Jazz88 KBEM Minneapolis St. Paul

Atlanta-based pianist Joe Alterman hopped on the phone recently to catch up with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 about his upcoming show at Crooner's. Alterman discussed how a love of bluegrass brought him to his career in jazz and discussed the humor he sometimes finds in a player's dynamic range.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon caught up with clarinetist Tony Balluff of the Southside Aces. Balluff talked about one of his musical heroes: New Orleans clarinetist Jimmy Noone. He also discussed the formation of the South Side Aces, the group he co-founded twenty years ago with tuba player Erik Jacobson (The Southside Aces will be featured in the next Jazz88 Jazzclectic Concert on Saturday April 18th). Finally, Tony laid out the details of the Jazz Age Rumpus, taking place at the Hook and Ladder on May 19th.

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.