Ep. 95: A Guide to the Twin Cities Jazz Scene with Eli Awada of Room3

<p>Most musicians are told to “just get out there.”</p><p>But where do you actually go? Who do you talk to? Which jam sessions are welcoming? What makes someone want to book you? And how do you know if you’re ready to sit in?</p><p>This week, I’m joined by Eli Awada, keyboardist for the jazz-fusion band Room3 and a musician, booker, venue manager, and event organizer who has seen the Twin Cities scene from multiple sides.</p><p>Eli gives us a practical tour of the current Twin Cities jazz scene: the venues, the jam sessions, the players, the etiquette, and the opportunities. We also talk about why jazz-fusion seems to be having a real moment right now, how Room3 grew out of the University of Minnesota jazz program, and what Eli learned from creating his own house-show venue, working with Flavor World, booking shows, and building events that feel like more than just another bill.</p><p>This episode is for anyone who is curious about jazz but feels intimidated by the scene, and for any musician trying to understand how to find their people, create opportunities, and build a real reputation.</p><p>In this episode:</p><ul><li>Why jazz-fusion is connecting with younger Twin Cities audiences</li><li>Where to start if you’re curious about the local jazz scene</li><li>What musicians should know before sitting in at a jam</li><li>How Eli went from Walker West and the University of Minnesota to Room3</li><li>What bookers actually care about when deciding who gets shows</li><li>How to make live events feel more valuable, memorable, and worth showing up for</li></ul><p>If you’ve been waiting for permission to step into the scene, this episode gives you a map.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Episode Links and Mentions</strong></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://flavorworld.co/">Flavor World</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://walkerwest.org/">Walker West Music Academy</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://radiok.org/">Radio K</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://takeactionminnesota.org/twin-cities-united-performers/">Twin Cities United Performers</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.berlinmpls.com/">Berlin</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.marvelousmusic.org/shows">The Cherry Pit Open Jam</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.icehousempls.com/">Icehouse</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://oldtownne.com/">Whitey’s Old Town Saloon</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com/old-town-jam-keeps-jazz-tradition-alive-in-northeast-minneapolis/">Old Town Tuesday Night Jam</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.greenroommn.com/">Green Room</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://flavorworld.co/pages/press-and-events">Flavor Jam</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.indeedbrewing.com/">Indeed Brewing Company</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.dakotacooks.com/">Dakota</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.croonersmn.com/">Crooners Supper Club</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.jazzcentralstudios.org/">Jazz Central Studios</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.metronomebrewery.com/">Metronome Brewery</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com/">Twin Cities Jazz Festival</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://selbyavejazzfest.com/">Selby Avenue JazzFest</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://labuckner.com/">L.A. Buckner &amp; BiG HOMiE</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.heyarlo.com/">HEYARLO</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.jazzcentralstudios.org/event-details/gifted-handz-2">Gifted Handz</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://societyofchemists.bandcamp.com/">Society of Chemists</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://linktr.ee/dillydallyalley">Dilly Dally Alley</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ozone_creations/">Ozone Creations</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.rakim.com/">Rakim</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.slumvillage.com/">Slum Village</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.headhunterslive.com/">The Headhunters</a></p><p><strong>Connect with the Guest:</strong></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eli.awada/">Eli Awada IG</a></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://room3collective.com/">Room3</a></p><p>🔗 <a href="https