Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with pianist, vocalist, songwriter and composer Eliane Elias about her new album "Time and Again," coming out later this month on Candid Records. The recording features background vocals by Mark Kibble of Take 6, and guest appearances by legendary performers like Brazilian singer Djavan and jazz artists Mike Mainieri, Peter Erskine, and Bill Frisell. Elias is appearing at the Dakota for two performances on June 18th.

The Grammy winning bassist Ben Williams is in the Twin Cities to play the "Black to Life" event at Schneider Theater on Friday June 14. Before he even got his checked baggage from the carousel he hopped on the phone to talk with Sean McPherson about how he has added producer, vocalist and leader to his already impressive resume and how it all connects to the legacy of Black music and his hometown of Washington, DC.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Jonathan Taylor Rush, guest conductor with the Minnesota Orchestra, about the second annual Juneteenth program scheduled for Friday, June 14th at 8 PM. He discusses the wide ranging program, which includes compositions by William Grant Still, Margaret Bonds, and more recent works by Omar Thomas, Carlos Simon and hip hop writer/performer Wordsmith. (Attached image by Courtney Perry).

After studying at UW-Eau Claire and a stint in Chicago, Mike Wolter has firmly planted his flag in the Twin Cities jazz scene. This weekend he is celebrating the release of his band's debut album. The Early Planets release is called The Waits/In Between Music and alongside bassist Cody McKinney and drummer Cory Healey the crew has churned out a full length of Wolter originals. In the interview Wolter discussed how he arrived in the Twin Cities, what makes his relationship with the rest of the Early Planets so special and identifies some of his biggest guitar influences.

Behind the scenes of the Acme Jazz Company are the thoughtful big band arrangements of artistic director Bob Parsons. Bob has his own arranging style, and he is conversant in many of the other big band arrangers. Plus, as a player himself, Bob also listens to the ideas Acme Jazz company musicians might have. Bob got together with Phil Nusbaum to talk about arranging.

Joe Lovano connected with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 in anticipation of his performance at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival on Saturday June 22. Lovano and McPherson discussed Lovano's long running quartet, his legendary role in the Paul Motian Trio alongside Bill Frisell and Lovano's many great experiences in the Twin Cities including a show with the Woody Herman Orchestra back in the 1970s.

Mango Jam. It’s a Twin Cities band that formed in 1989, and has played in 46 states. And throw in a good deal of recording as well. Because of family obligations, Mango jam doesn’t play nearly as much as it once did. But Mango Jam still packs in people, still plays great and to the band, the music still seems fresh. A couple of guys from the band, Jason Bush and John Herchert got together with Phil Nusbaum to talk about Mango jam then and now.

Since moving to the Twin Cities from the East Coast a handful of years ago, Abinnet Berhanu has become an essential part of the Twin Cities music scene. He's spent time supporting touring artists, playing countless jam sessions around the city and celebrating the music of Ethiopia with his group Andanet. This Saturday he brings an impressive group of players including Omar Abdulkarim and Joe Strachan to Elliot Park in Minneapolis for a 2pm Jazzclectic Concert. This outdoor series is family friendly and free of charge. Sean from Jazz88 caught up with Abinnet to find out about his musical endeavors in general and his plans for this concert in particular.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with documentary photographer Walter Griffin and painter and designer Patrice Goodall Abbe about "Jazz 'n' More," an exhibit of photographs and paintings on display at Dow Art Gallery June 6th - June 29th. Dow Art Gallery will host an event celebrating the exhibit featuring the Walker West Jazz Ensemble on June 13th.

Celebrated vibraphonist and visionary Stefon Harris is making his way back to the Twin Cities for a headlining performance on the Jazz88 Mainstage at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. In anticipation of his set of Friday June 21 Harris was kind enough to connect with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 and discuss his career, his purpose and his background.