Jazz Central Studios

We turn 15 this year!!! Lots to celebrate. But first… Jazz Central has survived and thrived as a 100% supporter-funded presenter of jazz in the Twin Cities! Thank YOU for donating & attending/live streaming concerts— that is what has made 15 years possible! We’ll see you downstairs! 😉😘

We have restocked all sizes of our 15 year anniversary tees. Get them while they're hot with a $30 donation to Jazz Central Studios! These shirts are comfortable!!

Sat 5/16, 8p - Michael Gold Quartet Bassist Michael Gold has performed with artists such as: Larry Coryell, Warne Marsh, Lee Konitz, Sheila Jordan, Tal Farlow, Michael Kanan, Bill McHenry, Dave Karr, Catherine Russel, Dave Graf, Patty Peterson, and many others. In this quartet he’ll be joined by pianist Dale Alexander whose credits include George Benson, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Billy Eckstine, Herb Ellis, Buddy Miles, Edgar Winter, Jimmy Smith, Diane Reeves, Billy Taylor and many others. Nathan Norman, the consummate drummer of nuance and feeling, rounds out the rhythm section. He’s performed with just about everyone of note including the late, great vocalist Debbie Duncan, Connie Evingson, Joyce Lyons, Thomasina Petrus, Charmin Michelle, Dennis Spears just to name a few. Long time Twin Cities saxophonist, Brad Holden, brings his unique voice on alto saxophone to give this quartet a highly original sound. He is deeply influenced by the improvisation of Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh. “I relish all of my playing experiences, particularly those with whom I’ve developed a long-term, close friendship and musical affinity.” This pretty much sums up what’s happening in this quartet.

Fri 5/15, 8p - SAXGPT Saxophone explosion!!!! Join Mac, Lee, Darrel, and Alex for an evening of nothing but saxophone Featuring: Lee Tran - soprano saxophone Darrel Materum - alto saxophone Alex Meffert - tenor saxophone Mac Wilms - baritone Saxophone

Sat 5/09, 8p - Paul Silbergleit Trio (Album Release Show!) Veteran guitarist Paul Silbergleit returns to Jazz Central Studios, this time with his regular Milwaukee-based trio, to celebrate their release of The Stillness of July on Calligram Records (Chicago)! Paul along with bassist Clay Schaub and drummer Devin Drobka deliver a cornucopia of original music along with innovative renditions of familiar and off-the-beaten path gems, all in their own swingin’, songful, and creative way.

Fri 5/08, 8p - ThoughtCast ThoughtCast is bassist and composer Graydon Peterson, trumpeter Jake Baldwin, pianist Joe Strachan and drummer Ben Ehrlich. Their sound is infectious, sophisticated grooves combined with lyrical, encircling melodies and spirited improvisation. The group formed in 2017 and has been performing in the Twin Cities and surrounding region ever since. ThoughtCast is recording their first full-length album in the spring 2022. Featuring: Graydon Peterson - bass Jake Baldwin - trumpet Joe Strachan - piano Ben Ehrlich - drums

Today at the Hook and Ladder!! *FREE* for all ages. 1p - Cedar Ave Big Band 3p - Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra. (Please take note of the address of today’s concerts..see you at the hook!)

Fri 4/24, 8p - Nancy Bierma Songs We Wrote and Didn't. Nancy grew up on a farm in Iowa and began playing piano at age 3. She has a degree in classical piano but realized that jazz was her passion. She and her husband, Jim, will play original songs and a few others written by their favorite composers. Her music is inspired by Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, and Pat Metheny. Nancy believes that a room filled with music uplifts the soul. “I love the creativity of the melodies and textures of jazz.”

Hey you! The Confluence Big Band is making its MN debut this Saturday at @jazzcentralstudios ! The show is from 8-9:30pm and will be live-streamed! Link in bio Come catch the best of the best that Confluence has to offer in a premium venue! It’ll be a good one! We are excited to see you there! @esmeolstadt 🎨

Sat 4/18, 8p - Ian Duerr Trio Ian Duerr is a St. Paul–based multi-instrumentalist and composer who performs on both piano and guitar. After earning a BFA in jazz guitar performance, he accidentally took a job on a cruise ship as a pianist, quickly developing his voice while performing night after night in a jazz trio for five years. He then relocated to New York City, where he spent over a decade as both a bandleader and sideman at many of the city’s premier venues. His piano playing and compositions reflect the influence of Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, rooted in tradition while remaining reactive, personal, and sometimes unorthodox. This performance at Jazz Central Studios will feature selections from both Monk and Powell, along with favorites from the Great American Songbook and a handful of Ian’s original compositions. He’s joined by Steve Pikal on bass and Mark Feinman on drums, both nationally in demand and widely respected for their feel and musicality. Having developed a natural chemistry through informal sessions, the trio brings a loose, swinging, and dynamic energy they’re excited to share.

Fri 4/17, 8p - JLJ Quintet The JLJ Quintet features trombonist Joseph L. Jefferson alongside leading Twin Cities musicians Pete Whitman (saxophone), Phil Aaron (piano), Dan Carpel (bass), and Reid Kennedy (drums). Blending jazz standards, Latin grooves, and modern compositions, the group delivers soulful swing, expressive improvisation, and dynamic interplay rooted in the jazz tradition while embracing a spirit of exploration. Featuring: Joseph L. Jefferson - trombone Pete Whitman - saxophone Phil Aaron - piano Dan Carpel - bass Reid Kennedy - drums

Sat 4/11, 8p - Will Kjeer: Solo Piano Will’s expansive and nuanced approach to creative music has earned him recognition from living legends of the jazz vanguard and contemporary pioneers alike. The great guitarist Russell Malone called Will “a pianist of exceptional heart”, and drum sorcerer Dave King was so impressed with Will’s intentionality that he offered to produce and perform on Will’s debut record, due for label release in 2025, and eventually even invited him to sub for Ben Monder in The Bad Plus - making him the only musician ever invited to sub with the band. Will has won numerous awards as a performer/composer, including being selected by American composing genius Billy Childs as a winner of Ravinia’s Bridges Composition Competition. He is also a winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition, the Angel City Jazz Festival Young Artist Competition, and 2nd place in the Jazz Fest Bonn International JazzBeet Competition. He is an alumni of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead and of the Steans Music Institute, and has performed for Herbie Hancock as a finalist for admission to the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute. He is currently a member of the BMI Composer’s Workshop in New York, and has performed his original music across America at venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall in Chicago, and Dizzy’s at Lincoln Center in New York City.