National Artists (7 & 9:30 pm unless otherwise noted)

February 2, Raul Midon (7 pm only). A surprise hit last year, singer/songwriter/guitar wizard Midon has created a new pop sound that melds the influences of Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Bill Withers. His new release, A World Within a World, similarly reflects his blending of cultures, as does his own heritage (Argentine father, African American mother). Raised in New Mexico, studying drums and then guitar, Midon emerged from the jazz program at the U of Miami as a back-up vocalist and club singer, soon taking his original approach to the steel-string acoustic guitar to New York. Now he brings his “world within a world” approach back to the Dakota. 

February 4-5, Monty Alexander. A prolific performing and recording artist, Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander’s infectious style fuses his Caribbean roots with the sounds of gospel, swing, blues, and post bop; he’s as comfortable with Gershwin and Ellington as he is with funk and reggae. Over his career, he has appeared or recorded with Frank Sinatra, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones and more. His most recent recording, Concrete Jungle, is his second tribute to fellow Jamaican Bob Marley.  

February 7, Chris Potter’s Underground Quartet. Winner of the IAJE Young Talent award for saxophone at age 12, a protégé of Marian McPartland by 15, a member of the Red Rodney band while still in his teens, and with a long list of recordings as both leader and sideman while still in his 20s, Chris Potter is one prodigy who has lived up to his early billing. Familiar to Dakota audiences through his performances with Dave Holland (Quintet and Big Band) and Dave Douglas Quintet, as well as his memorable gigs with his own bands, Potter and his Underground Quartet (with Twin Cities’ native Craig Taborn, Adam Rogers and Nate Smith) return for just one night before starting their European Tour. 

February 13, Allen Toussaint. Among the royalty of modern popular music, Allen Toussaint stands out—vocalist, composer, pianist, producer. The king of New Orleans R&B recently turned 70 but shows no signs of retiring. A temporary, post-Katrina New York resident while his New Orleans home is rebuilt, Toussaint has kept busy with monthly gigs at the famed Joe’s Pub. 

February 17-18, Randy Weston. In six decades of performance, composition, and teaching, pianist Randy Weston has devoted his life to connecting jazz to its roots in African music and culture, and through his music, translating that connection to western audiences. Notes poet Langston Hughes, “When Randy Weston plays, a combination of strength and gentleness, virility and velvet emerges from the keys in an ebb and flow of sound, seemingly as natural as the waves of the sea.” With his African Rhythms Trio, 81-year-old Weston will bring his creative melding of heritage and reverence to the Dakota stage for two amazing nights. 

February 27-28, Terell Stafford Quintet. Inspired by a recording of “Cherokee” by Clifford Brown and the advice of Wynton Marsalis, trumpeter Terell Stafford switched studies from classical to jazz, and soon was tapped by Bobby Watson to join Horizon. A stint with McCoy Tyner's Latin All-Star Band followed. Currently a member of Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts and the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra as well as an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at Temple University, Stafford and his quintet recorded live at the Dakota in 2005 for MaxJazz. His Taking Chances: Live at the Dakota will now be celebrated properly at its birthplace, featuring saxman Tim Warfield, pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Derrick Hodge, and drummer Dana Hall. If you were there in 2005, you know what to expect—spontaneous musical conversations among simpatico partners as they cover original and not-so-standard material. 

The Local Jazz Scene (Weeknights at 7 pm, Weekends at 8 pm or as noted)

February 1, Cookie Coleman (7 pm). We don’t see Cookie enough—and she has one of the smoothest voices in town. 

February 6, Katie Gearty. A whopping young talent that is difficult to squeeze into category, Katie’s voice can melt the snow with R&B, blues or jazz or, more often, a blend of all that’s soulful and charming. Her trio tonight includes Benny Weinbeck on keys, Adam Linz on bass and Greg Schutte on drums—a team that by itself is worth the $5 cover. 

February 8-9, Patty Peterson & TC Jammers. An amazing performer on many levels, Patty Peterson and her “jammin’” band (Bobby Vandell, Donnie La Marca, Billy Franze and Mark Weisberg) return for a weekend gig of soulful, smooth and jazzy vocals. 

February 10, Juke Joint With Dennis Spears. The velvety baritone/popular entertainer hosts another evening of song with exciting guests. An evening with Dennis is always rewarding. 

February 11, Arne Fogel. The King of Bing… Arne sings Bing, Frank, and more with a voice filled with elegance and warmth. You’ll think you stepped back into the 40s and the days of the great crooners. Those days are not over. Hear Arne. 

February 12, Tanner Taylor Trio. Iowa’s gift to Twin Cities jazz leaves no note behind. Tanner plays decades beyond his years, a technical marvel and inventive improviser in the mode of Oscar Peterson and Hank Jones. He can be elegantly sublime or swing like crazy. 

February 14, Valentine’s Day with the Joann Funk Trio and Debbie Duncan (three-course prix fixe $75 for dinner and music). The delightful piano of Joann Funk meets the always-entertaining vocals of Debbie Duncan. Add Chef Jack Riebel’s creations and sit back for a memorable Valentine’s night. 

February 15-16, Bruce Henry. There’s no better or more elastic voice in town than baritone Bruce Henry. And vocally or otherwise, there’s no better storyteller. Bruce brings the African experience to his audience through music and a passion for connecting traditions. 

February 19, Joanie Knudtson. And we don’t hear from Joanie enough either—a singer who wax poetic on a ballad or reinvent a standard, and in great company—Phil Aaron on piano, Gordy Johnson in bass, and hubby Gordy Knudtson on drums. 

February 20, Mikihala Iverson. New import from Copenhagen brings a new voice to the already vibrant Twin Cities vocal jazz scene. This is her Dakota debut. 

February 21, George Avaloz Quartet. A hat dancer on St. Paul’s West Side as a youth, George grew into a mountain-high drum talent. Steeped in the glory days of bebop, the popular bandleader, vocalist and percussionist leads an all-star group featuring saxman Jim Marentic. 

February 22-23, Nachito Herrera. It’s the Dakota’s monthly “Bembe”—a Cuban house party filled with the thunderous piano of our favorite Havana import, Nachito. Whether offering traditional music of his homeland or interpretations of Ellington or Earth, Wind and Fire, Nachito and his band can always be counted on to thaw the coldest night. 

February 24, Connie Olson’s Tribute to Doris Day. An accomplished vocalist and instructor whose credentials extend to Los Angeles and New York, Connie has become one of the finest interpreters of Doris Day. Tonight she recreates the swing and charm of Doris’ famed recording with Andre Previn. 

February 25, Connie Evingson CD Release. About two years ago, Connie conjured a project saluting the many great songs of St. Paul native David Frishberg. With Frishberg himself in the studio, she put together a set of modern classics with saxmen Dave Karr and Mark Henderson, bassist Gordy Johnson and drummer Phil Hey. With the live band (Phil Aaron ably covering the keys), Connie celebrates the release of Little Did I Dream and one of the beloved legends of modern songwriting. And you know if it is a Connie Evingson project, it has smarts and polish as well as plenty of swing. 

February 26, Peter Schimke. One of the busiest and most versatile pianists in town, Peter is often heard backing touring artists and vocalists or sharing the stage with his How Birds Work cohorts, but catching him leading his own trio is the main attraction. He can bang out the blues, sing out a ballad, or reinvent bop. And he might sing a little and share some original compositions, too.  

February 29-March 1, Ginger and Bobby Commodore Birthday Party. This date comes only every four years but fortunately Ginger and Bobby are regular performers. But this weekend is also special because they are celebrating their birthdays. Ginger’s voice is one of the most readily recognized in the region, be it smoldering on a soulful ballad or tearing through a swampy blues, with steady support from Bobby’s swinging percussion and the support of long-standing cohorts like Lee Blaske on piano and Mark Weissberg on bass. And often a few more standout performers! Tonight Bobby is not on sound, he is part of the sound. Come celebrate! 

Late at the Dakota (Friday/Saturday, 11:30 pm – 1:30 am)

Now in its third year as one of the most innovative jazz series in town, “Late at the Dakota” features a weekend line up of new and “on the edge” artists who take the stage at 11:30 pm. Low cover and happy hour-type specials make it the perfect end to your night out. Performers this month, every Friday and Saturday night:

• February 1, Pete Whitman Quartet
• February 2, Hips Don’t Lie
• February 8, Firesale Quartet
• February 9, Stefan Kac Quartet
• February 15, Jello Slave
• February 16, Red Planet
• February 22, Late Night Surprise!
• February 23, Adam Wozniak Trio
• February 29, Fultz, Linz & Ikeda

 

Happy Hour (Thursday –Friday, 4:30-6:30 pm)

Drink and food specials in the bar and no cover!

• Thursdays, Travis Anderson Trio
• Fridays, Jazz by Fosse with Irv Williams

 

Coming Soon!

• March 2-3, Maceo Parker
• March 6, Tuck & Patti
• March 13, Holly Cole
• March 26-27, Irvin Mayfield
• April 6-7, Nellie McKay 
• April 29-30, Karrin Allyson 

 

The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis; www.dakotacooks.com     or 612-332-1010. Inexpensive parking evenings at the Target Ramp across the Skyway.