Christian Swenson is a multi-instrumentalist and composer/arranger from Minneapolis, MN.   Christian’s septet takes inspiration from groups such as the Wynton Marsalis Septet, Dave Pell Octet, and the Duke Ellington small groups. Expect to hear the debut of many new, original arrangements, along with a few transcriptions of existing material.  As an arranger, Christian takes […]

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 […]

For the second installment of his November residency, Kevin Gamble presents sets by his fusion quartet and the mystical jazz-rock group TABAH. Kevin Gamble Quartet: Kevin Gamble - Piano Tarek Abdelqader - Drums Nick Benish - Bass Andrew Tomten - Saxophone Tabah: Cecelia Erholtz - Vocals/Guitar Jeff Ley - Guitar/Vocals Kevin Gamble - Piano Toby […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Mockturnal will perform two sets of jazz standards and original music over the dinner hour, inspired by the change of seasons. Celebrate the start to the colder months with the gentle warmth of the trio’s sound. Band Members: Izzy Karr - Flute Lo Salinas - Piano Lauren Hagen - Bass Mockturnal is an innovative trio […]