Live Events
Bessie Snow Presents: Appètit, a Burlesque Review
Join Bessie Snow and her cast of titillating burlesque performers for a night of unforgettable fun. Extravagant, delightful, and full of surprises, this is the only burlesque show of its kind in the Twin Cities!
Tease into your weekend early and indulge in a savory and sweet experience that guarantees to satiate your appetite!
Zacc Harris
Free admission, Reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
"Intricate heads and chops-busting unisons. ★★★★" - Bill Milkowski, Downbeat Magazine
"The compositions explore the kind of big-sky generous melodicism pioneered by artists such as [Pat] Metheny and Gary Burton...[Harris's] timing and articulation are beyond reproach and his imagination extensive." - Eddie Myer, Jazzwise Magazine
PJJ3 w/ Lily Alter
Free admission, reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Lily Alter is a jazz vocalist, pianist, and jazz composer/arranger from Oak Park, Illinois. She received her undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan in the spring of 2023. There, she was a member of Gold Company, played piano in the WMU Jazz Lab Band, and sang with the WMU Jazz Orchestra. She was awarded Downbeats in 2023 and 2024 for Outstanding Performance as an Undergraduate Vocal Jazz Soloist. She recently graduated from University of North Texas with her Master’s of Music degree, where she was a teaching fellow in the vocal jazz program, an alto in UNT Jazz Singers, and the vocalist for the 2023-24 One O’Clock Lab Band. Currently based near the Twin Cities, she maintains a vibrant studio of private voice and piano students, directs a community vocal ensemble, and performs at jazz venues throughout the Midwest.
Easy Speak Comedy Showcase
Free admission, reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Easy Speak is Volstead's monthly comedy showcase. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. All tickets come with an 8PM reservation.
Tommy Boynton
Tommy Boynton presents an evening of song cycles, bringing poetry to life through his original musical adaptations. The evening will feature works by Carl Sandburg, Sarah Teasdale, William Blake, and others, reimagined through a musically imaginative lens. Drawing from a wide range of genres, Boynton’s approach resists confining the power of words to any single style, instead creating a sound world that will resonate with fans of Joni Mitchell, José González, Bill Evans, Frank Ocean, and Robert Schumann.
Mill City Hot Club
Free admission, reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
The Mill City Hot Club was started by founding club member and guitarist Dean Harrington. The music is based on the tradition of gypsy jazz, pioneered in the 1920s by the Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt and French violinist Stephan Grappelli of the famous Quintet of the Hot Club of France.
Marvelous
Free admission, reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
The improvisational spirit of Marvelous travels through his piano, voice and guitar. Steeped in soul & blues, he conveys heartfelt messages that transcend time. He is inspired by the piano stylings of New Orleans, the rhythms of Russian dances and the written word of fairy tales. Moreover, Marvelous creates innovative stories of song in service to the heart.
Through his artistry, he skillfully merges these diverse elements into a seamless tapestry of sound. Further, Marvelous attends to each performance with presence, carrying a deep reverence for music history and sonic craftsmanship. He approaches each show with a communal spirit, with the intention of connecting with other humans.
Singles Bingo! (ages 30-50)
Free admission, reservations REQUIRED
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Tired of dating apps? Join us for a night of connection and laughter and let us take care of the ice breaker for you. Your host will guide you through this interactive twist on the classic game. Each bingo card is filled with icebreaker questions. Your mission? Mingle and connect by finding people who match the questions on your card. Only interested in meeting platonic friends? that's ok we also welcome people who only want to make new friends as well. Did we mention there are PRIZES? The first five people to get bingo will win a prize!
Body Heat!
Bessie Snow and Volstead's presents an evening of Hot Funk & Brazen Tease
for one clandestine evening. Body Heat sets the stage ablaze with scandalous rhythm and dazzling display. A live band of first-rate players will stir the room with funky grooves — horns wailing, drums snapping, bass bumping! Burlesque performers will highlight the night with a hot mama jamma flare. Velvet shadows, craft cocktails in hand, a crowd dressed to impress. You don’t just watch Body Heat — you feel it.
Come ready to turn up the heat.
Framework
Free admission, reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Chris Olson is a fine musician and educator, living in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. He hates referring to himself in the third person, so he's going to stop now
Tim Sparks
Free admission, reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Tim Sparks is a renowned Minnesota-based acoustic fingerstyle guitarist and composer known for his virtuosic, genre-bending technique that blends jazz, folk, country blues, and world music. A former National Fingerpicking Champion (1993), he is a staples of the Twin Cities music scene, known for intricate arrangements and diverse recordings, including Lost and Found (2024).
Blanche the Jazzy Jewess of South Minneapolis
Ticket reservations are for 7:00
Showtime: 7:30
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Backed by some of the Twin Cities’ finest musicians, Blanche leads an evening of live jazz infused with humor, personal storytelling, and spontaneous audience interaction. Throughout the night, song and story intertwine, exploring culture, identity, and the strange, beautiful contradictions of being human. You might laugh, you might learn something, and you might even find yourself part of the show—because at its core, this is performance as it was always meant to be: alive, communal, and just unpredictable enough to keep you leaning in.
Paul Harper
Paul Harper is a prominent Twin Cities-based saxophonist, flutist, and composer known for his extensive work in Minnesota's jazz scene. A long-time member of the Illicit Sextet, he leads the Paul Harper Quartet and has performed with various ensembles including Spirit Jazz and Roos & Harper.
Joan Hutton
Free admission, Reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Joan Hutton is a performer, composer and educator residing in Minneapolis and hailing from Toronto, Canada. Her diverse interests have taken her from jazz, free improv and funk to classical, chamber music and pit orchestras. Joan is a long time member of the Ancia Saxophone Quartet, with recordings out on the Naxos and Albany labels. She also performs frequently with her own jazz groups and has released two albums on Shifting Paradigm Records featuring her original compositions: “Take That Back” (2022) and “Splash” (2024).
Saxophonist Joan Hutton will perform a mix of original compositions and some favorite jazz standards with Tyler Lustek on piano, Dan Carpel on bass and Pete Hennig on drums.
Sophia Kickhofel
"We will be performing a collection of original compositions that are inspired by experiences from the past few years that are important in the development of my sense of self. While I was in college, I attempted to compose every day. This process slowly became therapeutic for me and now these compositions represent the state of my emotions during that season of my life. Half of the compositions we will play are diary entries that are titled the date in which they were composed. The other half of the songs are inspired by experiences that I had in nature that were shared with people in my life who I love. "
Special PRIDE Show:Voila! A Drag Cabaret
Step into an evening of glamour, wit, and vintage-inspired decadence at Voilà! A Drag Cabaret—an intimate drag experience set inside the speakeasy charm of Volstead’s in Uptown.
On April 8, the Lavender District gets a little more fabulous as this cabaret-style show brings you up close and personal with dazzling drag performances, sultry numbers, sharp comedy, and a bit of mischief along the way. Inspired by the spirit of classic cabaret and the intrigue of proper speakeasies, this is drag in its most intimate and electrifying form. Hosted by Lala Luzious, the evening features performances by Deja Love, Buttercream, Trè Da Marc, MUÑECA NOVA and Jol Principle.
With low lighting, handcrafted cocktails, and performers just feet away, Voilà! invites you into a world where elegance meets camp and every number feels like a secret shared among friends. Grab a cocktail, and prepare to be entertained.
Tarek Abedelqader Quartet
Free admission, reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Led by drummer Tarek Abdelqader, this brand new quartet features local stalwarts Kavyesh Kaviraj on piano, Ryan Freitas on saxophone, and Max Johnk on bass. Together, they bring a deeply grooving approach to timeless standards. Whether playing familiar tunes or digging into lesser-known gems, the quartet keeps things grounded, swinging, and full of personality.
Expect three ripping sets brought to life by friends old and new riding the current of a deep, infectious groove.
Tarek Abdelqader - Drums
Kavyesh Kaviraj - Piano
Ryan Freitas - Saxaphone
Max Johnk - Bass
Parisota Hot Club
Free admission, reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Parisota Trio is the alternate, electric version of the Parisota Hot Club featuring founding member, bandleader and guitarist Robb Henry. Long time compadre Matt Senjem rounds out the trio on string bass with jazz drummer extraordinaire, Jay Epstein, laying down the percussive color. Many selections from the French guitarist Django Reinhardt, original inspiration for Parisota Hot Club, are still performed alongside various jazz standards and vintage pop music of the 1960's. An occasional detour into the psychedelic hinterlands is notuncommon. Bluesy ballads, sonic surprises and inspired interplay are signature for this genre bending threesome with a sound they fondly refer to as "Django Hendrix".
Easy Speak Comedy Showcase
Free admission, reservations recommended
*Dinner and drinks available for purchase during the show*
Easy Speak is Volstead's monthly comedy showcase. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. All tickets come with an 8PM reservation.
Bryan Murray
Bryan Murray is an American saxophonist and composer known for his experimental and "proudly weird" approach to jazz. He is particularly recognized for his unique "Balto!" saxophone—an alto sax modified with a baritone sax mouthpiece and a plastic reed—which produces a distinctive, aggressive sound he describes as resembling a "strangled goose".
Paul Harper
Paul Harper is a prominent Twin Cities-based saxophonist, flutist, and composer known for his extensive work in Minnesota's jazz scene. A long-time member of the Illicit Sextet, he leads the Paul Harper Quartet and has performed with various ensembles including Spirit Jazz and Roos & Harper.
Caroline's Chaotic Crashout Comedy Golden Birthday Extravaganza!
Come join us for a night of comedy and celebrate one of our favorite staff members for her birthday!
Bridget Cushman
A Milwaukee native, Bridget Cushman is a vocalist/performer currently based out of Minneapolis. She leads multiple bands within the Twin Cities ranging from her own original funk/pop band, B n' the Spice Cabinet, to cover music that stretches hits from the 70's to now in the Minneapolis cover band EXPRESS. She continues to expand her presence in the Twin Cities area both musically and professionally, working with various groups and bands throughout Minneapolis. You can find influences such as Stevie Wonder, Sara Bareilles, and Lawrence within her original music, highlighting smooth vocal lines and relatable lyric material throughout her writing.
Leslie Vincent
Leslie Vincent is a prolific jazz vocalist and songwriter whose lyrical imagination, warm alto tone, and magnetic stage presence have made her a distinctive voice in the modern day jazz scene. Her award-winning songs explore modern-day questions while remaining deeply rooted in the jazz, swing, and blues traditions. DownBeat has described her as “as much a storyteller as she is a jazz singer,” and AmericanaUK praised her voice as “Amy Winehouse had she gone full-tilt jazz.” At press time, Vincent commands 45k followers on Instagram and 15k monthly listeners on Spotify.
Beyond the stage, Vincent is a committed arts advocate and collaborative artist. Her performances often embrace cross-genre interpretation and a sense of openness that invites audiences in, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and deeply personal.
Stable Mates
Stablemates is a local jazz trio comprised of Dale Alexander (piano), Gary Raynor (bass), and Jay Epstein (drums). specialize in jazz standards from the Great American Songbook and classic post-bop material.
Dale Alexander
Growing up in Minneapolis, Dale' first band was a trio with Prince and Andre Cymone. He recorded with Prince on the 94 East Street CD project right before Prince signed his solo contract. Subsequently Dale was touring with Prince on the Sign ‘O the Times World tour as the drummer for Madhouse (the opening act for the tour)
Paul Harper
Paul Harper is a prominent Twin Cities-based saxophonist, flutist, and composer known for his extensive work in Minnesota's jazz scene. A long-time member of the Illicit Sextet, he leads the Paul Harper Quartet and has performed with various ensembles including Spirit Jazz and Roos & Harper.
Twin Cities Flamenco
The Twin Cities Flamenco Collective is a dynamic group of Flamenco artists dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich art of flamenco in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Through performances, education, and community outreach, the collective brings the passion, rhythm, and soul of flamenco to diverse audiences and participants. Comprising skilled dancers and musicians, the members and their guests collaborate to create vibrant and authentic flamenco experiences. Their mission is to foster appreciation for this art and culture from Andalusia, Spain while building a supportive local community for flamenco artists and aficionados alike.
Kevin Gamble
Kevin Gamble is a Twin Cities-based pianist and composer known for leading the Kevin Gamble Quartet (KG4) and the Kevin Gamble Trio (KG3). His music is a high-energy blend of jazz fusion, gospel, funk, R&B, and soul.
Ethan Ostrow Trio
Ethan Ostrow is a Minneapolis-based pianist, composer, and singer. Ethan's original music ranges from soaring melodies over head-banging grooves, to powerful reflective ballads, drawing influence from Jazz, Rock, Funk and Folk.
Katia Cardenas
A luminous, multi-genre vocalist, and international touring artist based in St. Paul, MN, Katia Cardenas inspires audiences with her smooth, powerful voice and infectious, uplifting energy. Recognized for her impeccable range, and dynamic stylings, she has been performing since an early age. Katia has been most influenced by Ella Fitzgerald’s spirited jazz standards, Aretha Franklin’s high-powered R&B flavors and Astrid Giberto’s dulcet bossa tones.
Volstead's Presents: A Laugh and (maybe) Some Tears with Comrade Tripp
A special night with local comedian star, Comrade Tripp. Right now more than ever we need a night to laugh and perhaps a good cry. Comrade has a unique ability to marry the art of comedy with social commentary in a way that only a brilliant mind can.