Axis Mundi plays a provocative and intoxicating mixture of world-beat grooves and contemporary jazz. Emotional and sophisticated, this trio takes the listener on a journey through landscapes of alluring melodies, with diverse Latin, Middle Eastern, Afro-Cuban and Haitian rhythms.
Audio:
"African Song"
"The Mambo Told Me"
This solid quartet, the Minnesota Music Award nominee for best R&B group of 2006, has shared the stage with The Roots, Jill Scott and Amy Winehouse, to name a few.
Audio:
"World Won't Rest"
With Mira Kehoe on drums, Tom Kehoe on piano, and the Minnesota Orchestra's own Colin Corner on bass, Brilliant Diverge performs everything from blues and free jams to EST-style music—and the sky's the limit on their original works. Not to be missed!
Audio:
Original music, improvisation and choreography derived from roots of funk, soul, jazz, classical, hip-hop, blues and rock, Buckets and Tap Shoes is a journey through rhythm, music and tap dance. Part dance company, part band.
Charanga Tropical salsa music will inspire visions of mojitos and Caribbean sunsets—and will make you want to get up and dance.. The music is harmonically rich with infectious rhythms. Featuring musicians from throughout the Americas, this band knows how to fill a dance floor and start a party!
Audio:
"Aguardiente"
"Chanchullo"
Here's a distinctive blend of lounge/exotica and funk-fired jazz served up by trumpeter Charles Lazarus and his quartet. plus a sneak preview of Eastern European gypsy-dance-flavored tunes from his upcoming CD.
Audio:
"Desafinado"
"Kilauea's Fountains"
"Waves"
This New Orleans flavored band is led by Blues singer, Davina Sowers, who is often compared to Bonnie Raitt, Etta James and Amy Winehouse. This first-class blues band features horns, vocals, and a rockin' rhythm section.
Audio:
"Red Shoes"
"St. Michael and the Devil"
This legendary rock band has been pumping out R&B, funk and soul classics since 1987, sharing stages with the likes of Prince, Jonny Lang, "Jelly Bean" Johnson and many more.
Join us for the performances by the five e-Piano Junior Competition finalists who will each play one movement of a well-known piano concerto with the Minnesota Orchestra. At 5:30 p.m. the winner will be announced at an award ceremony, followed by a free performance with the Minnesota Orchestra at 8 p.m.
Finalists have been announced, and they are:
Osip Nikiforov, Russia, 14
Vladimir Levitsky, Russia, 16
Nansong Huang, China, 14
Frank Duepree, Germany, 16
Jan Lisiecki, Canada, 13
They will be performing in the following order:
Nikiforov – Beethoven No. 3
Levitsky – Tchaikovsky No. 1
Huang – Rachmaninoff No. 3
Lisiecki – Chopin No. 2
Duepree – Tchaikovsky No. 1
The Award Ceremony will feature the dramatic announcement of the winners of the e-Piano Junior Competition 2008—and winners will take the stage one last time to perform selected solo pieces. Something amazing to see as well as hear: the marvels of technology that make the e-Piano Junior Competition unique.
Only 24 years old, Haley Bonar has already produced four albums. Her latest, Big Star, is a watershed moment for her: like a Cormac McCarthy story, it seems simple to take in, but reveals truths with a powerful emotional impact. In the words of filmmaker Ali Selim (Sweet Land): "Her voice is an invitation to amazing places."
Audio:
"Big Star"
"Something Great"
This St. Paul-based ensemble expands the musical works written for the Javenese Gamelan. Take in the unique sound of this percussion ensemble!
Audio:
"Do You LIke My Toboggan"
"Top Crop"
From Bach to Led Zeppelin, these two cellists with eight amplified strings—plus a drummer—scream, growl and purr their way through all kinds of musical favorites.
Drawing inspiration from many sources, from classic songsters like Brian Wilson to basement recording mavericks like Elliott Smith, Jeremy Messersmith writes provocative, well-crafted songs. Currently on his agenda: recording a follow-up to The Alcatraz Kid with local Grammy Award winner Dan Wilson (from Semisonic and Trip Shakespeare).
Audio:
"Day Job"
"Novocain"
Jumbo Ya-Ya's members combine years of experience playing wide-ranging styles: zydeco, Cajun, country swing, blues, ska, jazz and ragtime. The troupe is renowned for bringing fresh life to traditional dance numbers, as well as great performances of their own exciting originals.
Audio:
"Zydeco Cha-Cha"
The dynamic Brooklyn-based duo Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel have been touring nationally to a growing audience since 2004. "Eclectic, infectious music" is what Benjamin Cartel calls their earthy blend of folk-rock and pop.
Audio:
"Oh No"
Showcasing traditional Mexican dances with authentic costumes and music, this St. Paul-based troupe will transport you to Mexico. Enjoy watching dancers from age four through adult!
The MacPhail Center for Music staff leads kids in having great fun with rhythm and vocal activities. Suitable for ages 10 and under.
Mary Bue likes creaky, clanky pianos and falling asleep playing guitar. She wants to sing to you about what she's cooking for dinner or what she dreamt about last night. Blend the sound of Ben Folds' joyous piano pop, Carole King's earthy soul and Tori Amos' quirky, intense intimacy, and you'll have an idea of what Ms. Bue sounds like.
Audio:
"No Turning Back"
Led by conductor Mark Russell Smith, the winner of the e-Piano Junior Competition will take the stage and perform the first movement of the winning concerto, live with the Minnesota Orchestra. Tchaikovsky's triumphant Symphony No. 5 closes this thrilling concert.
Audio:
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5
The stellar musicians of the Mouldy Figs will be charming audience members young and old with their irresistible old-time jazz sound—continuing their 30-year tradition of delighting Twin Citians.
Audio:
"Big Butter and Egg Man"
"Is It True What They Say About Dixie"
Catch this hot pop-electro trio while you can. With Ryan Olcott on keyboards and vocals, James Buckley on bass and Joey Van Phillips on drums, this group is making waves in the local music scene with their circuit-bent "frankeninstruments".
Audio:
"Nascar Survivor"
"Stepchild"
This five-member blues band delivers a myriad of influences and styles to create a soulful bluegrass/gospel sound. The harmonica, guitar, mandolin and well-blended vocal lines ensure a true bluegrass experience.
Audio:
"How Mountain Girls Can Love"
In addition to music composed expressly for mandolin ensembles, the Northern Latitudes Mandolin Quartet performs spirited Celtic tunes, modern pop arrangements, classical pieces, traditional folk music and pieces composed and arranged by local musicians. Their acoustic instruments include mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello and guitar.
Audio:
"Eh Cumpari"
A regular on the Cities 97's Acoustic Sunrise concert series, Paul Christian has been winning audiences for his solo acoustic guitar performances as well as his gigs with his band. Enjoy hearing Paul's original songs in our intimate rehearsal space.
Audio:
"Come Along With Me"
"Song 1"
A dynamic duo featuring Matt Knippel on cello and the Minnesota Orchestra's own Colin Corner on bass, this group does everything from Jaco's "Teen Town" arranged for bass and cello to original compositions and funky jams. A unique group that will have you swinging—like a pendulum.
Audio:
This is our second annual 'Round Midnight act with a brand new line-up, featuring members of the George Maurer Jazz Group with special guests Jason Weismann, Ann Michels and Rachel Holder. Plus a surprise visit from one of our premier Sommerfest artists. We can't tell you who, but let's just say he's used to "Late Night" gigs. The evening will include a mix of jazz standards and original works performed by several groupings of the musicians.
Audio:
"Drop Dead Bot"
"Wallflower"
Twice named Eclectic Artist of the Year by the Minnesota Music Awards, this acoustic instrumental quartet has a long tradition performing on Peavey Plaza.
Audio:
"Ellesmere Island"
"The Once-Ler"
Launched by an early childhood teacher and group of talented musicians (and dads) in 1985, the Teddy Bear Band now plays upwards of 350 shows per year—entertaining, inspiring and supporting children, families and educators.
Listed as one of Metro Magazine's Top 8 bands for '08, The Glad Version has won over critics and audiences alike. Enjoy this local indie-pop-rock favorite playing songs from their new hit album, Make Islands.
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Formed in the early '90s by brothers Adam and Noah Levy, The Honeydogs began their career working the alternative country scene, touring throughout the U.S. as their style evolved toward something like "soul meets Elvis Costello." Signed with the Mercury Records label, they have garnered great acclaim and are hailed by Billboard Magazine as "Alt Country's Next Big Thing."
Audio:
"Rattling My Tin Cup"
A 2007 Parents' Choice award and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio winner, the New York City-based band The Jimmies plays "real music for real kids" and will gleefully rock, swing and dance its way into your world through catchy and hilarious songs for people of all ages.
Audio:
"Bed Head"
"What's That Sound"
One of City Pages' 2007 Artists of the Year, this Minneapolis based Indie-Pop band has been delighting their fans with lush harmonies and folk melodies.
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Composed of Iowa natives David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey, The Pines combine Roots, Blues and Indie-Rock to create a raw, haunting sound that is inventive and compelling.
Audio:
"Let's Go"
Enjoy a classical woodwind quartet featuring Amy Morris, Mark Seerup, Nina Olsen and Laurie Hatcher Merz.
Audio:
"Bobby Shafto"
"Whirlwind"
Five multi-instrumentalists fuse their diverse musical backgrounds into a smart, crowd-pleasing mix of Celtic folk-rock and alternative country with Cajun and Caribbean seasonings.
Audio:
"Lost On Me"
"Wraggle Taggle"
Tom Hunter brings years of experience—and a live show that unleashes no-holds-barred music and brings the crowd along for the crazy ride. This singer-pianist, joined by his guitarist, will cover a musical spectrum from smoky jazz to gut-bucket Chicago blues.
Audio:
"Bad Bad Whiskey"
"New Coat of Paint"
Here's delightful music for young children and their families, performed by an ensemble featuring members of the Minnesota Orchestra. Featured this year: the enchanting Sweep Dreams by St. Paul-based composer Stephen Paulus.
Children's artist Will Hale has been performing interactive kids' concerts for over 15 years with over 150 performances each year including festivals, elementary schools, parks, libraries and community events. There will be plenty of surprises certain to bring out the child in everyone.
Audio:
"Rock Paper Scissors"
Accomplished harpist Andrea Stern and multi-wind player Laura MacKenzie convey the warm resonance of traditional Irish and Scottish music with loving expertise. Their renditions of airs, songs and dance tunes via Celtic harp, wooden flutes, whistles, pipes, concertina and voice are uplifting, transporting and charming.
Audio:
"O'Carolan's Draught"
These longtime friends have been making music together since childhood—and it shows. When the foursome is not busy touring with the likes of Ben Kweller, Seymore Save the World, Halloween Alaska and Mason Jennings, they're electrifying the stage with incredible energy.
Audio:
"Oh September"