We’re at a rehearsal of violinist Gary Schulte and pianist Rick Carlson of the Hemingway project. Along with bassist Graydon Peterson, the group plows the fertile field of Paris Jazz between the two world wars. Author Ernest Hemingway was a Paris presence at the time. As we join the rehearsal, Rick is speaking from his seat at the keyboard. They’re getting ready for a show at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley, Thursday March 30 at 7PM.

While he was in Minneapolis Christian McBride was nice enough to connect with Sean from the Afternoon Cruise to discuss his upcoming performances in the Twin Cities, his love and support for all things jazz and his work on Jazz Night in America.

Acclaimed poet and educator Desdamona stopped by Jazz88 to discuss her work with TruArt Speaks and the upcoming relaunch of their acclaimed Re-Verb Open Mic series.

Guitarist John Penny Is in touch with many jazz styles, and he uses many as sources for his new compositions. Also, when John performs, he offers insights into the cultural backgrounds that helped shaped Jazz stylistic development in different places and eras. When John Penny talked to Phil Nusbaum, John was reflecting on his appreciation for varied Jazz styles.

The Mental Health Department at Minneapolis Public Schools is set to host the next Caregiver Institute, coming up Monday March 20 at Olson Middle School. Jazz88's Manny Hill talks with MPS Mental Health Support Specialist Annie Loch and two students from Olson Middle about how the Caregiver Institute will focus on helping children cultivate joy when coping with grief and loss. Yhe event is free to attend and you can sign up at bit.ly/3FNjAdN

Minneapolis Public Schools is hosting its 2nd Check It Out Chess Tournament, coming up on Saturday March 25 at Bancroft Elementary School! Jazz88's Manny Hill caught up with MPS Student Engagement Coordinator Jenny Delaney and MPS student Ian to talk about the upcoming chess tournament, and how these tournaments were formed.

Katia Cardenas Features Her New Songs 9:30 PM this Saturday Night at KJ’s Hideaway in Saint Paul. In a recent conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Katia addressed how recent changes in her life are reflected in her songwriting.

The celebrated saxophonist and composer James Brandon Lewis visited with Sean from the Afternoon Cruise to discuss the music and legacy of Ornette Coleman on Coleman's birthdate, March 9. Lewis's path in the music world is connected to Coleman not only by Coleman's musical legacy, but also by players like Charlie Haden and Jamaaladeen Tacuma, who have worked with Coleman and Lewis.

After a seven year absence from the stages of the Twin Cities, Pippi Ardennia and her partner Daniel Leahy are back to grace the Crooners MainStage on Sunday evening. They were nice enough to hop on a Zoom with Sean McPherson from the Afternoon Cruise to chat about their upcoming visit.

Jazz88's Manny Hill is joined by MPS Interim Superintendent Rochelle Cox to discuss the effects of the winter storm in late February on MPS, and the technology event during the same week that presented challenges for the district. Also, Supt. Cox shares info on the upcoming MPS Mental Health Caregiver Institute, and highlights the new "MPS Shines" initiative!