Bob James live in Minneapolis

Experience Bob James live on September 3rd

Bob James is scheduled to perform at the Dakota in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 3, 2026. James is a highly influential American jazz keyboardist, composer, and arranger. His music is often categorized as smooth jazz, though it incorporates elements of post-bop, funk, and soul. He gained prominence in the 1970s with his work as a session musician and bandleader, notably with his band Rubayiat. James is known for compositions like “Nautilus” and “West Coast Cool,” frequently sampled in hip-hop music. He has released over 30 albums throughout his career and continues to tour and record.

The Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant occupies a significant place in Minneapolis’s cultural landscape. Originally founded in 1981 by Jim Pettersen, the venue has hosted numerous internationally recognized jazz artists since its inception. It relocated to its current location in the Mill District in 2006, designed specifically for optimal acoustics and intimate performances. The space features a main room seating approximately 330 people and a smaller downstairs room called the Basement which hosts more experimental or emerging artists.