21st annual tribute to Luther Vandross with live performances by Twin Cities vocalists and a full band.
The Dakota hosts Forever, For Always, For Love: Celebrating the Life & Music of Luther Vandross on Saturday, October 31, 2026. It's the 21st annual tribute to Vandross, who sold more than 40 million albums and won eight Grammy awards over a career that made him one of the biggest R&B and soul singers of his time. The night is built around his greatest hits, performed live by a lineup of Twin Cities vocalists and musicians.
On the singing side, Jay Bee, Ray Covington, LaMont Keten, Patricia Lacy, and Erica West share the lead. They're backed by a full band led by Tony Axtell on bass, Brian Ziemniak on keyboards, David Feily on guitar, Brian Kendrick on drums, and Daryl Boudreaux on percussion. There's also the possibility of special surprise guests joining in throughout the evening.
Because it's a tribute to a singer known for his range and phrasing, the focus stays on the vocals. The set pulls from Vandross's most recognized work, with the different singers taking turns on the hits. The full band keeps the sound live rather than relying on tracks, and the surprise guests add another layer to the mix.
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There are two showtimes to choose from: 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM, both on Saturday, October 31. The Dakota is at 1010 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.
