all stars - Twin Cities Jazz Festival

From Artistic Director
Francisco Mela
Welcome to the 17th
Annual Twin Cities Jazz
Festival, one of the
largest music events
in the Midwest and
Minnesota’s premier
jazz gathering! From
Lowertown to Highland
Park to Como and along
the Green Line, this year’s Jazz Fest reflects
the artistic energy and cultural diversity
that vibrates throughout our great city.
I invite you to join me in celebrating this
great art form and the outstanding regional
and international musical talent that will
fill four outdoor stages—including the
new CHS Field—and more than 20 indoor
venues across Saint Paul. From our fantastic
headliners—Dr. John and the Nite Trippers,
Francisco Mela’s Crash Trio featuring
Nicholas Payton, an all-star quartet
featuring Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Lionel
Loueke and Eric Harland, Araya-Orta with
Othello Molineaux, and Marquis Hill—to
jazz clinics and annual Jazz Night Out, Jazz
Fest 2015 will surely be the best one yet.
FROM SAINT PAUL MAYOR
CHRIS COLEMAN
Welcome!
Look for volunteers
with donation boxes!
612-373-3333
JAZZ FEST
metrotransit.org
$
$
$
$
PLEASE SUPPORT
$$
The safe way to get to and from
your favorite Twin Cities brewery
$
I am so pleased to
serve as the first
Artistic Director of Jazz
Fest! After participating
in the festival in 2010,
2012 and 2014, I am
excited to help “behind
the scenes” to present
the outstanding
artists on the 2015 schedule, as well
as to introduce you to my brand new
$$
The Twin Cities Jazz Festival is free because
of sponsorships, corporate support, and
donations from people like you.
A heartfelt thank you to all the musicians,
Jazz Fest’s Board of Directors, staff, sound
crew, volunteers and everyone in the
community who has stepped up to
support this great community event.
I am excited to invite
you to attend over
120 bands and 300+
musicians performing,
from trad to rad,
from vocalists to big
bands, from New
Orleans brass to
bebop to Cuban salsa.
And don’t miss pre-fest events—jazz
in three Saint Paul libraries, along the
Green Line and on Highland Park stages.
Join me and 30,000 music fans for an
unforgettablefestival experience!
Light rail to pale ale
6161 Hwy 65 Minneapolis, MN 55432 ~ 763-571-9020
Monday, July 27, 7:30 pm
Pioneer Place Theater
*followed by jam session
www.CroonersLoungeMN.com
Get festival updates and listen to the live
stream of Jazz Fest on KBEM Jazz 88 (88.5
FM) during the festival. Go to jazz88fm.
com and choose “Listen Online.”
st. cloud
Sunday, July 19, 7:00 pm
Recital Hall in Bangsberg Hall at
Bemidji State University
Jazz fest live
Bemidji
Duluth

the Jazz Central
band with world-renowned trumpeter
Nicholas Payton. This festival goes way
beyond the headliners—the depth of
talent in the Twin Cities jazz community
is truly amazing! And to quote McCoy
Tyner, “We play music to free our souls.”
All Stars
jazz tour featuring
Upscale Casual Dining
Lunch, Happy Hour & Dinner
Crooners Lounge and Supper Club, undoubtedly the coolest and most
romantic restaurant in the Twin Cities - specializing in the best of jazz,
exquisite food and not forgetting our legendary Sunday Brunch Jazz Jam
where everyone is welcome to sing or play with the band.
Saturday, July 4, Time TBD
Bayfront
From Festival Director
Steve Heckler
Sunday Brunch: A little on the Jazzy Side
SATURDAY, June 27, 11:00 Am
Live Music Daily: No Cover Charge
Chris potter
Friday, June 26, 3:00 pm
nicolas payton
Join us at McNally Smith for these free,
one-hour jazz clinics! Public welcome.
jazz clinics
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Lowertown Stages
A Bedlam Lowertown
B Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
CBulldog
D Golden’s Deli
E Hat Trick Lounge
F Heartland Restaurant
G SW Craft Bar
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN Stage
AARP Mears Park Stage
Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage
Union Depot North Plaza Stage
Dance Stage at Rice Park
June 25-27 · 2015
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Outdoor Stages
Greater Saint Paul
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Amsterdam Bar & Hall
Camp Bar
Como Lakeside Pavilion
Mancinis Char House
The Saint Paul Hotel
Seventh Street Social
Tiffany Sports Lounge
Underground Music Cafe
Vieux Carré
ARAYA ORTA LATIN JAZZ QUARTET
FEATURING OTHELLO MOLINEAUX
Rising stars of Latin jazz, Miami-based Araya Orta
Quartet launched officially in 2010; however, over the
past two decades, the musicians have appeared with
such stars as Michael Brecker, Eddie Gomez, Danilo
Perez, Chick Corea, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval
and Gloria Estafan. Two pairs of brothers form the
quartet—bassist Nicky and pianist Mike Orta, and
drummer Carlomongo and percussionist Ramses
Araya. Returning after their performance at the 2012
TCJF, the quartet pays tribute to the great bassist Jaco
Pastorius, featuring special guest, Trinidad native and
pioneering jazz steel-pan artist Othello Molineaux,
who spent much of his early career with Pastorius.
Friday, June 26 at 6:00 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage
CLOUDMAKERS TRIO
London-based Cloudmakers Trio marries complex
structures and accessibility, improvised and
composed, showcasing original music that lies
somewhere between New York’s “downtown” sound
and modern European traditions. Minnesota native
Michael Janisch plays bass. Saturday, June 27 at 7:00
pm, Union Depot North Plaza Stage
DR. JOHN & THE NITE TRIPPERS
Since the late 1950s, New Orleans native, Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and six-time Grammy
winner Dr. John (Malcom John Rebbenack) has
entertained with his unique brand of “voodoo”
music, melding blues, pop, jazz, zydeco, boogie
woogie and rock ‘n’ roll. After working with Professor
Longhair, Frankie Ford and Joe Tex in New Orleans,
he relocated to LA in the 60s, working as a studio
musician and rebranding himself as Dr. John, the
Night Tripper. Through the 70s and 80s, Dr. John
built a wide following that continues today. His most
recent recording, Ske-Dat-De-Dat, is an internationally
acclaimed tribute to Louis Armstrong. Saturday, June
27 at 3:30 pm, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
Stage at CHS Field (Free but reserved seats required, VIP
seats available; reserve at hotsummerjazz.com)
MARQUIS HILL BLACKTET
Winner of the “Jazz Trumpet Triple Crown”—2012
International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation
Competition, 2013 Carmine Caruso International
Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition and the 2014
Thelonious Monk International Trumpet
Competition—Chicago native Marquis Hill earned
degrees at Northern Illinois University and DePaul
University and taught at the University of Illinois
before relocating to New York. Hill performed at the
MEARS PARK PLACE
KELLOGG SQUARE
• On the Skyway
• Underground Parking
• Newly Remodeled Amenities
• Walk to Culture, Sports & More!
• Remodeled Apartments Available!
• Remodeled Interiors!
• Breathtaking River Views
• On Central Corridor LRT
Phone: 651-292-1313
www.mearsparkplace.com
Phone: 651-227-9224
www.kelloggsquare.com
LOWERTOWN LOFTS
GALTIER TOWERS
Green line Stages
*Arnellia’s
* Big Daddy’s
* Ngon Bistro
P Parking
* Not shown on map.
See schedule for address.
Ride to the festival FREE on all Metro Transit light-rail and buses with a downloadable pass. Visit twincitiesjazzfestival.com for details and to get your pass.
(in alphabetical order)
mears park · saint paul
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The Club Crawl shuttle route. Shuttles run 8:00 pm to 12:30 am, Thursday through Saturday.
headliners
A JAZZ FESTIVAL IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD!
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2012 Twin Cities Jazz Festival and appeared with
fellow Chicagoan Christopher McBride’s quintet
at Eden Prairie High School in spring 2014. His
acclaimed Blacktet features Christopher McBride
(alto sax), Justin Thomas (vibes), Joshua Ramos (bass)
and Makaya McCraven (drums). Saturday, June 27 at
6:00 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage
FRANCISCO MELA’S CRASH TRIO WITH
SPECIAL GUEST NICHOLAS PAYTON
Francisco Mela is not only the first Artistic Director
of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, he also performs
here in two configurations: in a trio at the Saint
Paul Central Library (“Jazz in the Library,” June 21),
and as the festival finale act with his Crash Trio and
all-star trumpeter Nicholas Payton. A charismatic
drummer favored by luminaries from McCoy Tyner to
Kenny Barron to Joe Lovano, Cuban native Mela has
appeared locally at Jazz Fest, the Dakota, Hopkins
Center for the Arts and MacPhail. Francisco also
toured with Jane Bunnett’s “Spirits of Havana” and
has four acclaimed albums to his credit. Joining
Mela’s Crash Trio will be Nicholas Payton, an Elvin
Jones alum and multi-Grammy winner/nominee
recognized as one of the leading voices of jazz in the
21st century. Saturday, June 27 at 8:30 pm, AARP
Mears Park Stage
CHRIS POTTER/DAVE HOLLAND/
LIONEL LOUEKE/ERIC HARLAND
With four headliners, this quartet is one of the most
incendiary acts to perform at any Twin Cities Jazz
Festival. Each musician, from 30-something Harland
to septuagenarian Holland, has experienced a
meteoric career: Saxophonist Potter was already a
star in his teens, and has led his famed Underground
quartet for the past decade. British bassist Holland
played with Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Miles
Davis and Monk, and leads his Quintet, Octet, Big
Band and Prism Quartet. A native of Benin, bassist/
vocalist Loueke blends jazz and African traditions
as well as native and electronic instruments. And
drummer Harland has distinguished himself with
Holland, Charles Lloyd and the SF Jazz Collective.
Friday, June 26 at 8:30 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage
JON WEBER TRIO
Always-inventive, encyclopedic sage of the
keyboards Jon Weber is a perennial festival favorite
and host of the nightly Jazz Jam at Vieux Carré. In
New York, Weber now hosts Piano Jazz for National
Public Radio. Thursday, June 25 at 8:00 pm; Friday,
June 26 at 8:30 pm; Saturday, June 27 at 9:00 pm,
Vieux Carré (jam session follows)
• In-Suite Washer and Dryer
• Cyber Café & Theater
• Fitness Center & Yoga Studio
• Minutes to Anywhere DT
• Luxurious Lifestyle
• Breathtaking City Views
• Fitness Center & Event Pavilion
• Rooftop Pool, BBQ & Theater
Phone: 651-209-7755
www.lowertownloftsapts.com
Phone: 651-297-6738
www.galtiertowersapts.com
Local Jazz Artists
PHIL AARON, STEVE PIKAL & PHIL HEY
Take one veteran pianist drawing influences from
Evans to Jarrett. Mix with a hard-swinging bassist and
elegant drummer. Serve with a touch of humor over
joyful standards and creative originals. Enjoy jazz trio
virtuosity! Friday, June 26 at 6:00 pm, Ngon Bistro
PIPPI ARDENNIA
Singer, songwriter and bandleader Pippi has
performed at her native Chicago’s historic venues.
Now a Twin Cities resident, Pippi has entertained
audiences at the Dakota, Bedlam and beyond, while
continuing to gig in Chicago. Thursday, June 25 at
6:00 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage
BODY OMARA
A local trio performing the original compositions of
guitarist Joseph Damman, Body Omara (with bassist
Tom Reichert and drummer Davu Seru) seeks to find
new intersections where jazz sensibilities meet African
influences. Friday, June 26 at 8:00 pm, Ngon Bistro
BOOKHOUSE TRIO
Known for their arrangements of Twin Peaks music
(Ghostwood), the Bookhouse Trio includes Paul
Fonfara (clarinets, electronics), Chris Hepola (drums
and Rhodes piano) and Josh Granowski (bass),
frequently heard at Barbette and the 331 Club.
Saturday, June 27 at 8:00 pm, Ngon Bistro
BOTTOMLESS PIT
Wenso Ashby Project
A relatively new ensemble of veteran jazz artists: Led by
guitarist Joel Shapira, this “bottomless pit” of post-bop
talent includes saxophonist Pete Whitman, bassist Tom
Lewis and drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt. Saturday, June
27 at 7:00 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
ATLANTIS QUARTET
Breaking Brass is a McNally Smith College of Music
student ensemble directed by esteemed trombonist/
educator Scott Agster. A big hit at the 2014 Concrete
and Grass Festival, BBB injects youthful energy into
every brassy tune. Saturday, June 27 at 5:00 pm,
Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage
The Wenso Ashby Project is a quest, exploring music
on a multi-genre platform. Spearheaded by Wenso
Ashby, this rotating collaborative of fellow seasoned
musicians and vocalists creates an environment of
lively inspiration through spontaneous expression.
Thursday-Saturday, June 25-27 at 8:00 pm, Camp Bar
The always hip and inventive Atlantis Quartet (Zacc
Harris, Brandon Wozniak, Chris Bates, Pete Hennig) will
also appear at the 2015 Iowa City Jazz Festival as part of
this year’s Iowa-Minnesota exchange. Saturday, June 27
at 5:00 pm, Union Depot North Plaza Stage
BDP 5-TET FEATURING CAMERON KINGHORN
& JAKE BALDWIN
Led by trumpeter/vocalist Cameron Kinghorn and
trumpeter/trombonist Jake Baldwin, this band’s
broad repertoire covers jazz, R&B and touches of pop.
With Ted Godbout (keys), Andrew Foreman (bass) and
Andres Crovetti (drums). Thursday, June 25 at 8:30
pm, Bedlam Lowertown
BREAKING BRASS BAND
YOLANDE BRUCE
A long-time member of vocal quartet Moore By Four,
Yolande Bruce has opened for Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah
Vaughan and BB King, and has performed on the
stages of the Dakota, Orchestra Hall and many local
theaters. Thursday, June 25 at 5:00 pm (with Debbie
Duncan) and Saturday, June 27 at 5:00 pm, Arnellia’s
BZ3 ORGAN TRIO
BEASLEY’S BIG BAND
A popular keyboardist in the Twin Cities, Brian
Ziemniak has toured with Candy Dulfer and FDeluxe.
He now leads the smokin’ organ trio BZ3 with Troy
Norton on guitar and Kevin Washington on drums.
Friday, June 26 at 6:30 pm, Amsterdam Bar & Hall
BLACK MARKET BRASS
One of the most accomplished jazz pianists and
composers in the Midwest, Laura Caviani leads her
own ensembles, performed with JazzMN Big Band
and the Pete Whitman X-Tet, and currently heads the
bands at Carleton College. Friday June 26 at 4:00 pm,
AARP Mears Park Stage
BLU-7 FEATURING SARAH M. GREER
Touching on genres from jazz and blues to folk, rock
and hip-hop, acoustic guitar specialist Erik Christenson
plays with Chiefs of the North and a jazz/hip-hop/funk
band, Headstack, in addition to his solo gigs. Thursday,
June 25 at 8:00 pm, Bulldog of Lowertown
Since 1991, Beasley’s Big Band has played in the
swinging style of the Count Basie Orchestra, with
regular performances at Wabasha Street Caves and
O’Gara’s. Come early (6:00 pm) for swing dance lessons!
Friday, June 26 at 7:15 pm, Rice Park Dance Stage
Black Market Brass sways with Afrobeat/Afrofunk
sounds, Super DeepFunk, a touch of Minneapolis soul
and original music. This 9-piece ensemble draws on
complex polyrhythms and commanding brass for
“dancing in the street.” Friday, June 26 at 8:30 pm,
Amsterdam Bar & Hall
Jazz quintet Blu-7 features vocalist/improviser/
instructor Sarah M. Greer. A recent student of
Rhiannon (Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra), Sarah is
joined by Jim Ouska (guitar), Doug Rohde (piano),
John Iden (bass) and Dean White (drums). Saturday,
June 27 at 6:30 pm, Hat Trick Lounge
LAURA CAVIANI TRIO
ERIK Christenson
Schedule & guide
DAKOTA FOUNDATION
FOR JAZZ EDUCATION YOUTH SHOWCASE
The annual DFJE Youth Showcase presents the future
of jazz via four outstanding ensembles from the Twin
Cities area and an all-star combo from Iowa City (part
of this year’s Iowa-Minnesota exchange). Saturday,
June 27 from Noon - 5:00 pm, Union Depot North
Plaza Stage
DETROIT DON KING BLUES BAND
Reminiscent of B.B. King, bluesman Detroit Don King
(guitar and vocals) has led this band for years, with
Jeff Hester (guitar/vocals), Dan Emerson (bass), Doug
Hill (drums) and Tall Paul from Chicago (saxophone).
Saturday, June 27 at 4:00 pm, Big Daddy’s Barbeque
LIZ DRAPER, TASHA BARON & CHRIS HEPOLA
ARNE FOGEL WITH MAUD HIXSON
Channeling Crosby and Sinatra, acclaimed radio
personality, producer and crooner Arne Fogel often
shares the stage with Maud Hixson, whose stunning
delivery and cabaret charms woo fans in the Twin
Cities, New York and London. Thursday, June 25 at
7:00 pm, Mancini’s Char House
JOANN FUNK
JoAnn Funk melds her classical and jazz studies to
the keyboard and microphone, drawing upon such
influences as Blossom Dearie, Diana Krall and Norah
Jones. With Jeff Brueske on bass and guest drummers
each night. Thursday-Saturday, June 25-27 at 7:00
pm, Lobby Bar in the Saint Paul Hotel
GROOVE MERCHANTS
Magical music from eclectic musicians: Bassist Liz
Draper (Cactus Blossoms, Black Blondie, Hips Don’t
Lie), multi-instrumentalist Tasha Baron (Black Blondie,
Hips Don’t Lie, Heiruspecs) and drummer Chris
Hepola (Painted Saints, Bookhouse Trio). Saturday,
June 27 at 6:00 pm, Ngon Bistro
Playing rock and R&B in the tradition of founder, the
late Big Walter Smith, the Groove Merchants include
soaring guitar, rich Hammond organ, rootsy piano,
tight bass and drums, punchy horns and 100% soul.
Friday, June 26 at 9:00 pm, Tiffany Sports Lounge
DEBBIE DUNCAN
With the complexity and improvisation of jazz infused
with rock energy, GST is either high brow rock or low
brow jazz! Musicians include Greg Schaefer, Tony
Watercott, Joe Cline, Bob DeBoer and Mark Niebuhr.
Friday, June 26 at 10:00 pm, Hat Trick Lounge
“Minnesota’s First Lady of Song,” Detroit native
Debbie mixes jazz, soul, R&B and blues with power,
swing and sass. Debbie has opened for Miles Davis
and Herbie Hancock, and appears frequently at local
clubs and theaters. Thursday, June 25 at 5:00 pm
(with Yolande Bruce) and Friday, June 26 at 5:00 pm,
Arnellia’s; Saturday, June 27 at 7:15 pm, Jefferson
Lines 6th Street Stage
LEE ENGELE & VICKY MOUNTAIN
Two veteran vocalists present an evening of standards
and more. Lee, a working deejay who often fronts
big bands, and Vicky, a well-known vocal educator as
well as versatile songstress, will swing the night away.
Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 pm, Ngon Bistro
SENA EHRHARDT & COLE ALLEN
“Bright, soulful” Twin Cities singer Sena Ehrhardt,
2014 Living Blues Award nominee for female Blues
Artist of the Year, teams up with gifted, “gun-slingin’”
guitarist Cole Allen for an unforgettable blues bash.
Thursday, June 25 at 4:00 pm, Big Daddy’s Barbeque
ROBERT EVEREST EXPEDITION
This six-piece ensemble presents a variety of world
music, particularly from Latin America (Brazil, Cuba)
and the Mediterranean (Italy, France), plus original
compositions. Bandleader/ multi-instrumentalist/
linguist/ songwriter Robert Everest leads the world tour.
Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 pm, Como Lakeside Pavilion
FIREBELL
The creative trio Firebell features Park Evans
(guitar), Graydon Peterson (bass) and Jay Epstein
(drums), playing an inventive repertoire of original
compositions and unique interpretations of jazz and
pop standards. Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 pm, Black
Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
GST
GYPSY MANIA HOT CLUB QUARTET
In the French swing tradition of Django Reinhardt,
Gypsy Mania boasts four of the area’s foremost hot
club talents: guitarist and founder Glen Helgeson,
guitarist Reynold Philipsek, violinist Gary Schulte and
acoustic bassist Matt Senjem. Saturday, June 27 at
6:00 pm, Heartland Restaurant
HARPER, NAIR, LEIPOLD TRIO
Black Dog’s “Piano Fridays” host Todd Harper, drummer
Rick Nair and acoustic bassist Michael Leipold make
music melding jazz waltz, off-kilter funk and precise
German bowing technique. Freeform but tonal, always
lyrical, serendipity with precision. Friday, June 26 at
5:30 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
RALPH HEPOLA’S HEPTONES
Innovative and adventuresome, the HepTones cover
jazz to blues to Latin, from past to present. Leader and
multi-brass specialist Ralph Hepola adds tuba to a mix
that includes piano, bass and drums. Thursday, June
25 at 8:00 pm, SW Craft Bar
THE ILLICIT SEXTET
Dubbed “the Cadillac of local jazz” in the late 1980s-90s,
The Illicit Sextet (Steve Kenny, Paul Harper, David Roos,
Chris Lomheim, Tom Pieper and Nathan Norman)
reunited in 2009, now hotter than ever. Thursday, June
25 at 10:00 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
Schedule
Outdoor Stages
Lowertown
On the Green Line
Greater Saint Paul
*Schedule subject to change. Visit twincitiesjazzfestival.com for the latest updates.
Thursday, June 25
Pippi Ardennia
Ordway Summer Dance Rice Park Stage
6:00 pm
Dance Lessons (Salsa)
7:15 pm
Salsa del Soul
Patty Peterson & Friends
6:00 pm
8:30 pm
Laura Caviani trio
Araya Orta Latin Jazz Quartet featuring Othello Molineaux
Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Lionel Loueke, Eric Harland
Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage
5:00 pm
7:15 pm
6:00 pm
Walker West Music Academy
Ted Olsen Quintet
Marquis Hill Blacktet
Francisco Mela’s crash Trio with Special Guest Nicholas Payton
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Stage at CHS Field
Laranja
No Room for Squares
2:15 pm
7:15 pm
Jack Brass Band
Dr. John and the Nite Trippers
Dance Lessons (Swing)
Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage
7:15 pm
Beasley Big Band
5:00 pm
Union Depot NORTH PLAZA Stage
5:00 pm
7:15 pm
6:30 pm
Breaking Brass band
Debbie duncan
Ordway Summer Dance Rice Park Stage
Jason and the Q
JazzMN Orchestra with Special Guest Patty Peterson
Amsterdam Bar & Hall (6 W 6th St)
5:00 pm
Bedlam Lowertown (213 4th St E)
4:00 pm
8:30 pm
6:00 pm
Dance Lessons (Ballroom)
7:15 pm
Minnesota Jazz Orchestra
Union Depot NORTH PLAZA Stage
BZ3 organ trio
Black Market Brass
The Dakota Foundation for Jazz Education Youth Showcase
Arnellia’s (1183 University Ave W)
Yolande Bruce & Debbie Duncan
2:30 pm
6:00 pm
8:30 pm
Arnellia’s (1183 University Ave W)
5:00 pm
4:00 pm
7:00 pm
Amsterdam Bar & Hall (6 W 6th St)
8:00 pm
AARP Mears Park Stage
AARP Mears Park Stage
Ordway Summer Dance Rice Park Stage
AARP Mears Park Stage
6:00 pm
Saturday, June 27
Friday, June 26
12:00 pm Joe’s Jazz Camp (Saint Paul Middle Schools)
1:00 pm JAM (Jazz Around Mineapolis Jazz Camp)
Debbie Duncan
2:00 pm City Six (City High School of Iowa City, IA)
Bedlam Lowertown (213 4th St E)
Dan Leahy Trio
8:30 pm
BDP 5-TET FEATURING CAMERON KINGHORN & JAKE BALDWIN
10:00 pm Solomon Parham
10:30 pm Smooth and Grove Jam Sessions
Jazz Central All Stars
8:00 pm
featuring Joe Mayo, Adam Meckler & Andrew Schwandt
10:00 pm Solomon Parham
10:30 pm Smooth and Grove Jam Sessions
7:00 pm
Big daddy’s (625 University Ave W)
Big daddy’s (625 University Ave W)
Amsterdam Bar & Hall (6 W 6th St)
7:00 pm
3:00 pm
Sena Ehrhardt & Cole Allan
4:30 pm
3:00 pm Yonci & the Footprints (Minneapolis Southwest High School combo)
4:00 pm Dakota Combo (DFJE/MacPhail)
5:30 pm
Kevin Washington quINtet
10:00 pm Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra
7:00 pm
Big george jackson
Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar (308 E Prince St)
Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar (308 E Prince St)
Firebell
8:00 pm
Erik christens0n
10:00 pm The Illicit Sextet
5:30 pm
Harper, nair, leipold trio
7:00 pm
Donald Washington group
10:00 pm What Would Monk Do?
5:00 pm
Bulldog (237 6th St E)
camp Bar (490 Robert St N)
8:00 pm
7:00 pm
8:00 pm
Sena Ehrhardt & Cole Allan
8:00 pm
camp Bar (490 Robert St N)
8:00 pm
7:00 pm
Como Lakeside Pavilion (Como Park)
7:00 pm
Bill Simenson Orchestra
Steve Kimmel
Tim Kliphuis with Sam Miltich & the Clearwater Hot Club
Mancinis Char House
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
(531 7th St W)
Arne Fogel & Maud Hixson
The Saint Paul Hotel
(350 Market St - Lobby Bar)
JoAnn Funk
7:00 pm
8:00 pm
9:30 pm
(1579 Hamline Ave N)
(408 St Peter St. Saint Paul - Hamm Building)
Jon Weber Trio
Jazz jam session
(tenor sax), Will Kjeer (piano), Adam Tucker (bass) and
Alex Burgess (drums). Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 pm,
Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
Minnesota’s “authentic big man of blues” is known
for his fat harmonica playing, dead-on phrasing,
commanding stage-presence and instant rapport with
his audience, who tends to howl when he delivers his
music. Friday, June 26 at 4:00 pm, Big Daddy’s Barbeque
JASON AND THE Q
STEVE KIMMEL
Vibes master/multi-lingual vocalist Steve “Kimby”
Kimmel is a Twin Cities music mainstay who ran the old
Rainbow Gallery Jazz Club. His music is hot, sweet and
funky! Thursday, June 25 at 8:00 pm, Hat Trick Lounge
TIM KLIPHUIS WITH SAM MILTICH &
THE CLEARWATER HOT CLUB
Award-winning Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis blends
classical, gypsy and folk styles. He joins Django
Reinhardt devotee, guitarist Sam Miltich, and the
swinging Clearwater Hot Club, featuring Gary Schulte
(violin), Mike Miller (drums) and Matthew Miltich (bass).
Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 pm, Heartland Restaurant
LARANJA
Dubbed by WCCO as “Minnesota’s answer to Michael
Bublé,” saxophonist/vocalist/arranger/bandleader
Jason is founder of the Minnesota Music Awardwinning band, The Jazztronauts, as well as leader of the
popular ensemble, Jason and the Q. Friday, June 26 at
5:00 pm, Union Depot North Plaza Stage
Part of the Iowa-Minnesota festival exchange, fusion
quintet Laranja (sax, guitar, piano, bass and drums)
is rooted in jazz and heavily influenced by hard rock,
classical and world music. Friday, June 26 at 5:00 pm,
Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage
JAZZ CENTRAL ALL STARS FEATURING JOE MAYO,
ADAM MECKLER & ANDREW SCHWANDT
In addition to his outstanding performances as a
pianist and vocalist, Dan Leahy is a gifted arranger
and producer who has performed throughout
the world, serving as guest soloist and clinician.
Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 pm, Bedlam Lowertown
An all-star ensemble led by saxophonist Joe Mayo
(Joe Mayo Quartet, Skruffians), trumpeter Adam
Meckler (Adam Meckler Orchestra, Lulu’s Playground)
and saxophonist Andrew Schwandt (Story City,
Steeling Dan, Big Walter Smith, Fuzzy Math). Friday,
June 26 at 8:00 pm, Bedlam Lowertown
JAZZMN ORCHESTRA WITH PATTY PETERSON
The JazzMN Orchestra has been one of the top big
bands in the Midwest since its first concert in 1999.
Directed by bandleader/trumpeter Doug Snapp,
JazzMN’s talented instrumentalists will be joined by
award-winning vocalist Patty Peterson. Friday, June 26
at 7:00 pm, Union Depot North Plaza Stage
STEVE KENNY’S GROUP 47
A cross-generational quintet thriving on original
music and high energy, Steve Kenny’s popular Group
47 includes Kenny (trumpet), Thomas Strommen
DAN LEAHY TRIO
ZACK LOZIER THREE
A versatile trumpeter who covers traditional to
modern jazz, Zack Lozier has toured with Doc
Severinson, Todd Clouser, Jack Brass and Davina and
the Vagabonds. His Zack Lozier Three leans toward
traditional New Orleans jazz. Thursday, June 25 at
7:00 pm, Underground Music Cafe
JOYCE LYONS & FRIENDS
From Maryland to Colorado to New York and now
Minnesota, vocalist, actress and comedienne Joyce
Lyons inspires through performing and teaching.
Locally we’ve heard her swinging voice at the Dakota,
Three Crows, Jazz Central and beyond. Saturday, June
27 at 8:00 pm, Golden’s Deli
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative
appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Robert Everest Expedition
8:30 pm
The Saint Paul Hotel
Hat Trick lounge (134 5th St E)
Golden’s Deli (237 6th St E)
(350 Market St - Lobby Bar)
6:30 pm
JoAnn Funk
9:30 pm
9:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
The Saint Paul Hotel
7:00 pm
Alden Drew, Chair
Kevin Barnes
Michael Cook
Doug Brown
Barbara Davis
MANCRUSH
Aaron, Gordy Johnson and Kenny Horst. Thursday,
June 25 at 8:00 pm, 7th Street Social
TONY MARINO
MATRA
A unique percussion quartet, Matra includes
vibraphone, marimba, tabla and drumset, reflecting a
wide range of influences from classical structures, jazz
improvisation, North India rhythms and subtle hints
of prog-rock. Friday, June 26 at 8:00 pm, Golden’s Deli
CHARMIN MICHELLE
One of Minnesota’s most popular vocalists, Charmin
Michelle swings with panache through standards
and beyond, with the Twin Cities 7, Denny Malmberg
and the Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra. Frequent partner,
guitarist Joel Shapira, makes it a duet. Thursday, June
25 at 8:00 pm, Golden’s Deli
MINNESOTA JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Come early (6:00 pm) for ballroom dance lessons! Then
grab your partner and swing to the sounds of Frank
Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and more. MJO
features a 16-piece big band along with fabulous vocals.
Saturday, June 27 at 7:15 pm, Rice Park Dance Stage
MOORS BLACKMON
Dameun Strange (voice and keytar), Kahlil Brewington
(drums) and Antoine Martinneau (bass) form Moors
Blackmon, playing “psychedelecrtric fazz,” and
drawing inspiration from the likes of Herbie Hancock,
Sun Ra, Parliament Funkadelic and Jimi Hendrix.
Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 pm, Ngon Bistro
LUCIA NEWELL QUARTET
One of the area’s stellar vocalists, Lucia sings in three
languages, covering standards, ballads, bossa nova
and original material with the expert support of Phil
(350 Market St - Lobby Bar)
JoAnn Funk
SW Craft Bar (111 Kellogg Blvd E)
Connie R. Shaver, Director of Communication & Publicity
Anna Buchholz, Marketing Communications Intern
Adrian Larkin, Marketing Communications Intern
Melissa Sjoberg, Marketing Communications Intern
Rebecca Snapp, Marketing Communications Intern
Andrea Canter, Photography
Minnesota Music Award-winning percussionist Tony
Marino starts the countdown to the 2016 Olympic
Games in Rio with a night of Brazilian jazz, featuring
vocalist Sheila Morey and a large cast of friends.
Saturday, June 27 at 9:30 pm, Hat Trick Lounge
(799 University Ave W)
Liz Draper, Tasha Baron & Chris Hepola
8:00 pm
Bookhouse Trio
10:00 pm Moors Blackmon
(408 St Peter St. Saint Paul - Hamm Building)
Mancrush is a relatively new band led by drummer/
composer Lars-Erik Larson, and featuring talented
improvisers Brandon Wozniak (tenor sax), Zacc Harris
(guitar) and Bryan Nichols (keyboards). Expect a night
of intriguing original compositions. Friday, June 26 at
8:00 pm, SW Craft Bar
Gypsy Mania Hot Club Quartet
6:00 pm
(1579 Hamline Ave N)
Optimum Trajectory
Vieux Carré
Blu-7 featuring sara m. Greer
Tony Marino
Ngon Bistro
Groove Merchants
Underground Music Café
Joyce Lyons & friends
Heartland Restaurant (289 5th St E)
mancrush
Board of Directors:
Artists (continued)
BIG GEORGE JACKSON
7:00 pm
PHIL AARON, STEVE PIKAL & PHIL HEY
8:00 pm
Body Omara
10:00 pm Lee Engele & vicky mountain
6:00 pm
Jon Weber Trio
10:30 pm Jazz jam session
Amanda Lammert, Green Line Venue Coordinator
Steve Wiese, Creation Audio, Sound
Neil Wallace, Sound (Main Stage)
Kelsye A. Gould, Graphic Designer
Michael DeMeglio, Original Artwork
Bryan XXXXX, Webmaster
Steve Adams, IT
Mind*Spark Creative, Graphics / Design
Wenso Ashby Project
Como Lakeside Pavilion (Como Park)
8:30 pm
Steve Heckler, Executive Director
Kristine Heckler, Project Coordinator
Mary Fenske & Jean Ryan (JRI), Sponsorship
Laura Littleford, Development
Craig Eichhorn, Technical Director / Stage Manager
Francisco Mela, Artistic Director
Kristin Johnson, Director of Volunteer Programs
Alicia Storkamp, Administration
JACK BRASS BAND
8:00 pm
(799 University Ave W)
Twin Cities Jazz Festival Staff:
Minnesota’s own New Orleans brass band has
performed at NOLA’s French Quarter Festival and at
other festivals around the globe. This isn’t just great
music, it is always great fun. Saturday, June 27 at
2:15 pm, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Stage
at CHS Field (Free but reserved seats required, VIP seats
available; reserve at hotsummerjazz.com)
camp Bar (490 Robert St N)
Tiffany Sports lounge (2051 Ford Pkwy)
ZACK LOZIER THREE
Vieux Carré
Davu Seru & Click Song
7:30 pm
Bottomless Pit
10:00 pm Steve Kenny’s group 47
5:30 pm
John Penny Trio
Ngon Bistro
8:00 pm
Lucia Newell Quartet
Underground Music Café
7:00 pm
Detroit Don King Blues Band
Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar (308 E Prince St)
Matra
SW Craft Bar (111 Kellogg Blvd E)
Ralph Hepola’s Heptones
7th Street Social (2176 7th St W)
8:00 pm
4:30 pm
Heartland Restaurant (289 5th St E)
7:00 pm
SW Craft Bar (111 Kellogg Blvd E)
8:00 pm
Big daddy’s (625 University Ave W)
Ticket to Brasil
Dave Ziffer
10:00 pm GST
Heartland Restaurant (289 5th St E)
6:00 pm
Wenso Ashby Project
7:00 pm
Hat Trick lounge (134 5th St E)
8:00 pm
Javi Santiago Trio
10:00 pm Solomon Parham
10:30 pm Smooth and Grove Jam Sessions
Hat Trick lounge (134 5th St E)
Charmin Michelle
Yolande Bruce
Bedlam Lowertown (213 4th St E)
Golden’s Deli (237 6th St E)
8:30 pm
Golden’s Deli (237 6th St E)
8:30 pm
Arnellia’s (1183 University Ave W)
Como Lakeside Pavilion (Como Park)
Wenso Ashby Project
atlantis quartet
The Cloudmakers Trio
Tom Edman
Steve Heckler
Phyllis Olin
Jim Scheibel
Tio Aiken
NO NAME JAZZ
Led by saxophonist/flautist Phil Zinos, this mainstream
jazz ensemble includes Jack Litzau on bass, Mike
Stevesand on drums, Vince Hyman on piano and
Eugene Monnig on guitar, playing standards and more.
Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 pm, Underground Music Cafe
NO ROOM FOR SQUARES
A hard-swinging bop quintet, this band features Twin
Cities veterans—Jon Pemberton (trumpet), Jimmie
Wallace (tenor sax), Mikkel Romstad (piano), Adam
Tucker (bass) and Bill Stieger (drums). Friday, June 26
at 7:15 pm, Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage
TED OLSEN QUINTET
Young bassist Ted Olsen recently graduated from
the University of Northern Colorado. He’s taught
in the Twin Cities Jazz Workshop and has recently
performed as sideman and leader at the Black Dog
and Jazz Central. Saturday, June 27 at 4:00 pm, AARP
Mears Park Stage
OPTIMUM TRAJECTORY
Playing in monthly rotation at the Underground Music
Cafe (St. Paul) and Contented Cow (Northfield), this
mainstream jazz quintet features Ira Adelman, Steve
Hilson, Jeff Gurney, Garth Anderson and Tim McNamara.
Friday, June 26 at 7:00 pm, Underground Music Cafe
SOLOMON PARHAM GROUP / SMOOTH AND GROOVE
JAM SESSIONS
Detroit-born trumpeter and jazz educator, Solomon
Parham leads a powerhouse ensemble featuring an
exciting cast of prodigious McNally-Smith students,
followed by an open “groove” jam session each night.
Thursday-Saturday, June 25-27 at 10:00 pm, Bedlam
Lowertown
JOHN PENNY TRIO
A rare collaboration of three stalwart improvisers:
Inventive guitarist/vocalist/composer John Penny
finds inspiration in global folk traditions, particularly
Brazil and the Middle East. With bassist Charlie Riddle
and drummer Davu Seru, sparks will fly. Friday, June 26
at 7:00 pm, Heartland Restaurant
Lowertown
Future Fund
8:00 pm
Andre Stephani
Underground Music Café
7:00 pm
(1579 Hamline Ave N)
No Name Jazz
Vieux Carré
(408 St Peter St. Saint Paul - Hamm Building)
Jon Weber Trio
10:30 pm Jazz jam session
9:00 pm
PATTY PETERSON & FRIENDS
Winner of 7 Minnesota Music Awards, endearing and
enduring vocalist/radio personality Patty Peterson
brings her special blend of jazz and R&B to the stage
with her always fabulous friends. (Catch her again
with JazzMN Orchestra on Friday!) Thursday, June 25
at 8:00 pm, Amsterdam Bar & Hall
SALSA DEL SOUL
Long a festival favorite, the 9-piece Salsa del Soul
celebrates dance music from the Spanish-speaking
cultures of the Caribbean, including son, salsa and
cha-cha-cha. Come early (6:00 pm) for salsa lessons!
Thursday, June 25 at 7:15 pm, Rice Park Dance Stage
JAVI SANTIAGO TRIO
Just 14 when he first played at Jazz Fest, pianist Javi
is now an alum of the Brubeck Institute and New
School in Manhattan. He returns with pals Ted Olsen
(bass) and Miguel Hurtado (drums). Saturday, June
27 at 8:00 pm, Bedlam Lowertown
DAVU SERU AND CLICK SONG
A free jazz drummer and African and African-American
literature scholar, Davu Seru performs throughout
the metro and beyond with an eclectic array of
improvising musicians, including percussionist Marc
Anderson and other members of Click Song. Saturday,
June 27 at 5:30 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
and Joyce Perez (vocals), Dan Weston (bass) and Dan
Musselman (keyboards). Tuesday, June 16 at 6:30 pm,
Sun Ray Library; Friday, June 26 at 7:00 pm, Como
Lakeside Pavilion
TWIN CITIES LATIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA
The Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra is an 18-piece
band led by trumpeter Geoff Senn and percussionist
Mac Santiago. The band includes veterans,
established younger stars and bright up-and-comers,
and performs monthly at Jazz Central. Saturday, June
27 at 10:00 pm, Amsterdam Bar & Hall
WALKER WEST MUSIC ACADEMY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Walker West Music Academy is an historic community
music school with a particular affinity for jazz
education. A perennial festival favorite, the WWMA
ensembles are led by Solomon Parham. Saturday,
June 27 at 2:30 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage
DONALD WASHINGTON GROUP
Detroit native saxophonist Donald Washington is heard
monthly at the Black Dog. For this special festival set,
he is joined by wife Faye (flute and cello), Yohannes
Tona (bass) and Mick LaBriola (percussion). Friday, June
26 at 7:00 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
KEVIN WASHINGTON QUINTET
BILL SIMENSON ORCHESTRA
Powerhouse drummer Kevin Washington has
performed with Moveable Feast, Doug Little, Nachito
Herrera, Andres Prado and Pete Whitman. His quintet
includes Walter Hampton (sax), Ernest Bisong
(violin), Brian Ziemniak (keys) and Serge Akou (bass).
Saturday, June 27 at 6:00 pm, Amsterdam Bar & Hall
ANDRE STEPHANI
What would have happened if eccentric genius
Thelonious Monk had encountered four of the best
Twin Cities jazzmen? Trumpeter Steve Kenny, pianist
Peter Schimke, bassist Billy Peterson and drummer
Kenny Horst have plenty of answers! Friday, June 26
at 10:00 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
The 17-piece Bill Simenson Orchestra is known for
concert and club performances, including monthly
gigs at Jazz Central. Trumpeter Simenson has 30 years
experience as an esteemed teacher, performer and
bandleader. Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 pm, Como
Lakeside Pavilion
A jazz trombonist and solo pianist/vocalist for
over 40 years, Andre has performed with Don Ho,
Bette Midler, Mel Torme, Buddy Greco, Lou Rawls
and Nachito Herrera, and opened for Billy Eckstine.
Saturday, June 27 at 8:00 pm, SW Craft Bar
TICKET TO BRASIL
Ticket to Brasil melds Bossa Nova, Samba and AfroBrazilian Jazz. Led by guitarist Pavel Jany, the sextet
includes Josue Alfaro (percussion), Natania Kamin
WHAT WOULD MONK DO?
DAVE ZIFFER
Dave Ziffer uses electric and acoustic guitars, loop
station and synth to reinvent classical and pop tunes,
as well as the works of Pat Metheny, Chick Corea,
Jean-Luc Ponty and other modern jazz artists. Friday,
June 26 at 7:00 pm, Hat Trick Lounge
Alden Drew & Mimie Pollard