Peter Solomon speaks with Duluth-based trombonist Thomas Woytko about JAM Duluth, a program of live performances scheduled at Duluth breweries and other locations through the month of April.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with pianist Aaron Diehl about his recent recording of Mary Lou Williams' "Zodiac Suite," the influence of pianist and composer John Lewis, and his upcoming performance of music by Lewis, Gunther Schuller and others with members of the Chamber Music Society of Minnesota Sunday, April 7th at Sundin Hall on the campus of Hamline University in St. Paul..

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Victor Cole, Director of Recruitment, Retention and Induction in the School of Urban Education at Metro State University, about a Graduate Programs Preview Day coming up April 13th.

The Mississippi Hot Club, the Red Hot Django Peppers and Gypsy Mania, three leading hot club jazz bands are getting together for a concert on April 6. The show is called Hot Club at the Hook, and the Hook is the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis. One of the event’s curators, Glen Helgeson of Gypsy Mania talked with Phil Nusbaum about the event. Glen first addressed the reason the show is important to the Jazz community.

March 28 is the 88th day of the year and Jazz88 is celebrating the piano! World Piano Day on Jazz88 is supported by Schmitt Music. Sean McPherson headed out to Schmitt Music today to learn a little bit more about the piano and it's staying power in the music world with Dr. Andy Fleser, the keyboard manager at Schmitt.

The trio Trigonal composed of Anthony Cox (Bass, Cello and Percussion), Davu Seru (Drums and Percussion) and Douglas R. Ewart (Winds, Percussion, Poetry and Invented Instruments) are preparing for a show on Saturday March 28 at the Cedar Cultural Center. For this event they will be joined by Sarah M. Greer on vocals. Sean McPherson from Jazz88 recently caught up Seru and Ewart from the group to discuss their history and their philosophy for creating music. During the interview you will also hear from Janis Ewart, a distinguished member of the music and radio community in the Twin Cities and a beloved former staff member at Jazz88.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with Brazilian guitar virtuoso Diego Figueiredo about his musical development and his recent album "My World," which featured guest appearances by clarinetist/saxophonist Ken Peplowski and trumpeter Nicholas Payton. Figueiredo is appearing at Crooners on Friday 3/29.

Sue Scott is an actor who has always been touched by women's stories. So she started a series of live performances that are recorded and then posted as podcast episodes that include original music, stories and conversation, called “The Island of Discarded Women.” It is staged every other month at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley. Yemi Love, originally from Nigeria and now residing in Minneapolis performs at the April 4 show, with doors open at 6:30 and the show set for 7:30. When Phil Nusbaum talked with both Sue Scott and Yemi Love, first Sue addressed why she asked Yemi to be part of the show.

Jazz88's Peter Solomon spoke with pianist Miki Yamanaka on "Shades of Rainbow," her new collaboration with tenor saxophonist Mark Turner. She discusses the influence of pianist Cedar Walton on her playing, the making of the new album, and the status of women in the contemporary Jazz scene.

Katia Cardenas is at the helm for Walker-West's "Women in Jazz Initiative". This Saturday the team is hosting a jazz workshop and jazz jam sessions with players like Mary Louise Knutson, Tasha Baron, BEth Varela and Sophia Kaufmann and more. Cardenas spoke about the importance of creating places to play and learn jazz that are focused around women.