Twin Cities music icon Wain McFarlane shares the Dakota Stage with his son and granddaughter next Wednesday. It’ll be at the Dakota in Minneapolis from 7 till 9:30. Wain is known as the Dreadlock Cowboy, and in a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, he told how that designation came to be. Then he talks about his musical son and granddaughter.

The first urban public elementary school observatory resides at Hall STEM Academy in Minneapolis! The Observatory launched in mid-November and it's brought plenty of excitment to the MPS community. Jazz88's Manny Hill talks with Hall STEM Coordinator Joel Halvorson about how the idea of the observatory came about, what it all contains, and the next steps to incorporate it into the curriculum for the students at Hall.

Take That Back is a group that plays the compositions of Joan Hutton and Sue Orfield, and plays Jazz Central Studios in Minneapolis, Saturday December 3 at 8PM. But to Joan and Sue, it’s really much more than their compositions. When Sue and Joan talked to Phil Nusbaum, Joan made clear how important are Ted Godbout on piano, Kameron Markworth on bass and Dave Schmalenberger on drums.

Jenny Klukken takes the marimba into unexpected musical places. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Jenny talked about her distinct musical path.

Charmin Michelle takes the stage at the Dunsmore Room at Crooner’s this Saturday November 26. Charmin will be paying tribute to Jazz legend, singer Billie Holliday. When Charmin sat down with Phil Nusbaum to talk about the show, Charmin told Phil that Billie Holliday has always meant a lot to her.

Charmin Michelle takes the stage at the Dunsmore Room at Crooner’s this Saturday November 26. Charmin will be paying tribute to Jazz legend, singer Billie Holliday. When Charmin sat down with Phil Nusbaum to talk about the show, Charmin told Phil that Billie Holliday has always meant a lot to her.

Monday is the night for the jazz series at the Icehouse in Minneapolis. On Monday November 21, it’s two groups that feature free improvisation. Phil Nusbaum spoke Michelle Kinney of Herbaceous and Alma Engebretson of Creatures of Prometheus. Both are composers. Phil asked Alma, first, how can you compose music that is free and improvised.

Is your child is new to Minneapolis Public Schools? Or are you just looking to enroll your child into a different school in the district next year? Shakur Ali of the MPS Enrollment department talks with Jazz88's Manny Hill about all the information you need to know to get started, and why February 7th will be an important date to remember.

Looking to help a family this holiday season? There's a great opportunity to do so with a really cool event happening at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis starting the weekend after Thanksgiving. Jazz88's Manny Hill talks with Roosevelt Senior Ivy Mills about her role with Operation Holiday Basket, and how the event originated. Ivy also has info on how you can help.

Graydon Peterson leads Thoughtcast into the Icehouse in Minneapolis to celebrate the group’s new CD. Jake Baldwin plays the trumpet, Ben Erlich is the drummer, Joe Strachan is the keyboardist and Graydon Peterson is the bassist. All ten compositions are Peterson’s When Graydon talked to Phil Nusbaum, Graydon addressed his inspiration for the pieces