Dakota

Yellowjackets
2026-01-21 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
“Yellowjackets sound as vital and tight as they ever have” – Glide

Throughout their storied forty-three-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded twenty-six albums, and received sixteen Grammy nominations, winning two. Additionally, they have performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success.
The Yellowjackets formed in the late 1970’s as the backup band for guitarist Robben Ford. They recorded their first album together in 1980. Shortly after that recording, however, Ford decided to part ways and go in a different musical direction. As a result, the modern-day Yellowjackets were formed — a trio with Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip and Ricky Lawson. Since then, and with the addition of Bob Mintzer, the Yellowjackets have gained and maintained prominence as one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups.
Over the years the band has undergone numerous lineup changes. Never failing to rise to the inevitable challenges of adjustment, the Yellowjackets have maintained an extraordinarily high quality of musicianship. Moreover, this superb musicianship is the rival of many but a surprise to no one who knows and appreciates the band and their music.
The most recent addition to the band adds Australian bass player Dane Alderson into the mix. With his exceptional rhythmic sensibility and natural disposition toward groove, Dane brings a new energy to the band and adds a youthful approach to the music.
Their recent albums are a true testament to the longevity and resilience of a band who debuted over forty years ago. Consistently reinventing themselves through elevated instrumentation in their signature electro-acoustic soundscape, the current lineup showcases a collective at their prime.
Recommended for fans of Spyro Gyra, Brecker Brothers, Chick Corea and Return to Forever.

Davina and The Vagabonds
2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:00
“This music, as retro as it may be at times, feels fun, frisky and alive.” – American Songwriter

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.

Halloween, Alaska: Farewell Performance
2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-23 21:30 - 23:30
“sweetly brooding electronic pop” – Spin

Halloween, Alaska’s churning, meditative sound neither embodies youth, naivety, anger nor desperation. It’s a unique statement from a veteran band with a persistent cult following and a distinctive indie M.O. Moreover, listeners can hear and feel its influence far beyond its native Minneapolis.
In the early ’00s, Halloween, Alaska took root as a semi-electronic diversion from its members’ primary rock/jazz projects. Here, these included The Bad Plus, 12 Rods, Love-cars, Happy Apple, and more. A self-titled debut album made sufficient waves to inspire more recording, more shows, more expenditures, more experimentation. Then, the group has continued to expand its palette outward from a dedicated core of arty, ambient rock.
2018’s Le Centre reveals an audacious set from a group that embraced electronic elements with live instruments well before such practices became standard. Le Centre reveals Halloween, Alaska as a warmly human outfit. Here, lyrics and themes neither strive for earnestness nor dismiss it.
The band’s songs exude a range of commanding moods and textures. Here, frenetic indie-prog with unlikely pinches of R&B or blue-eyed soul, complemented by a Prince-inflected guitar solo. There, a modernist mash-up of Spoon and a Steely Dan B-side. They traverse post-D’Angelo funk through the lens of hazy ’90s slow-core. Then, their slow-burning dance floor balladry harkens to the band’s ambient ’00s origins.
Initially, Halloween, Alaska started as a true side project, an outlet for indulging electronic tones and an almost meditative restraint. Over the last two decades, the group has adapted and endured with a collaborative, experimental spirit. Here, they confidently color outside the lines without betraying the ultimate beauty of the bigger picture.
James Diers • voice, guitars, keys
Jacob Hanson • guitars, voice
David King • drums, keys
William Shaw IV • bass guitar, keys

Bruce A. Henry
2026-01-24 19:00 - 21:00
“A true master of the jazz art form.” – Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

Known as a “man of great musical imagination,” Bruce Henry is an internationally-known vocalist, composer, storyteller, recording artist and educator. Additionally, Bruce teaches musical history, traditions and culture as he entertains and enraptures audiences with his vocal agility. Anchored in Chicago, with roots in the Twin Cities, Bruce shares his expertise and creativity across the nation and overseas.
Bruce is a singer and bandleader with a long history of stellar jazz concerts, moving R&B shows and revered tribute performances. Here, his tribute shows entertain audiences with inspired interpretations of classics. Furthermore, he has honored Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. As a vocalist extraordinaire, he handles an eclectic mix of styles with ease.
Both his voice and mind are treasures, and a concert, residency or workshop with Bruce is not to be missed. They leave you lifted, enriched and energized from his performance. Moreover, you become more knowledgeable, reflective and inspired from his innate ability to teach. Also, he developed his program The Evolution of African American Music for residencies, informative concerts and published curriculum. Time spent in community with Bruce and friends, whether in concert or workshop, is pure joy.
Recommended for fans of Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin.

The Rolling Stoners
2026-01-25 19:00 - 21:00
Fueled by the spirit (and sound) of The Stones… the Rolling Stoners.

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.

Hamilton de Holanda
2026-01-26 19:00 - 21:00
“master of the Brazilian version of mandolin” – Billboard

Hamilton de Holanda is one of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians—a global ambassador, virtuoso performer, and groundbreaking improviser. Picking up the mandolin at the age of five, he redefined the ten-string version of the instrument. Then, he transformed it into a versatile voice that bridges the worlds of jazz, choro, and beyond.
The foundation of his music comes from a combination of family encouragement and formal training with a university degree in composition. Additionally, the freedom of Brasília’s choro street jams, where he grew up.
Hamilton is a multi-award-winning musician. He is a four-time Latin Grammy winner with seventeen nominations—including a Grammy nod for Best Latin Jazz Album. In Brazil, he has achieved star status, earning widespread acclaim from critics, peers, and audiences alike.
Furthermore, Hamilton’s influence continues to grow, due to his unique approach to improvisation and electrifying stage presence. In 2024 alone, he achieved 14 million streams across 180 countries and reached over 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
In addition to his career as a performer, Hamilton was one of the founders of the world’s first Choro School. There, this was established in Brasília in 1997. He also spearheaded a petition to Brazil’s National Congress to establish a National Day of Choro. Thus, this helps secure the genre’s cultural legacy.
Hamilton’s career is defined by his ability to blend Brazilian traditions with global sounds. His collaborations include Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Milton Nascimento, Djavan, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Dave Matthews, John Paul Jones, and Hermeto Pascoal.
Hamilton’s music connects cultures, celebrates diversity, and pushes the boundaries of sound, solidifying his place as a true innovator and cultural ambassador.
Recommended for fans of Béla Fleck, Chick Corea, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Hermeto Pascoal.

Jarrod Lawson
2026-01-28 19:00 - 21:00
“absolutely top-quality soul music… outstanding” – BBC Music

It was in late 2022 that Jarrod Lawson had the biggest, and most unexpected, thrill of his music career. He had just received a glowing endorsement in print from Michelle Obama, in an Entertainment Weekly interview. When asked who she was listening to, after mentioning Beyonce, added “There’s this young jazz, blue-eyed soul kid Jarrod Lawson that I’m loving.”
At the time Jarrod was receiving major airplay in the U.S. and in Europe. Here, this was largely due to his remake of the Isley Brothers Seventies classic “Footsteps In The Dark”. This followed his 2020 sophomore album Be the Change. That album made its mark immediately, with entries at #1 on Amazon’s Jazz Albums chart and at #2 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.
For singer/songwriter/keyboardist Lawson, the appreciation of his music in his native U.S. was particularly gratifying. His 2014 breakthrough had been primarily in Europe, where in a whirlwind couple of years he played festival, club and concert dates in fifteen countries. Additionally, this included the North Sea Jazz Festival, London Jazz Festival and the world-renowned Ronnie Scott’s Club. Furthermore, he powered his way into the Dutch Top Forty Albums chart.
He has since performed around the world in Tokyo, Beijing, Melbourne and at Indonesia’s Java Jazz festival. Further, in the U.S. he has performed at many of the leading jazz venues from New York to Seattle.
The album is a beautiful, restrained, dreamy mix of love songs, irreverence and social commentary. Thus, SoulTracks.com described the album as “a masterpiece”. Also, they hailed it “an instant classic that would have fit just as comfortably in 1970 as it does in 2020”.
Recommended for fans of Stevie Wonder, Bobby Caldwell, Rachelle Ferrell and Rahsaan Patterson.

TARA's 50th BIRTHDAY
2026-01-29 17:00 - 19:00
Join us as we celebrate Tara Stone’s 50th Birthday and official music release.

An exclusive invite only event, featuring an exclusive lineup of musical talent! Prepare for an unforgettable night with performances by Tara and some of the Twin Cities’ most dynamic artists, promising a sophisticated celebration filled with incredible live music, delicious food and even better company. Let’s make some memories that last a lifetime.
Bio
Tara Stone is a new artist to the Twin Cities music scene, but not new to music. She is a singer, songwriter and producer, hailing from St. Paul, Minnesota whose been in the music industry for 23 years, singing and writing for some of Minnesota’s most established musical talent. Tara had her professional song-writing debut in 2006 with Minneapolis’ own Excelsior, a stellar award winning, grammy nominated gospel choir. She was the first, and only, female songwriter in their over 25-year history.
Tara began her professional music career singing background for many talented Twin Cities artists to include, musical phenom Tonia Hughes-Kendrick, dynamic performer Mick Sterling, and Grammy award winning, Sounds of Blackness. She recently released her debut single, “Greater in Me” which she wrote and co-produced.

Chastity Brown
2026-01-30 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-31 19:00 - 21:00
“brooding soul eloquence… and folk-infected naturalness.” – NPR

Gospel and blues, melodic sensibility, and honest emotion…
Based in Minnesota, with roots in Tennessee, Chastity Brown grew up surrounded by country and soul music. In the gospel church of her childhood, she played saxophone and drums. Also, she found her singing voice and a passion for music. NPR’s “Favorite Sessions,” CMT, American Songwriter, the London Times and Paste Magazine have all featured her.
Like so many artists who endured the uncertainty of the 2020 lockdown, Chastity instinctively turned inward. At first, she did this out of self-preservation, and then the new songs kept coming and coming. Since finishing her last album, 2017’s Silhouette Of Sirens, she estimates she’s written nearly 100 new songs. Ten of these found their way onto her latest, 2022’s Sing To The Walls.
Sing To The Walls is a sonically expansive album, mining the roots of Americana, folk, and soul music. However, Chastity delivers her stories in a style that feels remarkably timely, modern, and forward-thinking. Here, these songs unfold with Chastity’s expressive voice and expansive melodies, leading the listener through intertwining tendrils of atmospheric sounds.
Between writing sessions she’s been vibing to chilled-out, forward thinking artists like Leon Bridges, H.E.R., SZA, and Daniel Caesar. Like them, she expands beyond genre and her folk/roots history to encompass her appreciation of all Black American musical art forms. “I also want to poke at what the blues is,” Chastity reflects. “It has a lot of stereotypes, like it’s mostly only played by blue-eyed white guys now. But what about Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey? I feel so closely connected, in a pure, undeviating lineage, to the heritage of being a Black, queer blues woman.”
Recommended for fans of H.E.R., Rhiannon Giddens, Valerie June and Brittany Howard.

The Cookers
2026-02-01 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show

“A dream team of forward-leaning hard-bop” – The New York Times

Donald Harrison, saxophone
Azar Lawrence, saxophone
Cecil McBee, bass
George Cables, piano
Eddie Henderson, trumpet
David Weiss, trumpet
Billy Hart, drums
Experience counts, especially in jazz. The more time musicians spend interpreting tunes and interacting with others, the more articulation an audience can expect. You can hear the fruits of such work in the expressive language The Cookers bring to the bandstand. This exciting all-star septet summons an aggressive mid ‘60s spirit with a potent collection of expansive post-bop originals. Additionally, they have the requisite killer instincts and pyrotechnic playing expected of some of the heaviest hitters today.
Cecil McBee, George Cables, Eddie Henderson, and Billy Hart started in the heady era of the mid ‘60s. There, that period found the dimensions of hard bop morphing from their original designs. Furthermore, each artist helped facilitate the process as members of some of the most important bands of the era. Hart and Henderson were members of Herbie Hancock’s groundbreaking Mwandishi group. And, Cecil McBee anchored Charles Lloyd’s great ’60s quartet alongside Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette. Billy Harper was part of Lee Morgan’s last group, and also Max Roach’s Quartet and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Further, George Cables was featured in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon and Art Pepper.
David Weiss, Azar Lawrence and Donald Harrison are from a more recent generation and are the youngest members of the band. There, they gained experience performing with Art Blakey, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Charles Tolliver, Roy Haynes and Herbie Hancock.
Recommended for fans of the Jazz Messengers, Lee Morgan, Herbie Hancock and the SFJazz Collective.

Cafe Accordion Orchestra w/Prudence Johnson
2026-02-02 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show

“a guaranteed good time… A local treasure” – MinnPost

Dan Newton, accordion and vocals
Eric Mohring, mandolin, fiddle and vocals
Brian Barnes, guitar and vocals
Erik Lillestol, bass
Joe Steinger, percussion
Elizabeth Rowan, percussion
Prudence Johnson, vocals
Dan Newton’s Café Accordion Orchestra (CAO) performs an eclectic mix full of French flair, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude. The heart of the CAO repertoire is the romantic, gypsy-influenced valse-musette. Then, the group complements the musettes with swing, ballads, tangos, cha-chas, rumbas, and cumbias to create a wonderfully varied show. Moreover, they inject their music with good humor and expressive abandon.
CAO is led by Dan Newton on accordion and vocals, with Eric Mohring on mandolin, violin and vocals. Also, Brian Barnes on guitar and vocals, Erik Lillestol on bass and vocals, and Joe Steinger on percussion. CAO has been delighting audiences and dancers alike since 1995.
One might wonder how a group of musicians in Minnesota end up forming a band that plays French musette. Additionally, hot club swing, Tin Pan Alley, Latin music and cinematic themes. There, it all started with a tune composed in 1992 by Newton. Dan had been introduced to the Parisian sidewalk cafe accordion sound while teaching at a music camp. Then, a friend commented that one of the tunes in particular sounded like “cafe accordion” music.
Prudence Johnson’s career has taken her from honky-tonks to Carnegie Hall, from the theater stage to the Silver Screen, from the Midwest to the Middle East. Also, with her roots in folk and country music, Prudence developed a passion for jazz.
Recommended for fans of Paris Combo, Pearl Django, Rio Nido and A Prairie Home Companion.

Southside Aces: A Night in New Orleans
2026-02-03 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show

“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

The Headhunters
2026-02-04 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“Remarkably masterful, fresh-sounding, and creatively restless” – AllMusic

The Headhunters form one of the foundations of jazz and funk music. They formed in 1973 and are known for their iconic best-selling recordings released in the mid-1970s. Furthermore, the ensemble continues to impress audiences at their live shows and with their album releases today. While Herbie Hancock has not regularly joined them during fifty years of recording and touring, they always feel his influence. Here, Headhunters co-leaders and best friends Mike Clark and Bill Summers carry forward the legacy with timeless, paradigm-shifting classics. Hits like “Watermelon Man,” “Chameleon,” “Butterfly,” “Sly” and “Palm Grease” are just a few examples.
The Headhunters’ latest recording, 2025’s Live at Garcia’s Chicago, is a reflection of the band’s fifty-year breadth, depth and innovation. The album captures an electric live performance at the new state-of-the-art listening room with Clark and Summers at the helm.
The album’s A side opens with the band’s perennial jam “4 String Drive”. Then, they play the 2024 original composition “The Stunt Man”. There, tracks “Warrior Suite” and “Watermelon Man” root the album in the spirituality that “Baba Bill” has infused in The Headhunters since day one in 1973. Side B includes a modern funk rendition of Bob Marley’s classic “I Shot the Sheriff”. Then, they perform covers of Thelonious Monk’s “Monk’s Dream” and Chick Corea’s “Humpty Dumpty”. Finally, an extended drum and percussion conversation called “Headhunters Drums” rounds out the eight song LP.
Catch the band on the road in 2026 featuring co-leaders Summers and Clark. There, New Orleans veterans Chris Severin (bass), Clarence Johnson (saxophone) and Shea Pierre (keyboards) will join them.
Recommended for fans of Herbie Hancock, Spyro Gyra, Weather Report and Galactic.
📸: Rick Swig

Avery*Sunshine
2026-02-05 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“her playful charisma and those heavenly vocals” – NPR

Chester, PA native Avery*Sunshine has established herself as a musical powerhouse. Here she seamlessly blends her roles as a pianist, singer, songwriter, and producer. A proud graduate of Spelman College, she moved from the academic halls to the global stage. Her journey is a testament to her talent, dedication, and passion for music. Together with her husband and Grammy-nominated partner, Dana Johnson, Avery has made Atlanta her stronghold. There, they nurture and expand their creative and entrepreneurial ventures.
Avery’s career is marked by significant achievements, including four top twenty hits on the Billboard charts. Moreover, her song “Call My Name” reached the coveted #1 spot, affirming her place in the music industry. Beyond her personal successes, Avery is a committed advocate for artists. As a Board Governor for the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy, she contributes to shaping the music landscape. Additionally, her entrepreneurial spirit shines through her co-founding and partnership in BigShine Recordings, a label dedicated to empowering independent artists.
Avery*Sunshine’s influence extends across the globe through her international tours. There, she touches audiences in Asia, Europe, UK and Australia with her soulful music and dynamic performances. Currently, she is captivating fans with her musical web series “So Glad To Know You.” This provides an intimate look at her creative journey and connection with music.
Sunshine’s biography encapsulates not just her musical achievements but her role as a luminary in the industry. Here, she shines a light on the power of independence, creativity, and the unifying force of music. With Atlanta as her backdrop, she continues to inspire and captivate, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who witness her artistry.
Recommended for fans of Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway, Leela James and Musiq Soulchild.

Mason Jennings
2026-02-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-07 21:00 - 23:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – FEB 6: 7pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – FEB 7: 6:30pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – FEB 7: 9pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“ragged, intimate voice and simple ruminations” – Rolling Stone

Minneapolis songwriter Mason Jennings recently released a new video for the single, “Only Lovers Welcome” from his brand-new album. Now, 2023’s Underneath the Roses is available.
Here, Jennings writes that the songs from Underneath the Roses were “written in an unprecedented burst.” This followed the birth of his son, Western, in March 2022. Jennings explains, “I hadn’t written any songs in about a year. I had been dealing with the psychological after-effects of the pandemic as well as the loss of my dad. So, when Western was born, I didn’t expect to be writing much. But immediately he was responding to music in a very intense way. For this album, between May and November 2022, I wrote forty-eight songs! They certainly uplifted me and connected me with the creative spirit, and spirit in general, again. They cover all kinds of ground but, when I listen back, I think the central theme is overcoming fear with love.”
Jennings also released a video for “No Ordinary Friend,” which he explains “Depicts two of the most important decisions a person can make. One, whether or not they believe in a loving higher power and two, who they decide to choose as a lifelong romantic partner. This song is referring to both of those and the choices I’ve made.”
“Stone Gossard and Regan Hagar from Loosegroove Records helped me edit the forty-eight down to eleven. I then enlisted the help of my Painted Shield bandmates to record the songs.”
Jennings and Gossard are ongoing collaborators in the band Painted Shield, who released their debut album in 2021. Their album was also released on Loosegroove, the influential indie label that Gossard founded back in 1994.
Recommended for fans of Charlie Parr, M. Ward, G. Love & Special Sauce and Jack Johnson.

Eric Gales – A Special Evening of Acoustic Blues
2026-02-08 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“One of the best if not the best, guitarist in the world today.” – Joe Bonamassa

A rare and special acoustic show! For one night only, Eric Gales sets his blistering electric guitar work aside for his equally brilliant acoustic playing. Here, Gales retains his trademark intensity and dynamism, allowing his virtuosic playing to shine in a different way.
Eric Gales is a blues firebrand whose passion, power, and virtuosity have shaped one of the most inspiring careers in modern music. Gales has redefined the blues with raw emotion, fearless creativity, and a sound that bridges genres and generations. Here, he has accomplished this in a career spanning over three decades and eighteen albums. Often hailed as the modern-day heir to Jimi Hendrix, Memphis-born Gales commands the stage with electrifying intensity and soulful authenticity.
His acclaimed 2022 album Crown showcases his finest work to date, melding extraordinary guitar mastery with deeply personal songwriting. Additionally, Gales has performed alongside legends like Carlos Santana, Eric Johnson, and Zakk Wylde. Moreover, he has earned praise from Joe Bonamassa and Dave Navarro.
Gales stands as one of the most dynamic and expressive guitarists of his generation. Here, he is an artist whose music continues to inspire and ignite audiences around the world.
Recommended for fans of Jimi Hendrix, Joe Bonamassa, Luther Allison and Walter Trout.
📸: Jim Arbogast

Meshell Ndegeocello
2026-02-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-09 21:00 - 23:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 9pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“The world needs more musicians like her, creatively restless and ambitious” – NPR

Meshell Ndegeocello has survived the best and the worst of what a career in music has to offer. She eschewed genre for originality, celebrity for longevity, and musical trends for musical truths. Fans have come to expect the unexpected and follow her journey. Then, she delves into soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, rock, all bound by the search for love, justice, respect and resolution. Thus, these sonic investigations have defied and redefined expectations for women, for queer artists, and for black music for over thirty years. Additionally, she remains one of few women who write the music, sing the songs, and lead the band.
A bass player above all else, Meshell brings her warm, fat, and melodic groove to everything she does. She has earned a Grammy award among numerous nominations. Moreover, she has played alongside the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Alanis Morrisette, James Blood Ulmer, and The Blind Boys of Alabama. Also, Tony Allen, John Medeski, Billy Preston, and Chaka Khan. As for her own bass-playing influences, she credits Sting, Jaco Pastorius, Family Man Barrett, and Stevie Wonder. Meshell is always grateful to share the stage and believes music is a fellowship. Here, she looks to spread that gospel with every creation and collaboration.
Ndegeocello says that she tries to create music that musicians enjoy playing. “I really love the musical interaction – the playing off of each other,” she says. “It’s such a divine experience. Playing music is one of the few spaces where I feel genderless and raceless. And when the audience can dance, move, and experience transcendence while we are playing live, it feels like I have purpose.”

Matteo Mancuso
2026-02-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-10 21:00 - 23:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 9pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“Matteo is the evolution of fusion guitar… breathtaking” – Steve Vai

Matteo Mancuso was born in 1996 and raised in the province of Palermo. There, people quickly recognized him as a musical prodigy. His father, Vincenzo Mancuso, a well-known guitarist and producer, guided Matteo’s introduction to the world of music.
Teaming up with his father, Matteo made waves in Sicily’s jazz scene, participating in local festivals at just eleven years old. The duo explored a diverse repertoire, spanning from Django Reinhardt to contemporary jazz. Then, as a teenager, Matteo pursued his passion by enrolling in a music high school, specializing in classical guitar.
After he earned his high school diploma, he founded the Snips trio, gaining widespread acclaim for their fusion take on classic standards. As a collaborator with Yamaha Guitars, Matteo showcased his expertise at NAMM 2019 in Los Angeles. Additionally, he participated as a judge at the “Young Guitar Festival” in Bangkok. 2019 also marked his venture into Russia, conducting masterclasses in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Perm.
Mancuso graduated from the Conservatory of Palermo in 2022 with a degree in jazz guitar. Then, he immediately resumed touring and shared the stage with Al Di Meola during the Eddie Lang Jazz Festival. In 2023, the legendary PFM invited Matteo as a guest for their new live album.
Later in 2023, Mancuso joined Tommy Emmanuel on stage at the Teatro Golden in Palermo. Then, he embarked on a summer headlining tour, featuring previews of songs from Matteo’s eagerly anticipated debut solo album.
“He’s a beautiful player and he is so versatile, he plays any style, he plays rock, he plays Django, pretty amazing.” – Eric Johnson
Recommended for fans of Steve Vai, John Scofield, Eric Johnson and Al Di Meola.

C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
2026-02-11 19:00 - 21:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“contemporary, turbo-charged dance music” – Boston Globe

Clayton Joseph Chenier is Creole music royalty. His father, the legendary Clifton Chenier, invented the style of music we know today as Zydeco. Moreover, Clifton is the first Creole musician to be recognized with a Grammy Award.
Raised in this indigenous American culture with its own distinctive language, cuisine and music, C.J. delivers soulful vocals along with jaw-dropping masterful accordion-driven rock, Zydeco and blues.
C.J. spent his childhood in the tough tenement housing projects of Port Arthur, Texas. C.J. joined his father’s band on his twenty-first birthday. His first gig was playing for the opening of the now world-renowned Antone’s in Austin, Texas.
On the road, his father showed him how to front a world class touring band. He taught C.J. how to run the family business and how to develop his lifelong passion for music into a career. When Clifton died in 1987 his son, C.J., adopted the Red Hot Louisiana Band. Moreover, he recorded his debut album for the great American independent label Arhoolie Records.
C.J. has also played with John Mayall, The Gin Blossoms, Ray Parker, Jr., Joe Sample, Jimmie Vaughan, Sonny Landreth and Buckwheat Zydeco. Also, The Jon Stewart Show and CNN have featured him. Additionally, he has performed at numerous music festivals around the world. Further, he is a consistent crowd pleaser for The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Attending a C.J. Chenier show is a transformative experience. You may come in tired and beat up just from living in this world – but you will leave renewed and happy. And that is the promise C.J. makes. “You can’t come to my show and stay unhappy. You’re going to break a smile before too long. This is happy music.”
Recommended for fans of Terrance Simien, Buckwheat Zydeco, Queen Ida and Chubby Carrier.

Our Neighbor: A Benefit Concert
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00
A Night of Music and Solidarity for our Community
*THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT*
To keep the love and solidarity going, we will be hosting a FREE livestream on the day of the show (see link below).

SHAREABLE LIVESTREAM LINK

Plus, the donation link is live for anyone who wants to support!
Please note: This is a donation link only. Donations do not include admission to the show.
Donate via Givebutter:
https://givebutter.com/ZCsc1C
﻿﻿
Funds raised will be going to:
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
Community Aid Network MN
American Civil Liberties Union
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Groundwork Legal
Show Lineup
The New Standards will be joined by Special Guests including:

Jeremy Messersmith
Aby Wolf & Eric Mayson
Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith
Matt Wilson
Dylan Hicks & Small Screens
Lucy Michelle
John Fields
Ken Chastain
Tina Schlieske
Curtiss A
& More

Our city has felt the fracturing Federal efforts in many ways. Tonight, we come together as a community to celebrate the things that make us great: diversity, inclusion, and love.
Throughout the month of February, MN Music venues will be raising their voices and raising money in solidarity with our community.
*Valentine’s Menu is Not Available for this show.

Steely Dane
2026-02-13 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-13 21:00 - 23:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 6:30pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 9pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“the band is energetic and sounds amazing” – Milwaukee Magazine

In 2010, co-founders David Adler and David Stoler (The Steely Daves) put together a tribute show for Steely Dan. There, they would feature the best musicians in the Madison, WI music scene. Madison is located in Dane County, WI, thus the name.
The first Steely Dane show featured over thirty of Madison’s best rock and jazz musicians, and it sold out. Not ones to waste a herculean effort of arranging a full night’s worth of the Dan’s best stuff, the crew decided to do it again, and again… and oops, now it’s no longer a show, it’s a BAND.
Since then, the band has trimmed down to the current fourteen-piece family. Now, that features a four-piece horn section, two female backup singers, two guitars, two keyboards, vibes, and percussion. Here, they have all the instruments necessary to recreate the amazing mixes of the Dan’s albums and live performances. Moreover, the band has won multiple awards for best tribute band and sold out theaters from Chicago to Minneapolis. Additionally, they are a perennial favorite at summer festivals as well.
Their songbook features over fifty songs from both Steely Dan and Donald Fagen’s solo career. This allows them to play different shows night after night. Furthermore, they have even performed complete album shows for The Royal Scam, Aja, and Gaucho.
Recommended for fans of Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.

Valentine's Day w/ Sophia Shorai & Tommy Barbarella
2026-02-14 18:30 - 20:30
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 6:30pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“abundant joy… the prominence of her enthusiasm is hard to ignore.” – All About Jazz

Sophia Shorai is a vocalist driven by an intuitive hunger for the “great song.” As a mainstay of Minneapolis music since 2010, she possesses the rare, chameleonic ability to inhabit any genre. Here, she handles the complex architecture of the Great American Songbook with ease. Equally, she evokes the raw grit of soul, funk, and R&B.
Her precision was forged early. There, she mimicked jazz legends from her father’s record collection and began classical training at age five. Shorai bypassed prestigious conservatories to dive straight into the Twin Cities’ live and commercial recording circuits. There, she turned her voice into a versatile powerhouse. She has contributed to international films, TV shows, and major advertising campaigns since the late 1990s.
While renowned for her mastery of the jazz idiom, Shorai currently explores the lean, emotive landscapes of contemporary soul and pop. Collaborating with producer Bryan Hanna, she strips away the decorative to focus on the bone-deep impact of her original songwriting. Her new album, TIME, arrives in Spring 2026—a testament to a career spent proving she can sing anything, and a soul that won’t settle for anything less than a classic.
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… a 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.

All Sweet Things: A Celebration of Black Love
2026-02-14 21:30 - 23:30
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 9:30pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

Exploring the passion, emotions, social depictions and challenges of modern relationships.

“All Sweet Things: A Celebration of Black Love” explores the passion, emotions, social depictions and challenges of modern relationships. Here, they achieve this through the diverse sonic landscapes of R&B, neo-soul, folk and pop music. This celebratory experience showcases the extraordinary vocal, songwriting and arranging prowess of some of the Twin Cities’ most soulful singers!!
From Houston TX, Traiveon brings a southern, soulful vibe to the Twin Cities music scene. He gained respect on drums and vocals while supporting Mayyadda, Black Velvet Punks, Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora and Bluehound. Also, he composes for his band Traiveon and Candi. Here, he crafts vocal arrangements that seamlessly blend the classic sounds of Motown with modern R&B & neo-soul.

Learn More: https://traiveon.com/

Jackson Hurst emerges as a solo artist with a different sound than he’s known for in the Twin Cities. Furthermore, the church kid forges a congruent and individual music career in the genres of R&B/soul and pop, drawing influence from his roots in Gospel. Here, Hurst is just at the beginning of a new legacy built as an artist.
Recommended for fans of Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild.
