Riktika Ganguly, the Twin Cities composer and anthropologist, debuts a new folk opera this Friday and Saturday at Luminary Arts Center in Minneapolis. Titled The Mushroom That Swallowed the Moon Whole, the production explores both mobility and rootedness and features Indian music. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Ritika explained the inspiration for the new folk opera.

Pat Donohue’s Prairie All-Stars became a household name as the house band for the Prairie Home Companion radio show. Over the years, the group members have learned to anticipate each other’s musical moves, which helps them cruise through lots of interesting and compelling songs. When Pat got together with Phil Nusbaum, they talked about the group’s repertoire which includes both original and very well-known songs.

Trombonist Dave Graf has been a fixture in the Twin Cities jazz scene for decades but he spends most of his time behind the scenes. That changes on Sunday when he steps out on the Crooners Main Stage leading a band that includes Jennifer Grimm (voice), Phil Hey (drums), Doug Haining (sax), Mary Louise Knutson (piano) and Matt Peterson (bass). Graf took the time to connect with Jazz88 to discuss his lengthy career and his approach to presenting his own music. Dave even stuck around to play a little jazz trivia!

Vocalist extraordinaire Samara Joy is coming to the Ordway on Saturday September 14. During a break in her schedule Samara Joy connected with Sean McPherson to discuss her technique for picking songs, her quick rise to become one of the biggest names in the world of jazz and her love of ensemble singing.

Celebrated vocalist Ashley DuBose took some time out of her day to chat about her songs, her love of jazz and her upcoming performance at the Selby Ave JazzFest on Saturday, September 14 in Saint Paul.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon speaks with Brent Von Rensberg, co-founder of Zip Zap Circus of Cape Town, South Africa. They have put together a show for their new touring arm called 'Moya' which they are staging at the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis from September 12th through October 20th.

There are no names bigger in jazz than Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis. And for aspiring trumpet players it is essential learning to understand the careers and influences of these two icons. For Solomon Parham and Omar Abdulkarim the invitation to pay tribute to these icons at the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis gave them the opportunity to revisit two of the heroes they grew up studying. The duo visited Jazz88's Afternoon Cruise to talk about the show and Armstrong and Davis's oversized influence in the world of music.

Pianist and vocalist, Oleta Adams of "Get Here" fame talks with Jazz88's Patty Peterson about her farewell tour. She will be in Concert at the Dakota Sept 15th in Mpls. Oleta feels that this "good bye to friends" concert will be one of reminiscing and gratitude.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Bertrand Weber, Director of Culinary and Wellness Services at MPS. Weber gives a tour of Central Kitchen, where food is prepared and distributed to Minneapolis Public Schools. He talks about the changes that he initiated with the school system's culinary and wellness department when he came on board in 2012, and how he has reduced the amount of processed foods that the students are served in their meals.

September 14 is the day of Saint Paul’s annual Selby Avenue Jazz Fest. The event has always featured great local talent representing many forms of Jazz, and with a great vibe as well. Phil Nusbaum talked to 2 event organizers, Mychael Wright and David Bonko about selecting talent. Jamecia Bennett is a local singer who has taken off in popularity, so Phil first asked Mychal if that selection was a no brainer.