The Second Stringers consists of Lars-Erik Larson on drums, Nick Salisbury on bass, and Blair Krivanek on guitar. Between the three of them they have filled out the rhythm section for groups such as Dead Man Winter, Sonny Knight and the Lakers, Ryan Bingham, Brian Fallon, Sarah Morris, Mike Munson, Jack Klatt, and many others. They play at the White Squirrel the first Wednesday of every month where they stretch out on an eclectic range of tunes from country classics, old folk songs, and deep cut soul tunes. Often they are joined by the who’s who of local songwriters as their special guests every month, where they get to show off their skills as professional sidemen. They look forward to the first Wednesday every month and they’d be thrilled if you came by to join them sometime.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. A Brilliant Evening of Miles Davis Experience an unforgettable evening of jazz mastery as Ahmed & The Creators pay tribute to the legendary Miles Davis. Trumpeter Ahmed Abdulkarim leads an all-star ensemble featuring Kevin Washington on drums, Dale Alexander on piano, Andrew Schwandt on tenor sax, and Ted Olsen on bass—each a celebrated force in the jazz scene. This show journeys through Davis’s groundbreaking eras, from the cool elegance of Kind of Blue to the fiery innovation of Bitches Brew, reimagined with soulful precision and deep reverence. A must-see for jazz lovers, this performance captures the spirit of Miles while showcasing the brilliance of today’s finest musicians. Ahmed Abdulkarim: Trumpet Kevin Washington: Drums Dale Alexander: Piano Andrew Schwandt: Tenor Sax Ted Olsen: Bass Ahmed Abdulkarim is a veteran trumpeter celebrated as one of the Twin Cities’ enduring jazz figures, most recently featured on KBEM‑FM (Jazz88 88.5) in its “Minnesota Jazz Legends: The Elders” series, showcasing his storied career. With a performance history spanning iconic venues like First Ave, The Dakota, and New York’s The Stand, he has been praised for preserving the foundational elements of classic jazz . Beginning his musical journey in childhood—transitioning from piano, bugle, and trombone before embracing the trumpet in 1956—Abdulkarim later honed his craft under Minnesota Orchestra alumnus Manny Laureano. This show is presented by KFAI