Lots of jazz in store for this holiday weekend, some “homecoming" gigs from a favorite former resident, a favorite pairing returns to action at Jazz Central, while a heady quartet returns to action at Vieux Carré; and there's lots of action in the Dunsmore Room.
Big Gigs This Week!
Friday, March 25. We haven't heard from the duo of guitarist Dean Magraw and tabla player Marcus Wise in a while, so their gig tonight at Jazz Central is a welcome treat. They're each capable of playing just about anything with anyone, but together is a magical pairing.
Friday Night Jazz at Reverie finishes its run as such, moving to Thursdays in May and “in exile" at other venues in April. The Friday finale tonight features the venue debut of King Fletcher Woods, which is not a member of royalty but the trio of Jeff King (saxophones), Charles Fletcher (bass) and Eron Woods (drums)— and that is a royal powerhouse.
Vieux Carré brings back Jeremy Walker's ultra-cool quartet, Boot Camp, sporting the talents of Walker on piano, Brandon Wozniak on sax, Chris Bates on bass and Miguel Hurtado on drums. Jon Pemberton opens the night on solo piano. At Parma 8200, a break in Friday vocal jazz with the Joel Shapira Trio offering their sublime instrumental alternative.
The stage is still smoldering in the Dunsmore Room after Patty Peterson's salute to her mom a few days ago, but she is just as likely to sear the floor (or ceiling) in the lounge at Crooners tonight, singing with her “Friends"— nephew Jason Peterson DeLaire and pals Billy Franze and Bobby Vandell.
For a few years, the Twin Cities was blessed with the talents of young bassist Brian Courage, a New York transplant via the jazz program at Lawrence Conservatory. Brian quickly became a first-call sideman, and ultimately bandleader with projects like Courageous Endeavors and Mountain King. He's returned to New York now but fortunately manages to return at least once a year. This weekend he's got a couple gigs, starting tonight at Public Kitchen with Park Evans and Greg Schutte.
And if you are in the vicinity of Northfield, check out the Contented Cow, where vocalist Paula Lammers and guitarist David Martinwill be on the “bandstand."
Saturday, March 26. A second chance this weekend to hear Brian Courage, tonight leading a quartet exploring the music Ornette Coleman, Paul Motian and beyond on the Jazz at Studio Z concert series. With Bryan Nichols on piano, Brandon Wozniak on sax and Matt Buckner on drums, the quartet will also host a master class an hour before the concert, discussing the nature and influence of Coleman on his own and future generations of improvisers and composers. Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog kicks off with John Devine and Bill Lang in a double sax, free jazz duel, followed by Steve Kenny's “young lions" quartet with Levi Schwartzberg on vibes, Ted Olsen on bass, and Rodney Ruckus on drums.
Jazz Central is more often staying open Saturday nights, and tonight the Ted Godbout Trio is the reason, with the expert pianist mixing it up with bassist Matt Peterson and drummer Zach Schmidt.
Sunday, March 27. Special Sunday Brunch at the Dakota brings in the swinging Crescent City sounds of the Southside Aces. In the Dunsmore Room at Crooners, Dan Chouinard's Birthday Clubstarts a four-night run at the venue. Dan's guest tonight is the sophisticated vocalist Maria Jette.
Monday, March 28. Saxophonist Evan Benidt shines in the spotlight at Jazz Central, while the always swinging Charmin and Shapira and Friends (Charmin Michelle, Joel Shapira, Paul Harper, Tom Lewis and Nathan Norman) return to the Dakota.
In the Dunsmore Room, the monthly “In the Crook" features pianist Jay Fuchs at the Bosendorfer with sweet and sassy singer Erin Schwab in the crook.
JT's Jazz Implosion presents a rare double set from one band— in this case the young guns of Pile Driver— Jake Baldwin on trumpet, Ted Olsen on bass, and Matt Buckner on drums.
Tuesday, March 29. You might consider a nearby motel room to make it easier to catch this week's shows in the Dunsmore Room! Tonight, bassist Billy Peterson, hot off a gig with Dave King in Switzerland, is back on standard time and sharing the stage with multi-instrumentalist nephew Jason Peterson DeLaire. Jason is most likely to be on the piano bench, but his saxophone will surely be at hand and his vocals likely will be accompanied by Billy's bass— but don't be surprised if Billy ends up at the Bosendorfer himself, having demonstrated his keyboard talents last week in the tribute to mom Jeanne Arland Peterson.
One of the most unusual projects to hit the Jazz Central stage for Big Band Night, the Swing Sisterhood Big Band makes their major venue debut under the leadership of St. Thomas faculty Sarah Schmalenberger. Sarah notes that the band evolved from a group of “educators, freelancers, composers, and college students who began meeting one Sunday a month to read down charts. Their sessions have a clearly vibrant sound of enthusiasm for making music with other women, specifically those with a passion for jazz. These musicians cheer the drummer, whoop for soloists, and high-five their section mates!" Section mates include Joan Griffith on bass and Jendeen Forberg on drums. Also unusual for Tuesday Big Band Night, there's an opening set from the Emergence Brass Band, which will play originals, fusion and classical works.
At Vieux Carré, Chris Lomheim opens on solo piano, followed by guitarist Paul Renz and his quartet.
Wednesday, March 30. It's a very special night in the Dunsmore Room with songbird Connie Evingson, former Minnesotan Tanner Taylor, and longtime sax favorite Dave Karr. Pianist Tanner has played a few gigs here and there in the Twin Cities since relocating to Iowa about a year ago, and he's had plenty of good history with both Connie and Dave.
At Jazz Central, new music night brings together three musicians who probably seem miles apart— vibes master Steve Kimmel,swinging violinist Gary Schulte, and modern percussion monster Davu Seru. For sure, this will be a night of new music!
Thursday, March 31. Dubbed “electrified funkified jazz," the trombone-wielding Potash Twins return to the Dakota. Adeev and Ezra Potash were labeled by NPR as the “Twin Horns of Joy" for there prodigious talent as well entertaining performances.
Vocal Jazz Night at Jazz Central features the McNally Smith College of Music Vocal Jazz Showcase. Hosted by Jennifer Parker, Charlie Christenson, Rachel Holder Hennig and Shon Parker, with bassist Graydon Peterson and drummer Matt Edlund, the spotlight is turned onto the best and brightest vocal talents at MSCM.
Big Gigs This Week!
Friday, March 25. We haven't heard from the duo of guitarist Dean Magraw and tabla player Marcus Wise in a while, so their gig tonight at Jazz Central is a welcome treat. They're each capable of playing just about anything with anyone, but together is a magical pairing.
Friday Night Jazz at Reverie finishes its run as such, moving to Thursdays in May and “in exile" at other venues in April. The Friday finale tonight features the venue debut of King Fletcher Woods, which is not a member of royalty but the trio of Jeff King (saxophones), Charles Fletcher (bass) and Eron Woods (drums)— and that is a royal powerhouse.
Vieux Carré brings back Jeremy Walker's ultra-cool quartet, Boot Camp, sporting the talents of Walker on piano, Brandon Wozniak on sax, Chris Bates on bass and Miguel Hurtado on drums. Jon Pemberton opens the night on solo piano. At Parma 8200, a break in Friday vocal jazz with the Joel Shapira Trio offering their sublime instrumental alternative.
The stage is still smoldering in the Dunsmore Room after Patty Peterson's salute to her mom a few days ago, but she is just as likely to sear the floor (or ceiling) in the lounge at Crooners tonight, singing with her “Friends"— nephew Jason Peterson DeLaire and pals Billy Franze and Bobby Vandell.
For a few years, the Twin Cities was blessed with the talents of young bassist Brian Courage, a New York transplant via the jazz program at Lawrence Conservatory. Brian quickly became a first-call sideman, and ultimately bandleader with projects like Courageous Endeavors and Mountain King. He's returned to New York now but fortunately manages to return at least once a year. This weekend he's got a couple gigs, starting tonight at Public Kitchen with Park Evans and Greg Schutte.
And if you are in the vicinity of Northfield, check out the Contented Cow, where vocalist Paula Lammers and guitarist David Martinwill be on the “bandstand."
Saturday, March 26. A second chance this weekend to hear Brian Courage, tonight leading a quartet exploring the music Ornette Coleman, Paul Motian and beyond on the Jazz at Studio Z concert series. With Bryan Nichols on piano, Brandon Wozniak on sax and Matt Buckner on drums, the quartet will also host a master class an hour before the concert, discussing the nature and influence of Coleman on his own and future generations of improvisers and composers. Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog kicks off with John Devine and Bill Lang in a double sax, free jazz duel, followed by Steve Kenny's “young lions" quartet with Levi Schwartzberg on vibes, Ted Olsen on bass, and Rodney Ruckus on drums.
Jazz Central is more often staying open Saturday nights, and tonight the Ted Godbout Trio is the reason, with the expert pianist mixing it up with bassist Matt Peterson and drummer Zach Schmidt.
Sunday, March 27. Special Sunday Brunch at the Dakota brings in the swinging Crescent City sounds of the Southside Aces. In the Dunsmore Room at Crooners, Dan Chouinard's Birthday Clubstarts a four-night run at the venue. Dan's guest tonight is the sophisticated vocalist Maria Jette.
Monday, March 28. Saxophonist Evan Benidt shines in the spotlight at Jazz Central, while the always swinging Charmin and Shapira and Friends (Charmin Michelle, Joel Shapira, Paul Harper, Tom Lewis and Nathan Norman) return to the Dakota.
In the Dunsmore Room, the monthly “In the Crook" features pianist Jay Fuchs at the Bosendorfer with sweet and sassy singer Erin Schwab in the crook.
JT's Jazz Implosion presents a rare double set from one band— in this case the young guns of Pile Driver— Jake Baldwin on trumpet, Ted Olsen on bass, and Matt Buckner on drums.
Tuesday, March 29. You might consider a nearby motel room to make it easier to catch this week's shows in the Dunsmore Room! Tonight, bassist Billy Peterson, hot off a gig with Dave King in Switzerland, is back on standard time and sharing the stage with multi-instrumentalist nephew Jason Peterson DeLaire. Jason is most likely to be on the piano bench, but his saxophone will surely be at hand and his vocals likely will be accompanied by Billy's bass— but don't be surprised if Billy ends up at the Bosendorfer himself, having demonstrated his keyboard talents last week in the tribute to mom Jeanne Arland Peterson.
One of the most unusual projects to hit the Jazz Central stage for Big Band Night, the Swing Sisterhood Big Band makes their major venue debut under the leadership of St. Thomas faculty Sarah Schmalenberger. Sarah notes that the band evolved from a group of “educators, freelancers, composers, and college students who began meeting one Sunday a month to read down charts. Their sessions have a clearly vibrant sound of enthusiasm for making music with other women, specifically those with a passion for jazz. These musicians cheer the drummer, whoop for soloists, and high-five their section mates!" Section mates include Joan Griffith on bass and Jendeen Forberg on drums. Also unusual for Tuesday Big Band Night, there's an opening set from the Emergence Brass Band, which will play originals, fusion and classical works.
At Vieux Carré, Chris Lomheim opens on solo piano, followed by guitarist Paul Renz and his quartet.
Wednesday, March 30. It's a very special night in the Dunsmore Room with songbird Connie Evingson, former Minnesotan Tanner Taylor, and longtime sax favorite Dave Karr. Pianist Tanner has played a few gigs here and there in the Twin Cities since relocating to Iowa about a year ago, and he's had plenty of good history with both Connie and Dave.
At Jazz Central, new music night brings together three musicians who probably seem miles apart— vibes master Steve Kimmel,swinging violinist Gary Schulte, and modern percussion monster Davu Seru. For sure, this will be a night of new music!
Thursday, March 31. Dubbed “electrified funkified jazz," the trombone-wielding Potash Twins return to the Dakota. Adeev and Ezra Potash were labeled by NPR as the “Twin Horns of Joy" for there prodigious talent as well entertaining performances.
Vocal Jazz Night at Jazz Central features the McNally Smith College of Music Vocal Jazz Showcase. Hosted by Jennifer Parker, Charlie Christenson, Rachel Holder Hennig and Shon Parker, with bassist Graydon Peterson and drummer Matt Edlund, the spotlight is turned onto the best and brightest vocal talents at MSCM.
