Dave Graf started playing trombone in the 4th grade and just kept going with it. One of the most versatile and in-demand trombonists in the Twin Cities, Dave has worked in a wide range of musical settings. His jazz resume includes performances with Slide Hampton, Herbie Lewis, Jack McDuff, Charli Persip and Superband, the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Orchestra, and […]

Bring the kids to Siama and Dallas’ cool, cozy, Africa-themed tent for a really fun, hands-on jam session.  Siama is known for intricate guitar, spirited singing, catchy songs and fun African instruments (plus hambone, double-whistle and beatbox…) while Dallas encourages everyone to play shakers, check out the balafon and join in lively sing-along.

Minneapolis College supports four regularly rehearsing and performing instrumental groups: Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Latin Music Ensemble, and Video Game Music Ensemble. Bring your curiosity, bring your passion, and become a part of our musical community!

QUARTETO CARIOCA plays samba jazz, bossa nova, Brazilian popular music, and other genres with a contemporary influence.

Here is sound from the heart embodying Wonder and Mystery – seeking to create hypnotrance that fires up imaginations.  This musical spirit – rooted in spontaneity – dazzles audiences with sincerity and playfulness. Steven’s transportive sound from the heart embodies Wonder and Mystery. He seeks to facilitate playfulness, healing, provoke compassion and warmly sink into […]

Vocalist Lee Engele performs with guitarist Reynold Philipsek, and a special appearance by Gary Schulte on violin. A veteran of local big bands, small ensembles and theater; Lee has released a number of recordings to date, two with Reynold and Gary. She has performed in New York, and at major Twin Cities and Midwest venues. […]

A vital element of jazz education has always been the direct transfer of knowledge between generations of musicians where students could “sit-in” to directly learn the craft from their professional contemporaries when gigs were steady, occurring often nightly.  To keep this essential tradition alive, Twin Cities jazz professionals founded The Minnesota Hard Bop Collective (aka […]

Naomi Uyama was an international swing dance champion searching for the perfect band – original but authentic – in the pocket and bringing the party. After searching the world over she took it upon herself to form “Naomi & Her Handsome Devils” from her favorite musicians from across the nation. Put them all together and […]