Dakota

Take 6
2026-04-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-11 20:30 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
“baddest vocal cats on the planet!” – Quincy Jones

10 Grammy Awards
10 Dove Awards
Gospel Music Hall of Fame
Take 6 is Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea and Khristian Dentley. Here, they are the quintessential a cappella group and the model for vocal genius. Moreover, they are the preeminent and best a capella group in the world.
Their illustrious career has garnered ten Grammy Awards, ten Dove Awards, a Soul Train Award, and membership in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. A true musical phenomenon, the ensemble features six virtuosic voices united in crystal clear harmony. Further, this is set against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements, and funky grooves. Together, this bubbles into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop.
They’ve earned collaborations and praise from such luminaries as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Whitney Houston. Additionally, the multi-platinum selling sextet has toured across the globe and collaborated across genres. Thus, they are recognized as the greatest a cappella group in the world.
Take 6 has come a long way from their days at Huntsville, Alabama’s Oakwood College. There, McKnight formed the group as The Gentleman’s Estate Quartet in 1980. The group eventually became known as Alliance but they found that there was another group with the same name. Then, they became Take 6. Their self-titled debut CD won over jazz and pop critics and they’ve never slowed down.
Recommended for fans of Naturally 7, Boyz II Men, New Edition and Manhattan Transfer.

The Cactus Blossoms
2026-04-12 19:00 - 21:00
“tightly woven harmonies.” – New York Times

At its best, harmony duo singing can transform simple math into a magic trick. One plus one, instead of equaling two, suddenly yields an unexpected third thing. An upper-case ONE. A universal hum. A deep vibration that encompasses two different points of view. Here, brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum, aka The Cactus Blossoms, once again prove themselves to be among the most adept – and distinctive – modern practitioners of that magic. However, like any great magician, The Cactus Blossoms can’t – or won’t – fully explain the illusion they create.
“Harmonies are a big part of our sound, but in some ways they’re the part we focus on the least,” says Burkum. “We put most of our attention and energy into the songs themselves and then the harmonies just happen.”
There’s all kinds of magic happening on their latest, 2024’s Every Time I Think About You. Moreover, it’s a record that sounds more like a band than any other in the Cactus Blossoms discography. Here, Jeremy Hanson (drums), Jacob Hanson (guitar) and Phillip Hicks (bass) contribute to that full-band sound. “There She Goes” casts its romantic regret against a danceable bop beat. Then, the title track is a heart-wrencher about loss and letting go.
“Even if you don’t set out to write songs with a theme in mind it seems like one usually presents itself,” says Torrey. “This record keeps returning to the idea of ‘moving on’ — from one place to another, from people and situations that bring you down, from loss and grief.”
Recommended for fans of The Everly Brothers, Margo Price, Pokey LaFarge and Charlie Parr.

MacPhail Jazz Night: Dakota Jazz Ensemble
2026-04-13 19:00 - 21:00
MacPhail Jazz Night celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with a performance by the Dakota Jazz Ensemble, directed by Zacc Harris. Also, acclaimed MacPhail faculty artists Michael Cain, Paul Babcock, and Zacc Harris.
The Dakota Jazz Ensemble at MacPhail Center for Music is a premier, audition-based group. Here, this group features some of the Twin Cities’ most outstanding high school jazz musicians. Additionally, the tuition-free ensemble provides advanced training in improvisation, ensemble performance, and a wide range of jazz repertoire.
Meet the band:

Sam Stauning (tenor saxophone)
Dominique Paguyo (alto saxophone)
Peter Sullivan (piano)
Basil Saathoff (piano)
Finn Bergstrom (bass)
Zach Minkin (drums)

The evening highlights the vibrant tradition of jazz in the Twin Cities. Here, rising young artists unite with acclaimed performers and educators who are shaping the artform today. Presented during Jazz Appreciation Month, the concert reflects MacPhail and the Dakota’s long-standing commitment to jazz education and to supporting the next generation of musicians.

Michael Cain is an internationally recognized jazz pianist, composer, and educator. His career spans performances with Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, and the World Saxophone Quartet. A longtime MacPhail faculty member, he also serves as Vice President of Music Education. He is known for his innovative approach to improvisation and genre-blending performance.

Paul Babcock is a percussionist, educator, and CEO of MacPhail Center for Music. A professional musician and teaching artist for more than three decades, he is deeply committed to transforming lives through the power of music. He continues to perform in jazz, rock, and classical settings and has collaborated with artists including Marvin Hamlisch, Geoffrey Keezer, and Michael Cain.

Zacc Harris is a Minneapolis-based guitarist, composer, and educator known for his work with Atlantis Quartet and many other groups. A bandleader and recording artist, his projects explore modern jazz, original composition, and creative improvisation. He is on the faculty at MacPhail Center for Music and directs the Dakota Jazz Ensemble.

A Night of Classic Rock
2026-04-14 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 and vocals (Michael Bolton/Donny Osmond)
Billy Peterson – bass (Steve Miller Band/Bob Dylan)
Joe Finger – drums (Boz Scaggs)
Joe Elliott – guitar (David Sanborn)
Recommended for fans of Steve Miller Band, Fleetwood Mac, John Mayer and Bob Dylan.

Fred Hersch Trio
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00
“A pristine pianist with a poet’s soul… truly transcendent.” – Boston Globe

Fred Hersch belongs to jazz’s piano pantheon. He has been an influential creative force for decades as an improviser, composer, educator, bandleader, collaborator, and recording artist. Here, he has been proclaimed “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade” by Vanity Fair. Also, he is hailed as “a living legend” by The New Yorker. A seventeen-time Grammy nominee, Hersch has garnered jazz’s most prestigious awards. Here, these include a Doris Duke Artist (2016), Jazz Pianist of the Year from the Jazz Journalists Association (2011, 2016, 2018), and the Jazz Magazine (France) International Artist of the Year (2021). Furthermore, the Fred Hersch Trio was voted the #1 Jazz Group in the 2019 Downbeat Critics Poll.
Hersch is an acclaimed and influential solo pianist. There, he has twelve solo recordings in his catalog including the 2024 release, Silent, Listening. All About Jazz has remarked that “when it comes to the art of solo piano in jazz, there are two classes of performers: Fred Hersch and everybody else”. Also, New York Times simply calls him “a master who plays it his way”.
The Fred Hersch Trio has remained at the pinnacle of modern jazz, venerated for embodying thrilling interplay and dynamic spontaneity. The Wall Street Journal calls the trio “one of the major ensembles of our time.” Also, the New Yorker has applauded it for playing with “high lyricism and high danger.” The Trio has appeared at major jazz festivals throughout Europe and the U.S. Additionally, they have regularly headlined the legendary Village Vanguard since 1977.
Recommended for fans of Brad Mehldau, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea and Julian Lage.

Private Event
2026-04-16 00:00 - 23:59
We are booked on APR 16 for a private event. BOOK YOUR EVENT HERE:

Big Daddy Kane
2026-04-17 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-17 21:00 - 23:00
“one of the fiercest emcees of his era” – Albumism

Big Daddy Kane is one of hip-hop’s most lyrical, diverse, innovative, trendsetting M.C.s. He is known by many attributes: Dark Gable, Black Caesar and King Asiatic Nobody’s Equal, but he is known to the world as Big Daddy Kane.
This baritone voiced, stylish dressing M.C. were the one to first bring the “playa” element to hip-hop. There, Kane, along with Bobby Brown and Michael Jordan, put dark skin back on the map. Kane was the first rapper to ever hold two sold out shows at the world-famous Apollo Theater for women only. Also, he appeared in magazines Right On and Source, and let’s not forget the infamous Madonna Sex book. However, in the words of the late Big Pun, Kane is not only a playa, he just crush a lot. Referring to his rapid fire, metaphoric battle rap style.
Kane’s influences are Muhammad Ali, Marvin Gaye, and his rap hero Grand Master Caz of the Cold Crush Brothers. However, on stage the James Brown and the Famous Flames influence is evident as well. With several Gold albums, Kane has endured over a long career giving us a deep catalogue of timeless music.
As a powerful figure in the rap game, Kane has collaborated with many artists. Here, he has worked with Kool G Rap, Masta Ace and Craig G, Public Enemy and Ice Cube. Also, Heavy D, UGK, Busta Rhymes, Patti LaBelle, Quincy Jones and more. All of that along with a Grammy award makes Big Daddy Kane a hip-hop legend, a member of the elite circle of rap royalty. Furthermore, the 2005 VH1 Hip Hop Honors honored him during the broadcast. Additionally, Kane continues to touch millions of fans worldwide. LONG LIVE THE KANE!!!
Recommended for fans of Biz Markie, Public Enemy, EPMD and Erik B. & Rakim.

Pat Metheny
2026-04-18 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-18 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-04-19 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-04-19 20:00 - 22:00
“That liquid, crystalline tone; those airborne, searching melodies.” – NPR

Pat Metheny was born in Lee’s Summit, MO on August 12, 1954 into a musical family. He started on trumpet at the age of eight, then switched to guitar at age twelve. By fifteen, he worked regularly with the best jazz musicians in Kansas City, receiving valuable on-the-bandstand experience. Then, Metheny burst onto the international jazz scene in 1974. Over his three-year stint with vibraphone great Gary Burton, the young player already displayed his soon-to-become trademarked playing style. Here, he blended the loose and flexible articulation customarily reserved for horn players with an advanced rhythmic and harmonic sensibility. Moreover, this way of playing and improvising was modern in conception but grounded deeply in the jazz tradition of melody, swing, and the blues. With his first album, Bright Size Life (1975), he reinvented the traditional “jazz guitar” sound for a new generation.
Metheny’s versatility is nearly without peer on any instrument. He has performed with Steve Reich, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Jim Hall, Milton Nascimento, and David Bowie. Metheny’s body of work includes compositions for solo guitar, small ensembles, electric and acoustic instruments, large orchestras, and ballet pieces and even the robotic instruments of his Orchestrion project, while always sidestepping the limits of any one genre.
Pat Metheny has won twenty Grammy Awards spread out over a variety of different categories. Once, he won seven consecutive Grammys for seven consecutive albums. In 2015 he was inducted into the DownBeat Hall of Fame, becoming only the fourth guitarist to be included. In 2018 he was named an NEA Jazz Master, the nation’s highest honor in jazz.
Recommended for fans of Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Wes Montgomery and Bill Frisell.
These tickets do not qualify for the A-Train discount.

Urban Classic Presents REVELATION:
2026-04-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-20 21:00 - 23:00
“Revelation” brings the music of Prince and the legendary MPLS Sound to life.

This show features the songs of Prince, New Power Generation, The Time, Jesse Johnson, Vanity 6, Wendy & Lisa, Alexander O’Neal, Janet Jackson, and more. Additionally, this extraordinary lineup includes former members of the Original NPG, Mint Condition, The Time, Mazarati, Sounds of Blackness, and the Jesse Johnson Revue. Moreover, these artists helped shape the very movement being celebrated. Here, “Revelation” honors the visionaries who transformed Minneapolis’ musical heartbeat into a global phenomenon.
Michael Bland was born in Minneapolis and is one of the most revered drummers in the world. He is best known as the drummer for Prince’s New Power Generation from 1989 to 1996. He has worked with Mandy Moore, Clay Aiken, Backstreet Boys, and Miley Cyrus. Also, George Benson, Mavis Staples, Chaka Khan, and Maxwell. Additionally, Bland performed with Paul Westerberg, The Chicks, David Crosby, Jonny Lang, and Soul Asylum.
Liv Warfield’s music career took off in 2009 after Prince selected her as the newest member of New Power Generation. There, he mentored her, helping hone her stage presence and studio arrangement of her music. Then, she toured with the band for five years. Also, he Executive Produced her second solo album, 2014’s The Unexpected.
Featuring:
Michael Bland, MD/drums (Prince, NPG, Soul Asylum, Sounds Of Blackness, Cory Wong)
Special Guest – Liv Warfield, vocals (America’s Got Talent, NPG)
Tommy Barbarella, keyboards (Prince, NPG, MN Orchestra, Greazy Meal)
O’Dell, guitar (Mint Condition, NPG)
Bobby G, guitar (Sheila E., The Time, Jesse Johnson, EWF)
Ashley Commodore, vocals (Sounds Of Blackness, MPLS, Dr. Mambo’s Combo, Stokley)
G Sharp, vocals (The Bizness, Mazarati)
Jay Bee, vocals (The Routine, LTD)
Cory Eischen, keyboards (Mayda, E.L.No)
Ron Long, bass (Dr. Mambo’s Combo)
Recommended for fans of Prince, The Time, Greazy Meal and Mint Condition.

Ana Popovic
2026-04-21 19:00 - 21:00
“one helluva guitar player” – Bruce Springsteen

Los Angeles-based, critically acclaimed guitarist and singer Ana Popovic released her latest album, Dance To The Rhythm, in 2025. Here, the album showcases a groundbreaking fusion of groove, blues, funk, and soul.
Building on the success of her previous work, Dance To The Rhythm pushes boundaries. There, she seamlessly blends infectious dance grooves with raw blues guitar and powerful lyrics. The album weaves a rich tapestry of musical styles, reflecting Popovic’s masterful versatility.
Ana says: “One of my biggest strengths on stage is my ability to make people dance. Music should take you to a place where you can let go, feel the groove, and move. You want music to grab you, to have a pocket that you can’t resist. Everything else revolves around it. Blues guitar has never really been part of dance music before, and in that way, it’s revolutionary. Guitar plays a central role in these tracks, breaking down the boundaries created by time, culture, and musical traditions. With this album, I’m pushing those boundaries.” For Ana, blues guitar is the foundation of everything in her music. Yet, she masterfully blends genres, effortlessly shifting from blues to dance, jam band, funk, pop, and even gospel. Thus, it’s all part of her evolving sound.
A true pioneer, Ana combines her blues guitar roots with bold experimentation, redefining the intersection of blues and dance music. Her live performances are electrifying, blending fierce guitar work with irresistible rhythms that compel audiences to move.
She’s received seven Blues Music Awards nominations, and her latest album, 2023’s Power, hit Number One on the Billboard Blues Chart. Additionally, Ana has shared stages with legends like B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa, Warren Haynes, Robert Plant, and Gary Clark Jr.
Recommended for fans of Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Buddy Guy and Eric Gales.

Jorma Kaukonen & John Hurlbut
2026-04-22 19:00 - 21:00
“a pioneer of San Francisco psychedelia” – Rolling Stone

Jorma Kaukonen is one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and rock. His storied career has already spanned a half-century. Moreover, he is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy recipient. Jorma was at the forefront of popular rock and roll, one of the founders of the San Francisco sound and a progenitor of Psychedelic Rock. Thus, he is a founding member of two legendary bands, Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna.
Jorma Kaukonen is a music legend and one of the finest singer-songwriters in his field. He continues to tour, bringing his unique styling to old blues tunes while presenting new songs of weight and dimension. Here, his secret is in playing spontaneous, unfiltered music, with an individual expression of personality. In 2016, Jorma, Jack Casady and the other members of Jefferson Airplane received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. There, this was to recognize their contributions to American music.
In 2019 St. Martin’s Press published Jorma‘s autobiography, Been So Long: My Life and Music, Furthermore, he wrote this to express his life both in and out of the music world. As Kaukonen describes, “My story is my story. Having told bits and pieces of it over my lifetime to a treasured few, it was time to tell all to a bigger audience… From rehearsals and jams in small apartments and tiny back rooms to Monterey, Woodstock, Altamont, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, the world of the Grammys and beyond… this is part of the road I live on. This is my embryonic journey and much, much more!”
Recommended for fans of Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane, Leo Kottke and Doc Watson.

VIP Event: Black Violin: Full Circle Tour
2026-04-23 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-04-24 16:00 - 17:00
Invitation to pre-show experience with Black Violin, including:

Access to view a portion of soundcheck
Q&A session
Photo opportunity with Kev and Wil
Commemorative VIP laminate
VIP access to the merchandise booth and a 20% discount on any available item

IMPORTANT: This is not a ticket to the show.
You must have a concert ticket in order to purchase this VIP Meet & Greet.

“fusion of classical, hip-hop, blues, and R&B” – Glide

Step into Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour! Here, Grammy-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine the possibilities of music by merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse. Also, this tour captures the essence of returning to where it all began—transformed and reimagined. Each powerful performance invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys, discovering that even as we evolve, we’re often drawn back to our roots with renewed purpose.
From high school orchestra classmates to groundbreaking artists, Black Violin’s path reflects resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge expectations. Furthermore, their Black Violin Foundation reaches over 100,000 students each year, building a legacy that transcends the stage. Join them for an unforgettable night that celebrates growth, music, and the beauty of coming full circle.
The members of Black Violin met on the first day of orchestra class in 1996. There, they both attended Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. (Baptiste originally wanted to play saxophone in the band. However, the orchestra teacher assigned him to his class after winning a golf bet with the band instructor.) Classically trained by day, they faithfully put on their headphones and listened to the hottest rap records each night. Then, after attending different colleges, they reconvened, moved into an apartment together, and started trying to produce other musicians.
They developed an act covering hip-hop songs on their violins, which became popular in local clubs. Two years after sending in a tape to Showtime at the Apollo, the show invited to appear— which they won, and kept winning. Since then, they’ve worked with Alicia Keys, Alessia Cara, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), and more.
Recommended for fans of 2Cellos, Lindsey Stirling, The String Queens and Damien Escobar.

Black Violin: Full Circle Tour
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-24 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-24 21:00 - 23:00
VIP Meet & Greet Add-On. Click the links below for tickets!
APR 23
APR 24

“fusion of classical, hip-hop, blues, and R&B” – Glide

Step into Black Violin’s Full Circle Tour! Here, Grammy-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine the possibilities of music by merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse. Also, this tour captures the essence of returning to where it all began—transformed and reimagined. Each powerful performance invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys, discovering that even as we evolve, we’re often drawn back to our roots with renewed purpose.
From high school orchestra classmates to groundbreaking artists, Black Violin’s path reflects resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge expectations. Furthermore, their Black Violin Foundation reaches over 100,000 students each year, building a legacy that transcends the stage. Join them for an unforgettable night that celebrates growth, music, and the beauty of coming full circle.
The members of Black Violin met on the first day of orchestra class in 1996. There, they both attended Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. (Baptiste originally wanted to play saxophone in the band. However, the orchestra teacher assigned him to his class after winning a golf bet with the band instructor.) Classically trained by day, they faithfully put on their headphones and listened to the hottest rap records each night. Then, after attending different colleges, they reconvened, moved into an apartment together, and started trying to produce other musicians.
They developed an act covering hip-hop songs on their violins, which became popular in local clubs. Two years after sending in a tape to Showtime at the Apollo, the show invited to appear— which they won, and kept winning. Since then, they’ve worked with Alicia Keys, Alessia Cara, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), and more.
Recommended for fans of 2Cellos, Lindsey Stirling, The String Queens and Damien Escobar.

Private Event
2026-04-25 00:00 - 23:59
We are booked on APR 25 for a private event. BOOK YOUR EVENT HERE:

The Wailers
2026-04-26 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-26 20:30 - 22:30
“pure positive vibes… vibrant, relevant, and revolutionary” – Broadway World

The Wailers emerged as a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae band. They are hailed for hits like “Simmer Down”, “Trenchtown Rock”, “Nice Time”, “War”, “Stir It Up” and “Get Up, Stand Up”.
They released four albums before signing to Island Records in 1972. Two more albums were created before Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left the band in 1974. Then, Bob Marley carried on with a new line-up.
After the death of Marley in 1981, the Wailers continued, led by Aston Barret. The band continued to play a heavy worldwide touring schedule and recorded with several singers. In 1989, Aston Barrett released the album I.D. and continued using the Wailers name when collaborating with other artists.
Under the guidance of Aston Barrett Jr, son of the legendary “Familyman”, The Wailers continue to preserve the legacy of their iconic sound. Their culture-defining music, embodying the spirit of the 70s reggae movement, has left an indelible mark on the industry.
In 2022, The Wailers welcomed a new vocalist, Mitchell Brunings. Here, he adds even more dynamic energy to their already electrifying live shows. Brunings is a talented vocalist who has made a name for himself with his soulful voice and powerful stage presence. Moreover, The Wailers continue to captivate audiences with their unique brand of reggae. There, they blend the sounds of the past with a fresh, contemporary flair. Brunning’s addition to the band has been widely praised by fans and music critics alike. Here, this solidifies The Wailers’ status as one of the most exciting live acts in the world.
Experience the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire in a set that is truly unforgettable.
Recommended for fans of Bob Marley, Toots and The Maytals, John Holt and Steel Pulse.

Julius Rodriguez
2026-04-27 19:00 - 21:00
“tremendous sense of harmony and virtuosity” – New York Times

Julius Rodriguez is an American jazz pianist, composer, and rising star in the vibrant alternative jazz scene. There, Rodriguez is known for his soulful sound and dynamic playing. He blends a deep understanding of traditional jazz with modern influences, creating a distinctive voice that resonates across genres. His music effortlessly merges elements of jazz, funk, and soul, capturing the essence of both old-school and contemporary styles.
Born and raised in New York, Rodriguez began his musical journey at an early age. Furthermore, he studied piano and drums, developing a love for jazz through the city’s rich musical history. He made a name for himself at eleven years old in the vibrant West Village jazz club scene. Later, he honed his craft at the Juilliard School of Music, where he further shaped his sound and refined his improvisational skills.
Rodriguez’s artistry extends beyond his musicianship. As a composer and bandleader, he brings a unique energy to every performance, seamlessly navigating between melodic inventiveness and intricate rhythms. His debut album, Let Sound Tell All, showcased his ability to craft intricate compositions that push the boundaries of jazz. His most recent album, Evergreen, further demonstrates his growth as an artist. Here, he blends rich, complex arrangements with a deep sense of emotion, continuing to push the boundaries of the genre.
Rodriguez continues to establish himself as one of the most promising voices in contemporary alternative jazz. His work as a collaborator is equally impressive. He has worked with Meshell Ndegeocello, Lianne La Havas, Remi Wolf, Kurt Elling, and Chris Botti. Also, A$AP Rocky, Cautious Clay, and Madison McFerrin. With impeccable technique, musicality, and vision, Julius Rodriguez is poised to become one of the defining voices of his generation.
Recommended for fans of Gerald Clayton, Immanuel Wilkins, Jon Batiste and Julian Lage.

Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet
2026-04-28 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-28 21:00 - 23:00
“A pianist of imperial command, possessed of a dazzling, deceptively casual virtuosity” – New York Times

Chucho Valdes, piano
Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, drums
Armando Gola, bass
Roberto Vizcaino Jr., percussion
Cuban pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdés is the most influential figure in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. Here, in a rich career spanning sixty years, he has won seven Grammy and seven Latin Grammy Awards. Moreover, Chucho pushes boundaries in pursuit of new expressions in Afro-Cuban music. Additionally, his influence in the genre is immeasurable, establishing the standard by which younger generations create their own.
Chucho received musical education through formal studies and countless nights on the best stages in Cuba. There, he performed with his father, Bebo Valdés, and his orchestra Sabor de Cuba, and with the seminal Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna. Chucho is acclaimed as the founder, pianist, and main composer and arranger of Irakere, a landmark ensemble in Cuban music. Also, Chucho led Irakere for more than thirty years, but since 2005 he has focused on his personal career. Here, he showcases his piano prowess with small ensembles, like the Afro-Cuban Messengers, Jazz Batá, and his acclaimed Royal Quartet.
Chucho has been named an NEA Jazz Master. Additionally, he earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. Also, he was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received a DC Jazz Festival Lifetime Achievement Award. There, he joined an illustrious list that includes Kenny Barron, James Moody, Ellis Marsalis, George Wein, and Dave Brubeck.
Valdés is a restless visionary forever evolving Afro-Cuban music. Further, he is as creative and playful as ever on his Grammy-nominated, Latin Grammy-winning release, 2024’s Cuba & Beyond.
Recommended for fans of Arturo Sandoval, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Alfredo Rodriguez and Nachito Herrera.

Joey Alexander
2026-04-29 19:00 - 21:00
“seemingly limitless technique… dazzling” – NPR

Joey Alexander is one of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz. He is a Grammy-nominated jazz pianist and composer from Bali, Indonesia. He has released seven acclaimed albums, and performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall, and the Grammy Awards.
Alexander burst onto the global jazz scene in 2015 with his debut album My Favorite Things. Since then, he has released seven albums, earning widespread acclaim and three Grammy Award nominations. There, My Favorite Things was nominated for Best Instrumental Album, and he also earned Best Jazz Solo noms for “Giant Steps” and “Countdown.”
His albums My Favorite Things and Countdown both reached Number One on the Billboard Jazz Charts, while Eclipse climbed to Number Three.
Joey has performed for President Barack Obama at the White House and President Bill Clinton at the Arthur Ashe Learning Center Gala. Additionally, he has appeared at the Grammys, The Grand Ole Opry, the Apollo Theatre and Carnegie Hall. Furthermore, he performs at major jazz festivals, clubs, and concert halls worldwide.
TV show 60 Minutes has profiled him, and The New York Times has featured him. Here, this solidifies his reputation as a prodigious talent and a leading figure in modern jazz.
Recommended for fans of McCoy Tyner, Ahmad Jamal, Brad Mehldau and Keith Jarrett.

Paul Thorn
2026-04-30 19:00 - 21:00
“More of a revival than a concert.” – KDHX

When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn. Here, he has spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop. Maybe he learned the power of minimalism from his years as a pro boxer; maybe it just comes naturally. But whether he’s aiming for heads, hearts, hips or the occasional funny bone, he always hits his target. Further, he somehow manages to condense large nuggets of wisdom into tight little mantras. The kind embroiderers stitched onto pillows before internet memes existed.
Thorn’s new album, 2025’s Life is Just A Vapor, contains some beauties. “Life is a vapor, let’s live it while we can”. “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do” (from “Tough Times Don’t Last”). “Any mountain up ahead is just a hill” (from “Old Melodies”). Here, there are words of advice, comfort, support, encouragement, often meant to uplift, especially in times of struggle.
“I like for people to be touched by music and get something from it. Something that they can take with them throughout the day,” Thorn says. “Every song on this album, there’s a message in it of some sort about how to live life.”
American Blues Scene writer Don Wilcock calls Thorn “an everyman (who) addresses things we all think about. But few can articulate with the kind of candor, humor and folksy truth that immediately endear him to almost everyone lucky enough to hear his music.”
Recommended for fans of Robert Earl Keen, Rosanne Cash, The Mavericks and Todd Snider.
📸: Jeff Fasano
