Jazz88

Todd Harper Leads 6-Piece group into Metronome in Saint Paul, Saturday night May 16 at 7:30. Group members have played off and on with various combinations of each other literally for decades. Todd leads the group through a lot of original music. But when Todd talked to Phil Nusbaum, Todd talked about the inspiration for this group’s originality, the late Carei Thomas.

Julia Keefe is a composer, educator, actor and leader of the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band. Yonci spoke with Julia Keefe ahead of the band's debut album release, "Incarnadine." Aired May 2026

Guitarist Kenny Reichert is an artist who splits his time between the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, Chicago, and a teaching job in Oklahoma. He is Artist in Residence at the Minneapolis venue Berlin this month, and through the month of May he is featuring several of his different projects in a series called "Letters from the Road." In this conversation with Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon, he discusses of some of the featured projects. They include  a collaboration with vocalist Ana Everling called "Maldovest" that draws on Eastern European folk music, an organ trio called "Righteous Rooster" featuring Chicago based musicians Henry Dickhoff on organ and Luke Sagadin on drums, the "Colours Quintet" featuring trumpeter Russ Johnson and saxophonist Geoff Bradfield, and  the "Twin Cities Quartet" with pianist Kavyesh Kavaraj, bassist Graydon Peterson, and drummer Ben Erlich.

The American Roots Revue Shows have been going on for fifteen years. Larry Long convenes the show at the Dakota in Minneapolis, Saturday May 9; two shows, at 7 and 9pm. The cast includes artists from the first American Roots Revue of fifteen years ago. Phil Nusbaum talked to Larry Long about the show. But first, JD Steele sets a tone.

Yonci interviews bassist and bandleader David Ambrosio. Aired May 2026.

Yonci interviews trombonist and composer Kalia Vandever. Aired April 2026.

Minnehonk 2026 takes place May 1-3 at multiple locations in Minneapolis. MinneHonk will take place at multiple venues and features 9 activist bands from the midwest and east and west coasts. But the vibe will be a lot like the vibe George Floyd Square on Monday evenings, when the Twin Cities’ Brass Solidarity band plays. Phil Nusbaum talked to a few of members of Brass Solidarity, including Kat and Caleb, and asked Kat first, what it’s like to be at George Floyd Square on Mondays when the band plays.

Bessie Snow is the New Owner of Volstead’s Emporium in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis. Its address is 711 West Lake Street, but you enter through a mysterious back alley door by a red light. The inside, too, is inspired by a 1920s speakeasy. When she talked to Phil Nusbaum, Bessie discussed her goals for Volstead’s and about her journey to owning the place.

The Rebel Loon of Minnesota Keep on Shining concert is held Sunday April 26, 5 till 10pm at Celtic Junction in Saint Paul. The show is a benefit for Indigenous Roots - MniSota Community Action Network, or MniCAN, and Open Market MN. These groups support food and rental assistance for immigrant families affected by ICE. Music will be provided by The Roe Family Singers, Pop Wagner & Honky Tonk Ranch, The High 48s, the New Havoline Supremes, Half Baked and The Eclectics. When Phil Nusbaum talked with Nick and Rachel Martin, organizers of Rebel Loon of MN, Rachel and Nick talked about the inspiration for the event.

Amanecer means Dawn in Spanish, and Amanacer is the name of Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theater’s production for April 24 through 26. It’ll be at the Luminary Arts Center in Minneapolis. International flamenco figures will augment local dancers and musicians. But why the title Amanacer? At a rehearsal, that’s what Phil Nusbaum asked Zorongo resident artistic director Deborah Elias.

Riley Mulherkar is a Seattle native and Julliard-trained trumpeter and composer who has embraced both jazz roots and modern production techniques in crafting his art. In a conversation with Jazz88's Peter Solomon, he discusses his musical influences, the brass ensemble The Westerlies that he helped to found, and his solo debut project "Riley." Mulherkar will appear at Berlin in Minneapolis on April 15th.

We’ve been hearing Tom Peschges’ original songs for years. He plays in a bluegrass group, the Double Down Daredevils, and also performs as a solo artist. But it’s taken till now for Tom to complete a CD of original songs. When Tom talked to Phil Nusbaum, Tom addressed a question about his songwriting process.

Steve Kenny leads Blue Chunks into the Berlin Jazz Club in Minneapolis, Friday night April 3 at 7:30pm. In 2025, Steve recorded a CD with Blue Chunks, and is eager to continue performing with the group, and to exploring new frontiers with Blue Chunks. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Steve told why he so enjoys performing with Blue Chunks.

The Foxgloves leads LaPlant Road and Lanue into the Dakota in Minneapolis, 7pm, Tuesday March 31. The Foxgloves specialize in creating song versions together, and that includes new songs as well as fresh spins on old ones. When 3 of the 5 Foxgloves, Sara, Liz and Steph met with Phil Nusbaum, Sara first told how the group chose to perform House of the rising Sun.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with Jenny Klukken, a Twin Cities-based marimba player who is releasing a new album on March 27th called "Marimba Standard." She talks about her musical journey and how she came to embrace the marimba, and about the artists that she colaborated with to create her new recording. An album release celebration will take place Saturday, March 28th at Art House North in St. Paul.

Jazz in the Cities takes place Saturday March 28. Sponsored by the Noack Endowment and the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Jazz in the Cities combines performance and other kinds of programs that enrich jazz experiences. Jazz in the Cities comes from the imagination of Ryan Picone. When Ryan talked to Phil Nusbaum about the event, Ryan told why the focus on Jazz history.

Jazz88 Morning Show Host Peter Solomon speaks with Tony Balluff, a clarinetist who leads the Twin Cities-based traditional jazz ensemble, The South Side Aces. Balluff is something of a jazz historian, and speaks eloquently about the innovative artists that created the artform. Sunday, March 22nd, the South Side Aces and some friends will be featured playing Bechet's music at Jazz Age Rumpus V, taking place at the Hook and Ladder Theater. Concurrently, the South Side Aces are releasing a new album called "Les Oignons," dedicated mostly to the music Bechet recorded in France in the 1950's.

Ella Grace, an award winning trumpet player, and recording artist, speaks with Jazz88's Patty Peterson about her upcoming album release concert at Berlin in Mpls. The album's title is "Figments" and she is bringing her band from Chicago who is also featured on the recording project, to perform along with her. Ella talks about when she started composing jazz, and creating arrangements at a young age, and where she sees herself in the coming years with her career.

Bassist and composer Eli Zukor has recently returned to Minneapolis. Eli leads his quintet into Jazz Central Studios this Saturday night, March 21, from 8 till 9:30. Eli is the bassist, Bryan Murray the saxophonist, Jordan Christianson on the piano, and Everett Needleman is the drummer. When Eli spoke with Phil Nusbaum, Phil asked Eli, Why compose?

Pert Near Sandstone hosts the annual String Band Gatherin’ at the Turf Club in Saint Paul this Friday and Saturday. Each night there will be local and visiting bands, plus an opening act, and an after party. Phil Nusbaum talked to J. Lenz and Justin Bruhn of the band about the event. First, J responds to Phil’s question about thinking, all year ‘round, about acts for the Gatherin’.

When you say Motown, you are saying more than the name of a record label located in Detroit. You are referencing a group of artists who collectively made a greater contribution to American music than their numbers would suggest. Locally, the Minneapolis Men of Motown, as well as the Minneapolis Women of Motown, and they celebrate Motown music at the Dakota in two shows on Saturday March 21. When Phil Nusbaum talked to two of the Minneapolis women of Motown, Kathleen Johnson and Courtnie Johnson, Kathleen talked about how the Minneapolis Men of Motown got started.

Arne Fogel Visited with Peter Solomon on the Morning Show to discuss his new recording "Arnthology," a compilation featuring recordings made between 1971 and 2026. Fogel will celebrate the release of the album Saturday, March 14th at Crooners with a performance featuring Rick Carlson, Maude Hixson, bassist Graydon Peterson, and other special guests. In this segment, you'll hear some tracks from the new album, as well as some music from Bong Crosby. Listen to Arne host "The Bing Shift" Sundays at 7 PM on Jazz88.

Jacquelin Ultan, Josh Misner, Devan Moran and Erica Burton comprise the Laurels String Quartet. All the players are classically trained, but the quartet frequently plays in non-classical situations. Every Sunday this March, the Laurels String Quartet plays at Berlin in Minneapolis, each week with a select collaborator. When Phil Nusbaum talked with members of the quartet, he asked about how they met, and Josh responded.

Peter Solomon speaks with Greg Brosfske, writer and composer of a jazz-infused operetta called "Strange Heart," in spired by Pulitzer-winning poet John Berryman's writings. Actors Anna Hashizume and Bradley Greenwald also join the conversation. "Strange Heart" opens at Open Eye Theatre opened March 5th and runs through March 22nd.

About thirty years ago, Lilith Fair was created to point out gender-based inequities in the music business. Sunday evening March 8 at 6:30, at a performance at Crooner’s in Fridley, vocalist Tristana Ward fronts Pandora’s Other Box, a celebration of the original Lilith Fair artists and those who came later. When Tristana talked to Phil Nusbaum, she reflected on her shock, in the late 1990s, when she learned about the uphill battle faced by female artist.

Theo Bleckmann is an vocalist with a penchant for creating experimental, boundary-pushing recordings drawing on a wide range of musical styles. His latest recording, called "Love and Anger," is no exception. It includes highly personal and sometimes radical arrangements of two Kate Bush songs, Sylvester’s disco hit “Mighty Real,” “Hide Your Love Away” by the Beatles, “Dido’s Lament” by Henry Purcell, and other songs by Massive Attack, Frank Ocean, Janis Ian, and more. Peter Solomon speaks with Bleckmann about the new recording, and Bleckmann discusses his musical origin story, including his close musical and personal relationship with the legendary singer Sheila Jordan.

Guitarist Dean Magraw and percussionist Davu Seru have each performed in many ensembles. Take together all that playing, and Dean and Davu are well prepared to show up in clubs and entertain. They perform Saturday February 28 at the High Hat in Saint Paul, at 7pm.Dean and Davu say that what they do is to play in the moment. But what does that mean? Phil Nusbaum asked the pair, and Dean was the first to respond.

John Penny has had multiple musical careers, including performing and music production for movies and commercials. Today, among other things, he leads the Virtual Band. He creates dense musical textures through synthesizing multiple instruments and sings and plays his electric guitar in performance. John’s virtual Band performs Sundays 11 to 2 at the Golden Thyme in Saint Paul. John Penny says he lives in composition. When he talked to Phil Nusbaum about his craft, he told what he meant by that.

Saturday night, the Cedar Cultural Center presents a group of artists commissioned to create new musical work. It’ll be the second Cedar Commissions show, from 7:30 till about 11pm. Phil Nusbaum talked with two of the artists performing February 21, Mikey Marget and Valentine Lowry-Ortega. But first, we hear from John Marks, Operations director of the Cedar, who tells why the Cedar puts on the Cedar Commissions every year.

Peter Solomon speaks to Paul Fonfara and Spencer Roth of The Brass Messengers, a Twin Cities-based brass band that blends elements of Balkan, Macedonian, Afrobeat, Free Jazz, New Orleans sounds. The group will play a Mardi-Gras show called "Dance Your Brass Off" Tuesday, February 17th at the Turf Club, presented by Jazz88.

Each year, The Cedar Cultural Center presents a group of artists commissioned to create new work. The grant that funds the Cedar Commissions comes from the Jerome Foundation, and the performances are Friday and Saturday February 20 and 21 at the Cedar, 7:30 till 11pm. Phil Nusbaum talked with the artists performing February 20, Deeq Abdi, Creekbed Carter Hogan and Trick Locket. As we join the artists and Phil Nusbaum, the group is set up in the Green Room of the Cedar. Deeq Abdi of Minneapolis was born in Somalia, and writes songs that address cultural connection

Four Musical couples perform at Crooners in Fridley on valentine’s Day and at Chanhassen Dinner Theater on February 15. The couples are Maud Hixson and Rick Carlson, Deb Brown and Brian Zimniak, Amy and Boyd Lee and Jennifer Grimm and Joe Cruz. When Phil Nusbaum talked with Jennifer Grimm about the show, they first talked about the intimate musical conversations that each couple represents.

On his latest album "Sampled," trumpeter, composer, and educator Adam Meckler collaborated with several different hip hop producers, rappers, and instrumentalists to reimagine and recontextualize his original big band music. He talks about his collanorative process with Jazz88's Peter Solomon.

Rhythmically Speaking Dance performs next Thursday at 7:30 at the Ordway in Saint Paul. The group dances to jazz and other American social forms. In other words, its artistic palette is very broad. We’ll hear how choreographers and dancers base the dance on the inner rhythms of the music they dance to. When Rhythmically Speaking Executive director Erinn Leipard talked to Phil Nusbaum, she first addressed why the February 12 performance is called Reppin’.

Motown Reimagined! That’s the theme when a Geoff and Cherese Jones sing in front of a rhythm section that presents acoustic versions of great Motown music. The show takes place 6pm, Sunday January 8 at Crooners in Fridley. When Geoff Jones spoke with Phil Nusbaum about the show, he first addressed singing great songs.

Cellist Jacqueline Ultan and guitarist Pavel Jany are each trained classically, but have broad interests. In their new group, Duo Corda, they play and adapt music from multiple sources, creating a sound that seems to feature them both, but is at its core, integrated. Duo Corda plays Thursday Feb 5 at Crooners in Fridley at, 6pm. When Duo Corda talked to Phil Nusbaum, Jacqueline and Pavel addressed why they thought a cello / guitar duo would work.

Joanne Lundberg is a Financial Counseling Supervisor with Lutheran Social Services. She speaks with Jazz88's Peter Solomon about debt consolidation, with an an explanation of the process and when and for whom it might be a good option.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with Craig Ritacco, COO and General Manager of The Lexington, a historic restaurant in St. Paul that features jazz between Labor day and April. Benny Weinbeck, a jazz pianist who books the shows, also joins the conversation.

Joanne Lundberg is a Financial Counseling Supervisor with Lutheran Social Services. She speaks with Jazz88's Peter Solomon about debt consolidation, with an an explanation of the process and when and for whom it might be a good option.

Jarrod Lawson joins Jazz88’s Patty Peterson to talk about his upcoming concert at Dakota on Jan. 28, along with his 7-piece band. Dubbed the "Soul Artist of The Year" at the Jazz FM Awards in London, Jarrod is a modern-day soul singer/keyboardist whose lyrics are packed with messages that speak to the times we’re in today. “The album is called “Be The Change" and is a beautiful, restrained, dreamy mix of love songs, irreverence and social commentary. Thus, SoulTracks.com described the album as “a masterpiece”. Also, they hailed it “an instant classic that would have fit just as comfortably in 1970 as it does now”.

Klezmer On Ice is a festival of Yiddish culture, held in Minneapolis next weekend. The event stages and presents workshops that teach about, Yiddish culture. Venues include the Center for Performing Arts on Pleasant Avenue in Minneapolis, as well as Lake Harriet. Phil Nusbaum talked to Josh Rosard and Miri Villerius, two festival organizers, who also play in the klezmer band di Bayke. First, a little di Bayke, and then, Josh tells how Klezmer on Ice got started.

Pianist Aaron Parks speaks to Jazz88's Peter Solomon about his most recent project on the Blue Note label, a quartet session called "By All Means," featuring bassist Ben Street, saxophonist Ben Solomon, and legendary drummer Billy Hart. Parks also discusses his musical influences, how he dealt with being labelled a jazz prodigy,and talks about his recent essay discussing his experiences navigating bipolar disorder. Parks appears with his trio at Berlin in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Feburary 4th.

Andrew Wheeler is the playwright of Whoosh, seen at History Theater in Saint Paul, January 29 through February 22. It is a one man show, and music by Irish music duo Northern Shores, Brian Miller and Danny Diamond, play a big role in moving the narrative forward. Whoosh! takes place in the era of both the Civil War and Irish immigration to the Great Lakes area. During a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Andrew said that he has a family connection to the story.

Bob Mintzer of the YellowJackets talks to Jazz88 host, Patty Peterson, about their upcoming concert at Dakota Jan 21, 2026. Yellowjackets have a new album out called "Fasten Up" in addition to their work with the WDR Big Band out of Cologne, Germany. Bob talks about the magic sauce as to why the YellowJackets are still the vibrant ensemble they still are after 47 years. Russell Ferrante: Piano & Synthesizers Bob Mintzer: Woodwinds & EWI Will Kennedy: Drums Dane Alderson: Bass

The Double Down Daredevils performs bluegrass old and new, with a bent towards originality and fresh spins. Saturday January 31, the Daredevils performs at Crooners in Minneapolis from 6 till 7:30pm. Tom Peschges is one of the singers, songwriters and guitarists for the Double Down Daredevils. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Tom first addressed what it is like to be in the middle of a bluegrass group that has five members singing.

Wayne Anthony, Mick Sterling and Scotty Bahr share the spotlight presenting great songs and great arrangements by Blood Sweat and Tears, Chicago and Tower of Power, January 30 and 31. The performance is called Spinning Wheel Trilogy. The Friday show will be at the Freight House in Stillwater, and Saturday at Le Musique Room in St Michael. The show honors three great bands, as it provides the singers and 12 piece band space to strut their stuff. When Wayne Anthony talked to Phil Nusbaum about the show, Wayne mused about his original exposure to Blood Sweat and Tears.

Canadh Croí is a Twin Cities group that combines African and Celtic music traditions, and has recently created a CD. The CD release event takes place Friday January 16 at 7:30 pm, at Celtic Junction is Saint Paul. By the way, Canadh Croí is the capitol of Guinea, from which two group members hail, and in the Irish tradition, Canadh Croí means, roughly, “singing of the heart.” When the convener of the group, Sean Egan talked to Phil Nusbaum about this fusion music, Sean first addressed how he got the idea that Celtic and African musical concepts could be combined. Note: Canadh Croi = CONNA cree

Steve Clarke celebrates his birthday with a performance by the Steve Clarke Quartet, 7pm Sunday night January 18 at Crooners. When Steve got together with Phil Nusbaum, Steve talked about the special theme of this performance.

Paul Barry, Twin Cities Blues Harp Player Combines blues band influences from Chicago and West Coast in live shows by the Ace Tones. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Paul expressed his gratefulness to the past blues masters who set him in the right direction.

Twin Cities resident Adi Yeshaya is internationally known as an arranger, composer and orchestrator. His latest thing is a collaboration with vocalist Jennifer Grimm. Jennifer sings with Adi’s Yeshaya’s Jazz orchestra Sunday, January 11 at Crooners, at 7pm. When Phil Nusbaum showed up at a Jennifer and Adi rehearsal, Adi was tinkering with a piano intro to Alfie.