Aloe Blacc
2025-08-22 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-22 21:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-23 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-23 21:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
Grammy-nominated Aloe Blacc has long been a voice for the people. He is a globally recognized singer, songwriter, and changemaker whose music uplifts, empowers, and unites. Best known for genre-defying anthems, Blacc continues to inspire through sound and purpose. Hits include the international smash “Wake Me Up” with Avicii, anthemic “The Man”, and the timeless “I Need A Dollar”.
He was honored as one of Worth Magazine’s Worthy 100 in 2024. Here, this is in recognition of his influential work at the intersection of music and social impact.
Now in 2025, Aloe Blacc returns with his most mission-driven work to date: a new full-length album titled Stand Together. Featuring standout singles “Don’t Go Alone” and “One Good Thing,” the album draws deep inspiration from real-life stories. For example, nonprofit founders, humanitarians, and everyday heroes dedicated to making lasting change in their communities. Stand Together is both a celebration and a call to action, with Blacc’s signature soul and sincerity woven into every note.
Following the album’s release, Aloe is back on the global stage, embarking on a sweeping tour across the U.S. and Europe. The run kicked off with a sold-out residency at New York’s legendary Blue Note and will continue spanning festivals and venues through October 2025.
This October also marks a milestone in Aloe’s career: the fifteen-year anniversary of his breakthrough album Good Things. The album and its iconic single “I Need A Dollar” remains a rallying cry for working people everywhere.
With powerful new music, renewed purpose, and a vital, vibrant voice, Blacc stands at the center of culture and conscience. Here, he reminds the world that one good song really can change everything.
Recommended for fans of Musiq Soulchild, Raphael Saadiq, CeeLo Green and Gregory Porter.

Javier Santiago & Room3
2025-08-24 19:00
Pianist, composer, and sideman Javier Santiago is one of the most promising voices in the international music scene today. He is also an accomplished producer/beatmaker, arranger and educator. Further, Santiago has become a notable force in both the beat and hip-hop scenes as well as in jazz.
Santiago is an alumnus of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA and The Brubeck Institute Fellowship Program. He was a finalist in the American Jazz Pianist competition in 2015. Additionally, he received the 2016 McKnight Fellowship for Musicians. Also, he was selected to participate in the 14th Annual Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in 2011.
Santiago has performed with Herbie Hancock, Terrace Martin, Louis Cole, Alex Isley, Jonathan Kreisberg, Braxton Cook, and Kassa Overall. Also, Azar Lawrence, Kenneth Whalum, Aja Monet, John Raymond, Sheila Jordan, and Yosvany Terry. Additionally, he is based in Los Angeles.
Room3 is a jazz fusion wild card rooted in tradition yet driven by experimentation. Their sound is imaginative, playful and rhythmically sharp, mixing elements of bebop, contemporary jazz, prog rock, funk and more. Here, the collective currently operates out of Minneapolis, most commonly as a five-piece. The band features RAWTWHYLAH (aka Colin Mitchell) on drums, Beck Anderson on bass, Eli Awada on keyboards, Jovon Williams on tenor and soprano saxophone, and Evan Espinoza Robles on percussion. Also, each member is a student of their craft with a unique approach to their instrument. They share a willingness to push boundaries.
“Discovering the world of room3 is like watching a Miyazaki film for the first time.” – Natalia Toledo, The Current
Recommended for fans of Chick Corea, Weather Report, Snarky Puppy and Ezra Collective.

The Four Freshmen
2025-08-25 19:00 - 21:00
“a sophisticated palette of colors… luminous vocal texture” – Downbeat

The Four Freshmen hit the stage with a show bursting with jazzy vibes, boundless energy, and unforgettable musical magic! Their dazzling vocal harmonies sweep you off your feet with bossa nova beats, swing rhythms, soul-stirring ballads, and dreamy gems. They deliver a handpicked collection of timeless classics while paying homage to their legendary roots with hits like “It’s a Blue World”, “Poinciana”, and “Day By Day”. With genuine energy and intricate harmonies, The Four Freshmen prove that their music is as timeless as ever. It’s an evening that’s impossible to forget!
“I learned how to sing high by Bob Flanigan their high singer, I learned how to sing falsetto, and then I wrote “Surfer Girl”… we didn’t copy The Four Freshmen, but I learned how to give the guys parts by listening to The Four Freshmen and they took to it very easily.” – Brian Wilson, noting the band’s influence on the Beach Boys.
Recommended for fans of The Beach Boys, Mills Brothers, Stan Kenton and Manhattan Transfer.

John Pizzarelli Trio
2025-08-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-26 21:00 - 23:00
Guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire. Here, he includes the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and The Beatles. In addition to being a bandleader and solo performer, Pizzarelli has appeared on recordings for major pop names. For example, Natalie Cole, Kristin Chenoweth, Tom Wopat, Rickie Lee Jones and Dave Van Ronk. He has also worked with leading jazz artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Braff, and Johnny Frigo. Also, Buddy DeFranco, Harry Allen and of course his father Bucky Pizzarelli.
He won a 2021 Grammy in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category as co-producer of James Taylor’s American Standard. A radio personality who got his start in 1984, Pizzarelli co-hosts Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli alongside wife Jessica Molaskey. He has performed on popular national television shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and Great Performances. Also, the talk shows of Jay Leno, David Letterman, Regis Philbin and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Pizzarelli has dedicated many of his albums to great songwriters and performers. These artists have helped to establish the Great American Songbook and the pop music canon. These include Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Richard Rodgers, and Duke Ellington, to name a few.
Recommended for fans of Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Howard Alden and Russell Malone.

VIP EVENT: Ozomatli - 30 Revolutions Tour
2025-08-27 16:00 - 17:30
THIS IS NOT A TICKET TO THE SHOW:
VIP MEET AND GREET WILL BE SOLD DIRECTLY FROM THE ARTIST.
VIP upgrade- ONE MORE TIME
Limited availability
Includes Opportunity to:

One premium reserved or general admission ticket (where applicable)
Early entry into the venue
Exclusive meet & greet with Ozomatli
Personal photograph with Ozomatli
Ozomatli tour poster; autographed
Exclusive VIP merchandise item
10% discount on tour merchandise
Official meet & greet laminate & lanyard
Priority merchandise shopping

A ticket to the show is not included with the VIP package.
All VIP guests are required to purchase the separate ticket to attend the VIP performance. VIP sales will end fourteen (14) days prior to performance, or when the allotment sells out.General Admission Seating. Seating is limited. Prices for VIP Meet & Greet exclude A-Train membership benefits. Thank you—see you soon!

There is no Valet Service available for the VIP Meet and Greet. The Valet Service will begin at 5pm when doors open for the 5:30 pm show.
Having trouble?
Call the box office at 612-332-5299 or email boxoffice@dakotacooks.com
All Ticket Sales are Final.
No Refunds or Exchanges.

If the city of Los Angeles had a soundtrack, it would be Ozomatli. Since their formation in 1995, the six-piece, multi-genre band has been a cultural force. There, they blend Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global influences into an unmistakable sound that embodies the energy and diversity of L.A. In 2025, Ozomatli celebrates an incredible milestone: thirty years of bringing their dynamic, genre-defying music to audiences around the world. To mark the occasion, Summer 2025 kicks off their 30 Revolutions Nationwide Tour. Thus, this is a celebration of three decades of music, community, and culture.
The ensemble boasts six founding members. Asdru Sierra (vocals, trumpet), Raul Pacheco (vocals, guitars), Uli Bella (saxophone, vocals), Wil-Dog Abers (bass), Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion), and Justin Poree (vocals, percussion. Here, they have remained true to their mantra: “We take you around the world through the heartbeat of Los Angeles.” Their music is a vibrant collision of styles. Further, they draw from salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba, funk, merengue, New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga, and Indian raga. Also, this eclecticism is at the heart of their sound, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
As they embark on their fourth decade, Ozomatli stands as a symbol of Los Angeles’ past, present, and future. Here, they are a band whose music is as multifaceted and vibrant as the city they call home. Here’s to thirty years of Ozomatli, and the next chapter in their global musical journey.
Recommended for fans of The Pharcyde, Talib Kweli, Santana and Jurassic 5.

📸: Miguel “M.i.G.” Martinez

Ozomatli - 30 Revolutions Tour
2025-08-27 19:00 - 21:00
If the city of Los Angeles had a soundtrack, it would be Ozomatli. Since their formation in 1995, the six-piece, multi-genre band has been a cultural force. There, they blend Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global influences into an unmistakable sound that embodies the energy and diversity of L.A. In 2025, Ozomatli celebrates an incredible milestone: thirty years of bringing their dynamic, genre-defying music to audiences around the world. To mark the occasion, Summer 2025 kicks off their 30 Revolutions Nationwide Tour. Thus, this is a celebration of three decades of music, community, and culture.
The ensemble boasts six founding members. Asdru Sierra (vocals, trumpet), Raul Pacheco (vocals, guitars), Uli Bella (saxophone, vocals), Wil-Dog Abers (bass), Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion), and Justin Poree (vocals, percussion. Here, they have remained true to their mantra: “We take you around the world through the heartbeat of Los Angeles.” Their music is a vibrant collision of styles. Further, they draw from salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba, funk, merengue, New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga, and Indian raga. Also, this eclecticism is at the heart of their sound, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
As they embark on their fourth decade, Ozomatli stands as a symbol of Los Angeles’ past, present, and future. Here, they are a band whose music is as multifaceted and vibrant as the city they call home. Here’s to thirty years of Ozomatli, and the next chapter in their global musical journey.
Recommended for fans of The Pharcyde, Talib Kweli, Santana and Jurassic 5.

📸: Miguel “M.i.G.” Martinez

Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
2025-08-28 19:00 - 21:00
2024 BLUES FOUNDATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
In 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.”
Lil’ 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.
The 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.”
Their 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
Recommended for fans of James Cotton, Coco Montoya, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Joe Bonamassa.

St. Paul & the Mpls Funk All-Stars
2025-08-29 18:30 - 20:30
Paul
St. Paul Peterson is bringing his funk all-stars to rock, playing all the hits from Prince, The Time, NPG, and more! Performed by some of the people that wrote, produced, and performed on the original tracks!
One of the best musicians to emerge from the Twin Cities, St. Paul appeared in Purple Rain as a teenage wunderkind, playing keys with The Time on hits like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.” He was hand-picked by Prince himself to be the lead singer of The Family (best known for “Nothing Compares 2 U”) on Prince’s Paisley Park label.
In the tradition of Motown’s Funk Brothers, St. Paul has assembled the who’s who crew of the Minneapolis Sound with St. Paul & The Minneapolis Funk All-stars, showcasing those who wrote, produced, performed, or sung on some of the biggest hits from the heyday of electro funk-rock in the Twin Cities.
Recommended for fans of Prince, Mingo Fishtrap, Morris Day and Eric Gales.
Add a VIP Meet & Greet Experience. Does not include a ticket to the show.

St. Paul & the Mpls Funk All-Stars VIP Meet & Greet
2025-08-29 20:00 - 21:00
~VIP MEET & GREET~
St. Paul & The Mpls Funk All Stars FRI AUG 29 VIP Meet & Greet will be after the 1st show and before the doors open for the 9pm performance. •6:30PM TICKET HOLDERS- will be asked to stay in the room after the performance. •9PM TICKET HOLDERS- Please arrive to the club by 8pm. You will need to check in and then we will escort you to the VIP area for the meet & greet before the doors are opened at 9PM. THIS VIP MEET & GREET add on will include: • autographed poster • personal photo opportunity (have your camera ready) ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES. DOES NOT INCLUDE A TICKET TO THE SHOW. please call the Dakota box office 612.332.5299 if you have any questions

“upbeat and funky… sounds like Prince himself is playing” – Pioneer Press

St. Paul Peterson is bringing his funk all-stars to rock, playing all the hits from Prince, The Time, NPG, and more! Performed by some of the people that wrote, produced, and performed on the original tracks!
One of the best musicians to emerge from the Twin Cities, St. Paul appeared in Purple Rain as a teenage wunderkind, playing keys with The Time on hits like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.” He was hand-picked by Prince himself to be the lead singer of The Family (best known for “Nothing Compares 2 U”) on Prince’s Paisley Park label.
In the tradition of Motown’s Funk Brothers, St. Paul has assembled the who’s who crew of the Minneapolis Sound with St. Paul & The Minneapolis Funk All-stars, showcasing those who wrote, produced, performed, or sung on some of the biggest hits from the heyday of electro funk-rock in the Twin Cities.
Recommended for fans of Prince, Mingo Fishtrap, Morris Day and Eric Gales.

VIP Event: David Cook
2025-08-30 16:30 - 17:30
VIP MEET & GREET **TICKET TO SHOW REQUIRED**
Includes: Invitation to Q&A session • Signed VIP laminate • First access to merch and 20% off voucher redeemable during VIP session only • Early access to the venue A ticket to the show is not included with the VIP package. All VIP guests are required to purchase a separate ticket to attend the VIP performance.

David Cook launched into stardom following his American Idol Season Seven win. He broke several Billboard chart records when fourteen of his songs debuted on the Hot Digital Songs chart. Additionally, eleven of his songs debuted on the Hot 100. His first album, 2006’s Analog Heart, came out pre-Idol. Then, his last album, 2015’s Digital Vein, nicely book-ended that chapter of Cook’s career. He sold more than 2 million albums (including his platinum-certified eponymous album). Collectively, more than 5 million tracks (including two platinum-certified singles) worldwide.
David continues to find success, not only for himself but also as a writer for other artists and touring worldwide. 2018 brought an exciting new EP from Cook – Chromance. A fan of Massive Attack and Nine Inch Nails, Cook admired their ability to bring pop elements into rock music.
That same year, he headed to the Great White Way for his Broadway debut as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots. “I’ve had conversations about finding creative outlets outside of being a musician, but the timing was never right.” While Cook was excited about his first starring role, he was also aware the message behind Kinky Boots was timely and relevant.
Cook is aware of and grateful for the breaks American Idol has given him and for his continued opportunities. Furthermore, he has no plans to slow it down. “I love creative endeavors. I like starting with nothing and then finishing with something that didn’t exist before. That’s my favorite thing about creating new music. I love being able to put something artistic out in the world for people to enjoy.”
Recommended for fans of Adam Lambert, Five For Fighting, Howie Day and Edwin McCain.

David Cook
2025-08-30 19:00 - 21:00
David Cook launched into stardom following his American Idol Season Seven win. He broke several Billboard chart records when fourteen of his songs debuted on the Hot Digital Songs chart. Additionally, eleven of his songs debuted on the Hot 100. His first album, 2006’s Analog Heart, came out pre-Idol. Then, his last album, 2015’s Digital Vein, nicely book-ended that chapter of Cook’s career. He sold more than 2 million albums (including his platinum-certified eponymous album). Collectively, more than 5 million tracks (including two platinum-certified singles) worldwide.
David continues to find success, not only for himself but also as a writer for other artists and touring worldwide. 2018 brought an exciting new EP from Cook – Chromance. A fan of Massive Attack and Nine Inch Nails, Cook admired their ability to bring pop elements into rock music.
That same year, he headed to the Great White Way for his Broadway debut as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots. “I’ve had conversations about finding creative outlets outside of being a musician, but the timing was never right.” While Cook was excited about his first starring role, he was also aware the message behind Kinky Boots was timely and relevant.
Cook is aware of and grateful for the breaks American Idol has given him and for his continued opportunities. Furthermore, he has no plans to slow it down. “I love creative endeavors. I like starting with nothing and then finishing with something that didn’t exist before. That’s my favorite thing about creating new music. I love being able to put something artistic out in the world for people to enjoy.”
Recommended for fans of Adam Lambert, Five For Fighting, Howie Day and Edwin McCain.

NUNNABOVE
2025-08-31 19:00 - 21:00
Feel the rhythm of summer with NUNNABOVE, the sibling band many hail as “the next generation of Minneapolis sound.” This group fearlessly blends alternative pop with funk, soul, and rock influences. Here, they deliver fresh energy, standout vocals, and genre-defying talent to every stage.
One could describe Nunnabove’s music as positive alternative pop. Additionally, many have called them “the next generation of Minneapolis sound.” They skillfully weave in and out of many different styles, displaying musicianship to know what works and what doesn’t.
Nunnabove has been busy performing in and around the Twin Cities since being discovered by producer Karl Demer in 2016. They have appeared at local festivals, community fundraisers and events both private and public. Moreover, they have played headlining shows and collaborated with Gary Hines and The Sounds Of Blackness, and Jearlyn Steele. The group delivers a distinctive sound that leaves the listener wanting to hear more.
Recommended for fans of Prince, The Time, Alexander O’Neal and Lipps Inc.

Happy Labor Day!
2025-09-01 00:00 - 23:59
We will be closed on SEP 1 for the holiday. BOOK YOUR EVENT HERE: https://www.dakotacooks.com/private-events/

Ben Sidran
2025-09-02 19:00 - 21:00
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.

The Beatles Reimagined
2025-09-03 19:00 - 21:00
Jazz musicians have covered and reinterpreted songs by The Beatles for the past fifty years. With the Beatles Reimagined show, three of Minnesota’s most prominent guitarists build on this tradition. Here, they display their own “hip retooling” (Star Tribune) of classic songs by the Fab Four. Hear guitarists Tim Sparks, Chris Olson and show curator Jeff Perry, with bassist Matt McIntyre and drummer Bob Johnston. Moreover, the frequent rotation and pairings of the guitarists makes for an exciting, fast-paced show. Also, their imaginative approaches brings you Beatles classics like you’ve never heard them before.
Jeff Perry has been described as “fabulous… one of the Twin Cities’ best” by the Dakota. Furthermore, over many years Perry developed a proven repertoire that includes beloved songs from across the musical and generational spectrum. Jeff Perry performs high-quality music that connects with people from many generations and backgrounds.
Guitarist Joel Shapira is an internationally acclaimed musician residing in the Twin Cities. Also, he’s a leader and/or member of multiple top jazz ensembles. Further, he is a master of the demanding discipline of solo guitar. Additionally, he performs regularly with world-class musicians and has numerous recordings to his credit.
Chris Olson has performed jazz, pop, classical, and Latin American music in the Twin Cities area since the previous millennium. A long-time educator in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Chris has been a Beatles fan since hearing “Let It Be” on the school bus in kindergarten.
Recommended for fans of The Beatles.

Night People
2025-09-04 19:00 - 21:00
Dave King is one of the most celebrated drummers in modern jazz. His contributions to the Minneapolis and New York jazz scenes are incalculable. Moreover, his imagination and boundless enthusiasm behind (and around) the drum set are singular and stunning. He has performed in seventy-five countries on six continents. Also, he has been in The Bad Plus, Happy Apple, Halloween Alaska, 12 Rods, Love Cars, The Gang Font, and others.
Singer and pianist Andrew Walesch manages to encapsulate the sophistication of a cosmopolite and the self-effacing charm of a country boy. He is a traditionalist and an iconoclast rolled into one. As Star Tribune critic Jon Bream writes, he is “…both fresh and classic at the same time – and always swingin’.” Renowned for his vocal and piano talent, as well as his intuitive ability to uncover and interpret great lyrics, Walesch has earned notable opportunities throughout his career.
Chris Speed is a versatile musician known for his work as a tenor saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer. He has been a prominent figure in jazz and improvised music for over three decades. Born in 1967 in Seattle, Speed grew up in the area and met future colleagues Jim Black and Andrew D’Angelo. He later moved to New York City, where he worked with Tim Berne and his band Bloodcount.
Bassist Josh Granowski is an active member of the Twin Cities improvisation and experimental music community, playing with the Bookhouse Trio, Davy Demons Trio, George Cartwright, Painted Saints, Aby Wolf, Jon Davis, Amethyst Three, Patrick Harison, Davu Seru, Park Evans, Javier Matos, Tony Balluff, the Skruffians, and more.
Recommended for fans of The Bad Plus, Kurt Elling, Joshua Redman and Brad Mehldau.

Charlie Parr
2025-09-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-05 21:00 - 23:00
In the music of Charlie Parr, there is a sincere conviction and earnest drive to create. The Minnesota-born guitarist, songwriter and interpreter of traditional music has released nineteen albums over two decades. Also, he has been known to perform up to 275 shows a year. Parr is a folk troubadour in the truest sense: taking to the road between shows, writing and rewriting songs as he plays. Further, he is fueled by a belief that music is eternal and cannot be claimed or adequately explained. Additionally, the bluesman poet pulls closely from the sights and sounds around him, his lyrical craftsmanship built by his influences.
The sounds from his working-class upbringing imbue Parr’s music with stylistic echoes of blues and folk icons of decades past. Further, those sounds include legends such as Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie. Parr sees himself merely as a continuer of a folk tradition: “I feel like I stand on a lot of big shoulders,” he explains. “I hope that I’ve brought a little bit of myself to the music.”
Charlie Parr is the humble master of the 21st-century folk tradition. His discography is simultaneously metaphysical in nature and grounded in roots music. Parr started recording in Duluth in 2002, where he lives today. Life in the port town on Lake Superior has a way of bleeding into his work the same way his childhood in Austin, Minnesota does. Parr’s music has an overwhelming sense of being present and mindful, and his sound is timeless.
In his 2024 release, Little Sun, Parr weaves together stories celebrating music, community and communing with nature. Also, it is an ambitious and raw album that exemplifies the best of Parr’s sound. It’s a blend of the blues and folk traditions he continues to carry, and the steadfast originality of a poet.
Recommended for fans of John Fahey, Reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt and Leo Kottke.

Nnenna Freelon
2025-09-06 19:00 - 21:00
Vocalist Nnenna Freelon is a seven-time Grammy nominee and multiple award-winning artist. Freelon has earned a well-deserved reputation as a compelling and captivating live performer.
Nnenna is also a wife, mother, and sister who has experienced life’s amazing gifts, and also its heartbreak. She lost her soulmate and husband, renowned architect Phil Freelon, to ALS in 2019. Then, she lost her sister Debbie to cancer in 2020. Here, these tragedies have reshaped her way of being in the world.
Her award-winning podcast, Greatgrief with Nnenna Freelon, is her effort to create a safe space. There, she shares others’ stories of loss and grief, and helps build and strengthen community through words and music.
Through these difficulties, Nnenna has received remarkable accolades in the past few years. First, she was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Second, Nnenna received another Grammy Award nomination for her recent album, 2021’s Time Traveler. Additionally, she was featured in a Grammy stage appearance on the pre-telecast. Third, she received the 2022 Jazz Masters Award from the prestigious Women’s Jazz and Blues Association of Palm Springs.
As touring in live performance returned after the pandemic, Nnenna starred in the critically acclaimed show “Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles”. Also appearing in the show were Take 6, Tom Scott, Kirk Whalum and Clint Holmes. Moreover, she is no stranger to the music of the master singer – she toured with Ray Charles! Additionally, she has performed with Al Jarreau, George Benson, Benny Golson, Ellis Marsalis, and others.
Recommended for fans of Lizz Wright, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Sarah Vaughan and Karrin Allyson.

MMYYKK
2025-09-07 19:00 - 21:00
“If neo-soul is once more having a moment, then MMYYKK is its new high priest. His understated tunes are slinky-supple and sound not unlike D’Angelo being strapped to a spaceship.” – Guardian

MMYYKK (pronounced “Mike”) is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter and music producer from Inland Empire CA. MMYYKK’s eclectic and forward-thinking sound situates itself at the intersections of soul, jazz, electro and R&B. Here, he blends analog synthesis and neck-breaking rhythms amalgamated with sonic alchemy. Moreover, his musical explorations center themselves on themes of love, humanity, healing, and higher consciousness. He is also 1/4th of the psychedelic funk collective astralblak and 1/4th of the space jazz collective The BlackBeat Theory.
Mychal “MMYYKK” Fisher began his creative artistic journey as a child, learning to play whatever instruments he could find. He would play drums in church, and eventually produced beats for friends and family. He has since become a multi-instrumentalist developing his technique in piano, bass guitar, percussion, and alto saxophone. MMYYKK’s musical journey continued after he decided to take a leap of faith and move to Minneapolis. Then, he attended The Institute of Production and Recording, obtaining his degree in Audio Engineering in 2012. Since graduating, he has gone on to produce and engineer music for a plethora of artists locally and nationally.
In 2015, MMYYKK discovered he had a passion for synthesizing sounds and sound design after purchasing his first analog synthesizer. His music has since been defined by his creative use of analog synthesis. It was through this discovery that MMYYKK found his passion for sound healing. Further, he continues developing his use of sound and music as a therapeutic practice for himself and his community.

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
2025-09-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-08 21:00 - 23:00
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, or as it is sometimes referred to, DLO3, specializes in the lost art of “feel-good music.” Delvon chooses the precise sequence of music. Here, he creates an experience for each show based on the vibe and feel of that audience. This includes the 1960s organ jazz stylings of Jimmy Smith and Baby Face Willette. Also, a tweak of the snappy soul strut of Booker T. & The M.G.’s, and The Meters. Further, it teases you with Motown, Stax Records, blues, and many other styles that may surprise you. It’s a concoction that goes straight to your heart and soul, leaving you emotionally connected on a whole new level.
The band features organist Delvon Lamarr, a self-taught virtuosic musician with perfect pitch. Moreover, Lamarr taught himself jazz and has effortlessly been able to play many instruments. Then, the trio is formed by collecting a unique blend of guitarists and drummers worldwide. Furthermore, they cultivate a feeling of wonder caused by seeing something surprisingly beautiful and unforgettable every night.
Amy Novo, Delvon’s wife and manager, formed DLO3 from the ground up. Together they created feel-good music to heal the world. The trio started from humble beginnings in 2015. Since then, they released several Billboard charting albums and toured the world to sold-out venues. Today, the power couple has taken the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio beyond their wildest dreams through her tireless work ethic and his bottomless talent.
Downbeat named Delvon Lamarr 2022 Organist of the Year in their Rising Star Critics Choice poll.
Recommended for fans of Lettuce, Soulive, Jimmy Smith and Medeski, Martin & Wood.

Tarbaby
2025-09-09 19:00 - 21:00
The three members of Tarbaby – pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Nasheet Waits – share a long history together. There, this dates to well before the formation of the trio. They share core beliefs about acknowledging the overarching tradition of the music while being true to one’s own story. Additionally, they’re an ensemble of serious intentions and riotous humor, intense spirit and fierce intellect, passion and purpose. Here, that all melds and collides in their provocative and risk-welcoming sound.
This eclectic power trio released two bold albums in 2024. You Think This America marks the first time Tarbaby has recorded an entire album strictly in piano trio format. Here, this marks a first for a band whose career is marked by collaborations. They recorded the album live at New York’s Hunter College and mixed originals with wide-ranging covers. Further, they play songs by Ornette Coleman, David Murray, Andrew Hill, Sunny Murray, and The Stylistics.
A yet-to-be-titled studio release will follow later with several special guests. Joining the band are Philadelphia spoken word artist Ursula Rucker, powerful saxophonist JD Allen, and exploratory, tightrope-walking saxophonist Bill McHenry. Also, the pseudonymous “Prometheus Jenkins” (a few notes will suffice to identify the sax master behind the alias).
Recommended for fans of Branford Marsalis, The Bad Plus, Jason Moran and Maurice Brown.

Barrington Levy
2025-09-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-11 19:00 - 21:00
Barrington Levy is one of the great success stories of the 1980s. There, he arrived on the dancehall scene and swiftly remodeled it in his own image. Although numerous DJs and vocalists would rise and fall during this decade, Levy possessed staying power. Also, he continued releasing massive hits well into the ’90s.
Levy was born in 1964 in Clarendon, Jamaica. There, as a youngster, Barrington Levy formed the Mighty Multitude with his cousin Everton Dacres. They started off playing the sound systems and cut their first single, “My Black Girl,” in 1977. At age fourteen, Levy broke out on his own the next year. Then, he recorded his debut solo single, “A Long Time Since We Don’t Have No Love.” While the single didn’t have an impact, the teen’s dancehall appearances became eagerly awaited events.
It was here where Levy met former singer-turned producer Junjo Lawes and New York-based producer Hyman “Jah Life” Wright. The pair took the youth into Channel One studio, accompanied by the Roots Radics, and recorded a clutch of cuts. The first releases were “Ah Yah We Deh,” quickly followed by “Looking My Love,” “Englishman,” and “Wedding Ring Aside.” Success was immediate, but it was the mighty “Collie Weed” that really cemented the teen’s hold on dancehall. Then, “Shine Eye Girl” was a smash follow-up, and the young Levy was now in great demand. A stream of singles followed. “Wicked Intention,” “Jumpy Girl,” a lovely version of Horace Andy’s “Skylarking,” the humorous “Disco Music,” “Reggae Music,” and “Wicked Intention”. Levy joined forces with producer Alvin Ranglin for another sting of hits. “Never Tear My Love Apart,” “Jah,” “You Made Me So Happy,” and “When You’re Young and in Love.”
Recommended for fans of John Holt, Buju Banton, Yellowman and Steel Pulse.

Dinner Du Nord
2025-09-11 17:30 - 20:30
Join us on Nicollet Mall for Minnesota’s largest outdoor dinner party. You’ll have the opportunity to dine at a table stretching from one end of Nicollet Mall to the others as you enjoy your choice of signature dishes and beverages from a variety of Minneapolis restaurants and food trucks, served al fresco on the bus-free Mall.
Dakota Menu: 1st Course – Petite Herb Salad – lime vinaigrette, spiced pecans 2nd Course – Walleye Wild Rice Croquettes – dill caper crème fraiche 3rd Course – Duck Confit – smoked white beans, corn bread 4th Course – Pink Peppercorn Crème Brûlée – plum compote•The above 4 course menu is Dakota’s “choice of signature dishes” •There are no substitutions on this Chef 4 course tasting menu
•Bar and Wine service are not included with the all in pricing •1st course will be served at 6pm. •Membership discounts do not apply
