Jazz Police

Although not billed as such, it seems the Dakota is presenting a local songfest running from Thursday, September 18th through Monday, September 22nd. Sassy singer Nichola Miller jumpstarts it all on Thursday night, passed the baton to Minnesota’s own First Lady of Song, Debbie Duncan, on stage with George Faber Friday and Saturday nights. Next up, a long-awaited return appearance by Connie Olson and her “Doris Day” tribute, with Christine Rosholt closing out the series Monday night. This in a month where we have already enjoyed Jennifer Grimm, Nancy Harms, Ginger Commodore, Maud Hixson and touring artist Jacqui Naylor, while we still anticipate national stars Maria Muldaur (September 23-24) and Shawn Colvin (September 30-October 2). But back to this weekend:

Thursday, September 18, Nichola Miller (7 pm). Minnesota native Nichola Miller tested the waters in New York for a few years but decided there was no place like home. Wasting no time getting back into the local jazz scene, Nichola has appeared at the Dakota, Times and other venues over the past year, her rich vocal qualities going down as smoothly and easily as her attendant Cosmopolitan. And as the local dance community knows, Nichola can swing you into bad health, to boot. Frequently in the company of the Wolverines, lately Nichola has been keeping musical company with monster pianist Tanner Taylor, collaborating in the studio as well as on stage.

Debbie Duncan©Andrea Canter

Friday/Saturday, September 19-20, Debbie Duncan and George Faber (8 pm). Master of rock, soul. blues and R&B, George Faber joins forces with local vocal whirlwind Debbie Duncan, queen of blues and ballads and one of the most engaging entertainers around. George cites primary influences as Sam Cooke, James Cotton, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Ray Charles and Joni Mitchell, and with his harmonica and vocals, you’ll here all these elements and more. Debbie needs no introduction to Dakota audiences, having been one of the most popular performers over the past two decades. This weekend gig might be too hot to handle without asbestos gloves.

Sunday, September 21, Connie Olson (7 pm). Four years ago, Minneapolis chanteuse Connie Olson recorded a tribute to Doris Day, aptly titled Daydreaming. After fine-tuning on Twin Cities’ stages, Connie has performed her “Doris” show at Rossi’s, The Times, the Dakota, and with local pianist Mary Louise Knutson, took the show on the road to Los Angeles. Notes Connie: “My interest in Doris Day started when a friend of mine and fellow singer in LA, Cathy Segal-Garcia, said that I approached the standards like Doris Day—a certain quality, she said. Then I would go and do big band gigs and the leader would say, ‘Here comes our Doris!’’" Now, here comes our Doris, as Connie brings back Doris and a whole lot more to the Dakota for an entertaining Sunday evening.

Monday, September 22, Christine Rosholt (7 pm). It’s been hard to keep up with Christine Rosholt lately as her performance schedule tends to cover the entire metro area and beyond. Recently celebrating five years of public vocal performance, Christine makes it a celebration whenever she takes the stage. Her debut recording, Detour Ahead, garnered a 2006 nomination as the top jazz recording of the year from the Minnesota Music Academy and accolades from local as well as national critics. Noted Scott Yanow in LA Jazz Scene, Christine has “a subtle but powerful voice, one that sneaks up on the listener and makes a surprisingly strong impression.” Christine will be joined tonight by her volcanic quartet, featuring Tanner Taylor on piano and Dave Karr on reeds.

The Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Reservations recommended at 612-332-1010 or visit www.dakotacooks.com

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