Levi Schwartzberg grew up playing vibraphone and piano in the twin cities, specializing in improvisationally emphasized music. He has played with a number of groups such as Le Percheron, No Territory Band, and the Steve Kenny Quartet, in addition to leading his own quartet. He uses a variety of melodic and textural approaches to create an […]

Founded in 2014 by Geoffrey West Senn and Mac Santiago (percussionist/drum set), the Twin Cites Latin Jazz Orchestra (TCLJO) brings together the drama of big band jazz, the rhythmic intensity of Latin music, and the virtuosity of eighteen of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished musicians.

Jered Byford is a Southern-Minnesota based trombone player, and previous co-winner of the Carl Fontana Jazz trombone competition. He grew up in Western Washington, studied at the University of Miami, and takes heavy inspiration from a combination of bebop and modern jazz.   His drumless quartet will perform mostly originals, with a few standards and […]

Virginia transplant Abinnet Berhanu (drums) will be performing a wide spectrum of modern Amercian and African Jazz + his original music most influenced by the Black American Music he grew up with in the American South and the Ethiopian culture he was surrounded with at home.    featuring: Abinnet Berhanu - drums  Ryan Freitas - saxophone […]

Music played a crucial role in the original productions of Shakespeare's plays. We know this since there are over 70 texts that are meant to be sung. Unfortunately, most of the original music has been lost. This is both a problem and an opportunity for theatre companies. On one hand, productions need to figure out […]

Led by chief detonators Doug Haining, sax, and Scott Agster, trombone, the Explosion Big Band draws from the area’s finest musicians. The EXPLOSION is ready to detonate with the classic sounds of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and more modern sounds of Thad Jones, Clare Fischer, Pat Metheny & others.

Pianist/keyboardist Kevin Gamble presents an evening of music.

Drummer, Mac Santiago, presents an evening of music with his sextet.   Featuring: Matt Echols - trombone Steve Roehm - vibraphone Ethan Ostrow - piano Greg Byers - bass Andrew Gillespie - percussion Mac Santiago - drums

This 16 piece band boosts having been on-going for the last 35 years . Originally under the musical direction of arranger/ composer Steve Devich, they have built a library of big band music containing over 450 charts!

The Pete Quirsfeld Trio returns to Jazz Central Studios with new original music. Pete's compositions draw from a wide range of musical influences and life experiences, but are rooted in jazz.   Featuring: Ethan Ostrow - piano Graydon Peterson - bass Pete Quirsfeld - drums and compositions

An evening of music with Nils Westal and trio mates.

The Bill Simenson Orchestra is a 17 piece big band (5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums). Since June of 2012 the band has performed the first Tuesday of every month at Jazz Central Studios.