C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
2026-02-11 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 7pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“contemporary, turbo-charged dance music” – Boston Globe

Clayton Joseph Chenier is Creole music royalty. His father, the legendary Clifton Chenier, invented the style of music we know today as Zydeco. Moreover, Clifton is the first Creole musician to be recognized with a Grammy Award.
Raised in this indigenous American culture with its own distinctive language, cuisine and music, C.J. delivers soulful vocals along with jaw-dropping masterful accordion-driven rock, Zydeco and blues.
C.J. spent his childhood in the tough tenement housing projects of Port Arthur, Texas. C.J. joined his father’s band on his twenty-first birthday. His first gig was playing for the opening of the now world-renowned Antone’s in Austin, Texas.
On the road, his father showed him how to front a world class touring band. He taught C.J. how to run the family business and how to develop his lifelong passion for music into a career. When Clifton died in 1987 his son, C.J., adopted the Red Hot Louisiana Band. Moreover, he recorded his debut album for the great American independent label Arhoolie Records.
C.J. has also played with John Mayall, The Gin Blossoms, Ray Parker, Jr., Joe Sample, Jimmie Vaughan, Sonny Landreth and Buckwheat Zydeco. Also, The Jon Stewart Show and CNN have featured him. Additionally, he has performed at numerous music festivals around the world. Further, he is a consistent crowd pleaser for The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Attending a C.J. Chenier show is a transformative experience. You may come in tired and beat up just from living in this world – but you will leave renewed and happy. And that is the promise C.J. makes. “You can’t come to my show and stay unhappy. You’re going to break a smile before too long. This is happy music.”
Recommended for fans of Terrance Simien, Buckwheat Zydeco, Queen Ida and Chubby Carrier.

Our Neighbor: A Benefit Concert
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00
A Night of Music and Solidarity for our Community
*THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT*
To keep the love and solidarity going, we will be hosting a FREE livestream on the day of the show (see link below).

SHAREABLE LIVESTREAM LINK

Plus, the donation link is live for anyone who wants to support!
Please note: This is a donation link only. Donations do not include admission to the show.
Donate via Givebutter:
https://givebutter.com/ZCsc1C
﻿﻿
Funds raised will be going to:
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
Community Aid Network MN
American Civil Liberties Union
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Groundwork Legal
Show Lineup
The New Standards will be joined by Special Guests including:

Jeremy Messersmith
Aby Wolf & Eric Mayson
Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith
Matt Wilson
Dylan Hicks & Small Screens
Lucy Michelle
John Fields
Ken Chastain
Tina Schlieske
Curtiss A
& More

Our city has felt the fracturing Federal efforts in many ways. Tonight, we come together as a community to celebrate the things that make us great: diversity, inclusion, and love.
Throughout the month of February, MN Music venues will be raising their voices and raising money in solidarity with our community.
*Valentine’s Menu is Not Available for this show.

Steely Dane
2026-02-13 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-13 21:00 - 23:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 6:30pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 9pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“the band is energetic and sounds amazing” – Milwaukee Magazine

In 2010, co-founders David Adler and David Stoler (The Steely Daves) put together a tribute show for Steely Dan. There, they would feature the best musicians in the Madison, WI music scene. Madison is located in Dane County, WI, thus the name.
The first Steely Dane show featured over thirty of Madison’s best rock and jazz musicians, and it sold out. Not ones to waste a herculean effort of arranging a full night’s worth of the Dan’s best stuff, the crew decided to do it again, and again… and oops, now it’s no longer a show, it’s a BAND.
Since then, the band has trimmed down to the current fourteen-piece family. Now, that features a four-piece horn section, two female backup singers, two guitars, two keyboards, vibes, and percussion. Here, they have all the instruments necessary to recreate the amazing mixes of the Dan’s albums and live performances. Moreover, the band has won multiple awards for best tribute band and sold out theaters from Chicago to Minneapolis. Additionally, they are a perennial favorite at summer festivals as well.
Their songbook features over fifty songs from both Steely Dan and Donald Fagen’s solo career. This allows them to play different shows night after night. Furthermore, they have even performed complete album shows for The Royal Scam, Aja, and Gaucho.
Recommended for fans of Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.

Valentine's Day w/ Sophia Shorai & Tommy Barbarella
2026-02-14 18:30 - 20:30
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 6:30pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“abundant joy… the prominence of her enthusiasm is hard to ignore.” – All About Jazz

Sophia Shorai is a vocalist driven by an intuitive hunger for the “great song.” As a mainstay of Minneapolis music since 2010, she possesses the rare, chameleonic ability to inhabit any genre. Here, she handles the complex architecture of the Great American Songbook with ease. Equally, she evokes the raw grit of soul, funk, and R&B.
Her precision was forged early. There, she mimicked jazz legends from her father’s record collection and began classical training at age five. Shorai bypassed prestigious conservatories to dive straight into the Twin Cities’ live and commercial recording circuits. There, she turned her voice into a versatile powerhouse. She has contributed to international films, TV shows, and major advertising campaigns since the late 1990s.
While renowned for her mastery of the jazz idiom, Shorai currently explores the lean, emotive landscapes of contemporary soul and pop. Collaborating with producer Bryan Hanna, she strips away the decorative to focus on the bone-deep impact of her original songwriting. Her new album, TIME, arrives in Spring 2026—a testament to a career spent proving she can sing anything, and a soul that won’t settle for anything less than a classic.
Tommy Barbarella is one of the most active keyboard players in Minneapolis and beyond. His work with Prince’s New Power Generation (1991-96) put him on the map, and his playing with regional funk/soul favorites Greazy Meal cemented his reputation as a go-to funk and pop keyboardist. Recently he has performed with Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, and a reunited NPG.
“Sophia has everything a singer could want: soul, versatility… a unique style, and visceral love of music and performance. Whether she’s belting or crooning, she breaks hearts.” Adam Levy, guitarist, singer/songwriter for The Honeydogs.
Recommended for fans of Karrin Allyson, Stacey Kent, Ingrid Michaelson and Lennon Stella.

All Sweet Things: A Celebration of Black Love
2026-02-14 21:30 - 23:30
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 9:30pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

Exploring the passion, emotions, social depictions and challenges of modern relationships.

“All Sweet Things: A Celebration of Black Love” explores the passion, emotions, social depictions and challenges of modern relationships. Here, they achieve this through the diverse sonic landscapes of R&B, neo-soul, folk and pop music. This celebratory experience showcases the extraordinary vocal, songwriting and arranging prowess of some of the Twin Cities’ most soulful singers!!
From Houston TX, Traiveon brings a southern, soulful vibe to the Twin Cities music scene. He gained respect on drums and vocals while supporting Mayyadda, Black Velvet Punks, Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora and Bluehound. Also, he composes for his band Traiveon and Candi. Here, he crafts vocal arrangements that seamlessly blend the classic sounds of Motown with modern R&B & neo-soul.

Learn More: https://traiveon.com/

Jackson Hurst emerges as a solo artist with a different sound than he’s known for in the Twin Cities. Furthermore, the church kid forges a congruent and individual music career in the genres of R&B/soul and pop, drawing influence from his roots in Gospel. Here, Hurst is just at the beginning of a new legacy built as an artist.
Recommended for fans of Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild.

Cory Henry Duo Feat. Robert "Sput" Searight
2026-02-15 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-15 20:00 - 22:00
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 5:30pm Show
Valentine’s Menu Add-On – 8pm Show
*Pre-purchase and receive a free bottle of Washington Hill Merlot.

“joyfully mixes gospel harmony, R&B hooks, and jazz” – All About Jazz

Grammy-winning artist Cory Henry has made a significant mark in the music industry. He recently won the award for Best Roots Gospel Album in 2025 for his deeply personal project, Church. This album reflects the rich musical heritage that has shaped his artistry and resonated with audiences worldwide. Additionally, PBS aired a documentary on the making of Church, providing an intimate look at his creative process.
Henry’s versatility as a musician has led him to work with a diverse array of artists. These include Bruce Springsteen, Imagine Dragons, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder & more.
Originally hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Cory was a key member of the Grammy-winning group Snarky Puppy. Then, he launched his solo career in 2018 with his debut, Art of Love. His sophomore project, Something to Say, was Grammy-nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album in 2022. Here, this showcased his growth as an artist. He followed up with Operation Funk in 2023, and his live album, Live at the Piano, received a nomination in 2024.
In 2024, while touring with the legendary Stevie Wonder, Henry recorded a holiday album titled A Wonderful Holiday. He collaborated with members of Wonder’s band, recording during his days off. This project showcases his ability to blend his unique style, further highlighting his musical versatility. Additionally, Cory made a memorable appearance as a guest performer with Jon Batiste at Coachella in 2024.
Cory Henry’s journey from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to international stages is a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. As he continues to explore new musical territories and push boundaries, Henry remains an influential figure in contemporary music.
Recommended for fans of Snarky Puppy, Jon Batiste, Stevie Wonder and Anderson.Paak.

Songstress - A Tribute to Anita Baker
2026-02-16 19:00 - 21:00
“intensely, passionately romantic… sophisticated pop-soul” – New York Times

With her classy, refined brand of romantic soul, Anita Baker was one of the definitive voices of R&B in the 1980s. She is often associated with the “quiet storm” sub-genre. However, Baker’s sound incorporates not only R&B, but also elements of jazz, gospel, and pop. In this new show, an all-star collection of Twin Cities talent celebrates her biggest hits and her enduring sound.
A member of the Midwest music scene for many years, Ginger Commodore is a regular visitor to the Dakota stage. Classically trained, gospel influenced, and jazz inspired, Ginger’s musical foundation is a true amalgam of musical styles. Further, Ginger presents her sound with her own unique delivery.
Originally from Chicago, Kendra Glenn realized her gift of singing at age 10 in church choir. Then, Kendra moved to the Twin Cities in the early 90’s and has made herself a household name. Furthermore, she has worked with Nicholas David, R Factor, Scott Holt, and many others.
Aimee K. Bryant’s work has always revolved around a well-told story. A longtime member of the Twin Cities theater scene, she performs on some of the nation’s most acclaimed stages. For example, The Guthrie Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, Penumbra Theatre and the Children’s Theatre Company. Furthermore, she is a Founding Ensemble Member of Congo Square Theatre. McKnight Theatre selected her as an Artist Fellow, and City Pages named her Actress of the Year.
Band:
Deevo Dee, guitar
Brian Ziemniak, keyboards
Tony Axtell, bass
Brian Kendrick, drums
Daryl Boudreaux, percussion
Recommended for fans of Vanessa Williams, Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson and Patti LaBelle.

Kandace Springs
2026-02-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-17 21:00 - 22:00
“a voice that could melt snow” – Prince

Pianist and singer Kandace Springs is one of the premier female artists of the jazz/soul genre. Her natural gifts for lyricism and soulfulness have earned her recognition worldwide. Further, her late mentor Prince described her as having “a voice that could melt snow”.
The Nashville native has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. Here, she has made several national TV appearances, and headlines major jazz festivals. Moreover, she has collaborated with such luminaries as Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, David Sanborn and Norah Jones. The Washington Post exclaims, “Kandace Springs’s voice is undeniable. It’s one of those generational voices; from the first note, you know it’s special.”
She embodies the same spirit and soul of the great vocalists of the past on whose shoulders she stands. She simultaneously draws on jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRae and multi-genre masters like Nina Simone and Roberta Flack. To that end, Springs recently released an orchestral reimagining of Billie Holiday’s Lady in Satin. Kandace looks forward to releasing a new album in Spring 2026 and hitting the road backed by her ace all-female rhythm section.
Kandace’s 2024 release, Run Your Race, was a tribute to her late father, legendary Nashville soul singer Scat Springs. Here, it is the first album of hers to feature almost all original songs. Every song was written by Kandace both solo and with some stellar collaborators. Prior to that in 2020, Kandace released The Women Who Raised Me. There, the album garnered five-star reviews from DownBeat and The New Yorker. Additionally, it won the Deutscher JazzPreis for best vocal album of the year.
Recommended for fans of Lizz Wright, Gregory Porter, Cassandra Wilson and Prince.

Rogue Valley
2026-02-18 19:00 - 21:00
“Koza is a rare talent… the band around him occupies similar rarefied air.” –No Depression

Rogue Valley is an Americana band based in the Twin Cities. Here, the blend of urban development and natural landscape converge along the shores of the Mississippi River. The band raced onto the local scene a little over a decade ago, with four full-length albums in a single year. Then, in 2016 the band followed up with the anthemic, twangy surf-rock collection radiate/dissolve. However, since then it’s been mostly sporadic social media posts claiming, “Coming Soon.”
Individually, the band members have all remained occupied. Vocalist Linnea Mohn shares the stage with singer-songwriters Aby Wolf and Jonatha Brooke. Drummer Luke Anderson and guitarist Peter Sieve have joined up with the Iowa-based Lissie. Also, bassist Cody McKinney continues to push boundaries with his compositions and collaborations. Since Rogue Valley’s last release, songwriter-vocalist Chris Koza has released three solo albums (Sleepwalkers Part 1 & 2, and the instrumental On Horseshoe Lake). Additionally, in 2022 he joined the legendary Gordon Lightfoot on a run that would become his final Midwest tour.
Now the hum of optimism surrounding new music is beginning its tangible crescendo. The new album, 2023’s Shell Game, is a nod to natural and created structures that both contain and obscure.
A cocoon yields a butterfly; a riverbed holds a story; a body houses a soul. A shell mirrors the meditative drone of an ocean crashing onto itself. For every journey, there are moments and minutiae in between as bright or dark as any greater narrative. Shell Game roams familiar territory and also furthers the idea of Americana and the Rogue Valley aesthetic.

Pianist Stephen Wallack has always been drawn to instrumental music. Inspired by the grandiose feelings of George Winston’s music and the rich imagery within film scores, Wallack has released six albums of original music. His latest, 2025’s Open, is his journey to connect with a deeper self-awareness and a greater hope that we can all find inner peace.
Recommended for fans of Lissie, Jeremy Messersmith, Jenny Lewis and Birds of Chicago.

Masters of Hawaiian Music
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00
“Virtuosic keepers of a cultural flame.” – New York Times

Three Masters, who regularly perform at Maui’s renowned Slack Key Show, share the uniquely Hawaiian styles of slack key guitar and ‘ukulele. These styles originated in the early 19th century when Portuguese immigrants introduced the ‘ukulele to Hawai‘i and Mexican cowboys brought guitars along with their ranching knowledge. Ever since, Hawaiians have made these instruments their own.
Four-time Grammy-winner, master slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr., is known as “Hawai‘i’s Renaissance Man”. Further, he has received multiple Na Hōkū Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy) Awards. Additionally, he works as a vocalist, storyteller, songwriter & author, teacher, sculptor, farmer, and chef. He received a Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, he earned a place in the Maui Nui Hall of Fame in 2024.
Led Kaapana has influenced Hawaii’s music scene for four decades. Here, he is a master of the slack key guitar and holds the title of National Heritage Fellow. His mastery of stringed instruments and his extraordinary baritone to leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) vocal range, have made him a legend. Additionally, he has earned multiple Na Hōkū Awards.
Sonny Lim is a renowned Slack Key guitarist, Hawaiian Steel guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. He developed his guitar & vocal styles performing with his famous Lim Family of the Big Island. Lim also became one of the early members of the renowned Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau, playing lap steel guitar at age fifteen. He performed on the first Grammy-winning CD in Hawaiian music and has won multiple Na Hoku Awards on his solo CDs.
Recommended for fans of Herb Ohta, Jr., Jake Shimabukuro, Don Ho and HAPA.

Marc Ribot: Hurry Red Telephone
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00
“Ribot’s style [is] embedded in jazz vocabulary, but angular and gritty” – Sound of Boston

Marc Ribot, guitar
Sebastian Steinberg, bass (Soul Coughing)
Chad Taylor, drums
Briggan Krauss, saxophone (Sexmob)
Marc Ribot was never suited to play straight jazz. Ribot realized that in his 20s while trying to bop with veteran organist Jack McDuff. But Ribot soon found his calling—and the core of his mission, really—both in the city’s melting pot and in its no-holds-barred No Wave scene. There, he threw out the rules he was trying to ace and joined the Lounge Lizards. Then, he accepted Tom Waits’ invitation to play on Rain Dogs. Ribot stopped trying to sound like the guitarist he was supposed to be and became, instead, the guitar player he was.
For over four decades, he has been an indispensable collaborator to the likes of Waits, Robert Plant, and John Zorn. Additionally, so many others that his list of credits reads like a library’s card catalog. But Ribot has also been a great bandleader, from his renegade bunch Ceramic Dog to his committed Latin band, Los Cubanos Postizos.
Twenty years ago, Ribot convened a glorious quartet, Spiritual Unity, to tackle the songbook of Albert Ayler. Then, Roy Campbell died and Henry Grimes had to step away for health concerns. However, Ribot and drummer Chad Taylor wanted to maintain the exploratory energy of that band with a new lineup. Ribot called on Sebastian Steinberg, a collaborator and confidant since the ‘80s and an anchor of his great Shrek.
The new group is Hurry Red Telephone. During the quartet’s 2025 tours, guitarist Ava Mendoza added the combustible extra ingredient. Here, her chemistry with Ribot seemed to push each of them to play a bit harder, meaner, wilder. For 2026, saxophonist Briggan Krauss will step into that role with Hurry Red Telephone. Thus begins yet another chapter in Ribot’s ever-unfolding quest to find new ways to play.
Recommended for fans of Fred Frith, Arto Lindsay, Tim Berne and John Zorn.
📸: Eric van den Brulle

esperanza spalding
2026-02-21 19:00 - 21:00
“one of the most fruitful and strikingly original careers in contemporary pop.” – Rolling Stone

Here, esperanza performs songs from all eight of her previous albums, songs from current releases, plus a special preview of her forthcoming project. She emphasizes simplicity and intimacy of voice, bass, and songs in this special trio configuration.
Born in 1984 in Portland, Oregon, esperanza spalding is an eaabibacliitoti* artist. She trained and initiated in the North American (masculine) jazz lineage and tradition. Her work interweaves through various combinations of instrumental music, bass playing, improvisation, singing, composition, poetry, dance, and therapeutic research. She also engages in storytelling, teaching, regenerative agriculture, urban land & artist-sanctuary custodianship. Moreover, through her art she grows in love as a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, auntie, great-auntie, friend. She collaborates with her hometown community to decolonize within and through that community.
2024’s Milton + esperanza is spalding’s first new album since she released 2021’s songwrights apothecary lab. That album, and 2019’s 12 Little Spells, both won Grammy Awards (Best Jazz Vocal Album). spalding released a protest song in 2024 entitled “Não Ao Marco Temporal” that was recorded in Rio. A five-time Grammy winner and eleven-time nominee, spalding has previously released eight full length albums. She has worked with her heroes, including Milton Nascimento and Wayne Shorter. Furthermore, she has collaborated with Q-Tip, Janelle Monae, Robert Glasper, Terri Lyne Carrington and many others.
She also co-leads workshops and therapeutic-arts research residencies. She does this through her dance project “Off Brand gOdds” and her therapeutic music incubator “Songwrights Apothecary Lab”. In 2024, she received the Doris Duke Foundation Artist Award and was a 2016 Ford Foundation “Art of Change” Fellow.
*European-African ancestored being influenced by American cultures living in Indigenous Territories of Turtle Island.
Recommended for fans of Stevie Wonder, Robert Glasper, D’Angelo and Cécile McLorin Salvant.
These tickets do not qualify for the A-Train discount.

Vienna Teng
2026-02-22 19:00 - 21:00
“thoughtful songwriting and her exquisite, soulful soprano.” – Slant

Songwriter Vienna Teng re-emerged in 2024 with her mashup song pair We’ve Got You. There, she released her first new music in over a decade. However, her fans have been here the whole time. They’ve packed concert venues even in years between releases, and crowdfunded an ambitious music video in hours. Additionally, they joined by the hundreds when she launched her “music x climate action” Patreon in 2022.
That kind of devotion has poured forth since 2002’s Waking Hour. That album earned coverage on NPR’s Weekend Edition, The Late Show with David Letterman, and the top of Amazon’s music charts. She grew across four more studio albums that followed – the chamber folk of Warm Strangers. Then, the jazz-inflected Dreaming Through the Noise, the indie epic Inland Territory, and the bright electro-pop in Aims. Here, Vienna has paid homage to her genre-bending heroes like Paul Simon and Tori Amos, while carving a path all her own. Together with her captivating live performances and thoughtful online presence, her work builds a loyal following across generations and continents.
Vienna’s new mini-EP We’ve Got You reflects the complexity of her life over the past decade. This includes climate change work, community building, and parenthood. Two songs, each titled “We’ve Got You,” act like fraternal twins. One is an indie-pop tribute to inspiring leaders, the other a chamber-folk paean to unsung caregivers. Played simultaneously, they reveal a new intricate whole: a mashup by design, and a love letter to social movements.
Recommended for fans of Tori Amos, Paul Simon, Imogen Heap and Kate Bush.

Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket)
2026-02-23 19:00 - 21:00
“a decidedly melodic approach, an effortlessly engaging sound” – American Songwriter

Glen Phillips has spent almost forty years as lead singer and main songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket. There, he helped create the band’s elegant folk/pop sound with honest, introspective lyrics that forged a close bond with fans. Alongside his work with Toad, Glen has released acclaimed solo albums and collaborated on side projects. For example, Mutual Admiration Society (with members of Nickel Creek) and the experimental Remote Tree Children.
“I’ve been playing a songwriting game with Texas folk singer Matt The Electrician for about ten years,” Glen says. “Every Friday, he sends out a title. We have a week to write a song that includes it. The process allows me to write songs I wouldn’t write on my own. I’m always surprised at what comes out.” That sense of curiosity and play continues to fuel his creative life.
2025 was a very full year of music. Glen played to packed solo shows across the U.S. and toured the Rockies with John Craigie. Then, he hit the road with Toad the Wet Sprocket for a massive summer tour. This fall he toured the UK with Colin Hay. Also, in October he hosted his first-ever European river cruise on the Danube, traveling from Budapest to Nuremberg.
Looking ahead, Glen plans to begin work on a new solo album in 2026. “I’ll be spending this year writing new material for both Toad and solo projects. There’s also an acoustic Toad album coming out, as well as a side project solo collection of songs. Between that and touring, I’ll be plenty busy.”
Recommended for fans of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Edwin McCain, Gin Blossoms and Better Than Ezra.
📸: Chris Orwig

Tinsley Ellis: Labor of Love Tour
2026-02-24 19:00 - 21:00
“A potent set of fierce folk blues… joyous and triumphant” – Living Blues

According to Atlanta-based blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Tinsley Ellis, his new, first-ever solo acoustic album, 2024’s Naked Truth is both “a departure and an arrival.” Ellis has recorded and traveled the world for over four decades. There, he delivers his feral, guitar-fueled, original electric blues-rock to ever-growing audiences at concert halls, festivals, and clubs. Naked Truth is steeped in the folk-blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and Leo Kottke.
To the casual fan, this might seem to be a new direction. But for Ellis, it’s an extension of his music, as he taps into the raw essence of the blues. “This is a record I’ve always wanted to make and one that my longtime fans have been asking for.” Also, he notes that he’s included an acoustic mini-set in his concert performances for years.
On Naked Truth, Ellis swaps his blistering, guitar-fueled full-band workouts for equally passionate, soul-searching acoustic folk blues. His famed guitar chops and musical creativity are on full display throughout the album’s twelve songs, including nine originals.
Ellis has brought his music to fans live in person to all fifty United States. Additionally, he has performed in Canada, across Europe, Australia and South America. He’s earned the love and respect of many of his fellow musicians. Thus, he shares stages with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, The Allman Brothers, Warren Haynes, Oliver Wood, Buddy Guy, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gov’t Mule, Widespread Panic, and more. Also, legends including Otis Rush, James Cotton, Gregg Allman, Jimmy Buffett, Son Seals, Koko Taylor and Albert Collins. Furthermore, mega-star guitarist Joe Bonamassa calls Ellis “a national treasure.”
Recommended for fans of Coco Montoya, Tommy Castro, Albert Cummings and Walter Trout.

Shemekia Copeland
2026-02-25 19:00 - 21:00
“Copeland is the greatest blues singer of her generation.” – Washington Post

Shemekia Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. The multi-Grammy nominee is beloved and honored worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty and humor of her revelatory songs. Additionally, she is celebrated for her winning, engaging personality. The Chicago Tribune says, “Copeland is the greatest female blues vocalist working today. There’s no mistaking the majesty of her instrument, nor the ferocity of her delivery.”
On Copeland’s latest album, 2024’s Blame It On Eve, the songs all hit hard. Here, jaw-dropping performances instantly take hold and command repeated listening. “There’s serious business on the new album,” Copeland says. “But there are a lot of smiles here too, a lot of joyous moments. It’s my blues for sure but it’s the brighter side. Issues are always important to me, but so is rocking, dancing and just having fun. And that’s something we all can all agree on.”
With Blame It On Eve, Copeland embarks on what she calls “a vacation from all the heaviness.” It features twelve new songs that tackle subjects as important as a woman’s right to choose and climate change. However, it also leaves space for Copeland to have fun and unwind. Here, Copeland is inspired throughout.
Forbes declared, “Shemekia is fearless, honest and hopeful…she holds back nothing as she delivers hard-hitting musical truths.” Further, John Prine paid her a huge compliment when he said, “She simply doesn’t sound like anybody else.” And none other than Copeland’s friend, the legendary Mavis Staples, announced, “I am so happy Shemekia is delivering these songs that the world needs to hear. Her voice is strong and soulful, and her message comes from her heart.”
Recommended for fans of Koko Taylor, Bettye LaVette, Ruthie Foster and Buddy Guy.

Holly Bowling
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00
“heady, layered improv-rock excursions distilled into crystalline solo piano pieces” – Rolling Stone

Solo pianist Holly Bowling is an artist who repeatedly defies convention, breaks ceilings, and eludes simplistic labels. Here, she does this while bringing virtuosic playing, emotional immersion, and a thirst for invention to everything that she does. She’s been acclaimed by Rolling Stone and has jammed with a long list of impressive company. This includes Bob Weir, Jim James, Warren Haynes, John Scofield, Branford Marsalis, and many more. Moreover, Holly has established herself as a virtuoso pianist with her own musical voice.
Holly has fostered a strong sense of identity while musically shapeshifting to the task at hand. She’s gone from joining Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh for extended explorations of “Dark Star,” to recording dance tracks with LP Giobbi. She is a frequent guest of Greensky Bluegrass. With them, she recorded 2023’s The Iceland Sessions EP, and appeared 2022’s Stress Dreams. Her solo piano arrangements span across genres, featuring songs from The National and Nine Inch Nails to Phish and the Grateful Dead. Additionally, they have been featured in several independent films, and led to performances from Carnegie Hall to Red Rocks.
Holly arrived as an exciting outlier on 2015’s Distillation Of A Dream: The Music Of Phish Reimagined For Solo Piano. Then, 2016’s Better Left Unsung, featuring the music of the Grateful Dead, landed in Billboard’s Top 25 Classical Albums.
During the pandemic, Holly toured national parks, recording audience-less performances against the backdrop of some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes. As she does with her live-audience performances, Holly played to the room.
Bowling reimagined more Grateful Dead staples on 2020’s Seeking All That’s Still Unsung. Holly looks to flip the script once more with an upcoming album of original compositions.
Recommended for fans of Phish, The Grateful Dead, Greensky Bluegrass and The National.

The Pharcyde
2026-02-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-27 21:00 - 23:00
“self-conscious rap smarts and postmodern pop-cult potpourri” – Pitchfork

In the early 90’s, gangsta rap consumed the airwaves, and the majority of West Coast rappers strapped on their Locs, Chuck Taylor’s & Ben Davis’. However, The Pharcyde decidedly maintained a willfully weird vision, staying true to themselves. There, with their left field but still South-Central sensibility, rap had seen few groups so self-deprecating and so smart. Moreover, they featured four visionary rappers adroitly able to split the difference between helium-voiced and hard-core.
Listening to Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde two full decades after its release, its sense of timeliness is unmistakable. Every song on the album inverts a hoary hip-hop cliché. The album features classics like “Oh Shit,” “Otha Fish”, “Ya’ Mama,” and hit single, “Passing Me By”. Thus, it’s not surprising that it went Platinum and garnered comparisons to De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest. Everyone from Pitchfork Media to The Source has hailed it as one of the greatest albums ever made.
Speaking on the passage of time, their second release, LabCabInCalifornia, has revealed exactly how far-reaching The Pharcyde’s vision was. There, they enlisted a young, unknown James Yancey aka J DILLA to produce beats, including the classic “Runnin”. Then, they collaborated with director Spike Jonze (“Being John Malkovich” “Adaptation”) on the groundbreaking video for “Drop”. The album consistently reinforced their steadfast refusal to tread familiar artistic grounds.
Today, The Pharcyde is still performing and touring the globe. They continue to hone their individual abilities yet carry on the name & legacy in its original fashion. They still seduce their audience with the same boyish charm that founded them at the beginning. The Pharcyde is still influencing the hip-hop artists and sounds of today and will continue to for years to come.
Recommended for fans of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Digital Underground and Beastie Boys.

Ladies of Soul, Vol. 3: A Celebration of Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill & Mary J. Blige
2026-02-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-28 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.
Ashley Commodore is a singer from a family of talented, accomplished musicians. Her mother Ginger, father Bobby, and brother Brandon are all Twin Cities gems performing in varied music genres. Ashley has been featured with Grammy Award winning group the Sounds of Blackness. Additionally, she currently tours with national recording artist Stokley Williams. Further, she is the newest member of the jazz vocal ensemble, Moore By Four. When not out on the road with Stokley & the VÜ, you can find her sitting in with the Dr Mambo’s Combo at Bunkers Bar and Grill.
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.
The Band:
Tony Axtell, bass
Deevo, guitar
RAWTWHYLAH, drums
Tommy Barbarella, keys
Recommended for fans of Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and Mary J. Blige.

Emmet Cohen Trio
2026-03-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-01 20:30 - 22:30
“one of the finest piano players to emerge in decades…” – All About Jazz

Multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen has emerged as one of his generation’s pivotal art figures. A recognized prodigy, Cohen began Suzuki method piano instruction at age three. There, his playing quickly became a mature melding of musicality, technique, and concept. Downbeat observed that his “nimble touch, measured stride and warm harmonic vocabulary indicate he’s above any convoluted technical showmanship.” In the same spirit, Cohen has noted that playing jazz is “about communicating the deepest levels of humanity and individuality. It’s essentially about connections,” both among musicians and with audiences. He leads his namesake ensemble, the Emmet Cohen Trio, and is a vibrant solo performer. Furthermore, he is in constant demand as a sideman. Here, he possesses a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire, Cohen plays with the command of a seasoned veteran and the passion of an artist fully devoted to his medium.
Emmet Cohen is committed to the intergenerational transfer of artistic knowledge, history, and traditions. His signature undertaking is the Masters Legacy Series, a celebratory set of recordings and interviews honoring legendary jazz musicians. He serves as both producer and pianist for each album in the series. The goal of this ongoing project is to provide musicians of multiple generations with a forum. Thus, they transfer the unwritten folklore that is America’s unique musical idiom. Cohen has observed that playing jazz “is enriched immeasurably by connecting and studying with jazz masters, forging backward to the very creation of the art form.” Volume one of the series features drummer Jimmy Cobb, and volume two spotlights bassist Ron Carter. Future Masters Legacy Series releases will include Cohen’s recordings with Benny Golson, Tootie Heath, and George Coleman.
Recommended for fans of Oscar Peterson, Benny Green, Kenny Barron and Brad Mehldau.

Private Event
2026-03-02 00:00 - 23:59
We are booked on MAR 2 for a private event. BOOK YOUR EVENT HERE:

Sarah Morris & Molly Dean
2026-03-03 19:00 - 21:00
Two of Minneapolis’ most compelling songwriters share the stage for an evening rooted in craft, connection, and storytelling.

Sarah Morris brings her crystalline voice and award-winning Americana songwriting, pairing technical precision with emotional depth that lingers. Here, her stories have been honed from conservatory training to national stages. Molly Dean joins the evening with a genre-blending approach that mixes folk, indie, and singer-songwriter influences. Additionally, Molly will share songs from her latest release Interwoven. Together, the evening offers engaging, intimate performances – a night of thoughtful, well-crafted music and storytelling.
Molly Dean is a Minneapolis-based vocalist and multi-instrumentalist known for her versatile, genre-blending sound. Her music draws from folk, indie, and singer-songwriter traditions, with a focus on clear melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and strong musicianship.
Her latest release, Interwoven, explores themes of connection, personal growth, and shared experience. The album reflects years of performing in a wide range of settings, both in the U.S. and internationally. There, she appears at folk festivals and theaters to collaborative projects and solo shows.
Often described as “deceptively simple” and “enrapturing,” Molly Dean’s music is direct, intentional, and emotionally grounded. Moreover, Molly invites listeners into songs that feel honest, accessible, and resonant.
Sarah Morris aims to document the glorious details of our messy, magical lives. Also, she is a 2018 Kerrville New Folk Winner, and the Midwest Country Music Organization named her Songwriter of the Year three times. Called “A bright, clear, brilliant songwriter” (L’Etoile Magazine), Morris wields a keen eye and a captivating voice. Further, she offers poignant and relatable songs with timeless melodies.
“What a voice, never showy or seeking the limelight, just impressive within the requirements of the song and that in itself, in this day and age, is a rare thing.” – Dancing About Architecture
Recommended for fans of Brandi Carlile, Pieta Brown, Patty Griffin and Birds of Chicago.

Slum Village w/ Room3 & Kevin Gamble
2026-03-04 19:00 - 21:00
“ill beats, boastful raps… gritty and soulful music” – Pitchfork

With Room3 & Kevin Gamble
Kaleidoscopic jazz fusion collective Room3 joins Slum Village as backing band for the evening. Here, the live band element adds depth and color to the group’s iconic sound.
Slum Village is not just a music group, but a close-knit brotherhood tied together by friendship and their shared musical passions. They emerged in the early 1990s from the dynamic streets of Conant Gardens in Detroit. There, led by T3, Baatin, and the iconic J Dilla, the group quickly became a cornerstone in Detroit’s hip-hop scene.
J Dilla’s enduring influence continued to shape the group. For example, his protégé, Grammy-nominated producer Young RJ, stepped in as a rapper in 2009. Also, through T3 and Young RJ’s stewardship, Slum Village has continued to innovate. There, 2002’s Trinity and standout track “Tainted” are revered among hip-hop fans. Additionally, 2004’s standout album Detroit Deli featured the popular single “Selfish” with Kanye West and John Legend.
T3 and Young RJ have been instrumental in preserving and expanding the group’s legacy. Their involvement led to later albums like Villa Manifesto and YES, which includes posthumous productions by Dilla. Today, Slum Village remains a celebrated name in the world of Detroit hip-hop. With over a decade of collaboration, T3 and Young RJ stay true to the group’s founding ethos while introducing new vitality and a contagious zest.
Their recent works include singles “Request,” “Factor,” “So Superb,” and the acclaimed 2024 album F.U.N. This album features artists like Cordae, Larry June, Elijah Fox, and Eric Roberson. It highlights their continued commitment to breaking new ground and thrilling audiences globally. Here, explore their musical journey and experience the sounds that have established them as hip-hop royalty.
Recommended for fans of J Dilla, Eric Roberson, Dwele and Talib Kweli.

Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00
“Scorching and soulful, joyous and stomping.” – Living Blues

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 thirty years. There, the band’s big sound is as real and hard-hitting as Chicago blues gets. It’s fueled by Lil’ Ed’s gloriously rollicking slide work and deep blues string bending, along with his rough-edged, soulful vocals. 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, 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. Additionally, the band includes bassist (and Ed’s half-brother) James “Pookie” Young, guitarist Mike Garrett and drummer Kelly Littleton. Also, they have remained together for over thirty years, an extraordinary feat for any group. Moreover, the band fuels 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.
Recommended for fans of James Cotton, Coco Montoya, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Joe Bonamassa.
