“This free and opened to the public event celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month. It is co-sponsored by the Musician Performance Trust Fund, Twin Cities Musicians Union, and Jazz Central Studios; featuring four of the finest Big Bands in our local music scene today.”

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Craig Teiken teams up with multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Todd Beeson.

Sign-ups start at 4:45 pm. More information can be found on our Events & Music page. (4) Events & Music at The Finnish Bistro | Facebook

Join us to celebrate our amazing friend Tara Cindy Sherman. Tara is a master yoga teacher of 30+ years and has trained hundreds of teachers and sparkled yogic wisdom, stress relief, deep relaxation, and shakti bliss on thousands of students in the twin cities metro and around the world. Enjoy sets by Martin Devaney, Molly Maher & Mary Bue.     About Martin Devaney: Dubbed “the ubiquitous barroom bard” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and a “charming, bushy-haired songsmith” by No Depression, Devaney writes from the heart of a working class troubadour.   About Molly Maher: Molly Maher’s music resides on the border Americana roots and big city grooves moving beautifully between them, blending simmering cools with twangy lament-filled spirit, guitar driven country-folk-jam with a blues swagger.   About Mary Bue: Mary Bue is a songwriter,  international retreat guide, and yoga teacher based out of Minneapolis, often roaming this beautiful world. Named Best Songwriter of 2020 by City Pages, her music touches upon archetypal themes of the human condition: love, loss, survival, dreams,  and the natural world. Her 9th album The Wildness of Living & Dying was released in February 2025.

This special performance brings to light the connections that the group has with the music of Django Reinhardt. All stories and connections to the quartet’s compositions will be shared at this event.

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 60 minutes before showtimes. An Evening of Great Jazz! Voted “#1 Rising Star Male Vocalist” (#8 Rising Star Trumpet) in 2024 DownBeat Magazine Annual Critics Poll Benny Benack III is a fiery trumpet player and singer performing standards and his own astute compositions with a thrilling sense of showmanship. Join the Benny Benack III Quartet during The Midwest Jazz Collective Tour at Crooners! Benny Benack III: Trumpet, Vocals Tyler Henderson: Piano Caleb Tobocman: Bass Charles Goold: Drums A graduate of The Manhattan School of Music, Benny Bennack III won the 2011 Carmine Caruso Trumpet Competition and was a 2014 finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. Benack is a regular headliner at New York City’s most famed venues including Birdland, Mezzrow, The Django, Smalls Jazz Club, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. He’s performed widely as a frontman for Postmodern Jukebox and worked with countless jazz artists including Ulysses Owens Jr., Christian McBride, Aaron Johnson, Ann Hampton-Calloway and Joey DeFrancesco. Benny tours extensively in the United States and around the World playing celebrated clubs and festivals. He’s played on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in the Late Show House Band and was the house-trumpet player for NBC’s summer variety show, “Maya & Marty.” More than a dozen Jazz clubs across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan align to form the Midwest Jazz Collective (MJC). With a shared passion for the preservation and advancement of the great American art form that is Jazz, this consortium of presenters intends to offer artists and agents a coordinated effort in booking tours in the Midwestern states and help facilitate educational opportunities along the way. “A trumpeter, vocalist, writer and arranger with a swaggering soul and the chops to back up the panache.” — All About Jazz www.bennybenackjazz.com

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Best Known for the Dixie Chicks’ Mega-Hit “Wide Open Spaces” To date, that autobiographical number has sold over 16 million physical copies, and racked up over 180 million streams on Spotify. It was the Country Music Association’s “Single of the Year” in 1999. And it’s just one of the many great songs in Gibson’s large catalog. A vocal powerhouse, downhome and disarmingly funny onstage, Gibson is popular everywhere from Austin (TX) to Amsterdam (Netherlands). Yet she should be much better known in her birthplace of Fridley, Minnesota – “my stomping grounds before I even knew how to stomp,” Gibson jokes. This rare and long-overdue “homecoming” show will help that cause, and should not be missed! Susan Gibson: Guitar and Vocals “There’s the one single element that’s remained true and consistent throughout: her easy-going believability that cuts straight through pretentiousness or fraudulent emotions. It cuts to the core of the human experience. At times it’s bold and brave. At others, she’s incredibly honest with a glimpse of those insecurities, intimate details, and exposed feelings that we all encounter from time to time. ” – New Slang Lubbock Interview www.susangibson.com

New Irish Trad Session, every Sunday at 8!

Wren + Wilde is a folk rock band based in the Twin Cities, anchored by the lush, breathtaking harmonies of leading ladies Hilary Yoder and Beth Olivares. Inspired by Laurel Canyon era acts, the band blends rootsy vocals, smokey southern rock grooves and soaring blues solos into a singularly captivating sound. Known for their fearlessly personal songwriting and disarming storytelling, Wren + Wilde invites audiences into a communal heartfelt experience. Emmy Woods (she/they) was born and raised on an old dirt road in rural North Dakota and currently resides in Saint Paul, Minnesota. With hints of country, folk, and blues, Emmy’s songs showcase her knack for storytelling, her strengths in musical artistry, and an impressive vocal range and ability. When asked to summarize her music in three words, Dr. Kyle Smith replied, “Queer Farm Vibes.”   While Emmy has been writing songs for over 20 years, her first collection of songs, tristia bella, as well as her albums The Manifold and Delirium were not released until March 2023. Since then, she has released three singles and and an EP with her band and continues to gain momentum with her genre bending sound.

On April 8th The DL4 returns and will be paying tribute to one of the all-time greats, Jerry Reed! They’ll be playing many of his hits and some of Jerry’s instrumental masterpieces!

Unattractive Giant Monster – Unattractive Giant Monster is a post genre, weirdo sewer punk band from the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Fueled by hot dogs and inspired by bands like The Dead Milkmen, Devo, and  Diarrhea Planet, UGM is ready to party. Obchod na Korze – Three men and no baby who wish to bring you to a place of pure gyration by way of sonic splendor and rhythmic ambiguity. Body Positive Marge – Body Positive Marge is a rough bass (Josh Granowski) and drum (Chris Hepola) duo that has risen from the ashes of Large Marge. The duo has been smashing things for over 20 years with roots in doom, punk rock, and jazz, with through composed passages interspersed with fierce improvisation.

Crooners Classics – every Wednesday at 5:30 PM we will celebrate the beloved musical treasures of yesterday. Wednesday Crooners Classics An Evening of Great John Denver Music Featured tunes include “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Interspersed with personal recollections of growing up with John Denver’s music, as well as stories from friends and family that will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. And in a truly unique twist, audience members are invited to share their personal stories as well. Dennis Curley: Piano, VocalsDorian Chalmers: VocalsNatalie Nowytski: Bass, VocalsEmily Judge-Becker: Fiddle, VocalsLeo Lenander: GuitarTony Wirth: Guitar, Banjo, VocalsMatthew Zimmerman: Drums, Percussion Dennis Curley is a native of Syracuse, NY, and a graduate of Northwestern University. He has composed music for four shows in the Church Basement Ladies series. Dennis is the arranger of Schoolhouse Rock Live! and Schoolhouse Rock Live Too! He tours the Upper Midwest with Country Roads: Dennis Curley Sings the Music of John Denver, and is a co-founder and executive producer of Table Salt Productions. “Tall, casually graceful, Curley did not attempt in any way to imitate Denver. He gave us a show performed with respect and love for the music of one of America’s all-time favorite artists.” –The Daily Reporter, Spencer, IA DennisCurley.com

#gap-598999811 { padding-top: 31px; } EVENT DETAILS #gap-2094288275 { padding-top: 15px; } The Hook and Ladder Theater  7:00pm – 9:00pm Free EVENT DESCRIPTION #gap-619058941 { padding-top: 15px; } Space Between Now on the 2nd Wednesdays monthly, join us at Space Between, a free peer-to-peer community support group for music industry professionals. Monthly conversations on topics we can all relate to. A communal space to share in the joys and pains of functioning within our music industry ecosphere. Collaborate with like minded industry folks! For anyone who makes the music possible: artists, managers, agents, promoters, engineers, crew, venue staff, security, and family. — Monthly at The Hook & Ladder Mission Room :: 7-9 pm6:45pm – Doors7:00pm – Social7:30pm – Topic Presentation8:00pm – Topic Collaboration8:45pm – NetworkingLed and organized by Mental Health Professional, Mark Femling (LPCC) #gap-1313508285 { padding-top: 30px; } #gap-1954359313 { padding-top: 22px; } #image_177536466 { width: 100%; } This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. #col-1994884860 > .col-inner { padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; margin: 0px 0px -21px 0px; } #row-1669538219 > .col > .col-inner { padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } #col-775892200 > .col-inner { margin: 0px 0px -27px 0px; } #row-1004736321 > .col > .col-inner { padding: 0px 0px 15px 0px; }

Authentic high energy roots and blues. Acoustic resonator slide-guitar suggests Muddy Waters and pre-war blues.

Northrop Night Out is the Northrop Elementary School PTA annual spring fundraiser.

Two Ghosts –  New instrumental post-rock from two old friends.   The September Equation – Creating sounds and songs from electricity since 1999.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. An Evening of Improv, Comedy and Music! Host Dane Stauffer and the Masters of Improv return to the Dunsmore stage, ready to make you laugh, think, and reflect on human nature and current events with their quick wit and seamless transformations. Your suggestions and input fuel the fun, so come play with us and keep the music and laughter alive—because, after all, laughter truly is the best medicine! Dane Stauffer Melissa Denton James Detmar Michelle Hutchison Lorna Landvik Shirley Mier, Keys The Cast of “MOI” share over 3 decades of stage and screen experience Improvising, Acting and Singing, Publishing and Performing and Training others to do all of the above, and have SO MUCH FUN performing together. “Masterful comedy. Every nuance is expertly judged.” –Three Weeks, Edinburgh, Scotland DaneStauffer.com

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. A Hot Motown Soul Review! For over 13 years, this electrifying Motown/soul powerhouse has brought raw, timeless energy to stages nationwide. Composed of award-winning musicians who’ve shared the spotlight with legendary artists and headlined top blues and jazz festivals, they’re not just performers—they’re torchbearers of soul’s golden era. With harmonies that ignite and grooves that move mountains, this is more than a concert: it’s a masterclass in authentic American music. Don’t just hear it—experience the legacy live. Tickets won’t last!. Ray Covington Kendra Glenn Jason Weismann Jesse Mueller Bob Johnston Ace Mack Chris Olson Todd Matheson Members that have shared the stage with such artists as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Wynton Marsalis, Andre Fischer, Cameo, Nicholas David Mrozinski, Harry Connick Jr, Sounds of Blackness, Alexander O’Neal, KC AND Jo Jo, Stokely, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Winter, to name a few. www.thedapsquad.com

A night nestled in the Zen Arcade somewhere between the Caribbean Sea and California coastline. Positive community vibes delivered through bouncing catchy hooks, reggae jams and relatable lyrics. Treehouse!, Rootz Within and Peewee Dread promise to deliver an energetic and inspirational show!

Talmage Alien is a hyper-dimensional cluster of entities incarnated as a 5-piece Minneapolis rock band. They emanate frequencies that may sound like indie pop, folk, emo, and punk to your human ears. LENT is a fresh new band from Minneapolis. They perform psychedelic, garage, and occasionally punk rock music. They may inspire you. Glitter Pit is a 3 piece indie/alternative band based out of minneapolis that plays scientist rock.

No cover–light fare available from 4:30pm to 9:30pm. Full-menu available until 8:30pm. Bar and table seating offered – NO RESERVATIONS Katie Gearty: Vocals Adi Yeshaya: Piano Maggie’s Piano Lounge is a warm, relaxed and inviting space featuring a variety of seasoned singers and piano players. No cover. Order all of your favorite Crooners drinks and dinner items, experience superb service, and enjoy the great music!

D.M.C.A ‘A locally-grown quartet of virtuosic jazz musicians; the members of D.M.C.A. each bring their own original compositions and unique style to create an explosive performance that is sure to delight listeners of all ages. Steeped in personality, their anything-goes approach to original compositions is a fresh reminder of what jazz is all about!’  Members: Mac Wilms – Tenor Sax Dane Folie – Guitar Austin PeKarna – Bass Chris Isler – Drums

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Jazz with an Understated Vibe Versatility can be rewarding but some music just feels like home. Vocalist Prudence Johnson returns to a jazz repertoire in the debut of the Halcyon Jazz Quartet, featuring vibraphonist Dave Hagedorn, percussionist Joe Pulice and bassist Kevin Clements. Together they take the “less is more” approach and reach for the emotional and musical depths of a song with a controlled intensity. Beautiful sounds to warm your heart. Prudence Johnson: Voice Dave Hagedorn: Vibraphone Kevin Clements: Bass Joe Pulice: Drums Prudence Johnson is well known to Crooners audiences, appearing with Lush Country, with Rio Nido, in duos with Dan Chouinard, Tim Sparks or Dean Magraw, in shows featuring the music of Leonard Bernstein and Randy Newman, singing in French and Italian, or with Latin-jazz sensation Yazmin. But her reputation as a jazz singer lives on, and, in a new venture, she joins forces with three of the region’s finest instrumentalists to form the Halcyon Jazz Quartet. “(Johnson’s) lush, precise, expressive voice, with its pearls of vibrato, is best unadorned.” Pamela Espeland, MinnPost

“Shovel’s Length Short,” Forty Watt Bulb’s debut album, turns 21 this year! Come celebrate with a FULL BAND REUNION SHOW!

Come celebrate 420 early at the Zen Arcade/ Mission Room at The Hook this April! Vibes curated by dj izzie p with Chico chi, Lailah Reynolds, & more. Sponsored by Solcana Fitness.

(https://www.facebook.com/Powersock). https://www.facebook.com/quantummechanicsband/http://qmband.org/

The West Seventh Band featuring Carolyn Young will be playing popular and deep cuts from Lucinda Williams catalog with some additional material from some other artists. The West Seventh Band is Carolyn Young on vocals and guitar, Bill McMahon on guitar, John E. Brown on bass and Eric Linde on drums.  They have all played jazz, blues, funk R and B and other eclectic music in various bands in the Twin Cities for several years, including the Slim Hippos, the Skatet, the Naked Roys,the Bluegills, the Kevin Daley Trio and more.

The Thirsty River is a folk | bluegrass | Americana band from the Twin Cities who have been quietly gaining a following playing bars, breweries, events and festivals all around the upper midwest over the past 10+ years (but who’s counting). Their third studio album, Junk Drawer, was released this year and has been featured on curated playlists such as GemsOnVHS monthly playlist and Spotify’s editorial “New Grass” playlist.    It is a collection of songs, much like the items in our junk drawer, that haven’t fit into any other projects but still serve a greater purpose.    This 5-piece encompasses intimate yet energetic performances with dynamic harmonies and inevitable onstage banter. The Thirsty River has an undeniable passion that is constantly pushing the limits of Americana music both you and your grandpa will enjoy.

Calling all queer cuties! It’s time for GRRRL SCOUT’S GRAND GAY OPENER! We’re back for yet another season of queer connections (friends/lovers – time will tell – and you decide).