As a grant-supported Cedar Commissions artist, Kashimana created a set of songs about becoming a mother. The songs are now on CD, called Phantom Cries. Kashimana performs these songs at a release event at the Cedar Cultural Center, Friday July 28 at 8PM. When Kashimana talked to Phil Nusbaum, she first addressed the creative freedom grant support afforded her.

Bruce Henry dates his music career back to the first time he got paid to make music in a nightclub, going back almost exactly fifty years. He'll be celebrating his breathtaking career at the Dakota on Saturday night. Check out the conversation between Bruce Henry and Sean McPherson

Brian Ziemniak of the BZ3 Organ Trio rolled through the Afternoon Cruise to talk about their upcoming show at Crooners and he brought along Julius Collins, one of the special guests that will be on the show at Crooners. Check out the full conversation here. This podcast was edited by Ben Ere'imul.

The vibraphonist Cecilia Smith connected with Jazz88 to discuss her latest album, "The Mary Lou Williams Resurgence Project Vol. 1". Smith has been on a campaign since the late '90s to shine a light on Mary Lou Williams legacy and her writing. Listen for insight on how Cecilia Smith goes about amplifying and advancing Mary Lou Williams' legacy.

Minneapolis Community Education is presenting it's annual Summer production, titled Bring It On The Musical, showing at Southwest High School through July 22. Jazz 88 summer interns RJ, Lorelei, and Cristian talk with actor Ari Sanford and Student Engagement Coordinator JoEllyn Jolstad about the cast, and how the show was put together.

Mack Avenue Recording artist and Minneapolis resident Steve Cole is getting ready for a headlining show at the Ames Center in Burnsville on Friday August 18. Steve was kind enough to visit the Afternoon Cruise and talk about his career, his connection to the Twin Cities and his path to becoming one of the big names in contemporary jazz.

Leslie Vincent visited the Jazz88 studios in anticipation of the release of her new album "About Last Night". In the conversation she talked about her love of jazz and her connection with the band that played on her new recording.

Like all Bossa Nova groups, Ticket to Brasil builds on the musical legacy of Antonio Carlos Jobim. But until now, the group has never celebrated Jobim’s great contributions. That ends this Sunday July 23 at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley, as Ticket to Brasil pays tribute to Jobim with a 6 PM performance focused on jobim. When Ticket to Brasil leader Pavel Jany talked to Phil Nusbaum, Pavel reflected on both his group, and Jobim.

Laila Biali is getting ready for a show at Crooner's on Saturday July 22. She was nice enough to connect with Sean from the Afternoon Cruise to talk about her new record, "Your Requests" as well as her collaborations with Sting, Kurt Elling and her embrace of her own musical strengths.

Eli Hoehn is the force driving the Minnesota Original Music Festival, which takes place in Saint Peter Wednesday July 19 through Sunday July 23. The event presents concerts of many kinds of original Minnesota music and also helps musicians connect. When Eli talked to Phil Nusbaum, Eli first addressed the main goal of the Minnesota Original Music Festival.