“A top notch option on the Mpls/St Paul jazz scene!”
~ Down Beat Magazine

One of the most intimate places to hear jazz in the Twin Cities area is at "Le Bar" in the Hotel Sofitel—our bit of France in suburban Bloomington.  For the past 12 years, the Phil Aaron Trio has been playing for jazz connoisseurs and diners alike, wowing with them with great arrangements and award-winning vocalists in a low-profile setting. With Phil Aaron on piano, Tom Lewis on bass, and Jay Epstein on drums, the trio features vocalists Debbie Duncan on Friday nights and Patty Peterson on Saturday nights. Occasionally, Patty and Debbie stop in to see each other, and lucky patrons can catch this dynamic duo singing a tune or two together. 

The Trio

Photo by Andrea Canter

Daughter of jazz matriarch Jeanne Arland Peterson and sister of recording artists Linda, Billy, Ricky and Paul Peterson, Patty Peterson has performed at nationally renowned jazz venues, including The Vine Street Bar and Grill in Hollywood and at the Dakota here in the Twin Cities. She has received the Minnesota Music Award 7 times for Best Female Vocalist and Best Group, and for "Best Jazz Recording" for her debut CD, The More I See You. In addition to her singing career, she has worked as an actress, print ad model, and national anthem singer, and, for seven straight years, was the number one female radio personality on WCCO radio. Said Jon Bream (Minneapolis Star Tribune), “She can cover anything from Chaka Kahn to Cole Porter with equal authority, exhibiting star quality and drive!"

One of the Twin Cities most popular songstresses, Debbie Duncan "is blessed with a large, full, yet feathery voice and stylistic subtlety ranging from gospel to jazz and pop” (Jazziz). With a background rich in jazz, gospel and Motown, Detroit native Duncan has opened for Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Stephane Grapelli, and won the Minnesota Music Award for “Perpetually Outstanding Performer.” Her recording credits include work with Oleta Adams, Jimmy McGriff, pop bands Iffy and B-3, and local jazzers Fat Kids Wednesday, as well as her own recordings, including her recently released Travelin’ at the Speed of Love. Local gigs include frequent appearances at the Artists Quarter, Times, and Dakota, popular performances with “The Girls,” and teaching at McNally-Smith (MusicTech).

At the Sofitel

On weekends at the Hotel Sofitel, The Phil Aaron Trio plays from 8:00 to midnight, and there’s no cover charge!  Dress is casual or dressy as your night dictates, and while you are there, don't forget about the offerings from the bar and dining room menus.  All this and “lounge” seating make for an intimate evening that will have you coming back "Time After Time."  Remember, you don't have to hop on a plane to catch April in Paris--it is right here in our own backyard, year round.  French accent optional!

The Hotel Sofitel is on Highway 494 at Highway 100 in Bloomington. Thanks to Tom Lewis and Patty Peterson for providing information about these gigs. For more information, see www.philaarontrio.com

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