$20 … Buy Tickets!

“The Friend Ship is a new supergroup.” Diane Miller, host of The Local Show on Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current (89.3). The Friend Ship, features popular local artists Nikki Lemire, Matthew French, Dave Mehling, Marc Severin & Joel Sax. This “supergroup’ started performing together in 2024 on Joel’s debut album at The 318 Café, and they had so much fun and had such a great response that they joined together to form this new band. The word is out and they have been filling every show with new friends, old friends and music lovers everywhere! The Friend Ship would love to bring their best original songs, sweetest harmonies, and funniest stories for a return engagement to The 318 Café, their most favorite Twin Cities venue!

$15 … Buy Tickets

Special “Sweet Tooth” album release show! Hear select songs from what critics are calling “a collection overflowing with irresistible melodies, rich harmonies, and colorful arrangements.” Born in Minnetonka, Gagner has been entertaining sellout crowds at the 318 since moving back from San Francisco in 2021. This promises to be another special night, including fan favorites from his rock quintet, intimate solo ballads, and delightful cover songs. Gagner has collaborated with members of Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Big Star, The Posies, R.E.M., Los Lobos, Mercury Rev, and Midlake. His songs and videos have been featured nationally on such platforms as USA Today, and locally on The Current. Attendees get a free Download Card for the new album.

scottgagner.com

Sign-up begins at 6:30.

• A random drawing will determine the order.

• Open Mic has been full each night! We recommend arriving closer to 6:30pm to get your name in the drawing.

• Please limit your set to 10 minutes of fame!

• Two songs each through the rotation. Random drawing for a third song if time permits.

• If we are over capacity and you don’t get a slot, you will be guaranteed a slot the following month.

• We encourage performers to rehearse and leave the music stand at home! We have a supportive environment here. It’s okay to mess up, and it’s good to learn how to work through it!

  Hope to see you there!

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Debbie Anthony returns to 318 Café for an unforgettable evening of heartfelt country music and storytelling. Known for her warm, soul-capturing vocal style and her gift for bringing every lyric to life, Debbie will perform original songs from her Nashville-recorded album, More to Be Said, produced by Grammy-nominated producer Gena Johnson. She’ll also debut selections from her exciting new tribute celebrating the legendary women and unforgettable songs of ’90s country. Joining her on stage are talented musicians Johnathan Moeller, Dale Haefner, and Logan Burns! Reserve your seats now and experience an extraordinary night of live music you won’t want to miss.

debbieanthonymusic.com

facebook.com/debbieanthonymusic

$15 … Buy Tickets!

A modern folksinger whose music nods to the genre’s 1970’s glory days, Amy Speace is considered one of the great contemporary singer-songwriters. Heralded by Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Billboard Magazine and NPR’s “Weekend Edition,” Amy Speace was discovered by Judy Collins, who signed her to her record label and has recorded her song, “Weight of the World.” Amy’s latest 3 releases all debuted at #1 on the Folk DJ Charts.

www.amyspeace.com

$20 ... Buy Tickets!

Dean Magraw has fine-tuned his tastefully unique guitar/vocals style during years of performing and recording solo, and with some of the finest musicians in North America, Europe, and Japan; an evocative mixture of the spontaneous with the familiar, soulfully weaving in the story of how we feel right now.

“Dean Magraw’s music transcends, transports and lifts the soul to a higher level as he weaves, cajoles and entices every note from his instrument… Just as important are the silences with which he knits the music… these can only come with being at one with one’s art…” -Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (Altan)

“Dean Magraw… so liquid, lyrical and effortless it’s like listening to a dancer.” –Steve Tibbetts“…always deeply soulful.” -City Pages

deanmagraw.com

$25 … Buy Tickets!

Over the past two years, singer-songwriter Thomas Sticha has blazed his own trail in the Midwest country and folk music scene. A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, his style of songwriting is thoughtful and clever, often paired with beautiful storytelling and/or a sense of humor. His music draws inspiration from classic country songwriting legends (ie, John Prine, Dean Dillon) and combines them with the refreshing sounds of new country songwriters (ie, Tyler Childers, Hayes Carll, Colter Wall). “Experiencing Thomas on stage is like being part of an intimate conversation with a friend who just happens to have a guitar and an incredible voice. His vibe is infectious, and his connection with the audience is genuine. If you haven't yet, do yourself a favor and dive into his music. You won't be disappointed.” — Brandon Backstrom (Host, BOB FM Total Country Radio)

For more information about Thomas Sticha, please visit thomassticha.com.

$30 … Buy Tickets!

The legendary Minneapolis rock star, GB Leighton, is returning to the 318 Cafe for another year! His passion and energy on stage is unmatched and we are thrilled to have him. Come and see this venerable force for yourselves...

gbleighton.com

$25 … Buy Tickets!

Will King - nylon string and electric guitar is a teacher and lifelong student of flamenco and classical guitar styles. Bill Reynolds - acoustic 12 string, electric guitar and vocals has played with some of the best musicians in the Mpls music scene. Stymie Seamans- bass and vocals founding member of the Daisy Dillman band. All three live in the excelsior area and have enjoyed successful music careers in the five state area.

$25 … Buy Tickets!

David Huckfelt is a folk singer/ lyricist / activist whose in-the-moment performances and songs of no spiritual surrender have earned him a devoted following from small-town opera houses & theaters to national festival stages like Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Edmonton and Calgary Folk Fests, and the legendary First Avenue main room in his hometown Minneapolis. An Iowa native, former theology student, and one of the founding frontmen of indie-folk cult favorite bands The Pines, Huckfelt weaves story, song, poetry, grit and grace together with improvisational mastery.

www.davidhuckfelt.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Each live performance with Dizzy is filled with some of the best performers this side of the Mississippi given wide birth to blow your musical mind! Dizzy is your new favorite Jazz/blue eyed soul band from Minneapolis.

$25 … Buy Tickets!

Prudence Johnson can sing anything! Folk, Jazz, Country, Pop… Any genre you choose. And she will not just “sing” them, she will give them life and perform each song with artistry, passion and honesty.  Prudence, Richard and storyteller Kevin Kling have shared musical spaces and stages for years often alongside l other musicians. But tonight…it’s just the three of them.  You’re gonna want to see this!

themandolinplayer.net/richard-kriehn

prudencejohnson.com

$35 … Buy Tickets!

Celebrating Michael’s Big Birthday (They’re all big these years, eh?)

Michael Monroe, “MN Acoustic Music Master,” (Jon Bream, Star Tribune) performs his award winning music on vocals, handmade Seaton Guitars and bamboo/crystal flutes as well as his live looping, ‘technology powered by creativity’. With 17 recordings, 12 original CDs and 7 that feature the folk legends of our time such as Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor etc. Monroe’s award winning instrumental soundtracks have been featured on PBS/CBC, Toronto Enviro/New York Indie Film Fests as well as an Emmy for “Soaring On Mended Wings".

michaelmonroemusic.com

$30 … Buy Tickets!

“2 Girls & A Boyd” was born out of a love for rich and complex vocal harmonies. These veterans of stage and studio combine for a powerful live experience. Highlighting the talents of each of the artists, the three members, Mary Jane Alm, Aimée Lee and Boyd Lee performed for the first time as this ensemble in late 2016 to immediate critical acclaim. Joining them on mandolin features Richard Kriehn from A Prairie Home Companion and on harmonica the incomparable Noah Hoehn!

boydleemusic.com

$40 … Buy Tickets!

Heartfelt lyrics, an angelic voice, masterful pianist, a pure and honest stage presence- these are all of the traits Keri brings every night. If your heartstrings need a gentle tug and your soul a topping off, this is the show for you! Kick off your holiday season early with Keri’s unforgettable Holiday Show! And don’t forget to bring the tissues…

kerinoble.com

$40 … Buy Tickets!

Heartfelt lyrics, an angelic voice, masterful pianist, a pure and honest stage presence- these are all of the traits Keri brings every night. If your heartstrings need a gentle tug and your soul a topping off, this is the show for you! Kick off your holiday season early with Keri’s unforgettable Holiday Show! And don’t forget to bring the tissues…

kerinoble.com

$15 … Buy Tickets!

John Kerns is a dynamic musician who brings a fresh and unique approach to live performance. With a deep catalog of original songs and an extensive repertoire of covers, he crafts engaging and immersive musical experiences that keep audiences hooked from start to finish. Using guitar, percussion stomp boxes, looping pedals and a telephone microphone, John layers sounds to create the energy and depth of a full band—all created live on the spot.

$25 … Buy Tickets!

POB “unplugged” is BACK! The four members of one of the Twin Cities most sought-after cover bands, Pandora’s Other Box, will be playing acoustic versions of many of their full band's classic Pop/Rock hits as well some additional songs with a slightly more Folk vibe. Three-part harmonies will give you chills, fun banter and fantastic musicianship make for a rare and not-to-be-missed hang. It’s party time!

poboxmusic.com

facebook.com/poboxmn

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Holidays are built on tradition, and the Jeff Arundel Holiday Variety Show is lumbering your way once again, giving you yet another shot at making this Holiday Gem one of your "must do" moments, right along with making sure you have both Gummies and Mushrooms on hand before the in-laws show up. This year's edition is a hall-of-fame proposition, featuring the return of Esti Baliz, and an All-Star cast that will be sure to thrill you, baffle you, and have you silently weeping with a joyful melancholy by the finish. Reservations are a must, costumes are invited, Bon Homie preferred, and above all, keep an open mind, because folks, there's no net under this one. Now We Go.

Featuring: Molly Maher, See Change Treble Choir, The Foshays, Farm Girl, Esti beliz, and The Hammsmen!

jeffarundel.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Clay Borrell is back at The 318 for his 10th annual December show! This year has been big for Clay, as his band ufo ufo released two singles: “Underestimated Your High” and “Hands on Fire”. With both songs seeing success, they’ve kicked off a new era for the band.

While there’s plenty planned for 2026, Clay is using his 10th annual December show at 318 as a milestone to reflect on the stories and songs that brought him here. Few musicians sell out this room as regularly as this guy. These tickets will sell fast—grab your seats while you can!

youtube.com/c/clayborrell

$30 … Buy Tickets!

The legendary Minneapolis rock star, GB Leighton, is returning to the 318 Cafe. His passion and energy on stage is unmatched and we are thrilled to have him back. Come and see this force for yourselves...

gbleighton.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

As one of the longest running musicians to play The 318 over the last 18 years, the stupendously jolly Billy Johnson never ceases to put on a great show! Only to be rivaled in holiday spirit by his sister, Angie Gislason, who joins him for this memorable evening that is not to be missed.

billyjohnsonmusic.com

$35 … Buy Tickets!

WINTERSONG– Celebrate winter with Minnesota Acoustic Music Master (Star Tribune,) Michael Monroe presents a collection of acoustic vocal/instrumental music inspired by the beauty of the season…featuring: Michael Monroe originals Wintersong, Light of Love and Joni Mitchell’s River…and Gordon Lightfoot’s Song For A Winters Night.

“With heartfelt sincerity and a poetic touch in both the lyrics and music, Monroe explores subtle, quiet places that spark the imagination.” City Pages 

michaelmonroemusic.com

$25 … Buy Tickets!

Grant brings his unique sound back to the 318 Cafe. People seem to like his songwriting. Some people think he's funny. He is joined this year by Dowser. Dowser is better at self-promotion than Grant even cares to be, so you can read about them below.

Dowser is a three-piece original folk/americana band led by singer/songwriter John Kurtis Dehn on guitar and vocals, Vicki Dischler on bass and vocals, and John Strei on drums, percussion and vocals. Built around original songs, folk textures, and Americana grooves, Dowser’s performances move easily from intimate, lyric-centered moments to full-band songs with drive and heart.

grantdawsonmusic.com

$20 ... Buy Tickets!

It's time for the 3rd year of SWEATER WEATHER SONGS with Jack Cassidy & Monica Livorsi! Enjoy a cozy collection of tunes and don't forget to wear your sweater. Joined by Dan Carpel (bass) & Greg Schutte (drums), it's going to be the ultimate evening of winter and holiday melodies to end the 2026 holiday season.

Jack Cassidy is a Minneapolis based singer-songwriter noted for his soothing vocal color and versatility in genre. Jack is involved in groups Fever Field, Minute by Minute (Vintage Cruise), and Dude Lagoon. Monica Livorsi is a Twin Cities based singer-songwriter and pianist with a love for soulful melodies and heartfelt piano. Monica released her first album All About Jane, a Jane Austen concept-album, in April 2024. Her genre has been described as Girl Power, and she has been compared to Sara Bareilles and Carrie Underwood in writing style and vocal strength. 

Jack: www.jackjcassidy.com

Monica: www.monicalivorsi.com

monicalivorsi.com

$25 … Buy Tickets!

Join us for an evening of heartfelt music and  good old- fashioned holiday fun!

Deb Harley, Lee and Grant Vague, and special guest Celia Seickert on cello, welcome you back for another cozy acoustic holiday experience you won’t want to miss!

Their rich harmonies, soulful song selections, and connection to the audience is what keeps bringing their fans back every year.

facebook.com/singerdebharley

spotify.com/debharley

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Pat Frederick aka “Papa Fred,” joins local music luminaries Donnie La Marca, Dr. Dave Schmalenberger and Nick Salisbury for the highly anticipated Aster debut of The New Entangled Particles. The New Entangled Particles bring a sharply curated bag of musical tricks, hand picked for beauty, brains & humor. (Think Thomas Dolby’s “She Blinded Me With Science” as a Cuban montuno… or “On The Street Where You Live,” with a slightly dark Danny Elfman Beetlejuice lilt.) It is a decidedly joyful outré musical romp through the back alleys of world-beat, post-pop, jazz, exotica, Broadway and funk.

patfrederickmusic.com

$30 … Buy Tickets!

“2 Girls & A Boyd” was born out of a love for rich and complex vocal harmonies. These veterans of stage and studio combine for a powerful live experience. Highlighting the talents of each of the artists, the three members, Mary Jane Alm, Aimée Lee and Boyd Lee performed for the first time as this ensemble in late 2016 to immediate critical acclaim. Joining them on mandolin features Richard Kriehn from A Prairie Home Companion and on harmonica the incomparable Noah Hoehn!

boydleemusic.com

$35 … Buy Tickets!

The 318 Cafe celebrates the holidays with a special Sunday evening concert with Scottie Miller. (Featuring Cierra Alise Hill and Jesse Kellermann on strings.)

Award-winning Minnesota-born pianist, singer-songwriter, and poet Scottie Miller blends cinematic songwriting with roots-driven soul, moving effortlessly from blues foundations into a fresh, indie-folk orchestral sound. A contributor to Ruthie Foster’s 2024 Grammy®-nominated album, Miller was recently named Artist of the Year by Bluebird Reviews and received a Blues Music Award for Blues Song Of The Year, affirming a career defined by fearless emotional storytelling.  

scottiemiller.com

$25 … Buy Tickets!

Ali Gray takes her Christmas music to the 318 Cafe in acoustic form, accompanied by Joe Beier, on the eve of Christmas Eve. This is a special "hygge" (pronounced HOOGA) style evening. Google it, I had to. It’s perfect! Think comfy, cozy, candlelight, warm drinks, treats, kinship, and acoustic Christmas music to fill you up and keep you present on the night before Christmas Eve. A beautiful evening is in store…

aligray.com

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Eli Quist is back home from Anchorage for the holidays! While here, he is excited to bring his unique americana, bluegrass, and folk vibes to a show at his favorite listening room. Join Eli to experience an extraordinary evening at The 318. And, bring all the relatives because Eli's heartfelt originals and choice covers will keep the season’s spirits high.

facebook.com/thelowliners