Roots and Grooves

MUSIC

Maceo Parker

One of the last things you expect out of Maceo Parker
is a new wrinkle, and that’s OK: As the saxophonist for the Godfather
of Soul, he’s the man who blew the horn that popped the sweat out of
James Brown’s pores. He went on to play with two of Brown’s most
renowned heirs to the funk tradition, Parliament/Funkadelic and Prince.
New tricks aren’t normally a priority for an old-timer who still
slathers the fatback this well—even after turning sixty-five on
Valentine’s Day. But then Parker starts to croon on his new disc, Roots and Grooves,
and he turns out to be the best Ray Charles doppelganger since Brother
Ray shed this mortal coil four years ago. The ballad “Georgia,” the
sprightly “Hit The Road Jack,” and the funk workout “What’d I Say” are
all daringly faithful tributes that don’t embarrass Parker vocally. But
if you’re worried he’ll abandon that big tenor sax sound, a 17:48
version of “Pass The Peas” on Roots and Grooves will lay it to rest. Expect to hear both the voice and the horn at the Dakota. —Britt Robson

7 and 9:30 p.m., Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $50, $35.

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

There’s no denying the power of music— whether to protect and celebrate a culture, to decry an injustice, to heal a heart, or to soothe a crying child. Music has served us all well. But the Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have taken this to a whole new realm. Ravaged and exiled by civil war — having suffered both physical and emotional trauma — the All Stars have used their music, not just as a means of survival, but to share their stories, their struggles, and their strength. Join them tonight at the Guthrie for an energizing performance of traditional West African music, roots reggae, and rhythmic traditional folk. And be sure to check out this documentary about the band.

7:30 p.m., McGuire Proscenium Stage, Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis; 612-377-2224; $18-$20.

FILM
Minneapolis Jewish Film Festival

The Minneapolis Jewish Film Festival started a couple of days ago, and you have a week’s worth of films to choose from, so be sure to check the schedule. Tonight, I suggest you head to the Oak Street for two great films, one of which is even a Minnesota premiere. Frozen Days (Yamim Kfu’eem), directed by Danny Lerner, tells the story of young homeless woman who sets out to meet an internet chat room buddy, and ends up taking her identity. The Bubble (Ha Buah) tells the story of three hipsters sharing an apartment in Tel Avis and trying to change the world amid a stream of violence. You may be surprised by the hipness of these tales, and you’ll surely be shocked by the violence.

7 and 9 p.m., respectively, Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-331-3134.