druscilla abernathy & the bks vine

the best kept secret is out! continuing in the tradition of the celebrated soulful family sound is druscilla abernathy & the bks vine featuring kathleen johnson,( vocalist for billy mclaughlin, keri noble and soul tight) michelle carter(soul tight), brandon hess of (said method) & shayde,(synergy and  formerly of the high & mighty), jordan carlson(drums), blair krivanek(guitar), todd burrell(piano) and art haynes(bass)  ever-evolving, the long time labor of love is a seasoned music project that delivers on every level. the bks vine tastefully weaves classic r & b, jazz, gospel, and funk with the contemporary flavor of neo soul, pop, latin, and original compositions. the result is a spiritually-driven, genuine sound that is food for the soul.

seven dollars

4th of july

...go down to the excelsior commons park and check out the bands playing at the 318 stage

andrew brown + cate fierro

cate fierro is one of the freshest new voices to hit the twin cities music scene. she has been captivating audiences for 25 years in various twin cities restaurants and venues, community concerts, musical theatre, and worship conferences. whether it is singing to her three daughters, filled auditoriums, or an intimate club setting, cate provides a soulful vibe with a charming and inviting stage presence. making her debut at the 318, this promises to be a very inviting night you won’t want to miss!

seven dollars

michael young + sandor szabo

michael young is a fingerstyle guitarist who plays both the six and twelve string guitar with driving rhythm and groove, and he carries that bouncy and energetic groove from powerful and compelling compositions to soulful ballads. moving from daunting and alarming to lighthearted and idiosyncratic instrumentals, michael takes advantage of the guitar's possibilities by combining standard and alternate tunings with a mix of slide guitar into his playing.

sandor szabo is a true magician of the acoustic guitar, conveying fresh and inventive ideas through the medium and influences of haunting hungarian folk music. when you listen to his music you hear a new guitar sound. what else might you expect from an acoustic with 16 strings! sandor szabo is a true original.  he blends the classical forms with meditative mood of the eastern music, hungarian folk musical elements, and improvisation that he inherited from jazz. the athmosphere of his concerts is intimate and personal. he approaches each concert with a sense of mission and uses many kinds of acoustic guitars in his concerts.  besides the different tuned and stringed 16 string guitars, he uses an 8 string fretless guitar sounding somewhere between the indian sarod and the arabic ud.  recently he has started playing 6 string baritone guitars.

nine dollars

matt muller + michael nelson

called by critics “minneapolis’ marshall crenshaw”, singer/songwriter/multi instrumentalist, michael nelson knew music was his calling when he picked up the drum sticks at the early age of 10. he spent his high school years behind the trap kit in various local rock bands including the first avenue darlings a-few.  the guitar became his passion in college where he also began writing songs and he formed the acoustic duo, the sundogs, with fellow songwriter chris larson.  michael broke out on his own in the early 90’s fronting the self titled michael nelson group, headlining local clubs and opening for national acts.

matt muller, a 318 favorite and now a proud father, writes soulful songs but not bios.  so, in the words of his six month old daughter, “my daddy sings me songs all the time and he's really good. he even writes songs just for me (that's so cool!)  sometimes when i'm in a bad mood or a little crabby he'll sing to me and that always makes me smile.” 

six dollars

tex pistols

tex (brian c. peters), angus (dik shopteau), mr. greenjeans (boyd lee) & cletus ( scooter nelson) started playing together in rochester after they all met at the stillwater correctional facility in the 60s. music became a way to "qualify" for work release status. soon, the awards came...the grammy (best dressed / western), the cma ( worst dressed) and of course the mn. music award ( heavy metal / country). then, after they had made enough money, they all went their separate ways...raised a family, got "real" jobs and settled down in later life, only to meet up again when by a stroke of fate...they all were back in prison? "weapons charges mostly," said tex. soon the band was back in action, (parole) and you will hear the result when they fire up their guns one more time. their motto lives on..."we're loud, loose, & a little cranky" or the familiar "turn it up & go git us some beers!”

eleven dollars

wolves & ravens

wolves & ravens is a quartet of grizzled vets from the twin cities folk rock scene. tim gadban (guitar, lead vocals, songwriter) headlined the popular gadband in the 1980's and also played in montreal and london.  terry storhaug (percussion) plays with both w&r and trio tipo, a popular gypsy guitar instrumental trio. chuck campbell (bass, harmony vocals) has played across southern minnesota and the twin cities. pete rivard (banjo, accordion) is best known for his previous work with the rivertown rats, and has also played professionally around philadelphia
and houston.

six dollars

mary jane alm

mary jane alm is one of today’s most remarkable and best known performers on the midwest music scene. she has toured internationally, been featured on national network t.v. and advertising and has performed on stage for some of america’s largest corporations. honored with fifteen minnesota music awards including “best female vocalist” and “artist of the year," mary jane’s performances have been called “music for singers.” her artistry has won her a celebrated reputation among musicians, critics and public alike. she has opened for or performed on the concert stage with such nationally known artists as the judds, michael johnson, charlie daniels, willie nelson, marie osmond, david byrne of the talking heads, and countless others. locally, she has performed with her own band, “the mary jane alm band,” the ruperts orchestra, women who cook, and continues a busy schedule with her band as well as “synergy," a show band which also tours the world for corporate clients.  mary jane’s first album, “prisoner of the heart” was recorded in mpls. under the guidance of tom tucker. two more c.d.’s, “blue earth” and “too true” were recorded in nashville and in various studios in the twin cities, including paisley park. she also has 5 children’s c.d.’s with the music workshop for kids. the latter has won parents choice awards, an emmy award and was nominated for a grammy award.

eleven dollars

vicky emerson + dean magraw

perhaps it is the humble beginnings of growing up in a small midwestern town that has instilled a certain charm in vicky, but the warmth and quiet confidence that exudes from her during a live performance is extremely rare. many say that even though initially she is a stranger on stage, upon leaving the show, there is a sensation that you just saw an old friend. with a rich, crystal-clear voice, accomplished musicianship on the piano and guitar, she sings her songs powerfully and filled with passion guaranteed to stir your soul.

as one reviewer stated, "with approximately six billion people on this planet trying to make a living playing the guitar, it can be tough to stand out, but dean magraw does." with one foot in celtic and traditional and the other firmly planted in the world of jazz, the sounds he is able to extract from wood are absolutely amazing... every track surges with magic and energy... soulfully deep..." -red house records

nine dollars

james seem + paula carley

“i have always had a very low tolerance for filler,” jim says.  he expects the same thing from himself the same thing he learned to expect from the singers and songwriters he grew up listening to:  sam cooke, d’angelo, and john prine.  jim’s obsession to detail is apparent in each of his songs.  he says, “i need every melody, every phrase, every word to sound perfect.  the result is jim’s attitude is a strong body of seductive songs with unbelievably catchy melodies.  once you hear a jim seem song, it stays with you.  jim’s explosive performances are already being embraced by audiences in the southeast as he embarks on a national tour in support of his new self titled release.  having already shared stages with tim reynolds, jimmie robbins and too sorry for apologies, jim is quickly making a name for himself.

paula carley is songwriter who creates with sincerity. she has a voice so organic and pure. her music is gentle and endearing, and she loves to perform live so as to celebrate the beauty of art in song with all who come to see her. you'll leave feeling energized and taken aback...check out the show, you'll be glad you did.

six dollars

jeff arundel

jeff arundel sings and plays the guitar. his songs turn from melancholy and nostalgic to modestly up-beat, but for the most part, he is a romantic who, like many people his age, loves the 70's vibe. jeff has been called the "cities 97 favorite" by tom surowicz, perhaps well-earned because he has been on two of the famous "cities samplers," and two of his five cd's of original music have won awards (minnesota music award for best pop album and naird award for indie album of the year). lately he has been producing and music-directing for keri noble. jeff's favorite review of himself was by steve morse of the boston globe, who called him "canny" and "a cross between james taylor and townes van zandt." his favorite color is purple, his favorite drink is diet mountain dew, and he has played music with some great artists, some of whom periodically show up to help him at his (increasingly rare) gigs.

nine dollars

michael monroe

from vinyl to digital, michael monroe is now in his fourth decade of performing his original music blending rich vocals, guitars, bamboo and glass flutes together... music and technology working together powered by creativity... he recycles his music "live" on stage to deliver a powerful style of acoustic folk, reggae and jazz. his music and compelling energy is as much fun as it is innovative. his baritone and tenor guitars are made by david seaton on the gunflint trail with local woods including the salvaged woods from the bottom of lake superior. they are appropriately named "snow leopard" and "baby snow leopard", from a rare light wood with spots called, "birds eye" poplar. michael monroe lives and records on the north shore of lake superior in his mistree solar powered log cabin studio. his music is across the nation and canada in the documentary, "chased by the light", on pbs about jim brandenburg, internationally known national geographic photographer. he is a mcknight performing artist fellowship finalist and earned a regional emmy for his "soaring on mended wings" for a jason davis "on the road" television documentary about the university of mn raptor center.

eleven dollars

caleb hawley

here are three quotes about caleb hawley.  i bet you can’t guess which two are made up. "between his complex, yet very accessible sense of melody, and wacky sense of humor, caleb hawley has a completely unique musical perspective."   ---exterminating angel

“… anything but cliché, caleb’s songs will take the entire world to a new level. that is why i’m pretty sure that he’s an alien…”  --- grommit rasputin (writer for “do aliens exist”)

“… the first time i saw him tears filled my eyes. that’s probably because i was in a lot of pain though.”  --- vicki hawley (writer for “mag for moms”)

yeah sure, a couple of these quotes aren’t from real sources, however they may as well be, ‘cause caleb hawley is something else – and you’re gonna have to see it to believe it.  ladies and gents, have we got a show for you!

six dollars

dan rowles + pat frederick (of the daisy dillman band)

mr. rowles (rolz) contains the likes of dan rowles (explodo boys, honorary wallet, lamont crantston) on keyboards and guitar. karl smelker, of the swamp sextet and the faux playboys, on bass and greg fleming-wolfe, of wedg (winona) and the faux playboys, on guitar. their music has a distinct louisiana flavor, with a touch of voodoo; they get around pretty good on new orleans rock and roll, and the occasional tune by van rounds out the list. a handsome, likeable bunch.

ten dollars

molly maher + tom lieberman

rising from the snowdrifts and frozen lakes of st. paul comes molly maher & her disbelievers. carving out a place for themselves with cinamatic visions of love lost and found, landscapes filled with real timeless roots music.  using molly's plaintiff vocals and honest writting, she makes the highway seem lonesome at first, but armed with lush guitar hooks and driving rhythms, she'll never let you lose your way.  born with the affliction of being left handed she's adapted her playing style by flipping a right handed guitar upside down; ala elizabeth cotton.

those of you with good memories may recall tom lieberman as the tallest member of the seminal jazz trio rio nido… those of you who are fans of a prairie home companion may remember tom as the voice of “el muchacho allegre (happy boy) ajua-brand hot sauce... those of you who have (or are) children, may have heard tom’s songs being sung by sesame street’s elmo… and, those of you who watch movies may have heard tom performing his own composition, “eskimo kisses,” on the soundtrack to the breakout indie-sensation sweet land.  tom’s live appearances have been few and far between over the last 20 years, so if you remember tom from the good old days, come on down and relive the magic of your own misspent youth. and, if you’re too young to have been there, just come on down to get an earful of roots, chestnuts and originals from an artist of uncommon scope and talent.

eleven dollars

pamela mcneill

pamela mcneill is a story teller;  a songwriter of lost truths and forgotten dreams. over the years, she has created an ever-widening circle of fans with her distinctive voice that one reviewer describes as "the voice of a fiery angel."  her leather-and-lace vocals combine with lush, smart arrangements to deliver her fantastic original material.  her latest cd, “nightingale” is a rock’n’roll gem with hints of alt-country.

“country-rock siren pamela mcneill cooks like grease on the griddle.”  -mpls./st.paul magazine

ten dollars

alison scott

when alison sits at the piano and sings her songs, from dramatic ballads to sexy funk and r&b, audiences truly resonate right along with her; singers this strong are rare, but those who are true songwriters as well are almost extinct!  alison's remarkable songwriting and drop dead gorgeous vocals channel the same spirits as carole king, patty griffin, bonnie raitt and other keepers of music's true flame. but her unique style is so powerful that once you've heard her, you'll recognize her sound forever, every time you hear it.

eight dollars

karen paurus + courtney yasmineh

courtney writes gritty, flirty, honest, sometimes sad sometimes mad songs, that embrace the universal tug of war between love and independence.

singer/songwriter/pianist karen vieno paurus has performed locally, nationally and internationally since 1986 and has fronted such local bands as holiday ranch and bug!. she's also known as the "sultry chanteuse" with lili's burlesque revue and recently performed in the show "the best of midwest burleske" which sold-out two nights at the ritz theatre in minneapolis.  paurus performed regularly as the featured musical guest in the fitzgerald theater's productions of "stage sessions" in 2006-07 with host heather mcelhatton and guests including robert bly, bill holm, dan buettner, kevin kling, colleen kruse and many more.  she was also the featured musical guest during the fitzgerald theater's "talking volumes" series using her original music to accompany readings by authors jonathan safran foer and jean harfenist.

seven dollars

jon herchert (of dark pony) + conver watts

local singer/songwriter/producer jon herchert (mango jam, keri noble, divorcee) spends an evening sharing songs of love, loss, hope and pancakes. good times to be had.

conver watts is a trio that wants to be an orchestra. a shape shifter in a sense. they often rehearse as a trio and perform as a multi-headed monster. this is by choice of course. on any given night they may be joined by a world class cellist and or violinist, drummers of heavy talents and grooves, percussionists, pianists of the organic type, but also those of the blips and beeps, and singers and songwriters that inspire them to go back home after the show and work on their song-craft in order to do it all again the next time.

seven dollars

michael monroe

from vinyl to digital, michael monroe is now in his fourth decade of performing his original music blending rich vocals, guitars, bamboo and glass flutes together... music and technology working together powered by creativity... he recycles his music "live" on stage to deliver a powerful style of acoustic folk, reggae and jazz. his music and compelling energy is as much fun as it is innovative. his baritone and tenor guitars are made by david seaton on the gunflint trail with local woods including the salvaged woods from the bottom of lake superior. they are appropriately named "snow leopard" and "baby snow leopard", from a rare light wood with spots called, "birds eye" poplar. michael monroe lives and records on the north shore of lake superior in his mistree solar powered log cabin studio. his music is across the nation and canada in the documentary, "chased by the light", on pbs about jim brandenburg, internationally known national geographic photographer. he is a mcknight performing artist fellowship finalist and earned a regional emmy for his "soaring on mended wings" for a jason davis "on the road" television documentary about the university of mn raptor center.

eleven dollars

michael bissonnette / dean magraw

eleven dollars

the tex pistols

tex (brian c. peters), angus (dik shopteau), mr. greenjeans (boyd lee) & cletus ( scooter nelson) started playing together in rochester after they all met at the stillwater correctional facility in the 60s. music became a way to "qualify" for work release status. soon, the awards came...the grammy (best dressed / western), the cma ( worst dressed) and of course the mn. music award ( heavy metal / country). then, after they had made enough money, they all went their separate ways...raised a family, got "real" jobs and settled down in later life, only to meet up again when by a stroke of fate...they all were back in prison? "weapons charges mostly," said tex. soon the band was back in action, (parole) and you will hear the result when they fire up their guns one more time. their motto lives on..."we're loud, loose, & a little cranky" or the familiar "turn it up & go git us some beers!”

'leven bucks

james seem

“i have always had a very low tolerance for filler,” jim says.  he expects the same thing from himself the same thing he learned to expect from the singers and songwriters he grew up listening to:  sam cooke, d’angelo, and john prine.  jim’s obsession to detail is apparent in each of his songs.  he says, “i need every melody, every phrase, every word to sound perfect.  the result is jim’s attitude is a strong body of seductive songs with unbelievably catchy melodies.  once you hear a jim seem song, it stays with you.  jim’s explosive performances are already being embraced by audiences in the southeast as he embarks on a national tour in support of his new self titled release.  having already shared stages with tim reynolds, jimmie robbins and too sorry for apologies, jim is quickly making a name for himself.

six dollars

andra & ben suchy

andra suchy (ann-drah soo-key) has been performing, writing and recording in minneapolis since 1996. her recording credits include soul asylum's "the silver lining," the honeydogs' "10,000 years" and "amygdala" among others. she has shared the stage with such artists as the honeydogs, dave pirner, jonny lang, chuck suchy (her father), ben suchy (her brother), tina schlieske, peter ostroushko, and jeff healy to name a few. she was nominated for the minnesota music academy "female vocalist of the year" in 2004, 2005, and 2006. her solo album, "patchwork story" boasts a world class cast of musicians as well as heartfelt and sincere songwriting.

ben suchy performs solo, duo, or as ben suchy bandwith.  he is not only an accomplished songwriter, but has built and invented many of his instruments including a 9 string lap-slide banjitar. one of his drummers even helped to build a drumset out of a vintage samsonite suitcase!  his solo music is folk & blues along the lines of mason jennings, xavier rudd, and john prine.  his band adds danceable grooves and rhythms comparable to g love, ben harper, and jack johnson.

eight dollars