In-demand drummer and bandleader LA Buckner swung by the Jazz88 studios to discuss his upcoming show at Indeed Brewing for the Art-A-Whirl festival, Whirlygig.

Chadwick 'Niles' Phillips stopped by the studio to discuss his involvement with ComMUSICation, a program founded in 2013 to provide high-quality afterschool music programs accessible to youth. The group is celebrating their 10th anniversary on Sunday May 21 at the Ordway in St. Paul.

Ambrose Akinmusire is getting ready for a two night stand at the Walker Art Center on May 19 and 20. He's been working on new music and figuring out how to balance his music work with his well-being. Listen for a conversation between Ambrose Akinmusire and Sean McPherson before attending the shows.

Geoff Jones’ bio includes singing in Sounds of Blackness, with several Penumbra Theater productions, and his was the voice of John Henry in a Walt Disney product. His singing repertoire spans decades of pop, and includes standards, soul and gospel, and others. Geoff is teaming up with guitarist John DellaSelva for an evening of great songs at Flying Dutchman Spirits in Eden Prairie, Saturday May 27 at 6PM. When Geoff spoke with Phil Nusbaum, Geoff addressed why he likes one of his most requested songs, Lovely Day.

A promising group of middle school girls came through the Jazz88 studios to premiere their new single "Be Positive" and discuss their upcoming performance at Viva City at South High. Thanks to Mr. B and Adrian Davis for bringing the students and thanks to Angel Williams, Shakira McMorris, Trinity Boyd, Kaleidra Stone, Arianna Harris, Kylie Lee and Vee Born Burnham for visiting us.

Mushroom expert Melany Kahn visits on the joys of mushroom foraging, especially with kids. She will present public events this Thursday and Friday around the Twin Cities area and show off her new children's book, "Mason Goes Mushrooming."

Edison High School Jazz Band directed by Lesley Earles teams with Funk band The Good The Bad and the Funky for a 7PM performance at Edison on Tuesday May 23. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Lesley told of what she’s getting across to the high school players during rehearsals.

Pete Whitman, the celebrated Minnesota-based saxophonist and composer swung by the Afternoon Cruise to discuss his upcoming show leading and conducting the South High Jazz Band on May 24. This podcast was edited by Autumn Haeg.

Vocalist Jireh Calo and Guitarist Daniel Volovets formed a musical partnership based on shared interests. The two combine musical genres in ways that are unexpected, but ring true. Jireh and Daniel will perform together for the first time May 17 at the Cedar in Minneapolis. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Daniel told how he and Jireh met.

The in-demand, Twin Cities based keyboard player Kavyesh Kaviraj came through the studios of Jazz88 to talk about the importance of working as a side person, his approach to leading bands and his upcoming show at the Dakota.