Dakota

John Scofield's Electrospective
2026-11-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-11-12 21:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
“Scofield is one of the most prolific and admired jazz musicians of his generation” – NPR

Through his fifty-four-year career, three-time Grammy Award winner John Scofield has occasionally detoured from the traditions of straight-ahead jazz. There, he explores a blend of funk and jazz that has led to some of his most popular projects. In 2026, Scofield looks back at many of his now classic fusion groove compositions with Electrospective.
Not intending to replicate earlier fan favorites, he plans instead to revisit them with the seasoned perspective of several decades. Here, he culls tunes from his Blue Matter, Uberjam, and AGoGo bands, each responsible for a few recordings. Additionally, he will play new material in the same vein.
Moreover, Scofield looks forward to teaming up with a stellar band of colleagues. Electrospective will rely on interpretative input from Scofield alum and super funk drummer/producer Adam Deitch (Lettuce). Also, multidimensional Larry Goldings (Scary Goldings, James Taylor) on keyboards. Additionally, legendary bassist Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Co., Tedeschi Trucks, Allman Brothers). With this repertoire so frequently (and loudly) requested by audience members, Scofield is glad to have a band that will truly do the music justice.
Recommended for fans of Pat Metheny, Lettuce, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Medeski, Martin & Wood.

An Evening with Lucinda Williams & Her Band: World's Gone Wrong Tour
2026-11-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-18 19:00 - 21:00
Acoustic Shows with Lucinda Williams & Her Band:
Blues, Ballads & More: A Quiet Night with Lucinda Williams & Her Band
NOV 16 • 7:00pm Performance
Blues, Ballads & More: A Quiet Night with Lucinda Williams & Her Band
NOV 17 • 7:00pm Performance

“perfect… clearly in a league of her own” – Chicago Reader

“My dad, as a poet, always told me to never censor myself – that’s one of his cardinal rules of creative writing,” says multiple-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams. “That became my motto which I’ve stuck by all these years.” Miller Williams’ advice clearly is borne out on Lucinda’s powerful eighteenth studio album, 2026’s provocative World’s Gone Wrong. “I felt a sense of urgency in making this record,” she adds.
Filled with gut-wrenching topical songs, the album’s ten tracks were written and recorded in a blast of collaborative creativity. There, Lucinda and her co-writers – primarily husband/manager/co-producer Tom Overby and guitarist Doug Pettibone – grappled with the events of spring 2025. Moreover, a whole other album had been in the works. However, the “urgency” to address our current cataclysmic situation motivated Lucinda and company to cut World’s Gone Wrong in direct response. “Music is a powerful weapon,” she points out. “I want this record to make people aware, wake them up. I like to push people’s buttons.”
And that’s what Lucinda fans have come to depend on over the past forty-five years. Her back catalog boasts remarkable albums, including 1998’s game-changing Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. Additionally, she’s earned three Grammy awards and countless accolades, including Time Magazine naming her America’s Best Songwriter in 2001. Here, Williams is one of our most revered artists, beloved for her singular vocals and extraordinary songs. And in these troubling times, we need the light she shines on World’s Gone Wrong more than ever before.
Recommended for fans of Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Steve Earle & Bob Dylan.
📸: Mark Seliger

Charles Lloyd Quartet
2026-11-15 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-15 19:30 - 21:30
“Charles Lloyd is an international treasure.” Carlos Santana

Charles Lloyd and Bill Frisell first joined forces in 2013 for a special project in Montreal. There, their connection was immediate and the joy of making music together endures. Over the years that followed, Bill toured and recorded with Charles in various formations; duo, trio, quartet and quintet. Additionally, their recordings together include I Long to See You, Tone Poem, and Chapel Trio. For his return to the Dakota, Charles has assembled a dream quartet. Here, renowned bassist Larry Grenadier joins the band, who was first heard with Charles on The Water Is Wide. Also, the rising young star on drums, Kweku Sumbry.
“He’s expansive in his musical discourse yet without a wasted note.” – Wall Street Journal
“Ageless wonder Charles Lloyd is as dynamic as ever.” – Music in Minnesota
NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd, now in his eighth decade, has never sounded better. Voted Downbeat’s Jazzman of the Year in 1967, Lloyd was again voted the 2023 Artist of the Year. The arc of his contribution to this artform starts in the early 1960s, and the depth of his expression reflects a lifetime of experience.
“His shows, full of momentum and intuition, perfectly represent the idea that the best jazz needs to be experienced live.” – The New York Times
Over nearly five decades, Lloyd’s compositions have punctuated the post-bop period. He infused the traditional music with a host of world cultures and avant-garde improvisation. “Lloyd is one of the greats, rather like Joan Miro in modern art, he has no peer save himself. Music of total transport and delight.” Jazzwise
Recommended for fans of John Coltrane, Abdullah Ibrahim, Dexter Gordon and Jason Moran.

Blues, Ballads & More: A Quiet Night with Lucinda Williams & Her Band
2026-11-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-17 19:00 - 21:00
Additional Shows with Lucinda Williams & Her Band:
An Evening with Lucinda Williams & Her Band: World’s Gone Wrong Tour
NOV 13 • 7:00pm Performance
An Evening with Lucinda Williams & Her Band: World’s Gone Wrong Tour
NOV 14 • 7:00pm Performance
An Evening with Lucinda Williams & Her Band: World’s Gone Wrong Tour
NOV 18 • 7:00pm Performance

“perfect… clearly in a league of her own” – Chicago Reader

“My dad, as a poet, always told me to never censor myself – that’s one of his cardinal rules of creative writing,” says multiple-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams. “That became my motto which I’ve stuck by all these years.” Miller Williams’ advice clearly is borne out on Lucinda’s powerful eighteenth studio album, 2026’s provocative World’s Gone Wrong. “I felt a sense of urgency in making this record,” she adds.
Filled with gut-wrenching topical songs, the album’s ten tracks were written and recorded in a blast of collaborative creativity. There, Lucinda and her co-writers – primarily husband/manager/co-producer Tom Overby and guitarist Doug Pettibone – grappled with the events of spring 2025. Moreover, a whole other album had been in the works. However, the “urgency” to address our current cataclysmic situation motivated Lucinda and company to cut World’s Gone Wrong in direct response. “Music is a powerful weapon,” she points out. “I want this record to make people aware, wake them up. I like to push people’s buttons.”
And that’s what Lucinda fans have come to depend on over the past forty-five years. Her back catalog boasts remarkable albums, including 1998’s game-changing Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. Additionally, she’s earned three Grammy awards and countless accolades, including Time Magazine naming her America’s Best Songwriter in 2001. Here, Williams is one of our most revered artists, beloved for her singular vocals and extraordinary songs. And in these troubling times, we need the light she shines on World’s Gone Wrong more than ever before.
Recommended for fans of Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Steve Earle & Bob Dylan.
📸: Mark Seliger

Brother Ali
2026-11-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-21 21:30 - 23:30
“clean, crisp modern soul… deeply thought-provoking work” – Pitchfork

Brother Ali is a respected hip hop artist, speaker, and community leader. His two-decade resume includes ten critically acclaimed albums and mentorships with iconic hip hop legends Chuck D and Rakim. Additionally, he has performed on late night shows with Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien.
His provocative and uplifting brand of hip hop has earned him coveted press features. Rolling Stone featured him in their fortieth anniversary edition and he was also in Source Magazine’s “Hip Hop Quotables”. Moreover, his outspoken social justice message has landed him on government watch lists. Also, he’s lectured at universities from Princeton to Stanford and delivered the keynote address at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum.
When he’s not rocking the mic at Coachella or being arrested for civil disobedience in support of marginalized communities, Brother Ali travels the world learning and teaching Islamic Spirituality under some of today’s most renowned teachers. In addition to leading worship services and classes, he co-founded The Gemali Project. There, this organization helps Muslim converts and spiritual seekers access the beauty of the Islamic tradition. Brother Ali recently launched The Travelers Podcast from his new home in Istanbul. From there, he explores life’s journey with cultural, spiritual, and thought leaders from across the globe.
Recommended for fans of Eyedea, Aesop Rock, Atmosphere and Sage Francis.

Irish Christmas in America
2026-11-23 19:00 - 21:00
“Lively and reflective…a powerful evocation of the season” — Folk Wax

The hugely popular holiday show Irish Christmas in America returns in 2026. Here, they bring a fascinating performance of music, song, dance and stories of seasonal Irish traditions.
Produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, this year’s show features an incredible line-up of talented artists. Also, these include Laura Jo (vocals, guitar), Gráinne Hambly (Irish harp, concertina), Caoimhín Ó Fearghaíl (uilleann pipes, flute), Samantha Harvey (piano, dance) and Jack Warnock (guitar, vocals).
Exceptional Irish music, song and dance, combined with evocative photographic images, provide the perfect backdrop to a heartwarming celebration. Here, they bring of the Christmas traditions of Ireland to life. Further, take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas. Then, the finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you on a fun-filled start to the 2026 holiday season.
The holiday show was first conceived in 2005 with past tours featuring a stellar list of guest vocalists. Mac Diarmada enthuses about the program as a way to bring traditional and often unknown Irish customs to the U.S.
Recommended for fans of Téada, Altan, The Dubliners and Caladh Nua.
📸: Brendan Duffy

Rickie Lee Jones
2026-11-27 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-11-28 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-11-29 20:00 - 22:00
There will be no dinner service during this show. Dinner service will end at 7PM.

“originality, intimacy, and volcanic expressiveness” – Boston Globe

Rickie Lee Jones is an American musician, storyteller, two-time Grammy winner and eight-time nominee. Here, she has been inspiring pop culture for decades, beginning with her star-making self-titled debut and the seminal Pirates. Moreover, The New Yorker named her the “premiere song-stylist and songwriter of her generation”. Also, Time magazine called her “The Duchess of Coolsville”.
Jones released her Grammy-nominated album Pieces of Treasure in 2023, a reunion with Russ Titelman. There, Russ produced her first two records. Additionally, Jones’ celebrated 2021 memoir Last Chance Texaco was named Book of the Year by MOJO. Then, it made Best of Year lists by NPR, Pitchfork, and many more. The Independent writes, “There has always been something defiant about Rickie Lee Jones… a voice from a dream, elusive yet familiar, transcendent, a messenger from another place.”
Recommended for fans of Joni Mitchell, Edie Brickell, Randy Newman and The Lounge Lizards.

Rachael & Vilray
2026-11-30 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-11-30 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-12-01 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-12-01 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-12-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-12-02 21:00 - 23:00
“tunes that echo the feel of standards, without dipping into a single musical or lyrical cliché.” – Downbeat

Brooklyn-based duo Rachael & Vilray have achieved a certain timeless quality with their singular take on traditional pop. There, they have accomplished this since their 2015 formation. Rooted in the language of an earlier age, their songs transcend nostalgia with wit and a flair for the theatrical. On their third album, 2025’s West of Broadway, vocalist Rachael Price (also of Lake Street Dive) and guitarist/singer/songwriter Vilray evolve. Moreover, they shed their music’s previous dreaminess to achieve a refreshing angularity built on left-of-center instrumentation. For example, vibraphone and alto saxophone coast above the moody strains of baritone sax and trombone. Thus, West of Broadway unfolds in a series of sharply drawn vignettes inspired by a recent fascination with classic musicals. Here, they bring their luminous vocals to offbeat tales of love and heartache along city streets.
Furthermore, West of Broadway took shape with renowned musicians like saxophonist Steve Wilson (formerly of Chick Corea’s Origin sextet). Additionally, drummer John Riley (Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie). Over the course of ten lush and effervescent tracks, the album delivers standouts like “Love Comes Around”. Here, this joyously romantic piece set the direction for the LP’s West Coast jazz-inspired aesthetic. Also, “My Key to Gramercy Park”, a fantastically salty number narrated by a well-to-do character. They live in lonely suspicion of all those who covet their key to the notoriously exclusive private park. Further, “Off Broadway”, where golden-voiced comedian Stephen Colbert joins in for what the duo dubs an “oddly grumpy anti-Broadway screed”. The album comes to life in the colorful detail and extravagant personality of Rachael & Vilray’s storytelling. West of Broadway ultimately immerses the audience in an exquisitely out-of-time vision of their beloved New York City.
Recommended for fans of Madeleine Peyroux, Stella Cole, Cyrille Aimée and Lake Street Dive.

Private Event
2026-12-10 00:00 - 23:59
We are booked on DEC 10 for a private event. BOOK YOUR EVENT HERE:

The Bad Plus Farewell Tour Finale
2026-12-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-12-23 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-12-25 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-12-25 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-12-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-12-26 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-12-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-12-27 21:00 - 23:00
“finely orchestrated, catchy original tunes, and a knack for radically reconstituted pop covers.” – The New York Times

The Bad Plus are the ultimate originals. A democratic unit with a clear vision and a refusal to conform to convention. For the past two decades, they have played with spirit and adventure and have made their own rules. Moreover, they do so with a bold sense of creativity and intent. Avoiding easy categorization, The Bad Plus has won critical acclaim and a legion of fans worldwide. Further, their unique sound and flair for live performance make them a must-see ensemble.
Now in their twenty-sixth year, The Bad Plus continues to push boundaries. Here, founding members Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (drums) embark on a new piano-less incarnation of the band. Also, Ben Monder (guitar) and Chris Speed (tenor saxophone) join the group, instigating a new wave of excitement and anticipation. These new voices are re-energizing their sound and inspiration. The Bad Plus have constantly searched to bridge genres and techniques. Additionally, they explore the infinite possibilities of exceptional musicians working in perfect sync.
The Bad Plus’s sixteenth release, 2024’s Complex Emotions strikes out in stunning new directions. Here, it often sounds radically different than anything the band has done before, while still maintaining the band’s vital and unmistakable identity. Credit that to all four members’ instinctual attraction to song form, the compelling immediacy of their collective improvisations. Also, yes, their willingness to drill down into the full gamut of emotional complexity. The band can veer into so much unexplored terrain yet still emerge sounding like The Bad Plus on Complex Emotions. Thus, this is a testament to their finely crafted identity and insistence on constantly evolving.
This is The Bad Plus in their most creative and expressive form. This is The Bad Plus now.
Recommended for fans of Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell and Kurt Rosenwinkel.
