Abebi Stafford, a Twin Cities native, began playing piano at age nine. It wouldn’t be until he was seventeen years old when he would begin his jazz journey. Since that time, he has performed and recorded modern jazz, to fusion, to straight ahead jazz. He is an award-winning jazz pianist who plays with artistry, heart […]

Virginia transplant Abinnet Berhanu started his fascination with Black American Music on the trumpet but later fell in love with the sheer power of drums.  Having a reputation for being a passionate, explosive drummer, Abinnet has had the opportunity to work with Steve Wilson, The Minnesota Orchestra, JD Allen, Michael Cain, Byron Stripling, Bruce Harris, Russ […]

Arthur “L.A.” Buckner, one of the Twin Cities’ most creative drummers, has taken iTunes by storm with the release of his project BiG HOMiE, which reached the #1 Jazz position within 24 hours of its August, 2020 release. A fusion of his musical influences of Gospel, R&B, HipHop, African Rhythm, and Jazz explodes in a […]

Cody Steinmann has been performing and teaching professionally for over 10 years. He attended Milwaukee Area Technical College where he completed an Associate’s degree in Music Occupations and later won a Rita Tallent Picken scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. Cody has studied extensively with Steve Peplin, Russ Johnson, Solomon Parham, JD […]

Saxophonist Andrew Schwandt was born and raised in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and has been playing professionally since the age of 19, when he got his start performing on board various cruise ships. After returning to land in 2001, he began working with several different bands, and worked in the Twin […]

Catherine Russell: Grammy Award winning vocalist Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker, born into musical royalty. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist/composer/bandleader, and Louis Armstrong’s long-time musical director. Her mother, Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist/guitarist/bassist who performed with International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Sy Oliver. A […]

This trio delivers a diverse palette of modern jazz guitar melodies, backed by dynamic acoustic bass and finely textured drum rhythms. Together, they explore original compositions by Helgeson, and catchy arrangements by Django Reinhardt, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell and others. Glen Helgeson – leader and guitarist, Glen has released eight albums throughout his career, won a […]

Stanley Clarke has attained “living legend” status during his over fifty-year career as a bass virtuoso. He is an NEA Jazz Master and four-time Grammy winner. Also, he is the first bassist in history who doubles on acoustic and electric bass with equal ferocity. Moreover, he is the first jazz-fusion bassist ever to headline tours, selling […]

Acoustic Jazz, Classical and a variety of International Music Cellist Jacqueline Ultan and guitarist Pavel Jany blend together elements of jazz, classical music and a variety of international music styles. Their repertoire includes some original material combined with works from Astor Piazzolla and Joaquín Rodrigo to Chick Corea, Jaco Pastorius, Django Reinhardt and Antonio Carlos […]

In 2024, Jay Beckenstein and band observe the 50th anniversary of what started as a diversion, something that was just for fun (and twenty-five cents at the door). It began inauspiciously when Beckenstein and a few musician friends in Buffalo, NY organized a get-together on their shared night off from working in bands that actually […]

In 2024, Jay Beckenstein and band observe the 50th anniversary of what started as a diversion, something that was just for fun (and twenty-five cents at the door). It began inauspiciously when Beckenstein and a few musician friends in Buffalo, NY organized a get-together on their shared night off from working in bands that actually […]

With energy and chops to burn, The Travis Anderson Trio brings fresh interpretations to standards and more – from Chopin to Mario Bros – they swing like there’s no tomorrow while saluting the great trios of yesterday. Travis Anderson has been delighting audiences with his dazzling piano technique and inventive arrangements since 2003. Additionally, he has taken […]