Free Jazz Shows in Minneapolis–St. Paul

Fri, Aug 28, 4:30 PM

Early Evening Jazz: Chris Bates Trio

Berlin / North Loop / Map

NO COVER 4:30pm Show Bassist Chris Bates opens the night at Berlin with his jazz trio. ⊹ Chris Bates is an accomplished bassist recognized for his remarkable contributions to the world of jazz. Bates is a key member of the Atlantis Quartet, where his dynamic and inventive bass lines contribute to the ensemble's distinctive sound. With a career spanning decades, he has become a sought-after collaborator, known for his deep understanding of the jazz idiom. Beyond his work with Atlantis Quartet, Bates has lent his talents to various musical projects, solidifying his reputation as a skilled, innovative bassist within the vibrant Twin Cities music scene and beyond. Minneapolis-based saxophonist Joe Hartnett is a graduate of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. After graduating, he spent over a decade performing a wide variety of musical styles in New York and California. Since returning to Minnesota, he has shared the stage with Phil Hey, Chris Bates, Dan Carpel, Miguel Hurtado, and other respected Twin Cities musicians. He is also a co-founder of North Star Ja

Sat, Aug 29, 4:30 PM

Early Evening Jazz: Joel Shapira Trio

Berlin / North Loop / Map

NO COVER 4:30pm Show Joel Shapira returns from Paris and brings this stellar contemporary jazz trio to Berlin, playing the likes of Monk, Miles, Shorter, and more. Band Members: Joel Shapira - Guitar Max Johnk - Bass Haralds Bondaris - Drums Coming Soon: Featured Aug 26 August 26, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 19:00 – 21:30 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Tomten & Friends August 26, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 19:00 – 21:30 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM $12 ADV / $15 DOS GET TICKETS 7:00pm Show Read more → August 26, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 19:00 – 21:30 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Aug 26 August 26, 2026 – August 27, 2026 10:00 PM 22:00 10:00 PM The Cherry Pit Open Jam August 26, 2026 – August 27, 2026 10:00 PM 22:00 10:00 PM NO COVER 10:00pm Open Jam Read more → August 26, 2026 – August 27, 2026 10:00 PM 22:00 10:00 PM Aug 27 August 27, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 19:00 – 21:30 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM A Container: JT Bates & Friends August 27, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 19:00 – 21:30 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM $18 ADV / $20 DOS GET TICKETS 7:00pm Show Read more → August 27, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 19:00 – 21:30 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Aug 27 August 27, 2026 10:

Mon, Aug 31, 8:00 PM

L.A.'s Monday Nights

Icehouse / Whittier / Map

7pm Door 8pm-11pm Showtime Full food and beverage available for this show. 18+ $10 Tickets (+taxes) Arthur “L.A.” Buckner is a performing musician, teaching artist, and producer from the Northside of Minneapolis. He holds a Master's degree in Percussion Performance from McNally Smith College of Music, and is an accomplished teaching artist in the Twin Cities. Currently, LA serves as co-host for the award winning PBS music education YouTube series “Sound Field”, and is a professor of Race & Identity at the University of Minnesota. In 2020, LA took iTunes by storm with the release of his project BiG HOMiE, which reached the #1 Jazz position within 24 hours of its release. LA was named 2024 Music Educator of the Year by the Minnesota Music Education Association. Get ready to experience a historic blend of jazz, Gospel, hip hop and avant-funk. Hitting the drums like they owe him money, LA is a flurry of arms and drumsticks whose compositions blur the line between Sunday church service and face melting jam sessions. His artistry is full of energy, excitement, and culture. What to expect: It’s a jazz and funk jam featuring a brand-new combo “The Homework House Band”. L.A. Buckner on drums, Omar Abdulkarim on Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Ethan Yeshaya on Bass, and Kevin Gamble on keyboards. The jam will include special guests sitting in on vocals, horns and other instruments. This is NOT an open mic! You GOTTA be great to sit in! There will also be activities/games for the audience to participate in. We are resetting the standard of greatness that this city is known for. Women, femmes, and

Fri, Sep 4, 4:30 PM

Early Evening Jazz: Dale Alexander

Berlin / North Loop / Map

NO COVER 4:30pm Show Photo by Andrea Canter Celebrated pianist Dale Alexander will perform two sets of solo piano tunes. Growing up in Minneapolis, Dale Alexander's first band was a trio with Prince and André Cymone. He recorded with Prince on the 94 East Street CD project right before Prince signed his solo contract. He then toured with Prince on the Sign ‘O the Times world tour as the drummer for Madhouse. Dale has performed and recorded with many musical legends, including George Benson, Everett Harp, Larry Graham, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Frank Morgan, Billy Eckstine, John Heard, Herb Ellis, Phil Upchurch, Eric Burdon (War), Buddy Miles (Jimi Hendrix), Edgar Winter, Jimmy Smith, Diane Reeves, Barbara Morrison, Glenn Frey (Eagles), Jimmy Buffett, Billy Taylor, the Temptations, Sheila E., Slash (Guns ‘n’ Roses), Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Robbie Kreiger (The Doors), Marilyn Manson, John Denver, Motown recording legend Wa Wah Watson. Alexander is currently a member of the jazz trio StableMates. Coming Soon: Featured Aug 26 August 26, 2026 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM 19:00 – 21:30 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Sat, Sep 5, 4:30 PM

Early Evening Jazz: Charlie Bruber / Jack Barrett

Berlin / North Loop / Map

NO COVER 4:30pm Show Charlie Bruber and Jack Barrett, longtime friends and collaborators, will perform two sets at Berlin. When they play their original compositions as a duo, you can hear a friendship distilled to its purest form. Jack Barrett has explored avenues of classical, progressive rock, metal, and jazz, all of which have left their permanent mark on his sound. Raised in the Twin Cities, Barrett studied in the northern wilderness of St. John's University, where he earned a degree in piano performance. There, he was drawn to the sounds of Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett as he delved into the sound and practice of jazz. Since then, his path has brought him to the sounds of modern players like Brad Mehldau and Tigran Hamasyan. Intense rhythms and rich harmonies dominate Barrett’s compositions, which are marked by concise, dynamic solos. Multi-instrumentalist Charlie Bruber has played on, engineered, and produced music by his friends PaviElle French, Kevin Gastonguay, Cole Pulice, Lynn Avery, Murphy Janssen, and Jack Barrett at his studio 8vB. Charlie is also a member of Society o

Sun, Sep 6, 5:00 PM

Joel Shapira’s Maggie’s Maison with Krin McMillen

Crooners Supper Club / Fridley / Map

No cover. Bar and table seating offered – NO RESERVATIONS. Joel Shapira : Guitar Krin McMillen : Vocals Guitarist Joel Shapira is an internationally acclaimed musician from the Twin Cities, currently residing and performing in Paris, France. He’s a leader and/or member of multiple top Twin Cities’ jazz ensembles, as well as a master of the demanding discipline of solo guitar. He performs regularly with world class musicians, has numerous recordings to his credit, and is now involved in several new jazz projects in Paris. Maggie’s Piano Lounge is a warm, relaxed and inviting space featuring a variety of talented musicians. No cover. Order all of your favorite Crooners drinks and dinner items, experience superb service, and enjoy the great music!

Mon, Sep 7, 8:00 PM

L.A.'s Monday Nights

Icehouse / Whittier / Map

7pm Door 8pm-11pm Showtime Full food and beverage available for this show. 18+ $10 Tickets (+taxes) Arthur “L.A.” Buckner is a performing musician, teaching artist, and producer from the Northside of Minneapolis. He holds a Master's degree in Percussion Performance from McNally Smith College of Music, and is an accomplished teaching artist in the Twin Cities. Currently, LA serves as co-host for the award winning PBS music education YouTube series “Sound Field”, and is a professor of Race & Identity at the University of Minnesota. In 2020, LA took iTunes by storm with the release of his project BiG HOMiE, which reached the #1 Jazz position within 24 hours of its release. LA was named 2024 Music Educator of the Year by the Minnesota Music Education Association. Get ready to experience a historic blend of jazz, Gospel, hip hop and avant-funk. Hitting the drums like they owe him money, LA is a flurry of arms and drumsticks whose compositions blur the line between Sunday church service and face melting jam sessions. His artistry is full of energy, excitement, and culture. What to expect: It’s a jazz and funk jam featuring a brand-new combo “The Homework House Band”. L.A. Buckner on drums, Omar Abdulkarim on Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Ethan Yeshaya on Bass, and Kevin Gamble on keyboards. The jam will include special guests sitting in on vocals, horns and other instruments. This is NOT an open mic! You GOTTA be great to sit in! There will also be activities/games for the audience to participate in. We are resetting the standard of greatness that this city is known for. Women, femmes, and

Thu, Sep 10, 7:00 PM

Changling Trio

Icehouse / Whittier / Map

Patio Show: 6pm Doors 7pm Showtime First Come First Serve Seating 18+ NO COVER Changling Trio is Ryan Freitas on Bass/Woodwinds, Kavyesh Kaviraj on Keyboards and Chresten Hyde on Drums. This new trio moves freely between jazz, R&B, hip-hop and pop, melding all their styles into a groove-forward sound.