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 […]

A new show inspired by icons Ray Charles, Brian Auger, Booker T., Georgie Fame & Graham Bond. Willie & Tommy join up with trap kit genie Dave Anania, string bass pusher Jeremy Boettcher & wonderkid saxophonist/flutist Nelson Devereaux. Here, they wade into vintage covers and Wisely originals alike.

Minneapolis-based jazz pianist and composer, Mary Louise Knutson (k’NOOT-son), has been called "one of the most exciting artists to happen to jazz piano in quite some time." Her warm, inviting tone, broad range of emotional expression, and distinctive compositions have brought her much recognition on the national music scene.

Join the premiere big band in the Twin Cities, JazzMN Orchestra, for an unforgettable evening. This esteemed ensemble tackles blistering, swinging and innovative arrangements from the collection of the Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Orchestra. Longtime JazzMN drummer Joe Pulice has been tapped as music director. Further, this promises to be another great concert with the band at the Dakota.

Charles McPherson was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1939 and moved to Detroit at the age of nine. He moved to New York in 1959, joined bassist Charles Mingus’s band in 1960 and stayed with the group until 1972. During his twelve years working with Mingus, McPherson collaborated frequently with Barry Harris, Lonnie Hillyer, George Coleman […]

Minneapolis-based jazz pianist and composer, Mary Louise Knutson (k’NOOT-son), has been called "one of the most exciting artists to happen to jazz piano in quite some time." Her warm, inviting tone, broad range of emotional expression, and distinctive compositions have brought her much recognition on the national music scene.

Dakota favorites, Jay Young and The Lyric Factory started as a father/son duo in the mid-90s that has grown into a multi-faceted family of Minneapolis’ “first call” musicians who’ve been performing for sold-out audiences around the Twin Cities since 2005.