This week’s jazz picks for Minneapolis-St. Paul

Are you in your car or near a radio at 8:30 CST on Friday mornings? Tune to KBEM to hear me and Mr. Jones—Jazz 88 "Morning Show" host Ed Jones—talk about the week's jazz picks and more. 88.5 FM in the Twin Cities, streaming live on the Web. 

All weekend: The String Theory Music Festival

Orange Mighty Trio

The more free jazz/improvised music I hear, the more new music/contemporary classical music I like. They seem to occupy the same geographical area in my brain. The Southern Theater has been programming much of the exciting new music in the Twin Cities (thanks, Kate Nordstrum), and that continues this weekend with the sprawling String Theory Music Festival, with many events scheduled in several venues around the Twin Cities. The best place to learn more about the who/what/where/when is on the Southern’s website.

Of particular note, since this is a jazz blog: The Orange Mighty Trio will perform at the Artists’ Quarter tonight, followed by Felix. Orange Mighty is Zach Kline on violin, Mike Vasich on piano, and Nick Gaudette on bass, playing “maverick chamber music” heavy on improvisation, influenced by classical minimalism, American roots, and jazz. Felix is Michelle Kinney on cello, Eric Mayson on piano, Gary Waryan on tablas, and Chris Thomson on woodwinds and electronics. Go early and hear the Tanner Taylor Trio starting at 9.

Friday, 10:30 (Orange Mighty Trio) and 12 midnight (Felix), Artists’ Quarter ($5)

Friday: The NOWNet’s Last Dance at the Loring Theater

Wessell "Warmdaddy" Anderson by Tor Imsland

Trumpeter Marcus Printup (of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra) and saxophonist Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson (formerly of the Wynton Marsalis Quintet and JLCO) will join Jeremy Walker (piano), Chris Thomson (tenor sax), Jeff Brueske (bass), and JT Bates (drums) for a jazzy, nostalgic farewell to an era. Here’s more information and my interview with Jeremy and incoming artistic director Bryan Nichols.

Jazz trivia: Wondering where “Warmdaddy” got his nickname? Of course you are. Here’s what he said in an undated interview before a JLCO concert: "Our drummer, Herlin Riley, who I’ve played with for 16 years, gave it to me. I got it because I enjoyed interacting with people after the concerts, and Herlin commented how warm I was. I think if people love your music, you have to embrace them." Expect hugs all around after the NOWnet plays its final notes.

Friday, 8 p.m., Loring Theater ($12/$10 student/$25 VIP)

Saturday: Dean Magraw and Debbie Duncan at the Riverview Wine Bar

Guitarist Magraw and vocalist Duncan must have performed together at some point over the years; I just can’t remember when or where. But I have every confidence that these two fine musicians will surprise, delight, and elevate all of your sensibilities at the cozy, inviting Riverview Wine Bar.

Saturday, 8 p.m., Riverview Wine Bar ($15)

Sunday: Clint Hoover and friends at the Eagles Club

Hoover, our best-known chromatic harmonicist, is moving to Philadelphia soon. His going-away party starts in mid-afternoon and goes until whenever. Musicians, bring your axe. Hoover’s many musical ventures include the group East Side with guitarist Reynold Philipsek. In 2009, they released a sweet and swinging CD called East Side. Sample it here.

Sunday, 3 p.m., Eagles Club, 2507 E. 25th St., Minneapolis (no cover)

National acts at the Dakota this week:

·      Sunday and Monday: guitarist Lee Ritenour

·      Tuesday and Wednesday: trumpeter/singer/percussionist Arturo Sandoval

Check the live jazz calendar at the right or here for many more events.