Jitterbug in progress at a previous season’s 9 Nights of Music event. Photo by Michael Hartford via Creative Commons license

The summer outdoor concert season has officially begun in earnest: Music in Mears is now in full swing, and Ordway’s Summer Dance program just got underway.  The Twin Cities Jazz Festival will heat up Lowertown and downtown St. Paul throughout the weekend  – speaking of which, MinnPost’s arts columnist, Pamela Espeland, has the skinny on this year’s line-up, if you’re looking for a handy guide.

Next week, Minnesota History Center will kick off the 17th season of its popular 9 Nights of Music series, once again showcasing the global flavors of Minnesota’s music scene. The concerts begin July 1st with the evocative French-Latin fusion of Café Accordion Orchestra, and continue every Tuesday night through July and August. Each evening show will begin with an hour of dance instruction by Tapestry Folkdance Center, followed by a live concert performance on the grounds of the History Center. You’re invited to bring a blanket and picnic supper; admission to the History Center’s museum exhibits will also be free Tuesday nights from 5 to 8 p.m.

Given the multicultural theme, it’s no surprise the 2014 9 Nights of Music roster will be eclectic. This summer’s offerings include Somali folk music and hip hop; old-time Swedish dance tunes, Waila (“chicken scratch”) and Finnish jamboree; Scottish ceilidh; big band music by a 17-piece orchestra; jazz, rhythm and blues by the Rockin’ Rondo Jazz Quartet; Ukranian party tunes; and American folk by the Okee Dokee Brothers.

Find more information about the History Center’s 9 Nights of Music series online at www.mnhs.org/9nights.