Canadh Croí is a Twin Cities group that combines African and Celtic music traditions, and has recently created a CD. The CD release event takes place Friday January 16 at 7:30 pm, at Celtic Junction is Saint Paul. By the way, Canadh Croí is the capitol of Guinea, from which two group members hail, and in the Irish tradition, Canadh Croí means, roughly, “singing of the heart.” When the convener of the group, Sean Egan talked to Phil Nusbaum about this fusion music, Sean first addressed how he got the idea that Celtic and African musical concepts could be combined.

Note: Canadh Croi = CONNA cree

Steve Clarke celebrates his birthday with a performance by the Steve Clarke Quartet, 7pm Sunday night January 18 at Crooners. When Steve got together with Phil Nusbaum, Steve talked about the special theme of this performance.

Paul Barry, Twin Cities Blues Harp Player Combines blues band influences from Chicago and West Coast in live shows by the Ace Tones. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Paul expressed his gratefulness to the past blues masters who set him in the right direction.

Twin Cities resident Adi Yeshaya is internationally known as an arranger, composer and orchestrator. His latest thing is a collaboration with vocalist Jennifer Grimm. Jennifer sings with Adi’s Yeshaya’s Jazz orchestra Sunday, January 11 at Crooners, at 7pm. When Phil Nusbaum showed up at a Jennifer and Adi rehearsal, Adi was tinkering with a piano intro to Alfie.

Maud Hixson, the celebrated Twin Cities song stylist has a new recording. It’s called When Winter Comes. On the recording, Maud presents a dozen great but mostly unappreciated songs. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Maud said she’s been thinking about When Winter Comes for decades. The CD has an underlying theme of getting through a Minnesota winter. As for Maud, her ability to get through varies from time to time.

Fred Keller, singer, mandolinist and songwriter has created a CD and book, each called Drifting Down the Kettle River, which happens to flow by Fred’s home in northern Minnesota. These projects illuminate Minnesota history and lifestyles over time. Fred’s trio is called The Skally Line, and after a rehearsal, band members talked about Drifting Down the Kettle with Phil Nusbaum. When they got together, Fred addressed why he composes songs about Minnesota history.

The Minnesota Boychoir performs a holiday oriented concert this Friday at Crooners Lounge in Fridley. The Minnesota Boychoir organization actually includes four choirs totaling about 150 boys. Of course, all the boys get vocal training, and through the experience, receive life lessons as well. When the group’s leader, Mark Johnson, talked with Phil Nusbaum, Mark first told of the tradition of boychoirs.

Three bands; Joey Ryan and the Inks, The Exchange and Consolation Champ, get together annually to present a benefit performance. Band proceeds are donated to Every Meal, a group that provides meals to local kids that might otherwise go hungry. Member of Consolation Champ, John Richards, talked with Phil Nusbaum about the show. As the December 23 show at Icehouse is the 20th benefit show by these three bands, it has become a tradition of its own.

Adam Bohanan combines Hanukkah with Funk at the Cedar Cultural Center, 7:30 till 10:30, Thursday December 18. Adam is receiving a lot of praise for creating a type of show that’s hardly been done, if at all. When Adam talked to Phil Nusbaum about a Funky Hanukkah, he talked about why he’s including the song, The Eight Days of Hanukkah.

Heyrarlo performs next Thursday from 7 till 10:30pm at Berlin in Minneapolis. Trumpeter DeCarlo and bassist Mickey from the group met with Phil Nusbaum to talk about the group. When the group formed, it played private events. Then, it got a residency in a club. Mickey said that was a turning point for Heyarlo.