by Andrea Canter

In celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Midtown Exchange, the first Midtown Global Jazz Festival will be held at the Midtown Global Market (920 East Lake Street) in south Minneapolis on July 30. This free community event will include an outdoor main stage presenting top area talent, an indoor student stage, interactive demonstrations for the whole family, art vendors and food concessions. Activities begin at noon and continue until 8 p.m. 

The festival’s Main Stage will be located in the parking lot off Lake Street and Elliot Avenue on the west side of the Midtown Exchange building. The line-up (so far) includes:

Chris Lomheim Trio with Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey (noon). Frequently on the bandstand backing area vocalists like Christine Rosholt and visiting stars like Eric Alexander, Chris Lomheim is also an acclaimed bandleader, pianist and composer. He’s well known for his elegant tributes to muse Bill Evans and for this trio. Both bassist Gordy Johnson and drummer Phil Hey have been touring with vocalist Stacey Kent. Here at home, Gordy has thus far recorded five volumes of his “Trios” project; Phil leads his quartet nearly monthly at the Artists’ Quarter while keeping busy with a long list of local and national artists.

  Ticket to Brasil (2 p.m.). Led by guitarist Pavel Jany, Ticket to Brasil was featured in the 2010-2011 “Jazz from J to Z” season. The group performs bossa nova, samba and Brazilian jazz, and has opened for such artists as Karrin Allyson and Cibelle. In addition to Jany, Ticket to Brasil includes Lidia Berman (percussion, vocals), Rose Rinder (flute), Dan Weston (bass), and Josue Alfaro (drums, percussion).

  Doug Haining and the Twin Cities Seven with Charmin Michelle (4 p.m.). Saxophonist/clarinetist Doug Haining is a 30-year veteran of the local jazz band  the Wolverines and leads the Twin Cities Seven. Performing in the styles of jazz legends, the group members have a collective resume that covers numerous Broadway shows and performances with stars such as Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Johnny Mathis, and Benny Goodman. In addition to Haining, this septet includes Dave Graf (trombone), Steve Wright (trumpet), Kent Saunders (guitar), Rick Carlson (piano), Steve Pikal (bass), and Dick Bortolussi (drums).  They are joined by a frequent co-star, vocalist Charmin Michelle. Often heard in duos with Joel Shapira, Denny Malmberg and Rick Carlson, Michelle also performs with Twin Cities big bands such as the Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra, the Wolverines, and the JazzMN Orchestra.

  Patty Peterson and Friends (6 p.m.). Part of Minnesota’s “First Family of Music” and daughter of renowned pianist/vocalist Jeanne Arland Peterson, Patty has been involved in music since childhood and is now one of the most popular jazz and R&B artists in the area, as well as a veteran broadcaster. She has received seven Minnesota Music Awards and has released four recordings. Her “Friends” are among the most accomplished musicians in town.

Youth Stage

  The Youth Stage, sponsored by the TCJS, will be located inside the Midtown Global Market. Student band sets on the Youth Stage will start in-between the programs on the outdoor Main Stage. Bands scheduled to perform include: Public New Sense (quintet from St. Paul Central and the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts):  Respective Sounds Convergence Summit, fronted by bassist Sam Wildenauer; and Quentin Tschofen Quintet.

  FFI visit the festival’s website, <www.midtownglobaljazzfestival.org>, or contact festival director Lee Engele at < This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it >.