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Early Show w. The Pinkerton Raid, Michael Gay at White Squirrel

Go see a live show with The Pinkerton Raid, and songwriter Jesse James DeConto might share stories about the history and architecture of his native New England, or forest legends from the Nordic region, or Broadway-showtunes-turned-football-fight-songs from Liverpool. It’s all quite beatnik and granola, steeped in the mysticism of STAR WARS and Celtic lore, the existentialism of Kerouac, the naturalism of THE LORD OF THE RINGS, Standing Rock and Laurel Canyon, and the liberation politics of Woody Guthrie, Karl Marx and Black Lives Matter. There is a fair number of songs about trees. Trumpeter-keyboardist-disc golfer-culinary explorer Cameron Collier applies his jazz training to Jesse’s folk-pop songs. Chris Arnet is a zen master on percussion, a luscious bass on background vocals, a pro barista at the espresso machine and a lumberjack around the campfire. The trio has seven university degrees among them, and perhaps one of them is fiscally productive by Wall Street standards. Life is too short to live for money and too rich not to soak it all in. Jesse grew up on the mellow gold of his mom’s car radio and his dad’s guitar: Abbey Road, Soulsville, Greenwich Village, Motown. Surrounded by a big family of siblings, niblings, parents, his partner and two kids, Jesse settled in the vibrant indie scene of Durham, N.C., spinning out songs AMERICANA-UK calls “anthemic.” “A fine blend of Beatles-esque dreamy folk,” says AMERICANA HIGHWAYS. With their latest release of winter-themed cover songs, the band takes on those classic tones directly, bookending their sonic journey with a pop-noir version of Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time Is Here” and a driving, drum-circle and brass-polished rendition of folk-rock descendants Fleet Foxes’ “White Winter Hymnal.” “Radiant,” says AMERICAN SONGWRITER. The band has opened for Illiterate Light, The Ballroom Thieves, TopHouse, Driftwood, The Collection and Noah Gundersen. They’ve slotted at Daytrotter and at festivals like Shakori Hills, Albino Skunk, Beacon Bonfire and AVL Fest with artists such as River Whyless, Sunny War, Watchhouse, Tall Heights, Amythyst Kiah and The Bones of JR Jones. vocals, guitars / Jesse James DeConto trumpet, keyboard, vocals / Cameron Collier percussion, vocals / Chris Arnet +++++++ MICHAEL GAY is a Minneapolis-based country folk storyteller. Starting off as a drummer and finding his way to guitar, he was inspired by the singer-songwriters of his dad’s generation–Willie Nelson, John Prine and Jerry Jeff Walker.  “I dove into that world head-first,” Michael says. “I love thrift stores, and I’d just buy whatever I could find for a dollar or two that had a name on it I recognized. 70’s singer-songwriters and outlaw country was kinda what got the wheels turning because it was cheap/free at the time. But my dad’s record collection is where it started to come together for me.”  Born in Denver and raised in Rochester, MN, Michael studied history at the University of Minnesota with the intention of teaching high school social studies until he moved to Minneapolis’ vibrant NE neighborhood and was drawn to the bands and songwriters playing corner bars like the 331 Club. He was hooked.  Best known for his project Almighty American, Michael quickly established his place among the Twin Cities’ finest Americana artists, winning fans and media praise for his honest, accessible songwriting. “Bus Brakes,” the single from Almighty American’s first full-length album Somewhere Ride (2017) was featured on The Current, drew comparisons to Jason Isbell and Boxcar Willie and was hailed as “the real deal” (Ear to the Ground Music). A magnetic presence on stage, Michael has opened up for such acts as Margo Price, The Mavericks, Kacy & Clayton, Emily Scott Robinson and more.  Going from a full band to a more stripped-down sound, Michael Gay started performing under his own name in 2020, right around the time he started recording his new album in Nashville. Coming out of those sessions with more than enough for an album, he released the single “Long, Cold Winter” — “a song that brings to mind John Prine, both through its sound and its wry, witty lyrics” (Americana UK). Released with the B-side “Good Night,” the track made a splash on folk and Americana radio. Now, with the release of his full-length album Make It Right (June 18, 2021), he solidifies his place as one of the young songwriters to watch. Produced by John James Tourville and mixed/mastered by Paul Oldham, the album evokes the heartfelt storytelling of Guy Clark and the layered musical sensibility of Josh Ritter.  When not making his own music and not living through a pandemic, Michael Gay works as a tour manager and produces the Pony Rug live music video series, which has featured Minneapolis-based songwriters like Chris Koza, Vicky Emerson and The Lowest Pair’s Palmer T. Lee.

Rock Camp

Route 47 Pub & Grub 7820 University Ave NE, Fridley

TCJazzFest: JazzMN Orchestra with Special Guest Jennifer Grimm at Crooners

The Belvedere at Crooners 6161 Highway 65 NE, Minneapolis

Outdoor venue | Tent with partially covered patio | Dress for weather |Service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. TCJazzFest – June 21-22, 2024. Free Admission. Reservations are recommended. The Twin Cities Jazz Fest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of bringing communities together to enjoy and appreciate the art form of jazz and inspire new generations of youth. What started as a small one­-day event in downtown Minneapolis 26 years ago has grown into one of the largest free civic jazz festivals in the upper Midwest. www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com

TCJazzFest: Patty Peterson Presents In The Moment with Jon Weber at Crooners

Dunsmore Jazz Room 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Minneapolis

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Vocal/Piano Jazz – American Song Book The Living Room Sessions “I believe life is filled with inspiration and music is one of those inspirations. I experience such joy when I get to be ‘In The Moment’ and sing with a pianist who moves my soul. When creating together, you find highs and lows like in life, and deep creativity that makes you laugh, and sometimes even shed a tear. Join me as I create with some of the best in ‘The Living Room Sessions’ in the Dunsmore Room at Crooners. You will feel right at home!” Join Patty along with Jon Weber for an evening of music and stories.. How did he get his start… who influenced him.. what’s his favorite song…. And the art of backing singers and musicians… and being in the spotlight with touring the world. Patty Peterson vocalsJon Weber piano As a vocalist, Patty Peterson has performed to sold-out audiences all over the country. In addition, Patty received the coveted Minnesota Music Award 7 times for best vocalist as well as best jazz recording and in 2019, she was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, along with her siblings. She was also named Minnesota’s Jazz Hero of 2020 via the Jazz Journalists Association for all her contributions to the Jazz community in Minnesota. Patty has released 5 solo recordings which featuring luminaries Sheila E., David Hazeltine, Stokley Williams, and Ira Sullivan, Sean Turner, Tony Axtell as well as members of her entire family. Patty’s latest CD is entitled, “Count Your Blessings”, which was released in time for the 2019 Holiday Season. Patty is also the host of her own weekly contemporary jazz show on KBEM 88.5FM. www.pattypeterson.com Now based in New York City, Jon Weber travels extensively as a soloist and as a highly sought music director for top jazz and cabaret performers. Jon has recorded and toured all over the world, winning numerous honors for performance and composition – scoring extensively for television since 1987. Gary Burton, Roy Hargrove have both recorded Jon’s music, and his critically-acclaimed release, SIMPLE COMPLEX, rose to #1. He lives in New York City and hosts NPR’s “Piano Jazz with Jon Weber” ” He is the worthy successor to the late Marian McPartland on the NPR staple. www.jonwebermusic.com “Immensely gifted.” “Formidable talent.” “Phenomenal.” “Essential” – The New York Times “Jon Weber is a virtuoso – pure and simple. FIVE STARS” – All About Jazz USA

The Big 70’s Singalong at Crooners

Crooners Main Stage 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Minneapolis

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins one hour before showtime. Joyful Interactive Group Singing The popular Big 70’s Singalong is back – and as always, with a Freshly Updated Song List!! Jay and Doug will lead, and together you will belt out some of the greatest songs of the 70’s, including hits by Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Blondie, Glen Campbell, Dolly Parton, ABBA, The Bee Gees, Carole King, The Eagles, and more. Bring your cell phone or iPad (if you need bigger text), and put on your favorite 70’s clothes. Jay Fuchs piano, vocals, song leader Doug Anderson vocals, guest song leader Jay Fuchs is a renowned entertainer, music director, and music educator. For 25 years he has been the musical partner of Erin Schwab, the “Bette Midler of the Twin Cites”. Together they create and perform popular shows throughout the area, including Crooner’s Supper Club, LUSH Lounge and Theater, The W – Minneapolis, Birch’s on the Lake, and many other great venues. Jay is the founder and director of Dr. Jay’s Cabaret, which produces a series of fun and inspirational shows at a variety of popular entertainment spots. He has served as music director for the Governor’s Inauguration Ball, the Charlie Awards, the US Foods Awards Ball, the Basilica of Saint Mary Annual Fund Raiser, Children’s MN, and many more. For 27 years Jay was the Music Theory Department Head at McNally Smith College of Music. Doug Anderson is a veteran actor/dancer/performer in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. He has performed at the Guthrie, Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Hey City Theater, Center City Theater, and many others. He has also performed in London at The St. James Theater, Piaño, Crazy Coq’s, The Music Café and The Phoenix Arts Club.

TCJazzFest: Maggie’s Afterglow Judi Vinar and Rick Carlson

Maggie’s Lounge 6161 Highway 65 NE, Minneapolis

No cover–light fare available from 4:30pm to 9:30pm. Full-menu available until 8:30pm. Bar and table seating offered – NO RESERVATIONS Maggie’s Afterglow consists of casual entertainment offered outside our usual listening environment of ticketed concerts. Various jazz singers and pianists appear in the lounge. There is no cover, but tips are encouraged. You may sign up for the guest list, but space is not reserved. Seating is first come, first served in the bar and at lounge tables.

Toronzo Cannon “Shut Up & Play” Album Release Party w/ Mark Cameron Band at Uptown VFW

Uptown VFW 2916 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis

Join us as we celebrate the release of Shut Up & Play, the new Alligator Records release by Toronzo Cannon & The Chicago Way. Toronzo Cannon “Shut Up & Play” Album Release Party with special guests Mark Cameron Band Saturday, June 22 James Ballentine "Uptown" VFW Post 246 2916 Lyndale Ave S. Minneapolis, MN Doors 7:30pm :: Music 8:00pm :: 21+ $25 Advance / $30 Day of Show -- Join us as we celebrate the release of Shut Up & Play, the new Alligator Records release by Toronzo Cannon & The Chicago Way. Chicago bluesman Toronzo Cannon defies all expectations. The blistering guitarist, soulful vocalist, singular songwriter and city bus driver fuses his muscular, rock-inspired blues guitar playing with his original, keenly detailed slice-of-life songs, blazing his own blues trail. With the 2016 release of his Alligator Records debut, The Chicago Way, Cannon burst onto the international stage as one the most electrifying bluesmen to emerge from Chicago in decades. His live performances unfailingly earn him heaps of critical praise and hordes of wildly enthusiastic fans. Toronzo Cannon delivers his messages loud and clear. Between his searing chops, soul-satisfying vocals and vibrant and distinctive original songs, Cannon has grown from being a local attraction to become a world-renowned torch bearer for the blues. "Deep, contemporary Chicago blues… razor-sharp guitar and compelling, forceful singing" —Chicago Tribune "Cannon is at the front rank of Chicago bluesmen. He creates wide-screen modern arrangements for wry, thoughtful songs, molding an ensemble sound that’s both tempestuous and scrupulously controlled." —MOJO By purchasing a ticket to this event, you and your party agree to abide by: The Uptown VFW’s Code Of Conduct online at http://uptownvfw.org/code-of-conduct. NO REFUNDS

Bedlam at Dubliner

The Dubliner Pub 2162 University Avenue, St. Paul

A folk band with a hippie attitude. As the name implies a stage with this group on it is not a very stable one and you never know who may show up and sit in on a set.