The MNHBC Jazz Student “SIT-IN” Performance Series is funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council and the St. Paul Cultural Star.   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 […]

Brandee Younger is revolutionizing the harps’ role in modern music. She has worked relentlessly over the past fifteen years to stretch boundaries and limitations for harpists. In 2022, she made history. Then, she became the first Black woman to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition. That same year, she was also nominated […]

Founded in 2014 by Geoffrey West Senn and Mac Santiago (percussionist/drum set), the Twin Cites Latin Jazz Orchestra (TCLJO) brings together the drama of big band jazz, the rhythmic intensity of Latin music, and the virtuosity of eighteen of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished musicians.

When the artistry of vocalist Jennifer Grimm met the mastery of composer-arranger Adi Yeshaya, a new sound was born. Don’t miss this thirteen-piece jazz orchestra in a night of compositions and new arrangements of jazz and pop favorites. Composer, arranger and jazz pianist Adi Yeshaya was born and raised in Israel. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, […]

After a musical meeting at Jazzorca in Mexico City earlier this year, Nathan Hanson and Álvaro Torres are joining forces to investigate the spaces where spontaneity meets the familiar, and where familiarity meets the unknown. Their quartet is completed by Liz Draper and Davu Seru, who expand the field of viable sound research. Pianist and […]

Pianist Alec Watson, upright bassist Pat Keen, and drummer Dave Power will play two sets of Alec Watson originals, improvised pieces, and jazz standards during the dinner hour. Alec Watson is a Minneapolis based pianist, songwriter, and improviser. Under the moniker DPCD, Watson has steadily released music ranging from minimalist folk to haunted parlor ballads. […]

Affinity Trio creates an intimate ambience with a strong rhythmic groove. Individually, its members have worked with some of the biggest names in the jazz world: Benny Golson, Phil Woods, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Bruce Barth, Brian Lynch, Greg Tardy, Frank Morgan, and more. The trio has held a regular Monday night residency at the […]

Guitarist Joel Shapira will perform original compositions and jazz classics off his new solo guitar release, Unscripted. He is a leader and/or member of multiple top Twin Cities jazz ensembles, and he is a master of the demanding discipline of solo guitar. He performs regularly with world-class musicians, has numerous recordings to his credit, and […]

Backed by her powerhouse Minneapolis band, Lucia Sarmiento will deliver explosive sax solos, unstoppable energy, and a bold new take on pop and jazz from her debut album, Escape. Band Members: Lucia Sarmiento - Saxophone David Feily - Guitar Jason Craft - Keys Aníbal Soares - Bass Pete James Johnson - Drums On her remarkable […]

A Wonderful Night of Jazz - Cabaret Style Life is a cabaret! Four shows in one night. Three amazing vocalists. An all-star, award winning lineup of players. Jazz from four different eras /styles of jazz placed in historical perspective. Steve Clarke: Saxophones, Flutes and Host Phil Aaron: Piano Tom Lewis: Bass Haralds Bondaris: Drums Maurice […]