After studying at UW-Eau Claire and a stint in Chicago, Mike Wolter has firmly planted his flag in the Twin Cities jazz scene. This weekend he is celebrating the release of his band's debut album. The Early Planets release is called The Waits/In Between Music and alongside bassist Cody McKinney and drummer Cory Healey the crew has churned out a full length of Wolter originals. In the interview Wolter discussed how he arrived in the Twin Cities, what makes his relationship with the rest of the Early Planets so special and identifies some of his biggest guitar influences.

Joe Lovano connected with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 in anticipation of his performance at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival on Saturday June 22. Lovano and McPherson discussed Lovano's long running quartet, his legendary role in the Paul Motian Trio alongside Bill Frisell and Lovano's many great experiences in the Twin Cities including a show with the Woody Herman Orchestra back in the 1970s.

Since moving to the Twin Cities from the East Coast a handful of years ago, Abinnet Berhanu has become an essential part of the Twin Cities music scene. He's spent time supporting touring artists, playing countless jam sessions around the city and celebrating the music of Ethiopia with his group Andanet. This Saturday he brings an impressive group of players including Omar Abdulkarim and Joe Strachan to Elliot Park in Minneapolis for a 2pm Jazzclectic Concert. This outdoor series is family friendly and free of charge. Sean from Jazz88 caught up with Abinnet to find out about his musical endeavors in general and his plans for this concert in particular.

Celebrated vibraphonist and visionary Stefon Harris is making his way back to the Twin Cities for a headlining performance on the Jazz88 Mainstage at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. In anticipation of his set of Friday June 21 Harris was kind enough to connect with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 and discuss his career, his purpose and his background.

Erin Schwab learned how to personalize a song from Bette Midler and this weekend at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis she and an all-star band are exploring Bette Midler's songbook. Schwab also brought along James Scott from the Capri to talk about their Capital Campaign and the upcoming Legends season.

Drummer and composer Kevin Washington is bringing his group, Ra Spirit, to the stage of Icehouse for a performance on Friday night. Washington stopped by Jazz88 to discuss the gig and discussed his policy for curating a show and keeping his musicians and the audience engaged with the material.

Jazz88 and MPS Voices host Olive Norvell recently connected with the team from Keane Sense of Rhythm to get the update on their celebration of National Tap Dance Day at Como Park Pavilion on Saturday May 25.

Iconic producer and musician Don Was is bringing his new project, The Pan-Detroit Ensemble, to the Dakota for two shows on Tuesday May 21. Though much of Was's work nowadays is working as the head of Blue Note Records he recognizes the importance of getting out and playing the music. In the conversation he confesses that "there's nothing like it". Listen to Don Was's conversation with Sean McPherson as he reflects on his life in music.

Atlanta-based pianist Joe Alterman hopped on the phone recently to catch up with Sean McPherson from Jazz88 about his upcoming show at Crooner's. Alterman discussed how a love of bluegrass brought him to his career in jazz and discussed the humor he sometimes finds in a player's dynamic range.

Ron Carter is THE bass player. He is the most recorded bass player in the history of jazz and he continues to deliver quality recording and performances as he prepares to celebrate his 87th birthday. Mr. Carter was nice enough to join Sean McPherson from the Afternoon Cruise on a short ZOOM to celebrate his birthday and talk about the many milestones in his sixty plus years as a professional bassist.