Here is sound from the heart embodying Wonder and Mystery - seeking to create hypnotrance that fires up imaginations.  This musical spirit - rooted in spontaneity - dazzles audiences with sincerity and playfulness.   Featuring: Steven Hobert - piano Sue Orfield - tenor saxophone John Croarkin - flutes, baritone saxophone Kevin Rowe - bass Jay Epstein - drums

Join us for an evening of music and learning with pianist Javier Santiago, drummer Corey Fonville, and bassist Zach Brown. The night will begin with a short trio performance, followed by a workshop-style conversation about what goes into playing as a group—how they listen, make choices, and shape the music in real-time.

Zach Miller Guest Performer, Competition Judge and Clinician Zach Miller has been a professional drummer and teacher living in Minneapolis since 2000. His diverse career spans from touring with recording artists Sara Groves and Jason Gray to performing with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. Beyond being a sideman for many songwriters, he writes for his own experimental […]

Opening set by UMN Morris Jazz Combo.   A quartet with Dean Sorenson (trombone), Phil Hey (drums), Kyle Motl (bass) and Adolfo Medonca (piano).   Adolfo Mendonça is a Brazilian pianist and the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Minnesota (Morris). He has played in festivals and venues in Brazil, France, Mexico, Chile, […]

Join Chris Olson, a highly respected jazz guitarist and educator, for a masterclass exploring the techniques and concepts of jazz guitar playing. Whether you’re looking to refine your comping, improve your improvisation, or develop a more authentic jazz sound, this session will provide practical tools to enhance your playing. Learn More This masterclass is open to […]

Jake Baldwin, Zacc Harris, and Pete Hennig form an adventurous ambient jazz and improvised trio that blends rich textures with boundary-pushing soundscapes. Originally coming together for a casual recording session in search of a bassist, the trio found creative freedom in the absence of one. Guitarist Zacc Harris employed heavy effects and looping to expand the harmonic palette, while […]

AACM School of Music Presents:   A free master class by improvising drummer and composer Davu Seru.   Join Jazz Central Studios in-person or online for this free master class on Saturday, April 12, 11am to 12:30pm (CST)   With Josh Granowski, bass, and Levi Schwartzberg, vibraphone. About Davu:  Minneapolis-Saint Paul resident Davu Seru is […]

The trio featuring Everett Needleman (drums), Cody Steinmann (guitar), and Calvin Caron (bass) are blending jazz standards with original compositions, and mixing tradition and innovation. Steinmann’s expressive guitar work combined with Caron’s steady bass provides a rich foundation for Needleman’s drumming, creating a seamless and exciting musical experience for audiences familiar to the genre as […]

Jake Baldwin is a trumpet player based in Minneapolis, MN. His stylistic versatility has made him one of the busiest freelance trumpet players in the Midwest. You can hear him with groups ranging from the iconic Four Freshmen to the Minnesota Orchestra. In 2023 Jake won a grammy for his contributions to the videogame “Assassin’s […]