Photo by Andrea Canter

One of the most enchanting voices in town, Ginger Commodore began her career as a long-time member of the Grammy Award winning Sounds of Blackness. She’s an original member of Women Who Cook., and has performed with Yanni, The Minnesota Opera Company, the Twin City Gospel Ensemble, the J.D. Steele Singers, and with several local theater productions. She has also recently toured internationally with the Chiffons. As part of the Witness Music Series under the direction of Phillip Brunelle, she brings her music into the schools, where she recently performed with keyboard virtuoso Patrice Rushen. When not otherwise engaged, Commodore performs with her own quartet and with brother and drummer Bobby Commodore. Notes Britt Robson ofCity Pages, “Ginger possesses some of the sweetest and most clarion pipes in town.” Ginger will be backed by husband/drummer Bobby Commodore and his trio, including bassist Mark Weisberg and pianist Lee Blaske.

The French Press is located in Lowertown St. Paul at 213 E. 4^th Street, across from Union Depot; www.fpjazz.com. Park free on the street or in the adjacent ramp, top level. Sets begin at 9 pm, $5 cover. You can also hear Bruce Henry May 19-20 at the Artists Quarter in downtown St. Paul (www.artistsquarter.com) and on Wednesday nights in May at Rossi’s Blue Star Room in downtown Minneapolis (www.bluestarjazz.com). Ginger Commodore performs at the Dakota in downtown Minneapolis on May 11^th (www.dakotacooks.com) and at Rossi’s May 26-27.