The Southwest High School of Minneapolis showcases its Jazz Big Band and Jazz Combos, Thursday June first at the school. The show features not only the Southwest High School jazz groups, but the local After Hours Big Band. The Southwest bands are directed by Reid Wixson, who had a chance to talk with Phil Nusbaum about his groups and Jazz Education. Jazz Education is more than learning to play, but involves learning the history of Jazz.

Brandon Commodore, the leader of the NRG project, stopped by the Afternoon Cruise to chat about his concert on May 26 at The Commons in downtown Minneapolis.

Celebrated producer and saxophonist Terrace Martin hopped onto a ZOOM with Sean from the Afternoon Cruise to discuss his upcoming run of shows at the Dakota. During the conversation Martin shared his deep knowledge of the Twin Cities music scene, including gracing the stage of Arnellia's in St. Paul and taking in a performance at JT's Jazz Implosion at the Turf Club.

Summer is approaching fast, and that means Minneapolis Public Schools' Summer Scholars Programs are as well. Jazz88's Manny Hill talks with MPS Community Ed Program Director William Baker about what families can expect with Summer Scholars in 2023, the available programs, and how families can sign up. Also, William shares some of the other exciting programs and opportunities happening on the Northside of Minneapolis this summer!

The celebrated mc and activist Lewiee Blaze visited the studios of Jazz88 to discuss his upcoming performance at Purple Day. This annual celebration of "The Purple One" aka Prince, brings together some of the best and brightest of the Twin Cities music scene for a great community event.

The celebrated harp player Brandee Younger is preparing for a visit to the Dakota for a headlining show on 5/23. She hopped on the phone with Sean from the Afternoon Cruise to discuss the show, her recent album and the influence of the harpist Dorothy Ashby on Younger's work.

Minnesota-based trumpet player Jake Baldwin swung through the studios of Jazz88 to discuss garnering a 4 star review for his latest Shifting Paradigm release in Downbeat Magazine!

Sherry Minnick Sings with Mikkel Beckmen’s Percussion Thursday Night at the 331 Club in Northeast Minneapolis

Byron Stripling, a nationally acclaimed trumpet player and conductor, swung by The Afternoon Cruise to discuss his upcoming season-opening show with the JazzMN Orchestra on May 23.

Sloane Martin, a broadcaster with the Minnesota Lynx, swung by the Jazz88 studio to talk about the upcoming season which gets started on May 19 with a home game against the Chicago Sky.