courtney yasmineh + diedrich weiss

courtney yasmineh 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.

"music doesn't get much more personal or purposeful than it does for songwriter diedrich weiss...he's damn compelling, with traces of richard thompson and jeff buckley and an obviously deep emotional well in his solo acoustic songs." -- chris riemenschneider, star tribune 
"weiss will share stories of his longtime struggles with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, which led to drug use, a suicide attempt and general dysfunction. citing folks like nick drake, bob dylan and joni mitchell as influences, weiss has shaped the songs on his album by playing them once a week for the past three years in the psych ward at fairview southdale hospital, the place he checked himself into at age 19." -- ross raihala, pioneer press

eight dollars

tom hunter

tom hunter brings not only years of experience, but also a live show honed by performance after performance that unleashes no-holds-barred music and brings the crowd along for the crazy ride. from solo to full band, tom hunter covers the musical spectrum from smoky jazz to gut-bucket chicago blues.

ten dollars

open mic night w/host matt muller

• to sign up, submit your name between 6:30 and 7:15.  you must be physically present at the 318 to sign up.  no phone calls.
  
• at 7:15, twelve names will be drawn randomly and musicians will play in the order that the names are drawn.  music will begin at 7:30.
• during a full night, everyone gets time to do three songs (15-20 minutes)
• everyone is welcome! it's time to get your music out there.

always a laid back and very supportive atmosphere suited for all levels of players and any genre of music, the open mic at the 318 is also a great place to meet other musicians who share a similar love of music and performance. we hope to see you here!

a live digital recording of your 318 open mic performance is now available! if interested, please see host matt muller prior to the start of the evening for details!

brian david

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

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!”

eleven bucks

justin roth + brianna lane

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...

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”

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

mary jane alm

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

eleven dollars

vicky emerson

vicky emerson returns to the 318 with a very special guest. matt patrick, the producer of "long ride", is a popular producer in minneapolis but is also an accomplished singer/songwriter. he joins vicky on a myriad of instruments as well as providing some insights behind a successful producer/artist relationship.   

 “emerson’s silky smooth voice serenades you from beginning to end, walking you through scenes of her life like pages in a book. the quality of the vocals alone make “long ride” worth the listen.”
paul bowman, the wedge

"...wisconsin native vicky emerson’s authenticity, her honeysuckle voice and her unerring sense of melody make the exquisite “long ride” anything but ordinary. " tom weber, rochester post-bulletin

ten dollars

Fred Steele in "A Romantic Serenade"

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

special valentine's day show
two shows | 6 pm & 8:15 pm (specify when making reservations)

featuring music by mother banjo + chad elliott
and poetry by todd boss + terri ford

three course pre fixe menu ~ click for menu
twenty four dollars per person includes cover
call us for reservations now!

twenty four dollars

caleb hawley w / reed waddle & guests: love songs from the utterly unsmooth

caleb hawley is a singer-songwriter based out of his car mostly. for the past couple of years, he and his dog fargo have traveled the country playing anywhere from cafes to bars, and colleges to nursing homes. he is a two-time finalist in the new york songwriter’s circle showcase (2008, 2009), and placed first in his 6th grade talent show a few years ago. often compared to stevie wonder, kenny loggins and michael hedges, this is a diverse dude who is sure to keep you entertained!

this man loves love so much that he is putting on his 2nd annual minnesota valentines day show! if you have a special schnukums, make this night a loving landmark in your life together. if you are single, you just might meet your match. if you have recently experienced a bitter breakup, and can't seem stop singing the 80's classic "love stinks", then come join him on stage and sing it together. what we're trying to say, is that everybody is welcome and encouraged to come - this is not a "couples only" event

ten 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

the ericksons

"brooklyn-based folk duo the ericksons claim a smorgasbord of disparate influences, from the usual suspects (bob dylan, lucinda williams et al.) to the less obvious, such as radiohead and yo la tengo. but it is the joining of those seemingly contrasting inspirations that ultimately produces the pair’s sparkling take on the well-trod paths of american folk songwriting. with a keen appreciation of americana storytelling and a gift for heart-wrenching melodicism and stunning harmonic twists, their sound is a perfect marriage of tradition and modernism." (dan bolles, seven days)

seven dollars

jason paulson + barbara meyer

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.

barbara meyer is a talented singer, songwriter, and performance artist who is making her songwriting debut in the twin cities (minneapolis/st. paul) music scene with the release of her first cd. her musical roots are widespread, encompassing broadway show tunes and opera, belted-out gospel and smoky jazz, timeless folk and rock & roll. a true believer in the power and gentleness of music, her tunes do not disappoint.

eight 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

billy johnson (w/ george mckelvey + ashleigh still)

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

jennifer bostic + caitlin nicol-thomas

jenn bostic, a minnesota native, is putting a fresh spin on modern country music. with influences ranging from stevie wonder to gretchen wilson, bostic blends the best influences of pop, funk, blues and country to create a sound that is both exciting and accessible to listeners of all backgrounds. while touring as the lead singer in an eastcoast country band, jenn was able to open for major artists including reba mcentire, alan jackson, sugarland and brad paisley. not only does bostic have a passion for performing music, but for people as well. in march of 2008, she had the opportunity to travel overseas with armed forces entertainment to perform for our troops in kuwait and iraq. she also holds a degree in music education from berklee college of music, and donates her time at various music camps throughout the year.

currently residing in nashville, tennessee, bostic has recently released an independent album entitled “keep lookin’ for love,” now available on itunes.

six dollars

gypsy mania

gypsy swing 'hot club' jazz played by four of the twin cities 'most jammin' hot club artists, gypsy mania captures the hot club sound that has become very popular with audiences in the usa and europe. the music of gypsy mania is based on the hot club of france sound featuring the music of gypsy swing artists, django reinhart and stephanne grappelli.  

gypsy mania members
master world-beat guitarist, glen helgeson
jazz violinist and prairie home companion veteran, gary schulte
jazz guitar virtuoso, reynold philipsek
jazz bassist extraordinaire, jeff brueske

ten dollars

mary jane alm

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

eleven dollars

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

opening reception: john alspach

new art by john alspach - stop by and meet the artist!

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

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

sasha mercedes + jim o'neill

mercedes combines a powerful voice with her signature percussive guitar style to make for a captivating and energetic performance. weaving stories from her life and the lives of those around her, she is a first-class story teller and entertainer.  having performed coast to coast and abroad for the past decade, sasha mercedes is a seasoned musician who has worked dilligently to perfect her craft.  she has released 3 solo albums and is currently working on a fourth.  don't miss the chance to see her in this intimate setting.

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. 

seven dollars

aimee fischer & the snazzy band

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

ten dollars

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

sister shaw (w/kari shaw)

sister shaw is a group of local musicians that decided to come together and form a unique quartet. kari and megan who are sisters have been singing together forever and have tight harmonies, with doug otto adding depth and warmth to them. shane akers is a fantastic dobro and guitar player. they sing acoustic roots country with some blues, folk and gospel as well.

seven dollars

nina yasmineh

nina yasmineh is an up-and-coming musician with a mellow yet soulful voice and songs that present a fresh and candid perspective. she recently moved from minneapolis to new york city and for the last few months has been going to school at nyu and performing at such note-worthy venues as the bitter end and caffe vivaldi. nina was also accepted to be part of the new york singer/songwriter sessions at the bitter end. she will be returning to the 318 for a special one-night-only reunion show with the fine musicians who played on her six-song ep, real good thing. real good thing is available for purchase on itunes and cdbaby.com.

seven 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

jake armerding + brian bates

the boston globe writes, "jake armerding is the most gifted and promising songwriter to emerge from the boston folk scene in years."  armerding, who weaves violin, guitar, mandolin and vocals into his americana songs to create "well-written, thought-provoking pop music" (sing out!), recently logged his thousandth performance.  he has shared the stage with bela fleck, nickel creek, josh ritter, david wilcox and toad the wet sprocket.

eight dollars

jim ohlschmidt

"lost jim" ohlschmidt & the boxcar scholars is an acoustic trio performing a mix of original songs and cover tunes from a diverse range of artists. with five solo cds of original music, singer/songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist jim ohlschmidt leads the group, which also includes mike cramer on guitar and mandolin, and charlie riddle on upright bass. inspired by country blues, swing, contemporary folk, and pop music, this new local group entertains in an easy-going, rootsy style with lots of great musicianship and good humor.

six dollars

matt muller + friends

matt muller and some of his open mic night favorites share the stage for a special "host of open mic night birthday edition."  regular open mic will resume in february. 

no cover

the wilryans (featuring michael nelson) + anna schulze

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