The week's best Twin Cities jazz: Debbie Duncan at Dakota plus a New Orleans duo
By BRITT ROBSON
Skins and strings
Twin Cities musicians George Marich and Paul Metzger will play some duets at the Khyber this week. The variety of ways Marich can beat the skins on his drum kit and Metzger can strum the strings on a variety of instruments all but assures an entertaining evening of improvisation. (9 p.m. Thu., Khyber Pass, St. Paul; $5, khyberpasscafe.com)
Well versed
Collisions of poetry and jazz have become something of a tradition for the members of MILTD41 — including drummer Greg Schutte, Nathan Hanson on sax, trumpeter Steve Kenny and a pair of bassists, Chris Bates on arco and Will Jensen on electric. They swapped impressions with poets in 2014 and '16 and are set to do it again, with the poets yet to be announced. (7:30 p.m. Fri., Studio Z, St. Paul, $10, studiozstpaul.com)
Dynamic duo from New Orleans
Since settling in New Orleans in 2005, multithreat performer Aurora Nealand has flourished in a bevy of projects. A soprano saxophonist, vocalist and accordionist who plays traditional New Orleans jazz, rockabilly and avant-garde jazz, she has an easygoing flair and charisma. She heads north in a duo with Tom McDermott, a fluid and knowledgeable stride and boogie-woogie pianist. (7 p.m. Sun., Crooners, Fridley, $20-$45, croonersloungemn.com)
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BRITT ROBSON
Critics’ picks for entertainment in the week ahead.