Jazzed Up

“To some extent, we felt like the [jazz fest] had gotten a little too predictable and formatted, and that a new approach would bring it to a larger audience and give it new life,” says Patrick Courtemanche, a spokesman for the event. “This is more of a new event than just making a format change to the old jazz festival. The St. Paul Winter Music Festival was conceived as a way to bring an eclectic mix of music together in one event, with the unique setting of an outdoor tent in the heart of winter.”

The clear-span tent—which is without view-obstructing poles—will hold up to 500 spectators for each concert. Each day has its own theme, with Friday being rock, led by local, guitar-driven blues rockers White Iron Band and local jamband God Johnson. Saturday is an all-day salute to the blues, featuring longtime Southern R & B singer Terry Evans and the Detroit Women, an all-star collection of seven female vocalists. Sunday is jazz, led by former Miles Davis sideman Joey DeFrancesco, along with local jazz/funk saxophone standouts Ronny Loew and Dan Kusz. The Landmark Center and nearby Artists’ Quarter plan to feature additional performers on their stages.

“We’re pretty sure people are still going to be able to get their fill of jazz this way,” Courtemanche says. “Going with this new format, adding in the rock and blues . . . is truly an experiment, but we think that the quality of acts and the unique setting will be well-received.” Feb. 23–25. 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul, 612-343-5943, tcwinterfest.com