Best of
the Twin Cities
The Bad Plus' annual Christmastime residency at the Dakota is routinely one of the musical highlights of the holiday calendar. The globally loved NYC-based trio — featuring ubiquitous local drummer Dave King, pianist Ethan Iverson, and bassist Reid Anderson — brings its own unique twist to modern jazz, working well-known rock 'n' roll and pop covers into sets filled with adventurous originals, all to the delight of the intimate audience. In addition to their well-received recent records — Inevitable Western and their dynamic interpretation of Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring — the Bad Plus have also teamed up with saxophonist Joshua Redman to expand their pulsating sound. Their vibrant live performances are filled with studio gems from their 15-plus year career, as well as surprising, inventive covers (Nirvana, Blondie, Black Sabbath) from their deep record collections. Each year, the Bad Plus provide a welcome alternative to the saccharine Christmas songs that grow old fast, and give area music fans something to truly cherish around the holidays.