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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T203000
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DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T203849Z
UID:10002912-1751229000-1751236200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Spyro Gyra
DESCRIPTION:  \nIn 2024\, Jay Beckenstein and band started its observation of the fiftieth anniversary of the band. What started as a diversion\, something that was just for fun (and twenty-five cents at the door) continues its evolution into 2025. It began inauspiciously when Beckenstein and a few musician friends in Buffalo\, NY organized a get together on their shared night off from working in bands that actually made money. It was a simple\, humble idea with a name that was likewise simple and humble\, “Tuesday Night Jazz Jam”.  \nFast forward fifty years and this jazz super-group has released over thirty albums\, garnering gold and platinum along the way. They’ve played over 10\,000 concerts on six continents. Further\, Spyro Gyra has maintained its standards of excellence. Thus\, these standards have sustained them on the “A list” of live attractions in jazz for fifty years. Renowned bass player Will Lee once referred to the ensemble as a “well-oiled road machine” as a tribute to their daunting schedule\, bringing their music to fans around the globe. \nFans of the band are familiar with the group’s rise to international prominence from humble beginnings in Buffalo\, New York. That’s when a few area musicians arranged for a weekly gig of playing less commercial music on everyone’s night off. Soon the word got around; the core group was joined by many musicians to come and have fun. And customers started showing up\, too\, prompting the club owner to press Beckenstein for a band name. Beckenstein offered up this late night\, tipsy answer\, “You can call it ‘spirogyra’”\, algae he had studied once. The next week\, he came back and there it was\, misspelling and all\, and so it began in 1974. \nRecommended for fans of Return to Forever\, Yellowjackets\, David Sanborn and Brecker Brothers. \n\n \n📸: David White
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/spyro-gyra-7/2025-06-29/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-SpyroGyra-yheNhc.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T203849Z
UID:10002834-1751220000-1751227200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Spyro Gyra
DESCRIPTION:  \nIn 2024\, Jay Beckenstein and band started its observation of the fiftieth anniversary of the band. What started as a diversion\, something that was just for fun (and twenty-five cents at the door) continues its evolution into 2025. It began inauspiciously when Beckenstein and a few musician friends in Buffalo\, NY organized a get together on their shared night off from working in bands that actually made money. It was a simple\, humble idea with a name that was likewise simple and humble\, “Tuesday Night Jazz Jam”.  \nFast forward fifty years and this jazz super-group has released over thirty albums\, garnering gold and platinum along the way. They’ve played over 10\,000 concerts on six continents. Further\, Spyro Gyra has maintained its standards of excellence. Thus\, these standards have sustained them on the “A list” of live attractions in jazz for fifty years. Renowned bass player Will Lee once referred to the ensemble as a “well-oiled road machine” as a tribute to their daunting schedule\, bringing their music to fans around the globe. \nFans of the band are familiar with the group’s rise to international prominence from humble beginnings in Buffalo\, New York. That’s when a few area musicians arranged for a weekly gig of playing less commercial music on everyone’s night off. Soon the word got around; the core group was joined by many musicians to come and have fun. And customers started showing up\, too\, prompting the club owner to press Beckenstein for a band name. Beckenstein offered up this late night\, tipsy answer\, “You can call it ‘spirogyra’”\, algae he had studied once. The next week\, he came back and there it was\, misspelling and all\, and so it began in 1974. \nRecommended for fans of Return to Forever\, Yellowjackets\, David Sanborn and Brecker Brothers. \n\n \n📸: David White
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/spyro-gyra-7/2025-06-29/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-SpyroGyra-yheNhc.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250628T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250628T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T201745Z
UID:10002833-1751137200-1751144400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Sinatra – By Request: Andrew Walesch & His Orchestra
DESCRIPTION:  \nYou bring ‘em\, they play ‘em! Spend an evening calling the set list with singer and pianist Andrew Walesch and his orchestra. Relish in the vast catalogue of Frank Sinatra – songs of romance\, levity\, unrequited love and more. It’s a night all about the audience\, so come taste the wine\, come to the cabaret. \nLike a good many before him\, singer and pianist Andrew Walesch manages to encapsulate the sophistication of a cosmopolite and the self-effacing charm of a country boy. Leading his all-star ten-piece big band\, showman Andrew Walesch is a traditionalist and an iconoclast rolled into one. “The Sinatra-loving entertainer is both fresh and classic at the same time – and always swingin\,” raves Star Tribune critic Jon Bream. “Expect some Basie\, Bublé and Bennett mixed in with a little Ol’ Blue Eyes.” \n“I don’t attempt to imitate the great pop and jazz artists of the 50s and ’60s\,” says Andrew. “But I go for broke when we do our shows – vocally and musically – which is what they all did best and why they were in a class of their own.” \nHis vocal and piano chops\, along with his keen sensibility to find and interpret a great lyric\, have led to some great opportunities for Walesch. He has appeared on the nationally syndicated NPR broadcast Mountain Stage and more recently\, an invitation to perform at the 33rd Annual Cabaret Convention in the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. \nRecommended for fans of Tony Bennett\, Frank Sinatra\, Michael Bublé and Bing Crosby.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/sinatra-by-request-andrew-walesch-his-orchestra/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-AndrewWalesch-twqqvS.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250627T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250627T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T201015Z
UID:10002832-1751050800-1751058000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Stanley Jordan & Mimi Fox
DESCRIPTION:  \n“resonant mix of pop\, jazz\, blues\, funk\, and Americana that reaffirms Fox’s remarkable artistry” – Jazz Times\n  \nGuitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan’s career took flight in 1985 with commercial and critical acclaim. Since then\, he has consistently displayed a chameleonic musical persona of openness\, imagination\, versatility and maverick daring. Here\, he displays bold reinventions of classical masterpieces or soulful explorations through pop-rock hits. Also\, blazing straight ahead jazz forays and ultramodern improvisational works\, solo or with a group. Thus\, Jordan can always be counted on to take listeners on breathless journeys into the unexpected. \n“Jordan’s revolutionary approach to the instrument [is] shocking.” – All Music \nKey to Jordan’s fast-track acclaim is his mastery of a special technique on the guitar’s fretboard. Instead of conventional strumming and picking\, Jordan’s innovative “touch technique” is an advanced form of two-handed tapping. While a handful of others use similar techniques\, Stanley’s fluid\, multi-layered textures and sheer virtuosity raise the bar for excellence. However\, his technique\, though impressive\, is always a means to a musical end. \nGuitarist Mimi Fox presents a new project\, honoring the 100th anniversary of Wes Montgomery’s birth. Here\, she features her original pieces and well-crafted arrangements of Montgomery’s famous compositions. Fox has worked with organ masters Joey DeFrancesco and Barbara Dennerlein\, and she imbues the iconic B3 sound in her show. Also\, Fox runs the gamut from greasy blues and funk\, to luscious ballads and blazing bebop\, all with dazzling virtuosity. \nFox has been hailed by Guitar Player Magazine as “a prodigious talent who has not only mastered the traditional forms but has managed to reinvigorate them.” Additionally\, the internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer has won six consecutive DownBeat Magazine critic’s polls. \nRecommended for fans of Wes Montgomery\, Pat Metheny\, Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/stanley-jordan-mimi-fox/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-StanleyMimi-UoCcw3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T230000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250610T201521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T202632Z
UID:10002911-1750971600-1750978800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Stanley Clarke N•4EVER
DESCRIPTION:  \nStanley Clarke has attained “living legend” status during his over fifty-year career as a bass virtuoso. He is an NEA Jazz Master and four-time Grammy winner. Also\, he is the first bassist in history who doubles on acoustic and electric bass with equal ferocity. Moreover\, he is the first jazz-fusion bassist ever to headline tours\, selling out shows worldwide. A veteran of over forty albums\, he won the 2011 Best Contemporary Jazz Album Grammy for The Stanley Clarke Band. Clarke co-founded the seminal fusion group Return to Forever with Chick Corea and Lenny White. Then\, in 2012 Return to Forever won a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album\, Forever.  \nIn definitive innovator fashion\, jazz legend Stanley Clarke reimagines the genre with his 2025 double album Last Train to Sanity. Here\, he created this album as a gift for his fans. Last Train to Sanity encompasses music Clarke has been sharing around the world with his newest band Stanley Clarke N•4EVER.  \nThis new band was originally formed out of a desire to honor Clarke’s longtime friend and collaborator Chick Corea. However\, 4EVER has quickly become a fusion force all its own\, furthering the tradition of cultivating the cutting edge. True to the evolution of jazz fusion\, 4EVER brings a powerful combination of jazz harmony and improvisation with rock\, funk\, R&B\, hip-hop and electronic music influences. \nClarke will release Last Train to Sanity as a double-CD/vinyl package. Also\, he will release a deluxe package that features collectors‘ items. He will also release the record in conjunction with an exclusive coffee-table book. This is filled with rare clippings\, photographs\, and stories from Stanley’s illustrious journey in music to date. \nRecommended for Fans of Jaco Pastorius\, Marcus Miller\, Victor Wooten and John Patitucci. \n\n \n📸: Matt Lorentzen
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/stanley-clarke-n4ever-3-copy/2025-06-26/3/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-StanleyClarkeN4EVER-2FVM05.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250610T201521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T202632Z
UID:10002910-1750962600-1750969800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Stanley Clarke N•4EVER
DESCRIPTION:  \nStanley Clarke has attained “living legend” status during his over fifty-year career as a bass virtuoso. He is an NEA Jazz Master and four-time Grammy winner. Also\, he is the first bassist in history who doubles on acoustic and electric bass with equal ferocity. Moreover\, he is the first jazz-fusion bassist ever to headline tours\, selling out shows worldwide. A veteran of over forty albums\, he won the 2011 Best Contemporary Jazz Album Grammy for The Stanley Clarke Band. Clarke co-founded the seminal fusion group Return to Forever with Chick Corea and Lenny White. Then\, in 2012 Return to Forever won a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album\, Forever.  \nIn definitive innovator fashion\, jazz legend Stanley Clarke reimagines the genre with his 2025 double album Last Train to Sanity. Here\, he created this album as a gift for his fans. Last Train to Sanity encompasses music Clarke has been sharing around the world with his newest band Stanley Clarke N•4EVER.  \nThis new band was originally formed out of a desire to honor Clarke’s longtime friend and collaborator Chick Corea. However\, 4EVER has quickly become a fusion force all its own\, furthering the tradition of cultivating the cutting edge. True to the evolution of jazz fusion\, 4EVER brings a powerful combination of jazz harmony and improvisation with rock\, funk\, R&B\, hip-hop and electronic music influences. \nClarke will release Last Train to Sanity as a double-CD/vinyl package. Also\, he will release a deluxe package that features collectors‘ items. He will also release the record in conjunction with an exclusive coffee-table book. This is filled with rare clippings\, photographs\, and stories from Stanley’s illustrious journey in music to date. \nRecommended for Fans of Jaco Pastorius\, Marcus Miller\, Victor Wooten and John Patitucci. \n\n \n📸: Matt Lorentzen
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/stanley-clarke-n4ever-3-copy/2025-06-26/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-StanleyClarkeN4EVER-2FVM05.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T230000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T193917Z
UID:10002907-1750885200-1750892400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Stanley Clarke N•4EVER
DESCRIPTION:  \nStanley Clarke has attained “living legend” status during his over fifty-year career as a bass virtuoso. He is an NEA Jazz Master and four-time Grammy winner. Also\, he is the first bassist in history who doubles on acoustic and electric bass with equal ferocity. Moreover\, he is the first jazz-fusion bassist ever to headline tours\, selling out shows worldwide. A veteran of over forty albums\, he won the 2011 Best Contemporary Jazz Album Grammy for The Stanley Clarke Band. Clarke co-founded the seminal fusion group Return to Forever with Chick Corea and Lenny White. Then\, in 2012 Return to Forever won a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album\, Forever.  \nIn definitive innovator fashion\, jazz legend Stanley Clarke reimagines the genre with his 2025 double album Last Train to Sanity. Here\, he created this album as a gift for his fans. Last Train to Sanity encompasses music Clarke has been sharing around the world with his newest band Stanley Clarke N•4EVER.  \nThis new band was originally formed out of a desire to honor Clarke’s longtime friend and collaborator Chick Corea. However\, 4EVER has quickly become a fusion force all its own\, furthering the tradition of cultivating the cutting edge. True to the evolution of jazz fusion\, 4EVER brings a powerful combination of jazz harmony and improvisation with rock\, funk\, R&B\, hip-hop and electronic music influences. \nClarke will release Last Train to Sanity as a double-CD/vinyl package. Also\, he will release a deluxe package that features collectors‘ items. He will also release the record in conjunction with an exclusive coffee-table book. This is filled with rare clippings\, photographs\, and stories from Stanley’s illustrious journey in music to date. \nRecommended for Fans of Jaco Pastorius\, Marcus Miller\, Victor Wooten and John Patitucci. \n\n \n📸: Matt Lorentzen
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/stanley-clarke-n4ever/2025-06-25/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-StanleyClarkeN4EVER-2FVM05.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T193917Z
UID:10002828-1750876200-1750883400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Stanley Clarke N•4EVER
DESCRIPTION:  \nStanley Clarke has attained “living legend” status during his over fifty-year career as a bass virtuoso. He is an NEA Jazz Master and four-time Grammy winner. Also\, he is the first bassist in history who doubles on acoustic and electric bass with equal ferocity. Moreover\, he is the first jazz-fusion bassist ever to headline tours\, selling out shows worldwide. A veteran of over forty albums\, he won the 2011 Best Contemporary Jazz Album Grammy for The Stanley Clarke Band. Clarke co-founded the seminal fusion group Return to Forever with Chick Corea and Lenny White. Then\, in 2012 Return to Forever won a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album\, Forever.  \nIn definitive innovator fashion\, jazz legend Stanley Clarke reimagines the genre with his 2025 double album Last Train to Sanity. Here\, he created this album as a gift for his fans. Last Train to Sanity encompasses music Clarke has been sharing around the world with his newest band Stanley Clarke N•4EVER.  \nThis new band was originally formed out of a desire to honor Clarke’s longtime friend and collaborator Chick Corea. However\, 4EVER has quickly become a fusion force all its own\, furthering the tradition of cultivating the cutting edge. True to the evolution of jazz fusion\, 4EVER brings a powerful combination of jazz harmony and improvisation with rock\, funk\, R&B\, hip-hop and electronic music influences. \nClarke will release Last Train to Sanity as a double-CD/vinyl package. Also\, he will release a deluxe package that features collectors‘ items. He will also release the record in conjunction with an exclusive coffee-table book. This is filled with rare clippings\, photographs\, and stories from Stanley’s illustrious journey in music to date. \nRecommended for Fans of Jaco Pastorius\, Marcus Miller\, Victor Wooten and John Patitucci. \n\n \n📸: Matt Lorentzen
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/stanley-clarke-n4ever/2025-06-25/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-StanleyClarkeN4EVER-2FVM05.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250624T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250624T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152045Z
UID:10002827-1750791600-1750798800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Pedrito Martinez
DESCRIPTION:  \nPedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martínez was born in Havana\, Cuba. Here\, he grew up in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood\, where rumba is played all day long. Then he began his musical career at age eleven\, with a foundation in the rumba and Afro Cuban Yoruba traditions. Since settling in New York in 1998\, Pedrito has recorded or performed with Paul Simon\, Wynton Marsalis\, and Paquito D’Rivera. He has also worked with Bruce Springsteen\, Ruben Blades\, Eddie Palmieri\, Dave Matthews\, and Sting. Moreover\, he has contributed to over seventy-five albums. \nMartinez is a consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum. Furthermore\, he is also the world’s first-call rumbero—playing\, singing\, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. Pedrito was a founding member of the highly successful Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band Yerba Buena. With them\, he recorded two albums and toured the world in the mid-to late-90’s. \nMr. Martínez’s career as a leader began in 2005 with the formation of The Pedrito Martínez Group in New York. He has recorded four solo albums\, the first of which was nominated for a Grammy in 2013. It was also chosen among NPR’s Favorite Albums for 2013 and The Boston Globe Critics’ Top Ten Albums. \nPedrito and Eric Clapton recorded a newly arranged version of Clapton’s song\, “My Father’s Eyes\,” for Martínez’s 2021 album Acertijos. The two performed the song together on Clapton’s Crossroads Festival in Dallas. Pedrito was involved in streaming projects Play On for CBS TV with Jon Batiste\, and the NEA Awards at SFJazz. Also\, he has been named Jazz Percussionist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association seven times in the past nine years. \nRecommended for fans of Poncho Sanchez\, Chucho Valdés\, Afro-Cuban All Stars and Eddie Palmieri. \n\n \n📸: Danny Clinch
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/pedrito-martinez-2/
CATEGORIES:Global,Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-PedritoMartinez-1FOcpC.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250623T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250623T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152042Z
UID:10002826-1750705200-1750712400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:The English Beat
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe English Beat is a band with an energetic mix of musical styles and a sound like no other. The band’s unique sound has allowed it to endure for nearly four decades and appeal to fans\, young and old\, all over the world. \nWhen The English Beat rushed onto the music scene in 1979\, it was a time of massive social and political unrest. This also created economic and musical upheaval. This set the stage for a period of unbridled musical creativity. Thus\, artists like The Beat were able to speak out and speak their mind on the news of the day. \nThe Beat first came to prominence as founding members of the British Two Tone Ska movement. Also\, their classic first album Just Can’t Stop It fits squarely in that genre. Along with their contemporaries The Specials\, The Selecter\, and Madness\, the band became an overnight sensation. The Beat became one of the most popular and influential bands of that movement. \nHowever\, band leader Dave Wakeling never felt constrained by the movement. The band crossed over fluidly between soul\, reggae\, pop and punk\, and from these disparate pieces they created an infectious dance rhythm. The band’s sound continued to evolve over their three studio albums. Further evolution came through the General Public era (a band formed by Dave with The Beat’s toaster\, Ranking Roger). Finally\, it continues its evolution with 2018’s Here We Go Love\, the band’s first album since 1982’s Special Beat Service. \nConsummate showman that he is\, Dave Wakeling continues to keep The Beat alive and strong. They tour the world as The English Beat with an amazing all-star ska backing band. Further\, they play the hits of The Beat\, General Public\, and songs from the new album. \nYou just can’t stop The English Beat! \nRecommended for fans of The Specials\, Madness\, General Public and Elvis Costello.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-english-beat-2/
CATEGORIES:Global,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-EnglishBeat-M1aEkS.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250622T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250622T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152040Z
UID:10002825-1750618800-1750626000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Shawn Mullins
DESCRIPTION:  \n\nAfter a series of indie releases and growing buzz in the Atlanta music scene\, Shawn Mullins broke through in 1998. Then\, he shot to critical and commercial acclaim with album Soul’s Core on the strength of Grammy-nominated Number One hit\, “Lullaby”. Also\, he followed this with AAA/Americana Number One hit “Beautiful Wreck” from 2006’s 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor. His song “Shimmer” was selected to promote the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Also\, it was included on the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack. His co-write “All in My Head” from 2008’s Honeydew was featured in episode one of the hit TV sitcom Scrubs. Furthermore\, Mullins also co-wrote the Zac Brown Band’s Number One country tune “Toes.” In early 2002\, he formed supergroup The Thorns with Matthew Sweet and Pete Droge. Fans and critics regard “No Blue Sky”\, from the resulting album\, a modern-day classic.  \n\nFor the twentieth anniversary of his breakthrough album\, Shawn revisited the music of Soul’s Core. Here\, he recorded two new versions of the album. Then\, he calls this Soul’s Core Revival. However\, this is not a remix or a remaster of the original. Rather\, he made brand-new recordings with new arrangements of the songs. Thus\, one album is stripped down solo performances\, some on guitar\, some on piano and maybe one a cappella. The second is a new studio recording with his full band\, Soul Carnival.\nRecommended for fans of Del Amitri\, Toad the Wet Sprocket\, Shawn Colvin and The Wallflowers. \n\n \n📸: David McClister
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/shawn-mullins/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-ShawnMullins-Prl7Ze.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250621T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250621T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152038Z
UID:10002824-1750532400-1750539600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Infidels: A Bob Dylan Tribute
DESCRIPTION:Infidels is a new local Bob Dylan tribute supergroup featuring Terry Walsh (Belfast Cowboys) on vocals\, piano and guitar. Here\, he joins bandmates David Haugen (drums) and Bart Bakker (bass). Also\, longtime veteran singer-songwriter Dan Israel is on vocals and guitar\, and ace lead guitarist Steve Brantseg. Brantseg currently plays in Dan’s band along with the Suburbs\, Curtiss A and Who Are They?\, and many others over the years (including Bash & Pop\, the Phones\, Willie Wisely\, and more).  \nThey debuted at Duluth Dylan Fest in 2022 and returned for another Dylan Fest in 2023. However\, this will be their Dakota debut\, and they can’t wait to bring you an inspired\, impassioned set list. Here\, they present songs that span the wide breadth of Dylan’s rich body of material\, from the ’60s on into the ’00s. \nTerry Walsh started playing in various Twin Cities rock bands. Then\, he toured as Slim Dunlap’s bass player in 1997\, opening for Son Volt. In 2001 Walsh hit upon the idea to form a Van Morrison tribute band. There\, Terry spent the rest of the year learning Van songs and building an all-star band. The band played their first show at the old 400 Bar on Saint Patrick’s Day 2002. \nDan Israel is a longtime fixture on the Minneapolis music scene. He was the first guest on 89.3 The Current’s Local Show and has been called “the hardest working singer-songwriter in Minnesota.” He has released sixteen critically acclaimed albums\, including 2020’s Social Distance Anxiety Disorder\, which many critics and fans have praised as his finest record yet. \nRecommended for fans of Bob Dylan\, Bruce Springsteen\, The Rolling Stones and Van Morrison.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/infidels-a-bob-dylan-tribute/
CATEGORIES:Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-Infidels-HEKPBY.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250620T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250620T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152035Z
UID:10002823-1750446000-1750453200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Nellie McKay - Album Release
DESCRIPTION:  \nNellie McKay is releasing Gee Whiz: The Get Away From Me Demos\, in May 2025. This eighteen-track collection of rare recordings led to McKay’s groundbreaking debut album\, 2004’s Get Away From Me. “I was attracted to the lyrics immediately\,” says legendary Beatles engineer and producer Geoff Emerick. He was drawn to the demos and produced Get Away From Me. “Her level of maturity at such a young age is astounding. You come across an artist of this caliber once every ten or fifteen years. And I don’t do a lot of projects these days unless something really stands out\, like this did.”  \nComposed\, performed and produced by Nellie\, these revelatory demos were recorded in 2002 and sold by McKay as a series of handmade CD-R’s. The new demo collection has been sequenced identically to Get Away From Me\, with three unreleased bonus songs. When Get Away From Me was released in 2004\, Rolling Stone gave the album four stars. McKay made her national TV debut on The Late Show with David Letterman\, and it hit the Billboard Top 200. She was compared to both “Doris Day and Eminem\,” said NPR Morning Edition. “And throw in a bit of Billie Holiday for good measure.” “It was a different time\,” says Nellie. \nMcKay has released an eclectic bunch of critically acclaimed albums\, her songs and sound ranging from jazz to pop to indefinable. Then\, with her latest\, 2023’s Hey Guys\, Watch This\, she taps into the soulful sounds of West Virginia. Also\, she’s won a Broadway Theatre World Award for Polly Peachum in The Threepenny Opera.  Additionally\, her TV appearances include David Letterman\, Conan O’Brien\, Craig Ferguson\, The View\, and Jimmy Dore. \nRecommended for fans of Regina Spektor\, Aimee Mann\, Fiona Apple and Rufus Wainwright.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/nellie-mckay-album-release/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-NellieMcKay-RFtNxF.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250619T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250619T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T201249Z
UID:10002822-1750359600-1750366800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Waltz for Debbie: A Juneteenth Tribute to Debbie Duncan
DESCRIPTION:  \nDebbie Duncan was one of the greatest jazz vocalists in the Twin Cities. She performed with many local and national acts. The Wolverines Jazz Quartet\, featuring Rick Carlson\, Jendeen Forberg\, and Steve Pikal\, leads this tribute to the legendary Ms. Duncan. Also\, featured vocalists Judi Vinar and Dennis Spears will share songs and stories. \nDennis Spears was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2013. As a jazz vocalist\, Spears has performed nationally and internationally. The Minnesota Music Awards awarded him Best Male Jazz Vocalist\, and he has many recordings to his credit. \nSpears is a proud Penumbra Theatre company member and has also performed roles with the Guthrie Theater and Illusion Theater. Also\, Mixed Blood\, Indiana Repertory Theatre\, Hartford Stage\, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville\, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre\, and The Kennedy Center. For his portrayal of one of his music idols\, Nat King Cole\, Spears was awarded an Ivey Award for Excellence in Acting. Moreover\, he is a proud North Minneapolis homeowner and recently became ordained deacon at Kingdom Life Church in North Minneapolis. \nJudi Vinar has been singing since the age of four and began her professional career in 1983. Then\, she started in folk/country\, musical theater\, and opera\, further exploring jazz\, pop\, R&B\, rock\, and Gospel. Now\, she tackles any style – “good songs are just that – no need to choose one style over the other.” \nJudi moved to the Twin Cities in 1987 and developed musical relationships with many of the Twin Cities finest. Here\, she appears with Lori Dokken\, The Wolverines\, St. Croix Jazz Orchestra\, JazzMN Orchestra\, and her own Judi\, Cliff ‘n’ Daves. \nRecommended for fans of Nat King Cole\, Johnny Hartman\, Roberta Flack and Dinah Washington. \n \n📸: Andrea Canter
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/waltz-for-debbie-a-juneteenth-tribute-to-debbie-duncan/
CATEGORIES:Jazz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-WaltzForDebbieDuncan-2afUEq.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250618T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250618T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152027Z
UID:10002821-1750273200-1750280400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Darlingside
DESCRIPTION:  \nEverything Is Alive\, Darlingside’s fourth LP\, marks a subtle but remarkable departure for the Boston-based quartet. Here\, the album retains much of the lushness and sophistication of Extralife (2018) and Fish Pond Fish (2020). Moreover\, the band’s latest work decisively exposes and differentiates the individual voices of the four songwriters. This is a daring reinvention for a group known for ubiquitous vocal harmonies. Everything Is Alive is an album about loss and the struggle for a semblance of redemption. Here\, the band grapples with change both personal and universal\, with quandaries domestic and existential. \nDarlingside is Don Mitchell\, Auyon Mukharji\, Harris Paseltiner and David Senft. They are four likeminded multi-instrumentalists who first met at Williams College in 2009. Furthermore\, Darlingside’s career has been defined by the elegance of their compositions and the unity of their four voices. Their talent for harmony and melodic world-building has garnered praise from outlets like NPR\, Rolling Stone and The New Yorker. Additionally\, they have created demand worldwide for their extraordinary live performances. Thus\, becoming beautifully unindividualized has\, in other words\, worked very well for Darlingside in the past.  \nDarlingside has\, over the years\, experimented with idiosyncratic methods for elevating and upholding a truly democratic process of songwriting. There\, they treat songwriting with a vigor and discipline more common to graduate-level writing workshops than to indie rock. Then\, they use processes that include multiple rounds of group writing and recording exercises. They do this all with the aim of escaping the trap that bands with multiple songwriters often fall into. For example\, ego-driven infighting and artistic incoherence. \nClovers Daughter is a singer-songwriter known for her delicate blend of indie folk and pop sounds. Born into a multicultural heritage\, her unique perspective shapes her artist voice. Clovers Daughter has an introspective and emotionally-charged sound\, marking her as one to watch. \nRecommended for fans of The Milk Carton Kids\, Iron & Wine\, Sarah Jarosz and The Avett Brothers.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/darlingside/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-Darlingside-D7zgUe.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250617T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250617T230000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T191508Z
UID:10002906-1750194000-1750201200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Shaun LaBelle & Stokley feat. Bobby Lyle
DESCRIPTION:Shaun \nShaun LaBelle’s producing career has been filled with legendary groups. For example\, David Pack (Ambrosia)\, Everette Harp\, Jeff Kashiwa\, and Steve Reid (Rippingtons.) Also\, Shaun has worked with Branford Marsalis and the group Pieces of a Dream. Shaun performed bass on the Larger Than Life tour for Grammy award-winning recording artist Jody Watley. Currently\, Shaun’s new releases Your Love Kept Calling my Name and Mon Cher Amour have charted on Billboard. Here\, he reached Number Eighteen on the smooth jazz charts and Number One on UK Soul\, three weeks in a row. \nBobby Lyle\, one of the most versatile keyboardists on the music scene\, continues to evolve his artistry. Lyle has established himself as a composer\, bandleader\, producer\, arranger\, musical director\, music publisher\, jazz educator\, recording artist and world class live performer. Further\, he has been musical director for Al Jarreau\, Bette Midler\, the late Phyllis Hyman\, and Anita Baker. He also toured with Wayne Henderson and the Jazz Crusaders\, Gerald Albright\, Ronnie Laws\, and George Benson. \nStokley Williams is a Grammy-nominated vocalist\, songwriter\, producer\, and multi-instrumentalist who is one of music’s best-kept secrets. He has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Prince\, Whitney Houston\, Janet Jackson and more. However\, he’s known best as the lead singer and drummer for legendary R&B group Mint Condition. In 2017\, Stokley embarked on a new solo journey. Then\, he released his debut album Introducing Stokley which produced two Number One singles “Organic” and “Levels.” \nJason Peterson DeLaire is the son of Linda Peterson and was the first of the “next generation” to call music his occupation. To that end\, he works with Michael Bolton\, Prince\, Alexander O’Neal\, Richard Marx\, Donny Osmond\, Oleta Adams and others. \n\n \n 
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/shaun-labelle-stokley-feat-bobby-lyle/2025-06-17/2/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-ShaunLaBelle-IC8Dvq.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250617T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250617T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T191508Z
UID:10002819-1750186800-1750192200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Shaun LaBelle & Stokley feat. Bobby Lyle
DESCRIPTION:Shaun \nShaun LaBelle’s producing career has been filled with legendary groups. For example\, David Pack (Ambrosia)\, Everette Harp\, Jeff Kashiwa\, and Steve Reid (Rippingtons.) Also\, Shaun has worked with Branford Marsalis and the group Pieces of a Dream. Shaun performed bass on the Larger Than Life tour for Grammy award-winning recording artist Jody Watley. Currently\, Shaun’s new releases Your Love Kept Calling my Name and Mon Cher Amour have charted on Billboard. Here\, he reached Number Eighteen on the smooth jazz charts and Number One on UK Soul\, three weeks in a row. \nBobby Lyle\, one of the most versatile keyboardists on the music scene\, continues to evolve his artistry. Lyle has established himself as a composer\, bandleader\, producer\, arranger\, musical director\, music publisher\, jazz educator\, recording artist and world class live performer. Further\, he has been musical director for Al Jarreau\, Bette Midler\, the late Phyllis Hyman\, and Anita Baker. He also toured with Wayne Henderson and the Jazz Crusaders\, Gerald Albright\, Ronnie Laws\, and George Benson. \nStokley Williams is a Grammy-nominated vocalist\, songwriter\, producer\, and multi-instrumentalist who is one of music’s best-kept secrets. He has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Prince\, Whitney Houston\, Janet Jackson and more. However\, he’s known best as the lead singer and drummer for legendary R&B group Mint Condition. In 2017\, Stokley embarked on a new solo journey. Then\, he released his debut album Introducing Stokley which produced two Number One singles “Organic” and “Levels.” \nJason Peterson DeLaire is the son of Linda Peterson and was the first of the “next generation” to call music his occupation. To that end\, he works with Michael Bolton\, Prince\, Alexander O’Neal\, Richard Marx\, Donny Osmond\, Oleta Adams and others. \n\n \n 
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/shaun-labelle-stokley-feat-bobby-lyle/2025-06-17/1/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-ShaunLaBelle-IC8Dvq.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250616T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250616T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152020Z
UID:10002818-1750100400-1750107600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Janis Siegel (of Manhattan Transfer)
DESCRIPTION:  \nOver the past five decades\, the voice of Janis Siegel has been an undeniable force in The Manhattan Transfer’s musical catalogue. To that end\, Siegel is a ten-time Grammy winner and eighteen-time nominee. Alongside her career as a founding member of this musical institution\, Siegel has also sustained a solo career. Here\, she has released almost a dozen finely crafted solo albums and numerous collaborative projects. Thus\, she has amassed a large international fan base\, garnering high critical praise. \nOver the years\, Janis’ unmistakable voice has become one of The Manhattan Transfer’s most recognizable trademarks. She sang lead on some of the Transfer’s biggest hits\, such as “Operator\,” “Chanson D’Amour\,” “Twilight Zone\,” and “Birdland.” Also\, “The Boy From New York City\,” “Spice of Life\,” “Ray’s Rockhouse\,” “The Shaker Song\,” and “Mystery.” Additionally\, Siegel co-wrote and sang lead on the Grammy-winning “Sassy.” She also gained a reputation as a vocal arranger. She wrote five charts for the group’s acclaimed masterwork\, Vocalese\, and seven charts for the group’s Grammy-winning album Brasil. Furthermore\, she won a Grammy herself in 1980 for her vocal arrangement of “Birdland.”  \nThese days\, you can find Janis in the place she loves most\, the studio. There\, she produces various ventures for other artists and sings on a diverse array of projects. Also\, she tours with her trio\, teaches at NYC and other universities\, and cooks up a storm in the kitchen.  \nHer tenth solo album\, Nightsongs\, was released in 2024. Other recent solo collaborations include Honey & Air\, a Brazilian/jazz vocal adventure with her group Requinte Trio. Some Other Time is a tribute to Leonard Bernstein with trombonist/singer Nils Landgren with arrangements by Vince Mendoza. \nRecommended for fans of The Manhattan Transfer\, Karrin Allyson\, Tierney Sutton and Jane Monheit.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/janis-siegel-of-manhattan-transfer/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-JanisSiegel-CT5ln0.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250615T203000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250615T220000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T194922Z
UID:10002908-1750019400-1750024800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Jim Messina
DESCRIPTION:  \nJim Messina is an undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music. His legacy of genius spans five decades\, three super-groups\, a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering credits. \nWhile producing for Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Buffalo Springfield\, Messina ultimately joined the band as its bass player. When “the Springfield” disbanded in 1968\, Jim and fellow bandmate Richie Furay formed Poco. With Jim on lead guitar\, Poco defined a new musical genre\, country rock. After three successful albums\, Jim was ready for a change and left to return to his passion for producing music.  \nIn November 1970\, Columbia Records asked Jim to work with an unknown Kenny Loggins. While helping Kenny get ready for a record and touring\, the two discovered that they worked well together. Then\, Jim agreed to sit in on Kenny’s first album. Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina Sittin’ In was released in November of 1971 and an accidental duo was formed. \nOver the next seven years\, Loggins & Messina released eight hit albums and had scores of hit songs. The duo sold over 16 million albums\, becoming one of rock’s most successful recording duos ever. However\, it was time for the duo to go their separate ways. \nHe embarked on a series of celebrated solo acoustic tours. Then\, Jim formed a band of acclaimed musicians who played with him at various points in his career. His latest release\, 2016’s In the Groove\, includes selected hits from all three of Jim’s previous bands. Also included are several of his solo works. \nTouring the country and playing sold-out shows\, Jim says that he’s enjoying discovering who he is\, where he’s been\, and\, most significantly\, where he’s going. \nRecommended for fans of Poco\, Richie Furay\, Kenny Loggins and Chicago. 
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/jim-messina-7/2025-06-15/2/
CATEGORIES:Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-JimMessina-Qjqy4G.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250615T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250615T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T194922Z
UID:10002816-1750012200-1750017600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Jim Messina
DESCRIPTION:  \nJim Messina is an undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music. His legacy of genius spans five decades\, three super-groups\, a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering credits. \nWhile producing for Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Buffalo Springfield\, Messina ultimately joined the band as its bass player. When “the Springfield” disbanded in 1968\, Jim and fellow bandmate Richie Furay formed Poco. With Jim on lead guitar\, Poco defined a new musical genre\, country rock. After three successful albums\, Jim was ready for a change and left to return to his passion for producing music.  \nIn November 1970\, Columbia Records asked Jim to work with an unknown Kenny Loggins. While helping Kenny get ready for a record and touring\, the two discovered that they worked well together. Then\, Jim agreed to sit in on Kenny’s first album. Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina Sittin’ In was released in November of 1971 and an accidental duo was formed. \nOver the next seven years\, Loggins & Messina released eight hit albums and had scores of hit songs. The duo sold over 16 million albums\, becoming one of rock’s most successful recording duos ever. However\, it was time for the duo to go their separate ways. \nHe embarked on a series of celebrated solo acoustic tours. Then\, Jim formed a band of acclaimed musicians who played with him at various points in his career. His latest release\, 2016’s In the Groove\, includes selected hits from all three of Jim’s previous bands. Also included are several of his solo works. \nTouring the country and playing sold-out shows\, Jim says that he’s enjoying discovering who he is\, where he’s been\, and\, most significantly\, where he’s going. \nRecommended for fans of Poco\, Richie Furay\, Kenny Loggins and Chicago. 
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/jim-messina-7/2025-06-15/1/
CATEGORIES:Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-JimMessina-Qjqy4G.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250614T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250614T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152009Z
UID:10002815-1749927600-1749934800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Steve Cole
DESCRIPTION:  \nSaxophonist Steve Cole is one of the most celebrated players in contemporary jazz. The Chicago native exploded onto the scene with 1998’s Stay Awhile\, which fellow Chicagoan Brian Culbertson produced. The disc scored multiple Number One hits and earned Cole the Oasis Smooth Jazz Award for best new artist. Then\, he released his sophomore set\, Between Us\, in 2000. His catchy singles made him an instant radio favorite and he cranked them out with regularity. Also\, he recorded 2003’s NY LA\, 2005’s Spin\, 2006’s True\, 2009’s Moonlight\, 2013’s True\, 2016’s Turn It Up\, 2019’s Gratitude\, and his latest\, 2023’s Without A Doubt. Without a Doubt landed four singles on the top of the Smooth Jazz Chart.  \nSteve is currently recording his twelfth solo album\, to be released in the summer of 2025. Steve is also currently touring and selling out venues across the country. He will be returning to Dakota at the end of his east coast run with his all-star Minneapolis band. Finally\, Steve will also be performing in Europe this fall.   \nSteve Cole\, saxophone\nKavyesh Kaviraj\, keyboards\nJeff Bailey\, bass\nDavid Feily\, guitar\nKirk Johnson\, drums \nRecommended for fans of Chris Botti\, Brian Culbertson\, Eric Marienthal and Mindi Abair.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/steve-cole-3/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,R&B/Soul
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-SteveCole-CO1wq3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250613T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250613T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152007Z
UID:10002814-1749841200-1749848400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Shaun Johnson Trio
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Shaun Johnson Trio turns originality on its head with gospel\, country and traditional pop rooted in a big band sensibility. These three are not famous yet. And this is not a tribute group. But you can expect them to honor an eclectic mix of Sinatra\, Bruno Mars\, Johnny Cash\, Bobby Darin and others in the same show. \nMeet the band: Shaun is the lead singer of Tonic Sol-fa and an Emmy winner. Theodore Brown is vocal percussionist\, pianist and sought after sideman. Dave Stanoch is a drummer known the world over – having authored a famous book for musicians as well as toured with many of the greats. \nTogether\, these three have garnered a Top Five Billboard album and are bringing their brand of American music and humor. Come and see what the Star Tribune described as a once in a lifetime “performance that goes for the gut in rousing fashion!” \nRecommended for fans of Tonic Sol-fa\, The Manhattan Transfer\, Christian McBride Big Band and Rockapella.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/shaun-johnson-trio/
CATEGORIES:Jazz,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-ShaunJohnsonTrio-4sz0Co.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250612T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250612T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T152003Z
UID:10002813-1749754800-1749762000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Church of Cash
DESCRIPTION:  \nIn 2010\, Jay Ernest established the Church of Cash. Jay is driven to spread the gospel of one of the world’s most influential and timeless songwriters. \nThe Church of Cash remains steadfast in their devotion to the music of Johnny Cash. Their performances echo the gentle breeze of the prairie and resonate with the commanding stomp of a boot heel. Far from being a typical country band\, the Church of Cash stands as a tribute band with a clear mission. Moreover\, led by Jay’s resounding baritone voice\, they honor the lasting legacy of Johnny Cash. Additionally\, they have traversed the roads\, tested their mettle\, and stand ever-ready to celebrate the very soul of American music. \nWhat the Church of Cash has that no one else can match is their loyalty to the song. Also\, they remain true to the message that Johnny left to all of us. The band merely keeps this word alive with a youthful spirit that has entertained audiences completely. \nThe Johnny Cash tribute show performed by singer Jay Ernest and his band is an unforgettable experience. Jay’s deep\, resonant voice sounds remarkably like Cash’s. Moreover\, he captures the essence of the legendary performer with his dynamic stage presence. \nThe show features an electrifying setlist that includes all of Cash’s greatest hits. You’ll hear classics from “I Walk the Line” to “Ring of Fire” and beyond. Furthermore\, the band’s musicianship is impeccable\, and they create an authentic sound that’s true to Cash’s original recordings. \nJay Ernest and his band have toured nationally and internationally\, winning over audiences in all corners of the globe. Whether you’re in the front row or the back\, you’ll be swept up in the energy of this amazing show. \nRecommended for fans of Johnny Cash\, Merle Haggard\, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/church-of-cash-2/
CATEGORIES:Americana
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-ChurchOfCash-iEX1yD.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250611T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250611T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T151958Z
UID:10002812-1749668400-1749675600@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Judy Collins
DESCRIPTION:  \nJudy Collins inspires audiences with her sublime vocals\, boldly vulnerable songwriting\, personal life triumphs\, and unwavering commitment to social activism. In the 1960s\, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later\, her luminescent presence shines brightly. Here\, new generations bask in the glow of her iconic fifty-five-album body of work. Also\, they draw inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century. \nFans and critics highly esteem the award-winning singer-songwriter for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards. Moreover\, she also receives acclaim for her own poetically poignant original compositions. For instance\, the Grammy Hall of Fame includes her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now”. Judy’s dreamy\, intimate version of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns\,” won Song of the Year at the 1975 Grammys. Furthermore\, she’s garnered several top-ten hits and gold- and platinum-selling albums. \nThe cultural treasure’s fifty-fifth release\, 2022’s Spellbound\, documents Judy’s artistic renaissance. Additionally\, the album is a special entry in her oeuvre. It marks the first time ever she wrote all the songs on one of her albums. Here\, Collins showcases twelve new recently-written modern folk songs\, and a bonus track of her evergreen\, “The Blizzard.” Thus\, Spellbound is an introspective and impressionistic album. \n“They say after the plague came the Renaissance\,” Judy says with a good-natured laugh. “The truth is\, I didn’t do an album like this sooner because I had other projects on my mind. Now felt like the perfect time to make this record because\, after all that’s happened in the world\, we need something beautiful and inspirational to lift us up.” \nRecommended for fans of Joan Baez\, Joni Mitchell\, Nanci Griffith and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/judy-collins-4/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-JudyCollins-XwYS1y.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250610T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250610T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T170233Z
UID:10002811-1749582000-1749589200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Judy Collins
DESCRIPTION:  \nJudy Collins inspires audiences with her sublime vocals\, boldly vulnerable songwriting\, personal life triumphs\, and unwavering commitment to social activism. In the 1960s\, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later\, her luminescent presence shines brightly. Here\, new generations bask in the glow of her iconic fifty-five-album body of work. Also\, they draw inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century. \nFans and critics highly esteem the award-winning singer-songwriter for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards. Moreover\, she also receives acclaim for her own poetically poignant original compositions. For instance\, the Grammy Hall of Fame includes her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now”. Judy’s dreamy\, intimate version of Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns\,” won Song of the Year at the 1975 Grammys. Furthermore\, she’s garnered several top-ten hits and gold- and platinum-selling albums. \nThe cultural treasure’s fifty-fifth release\, 2022’s Spellbound\, documents Judy’s artistic renaissance. Additionally\, the album is a special entry in her oeuvre. It marks the first time ever she wrote all the songs on one of her albums. Here\, Collins showcases twelve new recently-written modern folk songs\, and a bonus track of her evergreen\, “The Blizzard.” Thus\, Spellbound is an introspective and impressionistic album. \n“They say after the plague came the Renaissance\,” Judy says with a good-natured laugh. “The truth is\, I didn’t do an album like this sooner because I had other projects on my mind. Now felt like the perfect time to make this record because\, after all that’s happened in the world\, we need something beautiful and inspirational to lift us up.” \nRecommended for fans of Joan Baez\, Joni Mitchell\, Nanci Griffith and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/judy-collins-3/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-JudyCollins-XwYS1y.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250609T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250609T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T151953Z
UID:10002810-1749495600-1749502800@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Cafe Accordion Orchestra
DESCRIPTION:  \nDan Newton\, accordion and vocals \nEric Mohring\, mandolin\, fiddle and vocals \nBrian Barnes\, guitar and vocals \nErik Lillestol\, bass \nJoe Steinger\, percussion \nElizabeth Rowan\, percussion \nPrudence Johnson\, vocals \nDan 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. The group complements the musettes with swing\, ballads\, tangos\, cha-chas\, rumbas\, and cumbias to create a wonderfully varied show. They inject their music with good humor and expressive abandon. Their high level of musicianship and passion for performance makes them an entertaining concert act as well as a great dance band. \nCAO is led by Dan Newton on accordion and vocals\, with Eric Mohring on mandolin\, violin and vocals\, 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. They have appeared in New York at the Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing series\, the International Akkordeon Festival in Vienna\, Austria\, the Minnesota State Fair\, as well as festivals\, theaters and dance halls across the United States. \nOne might wonder how a group of musicians in Minnesota end up forming a band that plays French musette\, hot club swing\, Tin Pan Alley\, Latin music and cinematic themes. 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 in northern California in the 1980s. A friend commented that one of the tunes in particular sounded like “cafe accordion” music.  \nPrudence 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. \nRecommended for fans of Paris Combo\, Pearl Django\, Rio Nido and A Prairie Home Companion. \n\n \n 
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/cafe-accordion-orchestra-5/
CATEGORIES:Americana,Jazz
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250608T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250608T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250913T173019Z
UID:10002809-1749409200-1749416400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:One World: The Best of Sting & The Police
DESCRIPTION:  \nTogether\, Sting and The Police sold over 200 million records in the 1980s\, 1990s and beyond. Led by Todd Ortberg\, the classic Police trio expands and comes alive. Thus\, this seven-piece ensemble truly nails the sounds and energy of both Sting and The Police. \nRelive the memories and dance to the infectious rhythms of classic hits. Hear songs like “Roxanne\,” “Every Breath You Take\,” “Don’t Stand So Close to Me\,” “Message In a Bottle\,” “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic”\, “Fields of Gold”\, “Englishman in New York” and many more. One World’s captivating performance will transport you back to the era of pop-infused rock\, reggae and new wave that defined the 1970s and 1980s. \nPrepare to be mesmerized by soaring vocals\, rocking guitars\, pulsating rhythms and the signature Sting and The Police sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. One World fills its shows with passion\, energy\, and sheer musical brilliance. Experience the things that made Sting and The Police one of the most influential bands of all time. \nThis show features soaring vocals and great rock/ska rhythms. Also\, layers of saxophones\, keyboards and backing singers round out a fully musically textured show. One World consistently sells out theaters and clubs in the Minneapolis area. Don’t miss it! \nRecommended for fans of The Police\, Sting\, Queen and U2.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/one-world-the-best-of-sting-the-police-jun8-2025/
CATEGORIES:Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-OneWorld-wvTpXD.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250607T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250607T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250609T175234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T151948Z
UID:10002808-1749322800-1749330000@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:The Rolling Stoners
DESCRIPTION:  \nA 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. \nThe 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! \nThen\, 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. \nRecommended for fans of The Rolling Stones\, The Who\, The Beatles and The Kinks.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-rolling-stoners/
CATEGORIES:Rock/Pop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-TheRollingStoners-y629gU.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250606T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250606T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250603T195002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250604T192234Z
UID:10002805-1749236400-1749236400@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials
DESCRIPTION:2024 BLUES FOUNDATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE \nIn Chicago\, a city overflowing with unrivaled blues talent\, world-renowned Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials have been standing tall for over 30 years. The band’s big sound\, fueled by Lil’ Ed’s gloriously rollicking slide work and deep blues string bending\, along with his rough-edged\, soulful vocals\, is as real and hard-hitting as Chicago blues gets. The Chicago Sun-Times says\, “Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials are the hottest purveyors of bottleneck boogie to come out of Chicago since Hound Dog Taylor.” \nLil’ Ed Williams comes to the blues naturally. His uncle\, Chicago slide guitar king and master songwriter J.B. Hutto\, taught him how to feel\, not just play the blues. Nine albums and thousands of performances later\, Lil’ Ed is now universally hailed as a giant of the genre. Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials —bassist (and Ed’s half-brother) James “Pookie” Young\, guitarist Mike Garrett and drummer Kelly Littleton— have remained together for over 30 years\, an extraordinary feat for any group\, the band fueling Ed’s songs with their rock-solid\, road-tested\, telepathic musicianship. \nThe group took home the Living Blues Award for Best Live Performer in 2011\, 2012 and 2013. They won the prestigious Blues Music Award for Band Of The Year in both 2007 and 2009. The Associated Press says\, “Williams fills Chicago’s biggest shoes with more life and heat than anyone on stage today.” \nTheir infectious energy\, joyful showmanship and masterful playing have been honed to a razor’s edge by their many years together. Lil’ Ed\, Pookie\, Mike and Kelly have seen sports stars and presidents\, musical fads and fashion trends come and go. \nMeanwhile\, their fiery music has more than stood the test of time. “We’re not band members\,” says Williams\, “we’re family\, and families stay together.” Night after night\, gig after riotous gig\, the musical family called Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials bring their big\, dynamic Chicago blues sound to fans across the country and around the world. \nRecommended for fans of James Cotton\, Coco Montoya\, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Joe Bonamassa.
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/lil-ed-the-blues-imperials-6/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dakotacooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/700x400-EDP-liled-SL04Ju.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250605T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250605T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T120611
CREATED:20250603T194602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T195101Z
UID:10002804-1749150000-1749157200@www.dakotacooks.com
SUMMARY:Kavyesh Kaviraj & Omar Abdulkarim
DESCRIPTION:“the essence of what jazz is.” – Jazz Police\n \nKavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories into his music\, carefully weaving his influences into a boundary-breaking modern jazz outfit. He is well-known in the Twin Cities and beyond as a pianist\, composer and arranger.  \nKavyesh has garnered acclaim in many musical climates\, and currently calls St. Paul\, MN home. Primarily a jazz pianist\, he is a sought-after musician in many genres. He has performed with internationally renowned artists like Wynton Marsalis\, David Sanchez\, Justin Robinson\, Roosevelt Collier\, Steve Cole and others. Further\, he has been an important member of the Twin Cities music community. He has worked with local jazz legends like Debbie Duncan\, Bruce Henry\, Babatunde Lea\, Kevin Washington\, and LA Buckner. Simultaneously he is active in hip-hop\, gospel\, R&B\, funk scenes and many crossover acts.  \nOmar Abdulkarim has been playing the trumpet since he was fourteen months old. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Omar has shared the stage with Roy Hargrove\, Redman\, Method Man\, KRS-ONE and Talib Kweli. He has also performed with Nicholas Payton’s Television Studio Orchestra and Valerie Ponomarev’s Big Band. \nOmar’s versatility extends beyond live performances. He has written and recorded music with Lauryn Hill and Jose James. His influences include Fats Navarro\, Miles Davis\, Freddie Hubbard\, Woody Shaw\, John Coltrane and Lee Morgan. \nOmar’s journey reflects a dedication to his art. He continually expands his musical horizons and collaborates with a diverse range of artists. His rich experiences and influences have shaped him into a dynamic and innovative trumpet player. He makes significant contributions to both the jazz and contemporary music scenes. \nRecommended for fans of Roy Hargrove\, Ahmad Jamal\, Woody Shaw and Keith Jarrett. \nLEARN MORE:\nhttps://www.kavyeshkaviraj.com/\nhttps://www.facebook.com/OmarAbdulkarimMusic/
URL:https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/kavyesh-kaviraj-omar-abdulkarim-jun5-2025/
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