Lessons in Leaderlessness: Russell Ferrante of The Yellowjackets

Lessons in Leaderlessness: Russell Ferrante of The Yellowjackets

Russell Ferrante is a founding member of the legendary fusion band, the Yellowjackets. He spoke with Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon about his musical path, including an eye-opening first tour with blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon. He also discussed the collaboration with guitarist Robben Ford that led to forming the Yellowjackets, and the leaderless philosphy that has helped the band stay together for nearly five decades. The Yellowjackets will perform Friday June 19th on the AARP MN Main Stage at Mears Park as part of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.

Choro Borealis Brings Joyful Brazilian Music to Jazz88 and Twin Cities Jazz Festival

Choro Borealis is a Twin-Cities based Brazilian ensemble that performs a variety of musical styles from South America’s largest country, including choro, samba, forro, and original compositions that incorporate jazz influences. The term choro references a type of instrumental music that evolved in the late nineteenth century from the fusion of European dances like polkas, schottisches, and walzes, combined with the rhythms brought to Brazil by enslaved African-descended people. The musicians include Pat O’Keefe on clarinet, Tom O’Keefe on percussion, Robert Everest on 7-string guitar and vocals, John Croakian on flute, and David Burk aka “Dusty” on cavaquinho. Some of the band members have played together in Brazilian groups for forty years. They are all knowledgeable and passionate and have a lot to say about the African and European roots of the music they perform, and the ways they are incorporating new influences. The musical selections are “Noiches Carioca,” “Coisa Feita,” “Okoco,” Ta Ligado,” “Sarau Para Radames,” and “Brilhante.” Choro Borealis is performing at 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 20th on the 6th Steet stage at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.

The Melodies That Stay With You - Guitarist Zacc Harris

Twin Cities-based guitarist Zacc Harris speaks with Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon about his latest trio project "American Reckoning," the upcoming Zacc Harris group appearance at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, and his work in the Atlantis Quartet. You can catch Harris's set at the TCJF Saturday, June 20th at 4 PM at Mears Park.

TCJF Highlight: Michael Mayo with the JazzMN Orchestra

Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon speaks with Andrew Wallesch, the Artistic Director of the JazzMn Orchestra, about their Saturday, June 20th appearance with singer Michael Mayo at the 2026 Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Wallesch, a singer himself, discusses Mayo's unique gifts as a vocalist and improvisor. More information on that and other Twin Cities Jazz Festival performances can be found at www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com.

TCJF Highlight: Michael Mayo with the JazzMN Orchestra

Jazz88 Morning Host Peter Solomon speaks with Andrew Wallesch, the Artistic Director of the JazzMn Orchestra, about their Saturday, June 20th appearance with singer Michael Mayo at the 2026 Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Wallesch, a singer himself, discusses Mayo's unique gifts as a vocalist and improvisor. More information on that and other Twin Cities Jazz Festival performances can be found at www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com.