An evening of music with Nils Westdal featuring Kavyesh Kaviraj.

Saxophonist-composer Alex Hahn and his Reflections Tour

Creative sounds and improvisations featuring the music of Renee Rosnes, Bennie Maupin, Paul Motian, and Carla Bley, among others.   Featuring: Mary Petrich - saxophones Tyler Lustek - piano Max Johnk - bass Adam Nussbaum - drums

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 presented with her unique delivery.

What is “Sitting-In”? Sitting in is not the same as a “jam session”. A musician’s definition of “sitting in” is to participate in a working group, as a guest, usually to play a couple of songs. This usually occurs at the invitation of someone in the band. This is how Jazz Musicians typically audition and […]

The Boys are back!!!! Here some free free jazz with the Twin Cities dynamic quartet. Magraw, Bates, Kaviraj, Epstein

One of the most lyrical and intimate voices of contemporary jazz piano, Brad Mehldau has forged a unique path. Here, he embodies the essence of jazz exploration, classical romanticism and pop allure. Mehldau has garnered critical acclaim as a bandleader, and major international exposure in collaborations with Pat Metheny, Renee Fleming, and Joshua Redman. Furthermore, […]

Saint Paul native Pierre Lewis spent his formative years filling in for twin cites organ legend Bobby Lyles. He has been keyboardist for R&B legends the Commodores for the past 12 years. He will be exploring his roots as one of the area's most experienced masters of the Hammond B3 organ, channeling everyone from Jimmy […]

The Bill Simenson Orchestra is a 17 piece big band (5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums). Since June of 2012 the band has performed the first Tuesday of every month at Jazz Central Studios.

Two of the most respected artists in contemporary jazz join forces in this duo. Brad Mehldau is hailed as “one of modern jazz’s most innovative musicians” by Glide Magazine. Christian McBride says, “Brad is justifiably revered as one of the greatest pianists of all time. I’m very proud to have been friends and cohorts with him […]

Two of the most respected artists in contemporary jazz join forces in this duo. Brad Mehldau is hailed as “one of modern jazz’s most innovative musicians” by Glide Magazine. Christian McBride says, “Brad is justifiably revered as one of the greatest pianists of all time. I’m very proud to have been friends and cohorts with him […]

Eight Grammy Awards Two Emmy Nominations Two Oscar Nominations 2024 NEA Jazz Master Terence Blanchard has been a consistent artistic force for making powerful musical statements concerning painful American tragedies – past and present. A true Renaissance man, Blanchard stands tall as one of jazz’s most-esteemed trumpeters. Moreover, he defies expectations by creating a spectrum […]