Jazz Police - Twin Cities Jazz Festival “Annex”, North and South Metro, June 23

Mears Park in St. Paul is still smoldering from two nights of overflow crowds and one very hot Saturday afternoon as the Twin Cities Jazz Festival and the city of St. Paul combined forced for a highly successful event. But it’s not all over yet as the festival takes jazz to the ‘burbs with a performance by the Jon Weber Trio on Tuesday, June 23rd at United Methodist Church in Anoka (7–9 pm) and on Wednesday, June 24th with an evening of music at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bloomington (4–8 pm), featuring Jon Weber, Debbie Duncan & Mary Louise Knutson, Patty Peterson, and the Kennedy Jazz Kids.

Tuesday, June 23, Jon Weber Trio

Jon Weber©Andrea Canter

Pianist and encyclopedic jazz raconteur extraordinaire, Jon Weber has become a workhorse of the TC Jazz Festival, generally appearing in multiple contexts throughout the festival. Based in Chicago and New York, we still consider Jon an honorary Twin Citian! He dazzles and sizzles whether soloing or in the company of other artists. Tonight he takes the stage with two of the best, bassist Gordy Johnson and drummer Phil Hey, each a star in his own right and frequently appearing together with local stars and on tour—most recently with vocalist Stacey Kent. United Methodist Church, 850 South Street, Anoka; 7–9 pm. Free.

Wednesday, June 24, Mini-Festival in Bloomington

It’s a jazz and bike fest! Come for a blessing of the bikes. Ride your tricycles, bicycles, scooters and motorcycles and have them blessed for the summer. Food and beverages available for purchase. Bring a blanket or chair. Christ the King Lutheran Church at 8600 Fremont Av South, Bloomington (35 W and 86th Street); 952-881-8600.

4 pm, Kennedy Jazz Kids. Kennedy High School jazz ensemble.
5 pm, Jon Weber (see above)
6:30 pm, Debbie Duncan with Mary Louise Knutson. Minnesota’s First Lady of Song with her frequent cohort, pianist Mary Louise.
8 pm, Patty Peterson and Friends. One of the most accomplished vocal performers in the Midwest, Patty is always entertaining, and you never know how many Petersons will be on hand.