Dakota

Robert Glasper OG Acoustic Piano Trio
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
“mélange of contemporary jazz, beat-heavy hip-hop, and neo-soul melodies.” – Rolling Stone

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

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

Glen David Andrews
2026-05-25 19:00 - 21:00
“the most charismatic performer in New Orleans… spectacular” – Offbeat

Glen David Andrews is a native son and a beloved musician of New Orleans. Furthermore, he is a warrior for cultural preservation at a time when indigenous traditions are being threatened in the city. Here, his commanding voice and disarmingly honest manner provide a musical experience that never fails to meet the moment. Also, he is hailed for his fierce trombone sound – a powerful, emotional, and resonant blend of smoothness and grit.
Glen’s music is packed with beauty, hard-earned truths, compassion, humor, anger, joy, and – most of all – hope.
Glen comes from a storied and extended family of musicians. He was born in New Orleans’ historic Tremé neighborhood, widely considered the oldest Black community in the United States. There, he was transfixed by the magic and mystery of the city’s second-line parades. Then, Andrews and his older brother, Derrick Tabb (Rebirth Brass Band), along with cousin Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, learned the history of the brass band tradition firsthand. They learned from iconic figures like Tuba Fats.
Glen has been touring since the age of fourteen, performing in cities around the world. Moreover, he has played in New Birth, Lil Rascals, and Tremé brass bands. He brings equal measures of musicianship and showmanship to each. He now fronts his own high-powered ensemble that expertly fuses traditions from jazz, gospel, rock, blues and funk.
In recent years, he earned prestigious recognition and began making headliner status at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Glen has released several recordings under his own name including the popular Redemption and Portrait of the Treme Prince. Additionally, he is featured on the Galactic hit “You Don’t Know” from the album Ya-Ka-May.
Recommended for fans of Trombone Shorty, Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic and Davina and The Vagabonds.

The Belfast Cowboys
2026-05-24 19:00 - 21:00
“conjures up the spirit and the songs of Ireland’s greatest export” – Chicago Tribune

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

Steve Cole: Record Release
2026-05-23 19:00 - 21:00
“Cole is redefining smooth jazz” – All About Jazz

Join us to celebrate the release of Steve Cole’s twelfth solo album, Sleight of Hand. This dynamic new recording showcases Cole’s signature saxophone sound. Moreover, it features standout guest performances from guitar virtuoso Cory Wong. Additionally, legendary bassist Will Lee (David Letterman Band), and renowned B3 master Ricky Peterson (Stevie Nicks).
Steve Cole is widely recognized as one of contemporary jazz’s most influential and expressive voices. The Chicago native exploded onto the scene with 1998’s Stay Awhile, which fellow Chicagoan Brian Culbertson produced. The disc scored multiple Number One hits and earned Cole the Oasis Smooth Jazz Award for best new artist. Then, he released his sophomore set, Between Us, in 2000. Also, he recorded 2003’s NY LA, 2005’s Spin, 2006’s True, 2009’s Moonlight, 2013’s True, 2016’s Turn It Up, 2019’s Gratitude, and his latest, 2023’s Without a Doubt. Then, Without a Doubt landed four singles on the top of the Smooth Jazz Chart.
Beyond his solo career, Cole has brought his signature sound to collaborations with an impressive roster of artists. For example, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Boz Scaggs, Larry Carlton, Jeff Lorber, Jim Peterik, Freddie Cole, Cyrus Chestnut, and KMFDM. He has also appeared as a featured soloist with the City of Prague Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Cole is a founding member of The Sax Pack, the celebrated sax trio with Kim Waters and Jeff Kashiwa.
Additionally, Dr. Cole serves as a Clinical Professor and Teaching Fellow at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. There, he teaches music industry entrepreneurship and mentors the next generation of artists and innovators.
Steve Cole, saxophone
Kavyesh Kaviraj, keyboards
Jeff Bailey, bass
David Feily, guitar
Kirk Johnson, drums
Recommended for fans of Chris Botti, Brian Culbertson, Eric Marienthal and Mindi Abair.

Jamecia Bennett Presents: Tribute to Toni Braxton & Adele
2026-05-22 19:00 - 21:00
“Bennett has the personality, pizzazz, and powerful pipes to fill an arena.” – Star Tribune

Three-time Grammy-winning powerhouse Jamecia Bennett captivated in a sold-out, unforgettable tribute to Brandy & Monica. Now, she returns to the iconic Dakota stage with the next installment of her electrifying Icon Series. Here, this one is set to be nothing short of extraordinary.
This time, Jamecia pays homage to two of the most emotionally captivating voices of our time—Toni Braxton and Adele. Furthermore, she brings their timeless hits, raw storytelling, and soul-stirring ballads to life in one unforgettable night of music, passion, and pure vocal excellence.
Known for curating experiences that spotlight world-class talent, Jamecia shares the stage with two phenomenal artists. Jhadiya Steele represents the legendary Steele family legacy with power, grace, and undeniable soul. Also, America Ortiz is a dynamic recording artist whose voice and presence captivate from the very first note.
Bennett’s stellar live band will back the performers as she delivers the show with her signature energy, elegance, and vocal brilliance. Moreover, this show promises to take you on an emotional journey through love, heartbreak, strength, and triumph.
One stage. Two icons. A night you’ll never forget.
Recommended for fans of Toni Braxton, Adele, Aretha Franklin and Sounds of Blackness.

Jeff Dayton: Glen Campbell & Beyond
2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:00
“Jeff gives the only authentic, first-person retrospective of Glen’s music from the band’s perspective anywhere. Dayton’s own music is similarly brilliant, engaging and heartfelt.” – Toro’s of Aspen

Jeff Dayton: stellar guitarist, powerful singer and masterful storyteller.
Jeff delivers all the hits and inside stories of his fifteen years as Glen Campbell’s guitarist and bandleader. Additionally, he blends in his own chart-topping songwriting. He’s toured with Kenny Chesney, performed with legends like Toby Keith, Bo Diddley, Vince Gill and Willie Nelson. Also, he released eighteen albums under his own name.
Dayton is a native son of MN, though he has been based in Nashville for many years. Moreover, he loves coming home to his Twin Cities roots and sharing the music and adventures of his life. Here, it’s an engaging, upbeat and personal show with great stories and a first-call group of musicians.
Recommended for fans of Glen Campbell, Kenny Chesney, John Prine, Jimmy Webb and Simon & Garfunkel.

An Evening with Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera at The Quinlan Room
2026-05-20 19:00 - 21:00
An evening of words and music with the famed guitarist & producer.

In March 2024 Phil Manzanera self-published Revolución to Roxy, his compelling memoir. This unique hybrid show will find Manzanera discussing the book, as well as performing.
Phil Manzanera is one of the UK’s best-known musicians and record producers. There, he shot to prominence in the early 1970’s as the lead guitarist with the seminal band Roxy Music. He is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading guitarists and record producers. He received the OBE in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours list: “musician and producer. For services to music.”
In 2022, Roxy Music celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with a ten-date critically acclaimed tour of the US. Then, they played three triumphant dates in the UK with original members, Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay, Paul Thompson and Phil.
As a writer, producer and solo artist, Manzanera has worked with many of the luminaries of modern music. For example, Steve Winwood, David Gilmour, John Cale, Godley and Creme, Nico (Velvet Underground) and John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia). Additionally, he has co-written material with many artists, including Brian Eno, Tim Finn, Robert Wyatt and David Gilmour. Also, Manzanera co-wrote Pink Floyd’s single “One Slip” from 1988’s Momentary Lapse of Reason.
Mary Lucia is a broadcast personality, writer, actor, and voiceover artist. Through her long association with 89.3 The Current (2005-2022), she has become one of the most recognizable voices in Twin Cities media. There, her expansive music knowledge and unconventional, personal style endeared her to listeners everywhere. Her 2025 memoir, What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To, has been hailed by critics and fans as “profoundly courageous.” Lucia currently serves as the program advisor at the University of Minnesota’s Radio K.
Recommended for fans of Roxy Music, Pink Floyd, Crowded House and John Cale.

Private Event
2026-05-20 00:00 - 23:59
We are booked on MAY 20 for a private event. BOOK YOUR EVENT HERE:

Southside Aces: A Night in New Orleans
2026-05-19 19:00 - 21:00
“flawlessly replicate the sound of classic New Orleans” — Prairie Uprising

For over two decades, Southside Aces have been playing the repertoire of the Jazz Age greats and beyond. Here, they play the early New Orleans of Jelly Roll Morton and the Chicago joys of Louis Armstrong. The evocative compositions of the young Duke Ellington to the barrel house sounds of Preservation Hall. Even the early rock and roll of Fats Domino! Their belief in the contemporary vitality of New Orleans music can be heard in their eighth album, 2022’s Minneapolis Bump. Here, this album contains fifteen originals in the traditional style. The Aces will release two more albums in 2026, including Les Oignons, featuring the music of Sidney Bechet. You hear it all when you’re in front of the Aces. Moreover, treat yourself to a century’s worth of New Orleans jazz.
In New Orleans, the jazz tradition thrives off a wide array of styles. Here, the Aces possess a diverse repertoire, with a roll call that includes jazz giants. For example, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, and Bix Beiderbecke. Additionally, Crescent City classics like “Bourbon Street Parade”, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”, and “St. James Infirmary”. Also, they cover the funky rhythms of brass band powerhouses like “Mardi Gras in New Orleans” and “Palm Court Strut”!
“Some 1500 miles from New Orleans and the Mardi Gras, and what do you think? It’s bouncing around the Mississippi River up here close to the Northern Star.” — Leigh Kamman, The Jazz Image
“The performers are virtuosi and flawlessly replicate the sound of classic New Orleans… The concert was wonderful and demonstrates the continued vitality of this sort of music.” — John Beckmann, Prairie Uprising
Recommended for fans of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tuba Skinny, Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller.
📸: Paul Udstrand

Travis Anderson Trio: The Music of Studio Ghibli
2026-05-18 19:00 - 21:00
“They swing like there’s no tomorrow.” – Jazz Police

With energy and chops to burn, The Travis Anderson Trio brings fresh interpretations to standards and more – from Chopin to Mario Bros – they swing like there’s no tomorrow while saluting the great trios of yesterday.
Here, The Travis Anderson Trio celebrates the music of the greatest animated films ever made. With fresh takes on classics like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, this trio brings unrivaled energy to family-friendly tunes. Whether you’re 8 or 80, there’s something here for everybody!
Travis Anderson has been delighting audiences with his dazzling piano technique and inventive arrangements since 2003. Additionally, he has taken his unique piano style all over the metro area and beyond.
Steve Pikal is one of the most in-demand bassists in the region. Adept at many genres, his joyous stage presence and buoyant playing add an exciting element to every show.
Versatile, dynamic, and hard-swinging, Nathan Norman is a first-call drummer in the Twin Cities. Also, he has collaborated with many of the area’s finest artists, including Bruce Henry, Debbie Duncan, Charmin Michelle, and more.
Recommended for fans of Oscar Peterson, George Gershwin, Art Tatum and Vince Guaraldi.

The New Standards
2026-05-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-16 19:00 - 21:00
“The DNA of the band and its members has its feet firmly rooted into punk/pop culture.” – New York Times

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

30th Annual: Songs In The Key of Life
2026-05-15 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-15 18:30 - 20:30
Celebrate Stevie Wonder’s birthday with an all-star lineup!

Jay Bee, vocals
LaMont Keten, vocals
Lynval Jackson, vocals
Kathleen Johnson, vocals
Cornisha Garmon, vocals
Kevin Jackson, vocals
Art Haynes, bass
Kevin Anderson, guitar
Adrian Davis, keyboards
Brian Kendrick, drums
Jose James, percussion & saxophone
Born on May 13th, 1950, Stevie Wonder is an icon. Furthermore, Wonder is one of the most critically and commercially successful musical performers of the late 20th century. A child prodigy, he signed with Motown at the age of eleven and has been recording and performing ever since. Among Wonder’s classics are “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours“, “Superstition“, “Sir Duke“, “You Are the Sunshine of My Life“, and “I Just Called to Say I Love You“. Additionally, he has more than thirty top ten hits and has received twenty-five Grammy awards.
Recommended for fans of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield.

Joe Pulice Big Band feat. Ricky Peterson
2026-05-14 19:00 - 21:00
“Jazz is practically in [his] DNA” – Star Tribune

The Joe Pulice Big Band is a high voltage, all-star fifteen-piece big band from the Twin Cities.
This performance will highlight the music of the most famous big bands throughout jazz history. Drummer Joe Pulice, one of the region’s elite musicians, is a two-time Minnesota Jazz Music Award recipient. Also, in 1986, Joe toured with Woody Herman and his Thundering Herd.
During the 1990’s, Joe played vibes and percussion with world-renowned drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt’s group, Kamanari. Joe also played with Jack McDuff and his band, The Heatin’ System. Additionally, Joe has been the drummer for the JazzMN Orchestra for the last twenty years.
Ricky Peterson is one of the most sought-after studio and session keyboard players and producers in America. Furthermore, Ricky tours with Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, John Mayer and currently with Stevie Nicks.
Recommended for fans of Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Gene Krupa and Count Basie.

Artemis: Sketches Of Miles
2026-05-13 19:00 - 21:00
DownBeat magazine’s Annual Readers Poll Jazz Group of the Year for three consecutive years (2023–2025)

“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

Women Who Cook - A Mother’s Day Reunion
2026-05-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-10 16:00 - 18:00
This legendary MN band reunites for Mother’s Day!

Women Who Cook will grace the Dakota stage this Mother’s Day, in their first full show since 2002. Forty-four years ago, some of the Twin Cities most accomplished women musicians were assembled for an episode on TPT‘s NightTimes Variety, originally conceived by Marian Moore and Prudence Johnson as an all-star band of women from many genres of music. The group went on to create epic, sold-out shows at the Guthrie, the State, O’Shaughnessy, and the Ordway, and their historic Soviet Peace Tour of 1988.
Singers Jearlyn Steele, Ginger Commodore, Mary Jane Alm, Kathy Mueller, Gwen Matthews and Prudence Johnson come together once more. They will be backed by Women Who Cook veterans Jane Henderson on keyboards and Jane Aleckson on bass, Laurie Glaser on trumpet, and Sue Roberts on trombone. Coming on board for this reunion show are saxophonist Sue Orfield, pianist Mary Louise Knutson and drummer Sheila Earley. There will be a special tribute to former members Jeanne Arland Peterson and Kathy Jensen.
Women Who Cook distinguishes itself with its phenomenal musicianship and intricate vocal arrangements, and the beautiful energy and warmth that come from its all-woman lineup. This brilliant formation is known for associating themselves with social issues and they are excited to offer their genuine gift of love and peace through music as our community heals.
Recommended for fans of Moore By Four, Manhattan Transfer, The Steeles and Prince.

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.

American Roots Revue is back! Tonight, experience Gospel, R&B, blues, folk, rock ‘n roll, and Indigenous music, featuring Anishinaabe Ojibwe artist Dorene Day Waubanewquay. The scintillating foursome of Larry Long, Robert Robinson, Tonia Hughes Kendrick and JD Steele will be backed by a superlative band led by Billy Steele from Sounds of Blackness (keyboards/vocals), Joe Savage (pedal steel), Larry Dalton (bass), Greg Schutte (drums), and David Feily (guitar).
Don’t miss these veteran artists whose outstanding credits include stellar performances at the recent NO KINGS event to album credits and show appearances at renowned concert venues from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden, honoring Rosa Parks, Pete Seeger and many others.
MEET THE ARTISTS:
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.
Dorene Day Waubanewquay is an Ojibwe-Anishinabe Kwe of the Waubizayshi O’dodem – Marten Clan, from Asabikone zaaga I’ gunning – Bois Forte Reservation in northern Minnesota. There, she carries the responsibility of song keeper for her Midewiwin lodge. Moreover, her name means “Daybreak Woman,” someone who asks the darkness to give way to the light each morning.
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.'”
Indivisible Twin Cities
Indivisible Twin Cities (ITC), Larry Long and musicians of American Roots Revue, and The Dakota will partner to raise funds for community members needing rent assistance. ITC and Larry have had opportunities to work together on No Kings events over the past year, and this is another way for us to continue the spirit of activism and community solidarity.
The economic harms caused by Operation Metro Surge linger – people are still in need of rent assistance. Mutual aid donations have slowed, but the need to keep people housed continues. Neighbors Helping Neighbors is an organization at the forefront of providing direct aid to those in need. This plan would raise funds directly for Neighbors Helping Neighbors rental assistance program.
Recommended for fans of Mavis Staples, Ulali, Sam Cooke, The Freedom Singers, Mahalia Jackson, and Pete Seeger.

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.

Nicholas David: Live at Dakota
2026-05-06 19:00 - 21:00
“infectious as hell… passionate” – City Pages

Nicholas David’s albums sound fantastic. He sounds great on TV. However, nothing compares to the magic, the excitement, the immediacy of seeing him live! He returns with his signature brand of soul-stirring rock music to record a new album.
The St. Paul singer/songwriter has been making music from the heart, for the heart for nearly thirty years. Like the mighty Mississippi River, David’s musical journey rocks n’ rolls like a cosmic current. Here, his music has taken him from coast to coast and across the pond.
David had an unforgettable run on NBC’s The Voice. There, he met Bill Withers, sang with Smokey Robinson and finished in Third Place! Recently, David has been riding along the rock n roll highway with the Allman Brothers sons.
Come celebrate an evening where dreams and reality mix into music.
Recommended for fans of Dr. John, Ray Lamontagne, Leon Bridges and Amos Lee.

The Beatles Reimagined
2026-05-05 19:00 - 21:00
“known for his (Jeff Perry) hip reimagining of songs.” – Star Tribune

Jazz musicians have covered and reinterpreted songs by The Beatles for the past fifty years. With the Beatles Reimagined show, three of Minnesota’s most prominent guitarists build on this tradition. Here, they display their own “hip retooling” (Star Tribune) of classic songs by the Fab Four. Hear guitarists Tim Sparks, Zacc Harris, and show curator Jeff Perry, with bassist Matt Blake and drummer Bob Johnston. Moreover, the frequent rotation and pairings of the guitarists makes for an exciting, fast-paced show. Also, their imaginative approaches brings you Beatles classics like you’ve never heard them before.
Jeff Perry has been described as “fabulous… one of the Twin Cities’ best” by the Dakota. Furthermore, over many years Perry developed a proven repertoire that includes beloved songs from across the musical and generational spectrum. Jeff Perry performs high-quality music that connects with people from many generations and backgrounds.
Tim Sparks has been redefining the acoustic guitar repertoire for decades. He won the National Fingerpicking Championship in 1993 with a ground-breaking arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Further, Sparks’s extraordinary ability has garnered an international reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists working today.
Zacc Harris is a Minneapolis-based guitarist, composer, and educator known for his work with Atlantis Quartet and many other groups. A bandleader and recording artist, his projects explore modern jazz, original composition, and creative improvisation. He is on the faculty at MacPhail Center for Music and directs the Dakota Jazz Ensemble.
Recommended for fans of The Beatles.

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.

Isaiah Collier: Collier Plays Coltrane
2026-05-03 19:00 - 21:00
“heir apparent to both the Chicago lineage and the post-Coltrane sax tradition” – New York Times

One of today’s most exciting saxophonists celebrates John Coltrane’s centennial!
Isaiah Collier is a musical virtuoso in the truest sense of the phrase. He began playing saxophone at age eleven, and his intuitive proficiency earned him attention early on. Ever since, his band Isaiah Collier and The Chosen Few has been turning ears.
In 2025 he was featured on NPR’s “Jazz Night in America”, and graced the cover of Downbeat Magazine. Additionally, Chicago Tribune named him 2024’s Jazz Artist of the Year. New York Times selected his album The Almighty as one of the Top Ten Jazz Recordings of 2024. Furthermore, The New York Times 2024 Fall Arts Preview featured him. Downbeat selected him as one of twenty-five for the future in 2024’s Ninetieth Anniversary issue. Also, he won the Rising Star Award in Downbeat Magazine’s critics poll for tenor saxophone (2023), and soprano saxophone (2024). Then, he was named a Steve Jobs Fellow.
There’s a regal, elegant manner to Isaiah’s stage presence: he’s over 6 feet tall, thin, deep brown, with high cheekbones. When not playing, he is patiently waiting. Not contemplating his next move, but listening to the musicians who accompany him, listening to their stories. Here, he explains that he’s never really hearing himself, he’s hearing others play: some people have fire, others have air.
Isaiah Coller’s sound is a dynamic flurry of metaphors, yet he can hold back when necessary. Thus, he plays his influences, which he describes as a “sonic time machine; you can’t really put a time or destination on it.” As far as he where he plans to take his music, Collier says, “I reach backwards, and forwards simultaneously when creating art and what is ahead of me is the past.”
Recommended for fans of John Coltrane, Kamasi Washington, Pharoah Sanders and Wayne Shorter.
📸: Johanna Brinckmann

Al Di Meola: Guitarchitect
2026-05-02 21:00 - 23:00
VIP Meet & Greet Add-On. Click the links below for tickets!
Al Di Meola: MAY 1 • 4:00pm VIP Meet & Greet
Al Di Meola: MAY 2 • 4:00pm VIP Meet & Greet

“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.
