Lila Ammons Jazz Group with opening set by the Paul Harper Quartet

8:00pm Paul Harper Quartet

Paul Harper – Saxophones / woodwinds Phil Aaron – Piano Tom Lewis – Bass Nathan Norman – Drums

The Paul Harper Quartet plays jazz compositions written by many of the greats from jazz history (Chick Corea, Thelonius Monk, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, John Abercrombie, etc.) as well some original compositions from the band. The band focuses on compositions in a variety of different styles, harmonic conceptions, rhythmic feels. Regularly performing at a variety of venues around the Twin Cities the quartet’s members have developed a cohesive and inventive approach to improvisation that keeps both the band and the audience engaged and interested. The music is thoughtful, swinging, entertaining, and intellectually stimulating. You want to listen to this band.

9:30pm “Lila Ammons Jazz Group”

Lila Ammons – Vocals Ted Godbout – Piano Ted Olsen – Bass Jay Epstein – Drums

A native of Chicago, Lila has had many musical influences from family to a myriad of musicians and from the musical styles of Mozart to Monk. And she has inherited an illustrious legacy through the gifts of her grandfather and uncle: Albert Ammons (piano) and Gene Ammons (tenor sax).

Ammons was previously based in New York City where she attended graduate school at the Manhattan School of Music, and for 13 years performed opera, oratorio and recitals around the US and Europe. It was then that she began her international travels through music. In Ammons’s debut jazz recording, Nearness of You (2013) she is partnered with top musicians, including tenor saxophonist, Houston Person. Her newest album, Genealogy, was released August 2019 and includes a wide variety of exciting material and a very notable crew of musicians.