Jazz88

Brian Wicklund grew up playing bluegrass, but is best known for the Barley Jacks, a group that combines bluegrass with other idioms. Brian’s daughter, Clara plays with Blue Hazard, which also combines bluegrass with other forms, but in a way very different than the Barley Jacks. The Barley Jacks share the stage with Blue Hazard at the Hook and Ladder in Minneapolis, 7PM next Saturday October 15. In a conversation with Phil Nusbaum, Brian addressed the musical niche of the Barley Jacks.

What's happening at Minneapolis Public Schools in the month of October? Plenty! Manny Hill talks with MPS Interim Superintendent Rochelle Cox about Latino Heritage Month, and Indigenous People's Day and how the district will be celebrating and honoring both. Also, what's the latest on Parent/Teacher Conferences, and the search for a Permanent Superintendent?

Manny Hill talks with Sara Eugene, Coordinator of Culinary and Wellness at Minneapolis Public Schools, about why it's important for all families of MPS students to apply for Education Benefits, even if they don't believe they qualify. Sara explains what Ed Benefits are, and some important dates coming up.

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.