July 13-14, Charlie Musselwhite and Robben Ford. Top blues guitarist Robben Ford reunites with blues harmonica demon Charlie Musselwhite. Four-time Grammy nominee Ford is considered one of the modern geniuses of electric guitar. He’s performed with Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, and Bonnie Raitt, and his influences are equally eclectic, including Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Albert King, Dave Brubeck, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Charlie Musselwhite is revered as a bandleader as well as blues harp legend who came of age in the golden years of rock ‘n roll. His roots in Mississippi and Memphis, he moved north to Chicago where he assimilated the influences of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker and more. He’s since led his own bands, released over 20 recordings, including the latest Delta Hardware.

July 17-18, Hot Club of Cowtown. Since they first came together 12 years ago, the Hot Club of Cowtown has been thrilling audiences with its unique blend of Western Swing, pop, folk and hot club jazz. Based in Austin, TX, Elana James on violin and vocals, Whit Smith on guitar and vocals, and Jake Erwin on bass and vocals are among the youngest members ever to be inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame. They’ve served as musical ambassadors for the US State Department toured with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and the Mavericks.

July 21-22, Kevin Mahogany. Known for hits such as “Shake, Rattle & Roll," “Cherry Red,” and “Roll ‘Em Pete,” as well as his ability to sing over a band without a microphone, Big JoeTurner was a significant inspiration to fellow Kansas City native Kevin Mahogany. From bop to blues, ballads to swing, Mahogany showed his early gifts on piano, clarinet, and bari sax, finally discovering his vocal talents during his senior year of high school after hearing Al Jarreau. A popular vocalist in Kansas City throughout the 1980s, Kevin evolved his own distinct style, influenced by Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Al Jarreau and Eddie Jefferson. Now, with 11 recordings to his credit, he has formed his own label and has been anointed by Newsweek as “the standout vocalist of his generation.” Kevin has also appeared on film, in Robert Altman’s Kansas City, where he portrayed a character based on Big Joe Turner, the subject of his current tour. 

Local Talent

Week night sets begin at 7 pm, and the usual cover is only $5. Weekends, sets begin at 8 pm, variable cover. Check the Dakota Live Jazz Calendar for up-to-date information and additional performances. Reservations always recommended in the club and dining room.

 

July 1, Nancy Harms. One of the newer and definitely charming voices on the local scene, in the fine company of the Tanner Taylor Trio. 

July 2, Tanner Taylor Trio with Dave Karr. And speaking of Tanner Taylor, catch this hot young keyboardist in tribute to one of his primary muses, Oscar Peterson, joined by the grand septuagenarian of sax, Dave Karr. 

July 3, Jennifer Grimm CD Release. Another charming young vocalist in fine company to celebrate a new recording. Jennifer is joined by Chris Bates, Jocko McNelly and Reid Kennedy.  

July 7, Christine Rosholt. Better make a reservation because Christine fills up the Dakota every time she has a gig here. Charming vocalist whose repertoire and style are continually evolving. 

July 8, Laura Caviani Trio.  Can't top this for piano trio elegance--Laura on keys with bassist Gordy Johnson and drummer Phil Hey.

July 9, Maud Hixson. It’s one fine singer after another this month! Maud is the quintessential understated swinger who unwraps each lyric like a sweet confection, light on the ear, warm on the heart. 

July 10, Mike Bogle Quartet. St. Paul resident Mike Bogle has enjoyed a long and eclectic career as a trombonist, keyboardist, vocalist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. His most recent gig has been with McNally Smith College of Music, where he has headed programs in composition and performance. He has performed with the likes of Doc Severinson, Bobby Caldwell, James Moody, Slide Hampton, Jaco Pastorious, Burt Bacharach, Diana Ross and Tom Jones. 

July 11-12, Patty Peterson and the TC Jammers. Always a popular show, Patty and the Jammers bring a confabulation of jazz, R&B and pop to the stage, and they sizzle from start to finish. 

July 15, Todd Clouser Quartet. Minneapolis guitarist, Berklee College of Music graduate Todd Clouser currently lives in Los Cabos, Mexico but finds time to come back home to record and perform. Tonight he joins forces with compatriots Benny Weinbeck, Adam Linz and Greg Schutte. 

July 16, Tom Hunter. Singer/pianist Hunter brings his Chicago blues touch to an enjoyable evening.

July 19, George Maurer Group. Hot off a performance at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, this ever popular ensemble interprets the music of Ellington, Gershwin and Porter mixed with Maurer’s original compositions. For lovers of straight-ahead jazz, this will be a great evening! 

July 23, Debbie Duncan. She's dubbed Minnesota's "First Lady of Song" for good reason. Whether belting out the blues, soulfully rendering a ballad, or just bantering with the audience, Debbie is first class entertainment.

July 24, Robert Everest.  The sounds of Brasil are never far removed from the guitar and vocals of Robert Everest. His band played to a full house last month with pianist Mary Louise Knutson appearing as guest for the last set. This time she's with the band from the first note to last.

July 25-26, Nachito Herrera. Even if this was February, Nachito Herrera would guarantee a meltdown on Nicollet Mall. The Cuban keyboard monster has been known to keep piano tuners in business with his thundering chords and faster-than-lightning cascades. 

July 27, Connie Evingson. Swinging standards, gypsy jazz, articulate lyrics of Dave Frishberg, jazzy takes on Lennon & McCartney, Connie has a wide repertoire and the chops to deliver it all.

July 28, Sophia Shorai. Young singer with a style all her own, she can swing and she can rock!

July 29, Snowblind. A brass quintet fueled by youthful energy and sophisticated arrangements and original compositions. Horns rule!

July 30, Katie Gearty. Whether singing the blues or swinging jazz standards, young Katie Gearty delivers her lyrics with endless charm and a rapidly maturing talent. 

July 31, Bill Carrothers. Native Twin Citian spends most of his performance time in Europe so enjoy the rare chance to hear him on home turf. One of the finest and most original pianists on the modern jazz scene, anywhere.

Late Night at the Dakota, Friday-Saturdy

One of the most innovative music series in town, check out Friday and Saturday after hours at the Dakota, sets from 11:30 pm – 1:30 am with happy hour-type specials. And a $5 cover! 

• July 5, Papa John Kolstad and the Hot Club of East Lake
• July 11, Doug Little Quartet
• July 12, Monk in Motian
• July 18, Late Night All Stars
• July 19, Loe and the Nastys
• July 25, Ingo Bethke
• July 26, Rossum Electric Company

 

Happy Hour, Thursday-Friday

Happy Hour Monday-Friday with live jazz at 4:30 on Thursday and Friday.

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

 
 

Coming Soon

• August 11-12, Lou Donaldson Quartet
• August 21, John Pizzarelli
• August 22-23, Johnny Reno
• August 24, Pee Wee Ellis & Fred Wesley, “Still Black, Still Proud”

 
 

The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. See full calendar, online reservations, and more at www.dakotacooks.com or call 612-332-1010