Jazz88 KBEM Minneapolis St. Paul

Taiko Arts Midwest stages concerts that bring together international and Twin Cities Taiko drummers. The organization’s performing group, Enso Daiko, takes the stage at the Ordway theater, Sunday May 12 at 7pm. In a conversation with Jennifer Weir, executive director of Taiko Arts Midwest, related how Taiko is more than power and rhythm.

MPS Voices Associate Educator Jedediah Jones spoke with Laura Louis-Jacques, District Program Facilitator- Secondary Special Education, and Jesse Morgan, Department Head at MPS' Assistive Technology Center, about the Special Education Community Resource Fair taking place Thursday May 9th from 5-7:30 PM at the MPS Center for Adult Learning.

Minnesota’s Pavel Jany came of age musically during the Jazz-Rock Fusion era of the 1970s. His Group, World Jazz Collegium carries the banner of Fusion with a big show at Crooner’s Supper Club in Fridley, Thursday May 9 at 6:30pm. When Pavel talked to Phil Nusbaum about Jazz-Rock Fusion, Pavel reflected on his start in performing.

Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli is from an illustrious jazz family. His father was the legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and John grew up around jazz legends like Benny Goodman, Zoot Sims, Les Paul and Slam Stewart. Pizzarrelli discusses his recent album "Stage and Screen," his current trio, and his upcoming performances with JazzMn Orchestra and with his trio at the Dakota May 11th and 12th.

Ron Carter is THE bass player. He is the most recorded bass player in the history of jazz and he continues to deliver quality recording and performances as he prepares to celebrate his 87th birthday. Mr. Carter was nice enough to join Sean McPherson from the Afternoon Cruise on a short ZOOM to celebrate his birthday and talk about the many milestones in his sixty plus years as a professional bassist.

MPS Voices and Jazz88 host Olive Norvell recently connected over ZOOM with Kamasi Washington in anticipation of Washington's new album, Fearless Movement, and his upcoming show at the Fitzgerald Theater on May 11. They discussed his new record, his passion for music, his experience in scoring films and his feelings about pasta in general and spaghetti in particular.