carl franzen + nathan shutes + taras umrysh

he's always been a songwriter at heart, but now at 67 carl franzen is a blossoming performer. his song "on the road" was the first song michael johnson recorded (there is a breeze). john denver also gave it a run (back home again). these days carl relies on talented local musicians to bring his songs to the stage. nathan shutes, guitar, likes to haul out the glow machine (aka accordion, in case you're a technician) because it makes people smile. taras umrysh, violin, is a mega waiting to happen. recently from the ukraine, he brings a blend of classical, jazz and rock to the room.

ten dollars

closed for private party in the evening

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

michael gulezian

"if i could play guitar the way michael gulezian does, i would just sit in front of a mirror and watch myself do it."  ~ garrison keillor, a prairie home companion

if you've never heard of michael gulezian (gu-lay-ze-in), you're in for a very pleasant surprise.  he's one of the most highly regarded instrumental acoustic artists of our time.  in concert, michael is all warmth and humor ... and though it's visually breathtaking to watch him perform, a concert  with michael is more than a display of cutting-edge virtuosity – it is the passionate communion of master musician engaged with his audience in the mystery of self-revelation, creating music of atmospheric power, ecstatic joy, and haunting beauty.  if you enjoy the artistry of musicians such as leo kottke and michael hedges – guitarists who amaze us with what ten fingers and one guitar can do – then you will love michael gulezian. 

twelve dollars

nick leet + dan israel

dan israel is a veteran, acclaimed minneapolis roots-pop singer-songwriter who has released 10 albums and earned a 4-star review from the uk's uncut magazine. about his latest, see the morning light, city pages said "rare are the songs that capture the story of someone who has lifted himself out...having created a new hope out of the haunting memories. see the morning light is one such piece of music.”

seven dollars

mike mangione

born in illinois, and now residing in milwaukee, mike mangione is quickly becoming a familiar name throughout the city's growing music scene. bringing an organically subtle, yet expressive sound, mangione has drawn comparisons to such songwriting heavyweights as ryan adams and elliott smith. now touring behind his new opus "tenebrae," mangione feels ready to spread that following to even greater amounts with much-deserved confidence in the album. "tenebrae" is a classic-sounding piece full of beautifully arranged acoustics and mangione's vocals can be heart-breakingly delicate at times, comparable to how james blunt only wishes he could sound. standout tracks include "it's me not you," and "the killing floor."    --chris krekling onlinemilwaukee

ten dollars

jim seem f/melissa hyman + bryan thuney

jim seem and melissa hyman play a unique blend of hip-hop-influenced, cello-spiked acoustic r&b. based out of asheville, nc, this soulful duo's live shows have drawn enthusiastic crowds and rave reviews in the midwest and up and down the east coast as their reputation grows for putting on a powerful, sexy and entertaining performance.
jim seem's ragged-edged voice and mesmerizing stage presence mark him as an original new artist to watch. his lyrics are unabashedly sexual without being crass - and often sweetly romantic. melissa hyman's smooth, folk-influenced harmonies and the deep voice of the cello add a further element of romance to seem's songs. they'll be on tour in march promoting their new live album "so much soul: live and on tour."

bryan thuney is a 10 year veteran of the twin cities music scene.  he fronted local pop/rock band concentual, before starting and serving as the front man and songwriter of the alt/rock band stealing seconds.  bryan has shared the stage with various national acts including vertical horizon, marcy playground, stroke 9, the why store, and pete best.  his music has been featured on college radio stations across the country, and he has performed live on local radio stations kqrs and cities 97 as well as kare 11 tv. he is known for his athematic writing style and introspective lyrics, that are designed to heighten your sense of "feel".

six dollars

americana showcase ~ songwriters performing rounds
brandon sampson + martin devaney + tom feldmann + sally barris

ten 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

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.

twelve dollars

nick salisbury + ashleigh still

i’ve taken to introducing ashleigh still as “the eva cassidy of woodbury,” because her soul – even more so than her stunning voice – recalls the late great d.c.-area thrush’s depth of feeling. which is to say that ashleigh sings from a deep place informed by her hardscrabble experience as a gospel-trained, church-raised single mother of two whose fashion photos could grace the cover of either “bust” or “glamour.” (when asked how she knows so much about men, she recently said, “i don’t! it’s all imagination…”)  but beyond her outer beauty and the wisdom that comes from the day-to-day struggle of making a living for her and her kids, there is an inner flame that burns brightly and has something to say; something about what it’s like to be a woman trying to dig out from the conformity of society, religion, and family. in that sense, ashleigh also reminds me of anne sexton and billie holiday. like those two express-myself-or-die classic talents, she manages to stop time when she opens her mouth/heart, and we’re all the richer for it.  --jim walsh, summer ‘09

eight 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.

ten dollars

romantica

"for anyone worrying that the americana genre has become a repository of the bad irony of hipsters and has-been quacks, fear not: romantica is here to save the day. singer/songwriter ben kyle is the latest in a long line of european exports to reinvigorate a genre by reclaiming it as his own—“god walks on the water, i walk through the rain,” he sings. with one foot still in his home country, and one taking a tentative step into the mess of promises and disappointments on the other side of the pond, kyle and his bandmates dust off the brilliance at the heart of america. most albums with such ambitious titles fall at in their attempt; kyle—in songs and voice that sit comfortably between jeff tweedy and ryan adams—dwells comfortably in the long shadows cast by his forefathers while leaving his own undeniable stamp on the proceedings."   --david mead, paste magazine

fifteen dollars

truckstop souvenir + kevin steinman

truckstop souvenir’s live performances feature sparse but powerful arrangements of two acoustic instruments and harmony vocals, creating a sound that is at once familiar to old time country and modern americana. with a broad canvas of original songs and signature versions of a few select covers, truckstop souvenir takes the listener on a journey along roads less traveled. a slice of the american landscape that often yields the best of keepsakes, truckstop souvenir is pure and honest music, music with a rare intimacy that cuts right to the heart of what it means to be human.

kevin steinman has performed lots of big shows, lots of small shows, and hundreds in between. whether he’s on stage at the philadelphia folk festival, or playing at a house concert five minutes from his home, kevin loves singing his songs, and infects his audiences with this same passion.  kevin finds inspiration in: artists ranging from james taylor to ben folds; the transcendent beauty of the coastline of norway; and in the healing power of crunchy peanut butter and jam.

six dollars

billy johnson + courtney danielson + james moors

billy johnson is a singer/songwriter who’s been performing for 15 years.  he’s fronted the hillcats and still is the frontman for billy johnson’s roadshow.  he has an acoustic duo b-team, and has just released his first solo cd.  “billy johnson confirms he belongs on the a list as one of the twin cities’ best feel-good, blue-collar, barroom-rousing tunesmiths with his first solo album.” – chris reiemenschneider – star tribune

james moors is a songwriter's songwriter surfing in the wake of such artists as steve earl, peter himmelman, shawn colvin and jay farrar. young and old souls alike have no trouble finding themselves in the plain spoken lyrics of james moors. after bringing an audience into the present moment with his midwestern sincerity and ungaurded humor, james unveils the layers of our common experiences with memorable melodies, exposing the magic that lies beneath. 

eight dollars

aimee fischer & the snazzy band

this veteran singer is a musical chameleon whose voice evokes emotion from the listener whether performing blues, country, rock or jazz. thoughtfully emotional yet gutsy, this expressive singer moves within a single phrase from pensive to powerhouse.

ten dollars

the 318 presents excelsior city limits.  a special evening of great singer / songwriters doing all original music together in a rounds-style performance. 

kevin bowe + ryan paul + molly maher

six dollars

the jars

the jars perform a very eclectic mix of folk, blues, blue grass, country and pop music. they can be upbeat and enthusiastic like when they sing about trains, trucks or motorcycles, or they can warm your heart with songs about love won or lost. from outlaws, dodgers and drifters to heroes and lovers they will mix old tunes with contemporary. there is always something for everybody no matter what your musical likes might be.

six 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.

twelve dollars

excelsior bay books presents fireside writer's series: erin hart

erin's debut novel, haunted ground, was nominated for mystery's prestigious anthony and agatha awards, and won romantic times best first mystery, and the friends of american writers award. the second novel in the series, lake of sorrows, was shortlisted for a minnesota book award. the long-awaited third novel in the series, false mermaid, will be published in march 2010.

the hollands + tyler blanski

jana's vocals are delicate and beautiful, she sets the mood and embraces your mind with her poetic yet ground level lyrics. at times jana's sound can be rustic when she combines the strumming of the banjo or mandolin, but the majority of her strings are shared with her acoustic guitar. janas performance is flawless and entrancing. hollands deep minor tones and angelic voice offer solace to any who listen.

seven 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

patty peterson

patty peterson is a dynamic vocalist, radio personality as well as an inspirational and motivational speaker. she is a world class jazz/ r&b singer, a radio jazz show host on kbem jazz 88 in minneapolis, is a mainstay in the radio jingle and voice over industry and now is forging a career on the national motivational speaker circuit. she has performed to sold out audiences all over the country, including the nationally renowned jazz venues: the dakota bar and grill in minneapolis, minnesota and the jazz bakery in hollywood, california. patty has seven minnesota music awards to her credit, has three solo recordings and will be soon releasing a 4th solo smooth jazz cd featuring david hazeltine, bobby lyle, sheila e. as well as billy, ricky and paul peterson. you can see patty performing and speaking all around the country as well as performing live with four generations of the peterson family.

ten dollars

dave olson + brad senne

"bands come and go, and good gigs come and go, but a good song you get to keep for as long as you want.  really, at this point, i'm just trying to write some really great songs".  while dave olson's standards for a great song are pretty high, he says that he gets closer all the time.  for olson, a good song can transcend genre or style, and it's something anyone can appreciate.  "a good song will linger with you for a while."  olson started writing and performing when he moved to iowa in 1995. he brought with him a guitar and a mixed bag of influences: the dead, bruce springsteen, the stones, dylan.  iowa city had a pretty strong roots music scene, and olson soaked it up, taking cues from roots rock acts like high and lonesome and bo ramsey and the backsliders, but especially from folk songwriters like greg brown and dave moore.

hopping on the solo train in 2003 brad senne recorded and released his first self-titled album that year. the sparse acoustic album garnered local and national press including the splendid magazine review that said “senne is a talented songwriter whose richly textured acoustic ballads might someday work their way into space alongside elliott smith’s early recordings."  on the follow-up to brad’s first album he decided to record it under the moniker Beight.  heading into flowers studio (the replacements, golden smog, the jayhawks) senne was looking for a more polished, fuller sound than his first album.  recorded over the span of a few months the album file in rhythm by Beight came out in june 2005.  receiving many accolades from press all over the country the illinois entertainer said “senne could give beck a run for his money.” brad’s latest release was once again titled under brad senne and recorded at his home studio with additional mixing and instrumentation added at crazy beast studio (andrew bird).   brad is working on his next album slated for release in the spring of 2009 and currently plays around minneapolis a few times a month.

seven dollars

shortwave station + brian david

shortwave station is a new band formed by members of conver watts and kentucky air. led by dynamic vocalist chris thorsen, with songwriters darril otto (guitar / keyboard / vocals), spencer benard (guitar / bass / vocals), and bob johnston (drums / vocals.) the band came to fruition through sharing many shows together and a mutual love of songwriting and performance. the sound has been developing into a diverse combination of stripped down instrumentation and multi-vocal melodicism that has informed the new songs and reshaped previous material.

brian david has been part of the st. paul and minneapolis music scene for 8 years. fronting the local bands syndicate avenue and the alternative rock band murge before forming his own band the brian david band which quickly created a signature acoustic stomp rock sound backed by former drummer of murge, the s.w. stomp, sean woodward.  he has been writing since he was 15 and puts an overwhelming amount of passion in every song he writes and sings.  he has written over 1000 songs and has recorded 2 full length albums and 2 ep's since 2004 and "there from here" is his 3rd album, this time with a full 5 piece band behind a singer/songwriter style.