About this Event
A Classic Jazz Quintet interprets the music of Chuck Mangione
Jazz trumpeter Steve Kenny and The Steve Kenny Quintet present a powerful celebration of the music and legacy of Chuck Mangione in a special tribute honoring the recently departed jazz icon. Far more than a nostalgia show, this performance reimagines Mangione’s beloved catalog through the lens of fearless modern jazz improvisation and deep musical storytelling. From soaring melodies and cinematic grooves to the infectious spirit that made his music resonate across generations, the quintet will reveal why these compositions deserve a lasting place in the jazz canon alongside the great standards. Audiences will hear fresh, adventurous interpretations of Mangione classics — music that stretches far beyond the familiar radio hits into richly layered, emotionally charged, and creatively expansive territory. Expect vibrant interplay, inspired solos, unexpected turns, and the unmistakable joy and humanity that made Chuck Mangione’s music timeless. This is both a heartfelt tribute and a bold artistic exploration — honoring the spirit of a jazz legend while bringing his music thrillingly alive for today’s listeners.
Steve Kenny: Trumpet
Dave Brattain: Saxophones
Bryan Nichols: Keyboards
Dan Carpel: Bass
Miguel Hurtado: Drums
Jazz trumpeter, composer, and curator Steve Kenny has long been one of the driving creative forces in the Minnesota jazz community. A fearless improviser and visionary bandleader, Kenny is known for performances that balance deep respect for the jazz tradition with adventurous, modern artistic exploration. He is a founding member of acclaimed ensembles including the illicit sextet, Group 47, and What Would Monk Do?, while also leading his own celebrated quartets and quintets featuring many of the Twin Cities’ most sought-after jazz musicians.
Beyond the bandstand, Kenny has played a major role in shaping the regional jazz scene as curator of weekly Saturday jazz series at both kj’s hideaway and the historic Black Dog Cafe, producing more than 400 live Saturday night jazz performances and helping cultivate one of the Midwest’s most vibrant jazz communities. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to the music, the Jazz Journalists Association named him a “Minnesota Jazz Hero” in 2019.
As a recording artist, Kenny continues to push creative boundaries. His 2020 release Quartets on Shifting Paradigm Records showcased original compositions performed by four distinct ensembles of Twin Cities improvisers. In 2025, he followed with the acclaimed Blue Chunks, celebrated with a release performance at Dakota Jazz Club. The project explored Kenny’s innovative concept of assembling smaller musical “chunks” into larger suite-like forms, further cementing his reputation as a composer unafraid to challenge convention while remaining deeply rooted in the language of jazz.
The ensemble assembled for this special tribute to Chuck Mangione draws from the same elite core of first-call musicians Kenny has featured in multiple sold-out performances dedicated to the music of John Coltrane as well as concerts centered on Kenny’s own original works. That shared musical history gives this performance extraordinary depth, chemistry, and artistic trust.
Rather than simply recreating familiar radio hits, this concert reimagines Mangione’s beloved music through the lens of serious small-group jazz artistry — alive with daring improvisation, emotional nuance, and expansive musical conversation. The result promises to be both a heartfelt celebration of Mangione’s legacy and a thrilling exploration of how his compositions stand alongside the great modern jazz standards: timeless, sophisticated, joyful, and endlessly open to reinvention.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Main Stage Showroom, 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Minneapolis, United States
USD 37.89 to USD 49.05
