Dakota

John Pizzarelli Trio
2025-08-26 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-26 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire. Here, he includes the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and The Beatles. In addition to being a bandleader and solo performer, Pizzarelli has appeared on recordings for major pop names. For example, Natalie Cole, Kristin Chenoweth, Tom Wopat, Rickie Lee Jones and Dave Van Ronk. He has also worked with leading jazz artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Braff, and Johnny Frigo. Also, Buddy DeFranco, Harry Allen and of course his father Bucky Pizzarelli.
He won a 2021 Grammy in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category as co-producer of James Taylor’s American Standard. A radio personality who got his start in 1984, Pizzarelli co-hosts Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli alongside wife Jessica Molaskey. He has performed on popular national television shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and Great Performances. Also, the talk shows of Jay Leno, David Letterman, Regis Philbin and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Pizzarelli has dedicated many of his albums to great songwriters and performers. These artists have helped to establish the Great American Songbook and the pop music canon. These include Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Richard Rodgers, and Duke Ellington, to name a few.
Recommended for fans of Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Howard Alden and Russell Malone.

The Four Freshmen
2025-08-25 19:00 - 21:00
“a sophisticated palette of colors… luminous vocal texture” – Downbeat

The Four Freshmen hit the stage with a show bursting with jazzy vibes, boundless energy, and unforgettable musical magic! Their dazzling vocal harmonies sweep you off your feet with bossa nova beats, swing rhythms, soul-stirring ballads, and dreamy gems. They deliver a handpicked collection of timeless classics while paying homage to their legendary roots with hits like “It’s a Blue World”, “Poinciana”, and “Day By Day”. With genuine energy and intricate harmonies, The Four Freshmen prove that their music is as timeless as ever. It’s an evening that’s impossible to forget!
“I learned how to sing high by Bob Flanigan their high singer, I learned how to sing falsetto, and then I wrote “Surfer Girl”… we didn’t copy The Four Freshmen, but I learned how to give the guys parts by listening to The Four Freshmen and they took to it very easily.” – Brian Wilson, noting the band’s influence on the Beach Boys.
Recommended for fans of The Beach Boys, Mills Brothers, Stan Kenton and Manhattan Transfer.

Javier Santiago & Room3
2025-08-24 19:00
Pianist, composer, and sideman Javier Santiago is one of the most promising voices in the international music scene today. He is also an accomplished producer/beatmaker, arranger and educator. Further, Santiago has become a notable force in both the beat and hip-hop scenes as well as in jazz.
Santiago is an alumnus of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA and The Brubeck Institute Fellowship Program. He was a finalist in the American Jazz Pianist competition in 2015. Additionally, he received the 2016 McKnight Fellowship for Musicians. Also, he was selected to participate in the 14th Annual Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in 2011.
Santiago has performed with Herbie Hancock, Terrace Martin, Louis Cole, Alex Isley, Jonathan Kreisberg, Braxton Cook, and Kassa Overall. Also, Azar Lawrence, Kenneth Whalum, Aja Monet, John Raymond, Sheila Jordan, and Yosvany Terry. Additionally, he is based in Los Angeles.
Room3 is a jazz fusion wild card rooted in tradition yet driven by experimentation. Their sound is imaginative, playful and rhythmically sharp, mixing elements of bebop, contemporary jazz, prog rock, funk and more. Here, the collective currently operates out of Minneapolis, most commonly as a five-piece. The band features RAWTWHYLAH (aka Colin Mitchell) on drums, Beck Anderson on bass, Eli Awada on keyboards, Jovon Williams on tenor and soprano saxophone, and Evan Espinoza Robles on percussion. Also, each member is a student of their craft with a unique approach to their instrument. They share a willingness to push boundaries.
“Discovering the world of room3 is like watching a Miyazaki film for the first time.” – Natalia Toledo, The Current
Recommended for fans of Chick Corea, Weather Report, Snarky Puppy and Ezra Collective.

Aloe Blacc
2025-08-23 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-23 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-22 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-22 18:30 - 20:30
Grammy-nominated Aloe Blacc has long been a voice for the people. He is a globally recognized singer, songwriter, and changemaker whose music uplifts, empowers, and unites. Best known for genre-defying anthems, Blacc continues to inspire through sound and purpose. Hits include the international smash “Wake Me Up” with Avicii, anthemic “The Man”, and the timeless “I Need A Dollar”.
He was honored as one of Worth Magazine’s Worthy 100 in 2024. Here, this is in recognition of his influential work at the intersection of music and social impact.
Now in 2025, Aloe Blacc returns with his most mission-driven work to date: a new full-length album titled Stand Together. Featuring standout singles “Don’t Go Alone” and “One Good Thing,” the album draws deep inspiration from real-life stories. For example, nonprofit founders, humanitarians, and everyday heroes dedicated to making lasting change in their communities. Stand Together is both a celebration and a call to action, with Blacc’s signature soul and sincerity woven into every note.
Following the album’s release, Aloe is back on the global stage, embarking on a sweeping tour across the U.S. and Europe. The run kicked off with a sold-out residency at New York’s legendary Blue Note and will continue spanning festivals and venues through October 2025.
This October also marks a milestone in Aloe’s career: the fifteen-year anniversary of his breakthrough album Good Things. The album and its iconic single “I Need A Dollar” remains a rallying cry for working people everywhere.
With powerful new music, renewed purpose, and a vital, vibrant voice, Blacc stands at the center of culture and conscience. Here, he reminds the world that one good song really can change everything.
Recommended for fans of Musiq Soulchild, Raphael Saadiq, CeeLo Green and Gregory Porter.

Rebirth Brass Band
2025-08-21 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-21 19:00 - 21:00
For almost four decades, the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band has been “stunning” fans. Further, they are loved worldwide for their fiery live shows and rich musical catalog. Their trademark sound pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition. Also, they weave a tapestry that combines elements of jazz, funk, soul, R&B. Then, they incorporate more of the sounds from the streets they grew up on. Their sound has traveled from their legendary twenty-five-year run of Tuesday nights at the Maple Leaf to stages all over the world. Rebirth is the soundtrack of the Crescent City and her premier musical ambassador.
Rebirth was founded by brothers Phil and Keith Frazier over thirty-five years ago. They began their career playing on the sidewalks of the French Quarter and quickly landed gigs at second line parades. Those auspicious beginnings have led to thousands of shows to music aficionados everywhere, including heads of state and royalty.
The band’s unique “soundtrack of New Orleans” has also garnered admiration from artists of all genres. They’ve shared the stage and collaborated with everyone from the Grateful Dead to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Also, Maceo Parker, Green Day, U2, James Brown, 311, G-Love, MuteMath, Juvenile, Train, Big Freedia, Ani DiFranco, and Galactic. Further, Allen Toussaint, Neville Brothers, Quincy Jones and Trombone Shorty.
Recommended for fans of Trombone Shorty, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Steve Kenny Quintet
2025-08-20 19:00 - 21:00
The Steve Kenny Quintet celebrates the release of their latest recording, Blue Chunks. The album is a compositional concept where bite-sized jazz situations are grouped into suites and performed as a larger work. Each suite is a charcuterie of small ideas, where individually, they can be solemn or exciting or brash. However, when combined, they form complete thoughts. Steve composed the 2014 Ghost Suite as an earlier example of this kind of compositional style. Now, Blue Chunks continues this vision with more examples. Furthermore, the ensemble has been performing these works for a year. This includes Crooner’s Dunsmore Jazz Room, Berlin Jazz Club, and the 2025 Twin Cities Jazz Festival TPT Stage.
Steve Kenny actively participates in the Minnesota jazz community as a performer, composer, and curator. Also, he is a founding member of the Illicit Sextet, Group 47, What Would Monk Do? and his own groups. Kenny was the curator of a weekly Saturday Jazz series at kj’s hideaway, and before that, Black Dog Café. There, he produced over 400 Saturday Night Jazz shows.
2019’s Quartets features original compositions played by four separate ensembles of Twin Cities jazz musicians. Additionally, this includes a live version of Kenny’s Ghost Suite. In 2019 the national Jazz Journalists Association named Steve a “Minnesota Jazz Hero”. Here, they recognized his work in the jazz community and lifelong devotion to the idiom.
Steve Kenny – trumpet Dave Brattain – saxophone Kavyesh Kaviraj – piano Ted Olsen – bass Miguel Hurtado – drums
Recommended for fans of Miles Davis, Terence Blanchard, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Kenny Garrett.

Travis Anderson Trio: The Music of Studio Ghibli, Disney & Pixar
2025-08-19 19:00 - 21:00
A Night of High-Energy Jazz Inspired by Your Favorite Animated Films Get ready for a night of jaw-dropping musicianship, infectious energy, and pure joy! The Travis Anderson Trio brings fresh, swinging interpretations to music you love — from Chopin to Mario Bros, and now, to the unforgettable soundtracks of Pixar, Disney, and Studio Ghibli. Experience jazzed-up takes on classics from Spirited Away, Up, Snow White, Ratatouille, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more! Whether you’re 8 or 80, this concert is packed with fun, nostalgia, and world-class playing that will leave you smiling all night long. Travis Anderson– virtuosic pianist with dazzling technique and imaginative flair Steve Pikal – powerhouse bassist known for his joyful stage presence Nathan Norman – versatile drummer with swing and soul to spare Don’t miss this family-friendly concert that celebrates the magic of animation with a jazz twist. It’s a musical experience for all ages — from lifelong jazz lovers to the young (or young-at-heart).
Recommended for fans of Oscar Peterson, George Gershwin, Art Tatum and Vince Guaraldi.

Naturally 7
2025-08-18 19:00 - 21:00
Naturally 7 is unlike any vocal ensemble you’ve ever heard. No less than Quincy Jones has called them “the best a cappella group in the world”!
They are known worldwide for their extensive tours with Michael Bublé and as guests with Coldplay and Diana Ross. Moreover, the New York-based septet is a band in the classic sense. They create the sounds of guitars, bass, horns, keyboards, drums, and other instruments through the power of their voices. Here, they call their signature style “vocal play.”
The band was founded in 1999 by brothers Roger and Warren Thomas. Then, the group’s approach was cemented after wins in regional and national a cappella competitions. However, the Thomases were faced with a decision. Should the group continue to just be voices only, or part of a traditional band? Their solution: “why not both?”
The group released their acclaimed debut, Non-Fiction, in 2000 – a release blending gospel, soul, and pop. Then, over the past quarter century, Naturally 7 have recorded a dozen albums. Additionally, they have appeared along with Ludacris on the title track of Quincy Jones’ 2010 release Q: Soul Bossa Nostra. Furthermore, they have performed on stages worldwide with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Sarah Connor, Lionel Richie, The Roots, and more.
Recommended for fans of Take 6, Raul Midon, Boyz II Men and Anthony Hamilton.

📸: Nina Sieber

Chris Cain
2025-08-17 19:00 - 22:00
“Chris Cain… now that boy can play the guitar” – B.B. King

Chris Cain was born in San Jose, California in 1955. His parents were huge music fans and shared their love of blues, jazz and popular songs with Chris. Then, Chris saw B.B. King when he was three years old. His father gave him his first guitar at age eight and Chris learned lick after lick, song after song. There, he would listen to his father’s records over and over until the music had seeped into his soul.
Cain formed his first band in 1986, and released his first album, Late Night City Blues. Almost immediately, everything changed. Booking agents came calling and Chris began touring Europe. Further, the album received four W.C. Handy Award nominations (now the Blues Music Awards). Also, the offers to perform kept rolling in.
Cain’s star began to rise even higher with his 2021 album, Raisin’ Cain. Press, radio and the public all agreed that Cain sounded better than ever. Blues Rock Review raves, “a classic, sophisticated, soulful virtuoso… He seamlessly combines blues, jazz, funk, and soul.” Cain received four 2022 Blues Music Award nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Guitarist.
Cain plays his beloved Gibson ES 335 guitar named Melba that he’s had since 1990. Then, he plugs it into his equally beloved Music Man RD 112 amp that he’s had since 1987. Melba, well known among Cain’s most ardent fans, is prominently featured in the new book, Gibson ES Believers.
Now, with 2024’s Good Intentions Gone Bad, Cain will find his largest audience yet, as his good musical intentions continue to pay off. Furthermore, according to Kid Andersen, there’s no better blues player working today.

Jane Monheit
2025-08-16 19:00 - 21:00
Jane Monheit is a jazz and adult contemporary vocalist with a deep passion for the Great American Songbook. Monheit has released many highly acclaimed solo albums, garnering countless awards and accolades. Jane has been an extremely successful bandleader, with over two decades of international touring. Also, she has had the privilege of making music with some of the greatest musicians, arrangers, and producers in jazz.
During her childhood, Jane studied woodwinds and piano, performed in award-winning choirs, and participated in community theater. Throughout all of this, her focus remained on jazz, especially her interpretation of the Songbook. Then, at the age of twenty, Jane placed second in the Thelonious Monk Competition, now known as the Hancock Competition. Subsequently, she graduated from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. This led to an incredible career trajectory, catapulting Jane into the jazz stratosphere nearly overnight.
By twenty-two, Jane was working with legends like Tommy Flanagan, Ron Carter, and Kenny Barron, recording albums and touring the planet. Then, there were collaborations with countless jazz luminaries. Moreover, she’s worked with Terence Blanchard, Ivan Lins, Tom Harrell, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Vince Mendoza, Jorge Calandrelli and more. Television appearances followed, including David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show and The View. Also, she appeared on many popular international talk shows. Additionally, Jane’s music has been featured on several successful film soundtracks, including Sky Captain and the World Of Tomorrow and Never Let Me Go.
After over twenty years, twelve studio albums and countless guest appearances, Jane has continued to tour nearly nonstop. Further, she plays iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl. Also, she headlines nearly every legendary jazz club on the planet, most notably NY stalwarts such as the Village Vanguard and Birdland.
Recommended for fans of Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Tierney Sutton and Stacey Kent.

Ruthie Foster
2025-08-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-14 19:00 - 21:00
Ruthie Foster‘s musical journey is as eclectic and vibrant as her soulful voice. She was born into a family steeped in gospel tradition. There, Ruthie’s earliest influences were the voices of her mother, grandmother, and the gospel singers she grew up listening to. For example, artists like the Gospel Keynotes and the Blind Boys of Alabama. However, her path to becoming a solo artist wasn’t a straightforward one. Despite a deep love for music, Ruthie initially shied away from the spotlight. She chose to play guitar, piano, and write songs for others.
Growing up in the rich musical tapestry of Gause, Texas, Ruthie found herself drawn to the diverse sounds and arrangements of local gospel choirs and musicians. Despite her reluctance to take center stage, Ruthie’s talent was undeniable. Thus, her mother encouraged her to step up and sing out. She stood out as a young black girl with a guitar in a choir scene dominated by pianos. But, with her grandmother’s vocal coaching and encouragement from her mother and the church community, she recognized her own power. Her powers as a songwriter, a musician, and as a captivating singer were revealed.
Now, Ruthie Foster stands as a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience in music. Moreover, she has five Grammy nominations to her name and a new album, 2024’s Mileage, was released on Sun Records. Her soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering commitment to her craft inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike. She continues to carve out a path that is uniquely her own.
Recommended for fans of Susan Tedeschi, Shemekia Copeland, Janiva Magness and Odetta.

The Rolling Stoners
2025-08-13 19:00 - 21:00
A Minnesota-based tribute to the greatest rock band of all time: The Rolling Stones. These red-blooded ramblers aren’t just a cover band: they’re a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll experience. Here, this group is fueled by friendship, swagger, and a deep love for the early-era Stones. The Rolling Stoners bring the hits (and deep cuts) to life with indulgent, high-energy performances that pack dance floors and light-up nights.
The band features Emmy Award-winning musicians and members from a host of MN bands. Members of Enemy Planes, Dream Crusher, Run Westy Run, Space Monkey Mafia, Heartless, Al Church, and Timbre Ghost are involved. Additionally, a rotating cast of other Minneapolis musicians join the fun!
Then, they play anywhere from festivals and theaters to casinos, clubs, and backyard BBQs. Also, The Rolling Stoners have built a rep for delivering one of the best live shows in the multiverse. Got honky-tonk women and midnight ramblers in your crowd? Good. They’ll take it from there.
Recommended for fans of The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Beatles and The Kinks.

Sophia Shorai & Tommy Barbarella
2025-08-12 19:00 - 21:00
Sophia Shorai, a contemporary jazz vocalist and singer/songwriter, is a mainstay on the Twin Cities music scene. Born in Bindura, Zimbabwe (hence, her middle name Shorai), she began classical piano and voice training at age five. She spent her early childhood mimicking the voices and instrumentation of jazz legends in her father’s record collection. Then, this gave rise to exploring the Golden Age of standards in her early teens.
She has self-released five albums along with several singles spanning a variety of musical genres. Moreover, Shorai’s live shows cover everything from the Great American Songbook, funk, and R&B staples to modern revivals. Further, she collaborates regularly with the Midwest’s most celebrated musicians. Additionally, she has garnered international vocal recognition through TV and films. Advertisements for Barbie, Macy’s, Target, Kohl’s and World of Warcraft, among many others, feature her voice.
Well-known for her command of the jazz idiom, Shorai is currently exploring the lush landscape of modern pop with her trio. Showcasing her originals, Shorai finds new emotional depth and sonic space, extrapolating from life experiences lived and imagined, redefining time and place.
Tommy Barbarella is one of the most active keyboard players in Minneapolis and beyond. His work with Prince’s New Power Generation (1991-96) put him on the map, and his playing with regional funk/soul favorites Greazy Meal cemented his reputation as a go-to funk and pop keyboardist. Recently he has performed with Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, and a reunited NPG.
“Sophia has everything a singer could want: soul, versatility and comfort in a number of musical settings and styles, a marvelous set of ears, unique style, and visceral love of music and performance. Whether she’s belting or crooning, she breaks hearts.” Adam Levy, guitarist, singer/songwriter for The Honeydogs
Recommended for fans of Karrin Allyson, Stacey Kent, Ingrid Michaelson and Lennon Stella.

Purple Funk Metropolis & Gifted Handz
2025-08-11 19:00 - 21:00
“sprightly guitar interplay, rapid hand percussion patterns and powerful horn blasts” – Jazz 88

Purple Funk Metropolis is a charismatic seven-piece instrumental band with a raw sound inspired by soul, jazz, funk and more. Their origins trace back to jazz classes at the University of Minnesota. There, Andrew Tomten (bandleader and saxophone) met Alex Browne (trumpet), Sam Rosenstone (keys), Tarek Abdelqader (drums) and Andy Schupp (bass). Various iterations of bands and musical projects developed until the group, with the addition of Alex Graves (guitar) recorded their first EP. Then, they released Morsels in 2017 under the name Purple Funk Metropolis.
The band has continually been performing, recording, and rehearsing, and their sound has matured and evolved. The addition of Evan Slack (guitar) to the group in 2019 added a new level of live energy. Additionally, it allowed for more dense arrangements of tunes old and new. Whether in a Como basement or a downtown dive bar, PFM’s energy notoriously gets the whole room dancing.

The Belfast Cowboys
2025-08-10 19:00 - 21:00

Ladies of Soul - A Tribute to Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan & Gladys Knight
2025-08-09 19:00 - 21:00
– Star Tribune

Brian Ziemniak, keyboards
Art Haynes, bass
David Feily, guitar
Ke’Andre Mack, drums
Shamara Butler, vocals
Layce Dreams, vocals
Rodney Fair, vocals

Lovers of classic R&B rejoice!

Soul music has always been defined by the women who create it. For decades, they have permeated the music’s sound, its look, its attitude, even its vocabulary with their perspective. Here, this new production unites three of the Twin Cities’ most distinctive voices to celebrate women who have risen to the elite ranks of soul stardom. Experience your favorite songs from Soul Queens Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight with sparkling arrangements and pristine musicality.

Jamecia Bennett, a three-time Grammy winner is CEO of Minnesota Movement Entertainment. A local theatre and music icon, the Ordway Theater named Bennett its first resident artist. She received this title for the 2020-21 Broadway at the Ordway season. Furthermore, she frequently appears the Penumbra Theatre and the New Dawn Theatre. Also, she is also a Park Square Theater favorite for her portrayal of Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Marie and Rosetta. Moreover, Jamecia won an NAACP Image Award with Sounds of Blackness, the internationally acclaimed group for which she serves as lead vocalist.

Ginger Commodore, a member of the Midwest music scene for many years, regularly visits the Dakota stage. Classically trained, gospel-influenced, and jazz-inspired, Ginger’s musical foundation is a true amalgam of musical styles presented with her unique delivery.

Patricia Lacy possesses a rich contralto voice and a deep-rooted passion for soul and gospel music. Also, she is a longtime member of Sounds of Blackness, having recently celebrated her twenty-seventh year with the ensemble. Additionally, Lacy toured with Luther Vandross, an experience that profoundly influenced her artistic growth.

Recommended for fans of Sounds of Blackness, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight.

Sheila E. & the E-Train
2025-08-08 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-07 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-05 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-05 18:30 - 20:30
2021 LATIN GRAMMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
One of life’s constants for Sheila E. comes down to a simple phrase: follow the beat. And her impeccable inner rhythm is the pulse behind a trailblazing career that still knows no bounds.
Family, faith and music were guiding forces for Sheila E. growing up in the Bay Area. There, she grew up with father, percussionist dad Pete, and uncles Coke Escovedo (Santana, Azteca) and Dragons frontman Mario Escovedo. Further, fellow Latin star Tito Puente was her godfather. In addition to being weaned on Latin jazz and Motown, Sheila E. was exposed to a diverse array of Bay Area acts.
It’s no surprise that after such a music-immersive childhood, the gifted world-class drummer began amassing an impressive string of credits. She has performed with her dad and with pioneering talents. For example, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Prince, Ringo Starr, Gloria Estefan, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.
A fearless multi-instrumentalist, Sheila is also the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter behind the seminal hits “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre.” This renaissance woman is equally proficient in percussion, guitar, and bass, as well as an actress, mentor and philanthropist.
Following a Bay Area gig in the late ‘70s, Sheila E. met Prince backstage. Their Purple Rain recording sessions morphed into launching her solo career that same year. These sessions also include her vocals on the 1984 classic “Erotic City”. She also performed at the 2012 Academy Awards with pop hitmaker Pharrell Williams and composer Hans Zimmer. Sheila E. was also among the roster of stars chosen to perform at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors. There, the honorees included artists Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Carlos Santana.
Recommended for Fans of Prince, Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson and Lenny Kravitz.

Gadan
2025-08-06 19:00 - 21:00
Gadan is a storming new band, blending the drive of Irish traditional music and bluegrass with the heart and soul of folk and Appalachian music. Then, they spice this intoxicating musical blend with an Italian seasoning for extra flair!
Gadan is a fresh project created by seasoned Italian musicians from the Irish trad and European folk/rock scene. Additionally, each member has years of experience performing at major traditional and alternative music festivals across Europe and the US. The band originally featured four members, all Italian, bringing remarkable skill and passion to Irish traditional music and old-time American styles. Here, this created a distinctive, memorable combination. Lorenzo Testa and Jacopo Ventura are both founding members, longtime performers on international stages.
Then, Enda Scahill joined in 2024, a tenor banjo master, award-winner, All-Ireland champion, and founder of We Banjo 3. Together, Gadan and Enda performed at all the major Irish festivals across the U.S.
Their high-energy repertoire has a powerful live appeal, recalling new-trad acts, but with a unique identity. With three banjos—tenor and clawhammer—fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, they create a unique “strings-only” sound. Then, they enhance this with subtle electronics and a powerful rhythmic pulse.
The band completed its line-up in 2025 with the addition of Eric Long, a gifted clawhammer banjoist and singer-songwriter. Moreover, Long hails from the mountainous heart of Pennsylvania, a region deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition. He brings a raw, authentic American folk soul to the group’s transatlantic sound, further expanding their dynamic, diverse musical identity.
Here, Gadan’s performances build momentum, sweeping the audience into ecstasy with their refreshing yet deeply rooted traditional sound.
Recommended for fans of We Banjo 3, Skerryvore, BeauSoleil and Cassie & Maggie.

Larry McDonough Quintet feat. Richard Terrill
2025-08-04 19:00 - 21:00
“McDonough’s piano stylings are intimate and innovative.” – Jazz Review

Larry McDonough, piano and arrangements Richard Terrill, saxes and spoken word Josh May, trumpet Greg Stinson, bass Dean White, drums
The history of the golden age of jazz can be told through tenor saxophonists. The Sophisticated Giant, Dexter Gordon was one of the most influential voices of early bebop. There, he was the bridge between Coleman Hawkins and Coltrane and Rollins. The Titan, John Coltrane made his mark early on Kind of Blue. Then, he went on to create some of the most thrilling, soul-searching music of the 1960s. The Searcher, Wayne Shorter came out of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Moreover, he created one of the most stunning original songbooks in modern jazz, propelling the music into the 21st Century. He also left his mark in the incredible Miles Davis Quintet and in Weather Report. Here, the Larry McDonough Quintet explores the songs and legacy of each artist in this new show.
Larry McDonough is an award-winning St. Paul jazz composer, pianist, singer, and teacher. Also, he performs around the world and records with his group the Larry McDonough Quartet. Additionally, he performs solo, and in duos and trios. He has performed with legendary saxophonist and composer Benny Golson, trombonist Fred Wesley, and trumpeter Duane Eubanks. Also, a who’s who of MN jazz artists. McDonough earned an induction into the Minnesota Rock Country Hall of Fame for his work in the group Danny’s Reasons. His awards include the American Composers Forum Showcase Award for the composition “Strait of Gibraltar.”
