Dakota

The Rolling Stoners
2026-08-13 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Fueled by the spirit (and sound) of The Stones… the Rolling Stoners.

A Minnesota-based tribute to the greatest rock band of all time: The Rolling Stones. These red-blooded ramblers aren’t just a cover band: they’re a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll experience. Here, this group is fueled by friendship, swagger, and a deep love for the early-era Stones. The Rolling Stoners bring the hits (and deep cuts) to life with indulgent, high-energy performances that pack dance floors and light-up nights.
The band features Emmy Award-winning musicians and members from a host of MN bands. Members of Enemy Planes, Dream Crusher, Run Westy Run, Space Monkey Mafia, Heartless, Al Church, and Timbre Ghost are involved. Additionally, a rotating cast of other Minneapolis musicians join the fun!
Then, they play anywhere from festivals and theaters to casinos, clubs, and backyard BBQs. Also, The Rolling Stoners have built a rep for delivering one of the best live shows in the multiverse. Got honky-tonk women and midnight ramblers in your crowd? Good. They’ll take it from there.
Recommended for fans of The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Beatles and The Kinks.

Davina and The Vagabonds
2026-08-14 19:00 - 22:00
“This music, as retro as it may be at times, feels fun, frisky and alive.” – American Songwriter
Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene. Their high-energy live shows feature level-A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. Also, their influences range from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits. Moreover, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe.
Much like the music, the story spurns era, expectation and classification. The often unbelievable, sometimes harrowing, and wholly inspiring journey of Davina Sowers gave birth to her eponymous band in 2004. As the tale goes, she grew up in the economically depressed Allegheny town of Altoona, PA. She now describes the town as “awesome in the industrial era, but horrible for high school.” Then, she was adopted by her stepfather when he was in his 80s; he passed when she was just 13. Through him and his Edison phonograph, she first heard the music that would start her journey. For example, The Ink Spots, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and many others. “Great man. He was my angel and still is,” she says.
On her own, she vividly recalls hours in front of the record player at home. There, she religiously spun Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Simon and Garfunkel records belonging to her folk singer mom.
To this day, Davina still refers to music as “my first and eternal love.” Despite early dalliances with classical piano and guitar, she developed a heavy drug habit in high school. Further, this morphed into heroin dependency, left her homeless, sent her in and out of jail and brought on all manner of trouble. Kicking dope on the streets, she “got clean, started the band and worked [her] ass off every day since.”
Recommended for fans of Pokey LaFarge, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Hot Sardines and Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Mohini Dey
2026-08-15 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-08-15 21:00 - 23:00
“Dey is a phenomenon” – Steve Vai

Mohini Dey is an Indian bass guitarist, arranger, producer & vocalist with unique style and impeccable technique. She has gained international recognition for her extraordinary talent and versatility. Also, she has collaborated with numerous renowned artists and performed on prestigious stages around the world.
Forbes India has described her as the “most successful musician under thirty”. Moreover, she has been working professionally in the music industry for the past nineteen years. She is the only female bassist on Music Radar’s Top Ten Bassists of the twenty-first century. Further, she has over 20 million YouTube views with 200k subscribers, 500k Instagram followers, and 200k Facebook followers.
She released her debut album, Mohini Dey, in 2023. Then, it met with rave reviews from fans and critics worldwide. Mohini has recently appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and a North American tour with singer Willow Smith. Mohini also recently did an intensive one-on-one interview with famous YouTuber Rick Beato. There, she discussed her techniques on bass, equipment and more. Mohini was also invited to record at the legendary Sweetwater studio A in Fort Wayne, Indiana. There, she recorded two tracks and gave an interview. BET.com also recently featured her.
She has worked with artists like Steve Vai, Zakir Hussain, Quincy Jones, Vinnie Colauita, Stanley Clarke, and Jordan Rudess. Also, Mike Stern, Dean Brown, Marco Minneman, Stu Hamm, Plini, Louiz Banks, Ranjit Barot, Chad Wackerman, Chad Smith, and Simon Phillips.
Recommended for fans of Stanley Clarke, Tal Wilkenfield, Matteo Mancuso and Stanley Jordan.

CANDY-OH! – The Cars Tribute
2026-08-16 19:00 - 21:00
“Let the Good Times Roll” with the premier tribute to The Cars.

“Let the Good Times Roll” with Candy-Oh!, the premier tribute to the music of The Cars.
Join us for this polished show that nails the sound of one of the most popular bands of the ’80s with an incredible array of great songs known by all. Hits like “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friends Girlfriend,” “(Let The) Good Times Roll,” “Shake it Up,” “Magic,” “Drive,” “Touch and Go,” “You Might Think” and many more make this an incredible feel-good show.
It’s like the ’80s all over again! From Live Aid to MTV, The Cars were everywhere, selling over 23 million records. So grab your RayBans and join this group of tribute show veterans for one of the most fun concerts of the season!
Recommended for fans of The Police, Heart, U2 and The Pretenders.

Ben Sidran
2026-08-17 19:00 - 21:00
“Inspirational, entertaining, life-affirming and swinging like crazy.” – London Jazz News

Ben Sidran’s love of music has led to work as pianist, singer-songwriter, author, record producer and music journalist. Also, he has accomplished many other things in his sixty-year career. Further, he acts as his own short-order cook, juggling his own career and his projects. He has produced Steve Miller, Mose Allison, Diana Ross, Boz Scaggs, Phil Upchurch, Tony Williams, Jon Hendricks, Richie Cole and Van Morrison. He recorded his most recent solo album, 2024’s Rainmaker, in France and features a collection of original songs. He channels today’s complexities through his “hipster” filter and demonstrates why he is indeed the “first ever existential jazz rapper”.
It’s been a long and varied journey for Sidran. As a six-year-old in Racine, Wisconsin, he played boogie-woogie piano, leaning into his jazz records, “literally like an Eskimo huddled around a fire”. Then, he would grow up to play boogie-woogie piano around the world. He may be better known in Europe and Japan than in America. Also, this is a fact of life for most jazz musicians. Despite that, Ben Sidran is an American success story.
He’s a jazz pianist of international renown, lyricist of a rock classic, award-winning national broadcaster, record and video producer. Also, he’s a scholar, author, journalist, and father to a second-generation musical prodigy. Sidran makes your average Renaissance man look like a slacker.
He is joined by his longtime bandmates and collaborators, Billy Peterson on bass and Leo Sidran (his son) on drums. Also, featuring special guest Ricky Peterson on organ.
Recommended for fans of Mose Allison, Marcia Ball, Dan Hicks and Joey DeFrancesco.
📸: Jean-Baptiste Millot

Grace Kelly w/ special guest JangmiArts
2026-08-18 19:00 - 22:00
“tenacious… clearly in possession of virtuoso talents” – New York Times

Grace Kelly is an unequivocal musical prodigy: a singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer and bandleader. Also, she has rocked the jazz world through sold-out concerts and fifteen acclaimed albums. Further, her resume includes performing at the Hollywood Bowl and joining the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert – all before reaching her mid-twenties. In 2022, Berklee College of Music’s Board of Trustees named her its youngest member.
Grace’s early career highlights include performing at Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration at age sixteen. Additionally, at fourteen she performed as a soloist with the Boston Pops, playing an original composition with the legendary orchestra. Since then, she has led her band in over 1,000 shows across thirty-five countries. Moreover, she’s performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Moscow Symphony Hall, and international jazz festivals. Critics tout her scorching saxophone stylings and purring vocals, and she has performed and recorded with renowned artists. Here, these include Lin Manuel-Miranda, Dave Brubeck, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Huey Lewis, Harry Connick Jr., and Jon Batiste. Also, Gloria Estefan, Questlove, and Wynton Marsalis.
Grace’s latest release, 2024’s At The Movies: Grace Kelly with Strings, was inspired by Charlie Parker with Strings. This remains one of Grace’s all-time favorite albums. Additionally, the album reflects her love of classic and contemporary movies. Here, she reimagines some of her favorite movie music as well as songs by legendary film composers. Furthermore, fresh arrangements showcase her signature sound.
“Grace Kelly plays with intelligence, wit and feeling. She has a great amount of natural ability and the ability to adapt. That is the hallmark of a first-class jazz musician.” – Wynton Marsalis
“A highly accomplished musician with a charismatic and contagiously uplifting stage presence.” – Jon Batiste
Mixed Roots Foundation in collaboration with JangmiArts presents:
Celebrating 15 years as a Foundation this year, with roots in multiculturalism over 30 years ago in Owatonna, MN. Led by Holly Choon Hyang Bachman, a Korean adoptee who grew up in Owatonna, MN, and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Mixed Roots Foundation raises awareness and funds for the global multicultural, adoption, and foster care community and their families. It has a national presence, is headquartered in Los Angeles, and has regional impact in San Francisco, Minneapolis, and New York. As part of the Foundation’s Next Chapter, Mixed Roots Foundation will officially launch its flagship program, the Mixed Roots Academy, which will focus on four pillars of Entrepreneurship | Arts | Education | Philanthropy. It will partner with Owatonna High School, serving as its first Founding High School, where it all started with the Mixed Roots Cultural Diversity student group in 1995, which still exists today.

Grace Kelly, a Korean American saxophonist who recently celebrated 20+ years in jazz, had the unique opportunity to perform at the Inaugural Mixed Roots Jazz Festival in June, held in Fairfield, CT, earlier this summer. The performance pre-launched the Arts Pillar of the Mixed Roots Academy.

In addition, with Minnesota still home to the largest population of Korean Adoptees worldwide, the collaboration with JangmiArts Korean Culture Dance and Drum, a longtime community partner and friend of Mixed Roots Foundation, will showcase Korean culture and heritage at Grace Kelly’s show, who is also part of the Korean American diaspora. This will be an amazing and fun way to further engage, promote, and support the next generation of artists and musicians, as well as the broader audience at the Dakota.

JangmiArts, directed by Korean Adoptee Han G-in Newmaster since 1997, has evolved from a children’s dance group into an all-ages Music, Dance, Drumming, and Arts program. Adult Korean Adoptees, their children, Korean Internationals, Other Korean Americans, and multicultural Koreans are part of the JangmiArts family and community.
Recommended for fans of Joshua Redman, Emmet Cohen, Christian McBride and Branford Marsalis.

Spyro Gyra
2026-08-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-19 21:00 - 23:00
“these… grooves are state-of-the-art” – All About Jazz

In 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”.
Fast 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.
Fans 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.
Recommended for fans of Return to Forever, Yellowjackets, David Sanborn and Brecker Brothers.
📸: David White

Peter Himmelman
2026-08-20 19:00 - 21:00
“One of rock’s most wildly imaginative performers.” – USA Today

To a standard-bearer like Peter Himmelman, writing, recording, and releasing new music is an essential part of living. For example, former Rolling Stone senior editor Parke Puterburgh recently referenced his consistent output in Stereo Review. Himmelman “is on the same plane as Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, and Bruce Springsteen and nudging his way to ‘Dylanhood’”.
Himmelman’s latest, 2020’s Press On, captures the immediacy of Himmelman’s new songs. Further, it leaves his fervent vocals and guitar front and center. There, the recording process for Press On took just under four days. However, writing the songs, refining them, and deciding which of his more than forty new songs would make the final cut, began over three years prior.
For Himmelman, songwriting has long been a process of self-discovery. “There are technical tricks one needs to master. But for me the real work lies in transcending the mechanics of songwriting, and inhabiting that space beyond the rational mind,” he says.
The music on Press On is both emotionally and musically varied, from R&B-flavored piano ballads to incessant New Orleans funk. At times, Himmelman’s steely Telecaster is reminiscent of two of his principal influences — Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker. There, it threads itself through lyrics that seem culled from our current moment.
“Press On is tellingly titled and deeply considered, a further example of Himmelman’s ability to go below the surface of any circumstance and find wisdom, revelation, and empowerment in the process.” — American Songwriter
Recommended for fans of Martin Zellar, Glen Phillips, Tina Schlieske and John Wesley Harding.

Ladies of Soul, Vol. 3: A Celebration of Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill & Mary J. Blige
2026-08-21 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-08-21 21:00 - 23:00
Celebrating three of the most iconic and influential voices in modern R&B and soul!

Ladies of Soul, Vol. 3 honors the artistry, songwriting, and cultural impact of Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and Mary J. Blige. Here, each of these artists reshaped contemporary soul by blending R&B, hip-hop, jazz, gospel, and raw emotional storytelling.
The evening will feature powerhouse vocal performances backed by an A-List band. Additionally, hear beloved classics, deep cuts, and fan favorites from across these legendary catalogs.
Solorah The Essence is the vocalist/leader of jazz/R&B fusion collective Bakkwooddrift. Also, her angelic voice embodies soulful black music.
Cornisha Garmon is a Terrytown recording artist. She has worked with several national recording and touring artists, and is a featured vocalist for “The Spirit of Whitney”. Furthermore, she is the vocalist for Greats Gone 2 Soon and Mid America Talent.
Singer/songwriter/actor Monique Blakey discovered her very large voice at a very young age. She began singing at the age of five and acting by the age of nine. Monique was immediately thrust into talent shows, plays, and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down yet! Additionally, she has worked on network TV, recorded with several mainstream artists, and acted in several stage productions. Also, she recently landed her first role in a Hulu series.
Musicians:
Tony Axtell, bass
Deevo, guitar
Glory Yard, drums
Tommy Barbarella, keyboards

The Belfast Cowboys
2026-08-22 19:00 - 21:00
“conjures up the spirit and the songs of Ireland’s greatest export” – Chicago Tribune

The Belfast Cowboys is a nine-piece, horn-driven band from Minneapolis that specializes in the music of Van Morrison. Entering their third decade, they are adept at mixing rock, blues, roots and soul sounds. Led by veteran songwriter/guitarist Terry Walsh, the Cowboys have flourished in the renowned Minnesota music scene. They have consistently packed houses and wowed crowds since 2002.
Terry Walsh got his start playing in various Twin Cities rock bands. He toured as Slim Dunlap’s bass player in 1997, opening for Son Volt. In 2001 Terry hit upon the idea of forming a Van Morrison tribute band. 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.
Many musicians have played with the band, but the ‘A’ team was soon established. It includes Dan Kowalke (guitar, vocals, Joe Baumgart (bass), Dave Kirby and Dave Haugen (drums, backing vocals), Joe Loskota (keyboards, backing vocals). The horn section includes Paul Gronert (sax), Matt Hanzelka (trombone), Tim Martin (trumpet), Vic Volare (sax, flute). Bandleader Terry Walsh (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica, piano).
The band has expanded its content over the years to include rock and soul covers. Terry’s own originals have become fan favorites. Now a beloved staple in Minnesota, the 9-piece Belfast Cowboys averaged over 120 shows a year before the pandemic. The bar-tested troubadours are known for playing epic sets at their weekly Minneapolis gigs and drawing crowds to outdoor festivals. Occasionally they’ll venture beyond the Midwest to play Ireland, Phoenix, and New York’s Times Square. Once they opened for the band Chicago in front of 15,000 people.
Recommended for fans of Bruce Springsteen, G.B. Leighton, Tina and the B-Sides and Van Morrison.

The Devon Allman Project:
2026-08-23 19:00 - 21:00
“Allman has found a way to extend his family’s amazing musical lineage on his own terms.” – Premier Guitar

Devon Allman’s sound lands right in the middle of some of the most soulful rock. Here, Allman celebrates twenty years since the release of his first album and national tour. Additionally, this special show will include material from each of Devon’s projects. These include The Allman Betts Band, Devon Allman’s Blues Summit, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Honey Tribe, and Devon Allman & Donavon Frankenreiter’s Rollers. Also, they will play select Allman Brothers songs.
Devon Allman gained wide recognition through projects such as Honey Tribe and later as co-founder of Royal Southern Brotherhood. There, this supergroup-style ensemble showcased his soulful vocals and guitar work alongside other acclaimed musicians. Devon has built an independent career that honors the jam band and blues traditions. Meanwhile, he maintains a modern, polished tone and original songwriting voice.
Here, he has released multiple albums and toured extensively. Thus, he earned a reputation for dynamic live shows, strong musicianship, and a style that blends blues, rock, soul, and improvisational “jam” elements into a distinctive contemporary Southern sound.

Since 2018, GA-20 has been at the forefront of a traditional Blues revival. The dynamic throwback trio have long been disciples of the place where traditional Blues, Country and Rock ‘n’ Roll intersect. “We make records that we would want to listen to,” says guitarist Matt Stubbs. “It’s our take on the song-based traditional electric Blues we love.” Stubbs, along with guitarist & vocalist Cody Nilsen and drummer Josh Kiggans, strive to bring traditional Blues to the front lines of the modern roots music scene. “The focus for us has always been on the story, the melody, and on creating a mood,” Stubbs continues. “Traditional Country and Soul have all had these massive recent revivals. We want to be part of doing that for traditional Blues music.”
GA-20 has drawn inspiration for their old-school sounds from the music they love by artists such as Otis Rush, J.B. Lenoir, Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Wells, Hound Dog Taylor, Earl Hooker, Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson and so many others. Performing with what feels like reckless abandon, GA-20 brings a timeless immediacy to every song they play with a sound that continues to grow and evolve. The band uses vintage instruments and amps to produce their authentic sound, and favours traditional recording techniques, like recording live off the floor together in one room, to help recreate that energy and sonic connection.
In their short history, GA-20 have been 3x #1 Billboard Blues chart toppers, 4x Boston Music Award winners for Best Blues Act, and have received multiple wins and nominations at the Blues Music Awards, Blues Blast Awards, New England Blues Awards, and have ascended streaming and radio charts at home and internationally. Medium.com has appropriately declared, “This is the kind of music that travels through time while taking from the era where it was born and turning it into something fresh. Dirty and raw…timeless and modern.”
Recommended for fans of The Allman Brothers, Tab Benoit, Tedeschi Trucks Band and The Black Crowes.
📸: Venla Shalin

The New Bluebloods
2026-08-24 19:00 - 21:00
Minneapolis’s Up-and-Coming Guitar Heroes

Get ready to experience the next generation of Twin Cities talent! The New Bluebloods: Minneapolis’s Up-and-Coming Guitar Heroes shines a spotlight on some of the city’s most exciting young guitarists, rising artists who are pushing musical boundaries while carrying on Minneapolis’s rich musical legacy. From soulful blues and jazz to rock, funk, and beyond, this is your chance to discover the future of the Minneapolis music scene before everyone else does.
Players:
Featuring an all-star Twin Cities lineup:
Guitarists –
David Feily
Kray Klaas
Nate Walker
Demitri Rallis
Cassandra Johnson
Isaac Levy
+ More
Rhythm Section –
Tony Axtell, bass
Matthew Mwangi, drums
Jordan Hedlund, keyboards

Jim Messina
2026-08-25 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-08-26 19:00 - 21:00
“a bracing mix of folk- and country-rock” – All Music

Jim 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.
While 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.
In 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.
Over 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.
He 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.
Touring 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.
Recommended for fans of Poco, Richie Furay, Kenny Loggins and Chicago.

Musiq Soulchild
2026-08-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-08-27 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-08-28 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-29 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-08-29 21:00 - 23:00
“slyly assured, smoothly sexy… neo-soul” – AllMusic

Musiq Soulchild is a pioneering hip-hop soul artist celebrated for his unique sound and raw talent. Growing up in the vibrant music scene of Philadelphia, Musiq built his reputation by beatboxing for MCs. Additionally, he built his name freestyling on the open mic circuit, and performing acapella for strangers on the streets. Moreover, his musical style is deeply inspired by the R&B and soul sounds of the 1970s. Thus, he adopted the name “Soulchild” to pay homage to his greatest influences: Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and Marvin Gaye.
Musiq Soulchild’s career took off in the late 1990s. There, he transitioned from street performances to signing a major record deal with Def Jam in 2000. He quickly became a leading figure in the “neo-soul” movement, bringing a fresh and authentic sound that resonated with fans worldwide. Over the years, he has released several successful albums and sold millions of records globally.
In September 2017, Musiq released his eighth studio album, Feel The Real. Here, this twenty-four-track double album featured the hit single “Start Over.” The album’s success was marked by its peak performance on the charts and earned Musiq his thirteenth Grammy nomination. Furthermore, this solidified his status as one of the most influential R&B singers of his generation.
Throughout his illustrious career, Musiq Soulchild has garnered numerous awards and nominations. Also, this includes accolades from Billboard, BET, ASCAP, BMI, and Soul Train. His talent has also been recognized by MTV, the American Music Awards, and the NAACP. His contributions to music have left an indelible mark, making him a true artist and a lasting influence in the world of R&B and soul.
Recommended for fans of D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Bill Withers and Meshell Ndegeocello.

Paris Nights
2026-08-30 19:00 - 21:00
“fantastic Django Reinhardt-inspired melodies” – Baby Blue Arts
The Red Hot Django Peppers are a fiery Twin Cities–based hot club band. They are devoted to keeping the spirit of Django Reinhardt alive while adding their own spark to the tradition. Here, the group is led by guitarist Ryan Picone, an acolyte of world-renowned guitarist Stéphane Wrembel. Also, they feature the dynamic interplay of guitarist Ian Stenlund, the soaring violin of Daniel Lentz, and the driving pulse of bassist Sean Roderick. Together, they create a sound that’s at once timeless and fresh, blending dazzling virtuosity with irresistible swing.
The Red Hot Django Peppers’ audience grows with each performance. Moreover, they are not just torchbearers of Django’s legacy, but innovators bringing new energy and excitement to hot club jazz.
The Twin Cities Hot Club (TCHC) represents Minnesota in the burgeoning hot club revival. There, this was originally popularized by Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. Now, they recreate the famous la pompe that distinguishes this romantic brand of acoustic jazz. Also, they cover gypsy bossa nova, musette, bolero, and swing. TCHC perform this timeless deep-rooted music that is physical, alive and speaks directly to the heart.
TCHC formed in 2005 and have been sharing their expressive, “hot” style with audiences ever since. Additionally, the group has been featured on Jazz 88 and Minnesota Public Radio. Moreover, they have received rave reviews in Vintage Guitar Magazine, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, the Twin Cities Jazz Society and the Star Tribune.
Members include Robert Bell on guitar, Gary Schulte on violin, Stan Ponkin on guitar and Matt Peterson on bass.
Recommended for fans of Django Reinhardt, Stephane Wrembel, Dorado Schmitt and Bireli Lagrene.

Chopin's Heart
2026-08-31 19:00 - 21:00
Original music inspired by the cabarets of Europe circa 1939.

“Chopin’s Heart (music) is brilliant. Vocals and lyrics really affecting.” – audience member

Singers Jennifer Grimm, Maud Hixson and Prudence Johnson deliver composer Gary Rue’s beautiful songs. Here, these are inspired by the cabaret music of pre-World War II Warsaw, an artistic hotbed rivaling that of Berlin and Paris. Further, as Europe stands on the precipice in 1939, the past, present and future collide in these songs. Additionally, they cover emotions like longing, lust, betrayal, fear, hope, redemption, and of course, love.
The show is titled “Chopin’s Heart” after the famous composer Frederic Chopin. Also, he asked that, upon his death in Paris, his heart be removed and taken back to his beloved Warsaw. Nearly a religious icon, Chopin’s heart became a rallying cry for partisans during the war. There, they secreted it into the countryside until peace returned.
Here, the show features pianist extraordinaire Dan Chouinard and the vibrant violin of Randy Sabien. Additionally, Chopin’s Heart composer and lyricist Gary Rue, co-creator of nearly 100 scores for musical theatre.
Recommended for fans of Melomani, Henryk Wars, Kurt Weill and George Gershwin.

Nunnabove: Anything For the Girl
2026-09-01 19:00 - 21:00
“Minneapolis’s latest and greatest” – The Current

Nunnabove has been called the “next generation of the Minneapolis sound”. They were featured on season thirteen of America’s Got Talent. Also, The Current calls them “Minneapolis’s latest and greatest.” Furthermore, Terry Lewis says, “They have many years of music ahead of them”. Additionally, Star Tribune‘s national music critic Jon Bream says, “they have oodles of talent and potential”. Finally, Sounds Of Blackness director Gary Hines says, “They are super talented, highly-skilled and gifted musicians, writers and performers with a unique sound and style.”
The band has worked with 3-time Grammy-winning Sounds of Blackness, PJ Morton of Maroon 5, Stokley, and many others. Nunnabove is Cadence, Mattie, Bennett, and Wisdom; four siblings from the Twin-Cities. Here, they take their influences from funk, jazz, rock and neo-soul to generate their own sound and style. Moreover, they take inspiration from The Purple One to the Gloved One, The 1975 to Chaka Khan. For these siblings, family is life and the key to what they create musically.
As a featured new artist at Prince’s 2023 Paisley Park Celebration, they shined the brightest. As Matthew Allen of the Grio writes, “The Minneapolis Sound seems to be in good hands”. Chaka Khan, who also attended the celebration, heard the group and embraced them with praise when she met them. Then, she invited them to open for her and Boys II Men two months later at the Minnesota State Fair.
With new music dropping Spring, Summer and Fall, 2026 promises to be another great year for Nunnabove. Here, they have several new releases and new shows for current and new fans alike!
Recommended for fans of Prince, The Time, Alexander O’Neal and Lipps Inc.

Bob James
2026-09-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-03 19:00 - 21:00
“one of the biggest stars of smooth jazz” – Jazz Times

Grammy winner and Fourplay founder Bob James is a legend in the world of jazz. There, he is revered for his discography of more than fifty-eight albums. Moreover, he pioneered the sounds and style that came to be known as contemporary jazz. Thus, Bob’s shadow looms large over the music world of the last fifty-plus years.
Discovered by Quincy Jones in 1963, Bob briefly played piano for Sarah Vaughan, before becoming a solo artist in 1974. Then, many solo projects followed, as well as collaborations with such artists as Roberta Flack, David Sanborn, and Earl Klugh. Furthermore, smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay brought improvised music to the mainstream in exciting new ways. And he’s still going as strong as ever.
He also recorded Touchdown, which included his composition, “Angela,” the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi. Here, this remains possibly James’ best-known work. Additionally, Bob composed all the original music used in that television series for its entire run.
James is recognized as one of the progenitors of smooth jazz. However, his music has also had a profound effect on the history of hip hop having been sampled often. Two of James’ songs –“Nautilus” from 1974’s One and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” from 1975’s Two – are among the most sampled in hip-hop history.
Recommended for fans of David Sanborn, Ramsey Lewis, Larry Carlton and Jeff Lorber.

Cécile McLorin Salvant
2026-09-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-04 21:00 - 23:00
“She is a modern jazz marvel.” – Star Tribune

Cécile McLorin Salvant is a composer, singer, and visual artist. The Late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and full-fledged musicality, which light up every note she sings.” Here, Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling. She finds connections between vaudeville, blues, folk traditions from around the world, theater, jazz, and baroque music. Moreover, Salvant is an eclectic curator, unearthing rarely recorded songs with strong narratives, interesting power dynamics, unexpected twists, and humor.
Salvant won the Thelonius Monk competition in 2010. Also, she received Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album for three consecutive albums. Here, these include 2018’s The Window, 2017’s Dreams and Daggers, and 2015’s For One To Love. Additionally, she earned a Grammy nomination for 2014’s WomanChild. Then, in 2020 Salvant received the MacArthur fellowship and the Doris Duke Artist Award. Her 2022 recording Ghost Song garnered two more Grammy nominations and wide critical acclaim.
Salvant released her latest album, Oh Snap, in 2025. Here, this album features twelve very personal songs by Salvant. Further, she mostly recorded it outside of a traditional studio environment and it showcases her genre-spanning tastes and influences.
For this album, Salvant wrote these short, intimate songs as part of a creative quest. Here, she sought to place spontaneity and joy at the center of her writing process. She originally recorded them alone, at home, never intending for them to be released. Moreover, the songs reflect Salvant’s wide-ranging musical influences from her 1990s childhood in Miami. There, sounds from boy bands to grunge to classical to folk are present. Additionally, there are party tracks with beats, samba grooves, and quiet folk songs.
Recommended for fans of Lizz Wright, Kandace Springs, Cassandra Wilson and Veronica Swift.
