Dakota

Django Festival Allstars
2025-11-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-16 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
“buoyant rhythm, blinding technique, solid entertainment!” – New York Times

“a jazz lioness with a pure tone… and sure swing style.” — JazzTimes

Django 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Led 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!
Veronica 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.
Veronica Swift, vocals
Samson Schmitt, lead guitar, vocals
Pierre Blanchard, violin
Ludovic Beier, accordion and accordina
Antonio Licusati, bass
Francko Mehrstein, rhythm guitar
Recommended for fans of Django Reinhardt, John Jorgenson, Stephane Wrembel and Biréli Lagrène.

Kavyesh Kaviraj & Omar Abdulkarim – In Harmony A Tribute to Roy Hargrove & Mulgrew Miller
2025-11-17 19:00 - 21:00
“the essence of what jazz is.” – Jazz Police

Kavyesh 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.
Kavyesh 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.
Omar 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.
Omar’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.
Omar’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.
Recommended for fans of Roy Hargrove, Ahmad Jamal, Woody Shaw and Keith Jarrett.

Mac Ayres: The Piano Tour
2025-11-18 19:00 - 21:00
“one of R&B’s most interesting and most underrated singer-songwriters” – Billboard

Mac 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.
His 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.
Recommended for fans of Leon Bridges, Ray Lamontagne, Bruno Major, Black Pumas and Allen Stone.

Toronzo Cannon
2025-11-19 19:00 - 21:00
“exceptionally gifted… man, he can play” – Blues Blast

“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.
Here, 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.
Shut 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.”
“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.”
Cannon 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.”
Recommended for fans of Lonnie Brooks, Walter Trout, Bernard Allison and Corey Stevens.

Let it Be Jazz - Connie Evingson Sings the Beatles
2025-11-20 19:00 - 21:00
“Evingson [is] among the first-rank of today’s jazz vocalists.” – AllMusic

Connie 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.
Minnesota 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.
Evingson 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.
“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
Recommended for fans of Karrin Allyson, Stacey Kent, John Pizzarelli and Jane Monheit.

Nur-D
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00
“His energy is electric, his mission inspired” – Lavender

Nur-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.
His 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”.
Since 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!”
Nur-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.
One 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!
Recommended for fans of Atmosphere, Dessa, Ludacris and Tyler the Creator.

Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
2025-11-22 18:30 - 21:00, 2025-11-22 21:00 - 23:00
“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times

Boney 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.
But 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.
Next 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.”
Rising 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.”
Recommended for fans of Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.

VIP Event: Boney James – Slow Burn Tour
2025-11-22 20:15 - 21:00
Boney James VIP event.

VIP Meet & Greet will be after the 1st show and before the doors open for the 9pm performance.
• 6:30PM TICKET HOLDERS – will be asked to stay in the room after the performance.
• 9PM TICKET HOLDERS – Please arrive to the club before 8pm.
You 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.
THIS VIP MEET & GREET add on will include:
• Pre-show photo Meet & Greet with Boney James
• Early Entry to the Venue
• Exclusive, collectible VIP laminate
THIS IS NOT A TICKET FOR THE SHOW!

“R&B-inflected saxophone… lyrical and intimate” – Jazz Times

Boney 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.
But 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.
Next 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.”
Rising 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.”
Recommended for fans of Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum and Jeffrey Osborne.

Davina and The Vagabonds
2025-11-23 19:00 - 21:00
“Davina and the Vagabonds combat heartache with sugar and sass.” – Downbeat

Davina 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.
Much 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.
On 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.
To 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.”
Recommended for fans of Pokey LaFarge, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Hot Sardines and Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Kirk Whalum
2025-11-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-24 21:00 - 23:00
“soul-cleansing… focused and adventurous playing” – Jazz Times

Soulful, 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.
After 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).
Kirk 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.
In 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.
Recommended for fans of Larry Carlton, Bob James, Al Jarreau and Brian Culbertson.

A Night of Classic Rock
2025-11-25 19:00 - 21:00
The Classic American Rockers is a classic rock band made up of world-class musicians who have toured with some of the biggest names in show business including Bob Dylan, Steve Miller, Boz Scaggs, Fleetwood Mac, Kenny Loggins, Prince, The Pretenders, Stevie Nicks, Peter Frampton, John Mayer, and Bonnie Raitt to name a few. The band is ready to rock the house with the nostalgic hits that everyone loves!
Paul Peterson – guitar and vocals (Steve Miller Band/ Peter Frampton)
Patty Peterson – vocals (The Peterson Family/ KBEM on-air personality)
Jason Peterson DeLaire – keyboards, saxophone and vocals (Michael Bolton, Prince)
Billy Peterson – bass (Steve Miller Band, Bob Dylan)
Joey Finger – drums (Boz Scaggs)
Joe Elliott – guitar (David Sanborn)

Irish Christmas in America
2025-11-26 19:00 - 21:00
“Lively and reflective…a powerful evocation of the season” — Folk Wax

The hugely popular Irish Christmas in America show features top Irish music, song and dance. The show, produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada is an engaging performance rich in humour and boundless energy. The 2024 tour featured the return of vocalist Caitríona Sherlock. Moreover, she is a stunning example of the very best of new Irish female vocal talent.
This family-friendly performance features lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes and harp. Furthermore, there will be thrilling Irish old-style dancing from Samantha Harvey. In addition, evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions of Ireland. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas. The finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you on a fun-filled start to the holiday season.
The holiday show was first conceived in 2005, making this the nineteenth annual tour. Past tours have featured such stellar guest vocalists as Niamh Farrell, Séamus & Méabh Begley and Teresa Horgan. Also, Lumiere (Pauline Scanlon & Eilis Kennedy), Karan Casey, Cara Dillon, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Cathie Ryan and Michael Londra. Mac Diarmada enthuses about the program as a way to bring traditional and often unknown Irish customs to the United States. “One of the most heartfelt themes of Irish Christmas is emigration,” says Mac Diarmada. “Music was a way that people stayed close to home.”
A sparkling tradition among holiday events, Irish Christmas in America is a special show to see this season.
Caitríona Sherlock, vocals Oisín Mac Diarmada, producer / fiddle Gráinne Hambly, Irish harp /concertina Samantha Harvey, dance / piano Caoimhín Ó Fearghaíl, flute / uilleann pipes Patrick Doocey, guitar
Recommended for fans of Téada, Altan, The Dubliners and Caladh Nua.

DakhaBrakha
2025-11-27 20:00 - 22:00
CHEF’S THANKSGIVING TURKEY DINNER ADD-ON
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a special $42 Turkey Dinner featuring all the classic trimmings.
Available as a pre-order add-on with your ticket purchase.
Please Note:

Turkey dinners must be pre-ordered to guarantee availability.
Dessert and beverages are not included.

Order Deadline:
Pre-order your dinner by 4 PM on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
How to Purchase:
Add your dinner when buying tickets through our website or Box Office via our exclusive ticket provider, Etix.
We are not affiliated with any third-party sellers. Thank you, and we look forward to celebrating with you!
There will be no dinner service during this show. Dinner service will end at 7:30PM.

“Visually striking and sonically mesmerizing.” – Broadway World

DakhaBrakha is a music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine. Their “ethno chaos” sound spans years of performances prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion, but war is in everything now. Here, they masterfully blend Ukrainian traditional music with influences from around the world, resulting in an unexpected new music.
Traditional music has seen a resurgence in Ukraine over the past decades, after being suppressed during Soviet rule. DakhaBrakha uses Ukrainian polyphony as its foundation, interweaving complex rhythmic and melodic structures from India, Arabia, Africa, and Australia. Their music is textural, layered sounds with distinctive percussive heartbeats, thumping bass lines, distorted electric guitars and influences of jazz, spoken word, rap and even punk. DakhaBrakha calls this tapestry of influences “ethno chaos.” And this chaos is a strength, allowing them to draw in strands of music that connect Ukraine with the world.
They are troubadours, activists and educators. Though their name means Give/Take in the old language, DakhaBrakha is new Ukraine, both pre-colonial and post-Soviet. Moreover, they work within a global network of art and music. They aim to help audiences see Ukraine not as a monolith, but as a cosmopolitan culture. Furthermore, one that takes in other cultures, and gives in return.
DakhaBrakha was created in 2004 at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art “DAKH” by the avant-garde theatre director Vladyslav Troitskyi. Theatre work has left its mark on the band performances – their shows are always staged with a strong visual element. Projected behind them are a mix of animations from different Ukrainian artists and photos of life in today’s Ukraine.
The band is currently in the process of recording their first album since 2020 in Kyiv (Ukraine), which combines material created before and during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Recommended for fans of Dakh Daughters, Yagódy, Alyona Alyona and Onuka.

The Very Best of Julie London By Jaedyn James & Alex Browne
2025-11-28 19:00 - 21:00
“Sultry and powerful R&B… fierce” – Maximum Ink

“The Very Best of Julie London” will be a sultry night celebrating a jazz icon’s greatest hits and timeless elegance. Produced and performed by Jaedyn James and Alex Browne and backed by an incredible full band featuring strings, horns, flute, piano, and upright bass.
Julie London is a renowned American singer and actress, celebrated for her sultry voice and intimate singing style. Born in California in 1926, Julie began her career in the entertainment industry as an actress in the 1940s. However, it was her musical talent that truly set her apart. Then, her breakthrough came with the 1955 release of “Cry Me a River”. This song showcased her smoky vocal tone and became an instant classic. Throughout her career, Julie recorded over thirty albums, often working with top jazz musicians and arrangers.
Vocalist Jaedyn James is a dynamic force in the music industry, seamlessly blending her talents as a singer, songwriter, producer, and entertainer. She is well-known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence. Moreover, Jaedyn has carved a niche for herself with her unique sound that often fuses elements of soul, funk, and R&B. Additionally, her songwriting reflects a keen insight into the human experience, touching on themes of love, resilience, and empowerment. Whether performing live or crafting new events, Jaedyn James continues to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of her artistry.
Music Director Alex Browne is a versatile musician whose talents span across trumpet playing, teaching, and bandleading. As a trumpet player, Alex showcases a profound mastery of the instrument. Here, they captivate audiences, performing with acts such as Bebe Zahara, Purple Funk Metropolis, and Jaedyn James. However, their passion for music extends beyond performance. A dedicated teacher, Alex inspires students of all ages at Walker West and MCTC.
Recommended for fans of Julie London, Irma Thomas, Anita O’Day and Ella Fitzgerald.

Shaun LaBelle feat. Najee & Brian Simpson
2025-11-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-29 21:00 - 23:00
“smooth jazz with an edge, with funk and rock elements” – Pioneer Press

Shaun LaBelle’s producing career has been filled with legendary groups. For example, David Pack (Ambrosia), Everette Harp, Jeff Kashiwa, and Steve Reid (Rippingtons.) Also, Shaun has worked with Branford Marsalis and the group Pieces of a Dream. Shaun performed bass on the Larger Than Life tour for Grammy award-winning recording artist Jody Watley. Currently, Shaun’s new releases Your Love Kept Calling my Name and Mon Cher Amour have charted on Billboard. Here, he reached Number Eighteen on the smooth jazz charts and Number One on UK Soul, three weeks in a row.
Najee is a fearless chart-topping contemporary jazz pioneer. In a business where trends and artists come and go, the genre-bending saxophonist’s staying power is a rare blessing. The Grammy and NAACP award-winning musician is one of the brightest stars in contemporary jazz for close to four decades. Here, he credits his genuine love for connecting with people, coupled with his consummate musicianship and sheer passion for music. Moreover, he has collaborated with Prince, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Herbie Hancock, among others.
Keyboardist/composer Brian Simpson moved to Los Angeles directly after college. Soon, he was playing alongside Gerald Albright and Norman Brown and eventually on a world tour with Janet Jackson. In 1990 Simpson received a call from George Duke. Then, Simpson spent the next decade touring and producing with the late jazz legend. It was his tenure with George that led to working with a variety of artists. There, he connected with James Ingram, Anita Baker, Dave Koz, and Wayman Tisdale.
Recommended for fans of Jeff Lorber, David Sanborn, Bob James and Marcus Miller.

Corky Siegel, Ernie Watts & Randy Sabien
2025-11-30 19:00 - 21:00
“national treasure” – Downbeat

Jazz icon Ernie Watts and blues harmonica ace Corky Siegel first met in Mumbai. They were each invited by the distinguished violin virtuoso, Dr. L. Subramaniam to perform in his Global Fusion project. Then, they became best friends from the moment they met. Further, they continue to collaborate in celebrated performances and on acclaimed recording projects. Here, the evening will be a display of musical fireworks from these iconic masters, filled with remarkable stories and humor. In Corky’s words: “Innocent victims of incredible good fortune.”
Corky Siegel is hailed as one of the world’s great blues harmonica and keyboard players. Corky has a pivotal influence in modern music. He has close associations with the blues masters in the earlier days of Chicago blues through his Siegel-Schwall Band. Furthermore, he has achieved a surprising level of success in bringing together blues and classical audiences. For all these reasons Downbeat Magazine calls him a “national treasure.”
Ernie Watts is a two-time Grammy winning saxophonist. Watts played in the Tonight Show band with Doc Severinsen for Johnny Carson for twenty years. He toured with the Rolling Stones, Charlie Haden, Buddy Rich and Pat Metheny. Additionally, he recorded with Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Frank Zappa and others. Also, Watts appears on over 1500 recordings, always exhibiting his unforgettable gift for improvisation.
Randy Sabien has over forty years of performing experience as a contemporary violinist. He worked with Jim Post, Greg Brown, Kate Wolf, Corky Siegel and more. Additionally, he has played notable stages including Austin City Limits and A Prairie Home Companion. Further, Randy founded the string department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1978.
Recommended for fans of Leo Kottke, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown.

George Maurer Group Annual Holiday Show
2025-12-01 19:00 - 21:00
“What’s the Maurer magic? A mix of wit, sophistication, humor and keeping it fresh.” – Minnpost

This merry band of “genre-bending eclectics” (Jazz 88) has been entertaining sold-out houses at the Dakota since 2000. The George Maurer Group takes the stage by storm with their irreverent style and sly musical humor. Here, they will bring you an evening filled with witty stage banter, clever musicianship, and surprising twists on holiday classics. For example, think Thelonious Monk meets “Sleigh Ride,” the Beatles’ “Drive My Sleigh,” Herbie Hancock’s “Driftin’” a la “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and more!
George Maurer’s artistic career is an exciting and unpredictable journey. He’s always on the fast track as he performs and composes music that crosses genres, disciplines and, increasingly, continents. Moreover, George’s artistic curiosity and always-expanding boundaries constantly lead him down intriguing new professional and personal paths. Thus, they all intersect in the art he is creating now. He draws together his musical knowledge with the cultural exploration and diversity of experiences that have marked his life.
George launched his career as a solo pianist, made his mark in jazz and detoured down many other avenues. He has arranged music and been in the pit for countless musicals. He’s also played with groups ranging from a Native American country band to his own jazz ensemble. Additionally, he has released more than twenty recordings on his own label. His introductions to different styles, instruments and collective histories add texture to his music while contributing to his unique voice as a musician.
George’s versatility on the piano and keyboard lands him all in all kinds of talented company. He arranges music for orchestras and mans the piano for the nationally touring Midtown Men, putting him on stage with renowned orchestras like the Boston Pops.
Recommended for fans of Billy Joel, Harry Connick, Jr., Frankie Valli and Jersey Boys.

Christmas Dreaming w/ Stella Cole & the Laurels String Quartet
2025-12-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-02 21:00 - 23:00
“vintage superstar” – Postmodern Jukebox

Stella Cole is hitting the road this holiday season in support of her upcoming single “Merry Christmas, Darling”. Here, this is a timeless reimagining of the beloved Carpenters classic. Last year, the “powerhouse rivaling Judy Garland and Rosemary Clooney” (People) released her holiday EP Snow!
Snow! presents Stella interpreting well-known holiday classics. For example, she includes “White Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”. Additionally, Cole presents discoveries like “Christmas Dreaming” and “That’s What I Want for Christmas.” Grammy-winning arranger Alan Broadbent arranged Snow!, which is sure to become a holiday classic.
Stella recently released her sophomore album It’s Magic. Broadbent also arranged this album, which breathes new life into classic love songs. She recorded at New York’s legendary Power Station, with the vision to find unconventional, yet familiar songs. These include standards like “Fools Rush In” and iconic film themes like “As Time Goes By” (a favorite of Cole’s from Casablanca). Also, Burt Bacharach’s main title theme from Alfie (1966), Cole’s dreamy interpretation of “Say It,” and the tender “Till There Was You.” The latter became familiar through the 1957 Broadway musical The Music Man and later The Beatles.
With a voice that bridges generations, Stella Cole has cultivated over 1.7 million social media followers. She accomplishes this through her fresh interpretations of timeless songs by iconic artists, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Nat “King” Cole. Often described as a Laufey-meets-Bublé sensation, Cole brings a fresh interpretation of classic repertoire to a new generation.
Recommended for fans of Emmaline, Haley Reinhart, Postmodern Jukebox and Morgan James.

Nicholas David: St. Nick's Show & Album Release
2025-12-03 20:00 - 22:00
“infectious as hell… passionate” – City Pages

After five years in the making, Nicholas David is celebrating his first vinyl release: More Than Music.
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. Also, help us celebrate the twelfth year of the St. Nick’s day show.
Recommended for fans of Dr. John, Ray Lamontagne, Leon Bridges and Amos Lee.

Private Event
2025-12-04 00:00 - 23:59
We will be closed on DEC 4 for a private event. BOOK YOUR EVENT HERE:

Gunhild Carling
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00
“a star with megawatt energy and a breathtaking breadth of talent” – Theater Pizzazz

Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling is an internationally acclaimed superstar whose show is a can’t-miss event! Whether she’s singing favorite swinging jazz standards, playing one of many instruments (trumpet, trombone, harmonica, oboe, harp, flute, recorder or jazz bagpipe!) or juggling and tap dancing, Gunhild’s sublime showmanship shines. And just wait for the finale – spoiler alert – she plays three trumpets at once!
Carling competed as a celebrity dancer in Let’s Dance in 2014 on TV4, placing third. She also appeared on Sweden’s Dancing With The Stars. Furthermore, Gunhild performed on Sweden’s Got Talent in 2017 and America’s Got Talent in 2019.
She recently performed with her Carling Big Band at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. They celebrated King Carl XVI Gustaf’s Ruby Jubilee. Gunhild masterfully takes you back to another era like a time machine with memorable vintage songs. These include “Minnie the Moocher,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “All of Me,” “It Had to Be You,” and an endless repertoire.
Between touring with her own band, she performs in several configurations from solo to orchestra to symphony. Additionally, she is a featured singer and multi-instrumentalist in several of Postmodern Jukebox’s songs. These include a 1920s jazz swing version of “Material Girl,” and a 1920s hot jazz cover of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” Gunhild Carling keeps serenading audiences in the US and all around the world today.
Recommended for fans of Pink Martini, Chris Botti, The Hot Sardines and Postmodern Jukebox.

Leo Kottke: Live at The Ordway
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00
“wild, highly technical blend of bluegrass, folk, and jazz and classical” – Rolling Stone

Prolific guitarist Leo Kottke boasts an impressive body of work and an unrivaled fingerpicking style. His forty-plus albums over four decades have earned him two Grammy nominations and widespread acclaim. Drawing inspiration from folk, blues and jazz, he plays his signature six-string and twelve-string guitars with effortless aptitude, a big heart and an even bigger grin.
Kottke was born in Athens, Georgia, but left town after a year and a half. Raised in twelve different states, he absorbed a variety of musical influences as a child. There, he flirted with both violin and trombone, before abandoning Stravinsky for the guitar at age eleven.
He added a love for the country blues of Mississippi John Hurt to the music of John Philip Sousa and Preston Epps. Then, Kottke joined the Navy underage, to be underwater, and eventually lost some hearing shooting at lightbulbs in the Atlantic. He served on the USS Halfbeak, a diesel submarine.
Discharged in 1964, he settled in the Twin Cities area and became a fixture at Minneapolis’ Scholar Coffeehouse. Further, this venue had been home to Bob Dylan and John Koerner.
Kottke has been awarded two Grammy nominations. Also, a Doctorate in Music Performance by the Peck School of Music at the U of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He also received a Certificate of Significant Achievement in Not Playing the Trombone from the U of Texas at Brownsville with Texas Southmost College.
Cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Peters are The OK Factor. This new-classical crossover duo has one word to describe their musical connection: lucky. Here, the almost telepathic way they respond to one another is palpable to the audiences they capture during performances. Moreover, their spontaneity and joy shine through. MPR calls them “genre-bending” and Wausau Pilot & Review hails their “pure magic”.
“influences in Americana and Irish/Gaelic fiddle styles, but with the virtuosity of classical performers” – MPR
Recommended for fans of John Fahey, Ry Cooder, Michael Hedges and Peter Lang.

The Klezmatics - Happy Joyous Hanukkah
2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00
“catchy, pulse-quickening party tunes and heart-warming melodies” – Jewish Chronicle

This December, The Klezmatics — the world’s most celebrated klezmer band — return with their beloved Happy Joyous Hanukkah Tour. As candles are lit across the country, The Klezmatics honor both Jewish tradition and bold musical reinvention.
For nearly forty years, The Klezmatics have been transforming klezmer from nostalgic memory into a living, breathing, revolutionary art form. And nowhere is that spirit more alive than in their legendary collaboration with Woody Guthrie. There, his long-lost Hanukkah lyrics were brought to life in the band’s iconic 2006 album Happy Joyous Hanukkah.
In 2025, that album will be reissued in a beautifully remastered vinyl edition, just in time for the holiday season. Audiences will once again dance to Guthrie/Klezmatics favorites like “Hanuka Gelt,” “Spin Dreydl Spin,” and “Happy Joyous Hanuka”. Here, the band brings the songs back to the stage — full of warmth, humor, and Yiddish soul.
But this year’s tour isn’t only about tradition — it’s also about what comes next. The Klezmatics will release their fourteenth studio album, The New York Sessions, in early 2026. Thus, this Hanukkah tour will feature exclusive live premieres of brand-new material. These new songs continue the band’s legacy of addressing contemporary themes — from migration and solidarity to joy, resistance, and renewal. Moreover, they explore these themes through the ecstatic power of Yiddish-rooted music.
The result is a Hanukkah concert like no other: a celebration of light in dark times. Here, ancient stories meet new melodies, and community is built through dance, laughter, and shared song.
Whether you’ve been following The Klezmatics for decades or you’re lighting your first menorah, this tour is for you.
Recommended for fans of Chava Alberstein, Klezmerson, Burning Bush and Daniel Kahn.

Southside Aces: Christmas in New Orleans
2025-12-07 19:00 - 21:00
“A true authentic New Orleans dance-hall style band.” – New Orleans Traditional Jazz Quarterly

The Southside Aces have been playing holiday shows for over twenty years. They play favorites, lesser-knowns, even originals! When you put holiday tunes through the New Orleans jazz filter, you make Yuletide haters love, and lovers love more!
“Can you play Christmas music successfully in a New Orleans ensemble style? The answer is a resounding yes! This is great trad jazz…but also evokes a flood of Christmas feelings from the melancholy to the gay.”
— Syncopated Times review of Southside Aces Christmas album, Santaphone
For two decades, the Southside Aces have performed traditional New Orleans jazz for weddings, festivals, clubs, and more—music furnished for all occasions. The Aces utilize the traditional canon for its sweetness and spice, joy and sorrow, whatever the mood should call for.
2022’s Minneapolis Bump is the Southside Aces’ eighth album, containing fifteen original compositions by clarinetist Tony Balluff. The songs take their inspiration from the stars of the early jazz firmament—Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington, just to name a few.
Recommended for fans of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tuba Skinny, Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller.

Michael Cain Quartet
2025-12-08 19:00 - 22:00
“impeccable balance of imagination, elegance and hipness” – All About Jazz

As a pianist and keyboardist, Michael Cain has had a prolific performance and recording career. Cain has worked with some of the most significant names in jazz and contemporary music. These include Jack DeJohnette, Ravi Coltrane, Terence Blanchard, Robin Eubanks, Pat Metheny, Charles Neville, Dave Holland, and Bobby McFerrin. Furthermore, his work as pianist, keyboardist, and arranger with Meshell Ndegeocello earned him two Grammy nominations.
Other notable projects include composing the music for the films Maybe and Real With Me by director Carl Ford. He also served as pianist and musical director for the Jose Limon Dance Company’s New York premiere of Crossroads. Here, this was a collaboration between composer James Newton and choreographer Donald McKayle. Additionally, Cain composed the music for the Broadway play View from 151st Street, which ran at the George Papp Public Theater in New York. Cain was artist-in-residence at the University of Auckland, NZ the summer of 2022. Then, Cain collaborated with the Boston Ballet in 2024. There, he composed electronic sound elements with Musical Director Mischa Santora and choreographer Ken Ossola for the world premiere of his ballet “The Space Between.” In September 2024, the Michael Cain Trio were featured artists at the Capão Jazz Festival in Bahia, Brazil.
Michael has held teaching positions at the Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, and Brandon University. Currently, he is the Director of the Electronic Music and Recording Arts program at MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis. Michael is also co-founder and CEO of Ekwe, a mobile-based, multicultural, digital music creation app. With this, he aims to redefine diversity, equity, and access to music creation and education.
Michael’s latest release is entitled Hoo Doo and is available on all streaming platforms.
Recommended for fans of McCoy Tyner, Dave Holland Quintet, Meshell Ndegeocello and Jack DeJohnette.
