brandon sampson & sally barris

brandon sampson is a farm boy from lyle, mn with a guitar and a story to tell.  sally barris is a singer/songwriter from nashville, tn...progressive folk sensibility with a storytellers command, a strong backbone, and a confectioners dusting of country blues...barris is somehow able to wield a highly individualized sense of melody and song shape into tunes you can imagine other top vocalists covering. in a sea of fair to middling singer/songwriter albums, this comes highly recommended.  -craig havighurst, the tennessean

ten 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

zach spirov

five dollars

vicky emerson w / bill mike

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.

ten dollars

aimee fischer & the snazzy band - christmas at the 318

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

billy johnson - holiday show w / tom peterson, andra suchy, andrew pierzina & george mckelvey

eight dollars

nube ensemble

nube, - “cloud” in spanish-, is an eclectic ensemble that exquisitely blends contemporary latin american and world music. co-founders paraguayan harpist nicolas carter and guitarist renato lombardi from argentina fuse the dynamic rhythms of latin america with musical elements from around the globe creating contrasting musical landscapes. their soulful and relaxing music evokes the warmth of a south american ambience.  the greater ensemble includes world percussionist michael bissonnette and bass player dan arlig. the breadth of their repertoire reveals an array of textures from the diverse string instruments they employ which are combined with the mystical flutes and panflutes along with a variety of percussion elements typical of the americas.

eleven dollars

kevin steinman + pancake breakfast (from white salmon, washington)

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.

foot-stomping indy-folk music from the hills of rural washington. this one-person outfit delivers a jackrabbit set of songs, stories and tall tales that blurs the line between city mouse and country mouse, front-porch picking and a rent-party hootenanny.

seven dollars

SPECIAL EVENT!  DINNER TIME SHOW FOR KIDS!

dinner time with the okee dokee brothers
kids menu available

the okee dokee brothers is a children’s music program under the medicinal strings foundation, a non profit whose mission it is to promote, share, and inspire the arts within the lives of those most in need.  justin lansing and joe mailander are co-founders of both the okee dokee brothers and the medicinal strings and have provided over 130 free concerts to underserved communities over the past three years.  the two okee dokee brothers met in pre-school when justin noticed that joe was the only other four-year-old besides him that had a beard.

four dollars

eliza blue + ashleigh still   **holiday show**

...“fans of maddy prior and margot timmins will immediately warm to her hushed, milky vocals and the simplicity of her arrangements… which evoke comparisons to leonard cohen, neil young and gillian welch. while not a gimmicky artist or one likely to get audiences out of their seats, eliza blue is a performer capable of mesmerizing listeners with a set of heartbreaking, grown-up lullabies.” adrienne van der valk, eugene weekly....

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

tim o'reagan + karen grotberg (both from the jayhawks)

fans already know o'reagan through his work with the jayhawks, for whom he played drums and also wrote songs that were strong enough to find a place among those of bandleader gary louris. but though his distinctive vocals earned him a place in their vocal tapestry, he stayed in the background, as drummers must do, a few yards from the action that transpired at the front of the stage.  well, those days are over for o’reagan, whose self-titled debut is not what you might expect from a drummer stepping out on his own.  it is, for example, extraordinarily musical, beginning with the first track. these things sets an immediate mood, with an accordion not a zydeco blast but a french musette that might have been sampled in some left bank cafe. the rhythm sets in, ambling and strolling, with someone whistling absently in the background behind the lyrics. if you weren’t paying attention enough to notice the dark cast of the rest of the words, you’d think this was a lover's wistful reverie.  some of that has to do with o’reagan’s singing. his style is conversational, understated, and richly emotional. its not hard to discern his influences, but in the end his voice is like none other. it is, in fact, a classic rock vehicle, harking back to dylan, lennon, even soul music of sixties vintage: melodic, aggressive when it needs to be, maybe a little sly and ironic, often haunting, ultimately unforgettable.

ten dollars

brian david + brianna lane

brian david and the s.w. stomp is an acoustic duo with a  blend of hard driven rhythms, thoughtful melodies, passionate lyrics and creative beats to make a signature acoustic stomp sound.

brianna lane is a gifted singer/songwriter in true americana form. she writes and performs on an acoustic guitar as well as a banjo, crafting songs that are clear-eyed and pure—with an integrity derived from her gritty, unflinching emotional honesty. long time music-writer/author/rock-journalist jim walsh recently wrote that brianna lane is “…a star in the making. she’s poised, ambitious, a great writer, a soul singer of the first order, and a lithe, accomplished guitarist.” (star tribune) lane grew up in minnesota and still calls minneapolis home. in her eight years of touring lane has shared the stage with billy bragg, dar williams, patty larkin, catie curtis, the weepies, jennifer nettles (of sugarland), and numerous other well seasoned musicians. she has also shared powerhouse, leg-powered bicycle tours with signature sounds’ artist peter mulvey. lane has released three full length solo records and one duo ep with cahalen morrison as “harbor collective”

seven dollars

laura mackenzie & the lads

"celtic holiday" - a yuletide celebration of timeless holiday classics delightfully arranged with traditional irish and scottish music. presented on flutes, whistles, scottish smallpipes, french bagpipes, border pipes, concertina, voice, percussion and guitar, featuring laura mackenzie (various winds and voice), gary rue (guitar and voice) and michael bissonnette (percussion).

eleven dollars

will hutchinson + bill caperton

will hutchinson is a folk singer/songwriter with a gentle but resonant voice. his lyrics have been carefully crafted to carry a simple and powerful blow.  listening to will in any audience always makes you feel like you are the only person in the room. in september 2009, will released his debut album "arrive" which is available for your listening pleasure on itunes. 

bill caperton, longtime principle songwriter in the twin cities based band ela, is preparing the release of his first solo record. his friends peter leggett and robert skoro contributed drums, bass, and keyboards, and the resulting album is a more stripped down expression of the introspective and haunting themes explored in earlier work. "caperton is beautifully restrained and earnest, often contemplative and quiet, and leggett's groovy beats and tate's ethereal keyboards lend the band a dreamy, dance-y, new-wave sound. in fact, the band goes beyond the sum of its supergroup parts, and often sounds like a collaboration of something much larger." - city pages

seven dollars

tina schlieske

it isn't going to be easy to scale down tina schlieske's resume to fit into this wee spot here on our calendar - so head over to her myspace page for the whole scoop, but . . . you know who she is.  tina?  from tina & the b-sides, lola and the red hots?

nine dollars

fireside writers series w/excelsior bay books presents: william kent krueger

william kent krueger is the author of the cork o'connor mystery/crime series set in minnesota's great north woods.  his work has received back to back anthony awards for best novel and five minnesota book awards.  his newest novel is heaven's keep.

jeff arundel + courtney yasmineh

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.

ten dollars

george faber

george faber is a veteran minneapolis singer/songwriter/performer with a colorful 30-year music career.  born in champaign, il, faber became deeply rooted in the chicago blues scene.  he spent years touring the country performing in blues houses like kingston mines and wise fools pub, playing with legends like muddy waters and lowell george.  from there, the evolution of styles began – from a controversial glam rock front man performing at rock festivals to returning to his roots and packing rooms from chicago to new orleans. faber’s music has evolved blending all of these styles.  his newest songs transmit the longing of a soul singer mixed with the honesty of a modern-day singer/songwriter.  his recent recordings have also been highly acclaimed in the audiophile community nationally and internationally.  stereophile magazine reviewed his work as "intensely soulful, passionate and hard-driving with strong, powerful melodies" adding "his rough-hewn, gritty voice is the perfect vehicle for his down-to-earth songs."

seven dollars

vicky emerson + mother banjo

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.

joining her will be minneapolis songwriter mother banjo.  she has a new cd out, produced by darren jackson and john hermanson. the cd has been hailed for its "simple, powerful songwriting" (pioneer press.)

eleven dollars

the mark kreitzer band

mark is nearing his fourth decade on stages around the midwest and the world, including appearances at folk and bluegrass festivals, concerts, on television and radio, including the prairie home companion. he has recorded with such bands as the clearwater hot club, the middle spunk creek boys, the wisconsin river bluegrass boys, harmonious wail and numerous others. he has shared the stage with tom paxton, alan munde, joe carr, don stiernberg and tony trishka, becky schlegel, brian wicklund and chris silver. mark's songs have been recorded by joe carr and alan munde, the middle spunk creek boys, becky schlegel and the sparetime bluegrass band.

five dollars

bojono   (boyd lee, joe cruz, noah hoehn)

sophistication, refinement, blazing guitar/mandolin and one hell of a voice combine to form one of the best acoustic groups around known simply by their names, boyd lee and joe cruz. the two weave a gorgeous musical tapestry from folk, latin, pop, jazz and rock, complementing each other intuitively - boyd's voice soaring overhead and his rhythms acting like a drummer while joe's lead guitar/mandolin blazes a trail that leaves the audience exhausted and spent.

fourteen dollars

dylan mckinstry

dylan mckinstry, a vibrant young acoustic music architect with a bold new approach to guitar playing, has always been a fond proponent of the story-telling qualities of a piece of music, of the language of song.  not limited by the confinements of genre, within a single song mckinstry will cache seamlessly between the usual suspects: jazz, blues, folk-funk, classical and modal middle-eastern with a hint of disco.  twenty-one years old and still green in many ways, dylan's athletic, high caliber technique and mature compositional style can only be compared to the great guitarists of today.  he has secured himself a place at the ''big kids table'' of musicians, and is widely acclaimed by fellow guitar players like dean magraw and michael gulezian as being the most promising young talent of his generation.

five 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

billy johnson + zach spirov + courtney danielson

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

eight 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

jason paulson + courtney yasmineh

jason paulson has been a staple in the minneapolis music community for 10 years. playing with his bands grayson and wide open road, he has sold thousands of cd's and played over 2000 shows in several states and a couple of different countries. in 2004 his song "shine" was on a billboard compilation cd of best new artists of 2004. jason has written over 450 songs, released two full length albums and 4 ep's with his band grayson and 1 ep with a full length cd on the way with wide open road. in addition he has also released 2 solo albums over the last 10 years. he has played with national artists such as the bodeans, gin blossoms, landon pigg, and at festivals with oar, tom petty,pearl jam, and many more. over the years he has opened for local greats daisy dillman, gb leighton, tim mahoney, martin zellar and others.

courtney yasmineh and her band return to the 318 after their whirlwind fall tour through paris, london, brussels, and amsterdam.  she and her band will play songs from her new album, which is currently enjoying indie and college airplay throughout the us and europe.   the new album, beautiful lonely (july 2009) is available on cdbaby.

seven dollars

buddy mondlock

buddy mondlock writes songs. he does it so well that some great songwriters have recorded his songs on their own albums. guy clark, nanci griffith and janis ian, to name just a few. but there's nothing like hearing the guy who wrote 'em sing 'em. he's not going to pin your ears back with those songs. he's going to draw you into his world. where a single snowflake follows the trajectory of a relationship, where you get your pocket picked by a roman cat, where morning tumbles into noon and where dreams that don't come true still count. and it can all be happening in a little folk club or on a stage by a grassy hill or in someones living room or in the royal albert hall. you might be surprised where you find him. recently he collaborated with the legendary art garfunkel and the wonderfully musical maia sharp. the three of them wrote and recorded an album together called everything waits to be noticed and then toured all over america and europe.

ten dollars

kentucky air + shortwave station

kentucky air is a vibrant group of country-rock musicians who have come together, each bringing a strong sense of self and their individual talent. their harmonies are contagious, and their lyrics will sink into your soul like memories of childhood days. you'll be singing KA tunes in the shower after hearing one show.

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.

six dollars

joanna jahn w/ trent norton (the honeydogs, hookers & blow) and troy norton (tina & the b-sides), and billy thommes (jonny lang, the dollys)

country music for people who don't think they like country music.....in a voice shot through with late-day sun and late-night stories, joanna jahn makes her eponymous debut. both singer and songwriter, she evokes people and places you've known all your life—even if they haven't quite found you yet. country, pop and even jazz flirt across the album, making the rounds of the honky tonk, the front porch and the kitchen table. the real-life regrets of loves that could have been, rum & cokes that shouldn't have been, and the friends you can call either way come alive in warm melodies. produced with elegance and restraint, enveloping melodies let that voice—equal parts velvet and dirt road—stand alone.

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

nine 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

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

stealing seconds storytellers acoustic show

in the grand tradition of the vh1 storytellers series, local alt/rock band stealing seconds will be performing a stripped down show, in which they will be sharing the inspiration and stories behind their music.  it will be a unique departure for the band, typically known for their high octane and energetic shows.  stealing seconds has made an immediate splash in the twin cities, landing shows with top local acts, including gb leighton and tim mahoney.  they recently performed in support of national recording artist marcy playground, and made an appearance on local tv station, kare 11.  in addition to this, they were selected as one of the 12 top bands in the twin cities and competed in the basilica block party band competition.  they recently released their self titled debut ep.

opening the evening will be singer/songwriter max j.  max j has been a twin cities staple for over a decade. he has virtually done it all. a graduate of music tech of minneapolis, max has been session guitarist, a band member, a band leader, composer, arranger, producer, and award winning songwriter. he has played with such national acts as keri noble, jeff arundel, the bodeans and billy mclaughlin. years of honing his craft has brought him to the recording of “take me in”. a culmination of many of the styles max has played over the years, “take me in” is a pop record exploring a variety of influences from jazz to blues, from country to instrumental. max’s vocal style has been compared to jason mraz, michael buble, and john mayer. his live shows are legendary. with his improvisational tendencies and his dislike of set lists, you never know what he’ll do.  

six dollars

art opening: midnight or so, photographs by elli rader
featuring music by ryan paul & the ardent + brad senne

the results of a summer of shooting barns, farms, the sky and the country after dark will be on display beginning wednesday october 21.  the opening reception is from 6 to 8 pm, followed by a great night of music. 

no cover

dinner with bunny clogs!!   kids show!!
with adam levy

.. what is or are bunny clogs? beatrix potter hopped up on goofers? captain kangaroo singing run dmc's"license to ill?" a threeway train wreck between kraftwerk, the beastie boys and harry nilsson? a toilet paper party with henry kissinger in a bad philidelphia neighborhood? randy newman and dr. seuss hijacking a parliament funkadelic show? the beatles on a solid macaroni and cheese diet? perhaps all of the above.

bunny clogs is shel silverstein-meets-prince surreal dance fun. the debut record, "more! more! more!" is not your run-of-the-mill strummy, folky kids' record. part comedy record with weird characters, part dance party with all of the attendent drum loops and house and hip-hop accoutrements, and part subtle message of peace, love and positive gastronomy, adam levy's bunny clogs is music for kids of all ages.

six dollars

jim o’neill “violet” cd release party with brad senne and brian just band

music in the style of harry connick, jr., ben folds and sting. in late 2008, o’neill built an in-home recording studio. he began recording the vocals, piano, guitar and additional instruments for his first self-produced album of originals, violet.  drums and violins were recorded at studio417 with the help of drummer greg schutte (minneapolis dub ensemble, jelloslave, lorie line) and violinist michael sutton (minnesota orchestra). 

ten dollars (cover includes download card for new cd)

pickin'up steam with joe cruz

pickin' up steam is a versatile acoustic band that performs contemporary as well as traditional bluegrass styles.  you'll also hear a sprinkling of jazz, blues, rock and reggae.

eight dollars

moors and mccumber cd release party

a winding mountain road, a dimly lit bedroom, a star filled sky. influenced by the songwriting of steve earl, gillian welch and neil young, moors and mccumber deliver songs full of rich harmonies that take you places.
james moors and kort mccumber met at the rocky mountain folks festival in 2005. sitting around a campfire swapping songs, james and kort each heard something in the music of the other that just fit. the two have been performing and writing together since. having collectively sold more than 15,000 copies of independent releases from the stage, "moors and mccumber" is the initial offering from the duo. james moors is heralded by steve morse, longtime boston globe writer, as sharing some of the same melodic gifts of neil finn, enhanced by a warm-hearted spirit that makes you want to hear more. born and raised in minneapolis, moors lists the replacements, soul asylum and prince among his early musical guideposts but it was the songwriting of shawn colvin and martin sexton that set the artist on his current path. a talented multi-instrumentalist, mccumber plays everything from guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and piano in his brand of americana that’s one part rock and blues, two parts country-bluegrass and all parts mccumber. but it is his songwriting abilities that have made him a colorado favorite, and garnered him national and international recognition. a winner of last year’s flat rock festival songwriting competition in north carolina and a finalist in this year’s international songwriting competition, mccumber has been humbled and inspired by the achievements, which only adds to his passion for touring and sharing his music with every town he visits. --marquee magazine in boulder, co written by joseph kovack.

ten dollars ~ includes a signed copy of the debut cd!

nube ensemble

nube, - “cloud” in spanish-, is an eclectic ensemble that exquisitely blends contemporary latin american and world music. co-founders paraguayan harpist nicolas carter and guitarist renato lombardi from argentina fuse the dynamic rhythms of latin america with musical elements from around the globe creating contrasting musical landscapes. their soulful and relaxing music evokes the warmth of a south american ambience.  the greater ensemble includes world percussionist michael bissonnette and bass player dan arlig. the breadth of their repertoire reveals an array of textures from the diverse string instruments they employ which are combined with the mystical flutes and panflutes along with a variety of percussion elements typical of the americas.

eleven dollars

yawo attivor

a native of togo, west africa, yawo started his musical career at the “ecole experimentale de musique” of lome where he studied flute, classical guitar, and electric bass. his multicultural approach to songwriting led to the creation of the mimi-togo (international movement for innovative music-togo branch) which yawo directed until he left togo in 1992 as a result of political turmoil in his motherland. in 1993, yawo joined the international organization up with people, traveling the u.s. and europe, promoting peace and understanding among the citizens of the world. in 2002, after he moved to minneapolis a year earlier, yawo launched a solo career with the album “celebrate” (mia du agbe) followed in october 2004 by “take out the fences”, a “refreshingly upbeat” (minneapolis star-tribune) album that breaks musical barriers with an explosion of afrobeat, afrofunk and reggae. yawo is currently working on an acoustic album in charlottesville, va with dave matthews collaborator and university of virginia professor john d'earth.

eleven dollars

reynold philipsek & east side

guitarist and composer reynold d. philipsek has written over 200 songs and recorded nearly 30 albums. in the fall of 2008 he joined forces with chromatic harmonica virtuoso clint hoover, percussionist extraordinaire.  michael bissonnette and reynold's compatriot from the twin cities hot club - bass player matt senjem. the group is called east side and their debut album was released in april, 2009 to glowing reviews and airplay.
reynold has been nominated for several minnesota music awards and had been nominated in the guitar player magazine jazz poll numerous times.

eleven dollars

kati ray

kati ray is a unique new artist from minneapolis.  combining jazz elements with pop and r&b lyrics and rhythms she creates her own sound.  imagine ella fitzgerald, norah jones, alicia keys, sarah mclachlan, and lauryn hill all bringing their best elements together, and then realize that kati ray doesn’t imitate anyone else, she’s got her own thing going on. 

six dollars

dennis warner

eight albums and a whole lot of concerts later, folk/americana singer and songwriter dennis warner is recognized for his crafty wit, skillful musicianship and the special ability of captivating an audience. his unique blend of music and humor continually brings him to well over 100 cities each year.  accompanying his smooth vocals with his six and twelve string guitars, warner has performed his adult/family oriented concerts at not only major theaters, clubs and some of the best festivals
around, but also in the small towns throughout america, drawing inspiration for songs that appeal to the universal aspects of our lives.  his many credits include hosting jammin’ with dennis warner, a special live radio show broadcast by national public radio affiliates. warner has also been featured on numerous regional t.v. and radio programs, as well as national broadcasts of npr’s great acoustics, live! and river city folk.

eleven dollars

emily white + tyler lyle

emily white's sophomore release "12 ways to live" delves into new territory for the chicago singer/songwriter. she's still playing her signature guitar lines and singing the disarmingly honest lyrics that have made her popular with fans throughout the country, but the new album takes a decidedly more indie approach to the folk-rock style that has garnered attention in songwriting circles. emily has been performing throughout the midwest and northeast over the past two years, sharing her introspective songs and unique stage presence with audiences from omaha to miami. check out her music and don't miss the show!

born in the sin black, hell hot, holy ghost south, tyler never completely frees himself from the red georgia clay in his veins, blending rootsy americana  with the gypsy folk and african rhythms he was exposed to while living in paris. his songs include characters like charlie chaplain and oedipus, lovable alcoholics, blind painters, revolutionaries, dreamers, drifters, pesky preachers and those who are human to the utmost.  he is releasing his lp "notes from the parade" in the fall of 2009.

six dollars

jennifer markey + ashleigh still

"gillian welch, buck owens, and loretta lynn walk into a bar.  it's no joke; it's a glimpse into the world of jennifer markey's songs. they're tales of cheating, whiskey, and strong women, all sung in a powerful, plaintive voice, and her lyrics are like staring into an old tin-type photograph.  steel guitar, drums, and upright bass swirl in the background like dust devils and drive like a train, all coming from that ancient jukebox there in the corner.  jennifer markey, old school country crooner-and rebel."  --molly maher

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

rhonda laurie

rhonda laurie hails from new york city, where she grew up in a family of professional musicians and performers. rhonda began her career as a cabaret singer in manhattan nightclubs. however lyrical her approach to standards her style is firmly rooted in the jazz realm. webzine jazzink says: "...her steady contralto and individual interpretations of both standard and less familiar repertoire are as good as any in town."

eight dollars

dan wilson

hometown tour 2009:  a week of shows in and around minneapolis. low mileage, small rooms, one guy, lots of tunes.

dan wilson is a grammy award-winning minnesota-based singer, guitarist, producer and songwriter. his most recent cd, "free life," was released on rick rubin's american recordings in late 2007. wilson is the lead singer of the minneapolis alternative rock band semisonic, for which he wrote hits like "secret smile," "closing time," and "chemistry." he was also a member of the psychedelic folk-jam band trip shakespeare through the early 1990s.

wilson is also well-known as a songwriting collaborator, having written songs recently with the dixie chicks, james morrison, rachel yamagata, jason mraz, jewel, mike doughty, kt tunstall, rivers cuomo and many others. in 2007, wilson and the dixie chicks won the grammy award for song of the year for "not ready to make nice."

twenty dollars - reservations emphatically recommended.  call 952.401.7902

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

the dollys

it was a hot summer night in 1990 and kari shaw had a dream. she was cruisin' downtown anoka in her sweet '86 dodge charger when inspiration came over her faster than a crimper iron can heat up. she was born to sing the music of linda ronstadt and all she needed was her emmylou harris and dolly parton. several muscle cars (and perms) later the dollys were born. the dollys features three of minneapolis' most sought after female vocalists: joanna jahn, kari shaw, and andra suchy.    together these ladies bring their collective talents to the stage and the result are harmonies so tight you'll swear you're live at the grand 'ol opry!

eight dollars

jane plank + art vandalay

jane plank has been singing and performing all her life. you might recognize her from her starring role in the disney movie the original "mighty ducks.” jane has won numerous singing competitions . . . her original songs express true, heartfelt emotion direct from her soul. the honesty in her lyrics and passion for sharing her experiences through music is what allows her fans to relate the songs to their own life.

art vandalay is minneapolis singer-songwriter brandon henry. his music is a unique blend of swaggering americana, indie rock and country-folk with vivid, intelligently crafted lyrics. his debut album dancin’ with your demons celebrates the restless spirit of young adulthood while embracing life’s mistakes along the way. the songs keenly observe slice of life situations painting vibrant pictures of desire, heartbreak, the tenderness of loss, and pearl snap shirts. along with a talented bunch of twin cities musicians, calvin plocher (drums), mother banjo (harmonies, banjo), and ben cook-feltz (keyboard) art vandalay has created a sound unto his own and an album of pure americana.

six dollars

bill  and kate isles with special guest april verch

bill isles’ songs are down-to-earth poetic reflections of life experiences and often explore adventurous metaphorical worlds. these worlds vary greatly in scope and texture such as the differences between the clever honky-tonk ambiguity of "the hole in our town" and the enchanting feel of "sistine chapel", both from his 2003 release "the threshold.” each of his compositions provides a spectrum of interpretation opportunities, as well, as demonstrated by "sistine chapel."  he has drawn fans to listen over and over again, and to describe his live performances as "mesmerizing.”

the photos on april verch’s seventh album are a bit deceiving. the freshly scrubbed beauty could be mistaken for a young television star versus an accomplished player and composer, who started stepdancing at age three and playing the fiddle at age six. who, by the age of ten, was winning fiddle contests and touring canada -- releasing two solo albums before graduating from high school.  now, verch, who leads her band with her own simultaneous fiddling and dancing (selling out prestigious venues and festivals for years), is giving notice that she is emerging to take the role of one of the top women in the roots genre with her recent release, steal the blue.

word on the street is that april may do some clogging during the show - check her out!

fourteen 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.

ten dollars

bojono   (boyd lee, joe cruz, noah hoehn)

sophistication, refinement, blazing guitar/mandolin and one hell of a voice combine to form one of the best acoustic groups around known simply by their names, boyd lee and joe cruz. the two weave a gorgeous musical tapestry from folk, latin, pop, jazz and rock, complementing each other intuitively - boyd's voice soaring overhead and his rhythms acting like a drummer while joe's lead guitar/mandolin blazes a trail that leaves the audience exhausted and spent.

fourteen dollars

dylan mckinstry + kevin steinman

dylan mckinstry, a vibrant young acoustic music architect with a bold new approach to guitar playing, has always been a fond proponent of the story-telling qualities of a piece of music, of the language of song.  not limited by the confinements of genre, within a single song mckinstry will cache seamlessly between the usual suspects: jazz, blues, folk-funk, classical and modal middle-eastern with a hint of disco.  twenty-one years old and still green in many ways, dylan's athletic, high caliber technique and mature compositional style can only be compared to the great guitarists of today.  he has secured himself a place at the ''big kids table'' of musicians, and is widely acclaimed by fellow guitar players like dean magraw and michael gulezian as being the most promising young talent of his generation.

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.

eight dollars

molly dean + ellery

with the release of a new album set for the spring of 2009, molly dean has been a busy woman. the past few years have brought many new inspiring qualities into her musical path including the completion of a degree in sound arts in 2008. the day following graduation (literally), molly was on a plane to alaska to live for five months (a present to herself) to focus on writing, being outdoors as much as possible, and to re-learn how to just...slow....down....it worked. molly returned to the lower 48 with restored energy and motivation to face the challenges of maintaining a strong musical career. not to mention a lot of new music to play for her fans! in october, molly dean was chosen to be the recipient of a grant from the grove foundation (based in the twin cities) to record and release her third independent album. incorporating the rc 50 loop station into her live shows, which allows her to weave vocal and instrumental harmonies, truly sets her apart from the archetypal female folk artist. in working with these effects pedals for over six years, and as nothing is pre-recorded, each live show is always a new one for both the listener and the experienced performer. her music has been described as a "deceptively simple" acoustic performance that "thrives in live performance."

neo pop-folk, alternative acoustic, singer-songwriter  "...the twosome's airy yet organic pop has a soul-tickling emotional weight that many bands would die for. starry-eyed yet also very grounded, ellery's sound is romantic, dreamy, moving and flawlessly executed."  --cincinnati citybeat magazine

eight dollars

tom lieberman

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.

ten dollars

mother banjo + cliff eberhardt

massachusetts-based cliff eberhardt was last seen in the twin cities, playing a sold-out show at the cedar as part of red house records' 25th anniversary concert.  he makes his triumphant return, playing material from his 2007 release the high above and the down below, named one of the top 5 albums of 2007 by usa today.  also expect some new songs from his album due out later this fall.

joining him will be minneapolis songwriter mother banjo, making her first 318 appearance since the release of her new album the sad and found.  produced by darren jackson and john hermanson, the cd has been hailed for its "simple, powerful songwriting" (pioneer press.)

ten dollars

brian david + jason paulson

brian david and the s.w. stomp is an acoustic duo with a  blend of hard driven rhythms, thoughtful melodies, passionate lyrics and creative beats to make a signature acoustic stomp sound.

jason paulson has been a staple in the minneapolis music community for 10 years. playing with his bands grayson and wide open road, he has sold thousands of cd's and played over 2000 shows in several states and a couple of different countries. in 2004 his song "shine" was on a billboard compilation cd of best new artists of 2004. jason has written over 450 songs, released two full length albums and 4 ep's with his band grayson and 1 ep with a full length cd on the way with wide open road. in addition he has also released 2 solo albums over the last 10 years. he has played with national artists such as the bodeans, gin blossoms, landon pigg, and at festivals with oar, tom petty,pearl jam, and many more. over the years he has opened for local greats daisy dillman, gb leighton, tim mahoney, martin zellar and others.

seven dollars

the wilryans (featuring michael nelson) + dan israel

called by critics “minneapolis’ marshall crenshaw”, singer, songwriter, multi instrument-alist, 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.

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.”

eight dollars

frankhouse

we're supposed to convince you we're geniuses, but midwestern modesty prevents this. we have been practicing and playing for years. our beliefs: jazz does not stop at swing; simple can be good; fear not the electric guitar; wind chimes can be soul-crushing. the album has thirteen originals, and covers of stevie wonder, joni mitchell, and kevin washington, ranging from rollicking to thoughtful, soulful to experimental. frankhouse is dan frankowski trumpet, dave stanoch drumset, shilad sen saxophone, karl koopmann guitar, graydon peterson bass.

five 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

the great upset

this minneapolis based alt-western group employs a unique combination . . . 2 lead singers/songwriter/guitarists backed by a strong off-center rhythm section with a classically trained cellist.  after meeting for the first time in the summer of 2003 and then again in the spring of 2004, bart phillips and jeromy darling started playing and writing music together on a regular basis. what began as friendship developed into musical arrangements rooted in faith and common appreciation of each other's talent. the band o.d.y.c. came out of that pairing.  in the summer of 2004, cellist lucas shogren, was introduced to bart and jeromy through mutual friends. already touring the world with an award winning group, the vols quartet, lucas brought a trained ear and incredible experience (including a solo with the great ray charles) to the band.

six dollars

billy johnson + john richards

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

eight 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

nina yasmineh : going away show

nina yasmineh is an 18-year-old senior at wayzata high school. she released her first record, a six song ep called real good thing (available on cdbaby and itunes), in the fall of 2008. she and her EP are currently featured on the teen vogue magazine music blog. nina is excited about attending nyu in the fall.

seven dollars

neale & haberman + joseph baird

rock. blues. pop. country. country-rock. psychedelic. christmas. acoustic. hit parade….and every variation therein, dan neale has played them all on one kind of guitar, mandolin, banjo or another. from the roots rock of bo diddley and ‘60s pop star bobby vee to his critically acclaimed contemporary work with martin zellar and the hardways, slim dunlap and others, neale just might be minnesota’s most valuable guitar player (mvgp.) he’s a consummate studio pro and live performer for whom the often misused term “sideman” might have been invented. rex haberman has been writing and singing rock songs since he was 13 in hastings, nebraska, in a little known band called the kavaliers. fast forward to the past 10 years in the twin cities: after performing and recording two albums as the rex haberman band, haberman’s new record features his longtime collaborator, guitarist dan neale, in the deceptively titled cd simply called neale and haberman. together the singer-songwriting talents of the latter and the rock guitar incarnations of the former create a center of gravity whose appeal is hard to resist.

eight 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

jeff arundel + lynhurst

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.

ten dollars

billy johnson + tom hipps

billy johnson's roadshow is the creation of singer/songwriter billy johnson and drummer/producer david j. russ. it is an ensemble of some of the twin cities finest musicians playing something you might call "organic funk and roll."

eight dollars

adrianne lenker

adrianne lenker plays the guitar, sings, and writes songs that blend poetry and pop into an original musical event.  adrianne can weave shadows into music and music into sunlight. 

five dollars

brandon sampson & sally barris

brandon sampson is a farm boy from lyle, mn with a guitar and a story to tell.  sally barris is a singer/songwriter from nashville, tn...progressive folk sensibility with a storytellers command, a strong backbone, and a confectioners dusting of country blues...barris is somehow able to wield a highly individualized sense of melody and song shape into tunes you can imagine other top vocalists covering. in a sea of fair to middling singer/songwriter albums, this comes highly recommended.  -craig havighurst, the tennessean

eight dollars

adrianne lenker

adrianne lenker plays the guitar, sings, and writes songs that blend poetry and pop into an original musical event.  adrianne can weave shadows into music and music into sunlight. 

five dollars

east side (w/ reynold philipsek, michael bissonnette, clint hoover & matt senjem)

the new quartet of reynold (guitar), clint hoover (chromatic harmonica), matt senjem (acoustic bass) and michael bissonnette (percussion) make up EAST SIDE and their new cd has six original tunes with influences from piazzolla to miles davis and in extended forms (7 and 8 minutes) with lots of interplay and improvisation. reynold has made several albums within the gypsy guitar a main focus but this collaboration with chromatic harmonica virtuoso clint hoover finds the music in a more contemporary vein. reynold and clint have put together a stellar quartet with matt senjem on acoustic bass and percussionist michael bissonnette.

eleven dollars

tina schlieske

it isn't going to be easy to scale down tina schlieske's resume to fit into this wee spot here on our calendar - so head over to her myspace page for the whole scoop, but . . . you know who she is.  tina?  from tina & the b-sides, lola and the red hots?

nine dollars

fred steele

fred is in constant demand for corporate shows throughout the united states. his voice can be heard on countless voiceovers and vocal advertisements for companies including levi’s and wilson and leather. his inspirational gospel CDs for compass and lifescapes are still a top selling series in the united states. he is a noted composer, arranger and producer. his acting and singing in the musical production, mahalia, has taken him on tour around the united states. that soundtrack is available from promised land productions.

ten 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

todd clouser with greg schutte

los cabos, mexico based multi instrumentalist and composer todd clouser comes back to minnesota for a brief tour as he records yet another record of new material with his minneapolis based quartet. clouser's output in his young career has been remarkable, with two years fronting mn based rock band 4 letter man giving way to the release of two modern jazz records, 2006's baja and the recent release of beatnik higway. a prolific writer and berklee college of music educated guitarist, todd has gained notoriety for his engaging and energetic performances, spanning his catalog of original song material, improvisation, and modern jazz. todd has performed and studied as a guitarist with members of dire straits, medeski martin and wood, marcia ball, avant-garde guitarist marc ribot, and a number of internationally touring artists while also touring mexico and beyond with his own quartet.  clouser will be joined by percussionist greg schutte, a veteran of a number of nationally touring acts, for a night showcasing new material, running through todd's minnesota days as chief songwriter for his rock groups, and the remarkable musicianship of the two.  fresh off a spring tour of mexico promoting their new record, join clouser and schutte for a unique night.

ten dollars

gary rue

gary rue is a composer with songs recorded by the honeydogs, helen reddy, nick lowe, butch thompson, laura   mackenzie, maria jette, the rose ensemble, leslie ball, dan chouinard, bradley greenwald, christina baldwin, rio nido (featuring prudence johnson), pat donohue, arne fogel and many others).  he is the founder of the internationally acclaimed pop quartet rue nouveau, a guest guitarist, garrison keillor’s a prairie home companion, and creator and co-creator of 70-plus theater musicals with over 2000 performances world-wide.

nine dollars

adrianne lenker

adrianne lenker plays the guitar, sings, and writes songs that blend poetry and pop into an original musical event.  adrianne can weave shadows into music and music into sunlight. 

five dollars

kevin steinman + alicia wiley

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.

...although she's gathering comparisons to the likes of fiona apple and diana krall, alicia has a sound all her own. one moment she's banging out piano riffs that get jazz aficionados bopping their heads and the next, she's belting out choruses that leave pop music fans delighted. somewhere in the middle of this seamless blend she slows down just enough to make everyone lean in and hang on to her delicate lyrics and rich, textural voice.

eight dollars

vicky emerson + eliza blue + brianna lane

new york city based singer/songwriter, vicky emerson, is bringing a version of kelly flint's (nyc singer/songwriter) performance series to the 318. one part live performance, one part talk show: the evening will feature musical performances interspersed with intimate and open conversation with host vicky emerson. discussion topics include but are not limited to the artists' song writing processes, musical experiences and the inspiration behind their songs. the evening includes an open forum between the artists and the audience. kelly was inspired to start the upstairs sessions by the tv show 'the actor's studio'. she felt that people come to see artists perform but never really get to experience them behind the scenes. vicky was a guest on kelly's show in january at googie's lounge in nyc and wanted to bring the show to the 318. her guests will be eliza blue and brianna lane.

eleven dollars

courtney yasmineh cd release party **TWO SHOWS**

a special dinner show at the 318 will preview courtney yasmineh's new album beautiful lonely.  ticket price includes a three course dinner from the 318 kitchen and a copy of the new album, not available in stores until july.
courtney yasmineh revisits the 318 with her power trio in tow; yasmineh plays electric rhythm guitar, rob genadek is manning the drums and loops, john lehmkuhl brings his arsenal of effects on lead guitar.  the trio showcases the rock energy of her new album, but stays true to courtney's songwriter perspective by focusing on the poignant lyrics of each song.  her vocal delivery is a refined balance between the vulnerable, the sensual, and the audacious. 
courtney's recordings have had european and us airplay, and in 2009 she will take her trio as far as new york, london, paris, and amsterdam.  this special night at the 318 marks the kick off of the new record. nina yasmineh is opening.

the cd release party starts at nine.  the trio will play a showcase set and the new album will be available for sale.  nina yasmineh opens.

7 pm show / 3 course pre-fixe menu / thirty five dollars per person
9 pm show / eight dollar cover charge

sometimes y (1981) + bob norquist

sometimes y (1981) formed in 1981 in madison, wisconsin--made a small splash in a small pond in the 1980's. gigs and recordings with rem, replacements, tom verlaine and related resulted in 1984's "one fell swoop" -- produced and recorded at smart studios by butch vig and featuring paul westerberg, wally ingram, steve and duke from garbage and numerous other lifers...voted album of the year by the l.a. times and promoted by everyone from john peel to nico.

five dollars

adrianne lenker

adrianne lenker plays the guitar, sings, and writes songs that blend poetry and pop into an original musical event.  adrianne can weave shadows into music and music into sunlight. 

five 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

bill caperton + chris koza

bill caperton, longtime principle songwriter in the twin cities based band ela, is preparing the release of his first solo record. his friends peter leggett and robert skoro contributed drums, bass, and keyboards, and the resulting album is a more stripped down expression of the introspective and haunting themes explored in earlier work. "caperton is beautifully restrained and earnest, often contemplative and quiet, and leggett's groovy beats and tate's ethereal keyboards lend the band a dreamy, dance-y, new-wave sound. in fact, the band goes beyond the sum of its supergroup parts, and often sounds like a collaboration of something much larger." - city pages

minneapolis-based songwriter chris koza has released three proper albums and an ep. the first album, 'exit pesce,' came trickling out of a basement apartment in late autumn of 2004. 'patterns,' his 2006 full-length sophomore effort, received more local acclaim. with the release of ep 'a friend of a friend' that same fall, koza cemented himself as a prolific artist devoted to the craft of songwriting, and eager to expand.

since spring 2007, koza has toured extensively as a 4 or 5 piece band with a compelling live show that has introduced people coast-to-midwest-to-coast to this promising young artist. the latest album, 'the dark, delirious morning,' was released on june 7th at classic twin cities concert venue first avenue, and continues to receive strong radio airplay on mpr's influential 89.3 the current, fm kcmp.

ten dollars

bill geezy + jim seem

from his days performing on garrison keillor's a prairie home companion as a member of stoney lonesome bluegrass band to the present, bill has been compiling a large catalogue of his handcrafted, american, countrified, folk-rock songs. on the hoffman guitar that his mother bought him for a high school graduation present bill has penned songs that have become the stuff that dreams are made of.  bill's songs have been: performed on garrison keillor's a prairie home companion, been included on an album of children's songs, which also featured suzzy roche of the incomparable roches,  recorded by kate mackenzie and emmylou harris, nominated for a grammy, published in internationally acclaimed folk magazine sing out!

“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.

seven dollars

mary flower + pat donohue

working in both the intricately syncopated piedmont fingerpicking style and her own deeply bluesy lap-slide guitar, mary flower has earned raves from critics and audiences alike for her springwater-clear vocals and guitar mastery. as the only woman in history to twice place in the top three at the legendary national fingerpicking guitar championships, and with six critically acclaimed cds and three instructional dvds to her credit, flower is in demand for festivals, concerts and guitar workshops on both sides of the atlantic...

from swing to jazz to bottleneck blues to folk, grammy-winning acoustic guitarist pat donohue plays it all with a flourish of artistry and melodic inspiration. chet atkins called pat one of the greatest finger pickers in the world today; leo kottke called his playing “haunting.”

pat is certainly one of the most listened to finger pickers in the world. as the guitarist for the guys all-star shoe band of minnesota public radio’s a prairie home companion, pat gets to show off his savvy licks and distinctive original songs to millions of listeners each week.

fifteen dollars

kevin steinman + mike mangione

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.

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

eight dollars

bill isles + bill bedford

bill isles’ songs are down-to-earth poetic reflections of life experiences and often explore adventurous metaphorical worlds. these worlds vary greatly in scope and texture such as the differences between the clever honky-tonk ambiguity of "the hole in our town" and the enchanting feel of "sistine chapel", both from his 2003 release "the threshold.” each of his compositions provides a spectrum of interpretation opportunities, as well, as demonstrated by "sistine chapel."  he has drawn fans to listen over and over again, and to describe his live performances as "mesmerizing.”

twelve dollars

jeff arundel + joel sayles

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.

ten dollars

laura mackenzie

"Celtic Music Wizard"    - Minneapolis Star Tribune
laura and the lads will be performing music from ireland, scotland, england, central france, northern spain and minnesota on a dazzling array of wind-powered instruments, including flutes, whistles, concertina, many bagpipes and voice.

twelve dollars

nina yasmineh + dark pony (f. jon herchert)

nina yasmineh is an 18-year-old senior at wayzata high school. she released her first record, a six song ep called real good thing (available on cdbaby and itunes), in the fall of 2008. she and her ep are currently featured on the teen vogue magazine music blog. nina is excited about attending nyu in the fall.

dark pony is the brain child of singer/songwriter/producer jon herchert. after many years performing with other artists, jon is stepping out on his own with a new band. (jim anton on bass, matt novachis on drums.)

nine 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

george faber

george faber is a veteran minneapolis singer/songwriter/performer with a colorful 30-year music career.  born in champaign, il, faber became deeply rooted in the chicago blues scene.  he spent years touring the country performing in blues houses like kingston mines and wise fools pub, playing with legends like muddy waters and lowell george.  from there, the evolution of styles began – from a controversial glam rock front man performing at rock festivals to returning to his roots and packing rooms from chicago to new orleans. faber’s music has evolved blending all of these styles.  his newest songs transmit the longing of a soul singer mixed with the honesty of a modern-day singer/songwriter.  his recent recordings have also been highly acclaimed in the audiophile community nationally and internationally.  stereophile magazine reviewed his work as "intensely soulful, passionate and hard-driving with strong, powerful melodies" adding "his rough-hewn, gritty voice is the perfect vehicle for his down-to-earth songs."

seven dollars

SPECIAL EVENT!  DINNER TIME SHOW FOR KIDS!

dinner time with the okee dokee brothers

the okee dokee brothers is a children’s music program under the medicinal strings foundation, a non profit whose mission it is to promote, share, and inspire the arts within the lives of those most in need.  justin lansing and joe mailander are co-founders of both the okee dokee brothers and the medicinal strings and have provided over 130 free concerts to underserved communities over the past three years.  the two okee dokee brothers met in pre-school when justin noticed that joe was the only other four-year-old besides him that had a beard.

kids menu available

318 spanish wine dinner . . .
featuring music by pat frederick & special guests

$24 per person incudes food and cover charge
reservations highly recommended | 952.401.7902

1st
Manchego cheese plate
with flatbread, almonds, single-source honey
suggested wine:  Pavao Vinho Verde   $4/11

2nd
Paella
spanish rice, shrimp, chicken, chorizo
suggested wines:  Muga Rioja   $9/26
or Solnia Old Vine Tempranillo   $5/14

3rd
Tres Leches Cake
vanilla-whipped cream frosting
suggested wine:  Basa Verdejo   $6/17
or Nora Albirino   $7/23

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

kevin steinman + justin roth

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.

seeing justin perform live, you better be prepared to write your own song too.  he is well known for involving his audiences by having them write their own song during his set.  after having the audience pick subjects to write the song about, a piece of paper is passed around the room for each person to write a line to the song.  when the lyrics are completed, the audience votes between two guitar parts made up on the spot and then the lyrics and music are improvised into a full song at the end of the show...

eight dollars

druscilla abernathy & the bks vine

if you are ready to feel every emotion in your body, join "druscilla abernathy & the bks vine" for an evening that spotlights vocalist druscilla abernathy, aka kathleen johnson. the evening will also showcase musicians of the project, todd burrell on piano, blair krivanek on guitar and jordan carlson on drums.

nine dollars

billy johnson + zach spirov

billy johnson's roadshow is the creation of singer/songwriter billy johnson and drummer/producer david j. russ. it is an ensemble of some of the twin cities finest musicians playing something you might call "organic funk and roll."

eight dollars

jon vezner

grammy award-winning songwriter jon vezner is a tunesmith of rare sensitivity and dry wit. his catalogue of recorded songs, topped by the poignant “where’ve you been,” reflects his straight-to-the heart sensibility and sensitivity. vezner weaves the particulars of his own feelings with the lives of people he has known, creating universal themes that deeply touch listeners’ emotions.

sixteen 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.

ten dollars

joanna jahn w/ trent norton (the honeydogs, hookers & blow) and troy norton (tina & the b-sides), and billy thommes (jonny lang, the dollys)

country music for people who don't think they like country music.....in a voice shot through with late-day sun and late-night stories, joanna jahn makes her eponymous debut. both singer and songwriter, she evokes people and places you've known all your life—even if they haven't quite found you yet. country, pop and even jazz flirt across the album, making the rounds of the honky tonk, the front porch and the kitchen table. the real-life regrets of loves that could have been, rum & cokes that shouldn't have been, and the friends you can call either way come alive in warm melodies. produced with elegance and restraint, enveloping melodies let that voice—equal parts velvet and dirt road—stand alone.

ten dollars

michael johnson

his name is michael johnson. he has no plans to put on a cowboy hat, affect an accent, wear one glove or be anyone but himself.  moreover, he is "the" michael johnson, and he has performed and lived more music and recorded more hits than you would imagine.

his voice immediately identifies him as the man who sings "bluer than blue", "give me wings", "that's that", "this night won't last forever" and other landmark songs. his music shows a diversity, depth and heart that only come from years of dedication to a labor of love.

twenty five 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

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

shortwave station (formerly conver watts) + jim o'neill

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.

imagine the warm vocals and multi-instrument musicianship of folks like harry connick, jr., sting, and ben folds.  you’ll likely hear some of those same qualities when you see jim o’neill play his eclectic mix of jazz, pop, funk and folk.  jim o'neill is a minneapolis based singer / pianist / guitarist / songwriter working on a multitude of projects: leading his pop/jazz trio; backing indy folk artists kevin steinman and brad senne; co-producing bobbi miller’s "intoxicating" (2007 bryant lake bowl theater); serving as musical director of “sin cities 7” (2006 fringe festival, minneapolis theater garage); performing in productions by noted dancers/choreographers james sewell and sally rousse (o’shaughnessy auditorium, southern theater, walker art center); creating improvisational piano/dance performances with dancers penelope freeh, emily tyra and caroline fermin; performing music sketch improvisations with abstract painter patrick pryor.  jim is currently recording his first self-produced album of original material to be released in spring 2009. 

six dollars

ben lundquist + josiah stumbo + tim gustafson

six dollars

reynold philipsek quartet cd release
featuring clint hoover, michael bissonnette and matt senjem

twelve dollar cover includes a copy of the new cd, beatnik pie

pickin'up steam with joe cruz

pickin' up steam is a versatile acoustic band that performs contemporary as well as traditional bluegrass styles.  you'll also hear a sprinkling of jazz, blues, rock and reggae.

eight dollars

arthur lee land

arthur lee land combines diverse influences to create a fresh new musical vibe: afrograss flavored folk rock. during a tour of nigeria and ghana, west africa in 2001, arthur spawned the concept of afrograss: a synthesis of west african percussion and bluegrass in a folk rock context with a touch of funk, jazz, reggae, latin and world beat. touring as a multi-instrumental solo act arthur calls “a one-man afrograss folk rock ensemble,” he utilizes “loop” (live recording) technology to create a full band sound by layering african percussion, bass, acoustic & electric guitars, guitar synth, vocals and talk box.

eight dollars

caleb hawley + kevin steinman

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!

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.

seven dollars

jimmy peterson (of bellwether, 757s, & missing numbers)

jimmy peterson is a self published singer-songwriter who came to minneapolis in the spring of 1995 with little more than a sleeping bag and a couple of guitars.  since then, he's founded and performed in at least three critically acclaimed independent bands and created no less than ten records worth of original material,  the most notable of which was undoubtedly the folksy alt-country group known as bellwether, which released five records between 1996 and 2005, and toured both in the U.S and europe extensively.  with a style that falls somewhere between the unlikely innocence of a young jeff tweedy [uncle tupelo /wilco],
and the more complex & haunting artifacts of songwriter richard buckner, peterson draws freely on the instincts of his sentiments. somehow finding something of interest in  everything from city streetlights to cinderblocks.  constantly distilling & boiling down the more abstact elements of his perceptions into simple offhanded notes.  at their best, his songs can almost capture the smell in the air of smoke on a september evening.

currently, peterson is playing solo accoustic shows regionally, & working on a collection of songs both new & old, for an upcoming recording that reflects the evolution of his song-writing style over the last 14 years.

featuring special guest:  dana thompson

six 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

318 cafe tour
presents

becky schlegel, jeff arundel and jason shannon
performing rounds-style
at the maplewood performing arts theater

for info click here!

steele arundel +  dark pony (f. jon herchert)

a little bit pop, a little bit singer-songwriter, steele arundel is an earnest tunesmith on a constant quest to find the beautiful balance that lies between big-city melodies and good-old honest lyrics. drawing on a diverse set of musical influences ranging from dylan to the clientele, steele listens, thinks, feels and then mashes it all up to create a sound of his own.

dark pony is the brain child of singer/songwriter/producer jon herchert. after many years performing with other artists, jon is stepping out on his own with a new band. (jim anton on bass, matt novachis on drums.)

seven dollars

kati ray

kati ray is a unique new artist from minneapolis.  combining jazz elements with pop and r&b lyrics and rhythms she creates her own sound.  imagine ella fitzgerald, norah jones, alicia keys, sarah mclachlan, and lauryn hill all bringing their best elements together, and then realize that kati ray doesn’t imitate anyone else, she’s got her own thing going on. 

six dollars

SPECIAL EVENT!  DINNER TIME SHOW FOR KIDS!

dinner time with the okee dokee brothers

the okee dokee brothers is a children’s music program under the medicinal strings foundation, a non profit whose mission it is to promote, share, and inspire the arts within the lives of those most in need.  justin lansing and joe mailander are co-founders of both the okee dokee brothers and the medicinal strings and have provided over 130 free concerts to underserved communities over the past three years.  the two okee dokee brothers met in pre-school when justin noticed that joe was the only other four-year-old besides him that had a beard.

kids menu available

SPECIAL EVENT!  DINNER TIME SHOW FOR KIDS!

dinner time with the okee dokee brothers

the okee dokee brothers is a children’s music program under the medicinal strings foundation, a non profit whose mission it is to promote, share, and inspire the arts within the lives of those most in need.  justin lansing and joe mailander are co-founders of both the okee dokee brothers and the medicinal strings and have provided over 130 free concerts to underserved communities over the past three years.  the two okee dokee brothers met in pre-school when justin noticed that joe was the only other four-year-old besides him that had a beard.

kids menu available

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

billy johnson / andra suchy / andrew pierzina / george mckelvey / tom peterson

billy johnson's roadshow is the creation of singer/songwriter billy johnson and drummer/producer david j. russ. it is an ensemble of some of the twin cities finest musicians playing something you might call "organic funk and roll."

eight dollars

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

the wapsipinicon + andy ulseth

andy ulseth is a songwriter from minneapolis whose indie-folk songs are reminiscent of wilco, the decemberists, and sufjan stevens.

six dollars

joanna jahn w/ trent norton (the honeydogs, hookers & blow) and troy norton (tina & the b-sides) + john hermanson

country music for people who don't think they like country music.....in a voice shot through with late-day sun and late-night stories, joanna jahn makes her eponymous debut. both singer and songwriter, she evokes people and places you've known all your life—even if they haven't quite found you yet. country, pop and even jazz flirt across the album, making the rounds of the honky tonk, the front porch and the kitchen table.  the real-life regrets of loves that could have been, rum & cokes that shouldn't have been, and the friends you can call either way come alive in warm melodies. produced with elegance and restraint, enveloping melodies let that voice—equal parts velvet and dirt road—stand alone.

john hermanson is a member of the nationally-acclaimed acoustic duo, storyhill, that sold over 70,000 records independently before releasing a record with celebrated folk label, red house records in 2007.  an award-winning producer, john is the creative center of the art rock group, alva star, that has had numerous songs featured on mtv, hbo and abc. hermanson is also co-songwriter and member of minneapolis super group, the hopefuls. his alter ego, john august, has sold over 850,000 cds in the popular lifescapes kiosk in target stores with titles ranging from instrumental guitar to lush strings, electronica to world music.

twelve 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

tresa sauer

tresa sauer, local jazz-scene mainstay, rarely conforms. no regurgitated jazz standards here. with tinges of rickie lee jones, dianne krall, bonnie raitt - her warm, rich voice has just enough grit to know she means business.  her unique, inimitable sound and phrasing landed her ‘best pick’ by minneapolis-st. paul magazine for her 2005 cd release of ‘groovin’ up slowly.’ in 2007, esc records (frankfurt, germany) licensed her recording of the beatles’ ‘come together’ as part of their 2-disc worldwide cd, ‘step inside love,’ a collection of jazz artists around the world paying tribute to the beatles. recognition aside, her comfortable, earthy stage presence and unusual arrangements of eclectic music and a few originals make her a hometown fave and not to be missed. oh. and her choice of musicians?  suberb.

five dollars

ben connelly + benjamin stockwell

benjamin stockwell is a folk slash country slash acoustic singer and songwriter in Minneapolis.

ben connelly has a calling to tell stories, the ones he's lived and heard and the ones he's invented. the songs on his new album over you tell stories about love and death, little lights in the night, an umbrella, the raw ache of heartbreak, and what's beyond the stars. on "i'm over you" and "stay in my arms," connelly and drummer peter anderson whip up a small band's worth of racket with just a guitar, a drum kit, and voices. connelly makes his grandfather's old gibson drive like a train, bass and treble parts chugging away. while live connelly plays solo, relying on the songs, his dazzling finger-style guitar, and conversation with the crowd to forge a beautiful intimacy, on over you he brings in a supporting cast of minneapolis luminaries and a bunch of his other instruments to expand the sound. mark mallman and joanna james, both great writers on their own, contribute backing vocals. connelly also plays piano, organ, bass, and cello to make a record that shows his love of the broad cloth of folk, rock, and tin pan alley as a well as a yen to stretch its edges.

click here to read a ben connelly article in city pages from feb 23

seven dollars

jeff arundel + pat frederick (of the daisy dillman band)

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.

ten dollars

michael bissonnette / dean magraw

dean’s passion transcends all perceived musical boundaries, yet the vital essence of his distinctive style is ever present, whether he’s performing and recording as a solo artist, leading his own ensembles such as the experimental jam band eight head, or collaborating with such notables as japanese shamisen prodigy nitta masahiro, classical violinist nigel kennedy, south indian vocalist and vina virtuoso nirmala rajasheker, epic songstress and storyteller ruth mackenzie, irish supergroup altan, radio and film celebrity garrison keillor, jazz bassist anthony cox, and countless others.

eleven dollars

brian david

brian david and the s.w. stomp is an acoustic duo with a  blend of hard driven rhythms, thoughtful melodies, passionate lyrics and creative beats to make a signature acoustic stomp sound.

six 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

danny schmidt + mother banjo

austin, tx-based singer/songwriter danny schmidt is a writer's writer, with a lyrical depth drawing comparisons to leonard cohen, townes van zandt, and dave carter. upon winning the prestigious kerrville new folk award in 2007, sing out magazine tagged schmidt "the best new songwriter we've heard in 15 years." just one man sitting alone on stage with his acoustic guitar and his poetry, in the timeless troubadour tradition, his musical influences draw from deeply-rooted appalachian mountain gospel to haunted english balladry, from syncopated piedmont country blues to vagabond 60’s protest folk-stumpery. but it all boils down to just great songwriting, in a singular style all his own. not to be missed!

joining danny will be minneapolis songwriter mother banjo, whose debut album  "swing low" has garnered high praise from national and local press and was named one of the top local releases of 2007 by st. paul pioneer press pop music critic ross raihala.

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

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

eleven dollars

matty o'reilly + brad senne + jim o'neill

matty o'reilly will be performing a solo acoustic set.

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.

imagine the warm vocals and multi-instrument musicianship of folks like harry connick, jr., sting, and ben folds.  you’ll likely hear some of those same qualities when you see jim o’neill play his eclectic mix of jazz, pop, funk and folk.  jim o'neill is a minneapolis based singer / pianist / guitarist / songwriter working on a multitude of projects: leading his pop/jazz trio; backing indy folk artists kevin steinman and brad senne; co-producing bobbi miller’s "intoxicating" (2007 bryant lake bowl theater); serving as musical director of “sin cities 7” (2006 fringe festival, minneapolis theater garage); performing in productions by noted dancers/choreographers james sewell and sally rousse (o’shaughnessy auditorium, southern theater, walker art center); creating improvisational piano/dance performances with dancers penelope freeh, emily tyra and caroline fermin; performing music sketch improvisations with abstract painter patrick pryor.  jim is currently recording his first self-produced album of original material to be released in spring 2009. 

five dollars

martin devaney + brandon sampson + jeep rosenberg +
will bauermeister (dazy head mazy)

brandon sampson is a farm boy from lyle, mn with a guitar and a story to tell.  sally barris is a singer/songwriter from nashville, tn...progressive folk sensibility with a storytellers command, a strong backbone, and a confectioners dusting of country blues...barris is somehow able to wield a highly individualized sense of melody and song shape into tunes you can imagine other top vocalists covering. in a sea of fair to middling singer/songwriter albums, this comes highly recommended.  -craig havighurst, the tennessean

when looking at the life and career of jeep rosenberg, what comes to mind is the johnny cash song “i’ve been everywhere.” many people have sung that song – but jeep has lived it, and with it has come the wisdom and knowledge that informs his music, most recently on his new album, silver bluff estates. the album is a summation of accrued experience in a life of continual musical and personal exploration all over the world, from folk dens to the u.n., from the army to austin city limits.

will bauermeister is a singer songwriter that grew up in the rural twin cities, studied music in college, and has performed around the country as a solo act and also as the front man for the minnesota band dazy head mazy which has been nominated best pop band and best new band. their album "shift" won best pop album in 2000 by the independent music awards.  he's opened up for colin hay of men at work, sister hazel, and semisonic. he's been told he sounds like gordon lightfoot meets cat stevens. he's just released his fifth album with dazy head mazy, entitled "mercury said 65.”

ten dollars

special valentine's day show

featuring music by mother banjo + brent floren
and poetry by todd boss + terri ford

three course pre fixe menu
eighteen dollars per person includes cover
call us for reservations now!

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

nikki & the ruemates + andy ulseth

the ruemates are nikki matteson, rich rue & carrie deans. nikki is the singer of the group & plays guitar. both rich & carrie provide backing vocals to create sweet three part harmonies, with rich playing many guitars including resophonic slide, & carrie on bass. and when he can minimalist-style drummer bryce kastning plays with them as well. nikki & the ruemates' new cd, we all live together, is a blend of many musical styles like acoustic blues rock, soulful old timey & psychedelic folk.

andy ulseth is a songwriter from minneapolis whose indie-folk songs are reminiscent of wilco, the decemberists, and sufjan stevens.

seven dollars

the wilryans (featuring michael nelson) + tom hipps

called by critics “minneapolis’ marshall crenshaw”, singer, songwriter, multi instrument-alist, 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.

six dollars

nube ensemble

nube, - “cloud” in spanish-, is an eclectic ensemble that exquisitely blends contemporary latin american and world music. co-founders paraguayan harpist nicolas carter and guitarist renato lombardi from argentina fuse the dynamic rhythms of latin america with musical elements from around the globe creating contrasting musical landscapes. their soulful and relaxing music evokes the warmth of a south american ambience.  the greater ensemble includes world percussionist michael bissonnette and bass player dan arlig. the breadth of their repertoire reveals an array of textures from the diverse string instruments they employ which are combined with the mystical flutes and panflutes along with a variety of percussion elements typical of the americas.

eleven dollars - includes nube's latest cd called new beginnings

SPECIAL EVENT!  AFTERNOON SHOW FOR KIDS!

the okee dokee brothers

the okee dokee brothers is a children’s music program under the medicinal strings foundation, a non profit whose mission it is to promote, share, and inspire the arts within the lives of those most in need.  justin lansing and joe mailander are co-founders of both the okee dokee brothers and the medicinal strings and have provided over 130 free concerts to underserved communities over the past three years.  the two okee dokee brothers met in pre-school when justin noticed that joe was the only other four-year-old besides him that had a beard. 

no cover

luke zimmerman + jimmy peterson (of bellwether, 757s, & missing numbers)

seven dollars

paul rader + yeltzi (f. jason wussow  & sara softich)

paul rader spent the nineties playing lead guitar for various songwriters in the san francisco bay area. as part of of his relocation to minnesota, paul has renewed his focus on performing his own songs in a solo setting. paul's heroes in this genre are currently kristin hersh, richard thompson and robyn hitchcock.

sara softich and jason wussow have been performing and touring together for 6 years.  the duo’s sound could be described as bipolar, combining wussow’s happy ska fusion songs and softich’s dark bluegrass gypsy sound into an intense listening experience. 

seven 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

fireside book reading with chuck logan
courtesy of excelsior bay books

chuck logan published his first book, hunter's moon in 1996. he  lives with his wife and daughter in stillwater, minnesota. his first four novels received consecutive starred reviews in publisher's weekly, which also called his new novel, after the rain -- the fifth featuring protagonist phil broker — "an unbeatable combination: a smart, well-honed plot, fascinating characters and a writer with an original voice and the prose skills to tie it all together."

no cover

jeff arundel   w/marie beer

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.

ten 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!”

eleven dollars

tim mahoney

tim mahoney has had songs from his stay/leave album licensed for eight tv shows this fall including mtv”s “the hills” and “life of ryan,” and e!’s “keeping up with the kardashians” and “living lohan.” last year, mahoney won the ray-ban never hide music contest, which landed him in a two-page spread in rolling stone magazine’s 40th anniversary issue. mahoney has sold over 120,000 units as an independent artist and continues to tour both with his band and as a solo performer. stay/leave was also selected by target as part of its emerging artists program, landing it on the end caps in music sections of 500 target stores in the midwest.

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

ryan paul & the ardent + vicky emerson

minneapolis musician ryan paul brings two members of his band (ryan paul and the ardent) to perform a collection of his original folk/americana tunes.  ryan recently returned to minneapolis after a sojourning in new york. ryan’s songs are intensely personal, raw, gritty, and very honest about a long life lived in a short span. on this particular evening, ryan will be toting john hotze on upright bass and james plewacki on guitar and mandolin.

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.

eleven dollars

rhonda laurie (w/reynold philipsek)

rhonda laurie hails from new york city, where she grew up in a family of professional musicians and performers. rhonda began her career as a cabaret singer in manhattan nightclubs. however lyrical her approach to standards her style is firmly rooted in the jazz realm. webzine jazzink says: "...her steady contralto and individual interpretations of both standard and less familiar repertoire are as good as any in town."

eight dollars

Excelsior City Limits  ...  a showcase of local musicians performing in rounds - check it out!

steve kaul (the brass kings)
bill geezy (bill geezy and the promise breakers)
todd menton (boiled in lead)

seven dollars

michael bissonnette / dean magraw

dean’s passion transcends all perceived musical boundaries, yet the vital essence of his distinctive style is ever present, whether he’s performing and recording as a solo artist, leading his own ensembles such as the experimental jam band eight head, or collaborating with such notables as japanese shamisen prodigy nitta masahiro, classical violinist nigel kennedy, south indian vocalist and vina virtuoso nirmala rajasheker, epic songstress and storyteller ruth mackenzie, irish supergroup altan, radio and film celebrity garrison keillor, jazz bassist anthony cox, and countless others.

eleven dollars

pooch’s playhouse

joel shapira – guitar  /  bruce “pooch” heine – bass   /  dave brattain – saxophones   /  mark asche – piano   /  dave schmalenberger – drums

pooch’s playhouse is a modern jazz quintet comprised of  five highly regarded twin cities jazz players. shapira and heine are known for their work with the trio “triplicate” amongst other things. brattain and asche are members of the cedar ave. big band and work with a host of different groups around town. schmalenberger is a heavyweight drummer who taught in duluth for many years, and is now on the faculty of mcnally smith college in st. paul.  this is the group's debut gig, expect lots of improvisation and interplay, some new originals and some great arrangements of jazz classics.

eight dollars