Jenny Klukken is a marimbist, composer, recording artist and educator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since studying percussion performance at the University of Minnesota, Jenny has developed her career as a crossover marimbist, performing and writing music in styles including Jazz, Pop, Americana, Hip Hop, Brazilian, and more. In 2018, she received an MRAC Next Step […]

Abinnet Berhanu’s Ahndenet (Unity) pays respect to Ethiopian folk, fusion and pop music by exploring the rich instrumental and vocal across different regions of Ethiopia. Inspired by his culturally rich upbringing in everything Ethiopian history, music and politics, composer and drummer Abinnet Berhanu created Ahndenet as a modern take on Ethiopian ‘culture house’ music groups that represent […]

Dave Graf started playing trombone in the 4th grade and just kept going with it. One of the most versatile and in-demand trombonists in the Twin Cities, Dave has worked in a wide range of musical settings. His jazz resume includes performances with Slide Hampton, Herbie Lewis, Jack McDuff, Charli Persip and Superband, the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Orchestra, and […]

Here is sound from the heart embodying Wonder and Mystery – seeking to create hypnotrance that fires up imaginations.  This musical spirit – rooted in spontaneity – dazzles audiences with sincerity and playfulness. Steven’s transportive sound from the heart embodies Wonder and Mystery. He seeks to facilitate playfulness, healing, provoke compassion and warmly sink into […]

Brian Grivna began performing at age 12 as Young Artist clarinet soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra.  He added saxophone and flute the following year, and by age 15 was subbing for his teacher in commercial dance bands.  After receiving his BA in English Literature from Dartmouth College, he worked in jazz, commercial and theater music […]

Lila Ammons is a versatile singer with broad experience. Born in Chicago, she has forged a path in music that honors tradition and her own expressive impulses. Beginning her vocal career in opera houses and concert halls, she later turned to her roots. Ammons comes from strong pedigree which has influenced her musical instincts. Her […]

Steve Kenny is active in the Minnesota Jazz community as a Performer, Composer, and Curator. Steve is a founding member of ‘the illicit sextet’, “Group 47”, “What Would Monk Do?” and his own Quartets and Quintets. Steve was the curator of a weekly Saturday Jazz series at kj’s hideaway, and before that the Black Dog Cafe, […]