The Twin Cities Jazz Festival started as a small one­-day event in downtown Minneapolis 25 years ago, and has since grown into one of the largest free civic jazz festivals in the upper Midwest. The festival is located in and around Mears Park in the Lowertown neighborhood of  downtown Saint Paul. There are two outdoor stages at Mears Park as well as over 18 St. Paul venues have jazz programmed throughout the weekend. The Twin Cities Jazz Festival’s mission is to bring communities together to enjoy and appreciate the art form of jazz and inspire new generations of you ..read more

  Calling all jazz lovers! Get ready to celebrate the unifying power of music on International Jazz Day, happening this year on April 30th. But 2024 brings an exciting twist – the festivities are heading to the vibrant city of Tangier, Morocco! A Day Rooted in History International Jazz Day is the brainchild of legendary jazz pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. Established in 2011, it aims to highlight the unique role jazz plays in bringing people together across cultures and continents. Celebrated annually on April 30th, it's a day to appreciate the rich history and o ..read more

Hey there, jazz lovers! This page is here to provide a window into some of our performances. Here you'll find a selection of videos showcasing some of my favorite tunes that we frequently perform. The beauty of these samples is that they capture the raw energy and excitement of live performance. You get a feel for the different styles I explore, from the swinging, energetic grooves to the smooth, sophisticated ballads. It's a chance to witness the conversation that unfolds between musicians. You’ll find snippets with my band Court’s in Session as well as my collaboration with Minnesota Jazz Ch ..read more

  What do you think of when you hear the word "jazz"? For some, it might seem like strange, confusing music. You may have enjoyed jazz before without realizing it. The classic big band tunes your grandparents loved... Well – that’s Jazz. Those classic love songs, like “My Funny Valentine,” “Summertime,” and other songs by composers like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin are considered “jazz standards.” Jazz musicians have long embraced these songs as vehicles for improvisation and expression, reinterpreting them in endless variations across generations of musicians.   ..read more

This year, Jazz Appreciation Month’s theme is celebrating the legendary Duke Ellington. On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of his birth, a tribute is paid to one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. Duke Ellington's career spanned several decades in the jazz world from the Roaring Twenties through the Swing Era, the Big Band Era continuing until his passing in 1974. His exceptional compositions, unparalleled skills as a pianist, and visionary leadership as a bandleader revolutionized the genre and left an indelible mark on the history of music. Ellington's music, from ..read more

Spring has sprung, and with it comes a month dedicated to a truly American art form: Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM)! Every April, we celebrate the rich history, infectious rhythms, and captivating improvisations that define jazz music. But how did April become synonymous with jazz? Buckle up, because the story involves legendary birthdays, passionate advocates, and a national spotlight. From Local Love to National Recognition The roots of JAM can be traced back to 1980 in the heart of jazz itself - New Orleans. The Louisiana Jazz Federation established Jazz Awareness Month to show appreciatio ..read more

Courtney Burton recently appeared in MPR’s senior economics contributor Chris Farrell’s article: “How to Turn a Hobby into a Business”. With the tagline, “some people change plans after they retire; others make change itself their plan,” Courtney serves as an excellent example of the trend of the second-act entrepreneur. She wanted to leave her job on her own terms and timetable. Courtney embraced her passion for music and turned her side-hustle as a singer into a full-time career. This article is part of Navigating Change, a Next Avenue initiative made possible by the Richard M. Schulze Fam ..read more

Courtney Burton Music · Jazz 88 Interview with Brian Pierce and Craig Thrane - NYE 2023 with the Rat Pack Show The Rat Pack was what everybody called a bunch of show biz buddies who like to combine getting together for fun, with putting on a show. The core of the Rat Pack was Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Junior and Frank Sinatra. This New Years Eve 2023, Sidekick Theater collaborates with the Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra to recreate the Rat Pack style of show business. Phil Nusbaum got together with Brian Pierce of the Sidekick Theater and Craig Thrane of the Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra ..read more

MPR’s senior economics contributor Chris Farrell has long reported on the economics of second-act entrepreneurs. He interviewed Courtney Burton, who is running two businesses in her encore, and joined MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer to talk about what he learned. Among the more striking economic and social trends in the past several decades is the rise of the second-act entrepreneur. The catchphrase captures older adults who retire from their primary career later in life and start a new business in their next chapter. People who are 55-64 years old account for about a quarter of new entrepreneurs ..read more

In this interview, Phil Nusbaum for KBEM Jazz 88 radio speaks with Courtney Burton about the holiday songs she performs with the Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra. Courtney talks about the joy of performing music that brings families together during the holiday season. She shares her love for the song "Sleigh Ride" and how it evokes a sense of nostalgia and innocence about the holiday season. She also discusses the hidden musical greatness of the song and its bridge. Courtney talks about the new spins on old favorites that the Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra is doing. Preview the holiday show ..read more