Ongoing

MN State Fair Kickoff to Summer

Minnesota State Fair 1265 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul

Complete list of all performers: https://assets.mnstatefair.org/pdf/24-KOTS-event-program.pdf Sampling below Thursday, May 23 Friday, May 24 Saturday, May 25 Sunday, May 26

Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons $6 at Aster

Aster Cafe 125 SE Main Street, Minneapolis

Patty and The Buttons preach the gospel of hot rhythm and happy feet. The band is similar to what you would find in a dance hall, cafe or nightclub anywhere around the world between 1920-1940. Despite being an ensemble firmly rooted in tradition, the band presents their music without being shackled to history. They play their own compositions as well as takes on music of the era. Patty’s eclectic taste gives the band diverse influences including New Orleans Traditional Jazz, Western Swing, Gypsy Melodies, Ragtime Piano Blues, Jug Music and 1930′s Popular Song. The core instrumentation of accordion, clarinet, guitar and bass is light and swift, but also melancholic and lush when it needs to be. Patty, mostly known as an accordionist doubles as the bands vocalist. His voice is inspired most by the old time hollers and croons from the dawn of recording once described as “Tom Waits meets Rudy Vallee.” More than anything, The Buttons is a group that is always enjoying themselves… Which seems to give audiences permission to do the same.

The Daily Norm w. D.C Leonhardt, The Cottonwood Shivers

The Daily Norm is the solo project of Kae Layne, a guitarist from Connecticut, started in 2022. His fingerstyle technique is described as delicate, atmospheric, and thought-provoking. Inspired by the likes of Lindsay Buckingham, Paul McCartney and Bruce Cockburn, he takes what he learns and adds it to his style. His hope is that through his playing and his music, he can reach and connect with others. Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedailynorm1586?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg== +++++++ Though now residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, D.C. Leonhardt is originally from Wyoming: a landscape that frequently haunts his songs. Somewhat of a folk traditionalist, his shows are a blend of old tunes and originals, stories intertwined with songs. By looking more closely at the ordinary — labor, love, and religion — his songs highlight the tragedy and the humor in it all. +++++++ The Cottonwood Shivers is a music project founded in 2023 by English American songwriter Will Adlard. While backpacking across the US in 2011, Will fell in love with the girl he would one day marry. They eventually settled in Saint Paul, MN, where Will calls home. The Cottonwood Shivers combines Will’s influences of blues and folk with a healthy dose of emotional sensitivity. The project’s first single, “Ice Cream”, was released in 2023.”

Masters of Improvisation

Dunsmore Jazz Room 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Minneapolis

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Instant Theatre, Comedy And Music Back again by popular demand Dane Stauffer is hosting some esteemed fellow Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop alumnae for another fun evening of “Instant Theatre.” They need you in the audience for suggestions and the usual improv byplay. Dane StaufferMelissa DentonMichelle HutchisonJay ReillyJim DetmarShirley Mier piano Dane Stauffer celebrates 45 years in the business of entertainment, performance and creative expression. A crowd favorite at Crooners, he returns to our stage after appearing in the recent smash “Glensheen” at the History Theatre. Along with the other performers, he traces his history back to the comedy heyday of the mid 1980’s where these performers cut their teeth together making up sketches, songs, and improvising nightly at the Brave New Workshop. “Masterful comedy. Every nuance is expertly judged.” –Three Weeks, Edinburgh, Scotland DaneStauffer.com

Hurricane Harold Trio at Dubliner

The Dubliner Pub 2162 University Avenue, St. Paul

Harold Tremblay, Dan Schwalbe & Doug Otto, as an acoustic trio for an early evening blues and roots show.

Open Mic Night

The Finnish Bistro 2264 Como Avenue, St. Paul

Reza Khan and Friends at Crooners

Crooners Main Stage 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Minneapolis

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins one hour before showtime. Contemporary Jazz, World, Fusion The best of Reza‘s repertoire from seven albums, including new music from his new release “Mystical”. Reza Khan guitarJeff Kashiwa sax Mauricio Zottarelli drumsMatt King pianoLeo Traversa bass Jennifer Grimm vocalsTushar and Joy Over the course of his six previous albums, starting with his debut Painted Diaries in 2009, Reza Khan has worked with some of the biggest names in contemporary jazz while developing a fascinating trademark fusion of pop, jazz, soul and world influences. His empowering world jazz guitar music is steeped in his international roots and status as a socially conscious musical citizen of the world. Along the way, the Bangladesh-born, NYC-based composer and guitarist has enjoyed several breakthrough hits on the Billboard Jazz chart, including his first Top Ten single “Drop of Faith” (featuring Nils) from his critically acclaimed fifth album Next Train Home and “Waiting for the Sky” from the 2021 collection Imaginary Road. “His acclaim as a guitarist, composer and globally conscious musical visionary over the past 13 years has earned him the respect of the contemporary jazz community and many high-profile collaborations.” –Jonathan Widran RezaKhanMusic.com

Beautiful Vision: Essential Songs of Van Morrison

The Belvedere at Crooners 6161 Highway 65 NE, Minneapolis

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. Classic Rock Tribute Songs such as Moondance, And It Stoned Him, Domino, Wild Nights, Brown Eyed Girl and soulful deep tracks as well. Mick Sterling vocals Mick Sterling is a Minnesota Music Award and Midwest Music Hall of Fame Recipient. MickSterlingPresents.com

St. Paul Songwriter Rounds at White Squirrel

The St. Paul Songwriter Rounds at the White Squirrel Bar is one of the Twin Cities best places to catch the best in the art of songwriting. The night features 4 to 5 songwriters taking the stage simultaneously, sharing songs and stories one after another! Catch local favorites, touring musicians and hidden gems. Follow on Instagram and Facebook at @twincitiessongwriterrounds Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month starting at 7pm. No Cover!

Jp bad bitty memorial day bash at Granada ***POSTPONED***

Granada Theater 3022 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis

J.P performing live (bad bitty bash) with special guest amigo reign damazin traparella and big money meechJ.P bad bitty memorial day bash with special guest amigo reign damazin traparella and big money meech

Sunday Trad Session

The Dubliner Pub 2162 University Avenue, St. Paul

New Irish Trad Session, every Sunday at 8!

Old Salt! | Lost Dead | The Subversives | Sleeper Cell at Uptown VFW

James Ballentine “Uptown” VFW Post 246 2916 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis

A Night of Oi!, Rock n Roll, Street Punk, Punk Rock, & more. Come celebrate Memorial Day-Eve with us on Sunday May 26Old Salt! | Lost Dead | The Subversives | Sleeper CellSunday, May 26James Ballentine "Uptown" VFW Post 2462916 Lyndale Ave S.Doors 8:00pm :: Music 8:30pm :: 21+GA $10 ADV / $15 DOS---A Night of Oi!, Rock n Roll, Street Punk, Punk Rock, & more. Come celebrate Memorial Day-Eve with us on Sunday May 26By purchasing a ticket to this event, you and your party agree to abide by: The Uptown VFW’s Code Of Conduct at http://uptownvfw.org/code-of-conduct. NO REFUNDS

Dr Mambo’s Combo at Bunker’s

Bunker's Music Bar and Grill 761 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis

Funky Minneapolis Sound with frequent special guests

$10