Rio Nido is a vocal jazz trio that explores and redefines the vocal jazz form with a distinctive blend of musicality, intellect & humor. The Minneapolis-based group’s debut LP, “I Like to Riff,” is considered by many to be a classic of the vocal jazz genre, featuring reinterpretations of the acrobatic vocal arrangements of such fabled musicians as The Boswell Sisters, The Cats and the Fiddle, and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross.

The group began in the late 1970s, when chanteuse Prudence Johnson joined forces with ace guitarists and singers Tim Sparks and Tom Lieberman. Each is an established artist in his or her own right, and together, their chemistry creates something entirely unique, idiosyncratic and beautiful.

Prudence Johnson, an in-demand singer and entertainer, is well-known to audiences of Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, and appeared in its’ eponymous feature film, as well as in Robert Redford’s A River Runs Through It. She has released over a dozen acclaimed recordings, and has collaborated as both performer and producer on numerous successful theatrical productions and revues.

Tim Sparks has developed a devoted international following as a guitarist, and a reputation as a singular talent and innovator of the instrument. He is known for his far-reaching musical explorations, including a solo guitar adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite; to music inspired by his roots in rural North Carolina; to five recordings of Klezmer reinterpretations for John Zorn’s vaunted label, Tzadik.

Tom Lieberman is known for his association with A Prairie Home Companion, where he worked variously as a guitarist, singer, actor, writer, and production assistant from 1976-86. His work behind the scenes on APHC started Tom on the road to a far-reaching 40-year career as an award-winning writer, composer and producer for radio, television, stage and screen.

Music 9-11pm

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