brent Cobb.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/jeff-daniels/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-JeffDaniels.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251114T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251114T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T185836Z
UID:10003003-1763146800-1763154000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Brett Dennen: Art Is Life Tour
DESCRIPTION:“funkily elegant strands of timeless pop” – Paste\n  \nThrough his career\, Brett Dennen has established himself as the kind of singer-songwriter who finds inspiration in the human condition. Here\, he digs into the nooks and crannies\, exploring pain\, joy\, sadness\, and all points in between. \n2024’s If It Takes Forever\, the California native’s eighth solo album and first full-length since 2021’s See the World\, is no exception. The warm\, immersive collection boasts deeply felt sentiments\, underpinned by rich acoustic guitars and Dennen’s earnest vocals. Here\, his sound ranges through dusky Americana\, Tom Petty-esque harmonica-driven blues\, rootsy indie\, and meditative folk-rock. \nIf It Takes Forever emerged out of a tough 2023 for Dennen\, as he was dealing with the death of his dad. “He was such a strong figure in my life that I depended on so much as both a dad and a best friend\,” he said. “And I knew immediately in order for me to deal with his death\, the best thing I could do was to make an album about it.” \nUnderstandably\, Dennen took his time coming up with song ideas for If It Takes Forever. To that end\, he spent nearly a year simply thinking about “what kind of album I was going to make. What kinds of songs were going to be on the album\,” he says. “I jotted down ideas on paper\, made little voice memos with ideas of songs\, melodies and choruses. Or sometimes even just talked into a voice recorder.” \nSince debuting in 2004\, Dennen has amassed a loyal fanbase thanks to a steady touring schedule. Moreover\, he plays alongside artists like John Mayer\, Jason Mraz and G Love and Special Sauce. Also\, Dennen has also had multiple Top Ten hits on the AAA radio charts. \nRecommended for fans of Joshua Radin\, Ray Lamontagne\, Bright Eyes and Mason Jennings.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/brett-dennen-art-is-life-tour/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-BrettDennen.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214751Z
UID:10003002-1763060400-1763067600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Alex Cuba
DESCRIPTION:“Staying true to his Spanish language folk-funk-rock hybrid has paid off.”— Billboard\n  \nIt’s a strange thing\, watching audiences sing along with Alex without speaking his native Spanish. But they do. They “la-la-la” their way from chorus to chorus\, caught up in his inescapable gravitational pull. His warm\, elastic vocals float above a sound essentially from everywhere. It’s an effortless mix of funk\, soul\, and pan-Latin textures\, and no matter where you’re from\, you can’t help it. You’re home.  \nHe discovered music’s power to mesmerize and transport you at an early age. “I used to skip meals\,” says Cuba\, speaking of the long days he spent locked in his room as a child in Artemisa\, Cuba\, mastering the bass. “My mother would have to remind me that I was human\, that I needed food. Music has always taken me away like that.” Today\, he carries audiences away with his performances in the same fashion\, from the Hollywood Bowl to Radio Music City Hall. There\, he has shared the stage with artists as diverse as Sheryl Crow and Juan Luis Guerra. He casts his spell as if genres weren’t a thing.  \nAt the heart of his ability to charm anything that breathes is Alex’s mastery of a deeper\, more important language. The dude speaks joy. And it doesn’t matter if it’s Tito Puente joy or Stevie Wonder joy; it’s contagious. It shines through songs he’s co-written with Nelly Furtado and Jason Mraz. It’s the north star of his compositions.  \nThis undeniable exuberance\, expressed with masterful musicianship\, has catapulted Alex to the highest levels of global critical acclaim. It led this fiercely independent artist to two Juno awards\, four Latin Grammys\, and a 2022 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album. \nRecommended for fans of Nelly Furtado\, Cimafunk\, Pedro Guerra and Leonel Garcia. \n📸: Eduardo Rawdriguez
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/alex-cuba/
CATEGORIES:Global,R&B/Soul,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-AlexCuba.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T230000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250616T194005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214723Z
UID:10002939-1762981200-1762988400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:John Scofield's Combo 73
DESCRIPTION:“Scofield is one of the most prolific and admired jazz musicians of his generation” – NPR\n  \nAside from being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar\, John Scofield is a rare creative artist. He is a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent\, rock-solid aesthetic identity. Looking to commemorate his seventy-third year\, Scofield has penned a collection of new compositions. Also\, he reformed his swinging group\, formerly Combo 66\, to tour the music.  \nRising star Gerald Clayton is an obvious choice on piano\, an instrument central to the tunes. The connection between Scofield and drummer Bill Stewart strengthens as the decades pass. It was Stewart who introduced bassist Vicente Archer to the project eight years ago. Scofield is thrilled with the group and in addition to the musical combustion\, especially enjoys the inter-generational quality. Here\, seventies\, fifties and forties are represented! Scofield will close 2025 with this band on tour.  \nScofield is a triple Grammy award winning artist with fan bases in many camps and over fifty recordings as leader. Here\, he has expressed himself in the vernacular of bebop\, blues\, jazz-funk\, organ jazz\, acoustic chamber jazz\, electronically tinged groove music\, jam band style and orchestral ensembles with ease and enthusiasm. Also\, he has earned multiple Grammy nominations and is an Officier dans L’Ordre des Arts and Lettres by France. Moreover\, Scofield tours the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups. He has shared stages and studios with Miles Davis\, Tony Williams\, Jim Hall\, Ron Carter\, and Herbie Hancock. Also\, Joe Henderson\, Dave Holland\, Charlie Haden\, Pat Metheny\, Jack DeJohnette\, Joe Lovano\, Brad Mehldau\, Eddie Harris\, and John Mayer. Furthermore\, Phil Lesh\, Aaron Neville\, Mavis Staples and Medeski\, Martin & Wood among many music legends. \nRecommended for fans of Pat Metheny\, Bill Frisell\, Robert Glasper and Miles Davis.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/john-scofields-combo-73/2025-11-12/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-JohnScofieldCombo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250616T194005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214723Z
UID:10002930-1762974000-1762981200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:John Scofield's Combo 73
DESCRIPTION:“Scofield is one of the most prolific and admired jazz musicians of his generation” – NPR\n  \nAside from being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar\, John Scofield is a rare creative artist. He is a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent\, rock-solid aesthetic identity. Looking to commemorate his seventy-third year\, Scofield has penned a collection of new compositions. Also\, he reformed his swinging group\, formerly Combo 66\, to tour the music.  \nRising star Gerald Clayton is an obvious choice on piano\, an instrument central to the tunes. The connection between Scofield and drummer Bill Stewart strengthens as the decades pass. It was Stewart who introduced bassist Vicente Archer to the project eight years ago. Scofield is thrilled with the group and in addition to the musical combustion\, especially enjoys the inter-generational quality. Here\, seventies\, fifties and forties are represented! Scofield will close 2025 with this band on tour.  \nScofield is a triple Grammy award winning artist with fan bases in many camps and over fifty recordings as leader. Here\, he has expressed himself in the vernacular of bebop\, blues\, jazz-funk\, organ jazz\, acoustic chamber jazz\, electronically tinged groove music\, jam band style and orchestral ensembles with ease and enthusiasm. Also\, he has earned multiple Grammy nominations and is an Officier dans L’Ordre des Arts and Lettres by France. Moreover\, Scofield tours the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups. He has shared stages and studios with Miles Davis\, Tony Williams\, Jim Hall\, Ron Carter\, and Herbie Hancock. Also\, Joe Henderson\, Dave Holland\, Charlie Haden\, Pat Metheny\, Jack DeJohnette\, Joe Lovano\, Brad Mehldau\, Eddie Harris\, and John Mayer. Furthermore\, Phil Lesh\, Aaron Neville\, Mavis Staples and Medeski\, Martin & Wood among many music legends. \nRecommended for fans of Pat Metheny\, Bill Frisell\, Robert Glasper and Miles Davis.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/john-scofields-combo-73/2025-11-12/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-JohnScofieldCombo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251111T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251111T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T184607Z
UID:10003001-1762887600-1762894800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Both Sides Now: The Music & Lives of Joni Mitchell & Leonard Cohen
DESCRIPTION:“enchanting and reverent” – DC Theater Arts\n  \n“Two singer-songwriters sit on the edge of a cliff…” \nWith these words\, we are drawn into the world of Both Sides Now. This theatrical concert explores the music and lives of long-time friends and one-time lovers\, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Also\, the show was created by\, and stars\, Robbie Schaefer and Danielle Wertz. Here\, this cabaret-style performance traverses decades with highlights “A Case of You\,” “Hallelujah\,” “Big Yellow Taxi\,” “Suzanne\,” and many more. Both Sides Now is at once a piece of the 60’s and 70’s\, and of right now. Here\, they craft a story about the messiness of being human\, of lives persistently lived at the edge of growth. Then\, of finding the courage to turn toward one another\, again and again. \nRobbie Schaefer is a rabbi\, singer-songwriter and theatre/film artist. The guitarist and songwriter for the indie folk band Eddie From Ohio has several solo releases. \nRobbie has shared the stage with Jason Mraz\, Sara Bareilles\, Josh Groban\, Keb‘ Mo’\, and Emmylou Harris\, among others. His first work for musical theater\, Light Years\, saw its world premiere at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre in 2018. Moreover\, this explores his relationship with his father\, a Holocaust survivor.   \nDanielle Wertz is a storyteller\, collaborator\, jazz musician\, composer and arranger. Furthermore\, she has rapidly gained national acclaim. Jazz Music Archives described her as “untarnished by the politics of music”. Also\, New York City Jazz Record calls her “a masterful ballad interpreter”.  \nWertz was named a 2015 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal Competition semi-finalist. Then\, she independently released her debut album\, Intertwined. It ranked Number Four on Capital Bop‘s list of “Best DC Jazz Albums of 2017.” Additionally\, she placed Second in the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition and Third in the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Vocal Competition. \nRecommended for fans of Joni Mitchell\, Leonard Cohen\, Carole King and James Taylor.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/both-sides-now-the-music-lives-of-joni-mitchell-leonard-cohen/
CATEGORIES:Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/700x400-BothSides.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251110T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251110T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214652Z
UID:10003000-1762801200-1762808400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Caitlin Canty
DESCRIPTION:“Dreamy and daring” – Rolling Stone\n  \nCaitlin Canty’s songs harness the grit and spark at the heart of American music\, tempered with a voice both haunting and distinct. Canty has put thousands of miles on her songs since the 2015 release of her critically acclaimed Reckless Skyline. Additionally\, she has toured throughout the U.S. and Europe. She is a constant collaborator\, both as a cowriter with Jamey Johnson and Peter Bradley Adams among others. Further\, she appears on albums by Joy Williams and Darlingside. She has performed at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass\, FreshGrass\, and Green Mountain Bluegrass and Roots Festival. Also\, she has opened for Mary Chapin Carpenter\, Josh Ritter\, The Milk Carton Kids\, and Gregory Alan Isakov. \nCanty won the 2015 Telluride Troubadour songwriting competition at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Her song\, “Get Up\,” was nominated for Song of the Year in the Folk Alliance International Music Awards. Additionally\, it was featured on NPR Music’s “Songs We Love.” Her songs have appeared in film and TV\, including Code Black\, House of Cards\, Money Heist\, and Rebuilding. Furthermore\, Canty’s songs have garnered over 40 million streams on Spotify alone. \nThe new album\, Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove\, will be released in October 2025. Her current touring band includes Joachim Cooder on electric mbira and drums and Will Seeders on banjo\, bass and pedal steel. \nRecommended for fans of Sarah Jarosz\, Pieta Brown\, Amanda Shires and Tift Merritt.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/caitlin-canty/
CATEGORIES:Americana
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-CaitlynCanty.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251109T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251109T220000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214628Z
UID:10003060-1762718400-1762725600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Joshua Redman Quartet
DESCRIPTION:“a swinging\, expressive improviser… masterpiece” – All Music\n  \nJoshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists working today. Joshua was born in Berkeley\, California\, and he is the son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff. He was exposed at an early age to a variety of music (jazz\, classical\, rock\, soul\, Indian\, Indonesian\, Middle-Eastern\, African). Also\, a wide range of instruments (recorder\, piano\, guitar\, gatham\, gamelan). Then\, Redman began playing clarinet at age nine before switching to the tenor saxophone one year later.  \nJohn Coltrane\, Ornette Coleman\, Cannonball Adderley and his father\, Dewey Redman influenced Redman early on. Also\, The Beatles\, Aretha Franklin\, the Temptations\, Earth\, Wind and Fire\, Prince\, The Police and Led Zeppelin drew Joshua more deeply into music. Joshua loved playing saxophone and was a member of the award-winning Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble and Combo from 1983-86. However\, he always put academics first\, and he never seriously considered becoming a professional musician. \nIn 1991 Redman graduated from Harvard College summa cum laude\, with a B.A. in Social Studies. He had already been accepted by Yale Law School\, but deferred entrance for what he believed was only going to be one year. Then\, Redman won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition\, propelling him to near-certain stardom. \nOver the past three decades\, the saxophonist\, composer\, and bandleader has consistently demonstrated how to honor music’s verities while expanding its reach in contemporary settings. Redman’s latest\, 2025’s Words Fall Short\, is an organic next step. Thus\, inspiring new collaborators bring this new collection of previously unheard originals to life. \nJoshua Redman – tenor saxophone\nPaul Cornish – piano\nPhilip Norris – bass\nNazir Ebo – drums \nRecommended for fans of Cannonball Adderley\, Roy Hargrove\, Christian McBride and Chris Potter.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/joshua-redman-quartet/2025-11-09/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-JoshuaRedmanQuartet.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251109T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251109T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214628Z
UID:10002999-1762709400-1762718400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Joshua Redman Quartet
DESCRIPTION:“a swinging\, expressive improviser… masterpiece” – All Music\n  \nJoshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists working today. Joshua was born in Berkeley\, California\, and he is the son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff. He was exposed at an early age to a variety of music (jazz\, classical\, rock\, soul\, Indian\, Indonesian\, Middle-Eastern\, African). Also\, a wide range of instruments (recorder\, piano\, guitar\, gatham\, gamelan). Then\, Redman began playing clarinet at age nine before switching to the tenor saxophone one year later.  \nJohn Coltrane\, Ornette Coleman\, Cannonball Adderley and his father\, Dewey Redman influenced Redman early on. Also\, The Beatles\, Aretha Franklin\, the Temptations\, Earth\, Wind and Fire\, Prince\, The Police and Led Zeppelin drew Joshua more deeply into music. Joshua loved playing saxophone and was a member of the award-winning Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble and Combo from 1983-86. However\, he always put academics first\, and he never seriously considered becoming a professional musician. \nIn 1991 Redman graduated from Harvard College summa cum laude\, with a B.A. in Social Studies. He had already been accepted by Yale Law School\, but deferred entrance for what he believed was only going to be one year. Then\, Redman won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition\, propelling him to near-certain stardom. \nOver the past three decades\, the saxophonist\, composer\, and bandleader has consistently demonstrated how to honor music’s verities while expanding its reach in contemporary settings. Redman’s latest\, 2025’s Words Fall Short\, is an organic next step. Thus\, inspiring new collaborators bring this new collection of previously unheard originals to life. \nJoshua Redman – tenor saxophone\nPaul Cornish – piano\nPhilip Norris – bass\nNazir Ebo – drums \nRecommended for fans of Cannonball Adderley\, Roy Hargrove\, Christian McBride and Chris Potter.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/joshua-redman-quartet/2025-11-09/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-JoshuaRedmanQuartet.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251108T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251108T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250925T184905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214551Z
UID:10003098-1762628400-1762635600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE
DESCRIPTION:“brassy\, smooth\, and syncopated with perfect finesse.” – Mpls.St.Paul\n  \nArthur “L.A.” Buckner is one of the Twin Cities’ most creative drummers. He also took iTunes by storm with the release of his project BiG HOMiE. Here\, his August 2020 release reached Number One on the iTunes jazz charts within twenty-four hours. \nBuckner’s music is a fusion of his influences: Gospel\, R&B\, hip hop\, African rhythms\, and jazz. Then\, on BiG HOMiE his music explodes in a fiery journey of syncopation and truth. He has earned the respect of the most trained musical ear to the everyday music lover that appreciates a good “bop.” Here\, Buckner serves as executive producer\, collaborating with some of the finest musicians in Minnesota. Also\, the album included a feature by Mint Condition’s Stokely Williams. Further\, the original single “Ooowee” solidifies L.A. as a writer/producer to be reckoned with. Additionally\, the album includes a creative rendition of “Deja Vu” and a jolting take on “Human Nature”. \nBiG HOMiE is a dynamic and electrifying band based in Minneapolis\, Minnesota. The band leader is Arthur “L.A.” Buckner on drums; Jamani Buckner\, percussion; David Feily\, guitar; David Smith\, keyboards; Jovon Williams\, woodwinds; and Ethan Yeshaya\, bass. Together\, they create a powerful fusion of musical styles\, incorporating elements of funk\, rock\, hip-hop\, Gospel and jazz. With captivating performances and catchy melodies\, BiG HOMiE has been winning over audiences and gaining recognition for their spiritual sound. \nRecommended for fans of Robert Glasper\, Snarky Puppy\, Nate Smith and Butcher Brown.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/l-a-buckner-big-homie-nov8-2025/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-LABuckner-BiGHOMiE.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251107T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251107T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T160324Z
UID:10002998-1762542000-1762549200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Keb' Mo'
DESCRIPTION:“soul and passion… consistent good vibes” – American Songwriter\n  \nIt’s a little over 2\,000 miles from Compton to Nashville. Drop the needle on Keb’ Mo’s latest album\, 2022’s Good To Be\, and you can make the trip in under four minutes. \n“I’ve lived in Nashville for the last eleven years\,” says Keb’\, “but Compton has always been my home. Finding a way to connect those two places on this album was a powerful thing for me. It felt like something I needed to do.” \nGood To Be is a celebration of roots and resilience\, of growth and gratitude\, of hope and memory. Here\, the songs draw on country\, soul\, and blues to forge a sound that transcends genre and geography. Then\, he weaves together past and present into a heartwarming tapestry spanning more than forty years of sonic evolution. Though Keb’ worked with a wide variety of collaborators on the project\, it remains a deeply cohesive work. Additionally\, it is anchored by the five-time Grammy winner’s magnetic vocal delivery and relentless optimism.  \n“I believe that music has the power to heal\,” Keb’ explains\, “and I wanted this album to make people feel good.” \nFor Keb’ Mo’\, that journey began nearly half a century ago. Then\, he landed his first major gig in Papa John Creach’s band at the age of twenty-one. Over the next twenty years\, Keb’ would go on to establish himself as a respected guitarist\, songwriter\, and arranger. Though he recorded a one-off album in 1980 under his birth name\, Kevin Moore\, it wasn’t until 1994 that he would introduce the world to Keb’ Mo’ with the release of his widely acclaimed self-titled debut. Critics quickly took note of Keb’s modern\, genre-bending take on old school sounds. \nRecommended for fans of Taj Mahal\, Robert Cray\, Tab Benoit and Ruthie Foster.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/keb-mo-2/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Blues
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-KebMo.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251106T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251106T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T160221Z
UID:10002997-1762455600-1762462800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Keb' Mo'
DESCRIPTION:“soul and passion… consistent good vibes” – American Songwriter\n  \nIt’s a little over 2\,000 miles from Compton to Nashville. Drop the needle on Keb’ Mo’s latest album\, 2022’s Good To Be\, and you can make the trip in under four minutes. \n“I’ve lived in Nashville for the last eleven years\,” says Keb’\, “but Compton has always been my home. Finding a way to connect those two places on this album was a powerful thing for me. It felt like something I needed to do.” \nGood To Be is a celebration of roots and resilience\, of growth and gratitude\, of hope and memory. Here\, the songs draw on country\, soul\, and blues to forge a sound that transcends genre and geography. Then\, he weaves together past and present into a heartwarming tapestry spanning more than forty years of sonic evolution. Though Keb’ worked with a wide variety of collaborators on the project\, it remains a deeply cohesive work. Additionally\, it is anchored by the five-time Grammy winner’s magnetic vocal delivery and relentless optimism.  \n“I believe that music has the power to heal\,” Keb’ explains\, “and I wanted this album to make people feel good.” \nFor Keb’ Mo’\, that journey began nearly half a century ago. Then\, he landed his first major gig in Papa John Creach’s band at the age of twenty-one. Over the next twenty years\, Keb’ would go on to establish himself as a respected guitarist\, songwriter\, and arranger. Though he recorded a one-off album in 1980 under his birth name\, Kevin Moore\, it wasn’t until 1994 that he would introduce the world to Keb’ Mo’ with the release of his widely acclaimed self-titled debut. Critics quickly took note of Keb’s modern\, genre-bending take on old school sounds. \nRecommended for fans of Taj Mahal\, Robert Cray\, Tab Benoit and Ruthie Foster.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/keb-mo/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Blues
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-KebMo.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251105T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251105T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214421Z
UID:10002996-1762369200-1762376400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Sam Grisman Project
DESCRIPTION:“authenticity\, originality\, and passion” – The Bluegrass Situation\n  \nA Note From Sam: “The music that my father David Grisman and his close friend\, Jerry Garcia\, made in the early 1990s (in the house that I grew up in) is not only some of the most timeless acoustic music ever recorded\, it also triggers my oldest and fondest musical memories. What I find most inspiring about this material is their camaraderie. Their love and joy for the music simply oozes out of each recording. It is also impressive how deeply they get beneath their favorite songs. Whether they are originals\, covers\, or traditional/old-time tunes\, the material was curated expertly. \n“My goal in starting Sam Grisman Project is to build a platform for my friends and me to showcase our genuine passion and appreciation for the legacy of Dawg and Jerry’s music. By playing some of their beloved repertoires and sharing the original music that our own collective has to offer\, we will also show the impact that this music has had on our own individual musical voices. Ultimately\, there is nothing that makes me happier than playing great songs with my best friends. My hope is to share that happiness with audiences all over!” \nRecommended for fans of David Grisman\, Jerry Garcia\, Béla Fleck and Sierra Hull.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/sam-grisman-project/
CATEGORIES:Americana
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/700x400-SamGrismanProject.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251104T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251104T235900
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250908T152619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T182808Z
UID:10002995-1762214400-1762300740@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Private Event
DESCRIPTION:We will be closed on NOV 4 for a private event. BOOK YOUR EVENT HERE: 
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/private-event-5/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-PrivateEvent-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251103T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251103T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20251015T184801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T151925Z
UID:10003132-1762196400-1762203600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Kenni Holmen
DESCRIPTION:“Kenni Holmen is a musical freak of nature” –Vulfpeck\n  \n\nKenni Holmen is one of the most active recording and touring musicians from the Twin Cities area. He performed and recorded with many local\, national and international artists over his thirty-year career. \n\n\nKenni has performed with Prince\, Cory Wong\, Michael Bolton\, Celine Dion\, Johnny Mathis\, Tony Bennett\, T.C. Monk\, and Dizzy Gillespie. Also\, Donny Osmond\, The Rev. Billy Graham Crusade\, The Glenn Miller Orchestra\, Doc Severinsen\, and Garrison Keillor. Additionally\, The Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra\, just to name a few. Kenni has recorded with Janet Jackson\, Rod Stewart\, Prince\, Gladys Knight\, Chaka Khan\, Ben Sidran\, Babyface\, Mandy Moore\, and more. \n\nHolmen remains busy recording album projects and jingles. Also\, he writes\, co-produces and performs with New Age artist Lorie Line\, a role he has held since 1993. This includes a performance at The White House in the fall of 2000. Twin Cities Reader magazine voted Kenni Best Tenor Sax Player. Moreover\, Kenni is also featured with Prince’s long-running horn section\, The HornHeads. With them\, he has toured throughout the United States and Europe since 1992.\nRecommended for fans of Dave Koz\, Cory Wong\, The Hornheads and Prince.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/kenni-holmen-nov3-2025/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/700x400-KenniHolmen.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251102T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251102T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T120138
CREATED:20250609T175904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T214354Z
UID:10002905-1762110000-1762117200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Joshua Radin
DESCRIPTION:“Radin may be America’s best-kept secret” – American Songwriter\n  \nJoshua Radin emerged in 2004 as an empathetic\, engaging\, and often enthralling troubadour. Over the years\, he’s tallied north of 1 billion streams and moved 1 million-plus albums worldwide. Also\, he scored a gold certification for the single “I’d Rather Be With You.” His music has appeared in over 200 films\, television series\, and commercials. He made multiple showstopping appearances on Ellen (who also enlisted him to perform at her wedding) and Today Show. He has also performed on The Tonight Show\, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!\, and Conan. Additionally\, he contributed “Brand New Day” to a commercial in support of the troops. This came at the request of First Ladies Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden.  \nHe’s played to sold out crowds around the globe. He has shared the stage with Ed Sheeran\, Sara Bareilles\, Ingrid Michaelson\, Sheryl Crow\, Tori Amos and more. Not to mention\, he’s a staunch philanthropist who supports Little Kids Rock and North Shore Animal League America (NSALA). \nFollowing the release of his 2021 acclaimed album The Ghost and The Wall\, Joshua left his material existence behind. Here\, he grabbed a backpack\, packed his guitar\, and hit the road in search of new stories to tell. Those stories comprise though the world will tell me so\, volumes one & two which were released early 2023. During 2025\, he turns the page on the next chapter of his career and life with his tenth full-length LP. Immersing himself in the process mind\, body\, and soul\, he pored over these thirteen tracks\, perfecting each moment. Musically\, he taps into two sides of his sonic palette\, leaning into soul and singer-songwriter stylings while tracing the journey of a romantic relationship. \nRecommended for fans of Amos Lee\, Ingrid Michaelson\, Ray Lamontagne and Brett Dennen.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/joshua-radin/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-JoshuaRadin-ImxKaV.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR