The Shabby Road Orchestra
2026-09-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-05 20:30 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
Taking only the Beatles seriously since 2017.

The Shabby Road Orchestra is a 12-piece Minneapolis ensemble known for its head-turning performances of late-period Beatles recordings.
The Shabby Road Orchestra:
Adam Levy, guitar, vocals
Andy Nelson, woodwinds
Brandon Sampson, guitar, vocals
David Foley, horns, woodwinds
Ken Chastain, drums, vocals
Jacqueline Ultan, cello
Joe Carey, guitar, vocals
John Eller, guitar, piano, vocals
John Fields, bass
John Sievers, trombone
Paul Scott, piano, keys
Tom Scott, keys, percussion, sound effects
Recommended for fans of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Who and The Monkees.

Band illustration by Anita White

Tyreek McDole
2026-09-06 19:00 - 21:00
“vocal maturity… recalled the romantic styles of Johnny Hartman and Billy Eckstine” – DownBeat

Tyreek McDole is a multi-award-winning Haitian American vocalist from central Florida. Now, his soulful baritone and deeply reflective artistry are making waves across the New York and international music scenes. McDole approaches performance as a space for healing, reflection, and collective dreaming — treating each concert as both offering and ritual. Here, he believes that music is one of the highest forms of communication.
He first gained national recognition at the 2018 Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center. There, he received the Outstanding Vocalist Award presented by Wynton Marsalis. In 2023, he won first place at the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Furthermore, he became only the second male winner in the competition’s history.
Since then, McDole has shared the stage with Jeff Goldblum, Rodney Whitaker, Theo Croker, Maurice Brown, and Joey Alexander. Also, Terri Lyne Carrington, Nicholas Payton, and Nick Jonas, among many others. Additionally, he has appeared at leading venues and festivals worldwide.
A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, he developed his craft under the mentorship of master artists. There, he worked with Gary Bartz, Sullivan Fortner and Weedie Braimah. Thus, this training grounded his sound in the lineage of Black American Music while pushing its language forward.
McDole released his critically acclaimed debut album, Open Up Your Senses, in 2025. There, he blends original compositions with freedom songs, spirituals, and works that speak to justice, unity, and ancestral memory. The record reached Number One on JazzWeek charts and earned four stars from DownBeat. Moreover, it has been praised for its emotional depth and spiritual resonance.
This is not simply a concert, but a healing space — a ritual and an invitation to open your senses.
Recommended for fans of Gregory Porter, Endea Owens, Gretchen Parlato and Brandee Younger.

A Night for Nina: The Cast of Nina Simone: Four Women
2026-09-07 19:00 - 21:00
A celebration of Nina Simone’s influence from the Pillsbury House Theatre cast of Nina Simone: Four Women.

Amid the tumultuous Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s, Nina Simone’s songs captured America’s anguish and galvanized activists working to alter the course of history.
Set in the aftermath of the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Nina Simone: Four Women imagines a conversation between Simone and three Black women whose personal stories help inspire her cathartic anthem, “Mississippi Goddam.” Here, through live music, movement, and charged conversation, witness the birth of a song that gave voice to a movement.
Thomasina Petrus is an acclaimed and sought-after stage performer. There, she has portrayed lead characters on Penumbra, Park Square, Mixed Blood, Illusion, Guthrie, Capri and Old Arizona Theatre stages. Additionally, she has performed with “Cornbread” Harris, Jevetta Steele, Stokley, Prince, Lou Bellamy, Lewis Whitlock, and Marion McClinton.
Aimee K. Bryant has built a lengthy resume performing on stages throughout the Twin Cities. Also, Aimee was named City Pages 2015 Actress of the Year and was a McKnight Theatre Artist Fellow for 2015-2016. She has appeared onstage at Penumbra, The Guthrie, MN State Fair and many others.
Kashimana is a mother, musician, vocalist, composer, producer and teaching artist with a rich soulful blues voice. The name Kashimana means “that’s their heart”. Here, you can hear Kashimana’s heart beating in the compelling sound of their music. Further, she explores soul, R&B, folk, Afro-funk and more.
Erin Willis is an actor, musician, and teacher who performs across the country. Since arriving in Minneapolis, she has taught at The Guthrie and Children’s Theatre Co. Further, Erin is so excited to be a part of the vibrant Twin Cities arts community.
Recommended for fans of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington.

Madeleine Peyroux
2026-09-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-10 19:00 - 21:00
“It’s rare to find someone capable of injecting such life into every single lyric.” – London Jazz News

“We Are America is a celebration of great Americans and American music. I want to remind us all of who we are.”
This is a celebration of American composers and performers who deeply influenced American culture. Here, all of whom are the children of immigrants, or descendants of our formerly enslaved Black American brethren. “My music and these performances are part of a dialogue. That’s what art is. It’s engagement, community. I believe more than anything in getting together with people and listening to music and conversing. Music is the only way I’ve ever built community.”
Much like songbird Edith Piaf, Madeleine Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Just like the ‘little sparrow’, Madeleine befriended the city’s street musicians and made its Latin quarter her first stage. Years later, Peyroux would cite iconic Piaf as an influence on her music. There, her rendition of Piaf’s classic “La Vie En Rose”, soulfully captures the tune’s romanticism and melancholy.
Madeleine “grew up in a house filled with music” and from an early age “instinctively realized music’s soothing power”. Then, young Madeleine moved to Paris with her mother in 1987 following her parents’ divorce. “To soothe me during the upheaval”, she recalls, “I was given a guitar and took to playing in the streets almost immediately.”
Thirty years after her formative busking days Peyroux is the proud curator of nine beguiling albums. The soundtrack of Oscar-winner The Shape of Water features her atmospheric version of Serge Gainsbourg’s “La Javanaise”. Additionally, her countless accolades include the coveted BBC International Artist of the Year honor.
Recommended for fans of Norah Jones, Melody Gardot, Diana Krall and Stacey Kent.

Dinner Du Nord
2026-09-10 17:30 - 20:30
Take your seat at Minnesota’s largest outdoor dinner party and experience downtown Minneapolis like never before! Dinner Du Nord transforms Nicollet Mall into one long communal table, bringing together thousands of guests for an evening of exceptional food, drinks, and connection. Enjoy a family-style meal featuring chef-inspired creations from Dakota Chef Asher Zulkosky as dishes are passed down the table, encouraging conversation, community, and shared experiences. As you dine, enjoy live music from Sidewalk Café performing along Nicollet Mall, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Meet fellow diners and soak in the energy of the city around you!
DAKOTA MENU:

Dakota Smorgasbord
Smoked salmon, Kramarczuk’s andouille sausage, house pickles, mustard, focaccia, house made crackers, smoked tomato chutney, artisanal cheese
Family style meal

Herb salad
Smoked chicken roulade
Baked mac and cheese
Hush puppies & remoulade

Dessert
Stone fruit cake
Additional Info
• The above menu is Dakota’s choice of signature dishes
• There are no substitutions
• Bar and wine service are not included with the all in pricing
•1st course will be served at 6pm.
*Membership discounts do not apply

Bettye LaVette Duo
2026-09-11 19:00 - 21:00
“Classic soul singing doesn’t get any better.” – New York Times

An intimate evening with Bettye LaVette, accompanied by Etienne Stadwijk on keyboards.
The New York Times hailed Bettye LaVette as “one of the great soul interpreters of her generation”. Here, she serves as song stylist, able to take a song from any genre and make it completely her own. To quote the late, great George Jones, “Bettye is truly a ‘singer’s singer’.”
These intimate shows feature Bettye performing songs and telling stories from throughout her sixty-four-year career. Furthermore, hearing Bettye in this setting, stripped down to just her voice and keyboards, provides a very captivating experience.
Her career began in 1962, at sixteen years old, in Detroit, Michigan. Atlantic Records released her first single, “My Man-He’s A Lovin’ Man”. Then, throughout the 60s and 70s, she recorded for several major labels, but never broke through. Additionally, she appeared in the Broadway musical Bubbling Brown Sugar alongside Honi Coles and Cab Calloway.
Since her resurgence in 2000, the R&B Foundation awarded her its Pioneer Award, and she has won several Blues Music Awards. Also, both the Blues Hall of Fame and R&B Hall of Fame inducted her. Moreover, the Americana Music Association presented her with the Legacy Award, and she has received seven Grammy nominations.
According to Steve Jordan, who produced her last three albums: “When Bettye gets a hold of a song, it becomes her song. It’s like she wrote it. Bettye LaVette is like a combination of Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Miles Davis.”
Now, LaVette is eighty years old and in her sixty-fourth year in show business. Here, she is one of very few who were active during the birth of soul music in the 1960s who still perform and create vital recordings today.
Recommended for fans of Bob Moses, Sam Cooke, Andra Day and Martha Reeves & The Vandellas.

The Thrill is Gone: A Birthday Celebration of B.B. King
2026-09-12 19:00 - 21:00
An All-Star Twin Cities lineup celebrates the “King of the Blues”.

B.B. King was one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. There, he was celebrated for his soulful voice, expressive guitar playing, and unmistakable sound on his beloved guitar, “Lucille.” Born Riley B. King in Mississippi in 1925, he rose from the Delta blues tradition to become an international icon. Moreover, he inspired generations of blues, rock, and soul musicians.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, King earned fifteen Grammy Awards. Additionally, he recorded enduring classics including “The Thrill Is Gone”, “Every Day I Have the Blues”, and “Sweet Little Angel”. Known worldwide as the “King of the Blues,” B.B. King’s extraordinary music and legacy continue to influence artists and audiences around the world.
Featuring an all-star Twin Cities lineup:
Curt Obeda, guitar & vocals
Ken Valdez, guitar & vocals
Markiss, guitar & vocals
Alex Rossi, guitar & vocals
Tony Axtell, bass
Brian Ziemniak, keys
Matthew Mwangi, drums
Recommended for fans of Albert Collins, Muddy Waters, Albert King and John Lee Hooker.

Dominique Fils-Aimé
2026-09-13 19:00 - 23:00
“so much soul… unmistakably sunlit style” – Spin

Dominique Fils-Aimé has established herself as one of today’s leading voices in vocal jazz. Also, the Montreal singer-songwriter has won two Juno Awards. Her latest album, Our Roots Run Deep (2023), earned the 2024 JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Additionally, it received the 2024 Félix Award for Best Jazz Album at ADISQ. There, this affirms the importance of her artistic vision at the crossroads of jazz, soul, and blues.
In February 2026, she unveiled the second chapter of her sophomore trilogy with new album My World Is The Sun. With this project, Fils-Aimé continues her exploration of sonic, creative, and spiritual freedom.
On stage, she offers an immersive performance that invites audiences to delve into the roots of their soul. Moreover, she is guided by a profound quest for connection. She released her first live album Live at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in 2025. Here, it stands as a testament to the strength of her stage presence and her ability to forge an intimate bond with her audience.
In recent years, she has performed on many prestigious stages. For example, Blue Note New York, Blue Note Los Angeles, Monterey Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz Festival. Additionally, she has opened for Melody Gardot, Diana Krall, and Jamie Cullum in many European theaters.
In 2026, Dominique Fils-Aimé will bring her new album to the stage on a world tour. Thus, she has announced concerts in Europe at La Maroquinerie (Paris) and Le Botanique (Brussels). Further, dates in Canada at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and across the United States.
Recommended for fans of Erykah Badu, Gregory Porter, Lianne La Havas and José James.
📸: Vladim Vilain

Lucía
2026-09-14 19:00 - 21:00
“rich kaleidoscope of references… unique voice” – DownBeat

Lucía is a 24-year-old vocalist from Veracruz, México. Her singular artistic vision bridges the gaps between jazz, Latin and pop music. Lucía Gutierrez Rebolloso started her musical career at the age of two. There, she sang and danced in her parents’ son jarocho band, Son de Madera. Then, she began studying voice at the age of thirteen at Universidad Veracruzana. Additionally, she received a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies there. In 2022, she became the first Mexican artist to enter the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, which she won.
Lucía has already collaborated with several world-renowned artists and musicians. Here, these include Natalia Lafourcade, Aloe Blacc, La Santa Cecilia, Quetzal, Son de Madera, Alex Mercado and the National Jazz Orchestra of Mexico (ONJMX in Spanish). She has performed on notable stages worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Also, Royce Hall at UCLA, the ASU Gammage in Arizona, and El Cantoral. Additionally, the National Center for the Arts and the Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris in Mexico City. She has also performed in renowned festivals like the Vancouver Folk Festival and the International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Lucía released her first full album in 2025. Here, it presents Lucía’s interpretations of jazz standards (“What a Difference a Day Makes,” “You Must Believe in Spring,”). Also, classic Spanish songs (“Silencio,” “La Llorona,” “Como Fue”) and current pop songs (by Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo). Furthermore, the album featuring an extraordinary group of musicians including Edward Simon, David Sanchez, Larry Grenadier and Antonio Sánchez.
Recommended for fans of Bria Skonberg, Emma Smith, Rachael & Vilray and Stella Cole.
📸: Shervin Lainez

Mike Stern Band
2026-09-15 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-09-15 21:00 - 23:00
“an amazing ear for harmony and endlessly creative… exhilarating” – PopMatters

Mike Stern is one of the true guitar greats of his generation. There, he plays with remarkable facility, and his searing lines draw mainly on bebop and the blues. Additionally, he carries a rock-tinged intensity. He uniquely combines the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent, overdriven attack of Jimi Hendrix.
Stern made his mark with Miles Davis in the early ‘80s before launching his solo career in 1985. Since then, he has released seventeen recordings as a leader, six of which received Grammy nominations. Moreover, his latest recording, 2024’s Echoes and Other Songs, features an all-star cast.
Musicians, critics and fans hail drummer Dennis Chambers for his technique and speed. Furthermore, they particularly praise his ability to play “in the pocket”. Thus, he has worked with John Scofield, George Duke, Brecker Brothers, Steely Dan, Santana, Parliament/Funkadelic, John McLaughlin, and more.
Bassist Noam Tanzer moves among a diverse world of styles. There, these vary from improvised music to hardcore metal, from indie rock in Spanish to the music of Billy Strayhorn. Noam has worked with Paquito D’Rivera, Miguel Zenon, Julieta Rada and others.
Regarded as the First Lady of jazz guitar, Leni Stern has become a respected force on the global music scene. Also, she has led her own groups for over three decades. Additionally, Guitar Player once described her work as “a case study in the interactive properties of composition and improvisation.”
Saxophonist Bob Franceschini ranks among the most in-demand players in New York. There, he has worked with George Benson, Eddie Palmieri, Woody Shaw, Kenny Kirkland, Chris Botti, Chaka Khan and many others.
Recommended for fans of John Scofield, Miles Davis, Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorius.
📸: Sandrine Lee

VIP Event: Taj Farrant
2026-09-16 16:30 - 17:30
Click the link below for show tickets!
Taj Farrant: SEP 16 • 7:00pm performance

Join Taj Farrant for an exclusive pre-show VIP experience!
Your VIP upgrade includes:

Pre-show Meet & Greet with Taj Farrant
Photo Opportunity
Autographs (Bring your own items or purchase merchandise at the merch table)

Check-in Time: Please arrive at the venue by 4:30 PM.
After check-in, you’ll be escorted to the VIP area for the meet & greet, which takes place before doors open at 5:30 PM.

IMPORTANT: This is not a ticket to the show. Purchase your show ticket here

“a powerful force in the blues world” – Blues & Rock Review

Taj Farrant is an Australian guitarist and musician known for his remarkable talent at a young age. He gained recognition through social media platforms, particularly for his impressive guitar covers and original compositions. Additionally, Taj has been featured in various music festivals For example, Big Blues Bender in Vegas, Telluride Blues & Brew and Australia’s largest Blues Festival, Bluesfest. He has also collaborated with established artists such as Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, and the Hendrix Experience team. There, he showcases his skills in genres like rock and blues. Furthermore, his unique style and virtuosity have earned him a growing fanbase and accolades within the music community.
Farrant’s debut album tour, titled Chapter One, marks an exciting milestone for this young Australian guitarist and singer-songwriter. There, he launched the tour to coincide with the release of his highly anticipated first album. Also, the tour showcases his exceptional talent and eclectic musical style, blending rock, blues, and pop influences. With electrifying performances and heartfelt songwriting, Farrant captivates audiences as he embarks on this new artistic journey. Here, he solidifies his place in the music scene and promises a bright future ahead.
Recommended for fans of Joe Bonamassa, Jonny Lang, Gary Moore and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Taj Farrant
2026-09-16 19:00 - 21:00
VIP Meet & Greet Add-On. Click the link below for tickets!
Taj Farrant: SEP 16 • 4:30pm VIP Meet & Greet

“a powerful force in the blues world” – Blues & Rock Review

Taj Farrant is an Australian guitarist and musician known for his remarkable talent at a young age. He gained recognition through social media platforms, particularly for his impressive guitar covers and original compositions. Additionally, Taj has been featured in various music festivals For example, Big Blues Bender in Vegas, Telluride Blues & Brew and Australia’s largest Blues Festival, Bluesfest. He has also collaborated with established artists such as Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, and the Hendrix Experience team. There, he showcases his skills in genres like rock and blues. Furthermore, his unique style and virtuosity have earned him a growing fanbase and accolades within the music community.
Farrant’s debut album tour, titled Chapter One, marks an exciting milestone for this young Australian guitarist and singer-songwriter. There, he launched the tour to coincide with the release of his highly anticipated first album. Also, the tour showcases his exceptional talent and eclectic musical style, blending rock, blues, and pop influences. With electrifying performances and heartfelt songwriting, Farrant captivates audiences as he embarks on this new artistic journey. Here, he solidifies his place in the music scene and promises a bright future ahead.
Recommended for fans of Joe Bonamassa, Jonny Lang, Gary Moore and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Mac McAnally
2026-09-18 19:00 - 21:00
“a true storyteller” – Americana Highways

Record setting ten-time Country Music Association Musician of the Year, Mac McAnally is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee. Additionally, he is in the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame and Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The renowned songwriter, singer, and instrumentalist has written dozens of hit records for other artists, several of which peaked at Number One. He has written hits for Alabama, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and Sawyer Brown, and has studio credits that include albums by Toby Keith, Linda Ronstadt, George Strait and Dolly Parton among many others.
McAnally notes that he typically sees three kinds of people at his shows. Those who have followed his career since his 1977 debut album. Those who recognize him as the guitarist in Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. And those who remember his notable credits in country music. The latter category is particularly impressive, with songs cut by Alabama (“Old Flame”), Kenny Chesney (“Back Where I Come From”), Sawyer Brown (“All These Years”), Shenandoah (“Two Dozen Roses”) and many others.
McAnally became a journeyman storyteller and musician. Also, he was an occasional, then full-time Coral Reefer, and duet partner on Nanci Griffith’s seminal “Gulf Coast Highway.” He can talk about recording the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in New Orleans and Jimmy Buffett’s vocals in Key West. Then, he marvels about Kenny Chesney driving to Canada and back to see a girl listening to Mac’s Simple Life the entire way. He talks about, “ridiculous things. I’ve gotten to open shows for Willie Nelson, play with Ray Charles and talk music with Sir Paul McCartney. I don’t mean to name drop, but I love all those people and their music.”
Recommended for fans of Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Alabama and Dolly Parton.

Talib Kweli
2026-09-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-19 21:30 - 23:30
“the vanguard for deep-thinking conscious rap” – Pitchfork

Talib Kweli is one of the most lyrically gifted, socially aware and politically insightful rappers working today. The Brooklyn-based MC has earned his stripes with over twenty years of recording and performing.
“I’m a touring artist. I’m an artist that’s internationally known. Not just a local artist at this point in my career. I’m cognizant of the fact that what I do is beyond where it started. I am trying to reach the apex of where I am now, but without turning my back on or dismissing what I’ve done before.”
After twenty years of releasing mesmerizing music, Kweli stands as one of the world’s most talented and accomplished hip-hop artists. He works regularly with Yasiin Bey as one-half of Black Star, and partners with producer Hi-Tek for Reflection Eternal. Then, he collaborates with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Just Blaze, J Dilla, and Madlib. However, his landmark solo material sets him apart. Here, Kweli commands attention by delivering top-tier lyricism. Also, he crafts captivating stories and can rhyme over virtually any type of instrumental.
Kweli founded Javotti Media in 2011, which is self-defined as “a platform for independent thinkers and doers.” The company, named after his paternal grandmother, released his 2011 album, Gutter Rainbows. Kweli has set out to make Javotti Media into a media powerhouse that releases music, films and books.
Recommended for fans of De La Soul, The Roots, Yasiin Bey and Fugees.

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights at Orchestra Hall
2026-09-20 19:00 - 21:00
“He’s the only individual artist to top the Hot 100 with both a vocal hit and an instrumental hit.” – Billboard

Get ready for a very special evening with Herb Alpert and his brand-new Tijuana Brass. Herb along with his six great musicians will be playing all your favorite TJB hit songs just as you remember. The band includes Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (drums) and Hussain Jiffry (bass).
2025 marked the sixtieth anniversary of the iconic album Whipped Cream & Other Delights. Herb and the band will be performing many of those great songs in addition to many other hit songs. “The Lonely Bull”, “Spanish Flea”, “Taste of Honey”, “Mexican Shuffle”, “Tijuana Taxi”, “This Guy’s In Love With You”, “What Now My Love”, “Zorba the Greek”, “Ladyfingers”, “Rise” and many other delights. Further, the show features a giant video screen. There, hundreds of classic photos, videos, art and various memorabilia from Herb’s music career will be displayed.
A legendary trumpet player, Herb Alpert’s extraordinary musicianship has earned him five Number One hits. Additionally, he has nine Grammy Awards, fifteen Gold albums, fourteen Platinum albums and has sold over 72 million records worldwide. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass propelled his sound into the limelight, at one point outselling The Beatles two to one. In 1966, they achieved the remarkable feat of simultaneously having four albums in the Billboard Top Ten. Furthermore, they had five in the Top Twenty. Alpert is also the only artist who has had a Number One instrumental (“Rise”) and a Number One vocal record (“This Guy’s In Love With You”).
Recommended for fans of Chris Botti, Andy Williams, Sergio Mendez & Brasil ’66 and Chuck Mangione.
📸: Dewey Nicks

This performance excludes A-Train membership benefits, except for early access.

Shoshana Bean
2026-09-21 19:00 - 21:00
“a vocalist who could set a stage on fire with a single note.” – Broadway World

Shoshana Bean is a Grammy Award winner and three-time Tony Award nominee. She can currently be seen starring in The Lost Boys musical on Broadway. Prior to that she starred in Alicia Keys’ hit Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen. There, her portrayal of ‘Jersey’ earned her a Grammy Award, her second Tony Award nomination, a Drama League Award nomination, and a Drama Desk nomination. Furthermore, her performance in the Public Theater’s Hell’s Kitchen Off-Broadway production earned her a Lucille Lortel Award nomination.
In 2022, she received Tony and Grammy nominations as well as an Outer Critics Circle Award Nomination. Also, a Drama League Award Nomination for her role as Susan Young opposite Billy Crystal in Broadway’s Mr. Saturday Night. Additionally, she previously starred on Broadway as the first replacement for Elphaba in Wicked and as Jenna in Waitress.
Her six independent studio albums and EP’s have landed her on top of the iTunes and Billboard charts. Additionally, she haslent her voice to countless films and television shows. There, these include The Boys, Sing, Sing 2, Enchanted, Jersey Boys, Glee, and Galavant. Shoshana made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray, and appeared Off-Broadway in the 2000 revival of Godspell. Also, she performed in Songs for a New World at City Center Encores.
Regionally, she appeared in Sarah Silverman’s The Bedwetter, and won an IRNE Award for her performance in Funny Girl. Additionally, she earned a Jeff Award nomination for her portrayal of CeeCee Bloom in the pre-Broadway musical production of Beaches. She has appeared in Bloodline, Bill and Ted Face The Music, and Great Performances: 50 Years of Broadway’s Best. Recently, she filmed a solo concert special for PBS.
Recommended for fans of Toby Gad, Lawrence, Joy Woods and Andra Day.

Quinn Sullivan
2026-09-22 19:00 - 21:00
“a cosmic whirlwind of guitar-driven songs” – Glide

Quinn Sullivan is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He rose to prominence in the early 2000’s and continues to amaze audiences worldwide. Born and raised in New Bedford Massachusetts, Quinn grew up in a musical household listening to classic rock, jazz and blues. There, Quinn credits his early obsession with The Beatles as the impetus for him to pursue music as a career.
He received his first guitar at the tender age of three and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. He gained national attention with appearances on afternoon and late-night television shows (Tonight Show, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmell, and Conan O’Brien). Then, in 2007, Quinn met music legend Buddy Guy, who invited him onstage. Additionally, Guy would later invite him to tour and record with him throughout the next decade.
Over the years, Quinn has evolved from a remarkable young talent into a mature, emotive artist. Here, he is known for blending blues, rock, and classic influences. His discography includes multiple albums, with his fifth release, 2024’s Salvation, recognized as his most personal work. There, he explores themes of loss, love, and resilience. He has been praised not only for his exceptional guitar skills but also for his songwriting. Further, he draws inspiration from both his musical roots and his own life experiences.
Quinn’s personal journey profoundly influences his music and stage performance. His music reflects years of growth, resilience, and emotional depth shaped by life experiences including personal loss and soulful introspection. Moreover, his recent albums explore themes of love, hardship, and redemption. Thus, they translate into performances full of honest emotion and at the same time full of raw energy and enthusiasm, Here, Sullivan makes every concert not just a show but a personal and transformative experience.
Recommended for fans of Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Joe Bonamassa.
📸: Chris Gamber

Pure Prairie League
2026-09-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-23 21:00 - 23:00
“soaring harmonies, lilting love songs, and rollicking Southern rockers” – No Depression

Pure Prairie League continues to embellish its rich fifty-plus year history of one of country-rock’s pioneering forces. There, they began in mid-Sixties Ohio as a group of friends playing cover tunes. Now, the present-day unit features the propulsive team of drummer Scott Thompson and bassist Jared Camic. Additionally, keyboard master Randy Harper, guitar ace/vocalist Jeff Zona and pedal steel/saxophonist John Heinrich. Here, as one reviewer recently wrote: “PPL’s sound combines sweet memories with edgy, contemporary muscle. Their vocals are as strong as Kentucky moonshine and the musicianship and performance skills are as sharp as a straight razor”.
PPL’s eponymous first album has been hailed as a major early influence in the emerging popularity of country-rock music. Then, their second effort, the multi-platinum Bustin’ Out featured the Craig Fuller-penned classic “Amie”, along with other gems of the genre. Also, over several albums and countless shows, a legacy has been forged and enriched. The band has enjoyed contributions from several noteworthy members, including original co-founder George Ed Powell, and Cincinnati’s legendary Goshorn Brothers. Also, Country Hall of Famers Gary Burr and Vince Gill, award-winning writer Jeff Wilson (three Top twenty singles), top Nashville session vocalist Curtis Wright and others. Furthermore, they have featured guest appearances from Chet Atkins, Johnny Gimble, Emmylou Harris, David Sanborn, Don Felder (Eagles), and more.
Moreover, the new generation: Keith Urban, Nickel Creek, Wilco, Counting Crows and more cite PPL as a major influence.
Now, with the release of 2024’s Back On Track, PPL brings it all back home with a dozen new songs. Here, they complete the circle begun in 1970 and continues to this day.
Recommended for fans of Poco, The Doobie Brothers, The Eagles and The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Jon B
2026-09-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-24 21:30 - 23:30
“fusion of seductive hip-hop soul and gushy R&B” – NME

Jon B is a consummate artist. He is an accomplished musician and noted songwriter and producer with several gold and platinum records under his belt. His is a richly textured body of music, a testament to one man’s love for all things soul. His beginning was seasoned by early influences including Duran Duran, Inxs, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Babyface, Prince and Sade. Then, he spent the summer after high school writing, producing and recording forty incredible songs. There, he began making his rounds to all major record labels.
Within a few months, he’d met Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and his wife, Tracy Edmonds. Soon, they signed Jon to their label, Edmonds Record Group. Then, the relationship between Jon and Edmonds immediately bore fruit. His debut album Bonafide went platinum and the single “Someone to Love” received a Grammy nomination. His sophomore effort, Cool Relax, also went platinum and earned him multiple Billboard Music Award nominations. Additionally, he received a Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best Male Single for “Are U Still Down”. This featured the legendary Tupac Shakur collaborating with Jon in the studio.
Jon became an in-demand producer, working with Nas, Faith Evans, and many more. His appreciation for music and modern culture saw him break free of the strictures of R&B. Also, he incorporated hip-hop, rock, reggae and jazz into his versatile sound.
Jon went on to write and produce records for Luther Vandross and Toni Braxton. Also, he worked with Gina Thompson, Color Me Badd, Az Yet, as well as remixing Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone”.
Recommended for fans of Boyz II Men, Babyface, Mint Condition and New Edition.

Dakota Block Party 2026
2026-09-26 14:00 - 22:00
The Dakota Block Party Returns in 2026!

Mark your calendars for a free, all-ages celebration filled with live music, community, and summer fun.
Event Details
What: Dakota Block Party 2026
When: Saturday, SEP 26, 2026 | 2–10pm
Where: Nicollet Mall
Cost: Free and open to the public
OUTSIDE ON NICOLLET MALL
Nicollet Stage Live Music Lineup:

L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE
Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
Liv Warfield
Dylan Salfer
Sounds of Blackness feat. Jamecia Bennett

Treble Makers Kids’ Corner (Outside Tent):
The Treble Makers kids’ area returns with even more activities this year including:

Kid-friendly songs from The Bazillions
Instrument “petting zoo”
Face painting
Doughnut decorating
Tie-dye activities
Sparkle hair extensions
Sidewalk chalk art
& More!

MPLS Craft & Vintage Market:
Explore the craft and vintage market on Nicollet.
Food:

Dakota Grill tent by Chef Asher Zulkosky
Food trucks from around the Twin Cities!

Drinks:

Bar tent by Pryes & The Wine Company

Dakota Merch Tent:

Located on Nicollet

INSIDE AT THE DAKOTA
Dakota Stage Live Music Lineup (Reserve a table for a timeslot below for FREE):
TIMESLOT 1
Moore by Four
Lucia Sarmiento
TIMESLOT 2
Joe Pulice Big Band
Karrin Allyson
TIMESLOT 3
The New Standards
Indoor Dakota seating reservations and VIP options open on 9/3! Check your Insider Presale email next Thursday.
To give as many guests as possible an opportunity to experience the indoor performances, Dakota will offer FREE reserved seating during three designated time blocks, along with standing-room access. Guests may reserve seats for one time block in advance. Additional seats will be held for the day of the Block Party and offered on a first-come, first-seated basis.
INSIDE AT THE QUINLAN ROOM BY DAKOTA
Inside the historic Young-Quinlan Building, the new Quinlan Room by Dakota adds more music and activities to this year’s Block Party. These activities will include:

MacPhail Faculty and Student Ensemble

MacPhail Center for Music is one of the preeminent music schools in the country. As the nation’s largest community music school, MacPhail serves more than 15,000 students each year, spanning all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Its Varsity Ensembles feature top student talent from around the area.

Swing Dancing with the Southside Aces

Including complimentary dance instruction!
Founded in Minneapolis in 2003 by clarinetist Tony Balluff and sousaphone player Erik Jacobson, Southside Aces celebrates early jazz, ragtime and New Orleans traditions, drawing inspiration from the music of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet and other pioneers of the genre

PRESS RELEASE
MINNEAPOLIS — May 27, 2026 — Dakota will once again host a free block party in downtown Minneapolis on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, from 2 to 10 p.m. on Nicollet Mall.
Following a highly successful 40th anniversary event in 2025 that drew more than 10,000 attendees, the Dakota Block Party returns for 2026 with an expanded format. The 2026 event will include an outdoor stage on Nicollet Mall, Dakota’s indoor stage and the club’s new event space, The Quinlan Room by Dakota, just one block from Dakota inside the historic Young Quinlan Building.
“The response last year was incredible,” said Lowell Pickett, Dakota founder and partner. “So many people – fans, musicians and community leaders alike – asked us to do it again. The energy, the excitement and the sense of community were all fantastic, and we’re excited to bring all that back this year and in an even bigger way.”
The 2026 Dakota Block Party will feature a lineup of more than a dozen musical acts throughout the afternoon and evening, along with food and beverage offerings from Dakota and local partners. Plus, there will once again be a local Makers’ Market, and kids “Treble Makers” play area with family-friendly activities.
Media Contact
Jacqueline Hanson
Hanson Communications
Jacqueline@HansonPR.com
945.451.5000
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
Sponsors:

Sponsor Links:
Minneapolis Foundation
Sam Grabarski and Lisa Meyer
The 614 Company
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Xcel Energy
RBC Wealth Management
The Lofton Hotel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Minnesota Twins
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

VIP Event: Alicia Witt: Album Release
2026-09-27 16:30 - 17:30
Click the link below for show tickets!
Alicia Witt: Album Release – SEP 27 • 7:00pm performance

Alicia Witt VIP Meet & Greet Upgrade – $50
IMPORTANT: This is not a ticket to the show.
You must have a concert ticket in order to purchase this VIP Meet & Greet upgrade.
Join Alicia Witt for an exclusive pre-show VIP experience!
Your VIP upgrade includes:

Pre-show Meet & Greet with Alicia Witt
Photo Opportunity
Autographs (Bring up to 5 items from home or purchase merchandise at the merch table)

Check-in Time: Please arrive at the venue by 4:30 PM.
After check-in, you’ll be escorted to the VIP area for the meet & greet, which takes place before doors open at 5:30 PM.
*Availability for this event is limited to ensure proper time to spend with everyone.

“gorgeously sung… If this is what ‘directing from beyond’ sounds like, it’s rather beautiful.” – Times UK, 7/2026

Alicia Witt releases Between Heaven and Earth, the haunting and deeply personal new album, August 28 via Thirty Tigers. Witt recorded the album live in New York City with producer Joe Henry and a band she assembled specifically for the project. Now, the album occupies a space suspended between transcendence and intimacy. On it, Witt channels “eternal unconditional love” and “the place suspended between heaven and earth.”
David Lynch’s influence and memory profoundly shaped the album. There, his impact on Witt stretches back to her first film role as Alia in Dune at age seven. “I can’t imagine who I would be without David Lynch,” Witt reflects. “He is weaved throughout the fabric of my life.” Throughout Between Heaven and Earth, Witt explores what she learned from Lynch “regarding love. The eternal nature of it, the idea that only love is real.” Moreover, she describes his presence as palpable during the record’s creation. “David was with us every day in the studio. All six of us in the band felt his presence.”
Witt is widely recognized for her acclaimed acting career spanning film, television, and stage. However, music remains a constant throughline in her life. She is a classically trained pianist who supported herself as a musician when she first moved to Los Angeles. Also, Witt integrates music into her creative identity, through her own songwriting and in many of her onscreen roles. She’s released multiple full-length albums, including Revisionary History (2015), The Conduit (2021), and I Think I’m Spending Christmas With You (2024). Here, Between Heaven and Earth represents the latest chapter in that ongoing musical journey.
Witt tracked the album live over four days, recording vocals and instrumentation simultaneously. There, she embraced what she calls a “visceral and eternal” energy, one that “could never be replicated.” Guided by Henry’s vision and the chemistry of the musicians in the room, the band created the songs instinctively and in-the-moment. Consequently, the album features minimal overdubs and an openness to what Witt repeatedly refers to as “that place”. Thus, the transcendent emotional state she connects to through Transcendental Meditation, prayer, creativity, and Lynch’s work itself.
The songs on Between Heaven and Earth explore themes of longing, fate, healing, surrender, nostalgia, gratitude, and connection through what Witt describes as a lens of “insistent optimism.” The title track embraces “a mystical connection with a brand-new person.” Also, they root themselves in “childlike faith in the possibility” and the belief that “it does no harm to dream.” On “Artifacts,” Witt examines “releasing ancient lessons that no longer serve,” gently excavating old wounds and learning “how to love.” Also, “Kindred” channels the feeling of “walls crumbling” and “barriers evaporating in a fabric made of light and destiny.” Then, “Build Me A Dream” reflects on “constructing the reality we wish to exist in” and recognizing “an eternal soul connection.”
Elsewhere, songs like “Freeze Frame,” “Test Drive,” and “Blue Moon” meditate on alternate timelines and nostalgia. Also, the peaceful acceptance of connections that were not meant to remain. On “Thank You,” featuring John Paul White, Witt transforms heartbreak into gratitude. Here, Witt reflects on relationships that “cleared the way for new relationships and opportunities to come in.” On “Love Anyway,” Witt sings about unconditional love that remains even when unreturned: “The love is what’s important. You love and give love without condition or expectation.”
Witt closes the album with “The Director,” a bonus track she describes as “communication with David” and “a collection of his words to me since he passed away.” She completed the song spontaneously during the album’s final day in the studio. There, she recorded a single uninterrupted performance while the microphones continued running during lunch break. “I just knew when I played this one that it had arrived and was complete at last,” she recalls.
For Witt, Between Heaven and Earth ultimately explores connection — to spirit, to memory, to other people, and to something larger than ourselves. “Too often, it seems to me, people imagine love in a vacuum,” she explains. “I know love to be eternal and unconditional.” Thus, the result is an album rooted not in bitterness or regret. Here, it’s rooted in surrender, gratitude, wonder, and the belief that “only love can change minds and hearts.”
“What all these songs have in common is that there is no bitterness. No angst, no revenge, nothing resembling hatred or regret,” Witt says. “This is my offering. May it bring you exactly where you need it to bring you.”
Presave the album here
Recommended for fans of Patty Griffin, Over the Rhine, Shawn Colvin and Natalie Merchant.

Alicia Witt: Album Release
2026-09-27 19:00 - 21:00
VIP Meet & Greet Add-On. Click the links below for tickets!
Alicia Witt: Album Release – SEP 27 • 4:30pm VIP Meet & Greet

“gorgeously sung… If this is what ‘directing from beyond’ sounds like, it’s rather beautiful.” – Times UK, 7/2026

Alicia Witt releases Between Heaven and Earth, the haunting and deeply personal new album, August 28 via Thirty Tigers. Witt recorded the album live in New York City with producer Joe Henry and a band she assembled specifically for the project. Now, the album occupies a space suspended between transcendence and intimacy. On it, Witt channels “eternal unconditional love” and “the place suspended between heaven and earth.”
David Lynch’s influence and memory profoundly shaped the album. There, his impact on Witt stretches back to her first film role as Alia in Dune at age seven. “I can’t imagine who I would be without David Lynch,” Witt reflects. “He is weaved throughout the fabric of my life.” Throughout Between Heaven and Earth, Witt explores what she learned from Lynch “regarding love. The eternal nature of it, the idea that only love is real.” Moreover, she describes his presence as palpable during the record’s creation. “David was with us every day in the studio. All six of us in the band felt his presence.”
Witt is widely recognized for her acclaimed acting career spanning film, television, and stage. However, music remains a constant throughline in her life. She is a classically trained pianist who supported herself as a musician when she first moved to Los Angeles. Also, Witt integrates music into her creative identity, through her own songwriting and in many of her onscreen roles. She’s released multiple full-length albums, including Revisionary History (2015), The Conduit (2021), and I Think I’m Spending Christmas With You (2024). Here, Between Heaven and Earth represents the latest chapter in that ongoing musical journey.
Witt tracked the album live over four days, recording vocals and instrumentation simultaneously. There, she embraced what she calls a “visceral and eternal” energy, one that “could never be replicated.” Guided by Henry’s vision and the chemistry of the musicians in the room, the band created the songs instinctively and in-the-moment. Consequently, the album features minimal overdubs and an openness to what Witt repeatedly refers to as “that place”. Thus, the transcendent emotional state she connects to through Transcendental Meditation, prayer, creativity, and Lynch’s work itself.
The songs on Between Heaven and Earth explore themes of longing, fate, healing, surrender, nostalgia, gratitude, and connection through what Witt describes as a lens of “insistent optimism.” The title track embraces “a mystical connection with a brand-new person.” Also, they root themselves in “childlike faith in the possibility” and the belief that “it does no harm to dream.” On “Artifacts,” Witt examines “releasing ancient lessons that no longer serve,” gently excavating old wounds and learning “how to love.” Also, “Kindred” channels the feeling of “walls crumbling” and “barriers evaporating in a fabric made of light and destiny.” Then, “Build Me A Dream” reflects on “constructing the reality we wish to exist in” and recognizing “an eternal soul connection.”
Elsewhere, songs like “Freeze Frame,” “Test Drive,” and “Blue Moon” meditate on alternate timelines and nostalgia. Also, the peaceful acceptance of connections that were not meant to remain. On “Thank You,” featuring John Paul White, Witt transforms heartbreak into gratitude. Here, Witt reflects on relationships that “cleared the way for new relationships and opportunities to come in.” On “Love Anyway,” Witt sings about unconditional love that remains even when unreturned: “The love is what’s important. You love and give love without condition or expectation.”
Witt closes the album with “The Director,” a bonus track she describes as “communication with David” and “a collection of his words to me since he passed away.” She completed the song spontaneously during the album’s final day in the studio. There, she recorded a single uninterrupted performance while the microphones continued running during lunch break. “I just knew when I played this one that it had arrived and was complete at last,” she recalls.
For Witt, Between Heaven and Earth ultimately explores connection — to spirit, to memory, to other people, and to something larger than ourselves. “Too often, it seems to me, people imagine love in a vacuum,” she explains. “I know love to be eternal and unconditional.” Thus, the result is an album rooted not in bitterness or regret. Here, it’s rooted in surrender, gratitude, wonder, and the belief that “only love can change minds and hearts.”
“What all these songs have in common is that there is no bitterness. No angst, no revenge, nothing resembling hatred or regret,” Witt says. “This is my offering. May it bring you exactly where you need it to bring you.”
Presave the album here
Recommended for fans of Patty Griffin, Over the Rhine, Shawn Colvin and Natalie Merchant.

Kavyesh Kaviraj: Sanctuary
2026-09-28 19:00 - 21:00
“he’s a natural musical storyteller with a great future” – Jazzwise

Kavyesh Kaviraj, piano
Graydon Peterson, bass
Miguel Hurtado, drums
Alan Snow, 1st violin
Sarah Grimes, 2nd violin
Lydia Grimes, viola
Sonia Mantell, cello
Kavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories into his music. Here, he carefully weaves all his influences into a boundary-breaking modern jazz outfit. He is known as a pianist, composer and arranger, collaborating frequently with the finest Twin Cities artists and beyond.
Kavyesh has garnered acclaim in many musical climates, but calls St. Paul, MN home. Furthermore, he is a sought-after musician in many genres but is primarily a jazz pianist. He has performed with several internationally renowned artists. For example, Wynton Marsalis, David Sanchez, Justin Robinson, Roosevelt Collier, Steve Cole, and others. Additionally, he has been an important member of the local music circuit. Here he collaborates with local jazz legends like Debbie Duncan, Bruce Henry, Babatunde Lea, Kevin Washington, and L.A. Buckner. Also, he is active in hip-hop, gospel, R&B, funk scenes and many crossover acts.
Kavyesh’s debut album, 2024’s Fables, describes his long journey of honing his craft in Oman, India and the Twin Cities. Accompanied by the Twin Cities’ finest musicians, Fables is a vivid journey through this young composer’s lens.
Kavyesh was born into music. Born to Indian parents in Oman, he began his fledgling musical career in the small town of Sohar. There, his family, steeped in rich musical ancestry, encouraged him to begin his journey at the piano at age two. Thus, he attributes his span of musical curiosity and experience to his upbringing. Moreover, he is educated in both South Indian Carnatic music and North Indian Hindustani music.
Recommended for fans of Ahmad Jamal, Kenny Barron, Wynton Marsalis and Joey Alexander.
