$20 … Buy Tickets!

Mae & the Guys is a seasoned Americana outfit led by veteran vocalist Mae Rukavina, whose commanding stage presence and connective vocals have delivered over 23 years of live performance. This new band features original member Spike Stich on guitar/mandolin AND long-time member and acclaimed Minneapolis drummer Bob Johnston to forge a new chapter with fresh momentum.  

The band welcomes new bassist Christian Twigg into the fold, whose international touring experience brings depth and drive to this energetic group. Local keyboard/accordion legend Jason Craft rounds out the band with years of collaborative history, adding dynamic to their evolving sound.  Together, they deliver a high-caliber Americana Rock sound that’s road-tested, soulful and timeless. 

$45 … Buy Tickets!

Based in Minnesota, but with roots in Tennessee, Chastity Brown grew up surrounded by country and soul music. In the full gospel church of her childhood, she played saxophone and drums and found her singing voice and a passion for music. Her first show was in Knoxville, TN, and then it was on to Minneapolis. Since then, she’s been featured on NPR’s “Favorite Sessions,” CMT, American Songwriter, the London Times, Paste Magazine and others. Chastity has toured the U.S. and abroad, appearing on the U.K.’s Later…with Jools Holland.

chastitybrownmusic.com

Canceled Due to Weather

Based in Minnesota, but with roots in Tennessee, Chastity Brown grew up surrounded by country and soul music. In the full gospel church of her childhood, she played saxophone and drums and found her singing voice and a passion for music. Her first show was in Knoxville, TN, and then it was on to Minneapolis. Since then, she’s been featured on NPR’s “Favorite Sessions,” CMT, American Songwriter, the London Times, Paste Magazine and others. Chastity has toured the U.S. and abroad, appearing on the U.K.’s Later…with Jools Holland.

chastitybrownmusic.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Matt’s new orchestra has a grassy sound that’s ea;sy to fall into. Most striking to both the eye and ear is the harp mastery of Phala Tracy. The band’s sound is underpinned by the propulsive banjo groove of Quillan Roe. The bright sounds of harp and banjo are sent forth on black road of electric bass paved by Minneapolis guitar wizard Jacques Wait. The group sings together in striking close harmony. Their new album, When I was a Writer, represents not only a new and appealing sound but a 10-track songwriting triumph of melody, rhyme, and pure emotion.

$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!

When Keri Noble and Bonnie Jasicki met, they immediately bonded over their mutual love of lush harmonies, storytelling and singer-songwriters. A friendship developed and new, original music soon followed. Blending Keri’s pop instincts and ability to break your heart with Bonnie’s breathtaking lyrics and haunting melodies harkening back to your favorite 70’s singer-songwriters, they formed the duo, Two Rivers. Join them as they debut brand new songs and stories for the first time.

bonniejmusic.com

kerinoble.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Virtuosos! That about sums it up for these two veteran musicians who come from The Prairie Home Companion family. It’s about to go down. Get your tickets and see for yourselves!

themandolinplayer.net/richard-kriehn

patdonohue.com

$35 … Buy Tickets!

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

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!

$35 … Buy Tickets!

Michael Shynes has been one of THE most important contributors to The 318 music series over the years! A true professional on stage, he brings a mastery of songwriting and musicianship unmatched by most. This is a one night only deal, so get your tickets ASAP!

michaelshynes.com

$30 … Buy Tickets!

Come and help celebrate the incomparable Jeff Dayton’s BIRTHDAY! A masterful songwriter and an amazing guitarist, he also has another talent - storytelling! You never know what journeys he will take you during the show. He’ll be joined by the immensely talented Mark Bendickson & Gary Lopac… things don’t get better!

jeffdaytonmusic.com

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Moonlight Ramblers, an acoustic trio known for their original humorous and thought provoking  songs , mixed with their take on great singer songwriters who have influenced them.  These songs are brought to life with an acoustic guitar, flute and blended harmonies.  Don’t be surprised throughout the night if you find yourself tapping your toes, smiling, or laughing out loud.

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Tim Sparks & Tom Lieberman are the guitar-playing two-thirds of Rio Nido, a vocal jazz trio founded in the 1970s with chanteuse Prudence Johnson. Much of Rio Nido’s appeal is the guitar interplay of Sparks and Lieberman. Each is an established artist in his own right, and together, their chemistry creates music that is entirely unique, idiosyncratic and beautiful. Click the image for full bios on Tim and Tom!

liebermania.com

timsparksguitar.com

$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

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Join Amy Angeline for an incredible evening as she celebrates her 60th birthday and shares 30 years of songwriting. After recording an album and performing locally, regionally and nationally for12 years, Amy stepped away from the stage due to a back injury, and focused on raising her daughter. She slowly began writing new songs again, and started performing at church, celebrations of life, and open mics before selling out shows at the 318 Cafe and other Twin Cities venues. Her songs portray the insight she’s gained from living with chronic pain, motherhood, and finding joy through gratitude, humor, giving back, and the healing power of music. Amy’s graceful acoustic guitar and piano float effortlessly beneath poetic lyrics that uplift and inspire audiences. Her music combines indie-folk, pop-rock, and Americana with alt-country, blues and jazz. Amy’s warm stage presence and golden voice resonate from deep within her soul. You don’t want to miss this evening filled with community, music and celebration.

facebook.com/amy.angeline.9

$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

$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

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Take a trip down memory lane with this nostalgia filled show, "The Beat Goes On" featuring songs from the 60's and 70's. This performance is not just covers of classics, but rather new interpretations, seasoned by this group of jazz veterans. Their selection includes songs by Dylan, Beatles, Cher, Jefferson Airplane, Jim Croce, Queen, Paul Simon and many more. Feat. Trish Neumann on vocals giving standards and more recent tunes fresh and spirited interpretations!

jessiestreetband.net

$35 … Buy Tickets!

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

$20 … Buy Tickets

Jason Paulson is bringing his unique flavors of authentic and rich songwriting to the 318 Cafe stage! He is joined Nate O'Connor and Mike Gleason.

jasonpaulsonband.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Having started her musical journey by playing local shows near her hometown, Hailey's entertaining performances have allowed her to captivate audiences throughout the Twin Cities, western Wisconsin, and even in the renowned music hub of Nashville, TN. At just 14 years old, Hailey found her place on stage as a weekly featured artist at Country Nites Saloon in Hasting, MN, where she honed her skills and passion for performing in front of a live audience.

haileyjamesmusic.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

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Monica Livorsi is a Twin Cities based singer-songwriter and pianist with a love for soulful melodies and heartfelt piano. Inspired by Sara Bareilles, Monica's songwriting can best be described as Girl Power with a theatrical flair and versatile vocals (Jane Austen concept album, anyone?). Monica is thrilled to be back at 318 Cafe for another great evening of sharing, songs, and storytelling.

monicalivorsi.com

Cassandra Morgan is a singer in Excelsior, MN. Originally from Iowa, she has spent the last 14 years in the Twin Cities singing a variety of music from classical to popular genres. Classically trained at the University of Northern Iowa, she has a broad passion for music from Mozart to Whitney Houston. Hailed as having a powerful and deeply moving voice, she mixes folk with soul sounds, weaving a sultry and dynamic tapestry of sound. 

$50 … Buy Tickets!

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Chris Trapper has traveled the world over, performing to a dedicated and ever growing fan base with nothing but his guitar and his songs. Raised on Prine and Kristofferson, Trapper's first foray in the music industry was as frontman of the critically acclaimed alt-rock band The Push Stars (Capitol Records). Over the past decade, Chris has become a modern day acoustic troubadour, performing over 150 dates a year as a headliner and sharing the stage with the likes of Rob Thomas, Pat Benatar and even John Prine himself.

christrapper.com

Critically acclaimed songwriter and pianist Pete Muller is known for his dynamic live shows and genre-spanning blend of roots, rock, soul, and pop. Muller delivers powerful, heartfelt performances that have earned him festival slots from Telluride to Montreux and dates with Jimmy Webb, Lisa Loeb, Livingston Taylor, and more. Onstage, Muller’s passion and chemistry shine, making every show unforgettable.

petemuller.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Singer/songwriter Ann Reed returns with Joan Griffith on bass, mandolin and guitar. It’s their 9th Annual Mother’s Day Show at 318 Café! An evening of music with these two amazing musicians is fun, uplifting, and sure to soothe the weary soul.

annreed.com

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Billy brings his favorite musical comrades to bring you a warm night of great tunes. their music is sure to leave you in high spirits and melt all the snow you drove through to get here.

billyjohnsonmusic.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Judy Thomas brings her stellar band back to the 318! Whether it’s blues, jazz, or even gospel, it’s always deeply soulful! With a voice alternatingly sultry, smoky and sweet, Judy and her band serve up a tasty evening! You won’t want to miss this one. 

https://www.youtube.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

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Eli Quist—one half of the Americana duo, The Low Liners—is packing up the Martin and moving from Bozeman to Anchorage. Fortunately for us, he’s making a stop along the way at his favorite listening room. Please join Eli on his travels for a special night at The 318. Joined by special guests, Eli's heartfelt originals and choice covers are sure to inspire you.

facebook.com/thelowliners

$15 … Buy Tickets

Special show featuring new songs from the forthcoming “Technicolor Eyes” album! Born and raised in Minnetonka, Gagner has been entertaining sellout crowds at the 318 since moving back from San Francisco several years ago. This promises to be another special night, including intimate solo ballads, power-trio rockers, 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.

scottgagner.com

$25 … Buy Tickets!

Grammy award-winning songwriter, Nashville based, 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 emotional awareness. Vezner weaves the particulars of his own feelings with the lives of people he has known into universal themes that deeply touch listeners’ emotions.

Vezner was honored with a Grammy for “Best Country Song” and the Nashville Songwriters Association “Song of the Year” in 1990, for “Where’ve You Been”, the true story of Vezner’s grandparents, co-written with Don Henry, and recorded by Kathy Mattea. “Where’ve You Been” was also honored as “Song of the Year” by the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM).

jonvezner.com

He is joined by the venerable Pat Frederick.

patfrederickmusic.com

$15 … Buy Tickets!

For the 3rd year in a row, Kelley Smith and Sarah Morris have made plans to meet up at 318 Cafe on a Thursday in May and share songs and stories, laughs and loveliness.  Join them!

Folk artist Kelley Smith is a hopeless romantic who fancies old poetry and grandpa sweaters. All at once whimsical and haunting, Smith delivers deeply affecting lyrics with wry charm and a time traveler's voice.

sarahmorrismusic.com

Three-times named the Midwest Country Music Organization’s Songwriter of the Year, Sarah’s endearingly honest, expertly penned songs deliberately miss the forest for the trees. Armed with a poignantly relatable rainy day ache in her sunlit voice, she weaves a winding path of masterful storytelling and timeless Americana melody.

kelleysmithmusic.com

$35 … Buy Tickets!

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

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Clover and the Bee brings together acclaimed Minnesota songwriters Becky Schlegel, Anthony Ihrig, Eric Christopher, and Kevin Rowe, blending their bluegrass pedigree with indie-folk sensibilities to craft American roots music as free and expansive as the Upper Midwest. The project began as a semi-regular song swap among three friends, songwriters and musical co-conspirators (Becky, Anthony and Eric) at Christopher’s house in the West 7th neighborhood of Saint Paul. The three dug into their songwriting back catalogs to show off songs that were either not bluegrass enough (in the case of Ihrig and Christopher’s band The High 48s), not country enough (in the case of Becky Schlegel’s solo project) or just plan too weird or idiosyncratic for any other project. It was at this open house for misfit songs that the three got the idea to start a new band, one whose sound showed Christopher, Ihrig and Schlegel’s country and bluegrass roots but wasn’t bound by tradition. With the addition of bassist and songwriter Kevin Rowe (Buffalo Gospel, Adam Greuel), who had recently moved to the Twin Cities from Madison, WI, Clover the Bee was born.

beckyschlegel.com

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Three boomers, two millennials and a gen Xer met in the Twin Cities Women's Choir and found harmony. We love tight a cappella chords and songs that lift us up.

Click the picture for full bios.

heartfeltsings.com

Stay Tuned….

Stay Tuned….

$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!

Rebel Fiddle makes its long overdue 2025 return to the 318. MN Hall of Famer and Daisy Dillman fiddler Pat Frederick is joined by legendary local veterans Brian C Peters, Kenny Wilson, Dr. Dave Schmalenberger and the Right Rev. Scott Malchow, putting on a master class in experimental country. Featuring some of the finest picking, pedal steal and fiddle playing you’ll find, you can expect a few hippie gems from your youth. Make reservations early... with these players it always sells out fast.

patfrederickmusic.com

$30 ... Buy Tickets!

Pamela McNeill knew from an early age that music would be her life. She joined her first rock band at 16 and learned quickly how to connect with her audience. A native of Winona, Minnesota, Pamela now resides in Minneapolis. Her career has taken her all over the world including four years in the UK as a backing singer for Rick Astley and has written for and with a wide range of other artists including Wynonna Judd, Jim Peterik (“Eye of the Tiger”) and Instrumental icon Yanni. Her new EP "Wave After Wave" was released on Farm to Label Record on color vinyl and digitally. In 2024, she was honored to be inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame joining the likes of Prince, Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, Soul Asylum and The Replacements to name a few.

pamelamcneill.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

LaPlant Road is the fondly named duo of Emily LaPlant and Liz Ashworth. It is an ode to the music made in Northern Minnesota, on LaPlant Road, the place where Emily and Liz grew up and discovered themselves. They bring their love for traditional folk and fiddle tunes as well as jazz, R&B, and Rock n Roll into something totally unique. It’s all encompassed by a deep love for each other, two childhood friends and soul sisters.

laplantroad.squarespace.com

Minnesota songwriter Kelley Smith is a wallflower who fancies old poetry and grandpa sweaters. All at once whimsical and haunting, Smith delivers deeply affecting lyrics with wry charm and a time traveler's voice. Prone to melancholy and daydreaming, Kelley spent her childhood roaming the woods of the north country. To this day, her longing for that landscape runs deep and seems to find its way into her songs in one way or another

kelleysmithmusic.com