We're well into spring—or perhaps even summer—which means we are building momentum toward the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, about six weeks away! This week we can hear some favorite locals, veteran collaborators with new ensembles, a duo of internationally acclaimed artists who happen to live in the Twin Cities, former residents on leave from the East Coast, and an alumni band featuring one-time high school all-stars.
Big Gigs This Week
Friday, May 13. Friday the 13th isn't always bad luck! At Walker West, the Eight O'Clock Jump series continues with a quintet assembled by saxophonist Nathan Hanson and long-time music partner, bassist Doan Brian Roessler. They've played together for more than 20 years, and now they add violinist Laura Harada, saxophonist Cole Pulice and drummer Christopher McGuire to present some challenging but accessible original music.
More good luck at Parma 8200 where Arne Fogel reigns supreme with a trio including Rick Carlson on keys; at Hell's Kitchen where the quintet Axis Mundi melds world music with modern and traditional jazz; at Vieux Carre' where Charmin and Shapira and Friendsprovide plenty of swing, standards, bossas and more, following some sublime piano from Jeremy Walker. And it's a star- studded night at Bunkers where Patty Peterson and Friends welcome Mick Stirling and Ricky Peterson, along with more friends— Billy Franze, Bobby Vandell, Joe Elliot, David Eiland and John Pinckaers.
Saturday, May 14. Saturday Night Jazzat the Black Dogpresents two bands, starting out with the Steve Kenny Quartet. Theveteran FLUMPET-eer brings arrangements and originals to the stage, accompanied by precocious vibraphonist Levi Schwartzberg, much in-demand bassist Ted Olsen, and rising star drummer Rodney Ruckus. They're followed by an incredible duo of Bad Plus and Happy Apple drummer Dave King and renowned saxophonist George Cartwright, whose credits include Curlew and Gloryland Ponycat.
One of the voices of Moore by Four, Yolande Bruce throws a birthday party at Crooners Lounge. And don't forget the Saturday night regulars— Pavel Jany's Talking Strings at the Loring Pasta Bar, JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar at the St Paul Hotel, and the Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200.
Sunday, May 15. Starting a busy week in the Dunsmore Room, Maurice Jacox brings his Nat King Cole show to this intimate setting, with pianist Ron Seaman and and swinging guitar master Reuben Ristrom.
Monday, May 16. Versatile vocalistErin Schwab is “In the Crook" of the Bosendorfer with pianist Jay Fuchs in the Dunsmore Room. In south Minneapolis, big band leader Bill Simensonwhittles it down to a quintet for some fun and improv on JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse.
If you miss the twice-weekly swing of vocalist Charmin Michelleand accordionist Denny Malmberg, you'll want to hit happy hour at least once this week (Monday-Friday) at Crooners Lounge, where the long-running duo at Fireside Pizza returns with their interpretations of standards and more.
Tuesday, May 17. The Mary Louise Knutson Trio (with Gordy Johnson and Greg Schutte) returns to the Dunsmore Room, where her January trio gig garnered raves.And it's the first several gigs with New York-based, former Twin Cities bassist Michael O'Brien. He starts his gigging at Vieux Carre' with his Minnesota trio, Triage—with Chris Lomheim on piano and Jay Epstein on drums. (Michael will heard again over the coming weekend.) Across town at Jazz Central, it's big band night, and tonight the Explosion Big Band (led by Doug Haining and Scott Agster) takes their monthly spin through original arrangements and compositions.
Wednesday, May 18. Swinging songstress Judi Vinar takes over Crooners Lounge with the Wolverines.
Thursday, May 19. It's finally the official re-opening ofThursday Night Jazz at Reverieon itsnewnight. Steve Kenny's series welcomes back the monthly JazzINK Youth Showcase, featuring Halcyon Daze, a high school ensemble led by drummer Sam Stroup of South High. They're followed by the large ensemble, Fall of the House of Usher (around 9 pm), performing world music improv and some spoken word, featuring Chris Cunningham (guitars), son Ivan Cunningham and Cole Pulice (saxophones), Noah Ophoven-Baldwin (trumpet), Chris Bates (bass), Greg Schutte (drums), Adam Svec (vocals) and very special guest, Michelle Kinney (cello). Gypsy guitar phenom Stephene Wremble is at Vieux Carré— if any tickets remain; they were down to standing room. In any case, if you come for the early set, you can hear our own guitar phenom, Joel Shapira. For Vocal Jazz night at Jazz Central, a young trio features U of M student Jiselle McCollam with support from recent St. John's grads, Joe Twohy (piano) and Elliott Keane (drums).
Big Gigs This Week
Friday, May 13. Friday the 13th isn't always bad luck! At Walker West, the Eight O'Clock Jump series continues with a quintet assembled by saxophonist Nathan Hanson and long-time music partner, bassist Doan Brian Roessler. They've played together for more than 20 years, and now they add violinist Laura Harada, saxophonist Cole Pulice and drummer Christopher McGuire to present some challenging but accessible original music.
More good luck at Parma 8200 where Arne Fogel reigns supreme with a trio including Rick Carlson on keys; at Hell's Kitchen where the quintet Axis Mundi melds world music with modern and traditional jazz; at Vieux Carre' where Charmin and Shapira and Friendsprovide plenty of swing, standards, bossas and more, following some sublime piano from Jeremy Walker. And it's a star- studded night at Bunkers where Patty Peterson and Friends welcome Mick Stirling and Ricky Peterson, along with more friends— Billy Franze, Bobby Vandell, Joe Elliot, David Eiland and John Pinckaers.
Saturday, May 14. Saturday Night Jazzat the Black Dogpresents two bands, starting out with the Steve Kenny Quartet. Theveteran FLUMPET-eer brings arrangements and originals to the stage, accompanied by precocious vibraphonist Levi Schwartzberg, much in-demand bassist Ted Olsen, and rising star drummer Rodney Ruckus. They're followed by an incredible duo of Bad Plus and Happy Apple drummer Dave King and renowned saxophonist George Cartwright, whose credits include Curlew and Gloryland Ponycat.
One of the voices of Moore by Four, Yolande Bruce throws a birthday party at Crooners Lounge. And don't forget the Saturday night regulars— Pavel Jany's Talking Strings at the Loring Pasta Bar, JoAnn Funk and Jeff Brueske in the Lobby Bar at the St Paul Hotel, and the Benny Weinbeck Trio at Parma 8200.
Sunday, May 15. Starting a busy week in the Dunsmore Room, Maurice Jacox brings his Nat King Cole show to this intimate setting, with pianist Ron Seaman and and swinging guitar master Reuben Ristrom.
Monday, May 16. Versatile vocalistErin Schwab is “In the Crook" of the Bosendorfer with pianist Jay Fuchs in the Dunsmore Room. In south Minneapolis, big band leader Bill Simensonwhittles it down to a quintet for some fun and improv on JT's Jazz Implosion at the Icehouse.
If you miss the twice-weekly swing of vocalist Charmin Michelleand accordionist Denny Malmberg, you'll want to hit happy hour at least once this week (Monday-Friday) at Crooners Lounge, where the long-running duo at Fireside Pizza returns with their interpretations of standards and more.
Tuesday, May 17. The Mary Louise Knutson Trio (with Gordy Johnson and Greg Schutte) returns to the Dunsmore Room, where her January trio gig garnered raves.And it's the first several gigs with New York-based, former Twin Cities bassist Michael O'Brien. He starts his gigging at Vieux Carre' with his Minnesota trio, Triage—with Chris Lomheim on piano and Jay Epstein on drums. (Michael will heard again over the coming weekend.) Across town at Jazz Central, it's big band night, and tonight the Explosion Big Band (led by Doug Haining and Scott Agster) takes their monthly spin through original arrangements and compositions.
Wednesday, May 18. Swinging songstress Judi Vinar takes over Crooners Lounge with the Wolverines.
Thursday, May 19. It's finally the official re-opening ofThursday Night Jazz at Reverieon itsnewnight. Steve Kenny's series welcomes back the monthly JazzINK Youth Showcase, featuring Halcyon Daze, a high school ensemble led by drummer Sam Stroup of South High. They're followed by the large ensemble, Fall of the House of Usher (around 9 pm), performing world music improv and some spoken word, featuring Chris Cunningham (guitars), son Ivan Cunningham and Cole Pulice (saxophones), Noah Ophoven-Baldwin (trumpet), Chris Bates (bass), Greg Schutte (drums), Adam Svec (vocals) and very special guest, Michelle Kinney (cello). Gypsy guitar phenom Stephene Wremble is at Vieux Carré— if any tickets remain; they were down to standing room. In any case, if you come for the early set, you can hear our own guitar phenom, Joel Shapira. For Vocal Jazz night at Jazz Central, a young trio features U of M student Jiselle McCollam with support from recent St. John's grads, Joe Twohy (piano) and Elliott Keane (drums).
