The Lead Sheet: Twin Cities Jazz This Weekend!

A compact version of The Lead Sheet this weekend as I am “on the road."  But I'll be back in time to catch a lot of good music— and add an update for the rest of the week!

Jazz Highlights This Weekend!

One of the real gems of Twin Cities culture has long been the experimental music company, Zeitgeist, now operating out of Studio Z in St Paul's Lowertown. Their annual New Music Cabaret is underway, running through Sunday afternoon, and featuring some of the best in experimental and new jazz ensembles. The Zeitgeist ensemble plays every day along with a showcase of musicians from McNally Smith;  Friday's line-up includes Ensemble 61 and the Orange Mighty Trio; Saturday night includes sets from the Bill Simenson Orchestra, Saltee and Gao Hong and Butterfly; Sunday afternoon features Duo Zeno and Carei Thomas. Visit the website for schedule.

Friday, November 16. Good catches— the Jana Nyberg Group at Hell's Kitchen;  Brad Bellows and Donald WashingtonQuartet at the Black Dog

Friday-Saturday, November 16-17. How Birds Work returns to the Artists Quarter —featuring Peter Schimke,, Dean Granros, Billy Peterson and Kenny Horst. These guys don't get together as often these days so it's always a treat.

Saturday, November 17. Typically at JazzMn Orchestra concert features a national artist, but recognizing our local talents have national stature, tonight's concert is asalute to New Orleans with songbird Charmin Michelle fronting the best big band in the Midwest. There's even a Mardi Gras party after the show, held at the Hopkins High School Performing Arts Center.  In Plymouth, Sidewalk Cafe performs in the St Barnabas “Jazz @St Barney's" series, bringing a lot of swing to the burbs.