Uptown Nights with the Minnesota Orchestra
Sat Aug 3, 2024
Orchestra Hall
It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing! Inspired by Harlem’s famed musical hot spots like the Cotton Club and the Savoy, this swingin’ night of musical sensations focuses on Harlem’s heyday when Duke Ellington’s orchestra was the house band, and Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald and Ethel Waters showcased the classics of the Great American Songbook.
Hear jazz classics like “Basin Street Blues,” “Minnie the Moocher” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got that Swing,” and sway along to Gershwin tunes like “Love is Here to Stay” and “I Got Rhythm!”
A Few Things to Know
- Enjoy $6 Happy Hour while you listen to free entertainment by outstanding local performers in the Target Atrium. Enjoy food vendors inside Orchestra Hall and food trucks outside the Peavey Entrance on Nicollet Mall. See full schedule.
- Come early and enjoy a delicious Bubbles and Bites package prepared by Wandering Kitchen featuring a charcuterie box paired with your choice of bubbles, wine or a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage. Read more about these tasty offerings.
• Purchase for Sat, 8/3 - Plan your visit to Orchestra Hall
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Byron Stripling
conductor and trumpet
Carmen Bradford
vocalist
Leo Manzari
dancer
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. In September 2024, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his second season as music director.
With a contagious smile and captivating charm, conductor, trumpet virtuoso, singer and actor Byron Stripling ignites audiences across the globe. In 2020, Stripling was named principal pops conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and he also currently serves as artistic director and conductor of the highly acclaimed Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Stripling’s baton has led countless orchestras throughout the United States and Canada including the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood and the orchestras of San Diego, St. Louis, Virginia, Toronto, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Fort Worth, Rochester, Buffalo, Florida, Portland and Sarasota, to name a few.
Born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Altadena, California, Grammy nominee Carmen Bradford grew up with music in her home and in her heart. It was only natural that she would follow in the footsteps of her great family legacy, being the daughter of legendary trumpeter-composer Bobby Bradford and world renowned vocalist-composer Melba Joyce. Her grandfather Melvin Moore sang with Lucky Millender and Dizzy Gillespie’s Big Band in the 1940s and sang with the Ink Spots, making Bradford the third generation of incredible musicians. She has carved out a place in music history for herself and is playing an integral role in this uniquely American art form called jazz. Carmen Bradford is Jazz Royalty.
Originally from Washington, D.C., Leo Manzari is a Lucille Lortel Award-nominated tap dancer, headlining in various productions such as the touring and Off-Broadway productions of Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life, featured guest artist on So You Think You Can Dance, Kennedy Center’s 50th Inaugural Celebration of JFK and Marvin Gaye tribute, Dorrance Dance’s Nutcracker Suite, The Mo'nique Show, The Kate TV, TEDMED, PBS News Hour, Jerry Lewis Telethon and ABC’s The View.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Makers Market
When: Pre-concert
Where: Lobby
Welcoming a handful of the Twin Cities' top brands curated by our community partner Shemeka Bogan for a pre-concert makers market.
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Directions & Parking
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
Download the MinnOrch App
With our mobile app, you can pre-order intermission drinks, scan your ticket for entry and more. You'll also get exclusive deals just for app users!
Video: Leo Manzari performs with the Baltimore Symphony
Accessibility Services
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large-Print Programs
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
Sponsored by
The 2023-2024 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.
