Bryan Nichols©Andrea Canter

“...a swinging, sometimes quirky sense of time and creative expression.” – Jazz Police

It did not take pianist Bryan Nichols long to establish his jazz credentials as a performer, composer or educator. Since completing a degree in Genetics at Iowa State University, Bryan has left hard science in the dust, spending four years on the Chicago jazz scene and a term with Betty Carter’s famed Jazz Ahead Program before returning to his native Twin Cities. Here, he’s earned grants for composition, taught at MacPhail Center for Music and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, played sideman to top regional artists, and led his own projects, including his double sax quintet. This holiday weekend, the quintet—with Mike Lewis and Brandon Wozniak on saxophones, James Buckley on bass and JT Bates on drums—returns to the Artists Quarter with “new music and old hits.”

Rey Rivera©Andrea Canter

Since 1998, Minnesota’s big band enthusiasts have had the fortune to hear performances by the JazzMN Orchestra, one of the premiere big bands in the Midwest. Formed to “promote, preserve and perpetuate jazz, America's indigenous art music, through performance, historical preservation, and education," this non-profit group is an amalgam of the best band artists in the Twin Cities. Over the past 14 seasons, JazzMn has presented a who’s who list of guest artists, including Arturo Sandoval, Phil Woods, James Moody, Dave Weckl, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, Bob Mintzer, Kevin Mahogany, Terell Stafford, Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Eric Marienthal and more.  Under the direction of bandleader/trumpeter Doug Snapp, the 15th anniversary season of the JazzMN Orchestra promises to be the best ever, with guest artists Kenny Drew, Jr., New York Voices, and Miguel Zenon, as well as an all-star salute to Tito Puente. All concerts at begin at 7:30 pm at the Hopkins High School Performing Arts Center.

Charles Lazarus©Andrea Canter

"With his rich, shining tone... he plays smart swinging solos that go somewhere and tell a story."  --Michael Anthony, Star Tribune

"Her delivery is refreshingly straightforward and sexy. Her performances carry the aroma of red wine and filterless cigarettes, sensual, slightly decadent, and thoroughly wonderful." –C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus has never been one to rely solely on his tenure with the Minnesota Orchestra. He’s  developed original pops shows --A Night in the Tropics, American Riffs and Fly Me to the Moon: Big Band Love Songs; released recordings in a jazz vein; served as guest soloist for other orchestras; and performed at the Dakota Jazz Club. And with the Minnesota Orchestra lock-out this season, he sought other outlets for his creative energy. On May 21st, he’ll share one of those “extra curriculiars” when he appears at the Dakota with acclaimed vocalist Connie Evingson and his quartet, featuring Tommy Barbarell, Jeff Bailey, and Dave Schmalenberger for a “Summer Samba.”

Phil Hey©Andrea Canter

“The PHQ is a true, seasoned ensemble laying down a musical vision with common purpose.”—Pat Courtemanche

Twin Cities jazz fans may not always appreciate our great fortune—to live in a community blessed with some of the finest musicians in the country, artists who have played with such legends as Charlie Rouse, Kenny Barron, Benny Golson, Benny Carter, Jay McShann, and Dewey Redman. Such is the resume of drummer Phil Hey, who celebrates 60 years on Planet Earth with his long-standing quartet with a special weekend gig of hard burning post bop magic, May 18-19 at the Artists Quarter. You can be sure that if AQ owner/drummer Kenny Horst keeps a drummer-led ensemble on his regular rotation, it has to be magic! And with the added festive nature of this occasion, count on Phil and friends to make this an unforgettable birthday party.

Illicit Sextet©Andrea Canter

One of the area’s most popular ensembles of the late 1980s and early 90s, the Illicit Sextet was dubbed “the Cadillac of local jazz” by critic Jim Meyer. In 1993 they released their acclaimed debut recording, Chapter One. After a few more years playing popular gigs around the Twin Cities, the band disappeared from the local scene. Reuniting in 2009, the Illicit Sextet finally recorded its long-anticipated follow-up, Chapter Eleven, to be fully explored at Jazz Central Studios on May 19th (7 pm) as part of the Twin Cities Jazz Society’s Jazz From J to Z season, cosponsored by Jazz Central. Exclusive advance copies of the new CD will also be available for sale at this event.

Mary Louise Knuston©Andrea Canter

“…endearingly lyrical, sprightly, and rife with inventive nuances. She's been accurately compared to Bill Evans and Marian McPartland, with maybe the playful spirit of Vince Guaraldi thrown in." –Rick Mason, City Pages

One of the area’s most acclaimed pianists, Mary Louise Knutson and her equally esteemed trio close out the Jazz@ St.Barney’s season on Saturday, May 19th at 7 pm at the St. Barnabas Center for the Arts in Plymouth. Respected for her commitment to composition and teaching as well as her broad range of performance skills, Knutson recently returned from a month touring with the Doc Severinsen Big Band. At St. Barney’s, she will be joined by frequent cohorts, bassist Chris Bates and drummer Jay Epstein.

Michael O'Brien©Andrea Canter

Michael O’Brien is one bassist who got away. The U of M graduate who studied with Anthony Cox played around the Twin Cities for a while, but ultimately made the move to New York. He returns now and then, appearing in January at the Dakota with Jeremy Walker and another former resident, Kelly Rossum,  and now in a trio dubbed Triage at the Artists Quarter in St. Paul tonight, May 15th.  With former cohorts Chris Lomheim on piano and Jay Epstrein on drums, O’Brien is continuing the celebration of his new recording, Tunes I Like to Play (MobJob Records).