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Joe Pulice Salutes Buddy Rich is a high voltage, all-star fifteen-piece big band from the Twin Cities. This performance will highlight the music that Buddy Rich made famous throughout his illustrious career. There, he established himself as the best big band drummer in the world. Drummer Joe Pulice, one of the region’s elite musicians, is a […]
Glen Helgeson guitar Gary Schulte violin Steve Pikal Bass Jay Epstein drums
Renowned vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America. New York Times hails her “smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather”. She lies beneath the script of history, transcending social divides with an offer of love and deep sense of humanity. […]
Colonel Mustard's Mechanical Orchestra is a brass band playing the music of Paul Fonfara. Think Duke Ellington in an episode of Twin Peaks, the Johnny Quest theme played by Tom Waits, with some Ennio Morricone and Goran Bregovic thrown in. We play tangos, mariachi, klezmer, Balkans brass, and vintage big band jazz sounds. Some tunes […]
Don’t miss this “one – night only” appearance! Joining We3 on stage is drummer extraordinaire Sheila Earley! Together, this quartet will pay tribute to timeless tunes with new and familiar interpretations of popular, jazz, swing, blues standards, and so much more! Renee Patrick: Vocals Nicole Pesce: Piano, Keyboard Suzanne Lansford: Violin, Vocals Sheila Earley: Drums We3 performed […]
The Clearwater Hot Club is dedicated to preserving the repertoire and instrumentation of the jazz manouche style. This was pioneered by Roma jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Many of the songs played in this group were either performed or written by Django Reinhardt. However, other styles of music such as French musette, Brazilian choro, and eastern […]
Red Planet (Dean Magraw, Chris Bates, Jay Epstein) formed in 2003, plays innovative jazz sounds with a strong emphasis on creative interactivity. Now with the addition of brilliant pianist, Kavyesh Kaviraj to the band, the group elicits a perfectly strong/sensitive blend of empathetic musical spirits. The Planet is known for its unique interpretations of the […]
Standards Singer/Lifetime Entertainer , and Jennifer Grimm’s Mom, will present her tribute to Rosemary Clooney…yes, you know Rosie if you’re from Minnesota-she starred with Bing Crosby in White Christmas!!
Southside Aces are celebrating twenty years performing the repertoire of the Jazz Age greats and beyond. From the early New Orleans of Jelly Roll Morton to the world-changing joys of Louis Armstrong. The barrel house sounds of Preservation Hall to the Crescent City rhythms of rock and roll pioneer Fats Domino. Treat yourself to a century’s […]
Guitarist Mike Wolter, bassist Matt Peterson, and drummer Pete Hennig will perform two sets of dinner jazz. Pete Hennig graduated from McNally Smith College of Music with a degree in percussion performance. Then, he completed two years of private study with Twin Cities–based drummer Dave King. Since 2010, he has performed at several European festivals […]
A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval was born just outside Havana, Cuba in 1949. Just two years prior, Gillespie became the first musician to bring Latin influences into American jazz. Arturo began studying classical trumpet at the age of twelve, but it didn’t take him long to catch the excitement of the […]
Room3 is a jazz fusion wild card rooted in tradition yet driven by experimentation. Their sound is imaginative, playful, and rhythmically sharp, mixing elements of bebop, contemporary jazz, prog rock, funk, and more. The collective currently operates out of Minneapolis and appears most commonly as a four-piece, with Eli Awada on keyboards, RAWTWHYLAH (aka Colin […]
JEN-E’s Late Night Lounge set will highlight eclectic fusions of electronic music, jazz, and deep house. JEN-E is a Vietnamese American disk jockey and multimedia artist based in Minneapolis. Her genre focus is on house, hypnotic techno, jazz, and polyrhythmic sound. She has residencies at Mortimer’s Bar and the Saloon, and she curates playlists for […]
Galaxy Express is a Twin Cities–based trio consisting of bassist/composer Nils Westdal, pianist Kavyesh Kaviraj, and drummer Tarek Abdelqader. Expect a balanced mix of tightly knitted celestial jazz originals and some familiar tunes. All aboard the Galaxy Express! Tarek Abdelqader is a Palestinian American percussionist. Kavyesh Kaviraj is a critically acclaimed composer, arranger and pianist […]
Versatility can be rewarding but some music just feels like home. Vocalist Prudence Johnson returns to her jazz roots with the Halcyon Jazz Quartet, following their sparkling debut at Crooners last spring. With an "off the beaten path" approach to repertoire and featuring the amazing Dave Hagedorn on vibes, and top-shelf rhythm section Joe Pulice […]
The Morgan Turner Quartet is a Chicago-based contemporary jazz quartet. Led by bassist and composer Morgan Turner, the group draws inspiration from a wide array of jazz greats, including Wayne Shorter, Mark Turner, and Kurt Rosenwinkel. At Berlin, Turner will perform a blend of original contemporary jazz songs and covers of familiar favorites with Arman […]
An Evening of Amazing Harmonies and Impeccable Presentation “THREE” is the brainchild trio of local Twin Cities’ musicians - Judi Vinar, Rachel Holder and Lori Dokken. These three artists have not only been friends for a couple of decades but have also been colleagues in a diverse array of musical groups and productions. Judi Vinar: Vocals Rachel Holder: Vocals Lori Dokken: […]
Bassist Ted Olsen is Berlin’s artist in residence on Sundays this August. For this first installment of his residency, Olsen’s quartet will revisit repertoire from their debut album, “Joyfire” (Shifting Paradigm, 2017). “Joyfire” features Olsen’s original compositions and was praised by the “Star Tribune” for its “sprawling yet cohesive songcraft.” Band Members: Ted Olsen - […]
Larry McDonough, piano and arrangements Richard Terrill, saxes and spoken word Josh May, trumpet Greg Stinson, bass Dean White, drums The history of the golden age of jazz can be told through tenor saxophonists. The Sophisticated Giant, Dexter Gordon was one of the most influential voices of early bebop. There, he was the bridge between […]
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.
Minnesota’s star composer, arranger, Jazz Orchestra Leader, pianist, teacher and all-around great guy. Look for his recordings with Jennifer Grimm and the Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra, on YouTube
Singer/composer/pianist Scottie Miller and bassist Dan Carpel will perform two sets of jazz, blues, and spoken word over the dinner hour. Their set will featuring material from Miller’s recent poetry collection and album “Carnival Cocoon.” Miller and Carpel are currently in the studio working on Miller’s 13th album. Scottie Miller, named “Artist of the Year” […]
Ahmed Abdulkarim has been performing music his entire life. He began on the piano, then moved to the bugle to the trombone before finally settling on the trumpet in 1956. Trumpet jazz is where he truly found his voice. Ahmed studied under Manny Laureano of the Minnesota Symphony and has performed at legendary venues including […]
Michael O'Brien holds a B.A from the University of Minnesota with a major in the Spanish language. He studied bass under Anthony Cox, and West African and Haitian percussion under Marc Anderson. He has been performing and composing Internationally for over a decade with such notables as Harry Connick Jr., Ruben Blades, Toninho Horta, Gil […]
The Ari Nahum Trio will perform innovative interpretations of popular songs, originals, and classic jazz standards. Pianist Ari Nahum has been collaborating with bassist Jim Pacala for the past 16 years and will be joined by the sensitive, prominent Twin Cities drummer Ken Goldman. The trio finds inspiration in Dave Brubeck, Bruce Springsteen, the Pointer […]
This two-set show will feature the formidable quartet of Ahndenet bandleader Abinnet Berhanu, new-to-town multi-instrumentalist Ryan Freitas, in-demand bassist Dan Carpel, and veteran pianist Joe Strachan. Virginia transplant Abinnet Berhanu started his fascination with music on the trumpet but later fell in love with the sheer power of drums. A passionate, explosive drummer, Abinnet has […]
Ted Olsen’s newest project focuses on rhythmic intensity and collective spontaneity while interpreting the Great American Songbook and jazz standards. He will share this project with Berlin’s audience for the second night of his August residency. Special guest Omar Abdulkarim (trumpet and flugelhorn) will lend his masterful touch to this approach to the canon. Band […]
Vie Boheme has been performing in the Guthrie Theater’s production of Cabaret this summer for six days a week. On Aug. 11, she will share her own music and choreography with audiences in Berlin’s intimate room. Expect original alternative R&B tunes, jazz standards, and pop covers—all brought to life with Vie’s typical courage and intuition. […]
This 16 piece band boosts having been on-going for the last 35 years . Originally under the musical direction of arranger/ composer Steve Devich, they have built a library of big band music containing over 450 charts!
The Cherry Pit presents an open jam for musicians and music lovers in the Twin Cities. It’s a social hub for Twin Cities creatives, a training ground to refine musicianship, and a vehicle for high-vibrational improvisation. This is not a free-form basement jam or strictly a jazz jam. Our goal is to find an equilibrium […]
With her voice students from around the world, her work with Bobby Mcferrin, Lori Dokken & the Girls, Rick Carlson , many special song presentations, Judi is a regular Crooners and Dakota performer.
Toby Ramaswamy, Robert Lehmann, DeCarlo Jackson, and Evan Slack will explore improvised soundscapes and construct songs, drawing on their collective experience in a wide range of musical styles. Expect a variety of electronic and acoustic moods. Toby Ramaswamy is a composer, drummer, and producer based in Minneapolis. He has been fortunate enough to work with […]
DJ Blue Funk will be playing a mix of jazzy and soulful records he has collected from around the world. DJ Blue Funk is a vinyl DJ and co-host of the monthly rare groove party The Nitty Gritty in NE Minneapolis. His sets draw inspiration from his upbringing in northern Japan, where he fell in […]
Multi-instrumentalist Nick Bhalla will perform two sets of improvised solo piano. Nick is highly active in the Minneapolis music scene, contributing to projects including Dusty Forever, Harlow, Neopolitan, Steady Range, and his trio Big Blue Moon. Nick’s newest album, Empire, is a suite of explorations for solo piano, with plenty of room for improvisation and […]
A husband. A wife. An astonishing duo built on love, family, faith, culture and community. These are the things that power The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor. This enticing collaboration is steeped in the heart and soul of jazz. As the children of pastors, Marcus’ and Jean's musical roots were planted deep […]
Adam Meckler brings his soulful, passionate brand of modern instrumental and improvisatory jazz to Berlin with some of the top players on the scene. Expect to bop your head to the infectious grooves, marvel at the band's virtuosity, and leave the show humming Meckler's memorable melodies. Band members: Adam Meckler - Trumpet/Flugelhorn/Compositions Christopher Rochester - […]
Celebrated pianist Dale Alexander will perform a set of solo piano tunes. Growing up in Minneapolis, Dale Alexander's first band was a trio with Prince and André Cymone. He recorded with Prince on the 94 East Street CD project right before Prince signed his solo contract. He then toured with Prince on the Sign ‘O […]
Bassist Ted Olsen is Berlin’s artist in residence on Sundays this August. For the third installment of his residency, Olsen will perform in pianist Michael Cain’s trio alongside drummer Adam Harder Nussbaum. The trio will present two sets of jazz infused with R&B and contemporary influences. Band Members: Michael Cain - Piano Ted Olsen - […]
Naturally 7 is unlike any vocal ensemble you’ve ever heard. No less than Quincy Jones has called them “the best a cappella group in the world”! They are known worldwide for their extensive tours with Michael Bublé and as guests with Coldplay and Diana Ross. Moreover, the New York-based septet is a band in the classic […]
With energy and chops to burn, The Travis Anderson Trio brings fresh interpretations to standards and more – from Chopin to Mario Bros – they swing like there’s no tomorrow while saluting the great trios of yesterday. From Pixar to Disney to Studio Ghibli, The Travis Anderson Trio celebrates the music of the greatest animated films ever […]
Led by chief detonators Doug Haining, sax, and Scott Agster, trombone, the Explosion Big Band draws from the area’s finest musicians. The EXPLOSION is ready to detonate with the classic sounds of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and more modern sounds of Thad Jones, Clare Fischer, Pat Metheny & others.
The Steve Kenny Quintet celebrates the release of their latest recording, Blue Chunks. The album is a compositional concept where bite-sized jazz situations are grouped into suites and performed as a larger work. Each suite is a charcuterie of small ideas, where individually, they can be solemn or exciting or brash. However, when combined, they form complete […]
Horn player Jake Baldwin and vocalist Tommy Boynton will celebrate the August releases of their latest albums—Vanishing Point and Tommy Tunes II: Too Casual, respectively—with a charming, cozy, and fun co-headlined show. ◊ Vanishing Point is Jake Baldwin’s third release on Shifting Paradigm Records. Featuring Baldwin on trumpet and cornet, Cody McKinney on bass, Adam […]
DJ Wicked is a dancer and DJ from London, UK. His main wavelengths: soul, jazz, funk, Brazilian house, and UK house. He has played in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Miami for about 25 years. He loves speakeasies, jazz clubs, and deep underground clubs.
Deano (guitar) & Suwal (tabla) bring their music to the early sets at Berlin. This fortuitous collaboration presents a fresh expression of the dramatically playful interplay between strings and percussion—featuring the sonic cornucopia of tabla weaving into the colorful vibrations of guitar—melodies, grooves, laughter, tears, heart—hear it, heal it... Dean Magraw studied at the University […]
Sophia Kickhofel will be bringing her NYC-based quartet to Berlin to perform a selection of original compositions and jazz standards. The band takes inspiration from nature and the joy in creating art to provide audiences with a sense of comfort and community. Band Members: Sophia Kickhofel - Alto Saxophone Esteban Castro - Piano Jayla Chee […]
Alexis Rose is a multi-disciplinary artist with a focus on DJing and graphic design. Her sound is energetic, deep, and ethereal. With roots in R&B, hip-hop, electronic, indie, jazz, and alternative music, she blends her inspirations seamlessly into a new age feel. From deep house to UK garage, Alexis knows how to work a room. […]
Doug Little & Havana Highlife is a quintet that combines the sizzle of salsa with the harmonic richness of jazz. This project swims the seas between musical genres, showcasing intriguing, entrancing, Latin jazz at its best. The group is led by saxophonist, flutist, and composer Doug Little. Little has studied in Brazil and Cuba, performed […]
Sophia Kickhofel is a 20 year old multi-instrumentalist and composer from Apple Valley, Minnesota. She has performed around the world at venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, Carnegie Hall, the Library of Congress, Dizzy’s Club, the Dakota and New World Center for the Arts. Furthermore, Sophia studies jazz performance at the Juilliard School under […]
Pianist, composer, and sideman Javier Santiago is one of the most promising voices in the international music scene today. He is also an accomplished producer/beatmaker, arranger and educator. Further, Santiago has become a notable force in both the beat and hip-hop scenes as well as in jazz. Santiago is an alumnus of the Herbie Hancock Institute of […]
Ted Olsen will be joined by longtime rhythm section colleagues Joe Strachan and Miguel Hurtado for a night of explorative, emotive modern jazz. Featuring original compositions, arrangements, and standards, the first set will feature NYC-based young lion Sophia Kickhofel on alto saxophone. The second set will feature the outstanding vocalist and songwriter Aby Wolf. Band […]
The Four Freshmen hit the stage with a show bursting with jazzy vibes, boundless energy, and unforgettable musical magic! Their dazzling vocal harmonies sweep you off your feet with bossa nova beats, swing rhythms, soul-stirring ballads, and dreamy gems. They deliver a handpicked collection of timeless classics while paying homage to their legendary roots with […]
Guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire. Here, he includes the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and The Beatles. In addition […]
An Evening of Powerhouse Jazz Performers The Jazz Women All Stars were created by Minnesota Music Hall of Fame vocalist and KBEM jazz radio personality Patty Peterson. In 2016, the Jazz Women All-Stars made a terrific debut at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival in Mears Park. This ensemble celebrates the great women of jazz artists […]
Join HEYARLO at Berlin on the last Thursdays of June, July, and August for their Shifting Forms series. As the summer goes on, the group will expand—shifting in size, sound, and sonic depth. The series will culminate in the release of HEYARLO’s highly anticipated debut EP. For the final night of Shifting Forms, celebrate the […]
Saxophonist Anna Dolde and pianist Klo Garoute will perform two sets of original jazz instrumentals and arrangements. Anna Dolde is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who is from Seattle and lives in Minneapolis. Her primary instrument is saxophone, but she also sings and plays flute and bass clarinet for projects across the Twin Cities, including Rabeca, […]
All-star Twin Cities musicians Joey Van Phillips, Kavyesh Kaviraj, Chris Thomson, and Chris Bates team up to perform the music of jazz composer and pianist Thelonious Monk. Born in 1917, Monk built his signature improvisatory style on playful rhythms and clashing chords. He performed with Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane and is a […]
Join guitarist Chris Graham and a special guest (to be announced on Saturday, Aug. 23) for an intimate evening of jazz in a stripped-down guitar-piano duet format. With room for subtlety, surprise, and deep musical conversation, this performance will invite listeners into the heart of spontaneous interplay. Guitarist Chris Graham masterfully interweaves tradition and future. […]
