When snow muffles the outside world and face-freezing wind makes it tempting to remain under covers until spring, it's worth scraping the windshield or digging out the bike to experience the innovative music and camaraderie of winter music residencies.

Great residencies — where musicians typically play the same venue for an extended period of dates, joined by various collaborators — create space for artists to settle in and explore new territory in a way that feels more intimate than a one-off gig. 

Here’s a round-up of winter residencies around the Twin Cities:

The Bad Plus - Dec. 25-28 at Dakota

After 20+ years of practicing together, the members of this Minneapolis-based jazz quartet have honed their chemistry. They’ll groove and celebrate the end of 2022 for four nights in a row at Dakota Jazz Club.

More Info, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

The Cactus Blossoms - Mondays in January at Turf Club

This brother duo became residency royalty when they performed every week for 18 months at the Turf Club around 2012. They eventually scaled back to one month a year and always pull together an impressive crew of twangy Midwest musicians to join them. 

1/2 - with Lanue

1/9 - with Michael Gay

1/16 - with Molly Brandt

1/23 - with Pit Stop 

1/30 - with Pieta Brown

More Info, 1601 University Ave. W, St. Paul

Charlie Parr - Sundays in January at Turf Club

Parr’s January residencies, which began in 2016, create opportunities to see a musical legend who regularly sells out much larger venues. The Minnesota folk elder assembled an exciting mix of openers, from well-known names like Haley, to up-and-comers like Duluth-based, Emma Jeanne. 

1/1 - with Greta Ruth

1/8 - with Todd Albright

1/15 - with Haley

1/22 - with Mike Gangloff & Adam Kiesling

1/29 - with Emma Jeane

More Info, 1601 University Ave W, St Paul

Radio K SHORT CiRCUiT Residency - Mondays in January at 7th St. Entry

Attend Radio K’s residency as a sort of tour-de-hot-twin-cities-talent. Described as “a love letter to the local music scene and the people shaping it,” the month’s lineup is rich with artists stepping into the spotlight.

1/9 - Pit Stop, Gut Czech, Buffalo Galaxy

1/16 - Summer, The Culture, Ozone Creations

1/23 - Riotgrrrldarko, Devinci, Selah C

1/30 - Blu Bone, Destiny Spike, XINA

More Info, N 7th St., Minneapolis

Monday Night Jazz Curated by Martin Dosh - Mondays in January at Icehouse

Slightly under the radar yet extremely influential, Martin Dosh has been making indie music around Minneapolis for 20 years. His penchant for experimental layering of different sonic elements comes across in his choice of collaborators. Each night features a stacked lineup of six to 11 musicians. 

Jan. 2 - 1st Set: Andrew Broder, Charlie Parr, JT Bates + Jeremy Ylvisaker 2nd Set: Food Team + Dosh + Mark Erickson

Jan. 9 - Sets 1 & 2: The Larry Schaefer Memorial Orchestra = Bryan Nichols, Joey Van Phillips, Chris Tomson, John Keston, Umar Malik, Jeremy Ylvisaker, Jake Baldwin, Erik Fratzke, Peter Goggin, Dee Kesler + Dosh

Jan. 16 -  1st Set: Le Percheron = Adam Linz, Noah Ophoven-Baldwin, Levi Schwartzberg, Cory Healey, Bryan Murray 2nd Set: Le Percheron + Dosh

Jan. 30 -  1st Set: Sans Le Systeme = JG Everest, Truth Maze, Jacqueline Ultan, Dosh 2nd Set: Tasha Baron, Liz Draper, Dosh

More Info, 2528 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis

Yellow Ostrich Winter Shindig - Thursdays in January at Icehouse

Alex Schaaf, frontman of Yellow Ostrich and touring member of Tallest Man on Earth, made the unconventional choice to leave Brooklyn to pursue music in Minneapolis in 2010, which seemed to work out well. Yellow Ostrich will perform with a slew of newish bands, mostly composed of touring musicians who needed an outlet while stuck at home in the early years of the pandemic — like Trash Date, Brunette, or Lupin, the solo project of Hippocampus’ Jake Luppen. 

Jan. 12 - with Poolboy, Lamar

Jan. 19 - with Trash Date, Lupin 

Jan. 26 - Brunette 

More Info, 2528 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis

The High 48’s Residency - Saturdays in January and February at Aster Cafe

Formed in Northeast Minneapolis, this bluegrass band borrowed its name from railroad lingo, referencing a boxcar that could carry 40 soldiers or eight horses. The band itself fits five musicians, each with a different stringed instrument. Hear their blend of traditional and modern bluegrass tunes every Saturday through February at Aster Cafe. 

More Info, 125 SE Main St, Minneapolis

This feature is part of The Current’s 89 Days series, helping you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to events, entertainment, and recreation in the Twin Cities.