Dakota

<p>What began as a weekly online musical collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into an international movement connecting artists through creativity, friendship and the universal language of music.

On Friday, July 17, 2026, St. Paul Peterson—member of Minneapolis’ legendary Peterson musical family, acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer and one of the enduring voices of the Minneapolis Sound—celebrates the sixth anniversary of Funk Friday with an unforgettable evening at the iconic Dakota in downtown Minneapolis.
</p><p>
Originally launched as a weekly online music series, Funk Friday brought together musicians from around the globe to perform original music, celebrate one another’s artistry and keep the spirit of collaboration alive during an unprecedented time. </p><p>What began as a creative outlet quickly evolved into an internationally recognized community of artists and fans, proving that great music has the power to unite people across continents.

Now, six years later, Funk Friday comes to the stage with one of its most exciting lineups to date.</p>
<h2>Quote</h2>
<p>“Funk Friday has always been about bringing people together through music. Six years later, those Friday collaborations have become lifelong friendships. It’s an honor to celebrate that journey with these incredible musicians and with everyone who has supported us along the way.” — St. Paul Peterson</p>
<h2>World-Class Guest Artists</h2>
<p>Robert “Sput” Searight – Grammy Award-winning drummer, co-founder of Ghost-Note and member of Snarky Puppy.
Roger Smith – Legendary Hammond B-3 organist and longtime keyboardist with Tower of Power.
Lenny Castro – One of the world's most recorded percussionists whose résumé includes Toto, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, Adele, U2, Phil Collins, the Rolling Stones, Stevie Nicks and many more.</p>
<h2>Featuring Special Guests</h2>
<p>Patty Peterson – Award-winning vocalist, broadcaster and one of Minnesota's most celebrated musical ambassadors.
Eric Leeds – Legendary saxophonist whose unmistakable sound became a defining voice of Prince's Paisley Park era.</p>
<h2>House Band</h2>
<p>Jason Peterson DeLaire – Saxophone, Keyboards &amp; Vocals
Joe Finger – Drums
Joe Elliott – Guitar
Tommy Barbarella – Keyboards (New Power Generation)</p>
<h2>Supporting Free Guitars 4 Kids</h2>
<p>This year's celebration proudly supports Free Guitars 4 Kids, a Minnesota nonprofit founded by Terry Esau that provides free guitars and musical opportunities to children throughout the community.</p>
<h2>Presented in Partnership with</h2>
<p>Jazz88 (KBEM 88.5 FM), the Twin Cities’ premier public jazz station and longtime champion of Minnesota musicians and live performance.</p>
<h2>Event Information</h2>
<p>Friday, July 17, 2026
7:00 PM
Dakota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tickets: <a href="https://www.dakotacooks.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">dakotacooks.com</a></p>

Local Event: St. Paul Peterson Celebrates Six Years of the International Funk Friday Music Series

Hennepin County

Minneapolis

Minnesota

St. Paul Peterson Celebrates Six Years of the...

What began as a weekly online musical collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into an international movement...

St. Paul Peterson Celebrates Six Years of the International Funk Friday Music Series

NOLO's Kitchen & Bar

<p><b>MINNEAPOLIS, MN</b> — Join <b>Twin Cities-based, 17-year-old pop-country singer-songwriter Clara Rose</b> as she celebrates the release of her debut album, <i>Heartbreak Radio</i>, with a special <b>Release Party</b> on <b>Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 p.m.</b> at <b>NOLO's Basement Bar</b> in Minneapolis.</p>
<p>A <b>fourth-generation Peterson Family musician</b>, Clara Rose has been performing since the age of three. Raised in Minnesota's renowned "First Family of Jazz," she has appeared on stages throughout the Twin Cities, including The Dakota, Crooners Supper Club, Hopkins Center for the Arts, St. Joan of Arc Cabaret, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and the Edina Art Fair, often performing with her Grandmother, radio host and award-winning vocalist, Patty Peterson. She has also built an engaged audience of more than 14,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares original music and connects with fans around the world. </p>
<p>Guests will enjoy an evening of live music, celebration, and the opportunity to experience the songs from <i>Heartbreak Radio</i>, an independent release that blends heartfelt storytelling with contemporary pop-country production. Framed as a fictional radio station, the album takes listeners on an emotional journey from heartbreak and uncertainty to healing, confidence, and self-discovery.</p>
<p>The album's lead singles, <b>"Heartbreak Radio"</b>
and <b>"Paper Thin,"</b> offer a preview of Clara's signature blend of country storytelling and modern pop production. The album concludes with <b>"More of Me,"</b> an empowering anthem celebrating resilience, self-love, and personal growth.</p>
<p>"My intention for this album was to create the feeling of a friend sitting next to you when you need it the most," says Clara Rose. "<i>Heartbreak Radio</i> is the station you turn on when you need someone who understands what you're going through."</p>
<p>The Album Release Party is open to fans, media, family, friends, and anyone looking to discover one of Minnesota's rising young artists. Guests will have the opportunity to celebrate the launch of <i>Heartbreak Radio</i>, meet Clara, and share in an unforgettable evening of music and community.</p>
<p>CD Releases on-line on Friday, July 17.</p>

Local Event: Celebrate the Release of Heartbreak Radio: Clara Rose Hosts Album Release Party July 18 

Celebrate the Release of Heartbreak Radio:...

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Join Twin Cities-based, 17-year-old pop-country singer-songwriter Clara Rose as she celebrates the release of...

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Posting Activity

St. Paul Peterson Celebrates Six Years of the International Funk Friday Music Series

JUL

17

7:00 PM

Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN

Celebrate the Release of Heartbreak Radio: Clara Rose Hosts Album Release Party July 18

JUL

18

6:00 PM

NOLO's Kitchen & Bar, 515 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN