Trumpeter Omar Abdulkarim, pianist Dale Alexander, bassist Dan Carpel, drummer Joe Mason III, and saxophonist Laeton Olaleye will perform an exciting two-set tribute to Cannonball and Nat Adderley: brothers who changed the world of jazz. This excellent Twin Cities–based band will embody the same soulful, innovative, and engaging spirit that the Adderley brothers brought to their performances.

Minneapolis native Omar Abdulkarim has been playing trumpet since he was 14 months old, having learned from his father, Ahmed Abdulkarim. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the renowned New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. He has performed around the world with various groups at the Haitian Jazz Festival; Marians Jazzroom in Bern, Switzerland; and the top clubs in New York, including the Blue Note, Smalls, and Birdland. He has performed and worked with Roy Hargrove, Redman, Method Man, KRS-One, Talib Kweli, Lauryn Hill, Nicholas Payton Television Studio Orchestra, José James, and Valery Ponomarev’s big band. His quintet held a year-long residency at New York’s prestigious Standard Hotel, playing 5 nights a week in the Boom Boom Room. He has also performed in an orchestra and jazz quartet on the largest cruise ship in the world: “The Oasis of the Seas.” He is currently leading his group in the Twin Cities area.

Growing up in Minneapolis, Dale Alexander started his very first band with Prince and André Cymone. He recorded with Prince on the 94 East Street CD project right before Prince signed his solo contract. He then toured with Prince on the Sign ‘O the Times world tour as the drummer for Madhouse. Dale has performed and recorded with many musical legends, including George Benson, Everett Harp, Larry Graham, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Frank Morgan, Billy Eckstine, John Heard, Herb Ellis, Phil Upchurch, Eric Burdon (War), Buddy Miles (Jimi Hendrix), Edgar Winter, Jimmy Smith, Diane Reeves, Barbara Morrison, Glenn Frey (Eagles), Jimmy Buffett, Billy Taylor, the Temptations, Sheila E., Slash (Guns ‘n’ Roses), Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Robbie Kreiger (The Doors), Marilyn Manson, John Denver, and Motown recording legend Wa Wah Watson. Alexander is currently a member of the jazz trio StableMates.

Dan Carpel attended Berklee College of Music, where he was in the school’s Monterey Quartet. He was a member of Jason Palmer’s band throughout his time in town, and was a mainstay in their residency at Wally’s Jazz Cafe. His time out east also notably included playing in groups led by Godwin Louis, Noah Preminger, and Melissa Aldana. Since relocating to the Twin Cities, Dan has regularly worked with Javi Santiago, Zacc Harris, and Omar Abdulkarim. He frequently performed with singer/guitarist Mary Cutrufello as well as Sonny Knight and the Lakers, and he recently became a part of Dylan Hicks’s Small Screens.

Joe Mason III, a 21-year-old musician and entrepreneur, is the founder of Afro gospel fusion band Gifted Handz. A student at Hamline University, he’s also the musical director at his church and the host of the Elevate & Meditate podcast. He is dedicated to empowering youth through music, wellness, and community building.

Saxophonist Laeton Olaleye is a rising talent in the Twin Cities jazz scene. Born and raised in Burnsville, Laeton is an intriguing young artist who has performed in venues including the Dakota Jazz Club, Crooners, Jazz Central Studios, MetroNOME Brewery, and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival with renowned Twin Cities artists such as Omar Abdulkarim, Tom Lewis, and Will Kjeer. He has also played in New York City, Chicago, and Louisville. He has received instruction from acclaimed jazz artists Kevin Washington, Scott Johnson, Jack Breen, and Kavyesh Kaviraj. Olaleye’s captivating style has been influenced by Patrick Bartley, Arthur Blythe, John Coltrane, and Cannonball Adderley, along with many other greats.