The First Annual Solidarity Harvest features local artists who met at the crossroads that became known as George Floyd Square. They congregated out of wanting to do something to respond to Floyd’s Murder. Violinist Raycurt Johnson was a catalyst getting music going. Then the Brass Solidarity Band, kept on playing, and other performers emerged. Raycurt Johnson told Phil Nusbaum about it.

Minneapolis sax man Steve Clarke has been a major musical figure for decades. His long time band is the Working Stiffs. Keys to his success are his family background, and loving providing what audiences want. When Phil Nusbaum spoke with Steve, Phil saw the title “Joan’s Jump,” and asked Steve about Joan.

The celebrated vocalist Kendra Morris, who is out on the road at the moment with labelmates Monophonics, hopped on a ZOOM to chat with Christian Fritz in advance of her upcoming show at the Fine Line.

Kelly Finnigan, the leader of Monophonics, connected via ZOOM with Christian Fritz in advance of the Monophonics show coming on October 3 at the Fine Line in Minneapolis.

The 2022 Twin Cities Iranian Culture Festival takes place this Friday through Sunday at Squirrel Haus in Minneapolis. It presents music and other aspects of Iranian culture. Jeremy Iggers is executive director of the Twin Cities Iranian Culture Collective, and he told Phil Nusbaum about the breadth of music at this weekend’s festival.

It’s both a bio about a pop music icon and a rock and roll concert. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story runs all October at the History Theatre, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2. Phil Nusbaum had a chance to talk to Nicholas Freeman, who plays Buddy Holly, and Gary Rue who serves as the show’s music director. First, Nicholas speaks as a singer of the appeal to him of Buddy Holly’s music.

The musical icon Jellybean Johnson swung through Jazz88 to talk blues, museums and the greatness of the Twin Cities music scene.

The Minnesota-based music icon Nachito Herrera hopped on the phone with Jazz88's Sean McPherson to discuss his upcoming performance at The Ordway. He'll be playing with a 7-piece band featuring the cream of the crop from the Cuban music scene. Enjoy the conversation about what concert-goers can expect from the show.

William Eddins, the accomplished pianist, conductor and the proprietor of Metronome Brewery was nice enough to take some time out of his schedule to talk about his gig this weekend. Mr. Eddins will be conducting both the Minnesota Orchestra and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for their performances at Orchestra Hall. In this conversation you'll learn about how William approaches the preparation for the shows as well as sharing with us the pure majesty of standing in front of two great orchestras.

Manny Hill talks with Franklin Middle School teacher and Founder of the Future Boys and Girls Program Michael Bratsch, AKA "Mr. B", about the origins of the program, and their latest project "We Can Do Better".