Lift Every Voice And Sing Music

Rene Marie, Karrin Allyson Highlight Jazz in July at the Dakota

Two leaders of American vocal jazz, each with a recent acclaimed recording, come to the Dakota in July, headed up a jazz calendar that also features Cuban pianist Nachito Herrera, former Twin Citian/stellar vocalist Bruce Henry, contemporary legends Ronnie Laws and The Rippingtons, and the second annual “Dakota Street Fest.” Also on the music calendar---return visits from Brian McKnight and the Steeles. 

All That Jazz  Since he emigrated from Cuba nearly ten years ago, Nachito Herrera has burrowed his way into the hearts of Twin Cities’ jazz fans with his monster technique, bottomless energy, and infectious enthusiasm for his homeland and its eclectic rhythms. Even fans of trad and polka now tap their Sorrel boots to montuno and clavé. As a child prodigy, Nachito studied classical music in Havana with Cuban masters Rubén González, Jorge Gomez Labraña, and Frank Fernández.  He went on to serve as music director for several bands before leading Cubanismo! His travels to the US caught the eye of potential sponsors, including the Dakota’s Lowell Pickett, and with some wrangling with state department redtape, this amazing musician found himself in Minnesota. Over the past few years, Nachito’s nearly monthly performances at the Dakota have saluted the music of Earth, Wind and Fire and Duke Ellington, as well as the folk traditions of his homeland. He’s released three recordings (including two “Live at the Dakota” CDs), headlined at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, and toured coast to coast with the famed Afro-Cuban All-Stars led by Juan De Marcos. Every performance with Nachito is a party—bring your dancing shoes.