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.

The Marcin Wasilewski piano trio has been going for thirty years and their chemistry shines on and off stage. Tonight they're preparing for two shows at Berlin in the North Loop of Minneapolis. Sean McPherson connected with Marcin Wasilewski, Slawomir Kurkiewicz and Michal Miskiewicz to find out about their staying power, the Polish jazz scene and their love of Prince.

Three Celebrated Twin Cities music groups perform at Celtic Junction on Sunday September 15. The three ore Danny Diamond and Brian Miller, the Wild Colonial Bhoys and the Mick Sterling and Cate Fierro Acoustic Quartet. The concert kicks off the new membership program at Celtic Junction. Phil Nusbaum sat down with some of the principals, including Brian Miller who spoke about the direction for his duet with Danny Diamond.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Dylan Hicks about 'Modern Flora,' the latest jazz-inspired project featuring his nonet Small Screens. Hicks and his ensemble will play a concert to celebrate the release of the new EP Sunday, September 8th at the Parkway Theater.

Percussionist Peter Kogan’ musical biography includes work with the Minnesota Orchestra, backing blues legends such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and teaching at the University of MN School of Music. All those experiences and others have played into the Jazz groups that he has led. Peter leads his quintet into Jazz Central Studios, Friday September 6 at 8pm. When Peter talked about his music with Phil Nusbaum, Peter first addressed his fondness for Cedar Walton’s playing.

It’s the local Twin Cities Bluegrass Festival that seems to mark Summer’s end. The 25th annual Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival will be held 1 to 7 pm at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, as ever on Labor Day. The free event presents 6 bluegrass bands in a relaxed atmosphere. Matt Johnson, co-producer of the event spoke with Phil Nusbaum about the Laughing Waters festival, and first addressed how performing bands are selected.