Each year, Jazz88 honors 4 individuals who have been pioneers of Minnesota's jazz scene. This year, the honorees are Art Katzman (trombone), Grant West (piano), Jay Epstein (drums), and award winning singer, the late Debbie Duncan. The live concert and conversation took place at the Minnesota History Center's 3M Theater on April 13th, 2025 and was curated and hosted by Patty Peterson. Minnesota Jazz Legends is supported by The MInnesota Arts And Cultural Heritage Fund, and produced by Jazz88.

JC Sanford, the organizer of the Northfield Jazz Festival, swung by the studios of Jazz88 to discuss the 2025 installment of the festival, which takes place July 11-13. The event is only its second year, but it's already tripled in size. Sanford and co will host events from Friday evening all the way to Sunday evening. Listen to find out more about the Northfield Jazz Fest and this year's headlining artists, Miguel Zenon and Luis Perdomo.

Joan Hutton from Take that Back was nice enough to visit the Jazz88 studios in anticipation of their upcoming performance at Taste of MN this weekend (Sunday July 6 at 5:45). Hutton was joined by Stephanie Wiesler, who is filling in on sax and flute for Sue Orfield. The duo discussed the upcoming gig, the joys and difficulties of subbing in and the fun of playing outside!

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with guitarist Ryan Picone about how he finds inspiration in the music of gypsy guitar legend Django Reinhardt. Picone shares some insider's knowledge about Django's life and music and  stories about his mentors, Howard Alden and Stephane Wrembel. Picone spoke from his apartment in Uptown Minneapolis, where he performed a couple of Django's compositions, including "Nuages" and "Rhythm Future."Ryan Picone's quartet plays the Jazz88 Jazzclectic Stage Sunday, July 6th at The Taste of Minnesota. Picone is putting together Django Fest, featuring several different Twin-Cities based jazz manouche ensembles on July 25th.

Toussaint Morrison is a journalist, an actor and a recording artist. This Friday, Toussaint is premiering five new music videos and a live set of all new music at the Green Room in Minneapolis. The event is in celebration of his forthcoming new album, Shapeshifter. Morrison took the time to visit with Sean from Jazz88 to discuss his love of jazz and share a couple of his personal favorites.

Pianist and composer Emmet Cohen will be back in the Twin Cities to play at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival on Friday, June 20 at 8:30 with his trio and the Four Freshmen. Cohen took a break this week to catch up with Sean McPherson and talk about his latest studio release and what he still keeps on reaching for in the world of music.

Marimbist Jenny Klukken and her quartet will perform a unique show for the Twin Cities Jazz Fest, Friday June 20th at 4:30PM on the PBS Stage. Jenny talks to Sam Keenan about being one of very few marimba players on the jazz scene.

Singer Jennifer Grimm joins the Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra to kick off performances on the Jazz88 Main Stage, 4PM June 20th. Jennifer talks to Sam Keenan about the joys of performing and recording with such a big group, and working with Adi Yeshaya.

Singer Katia Cardenas performs at the Twin Cities Jazz Fest on the Walker West at Night stage, Friday June 20th at 7pm. She talks to Sam Keenan about her music evolution and her work as a program director for Walker West Music Academy.

The Hannah Harder Quintet takes the stage at Metronome Brewery in Fingal's Cave Friday June 20th at 8PM as part of the Twin Cities Jazz Fest. Hannah talks to Sam Keenan about her first time playing her material at the fest and her music plans for the future.