We’ve made it past the January thaw, and hopefully will still have a few more days that are conducive to getting out. My recovery from some health issues is taking longer than expected, so once again my descriptions are short, but will hopefully pique your interest. . Get out if you’ve the energy, because Music Lifts the Spirit!
Jazz
Wednesday, Jan 9
Nancy Harms @ Crooners’ Dunsmore Room, Fridley. 7:30pm ($20, $25) Minnesota native who is acclaimed throughout Europe. She’ll be playing Birdland in NYC this coming Monday..
Thursday, Jan10
Special EFX All Stars @ The Dakota, Mpls. 7pm ($40, $45), 9pm ($40, $35) Chiele Minucci, gtr; Eric Marienthal, sax; Lao Tizer, keys; Jerry Brooks, bass; Joey Rosenblatt, drums; with special guest Regina Carter on Violin. Grooves, hooks, and head bopping will ensue.
Jiselle McCollum’s Jazz Cult @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:00pm ($10, $5 w/Valid Student ID) Jazz standards and a few contemporary songs delivered with verve and a smile.
Friday, Jan 11
Rhythm’s Mama @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10) Babatunde Lea heads up this group, which explores the African roots of Cuban Music. Members are: Lea, drums and congas; Omar Abdulkarim, trumpet; Grayson Peterson, bass; Kevin Washington drums; and Taji Malik Hill, percussion.
Saturday, Jan 12
Saturday Night Jazz @ The Black Dog, Saint Paul. 7pm (Tip Jar) 7pm – Pete Snell Trio: Snell, saxes; Tom Lewis, bass; Nathan Norman, drums. 8:30 pm – Peter Kogan’s Monsterful Wonderband CD Release, with Nelson Deveraux, sax; Dave Graf, trombone; Chris Olson, guitar; Abbi Stafford, piano; Chris Bates, basss; and Kogan drums.
Paula Lammers & Mary Louise Knutson @ Bethel Lutheran Church, 4120 17th Ave So, Mpls. (Free Will Offering. Songs of the season, some of which will have new arrangements by Ms Lammers.
Prudence Johnson & Dean Magraw @ Crooners’ Dunsmore Room, Fridley. 6pm ($15) Prudence and Dean have a long history of performing together. This show spotlights the music of Tom Waits.
Monday, Jan 14
John Pizzarelli @ the Dakota, Mpls 7pm ($45, $35), 9pm $35, $25) Outstanding guitarist, fine crooner, enjoyable raconteur.
Charlie Lincoln @ Jazz Central, Minneapolis. 8:30pm ($10, $5 w/Valid Student ID) Check out this talented young bass player before he returns to school at Berklee. With Patrick Adams, keys; Dean Magraw, guitar; Jay Epstein, drums.
Tuesday, Jan15
Ethan Iverson @ Crooners’ Dunsmore Room, Fridley. 7:30pm ($20, $25) Thoughtful, precise piano playing, with bouts of passion as needed.
For more listings, KBEM provides a calendar of jazz and roots music. For further commentary on Twin Cities jazz, check out the blogs, Jazz Police and Bebopified.
Blues, Roots, Other…
Wednesday, Jan 9
Tony Cuchetti & Joe Flip on Harold’s House Party (90.3 FM or kai.org) and at The 331 Club, Mpls. 5m (90.3FM), 7pm (331 Club – Tip Jar) This duo is heading to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis later this month.
Thursday, Jan 10
Daddy Squeeze Newton @ Waldmann’s Brewery, 455 Smith Ave, Saint Paul. 7-9pm (Tip Jar) Accordion music for folks chowing down on German sausages and German style beers.
Friday, Jan 11
Mikkel’s Birthday Party w/Siama’s Afrobilly @ The Dubliner, Saint Paul. 9pm (Tip Jar) Percussionist Mikkel Becmen celebrates his birthday by playing with Siama Matuzungidi, reveling in Saima’s lilting, infectious music.
Saturday, Jan 12
Trailer Trash @ Lee’s Liquor Lounge, Mpls. 8pm ($7) The Twin Cities favorite Honky-Tonk band does their thing.
Boogie Wonderland @ Famous Dave’s, Mpls. 9pm ($8) Glam, glitter, and disco!.
Dakota Dave Hull w/Liz Draper CD Release @ Celtic Junction, Saint Paul. 7:30pm ($15 Advance, $18 Door( Dakota Dave and Liz will be performing tunes from Dave’s new CD, “Another Cup,” Opening set by Adam Kiesling.
Sunday, Jan 13
Midnight Choir Social Club @ The Black Dog, Saint Paul.11am – 2pm.($8 suggested cover) Originals inspired by funky gospel and rockin’ blues.
Road to Memphis Fundraiser@ Wilebski’s, Saint Paul. 1pm ($10?) Your last chance to help raise funds for the Dee Miller Band’s trip. You’ll also hear The C-Notes, Joe Flip & Tony Cuchetti, Scottie Miller, and more.
Willie Walker @ Minnesota Music Cafe, Saint Paul. 5pm ($10?) A late afternoon gig with a commodious dance floor, perfect for this original soul man.
Rosetta & Marie: A Tribute @ The Dakota, Minneapolis. 7pm ($30, $35) Jamecia Bennett and Rajane Katurah Brown received numerous accolades for their singing and acting in Marie and Rosettaat Park Square Theater. Tonight, they’re reprising the songs from that show.
For a more comprehensive listing of blues (and some roots) events, see the MN Blues Society calendar. For a comprehensive listing of Cajun and Zydeco events, see the Krewe de Walleye calendar.
rhythm and grooves 