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Musical brunches for Easter Sunday

If you like live jazz with your Easter eggs Benedict, you don’t have many choices this year.

By Pamela Espeland

April 9, 2009

If you like live jazz with your Easter eggs Benedict, you don’t have many choices this year. As I checked websites and called around, I felt nostalgic (and not for the first time) for the Times Bar & Café, where Sunday brunch with the Wolverines was an institution. But here’s what I know. If you know more, please leave a comment below.

Kozy’s in the Galleria. This may be the only real jazz brunch of the bunch. The always enchanting Charmin Michelle will sing, supported by her frequent partner Denny Malmberg on the keys. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kozy’s Steaks & Seafood, 952-224-5866.

Tryg’s on West Lake Street. This airy and beautiful space was designed by Shea Inc., who also created the Dakota, Solera, Crave, the Chambers, and Harry’s. Look around, get comfortable, and enjoy the sounds of Davina and the Vagabonds, a rousing blend of blues, roots, and jazz. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tryg’s, 612-920-7777.

Dakota on Nicollet Mall. The downtown jazz club goes gospel for Easter, morning and night. The Gospel Brunch features the BKS Vine with vocalists Kathleen Johnson, Mocha Johnson and Rhonda Johnson. Chef Jack Reibel has cooked up a menu that includes fried chicken with waffles, which sounds strangely delicious. Later that day, the great guitarist John Scofield plays two sets with his Piety Street Band, fusing blues and gospel with modern jazz. Brunch: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Scofield: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ($24-$40). Dakota, 612-332-1010.

Famous Dave’s in Calhoun Square. This temple to BBQ hosts a blues brunch every Sunday. On Easter, hear the Kindred Glenn Ensemble. Famous Dave’s, Calhoun Square, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 612-822-9900.

Hell’s Kitchen on South 9th. The venerable breakfast joint took over the old Rossi’s space, where it now serves three meals a day and features live music. The Wolverines Trio has found a new home there, playing each Wednesday night from 8 to 11 p.m. Every Sunday is a gospel brunch. On Easter, hear SeVy from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by Angie Stewart from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Hell’s Kitchen, 612-332-4700.

Because it’s Easter, be smart and make a reservation.