Short Bio (<100 Words)
Dakota Andersen is a vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and educator based in Minneapolis. A newcomer to the Twin Cities, he is quickly becoming established in the jazz scene with performances at Jazz Central Studios, Aster Cafe, MetroNOME Brewery, Hook and Ladder, and Resource. Most recently, he recorded his debut album of 10 original jazz compositions entitled Switchgrass, which is set to be released on April 24, 2026. Past collaborations include Kurt Elling, Sinne Eeg, Darmon Meader, Laila Biali, Miguel Zenón, Myra Melford, Carl Allen, the One O’Clock Lab Band, and the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra.
Medium Bio (<300 Words)
Dakota Andersen is a vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and educator based in Minneapolis. A newcomer to the Twin Cities, he is quickly becoming established in the jazz scene with performances at Jazz Central Studios, Aster Cafe, MetroNOME Brewery, Hook and Ladder, and Resource. Most recently, he recorded his debut album of 10 original jazz compositions entitled Switchgrass, which is set to be released on April 24, 2026. Switchgrass encompasses a wide range of vocal jazz styles - funk, bebop, bossa nova, Tin Pan Alley era swing, modal jazz, jazz folk, etc. - and draws heavily on inspiration from nature.
Before his move to Minnesota, Dakota graduated from the University of North Texas with a master’s degree in vocal jazz studies. While at UNT, he directed one of four vocal jazz ensembles, taught classes on vocal jazz style, and maintained a small private studio of jazz voice majors. Additionally, he sang with the university’s first ever Latin jazz combo, as the featured vocalist with the Three O’Clock Lab Band, and with UNT’s premiere vocal jazz ensemble, Jazz Singers, for which he also served as assistant director. His work with the UNT Jazz Singers can be heard on both their 2023 album, I Carry Your Heart, and their 2025 album, Too Darn Hot!. Past collaborations include Kurt Elling, Sinne Eeg, Darmon Meader, Laila Biali, Miguel Zenón, Myra Melford, Carl Allen, the One O’Clock Lab Band, and the Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra. His original composition/arrangement for vocal jazz ensemble, “Turn That Frown Upside Down,” is now published and available for purchase on vocal jazz arranger Kerry Marsh’s website, www.kerrymarsh.com. Future arrangements for vocal jazz ensemble will also be made available on Marsh's website.
Dakota is originally from Fairfield, Iowa and earned his undergraduate degree in choral music education from the University of Northern Iowa.
Long Bio (<500 Words)
Dakota Andersen is a vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and educator based in Minneapolis. A newcomer to the Twin Cities, he is quickly becoming established in the jazz scene with performances at Jazz Central Studios, Aster Cafe, MetroNOME Brewery, Hook and Ladder, and Resource. Most recently, he recorded his debut album of 10 original jazz compositions entitled Switchgrass, which is set to be released on April 24, 2026. Switchgrass encompasses a wide range of vocal jazz styles (funk, bebop, bossa nova, Tin Pan Alley era swing, modal jazz, jazz folk, etc.) and draws heavily on inspiration from nature. Featuring a heavy-hitting lineup of local Twin Cities musicians - Ben Ehrlich, Dan Carpel, Stephanie Wieseler, Ethan Ostrow, Ernest Bisong, Jackson Peters, and Rachel Bearinger - this album is sure to captivate listeners through the ensemble's dynamic playing and Dakota's thoughtful compositions.
Before his move to Minnesota, Dakota graduated from the University of North Texas with a master’s degree in vocal jazz studies. While at UNT, he directed one of four vocal jazz ensembles, taught classes on vocal jazz style, and maintained a small private studio of jazz voice majors. Additionally, he sang with the university’s first ever Latin jazz combo, as the featured vocalist with the Three O’Clock Lab Band, and with UNT’s premiere vocal jazz ensemble, Jazz Singers, for which he also served as assistant director. His work with the UNT Jazz Singers can be heard on both their 2023 album, I Carry Your Heart, and their 2025 album, Too Darn Hot!. Dakota also performed frequently at local venues in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, such as the Balcony Club, the Kitchen Cafe, Steve’s Wine Bar, Hearsay Arlington, and Mercury Chophouse. Past collaborations include Kurt Elling, Sinne Eeg, Darmon Meader, Laila Biali, Miguel Zenón, Myra Melford, Carl Allen, the One O’Clock Lab Band, and the Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchestra. His original composition/arrangement for vocal jazz ensemble, “Turn That Frown Upside Down,” is now published and available for purchase on vocal jazz arranger Kerry Marsh’s website, www.kerrymarsh.com. Future arrangements for vocal jazz ensemble will also be made available on Marsh's website.
In addition to his work in vocal jazz, Andersen is an active choral singer in the Twin Cities. He is a contracted vocalist with the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers under the direction of Philip Brunelle as well as with the Minnesota Chorale under the direction of Kathy Saltzman Romey. In July of 2025, the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers toured England and performed at the Three Choirs Festival, Westminster Abbey, and Bath Abbey.
During the day, Dakota works as a Mentoring Program Associate for BestPrep, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides educational programs for students that focus on business, career, and financial literacy skills. He works primarily with BestPrep's two online mentoring programs, eMentors and Cloud Coach, which connect high school students with local business professionals. More information about BestPrep and its programs can be found at www.bestprep.org.
Dakota is originally from Fairfield, Iowa and earned his undergraduate degree in choral music education from the University of Northern Iowa.