Performers delight the crowd at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.
The 27th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival takes place in St. Paul, showcasing a vibrant mix of jazz talent. With over 80 artists performing across 20 venues, the festival highlights accessible entertainment and community involvement. Featured acts include the Society of Chemists and Grammy-winning artists, all contributing to an unforgettable experience. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy this free festival, bringing their own chairs and blankets to celebrate jazz and community spirit.
St. Paul, Minnesota is hosting the 27th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival on June 20-21, 2025, showcasing a vibrant mix of jazz talent across the city. Recognized as one of the largest free civic jazz festivals in the upper Midwest, the event features over 80 artists performing at 20 venues, with a focus on providing accessible entertainment to the community.
Festival attendees can expect a variety of performances, many of which are free of charge. The festival has roots dating back to its inception as a single-day event in Minneapolis. Its growth has mirrored the popularity of jazz, with the current setup allowing for a broad range of styles and artists to take the stage.
On the festival’s opening day, the Jazz 88 Main Stage set the tone with a performance by the Society of Chemists, a dynamic quartet led by composer Stephanie Wieseler. This group features Jack Barrett on piano and keys, Charlie Bruber on stand-up and electric bass, and Ben Ehrlich on drums. They introduced a new song titled “Transactional Kindness,” set for release in early 2025, demonstrating their innovative approach within the classic jazz structure.
The Society of Chemists delivered an engaging set that included an intense opening saxophone solo in “The Foam on an Earl Gray Latte,” showcasing Wieseler’s versatility as she switched to flute for a more introspective third song. Another highlight of their performance was “Inquisitive Apathy,” featuring powerful bass and piano riffs. Despite the heat, the band managed a water break, illustrating their resilience while performing outdoors.
Dynamic transitions characterized their set, particularly in “Transparency,” a composition by Bruber that highlighted a lengthy drum solo. Wieseler’s interaction with the audience, where she encouraged the crowd to identify varied time signatures, added an interactive element to the performance.
Headlining the festival on June 20 are the Emmet Cohen Trio and the Four Freshmen, both revered acts in the jazz community. The following day, June 21, will feature Grammy Award-winning vocalist Catherine Russell and accomplished pianist Sean Mason. Other notable performances will include the Adi Yeshaya Jazz Orchestra featuring Jennifer Grimm and Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans.
Beyond these headliners, a community-oriented approach is evident in the inclusion of local performances and youth-focused events, enhancing the festival’s appeal to families. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music, although coolers are discouraged to preserve the festival’s congenial atmosphere.
While windy weather conditions were reported during the festival, the quality of sound remained excellent, allowing audience members to fully enjoy the diverse range of performances. The festival prioritizes community engagement, benefiting both local artists and food vendors, all while keeping the event free for attendees.
This year’s Twin Cities Jazz Festival aims to foster a love for music, emphasize community connection, and provide an unforgettable free experience for all jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With its extensive lineup and supportive atmosphere, the festival continues to be a highlight in the region’s cultural calendar.
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