Photo by Andrea Canter

All good things must end but—at least in the case of the Twin Cities Hot Summer Jazz Festival—good things end on a high note. This Sunday (June 26), enjoy an eclectic mix of jazz on four stages, all along a three-block area of Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. With some staggering of set times, it is possible to take in nearly everything if you’re a fast walker… or simply pick a venue and stay put. You’ll win no matter where you listen.

Mercedes Benz Main Stage, Peavy Plaza (12^th and Nicollet Mall)

12:45-1:45 pm, Butch Thompson. The genuine “Jazz Original,” Thompson is well known as a stride/trad jazz pianist. And you can have a double dose—from Peavy Plaza, Thompson heads down the street to the McPhail Clinic Stage for an open clinic.

Photo by Andrea Canter

4:30-5:45 pm, Bruce Henry. Mississippi native Bruce Henry “possesses a three and one-half octave range, a pure voice with versatility and depth that few can match” (CD Baby). Inspired by the music of Nina Simone, Al Jarreau, and John Coltrane, Henry developed his eclectic styles of vocals and composition while touring the world. Now living in Minneapolis, he maintains a nonstop schedule of performing, recording, and teaching. With his quintet (Peter Schimke, Jay Young, Kevin Washington, and Darryl Boudreaux), Henry is warming up for a live recording session next month at the Dakota.

6:30-7:45 pm, Roseanna Vitro. A Kennedy Center Jazz Ambassador, vocalist Roseanna Vitro has toured the world and played in the company of the very top echelon of jazz artists, including a stint with Lionel Hampton. Twice, she has appeared on Marian McPartland’s “Piano Jazz” on NPR and toured with Benny Golson in 2003. An active jazz educator, she has directed the Jazz Vocal Program at New Jersey City University for 9 years. Noted Jeff Bradley of the Denver Post, “Roseanna Vitro sings jazz like she means it, the way Anita O'Day used to wail. ...she understands lyrics, knows how to caress a melody and, most of all, swings like mad. Imagine Barbara Streisand as a jazz singer or Rosemary Clooney with a three octave range.”

RBC Dain Rauscher 10^th St. Stage (10^th and Nicollet Mall)

Licia Newell -Photo by Andrea Canter

Noon – 1:15 pm, Big Time Jazz Orchestra. This 20-piece band from Duluth features high school and college jazz educators. Their repertoire includes original works as well as classic compositions from Thad Jones, Stan Kenton, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Count Basie.

1:45-2:45 pm, Mariachi Estrella. If you can’t beat the heat, just turn up the flame and kick up your heels with Minnesota’s mariachi band.

3:15-4:30 pm, The Girls. Perhaps the most entertaining quartet on the planet, The Girls feature Lori Dokken on keyboards and vocals, and vocalists Debbie Duncan, Judi Donaghy, and Erin Schwab. Their voices blend like berries and cream, their repartee will keep you laughing, and on an outdoor stage—anything can happen.

5:00 – 6:15 pm, Minnesota Youth Jazz Band. Yet another opportunity to hear the finest of the region’s young jazz musicians.

McPhail Clinic and Jam Stage, 13^th and Nicollet Mall

The second day of jams and clinics for students and fans, hosted by the McPhail faculty. Among the scheduled sessions—Butch Thompson (1:15-2:15 pm); a student ensemble (3:30-4:30 pm), and an open jam with McPhail faculty (5-6:30 pm).

Ckristine Rosholt -Photo by Andrea Canter

The festival closes with 8 hours of song from the Minnesota Chapter of the Jazz Vocal Coalition. Vocalist Showcase artists will be supported by Tanner Taylor (piano). Graydon Peterson (bass), and Mac Santiago (drums) for the first three sets; the final sets and “vocal jam” will be supported by Rick Carlson (piano), Keith Boyles (bass), and Dick Bortelussi (drums). The lineup:

Lucia Newell and Rhonda Laurie (Noon-1:15 pm).

Connie Dussl and Lila Ammos (1:30-2:30 pm)

Sue Tucker and Vicky Mountain (2:45-3:45 pm)

Katie Gearty and Christine Rosholt (4:00-5:00 pm)

Maud Hixon and Connie Olson (5:15-6:15 pm)

Arne Fogel (6:30-7:00 pm)

Vocal Jam hosted by Bruce Henry (7:00-8:00 pm)

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