MINNEAPOLIS — Prepare for a night of sonic exploration as the Willie Waldman Project takes the stage on Thursday, May 15, for a one-night-only performance blending jazz, funk, rock, and experimental improvisation. Held at one of Minneapolis’ premier live music venues, the show begins with doors at 6 p.m. and music at 8 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $20 advance / $27 day of
Joining Waldman are members of The Big Wu, The Here Afters, and Jason Dixon Line, setting the stage for an unforgettable jam-band collaboration. Full food and beverage service will be available, making this an evening of musical and culinary satisfaction.
From Tupac to Beale Street: The legend of Willie Waldman
Willie Waldman may not be a household name, but his horn has left its mark on some of music’s most iconic records—from studio sessions with Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg to improvisational gigs with Perry Farrell and members of the Grateful Dead.
Raised in Indiana and trained on Memphis’ historic Beale Street, Waldman studied under jazz greats Herman Green and Calvin Newborn, eventually co-founding Freeworld, a genre-bending group that toured with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King.
The L.A. years and hip-hop legacy
In 1994, Waldman relocated to Los Angeles, landing in the middle of hip-hop’s golden era. Thanks to engineer David Aron, he quickly became a studio staple, recording with Death Row artists like Nate Dogg and Kurupt, and contributing to soundtracks for Tombstone, Under Siege 2, and 101 Dalmatians.
He later joined forces with Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Farrell, collaborating on Farrell’s group Banyan, producing his 2000 debut Willie Waldman Project album, and working with musicians like Stephen Perkins, Daniel Shulman (Garbage), and Greg Kurstin.
A Minneapolis moment you won’t want to miss
For this Minneapolis stop, Waldman reunites with musical comrades for a night that promises high-level improvisation and a genre-defying setlist. From Latin-jazz melodies like “Spanish Nights” to Miles Davis–inspired arrangements like “Magic of Bear,” expect a sonic experience unlike anything else.
Whether you’re a jazz traditionalist, a jam-band fan, or just looking for a night of live music without limits, this is one show you’ll want to catch.
📍 Event info:
🗓️ Thursday, May 15
🕕 Doors at 6 p.m. | 🎶 Show at 8 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: [ticket link] — $20 advance / $27 day of