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.

Shaun LaBelle Joins Patty Peterson in "The Playroom" to talk about his upcoming concert at the Capri Theater in Mpls, Minn July 13, and his new hit single "Feel The Breeze" with Patrice Rushen.

Omar Abdulkarim and Anthony Coleman II visited the Afternoon Cruise to discuss their July 16 show at the Dakota. As two of the most exciting trumpet players working in the Twin Cities they had a lot to say about what they're bringing to the stage. They also talked about the support and encouragement they both received from Roy Hargrove while studying, living and playing in New York City.

Leslie Vincent’s New CD is filled with unexpected new songs and reimagined old songs. The project is called About Last Night and Leslie will be singing her renditions at Crooner’s Supper Club in Fridley, Saturday July 22 at 7:30. When Leslie talked with Phil Nusbaum, she first addressed her original, Psychedelics With You.