Composer/saxophonist Joan Hutton will perform a mix of originals, standards, and free jazz with guitarist Mike Wolter and bassist Dan Carpel. Joan Hutton is a performer, composer, and educator in Minneapolis whose diverse talents make her equally in demand in both the classical and jazz worlds. She has released two albums on Shifting Paradigm Records: […]

Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt. Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing. The star musicians of the Django Festival Allstars have grown […]

Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt. Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing. The star musicians of the Django Festival Allstars have grown […]

Kavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories into his music, carefully weaving his influences into a boundary-breaking modern jazz outfit. He is well-known in the Twin Cities and beyond as a pianist, composer and arranger. Kavyesh has garnered acclaim in many musical climates, and currently calls St. Paul, MN home. Primarily a jazz pianist, he is […]

Senegalese singer and bass virtuoso Alune Wade brings his distinct sound to The Cedar stage for the first time this Fall. Blending Afrobeat and jazz, Wade traces the deep connections between West African rhythms, Lagos grooves, and the bold brass sounds of New Orleans. In addition to his performance, The Cedar will screen the short […]

Fresh, unusual treatments of thirteen songs by Lennon and McCartney. Tasteful and fun arrangements that put a new spin on songs you thought you knew. Minnesota born-and-raised, Connie Evingson has a catalog of acclaimed albums that cover a wide range within the jazz genre. the Twin Cities-based singer has an adventurous spirit that, like her […]

A Great Night of Contemporary Jazz, Funk and R&B Award Winning and Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Vocalist Patty Peterson and her Friends were the very first group to take the Crooner stage on opening night more than a decade ago. Patty returns with her Contemporary Jazz/Funk/R&B Band to Crooners Main Stage Showroom once again. Patty will […]

Soulful, passionate, stirring… these are the words that describe Kirk Whalum's music most often. Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. It’s forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene. The 80’s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming […]

Soulful, passionate, stirring… these are the words that describe Kirk Whalum's music most often. Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. It’s forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene. The 80’s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming […]

“The Very Best of Julie London” will be a sultry night celebrating a jazz icon's greatest hits and timeless elegance. Produced and performed by Jaedyn James and Alex Browne and backed by an incredible full band featuring strings, horns, flute, piano, and upright bass. Julie London is a renowned American singer and actress, celebrated for […]

Classic Holiday Tunes featuring the signature Four Freshmen Sounds Celebrating the songs of the season with their sincere, intimate delivery and superb musicianship add an elegance to their unmistakable, super-tight, ultra-hip vocal harmony so unique to their legendary signature sound — a sound sought after by a cappella groups today! To many music enthusiasts, The Four […]

Shaun LaBelle’s producing career has been filled with legendary groups. For example, David Pack (Ambrosia), Everette Harp, Jeff Kashiwa, and Steve Reid (Rippingtons.) Also, Shaun has worked with Branford Marsalis and the group Pieces of a Dream. Shaun performed bass on the Larger Than Life tour for Grammy award-winning recording artist Jody Watley. Currently, Shaun's new releases Your […]