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GALTIER TOWERS • Luxurious Lifestyle • Breathtaking City Views • Fitness Center & Event Pavilion • Rooftop Pool, BBQ & Theater Phone: 651-297-6738 www.galtiertowersapts.com LOWERTOWN LOFTS • In-Suite Washer and Dryer • Cyber Café & Theater • Fitness Center & Yoga Studio • Minutes to Anywhere DT Phone: 651-209-7755 www.lowertownloftsapts.com MEARS PARK PLACE • On the Skyway • Underground Parking • Newly Remodeled Amenities • Walk to Culture, Sports & More! Phone: 651-292-1313 www.mearsparkplace.com DOWNTOWN APARTMENT HOMES ST. PAUL KELLOGG SQUARE • Remodeled Apartments Available! • Remodeled Interiors! • Breathtaking River Views • On Central Corridor LRT Phone: 651-227-9224 www.kelloggsquare.com A JAZZ FESTIVAL IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD! SCHEDULE & GUIDE JUNE 25-27 · 2015 MEARS PARK · SAINT PAUL HEADLINERS (in alphabetical order) ARAYA ORTA LATIN JAZZ QUARTET FEATURING OTHELLO MOLINEAUX Rising stars of Latin jazz, Miami-based Araya Orta Quartet launched officially in 2010; however, over the past two decades, the musicians have appeared with such stars as Michael Brecker, Eddie Gomez, Danilo Perez, Chick Corea, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval and Gloria Estafan. Two pairs of brothers form the quartet—bassist Nicky and pianist Mike Orta, and drummer Carlomongo and percussionist Ramses Araya. Returning after their performance at the 2012 TCJF, the quartet pays tribute to the great bassist Jaco Pastorius, featuring special guest, Trinidad native and pioneering jazz steel-pan artist Othello Molineaux, who spent much of his early career with Pastorius. Friday, June 26 at 6:00 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage CLOUDMAKERS TRIO London-based Cloudmakers Trio marries complex structures and accessibility, improvised and composed, showcasing original music that lies somewhere between New York’s “downtown” sound and modern European traditions. Minnesota native Michael Janisch plays bass. Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 pm, Union Depot North Plaza Stage DR. JOHN & THE NITE TRIPPERS Since the late 1950s, New Orleans native, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and six-time Grammy winner Dr. John (Malcom John Rebbenack) has entertained with his unique brand of “voodoo” music, melding blues, pop, jazz, zydeco, boogie woogie and rock ‘n’ roll. After working with Professor Longhair, Frankie Ford and Joe Tex in New Orleans, he relocated to LA in the 60s, working as a studio musician and rebranding himself as Dr. John, the Night Tripper. Through the 70s and 80s, Dr. John built a wide following that continues today. His most recent recording, Ske-Dat-De-Dat, is an internationally acclaimed tribute to Louis Armstrong. Saturday, June 27 at 3:30 pm, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Stage at CHS Field (Free but reserved seats required, VIP seats available; reserve at hotsummerjazz.com) MARQUIS HILL BLACKTET Winner of the “Jazz Trumpet Triple Crown”—2012 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition, 2013 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition and the 2014 Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition—Chicago native Marquis Hill earned degrees at Northern Illinois University and DePaul University and taught at the University of Illinois before relocating to New York. Hill performed at the 2012 Twin Cities Jazz Festival and appeared with fellow Chicagoan Christopher McBride’s quintet at Eden Prairie High School in spring 2014. His acclaimed Blacktet features Christopher McBride (alto sax), Justin Thomas (vibes), Joshua Ramos (bass) and Makaya McCraven (drums). Saturday, June 27 at 6:00 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage FRANCISCO MELA’S CRASH TRIO WITH SPECIAL GUEST NICHOLAS PAYTON Francisco Mela is not only the first Artistic Director of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, he also performs here in two configurations: in a trio at the Saint Paul Central Library (“Jazz in the Library,” June 21), and as the festival finale act with his Crash Trio and all-star trumpeter Nicholas Payton. A charismatic drummer favored by luminaries from McCoy Tyner to Kenny Barron to Joe Lovano, Cuban native Mela has appeared locally at Jazz Fest, the Dakota, Hopkins Center for the Arts and MacPhail. Francisco also toured with Jane Bunnett’s “Spirits of Havana” and has four acclaimed albums to his credit. Joining Mela’s Crash Trio will be Nicholas Payton, an Elvin Jones alum and multi-Grammy winner/nominee recognized as one of the leading voices of jazz in the 21st century. Saturday, June 27 at 8:30 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage CHRIS POTTER/DAVE HOLLAND/ LIONEL LOUEKE/ERIC HARLAND With four headliners, this quartet is one of the most incendiary acts to perform at any Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Each musician, from 30-something Harland to septuagenarian Holland, has experienced a meteoric career: Saxophonist Potter was already a star in his teens, and has led his famed Underground quartet for the past decade. British bassist Holland played with Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Miles Davis and Monk, and leads his Quintet, Octet, Big Band and Prism Quartet. A native of Benin, bassist/ vocalist Loueke blends jazz and African traditions as well as native and electronic instruments. And drummer Harland has distinguished himself with Holland, Charles Lloyd and the SF Jazz Collective. Friday, June 26 at 8:30 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage JON WEBER TRIO Always-inventive, encyclopedic sage of the keyboards Jon Weber is a perennial festival favorite and host of the nightly Jazz Jam at Vieux Carré. In New York, Weber now hosts Piano Jazz for National Public Radio. Thursday, June 25 at 8:00 pm; Friday, June 26 at 8:30 pm; Saturday, June 27 at 9:00 pm, Vieux Carré (jam session follows) LOCAL JAZZ ARTISTS PHIL AARON, STEVE PIKAL & PHIL HEY Take one veteran pianist drawing influences from Evans to Jarrett. Mix with a hard-swinging bassist and elegant drummer. Serve with a touch of humor over joyful standards and creative originals. Enjoy jazz trio virtuosity! Friday, June 26 at 6:00 pm, Ngon Bistro PIPPI ARDENNIA Singer, songwriter and bandleader Pippi has performed at her native Chicago’s historic venues. Now a Twin Cities resident, Pippi has entertained audiences at the Dakota, Bedlam and beyond, while continuing to gig in Chicago. Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage WENSO ASHBY PROJECT The Wenso Ashby Project is a quest, exploring music on a multi-genre platform. Spearheaded by Wenso Ashby, this rotating collaborative of fellow seasoned musicians and vocalists creates an environment of lively inspiration through spontaneous expression. Thursday-Saturday, June 25-27 at 8:00 pm, Camp Bar ATLANTIS QUARTET The always hip and inventive Atlantis Quartet (Zacc Harris, Brandon Wozniak, Chris Bates, Pete Hennig) will also appear at the 2015 Iowa City Jazz Festival as part of this year’s Iowa-Minnesota exchange. Saturday, June 27 at 5:00 pm, Union Depot North Plaza Stage BDP 5-TET FEATURING CAMERON KINGHORN & JAKE BALDWIN Led by trumpeter/vocalist Cameron Kinghorn and trumpeter/trombonist Jake Baldwin, this band’s broad repertoire covers jazz, R&B and touches of pop. With Ted Godbout (keys), Andrew Foreman (bass) and Andres Crovetti (drums). Thursday, June 25 at 8:30 pm, Bedlam Lowertown BEASLEY’S BIG BAND Since 1991, Beasley’s Big Band has played in the swinging style of the Count Basie Orchestra, with regular performances at Wabasha Street Caves and O’Gara’s. Come early (6:00 pm) for swing dance lessons! Friday, June 26 at 7:15 pm, Rice Park Dance Stage BLACK MARKET BRASS Black Market Brass sways with Afrobeat/Afrofunk sounds, Super DeepFunk, a touch of Minneapolis soul and original music. This 9-piece ensemble draws on complex polyrhythms and commanding brass for “dancing in the street.” Friday, June 26 at 8:30 pm, Amsterdam Bar & Hall BLU-7 FEATURING SARAH M. GREER Jazz quintet Blu-7 features vocalist/improviser/ instructor Sarah M. Greer. A recent student of Rhiannon (Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra), Sarah is joined by Jim Ouska (guitar), Doug Rohde (piano), John Iden (bass) and Dean White (drums). Saturday, June 27 at 6:30 pm, Hat Trick Lounge BODY OMARA A local trio performing the original compositions of guitarist Joseph Damman, Body Omara (with bassist Tom Reichert and drummer Davu Seru) seeks to find new intersections where jazz sensibilities meet African influences. Friday, June 26 at 8:00 pm, Ngon Bistro BOOKHOUSE TRIO Known for their arrangements of Twin Peaks music (Ghostwood), the Bookhouse Trio includes Paul Fonfara (clarinets, electronics), Chris Hepola (drums and Rhodes piano) and Josh Granowski (bass), frequently heard at Barbette and the 331 Club. Saturday, June 27 at 8:00 pm, Ngon Bistro BOTTOMLESS PIT A relatively new ensemble of veteran jazz artists: Led by guitarist Joel Shapira, this “bottomless pit” of post-bop talent includes saxophonist Pete Whitman, bassist Tom Lewis and drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt. Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar BREAKING BRASS BAND Breaking Brass is a McNally Smith College of Music student ensemble directed by esteemed trombonist/ educator Scott Agster. A big hit at the 2014 Concrete and Grass Festival, BBB injects youthful energy into every brassy tune. Saturday, June 27 at 5:00 pm, Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage YOLANDE BRUCE A long-time member of vocal quartet Moore By Four, Yolande Bruce has opened for Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan and BB King, and has performed on the stages of the Dakota, Orchestra Hall and many local theaters. Thursday, June 25 at 5:00 pm (with Debbie Duncan) and Saturday, June 27 at 5:00 pm, Arnellia’s BZ3 ORGAN TRIO A popular keyboardist in the Twin Cities, Brian Ziemniak has toured with Candy Dulfer and FDeluxe. He now leads the smokin’ organ trio BZ3 with Troy Norton on guitar and Kevin Washington on drums. Friday, June 26 at 6:30 pm, Amsterdam Bar & Hall LAURA CAVIANI TRIO One of the most accomplished jazz pianists and composers in the Midwest, Laura Caviani leads her own ensembles, performed with JazzMN Big Band and the Pete Whitman X-Tet, and currently heads the bands at Carleton College. Friday June 26 at 4:00 pm, AARP Mears Park Stage ERIK CHRISTENSON Touching on genres from jazz and blues to folk, rock and hip-hop, acoustic guitar specialist Erik Christenson plays with Chiefs of the North and a jazz/hip-hop/funk band, Headstack, in addition to his solo gigs. Thursday, June 25 at 8:00 pm, Bulldog of Lowertown WELCOME! FROM SAINT PAUL MAYOR CHRIS COLEMAN Welcome to the 17th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival, one of the largest music events in the Midwest and Minnesota’s premier jazz gathering! From Lowertown to Highland Park to Como and along the Green Line, this year’s Jazz Fest reflects the artistic energy and cultural diversity that vibrates throughout our great city. I invite you to join me in celebrating this great art form and the outstanding regional and international musical talent that will fill four outdoor stages—including the new CHS Field—and more than 20 indoor venues across Saint Paul. From our fantastic headliners—Dr. John and the Nite Trippers, Francisco Mela’s Crash Trio featuring Nicholas Payton, an all-star quartet featuring Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland, Araya-Orta with Othello Molineaux, and Marquis Hill—to jazz clinics and annual Jazz Night Out, Jazz Fest 2015 will surely be the best one yet. FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FRANCISCO MELA I am so pleased to serve as the first Artistic Director of Jazz Fest! After participating in the festival in 2010, 2012 and 2014, I am excited to help “behind the scenes” to present the outstanding artists on the 2015 schedule, as well as to introduce you to my brand new band with world-renowned trumpeter Nicholas Payton. This festival goes way beyond the headliners—the depth of talent in the Twin Cities jazz community is truly amazing! And to quote McCoy Tyner, “We play music to free our souls.” FROM FESTIVAL DIRECTOR STEVE HECKLER I am excited to invite you to attend over 120 bands and 300+ musicians performing, from trad to rad, from vocalists to big bands, from New Orleans brass to bebop to Cuban salsa. And don’t miss pre-fest events—jazz in three Saint Paul libraries, along the Green Line and on Highland Park stages. Join me and 30,000 music fans for an unforgettablefestival experience! A heartfelt thank you to all the musicians, Jazz Fest’s Board of Directors, staff, sound crew, volunteers and everyone in the community who has stepped up to support this great community event. 612-373-3333 metrotransit.org Light rail to pale ale The safe way to get to and from your favorite Twin Cities brewery DAKOTA FOUNDATION FOR JAZZ EDUCATION YOUTH SHOWCASE The annual DFJE Youth Showcase presents the future of jazz via four outstanding ensembles from the Twin Cities area and an all-star combo from Iowa City (part of this year’s Iowa-Minnesota exchange). Saturday, June 27 from Noon - 5:00 pm, Union Depot North Plaza Stage DETROIT DON KING BLUES BAND Reminiscent of B.B. King, bluesman Detroit Don King (guitar and vocals) has led this band for years, with Jeff Hester (guitar/vocals), Dan Emerson (bass), Doug Hill (drums) and Tall Paul from Chicago (saxophone). Saturday, June 27 at 4:00 pm, Big Daddy’s Barbeque LIZ DRAPER, TASHA BARON & CHRIS HEPOLA Magical music from eclectic musicians: Bassist Liz Draper (Cactus Blossoms, Black Blondie, Hips Don’t Lie), multi-instrumentalist Tasha Baron (Black Blondie, Hips Don’t Lie, Heiruspecs) and drummer Chris Hepola (Painted Saints, Bookhouse Trio). Saturday, June 27 at 6:00 pm, Ngon Bistro DEBBIE DUNCAN “Minnesota’s First Lady of Song,” Detroit native Debbie mixes jazz, soul, R&B and blues with power, swing and sass. Debbie has opened for Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, and appears frequently at local clubs and theaters. Thursday, June 25 at 5:00 pm (with Yolande Bruce) and Friday, June 26 at 5:00 pm, Arnellia’s; Saturday, June 27 at 7:15 pm, Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage LEE ENGELE & VICKY MOUNTAIN Two veteran vocalists present an evening of standards and more. Lee, a working deejay who often fronts big bands, and Vicky, a well-known vocal educator as well as versatile songstress, will swing the night away. Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 pm, Ngon Bistro SENA EHRHARDT & COLE ALLEN “Bright, soulful” Twin Cities singer Sena Ehrhardt, 2014 Living Blues Award nominee for female Blues Artist of the Year, teams up with gifted, “gun-slingin’” guitarist Cole Allen for an unforgettable blues bash. Thursday, June 25 at 4:00 pm, Big Daddy’s Barbeque ROBERT EVEREST EXPEDITION This six-piece ensemble presents a variety of world music, particularly from Latin America (Brazil, Cuba) and the Mediterranean (Italy, France), plus original compositions. Bandleader/ multi-instrumentalist/ linguist/ songwriter Robert Everest leads the world tour. Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 pm, Como Lakeside Pavilion FIREBELL The creative trio Firebell features Park Evans (guitar), Graydon Peterson (bass) and Jay Epstein (drums), playing an inventive repertoire of original compositions and unique interpretations of jazz and pop standards. Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar ARNE FOGEL WITH MAUD HIXSON Channeling Crosby and Sinatra, acclaimed radio personality, producer and crooner Arne Fogel often shares the stage with Maud Hixson, whose stunning delivery and cabaret charms woo fans in the Twin Cities, New York and London. Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 pm, Mancini’s Char House JOANN FUNK JoAnn Funk melds her classical and jazz studies to the keyboard and microphone, drawing upon such influences as Blossom Dearie, Diana Krall and Norah Jones. With Jeff Brueske on bass and guest drummers each night. Thursday-Saturday, June 25-27 at 7:00 pm, Lobby Bar in the Saint Paul Hotel GROOVE MERCHANTS Playing rock and R&B in the tradition of founder, the late Big Walter Smith, the Groove Merchants include soaring guitar, rich Hammond organ, rootsy piano, tight bass and drums, punchy horns and 100% soul. Friday, June 26 at 9:00 pm, Tiffany Sports Lounge GST With the complexity and improvisation of jazz infused with rock energy, GST is either high brow rock or low brow jazz! Musicians include Greg Schaefer, Tony Watercott, Joe Cline, Bob DeBoer and Mark Niebuhr. Friday, June 26 at 10:00 pm, Hat Trick Lounge GYPSY MANIA HOT CLUB QUARTET In the French swing tradition of Django Reinhardt, Gypsy Mania boasts four of the area’s foremost hot club talents: guitarist and founder Glen Helgeson, guitarist Reynold Philipsek, violinist Gary Schulte and acoustic bassist Matt Senjem. Saturday, June 27 at 6:00 pm, Heartland Restaurant HARPER, NAIR, LEIPOLD TRIO Black Dog’s “Piano Fridays” host Todd Harper, drummer Rick Nair and acoustic bassist Michael Leipold make music melding jazz waltz, off-kilter funk and precise German bowing technique. Freeform but tonal, always lyrical, serendipity with precision. Friday, June 26 at 5:30 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar RALPH HEPOLA’S HEPTONES Innovative and adventuresome, the HepTones cover jazz to blues to Latin, from past to present. Leader and multi-brass specialist Ralph Hepola adds tuba to a mix that includes piano, bass and drums. Thursday, June 25 at 8:00 pm, SW Craft Bar THE ILLICIT SEXTET Dubbed “the Cadillac of local jazz” in the late 1980s-90s, The Illicit Sextet (Steve Kenny, Paul Harper, David Roos, Chris Lomheim, Tom Pieper and Nathan Norman) reunited in 2009, now hotter than ever. Thursday, June 25 at 10:00 pm, Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar JAZZ CLINICS Join us at McNally Smith for these free, one-hour jazz clinics! Public welcome. NICOLAS PAYTON FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 3:00 PM CHRIS POTTER SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 11:00 AM JAZZ FEST LIVE Get festival updates and listen to the live stream of Jazz Fest on KBEM Jazz 88 (88.5 FM) during the festival. Go to jazz88fm. com and choose “Listen Online.” JAZZ TOUR FEATURING THE JAZZ CENTRAL ALL STARS DULUTH Saturday, July 4, Time TBD Bayfront BEMIDJI Sunday, July 19, 7:00 pm Recital Hall in Bangsberg Hall at Bemidji State University ST. CLOUD Monday, July 27, 7:30 pm Pioneer Place Theater *followed by jam session The Twin Cities Jazz Festival is free because of sponsorships, corporate support, and donations from people like you. PLEASE SUPPORT JAZZ FEST Look for volunteers with donation boxes! $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 7th St 7th Place E 6th St E 5th St E 4th St Kellogg Blvd Shepard Rd Cedar St Minnesota St Robert St Jackson St E 7th St E 8th St E 9th St E 10th St Temperance St Sibley St Wacouta St Wall St Broadway St Wabasha St Saint Peter St W 6th St W 5th St W 4th St Mississippi River OUTDOOR STAGES 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN Stage 2. AARP Mears Park Stage 3. Jefferson Lines 6th Street Stage 4. Union Depot North Plaza Stage 5. Dance Stage at Rice Park LOWERTOWN STAGES A Bedlam Lowertown B Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar C Bulldog D Golden’s Deli E Hat Trick Lounge F Heartland Restaurant G SW Craft Bar GREATER SAINT PAUL H Amsterdam Bar & Hall J Camp Bar * Como Lakeside Pavilion * Mancinis Char House K The Saint Paul Hotel * Seventh Street Social * Tiffany Sports Lounge * Underground Music Cafe L Vieux Carré GREEN LINE STAGES * Arnellia’s * Big Daddy’s * Ngon Bistro 1 2 3 4 5 A D B C E F G K J H L Green Line Station Green Line P Parking P P P P P P P P P * Not shown on map. See schedule for address. Ride to the festival FREE on all Metro Transit light-rail and buses with a down- loadable pass. Visit twincitiesjazzfestival.com for details and to get your pass. The Club Crawl shuttle route. Shuttles run 8:00 pm to 12:30 am, Thursday through Saturday.
