Jazz88

This Monday at the Dakota in Minneapolis, 4 leading local guitarists from varied musical backgrounds share their Beatles interpretations. Postponed from last March, Joel Shapira, Tim Sparks, Dean Magraw and Jeff Perry are finally able to serve up their reimagined Beatles music. When the group got together with Phil Nusbaum, Jeff told where the idea for the show comes from.

When Thomas Bruce is touched by a song, he wants to sing it to others. He shares some great ones via recordings and live performances. One of Thomas’ early influences was Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life.” He told Phil Nusbaum of his inspiration to sing the song.

Beasley’s Big Band is Back at its pre-pandemic spot, the Wabasha Street Caves in Saint Paul. Beasley’s Big Band plays every third Thursday at the caves, and that includes this coming Thursday, April 14. Beasley’s Big Band manager Jim Hoar had a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, and first they talked about the stylistic footprint of the band.

Peter Vircks does many kinds of playing on the saxophone. When he talked with Phil Nusbaum, the two touched on some of Peter’s varied approaches. The Peter Vircks Quintet performs at KJs Hideaway in Saint Paul, Friday April 9 from 9;30 till 11:30 PM. Peter’s group plays a lot of original music, but Peter also likes to play romantic songs, like Burt Bacharach’s Close to You, which Peter recorded wi...

Lila Ammons performs Saturday night April first and second at the Umbraa in Minneapolis. Twin Cities music fans know Lila Ammons for her renditions of blues and historic jazz, but the pandemic has caused Lila to think about a new emphasis. She talked to Phil Nusbaum about it.

The English pop group the Beatles cast a shadow that covers generations of music. Next Tuesday at the Dakota in Minneapolis, 4 leading local guitarists from varied musical backgrounds share their Beatles interpretations. They guitarists are Joel Shapira, Tim Sparks, Dean Magraw and Jeff Perry. When the group got together with Phil Nusbaum, Jeff told where the idea for the show comes from.

This Sunday night March 29, Jennifer Grimm sings Judy Garland, 7PM at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Jennifer told Phil Nusbaum that she has always identified with Garland because of their similar biographies.

Maddie Thies was born in Minnesota but spent many years in Seoul, South Korea. She’s been back for a long time, but one outcome of her travels is feeling that she is out of place wherever she lives. When she talked to Phil Nusbaum, Maddie first told why she thought her situation would be good to write songs about.

Maddie Thies was born in Minnesota but spent many years in Seoul, South Korea. She’s been back for a long time, but one outcome of her travels is feeling that she is out of place wherever she lives. When she talked to Phil Nusbaum, Maddie first told why she thought her situation would be good to write songs about.

The American Roots Revue grew from a project done by Larry Long and J.D. Steele under the auspices of the Southern Poverty Law Center to honor the diversity of American music. They brought in the likes of Robert Robinson and Tania Hughes Kendrick and her son Cameron. The Revue is staged Friday April 8 at the Dakota in Minneapolis, at 7 and 9:30. Larry Long talks about the show. But first, Robert R...

Patty Peterson interviews Dennis Spears about the upcoming "Legends:Beyond The Rainbow" concert. Legends @ the Capri presents Beyond Legends Rainbow, a beautiful evening of music offering audiences a moment to pause and pay tribute to the musical stylings and lives well-lived by Jeanne Arland Peterson, Irv Williams, Debbie Duncan and Yolande Bruce. General admission tickets are $25 or $20 each for...

A new documentary about the life of Oscar Peterson has been released, under the direction of Barry Avrich. Barry joins Jazz88's Patty Peterson as they talk about the life of Oscar Peterson and the great performances with in this new documentary: Black & White

After the honor-roll student-athlete was gunned down Feb. 9, passing away the next day, interested parties have come together to establish academic and athletic scholarships in memory of Deshaun Hill Jr. The gifts will benefit members of the Minneapolis North High Class of 2024, of which he was a part.

The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis and the Jerome Foundation partner each year to present the Cedar Commission, two nights of performances featuring cutting edge work by multiple artists. This year’s performances are held Friday and Saturday February 18 and 19. Phil Nusbaum talked to one of the event’s organizers, Robert Lehmann about the performances.

Davina and the Vagabonds, based in Minneapolis, is one of the midwest’s best known touring bands. The group plays the Dakota in Minneapolis Friday and Saturday night with shows at 7 and 9. Over the years, Davina has evolved ideas about putting together a setlist. She shared with Phil Nusbaum why she often uses Start Running as an opener.

Annie Humphrey is an Ojibway songwriter from Leech Lake who balances social activism with entertainment. When Annie talked with Phil Nusbaum about the combination, she said she doesn’t really think about it.

Chris Castino is one of those rare musicians who thrives in multiple styles. In his case, the styles are rock and bluegrass. Chris leads Chicken Wire Empire into The Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis this Friday Night at 7:30. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Chris spoke of his journey becoming a pro musician.

Tearra Oso Adapts Traditional Puerto Rican Bomba to modern situations, and to cultural and personal healing. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Tearra talked about how she came to Bomba tradition.

Diane Jarvi’s New CD, This Ordinary Day was done at her home during an early stage of the Covid pandemic. Spending a lot of time alone caused Diane to reflect on things, and it shows on the CD and what she says about it. She spoke with Phil Nusbaum about it.

Vibraphonist Levi Schwartzberg is a mover among the young Jazz players in Minneapolis. He composes and performs in many settings, but is most at home in a free bop setting. Funny thing, though, he came to the vibes almost by accident, as he explained to Phil Nusbaum.

Joy Ann Parker’s tribute show for Patsy Cline is a long term success. The show replays iconic country songs of the 50s and 60s but with Joyann’s special interpretive abilities. And she does it at Crooners, Thursday January 13 at 6:30. Joyann talked with Phil Nusbaum about both Patsy and singing Patsy’s songs.

Noah Strom plays keyboards and Sam Ryan plays the guitar. They form the core of the Noah Strom Trio, performing at Umbra in Minneapolis, 7 till 10 PM this Friday and Saturday night. The group plays old jazz plus some new compositions that sound old. When the two got together with Phil Nusbaum, Noah explained how the group works.

Manny Hill talks with Mageen Caines of the Minneapolis Health Department about the importance of students and their families being tested for Covid-19 with the emergence of the Omicron variant as the students return to school following the winter break.

Vocalist Charmin Michelle and guitarist Joel Shapira have a long standing jazz duet, with occasional forays with larger groups. The duet continues this new year, but they’re solidifying the larger group into the Charmin Shapira All Stars. The Group’s first show is Wednesday January 5 at the Dakota in Minneapolis at 7PM. We’ll hear a little of the duet, and then Charmin and Joel tell Phil Nusbaum a...

The Minnesota Chamber Jazz Orchestra is a scaled-back version of the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra, but with nine pieces, it still produces a big sound. The group plays the Ames Auditorium in Bloomington, 7PM on New Year’ Eve with the theme “An Evening with Ella,” and that is Fitzgerald of course. Phil Nusbaum talked to Craig Thrane and Courtney Burton of the group and first asked Craig, Why a little b...