Dakota

Kavyesh Kaviraj & Omar Abdulkarim
2025-06-05 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
“the essence of what jazz is.” – Jazz Police

Kavyesh 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.
Kavyesh 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.
Omar 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.
Omar’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.
Omar’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.
Recommended for fans of Roy Hargrove, Ahmad Jamal, Woody Shaw and Keith Jarrett.
LEARN MORE:
https://www.kavyeshkaviraj.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OmarAbdulkarimMusic/

Matteo Mancuso
2025-06-04 21:00, 2025-06-04 19:00 - 21:00
Matteo Mancuso was born in 1996 and raised in the province of Palermo. There, people quickly recognized him as a musical prodigy. His father, Vincenzo Mancuso, a well-known guitarist and producer, guided Matteo’s introduction to the world of music.
Teaming up with his father, Matteo made waves in Sicily’s jazz scene, participating in local festivals at just eleven years old. The duo explored a diverse repertoire, spanning from Django Reinhardt to contemporary jazz. Then, as a teenager, Matteo pursued his passion by enrolling in a music high school, specializing in classical guitar.
After he earned his high school diploma, he founded the Snips trio, gaining widespread acclaim for their fusion take on classic standards. As a collaborator with Yamaha Guitars, Matteo showcased his expertise at NAMM 2019 in Los Angeles. Additionally, he participated as a judge at the “Young Guitar Festival” in Bangkok. 2019 also marked his venture into Russia, conducting masterclasses in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Perm.
Mancuso graduated from the Conservatory of Palermo in 2022 with a degree in jazz guitar. Then, he immediately resumed touring and shared the stage with Al Di Meola during the Eddie Lang Jazz Festival. In 2023, the legendary PFM invited Matteo as a guest for their new live album.
Later in 2023, Mancuso joined Tommy Emmanuel on stage at the Teatro Golden in Palermo. Then, he embarked on a summer headlining tour, featuring previews of songs from Matteo’s eagerly anticipated debut solo album.
“He’s a beautiful player and he is so versatile, he plays any style, he plays rock, he plays Django, pretty amazing.” – Eric Johnson
Recommended for fans of Steve Vai, John Scofield, Eric Johnson and Al Di Meola.

Private Event
2025-06-03
We will be closed on JUN 3 for a private event.
BOOK YOUR EVENT HERE:
https://www.dakotacooks.com/private-events/

Leslie Vincent + Dylan Hicks & Small Screens
2025-06-02 19:00 - 21:00
Leslie Vincent is a prolific songwriter and jazz vocalist. She is equally at home singing the Great American Songbook, musical theater, and contemporary rock and pop. Thus, she has quickly become one of the most notable voices to emerge in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene. Here, Vincent is hailed for her joy-filled performances and her “fun, human, beautiful interpretations” (Levi Weinhagen).
Today, Vincent has become an accomplished bandleader, using her theatrical chops to bring drama, comedy and poise to the stage.
Vincent released her debut, These Foolish Things, in 2020. Then, this garnered much critical attention from fans and music critics in the Twin Cities, especially from Jazz88 FM. She’s recorded with the band Viewers Like You and performed alongside Jeremy Messersmith, Joyann Parker, and Patty Peterson. Her latest, 2023’s About Last Night, mixes jazz standards, vintage blues, and her own fresh originals.
Dylan Hicks & Small Screens play exploratory pop with literary ambitions and far-flung musical influences ranging from jazz to folk. The group’s latest album, 2024’s Modern Flora, is a set of songs arranged for an expanded nine-piece lineup. Further, All About Jazz called it “fascinating and engaging”. Hicks, the group’s pianist and singer-songwriter, brings together some of the best players in Twin Cities improvised music. Here, saxophonist Christopher Thomson, cellist Michelle Kinney, guitarist Zacc Harris, bassist Dan Carpel, and drummer Peter Hennig comprise the band.
Recommended for fans of Alex Chilton, Madeleine Peyroux, Jonathan Richman and Davina and The Vagabonds.

Natania & Ticket to Brasil
2025-06-01 19:00 - 21:00
Natania Kamin is a charismatic vocalist, songwriter and dancer who is passionate about sharing the music of her native Brazil with American audiences.
Ticket To Brasil is a bossa nova, samba and Brazilian jazz project founded by contemporary jazz guitarist and composer Pavel Jany. The group has performed at many national and international jazz events and has opened for such renowned artists as Trio Brasileiro, Brazilian singer Cibelle and American jazz vocalist Karrin Allyson.
Natania Kamin – vocal
Pavel Jany – guitar
John Croarkin – sax/flute/harmonica
Ted Godbout – piano
Matt Senjem – bass
Josue Alfaro – drums/vocal
Recommended for fans of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 and Herb Alpert.
LEARN MORE: https://pjanymusic.com/ticket-to-brasil
