JAZZ @ DFP!
With the ongoing virus situation, we are postponing our events for the foreseeable future. Eventually we will make a determination when the series will resume. In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay tuned!
JAZZ@DFP is sponsered by Duluth Fine Pianos, the University of Minnesota Duluth and the support of its generous patrons. JAZZ@DFP is also a Sponsored Initiative of the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Communtiy. The art of Esther Piszczek is on display and for sale, refreshments are provided, and donations are graciously accepted! Proceeds go to the musicians!
Help support JAZZ@DFP! Send your check made out to:
Zeitgeist Arts (include JAZZ@DFP in the memo line)
222 E. Superior St
Duluth, MN, 55802
To the extent of the law, donations made to Zeitgeist Arts/Jazz@DFP are tax deductible. Proceeds will be used to offset the cost of engaging more fabulous guest musicians, and keeping monthly professional jazz performances alive in Downtown Duluth!
Zeitgeist is a nonprofit arts and community development organization, committed to growing and sustaining a community that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable; artistic and vibrant; environmentally conscious; and a place where every individual can thrive. Working in partnership across our region, Zeitgeist connects like-minded organizations and people to collaboratively create programs that make lasting change. JAZZ@DFP is one of these organizations!
JAZZ@DFP is sponsered by Duluth Fine Pianos, the University of Minnesota Duluth and the support of its generous patrons. JAZZ@DFP is also a Sponsored Initiative of the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Communtiy. The art of Esther Piszczek is on display and for sale, refreshments are provided, and donations are graciously accepted! Proceeds go to the musicians!
Help support JAZZ@DFP! Send your check made out to:
Zeitgeist Arts (include JAZZ@DFP in the memo line)
222 E. Superior St
Duluth, MN, 55802
To the extent of the law, donations made to Zeitgeist Arts/Jazz@DFP are tax deductible. Proceeds will be used to offset the cost of engaging more fabulous guest musicians, and keeping monthly professional jazz performances alive in Downtown Duluth!
Zeitgeist is a nonprofit arts and community development organization, committed to growing and sustaining a community that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable; artistic and vibrant; environmentally conscious; and a place where every individual can thrive. Working in partnership across our region, Zeitgeist connects like-minded organizations and people to collaboratively create programs that make lasting change. JAZZ@DFP is one of these organizations!

February 21st is the date of the next event, JAZZ@DFP, another evening of semi-casual, fully professional JAZZ! This time, joining pianist Ryan Frane and Joey Pettit on bass is C.J. Kocher on sax! Don't miss it, put it in your calendars, and STAY TUNED! Check out Ryan and C.J. on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLDvkYZ_7uo
Dr. Christopher J. Kocher is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at the University of South Dakota. He regularly plays with his own quartet, the Okoboji Jazzed Up Big Band, USD Faculty Jazz, and others. He has toured Japan three times, playing lead alto with the Billy Vaughn Orchestra (big band). He has also played with Frank Mantooth, Steve Wiest, Matt Wilson, Scotty Barnhart, Denis DiBlasio, Al Jarreau, Mercedes Ellington, the Temptations, the Les Brown Orchestra, and the Jimmy Dorsey Big Band. Kocher was featured on NPR playing the Adolphe Sax saxophones from the National Music Museum.
Dr. Christopher J. Kocher is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at the University of South Dakota. He regularly plays with his own quartet, the Okoboji Jazzed Up Big Band, USD Faculty Jazz, and others. He has toured Japan three times, playing lead alto with the Billy Vaughn Orchestra (big band). He has also played with Frank Mantooth, Steve Wiest, Matt Wilson, Scotty Barnhart, Denis DiBlasio, Al Jarreau, Mercedes Ellington, the Temptations, the Les Brown Orchestra, and the Jimmy Dorsey Big Band. Kocher was featured on NPR playing the Adolphe Sax saxophones from the National Music Museum.
We're On, regardless of weather! Friday, January 17th, 2020, from 6-8 pm, JAZZ@DFP returned! Sten Duginski on drums joined Ryan Frane on piano and Joey Pettit on bass for an evening of music! Thanks to all who have helped support JAZZ@DFP in 2019!
November 15th, Friday from 6-8 pm, JAZZ@DFP welcomed sax player, Rich Mowers for the last event of the year. Rich teaches music at Esko HS, and plays in the Big Time Jazz Orchestra among others. A good time was had by all!
JAZZ@DFP is sponsered by Duluth Fine Pianos, the University of Minnesota Duluth and the support of its generous patrons. JAZZ@DFP is also a Sponsored Initiative of the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Communtiy. The art of Esther Piszczek is on display and for sale, refreshments are provided, and donations are graciously accepted! Proceeds go to the musicians!
JAZZ@DFP is sponsered by Duluth Fine Pianos, the University of Minnesota Duluth and the support of its generous patrons. JAZZ@DFP is also a Sponsored Initiative of the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Communtiy. The art of Esther Piszczek is on display and for sale, refreshments are provided, and donations are graciously accepted! Proceeds go to the musicians!
October 18th, Friday! Jonathan Campbell on tenor sax joined JAZZ@DFP. With nearly twenty years of performance experience in a variety of genres Jonathan has received numerous accolades for jazz performance including two Down Beat awards and was a previous winner of the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Saxophone Competition. In 2017 he was the recipient of a Minnesota Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant which he used to collaborate with iconic jazz trumpet Clay Jenkins on an album of his original compositions. In addition to performance, Jonathan has been recognized for his unique approach to jazz composition and was the 2015 recipient of the Utah Arts Festival Jazz Commission.
JAZZ@DFP is sponsered by Duluth Fine Pianos, the University of Minnesota Duluth and the support of its generous patrons. The art of Esther Piszczek is on display and for sale, refreshments are provided, and donations are graciously accepted! Proceeds go to the musicians!
JAZZ@DFP is sponsered by Duluth Fine Pianos, the University of Minnesota Duluth and the support of its generous patrons. The art of Esther Piszczek is on display and for sale, refreshments are provided, and donations are graciously accepted! Proceeds go to the musicians!

Joining Ryan Frane- piano and Matt Mobley- bass for JAZZ@DFP on Friday, September 27th 6:00 - 8:00 pm Geoff Senn! Senn is a free-lance trumpet player, composer and educator in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. Here he leads the Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra and can be seen performing regularly with the Inatas Orchestra, the Cedar Avenue Big Band, the Explosion Big Band, Bluewater Kings, the Power of 10 and the Riverside All-Stars.
Geoff received his Master of Music in Instrumental Jazz Performance from the University of Miami, Florida and a Bachelor of Music from UMD. After finishing up his coursework in Miami, Geoff went to work for Princess Cruises performing around the world in their fleet orchestras. Since returning to Minnesota, Geoff has developed a highly active performing schedule. In addition to his performance ventures, Geoff has developed a substantial private studio with students of all ages, from beginner through adult. He has coached his students to make tremendous strides in all aspects of their trumpet and musical abilities.

No Live JAZZ@DFP for Friday August 30th. Taking a Labor Day Weekend break! BUT!!!! Look for the next JAZZ@DFP event on September 27th!
July 26th! JAZZ@DFP featured Guest Artist, Joe Mayo on tenor saxophone. Joe plays in several groups in the Twin Cities and around, including Big Shoe, The Skruffians, Blue Water Kings, Rock With You, Bella Diva, the Wolverines Big Band, Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Inatnas Orchestra, the Twin Cities Jazz Composers’ Workshop and the Explosion Big Band. Check out his playing!! Joe teaches sax at Anoka Ramsey Community College.
As usual, the music is from 6-8 pm, the doors are open at 5:00 pm, check out the Zentangle Art of Esther Piszczek, find the prime seats, enjoy some refreshments, and then enjoy the best jazz in the Twin Ports! Donations accepted!
July 26th! JAZZ@DFP featured Guest Artist, Joe Mayo on tenor saxophone. Joe plays in several groups in the Twin Cities and around, including Big Shoe, The Skruffians, Blue Water Kings, Rock With You, Bella Diva, the Wolverines Big Band, Twin Cities Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Inatnas Orchestra, the Twin Cities Jazz Composers’ Workshop and the Explosion Big Band. Check out his playing!! Joe teaches sax at Anoka Ramsey Community College.
As usual, the music is from 6-8 pm, the doors are open at 5:00 pm, check out the Zentangle Art of Esther Piszczek, find the prime seats, enjoy some refreshments, and then enjoy the best jazz in the Twin Ports! Donations accepted!

June 28th, JAZZ@DFP was back with special guest, SAM MILTICH on guitar, joined by Matt Mobley on bass, and the ubiquitous Ryan Frane on the Yamaha S5X Premier Grand Piano!
April 26th! JAZZ@DFP! This month joining Ryan Frane and Matt Mobley was Dr. Robert Kase on trumpet.Dr. Kase's extensive performing career includes appearances as soloist with professional, university and high-school ensembles across the nation, as well as with many symphony orchestras. He has performed on over 200 recording projects including four solos recordings and performed with many international performing artists such as Tony Bennett, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, Sammy Davis Jr., The Minnesota Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Mintzer, Wayne Newton and many others. Refreshments, including drinks, are available. 6:00-8:00 p.m.
March 29th and back by popular demand, Dave Schmalenberger on drums!
February 22nd, JAZZ@DFP! Still free and open to the public! This time Ryan Frane and Matt Mobley was joined by Dave Schmalenberger on drums!
January 25th, Ryan Frane, along with Matt Mobley on bass, and for the first time, Tim Stratioti on trombone joined us once again from 5:30-7:30 pm for the next exciting jazz adventure! JAZZ@DFP! continues in the new year! This time, it was a 4th Anniversary Special, as Ryan and his trio celebrated their return. Four years ago, they played at our old location for our Grand Opening! Once again, Esther provided the art, DFP provided the refreshments, and, well, you-know-who provided the musical vibes! Admission was STILL FREE!
December 21st! Live JAZZ@DFP to coincide with the DDAW! Sam Chandler set the mood, playing the Yamaha S5X with his own brand of Holiday joy, along with the Zentangle Art of Esther Piszczek.
Nov 30th, Frane and Mobley were joined by Sam Miltich on guitar for a stunning evening of great music. It was the first time that JAZZ@DFP! coincided with the DDAW.
November 2nd from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Ryan Frane, Matt Mobley and Randy Lee performed a fabulous evening of Jazz @ DFP. Thanks to everyone for helping us celebrate our grand re-opening!
Look for more Jazz Concerts once a month, performed in our new recital space and featuring the S5X Premier Yamaha Grand!
April 26th! JAZZ@DFP! This month joining Ryan Frane and Matt Mobley was Dr. Robert Kase on trumpet.Dr. Kase's extensive performing career includes appearances as soloist with professional, university and high-school ensembles across the nation, as well as with many symphony orchestras. He has performed on over 200 recording projects including four solos recordings and performed with many international performing artists such as Tony Bennett, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, Sammy Davis Jr., The Minnesota Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Mintzer, Wayne Newton and many others. Refreshments, including drinks, are available. 6:00-8:00 p.m.
March 29th and back by popular demand, Dave Schmalenberger on drums!
February 22nd, JAZZ@DFP! Still free and open to the public! This time Ryan Frane and Matt Mobley was joined by Dave Schmalenberger on drums!
January 25th, Ryan Frane, along with Matt Mobley on bass, and for the first time, Tim Stratioti on trombone joined us once again from 5:30-7:30 pm for the next exciting jazz adventure! JAZZ@DFP! continues in the new year! This time, it was a 4th Anniversary Special, as Ryan and his trio celebrated their return. Four years ago, they played at our old location for our Grand Opening! Once again, Esther provided the art, DFP provided the refreshments, and, well, you-know-who provided the musical vibes! Admission was STILL FREE!
December 21st! Live JAZZ@DFP to coincide with the DDAW! Sam Chandler set the mood, playing the Yamaha S5X with his own brand of Holiday joy, along with the Zentangle Art of Esther Piszczek.
Nov 30th, Frane and Mobley were joined by Sam Miltich on guitar for a stunning evening of great music. It was the first time that JAZZ@DFP! coincided with the DDAW.
November 2nd from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Ryan Frane, Matt Mobley and Randy Lee performed a fabulous evening of Jazz @ DFP. Thanks to everyone for helping us celebrate our grand re-opening!
Look for more Jazz Concerts once a month, performed in our new recital space and featuring the S5X Premier Yamaha Grand!