$25 … Buy Tickets!

In July of 1995 four ideas and styles gelled together to form the band Dazy Head Mazy. They have since evolved into a 5 piece cohesive unit that gives an energetic, dynamic performance at every show ensuring their audiences have as much fun as they do. Dazy Head Mazy is an upbeat group that is comprised of Will Bauermeister on twelve string acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Andrew Clark on drums and background vocals, Justin Mishler on bass guitar, Ben Wilinski on mandolin, guitar, and vocals, and Corey Rae White on lead guitar.

Dazy Head Mazy is a rootsy pop-rock band from Minneapolis, MN. Lead singer, Will Bauermeister has the ability to captivate audiences with his narrative song writing that turns every show into a party. The band has released two EP’s and one full-length album; “They’re All Wearing Pearls.” After the success of their first full-length album, dazy head mazy headed into Angel Beach Studios to record their second LP, “Shift”; set for release on November 17, 2000.

facebook.com/DazyHeadMazy

$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. He is joined by Jared Monetti on guitar and Kurt Durrwachter on keys. This is a one night only deal, so get your tickets ASAP!

michaelshynes.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Jon Garon presents some of the most talented musicians in the Midwest (or anywhere for that matter!) including Tom Schaefer, Liz and Jake Ashworth, Richard Kriehn, and Mark Kreitzer for an evening of bluegrass, Americana and swing to the 318, along with a healthy dose of humor!  He always packs the house, so get your tickets early!

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Nikki Lemire will share an innovative blend of classical, folk, and contemporary sounds, featuring songs from her recently released debut album, "Live at Lakewood."  An accomplished harpist and vocalist, Lemire’s songs reflect on her experience of love, loss, and motherhood.  With her classical mastery of the harp, combined with a modern sense of exploration through loops and electric pedals, Lemire has garnered widespread praise and radio play, solidifying her as a rising star in the indie-folk scene.

www.nikkilemiremusic.com

Matthew French is an evocative singer-songwriter hailing from the heartland of America, whose music intertwines the heartfelt storytelling of Americana with the unmistakable spirit of rock. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as Tom Petty and contemporary troubadour David Ramirez, French crafts songs that resonate deeply with listeners, blending poignant lyrics with memorable melodies.

mfrenchmusic.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

$35 … Buy Tickets!

Legendary folk/rock duo Johnson & Drake celebrate the release of their highly anticipated new album of originals We Loved Our Freedom – their first in over 40 years. Best known for their work in the 70s and 80s, they toured and performed with some of the world’s biggest acts, including Jim Croce, Earth, Wind & Fire, Linda Ronstadt, REO Speedwagon, Rick Nelson, Ray Stevens and Bonnie Raitt. Teaming up with their longtime guitarist Paul Pederson, they will play old favorites and debut songs from the new album.

johnsonanddrake.com

$40 … Buy Tickets!

Tina Schlieske is Midwestern rock mainstay, commanding a dedicated and passionate following, especially in her hometown of Minneapolis. She’s best known for fronting the band Tina and the B-Sides (AKA Tina & the B-Side Movement).

Schlieske grew up inspired by the diverse Minneapolis music scene, and you can hear and see the many influences in her writing and performances. She draws creative energy from a wide spectrum of rock, soul, Americana, and singer-songwriters with her own brand of electrifying live performances.

tinaschlieske.com/home

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Each month, the wicked mandolin maestro Richard Kriehn brings along some of his most talented peers, friends, and musical cohorts to share in some storytelling and song-singing. This time around, he’s joined by Mary Jane Alm, Brian C. Peters & Dale Haefner.

themandolinplayer.net/richard-kriehn

prudencejohnson.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Born in Minneapolis and raised in the quiet suburbs nearby, Raymnd developed a deep love for music at a young age—something quickly noticed by those closest to him.

Growing up, he was inspired by the sounds of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and other 1960s neo-psychedelic acts, as well as the pop and funk roots of fellow Minneapolis native Prince. He also drew influence from modern dream-pop artists like Beach House and Mazzy Star.

As he has matured, Raymnd has crafted a sound uniquely his own—blending mellow guitar, haunting lyrics, lush synths, and hypnotic melodies that keep listeners coming back for more.

@rayymnddd

raymnd.com

$20 … 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.

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!

$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 harmonica, the incomparable Noah Hoehn!

boydleemusic.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

$20 … Buy Tickets!

With heartflet harmonies and songs that smolder, Wren + Wilde captivates with their signature smoke folk sound. The Minnesota folk band is anchored by leading ladies Hilary Yoder and Beth Olivares, whose voices weave together like a homespun tapestry. Their gritty flavor of Americana is both raw and resonant, with equal parts fire and feeling. Known for their reflective songwriting and disarming storytelling, Wren + Wilde invites listeners into an intimate space—where each song feels like a conversation, and lyrics linger like glowing embers, long after the last note fades.

wrenandwildeband.com

Minnesota singer/songwriter Doyle Turner releases his highly anticipated new album Paper Maps. Raised on the White Earth Reservation and based in Bemidji, Doyle has been making a name for himself these last few years as a solo songwriter and as a member of the Americana band the International Treasures, who were nominated for 2 Midwest Country Music Awards last year. This new album confirms that Doyle is an exceptional songwriter who is not afraid to explore the backroads and inner workings of the heart.

doyleturner.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

$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

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Michael Gulezian returns for an intimate concert at The 318 - his favorite listening room venue in the entire USA! “Michael Gulezian might be the most accomplished pure guitarist on the planet. compositional genius. ... astounding.” – Fred Kraus, Minor 7th .com “Public radio favorite Michael Gulezian always has had strong ties to Minnesota and its guitar innovators, from world-rockin’ Steve Tibbetts to bluesy Peter Lang. Yet he ranges far beyond folk, playing hard-driving music that recalls Leo Kottke and the late Michael Hedges, who called him “'my kindred spirit.'” - Minneapolis Star Tribune

timbrelinemusic.com

youtube.com/user/MichaelGulezian

$20 … 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

$20 … Buy Tickets

The venerable Co-Owner of 318 Cafe, Matt Muller, joins by three of his closest, most talented friends for a night of highlighting Matt’s mediocrity. Flanked by Pat Frederick (Daisy Dillman Band), Richard Kriehn (Prairie Home Companion) and guitar-whisperer Ron Tracy (St. Paul Guitar Repair), Matt will forfeit his showrunning duties for the sake of trying to keep up with these top-tier string-slingers. It looks like Ron finally the promo photo! His audition last show was B+ at best, but that’s good enough for the 318 Cafe.

As rare as Matt performs, this is not to be missed, and will surely be etched into entertainment history as a show that he did indeed play.

Matt - three-eighteen.com

Pat - patfrederickmusic.com

Richard - themandolinplayer.net/richard-kriehn

Ron - stpaulguitarrepair.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

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Bob Frey & the Adaptors are excited to return to the 318 Cafe! Those familiar with Bob’s work recognize him as a veteran, literate songwriter who continues to add to his impressive repertoire, debuting new songs at just about every show! Whether playing solo or with his band- Bob Frey & the Adaptors- Bob delivers wry, intelligent lyrics in well-crafted songs with a voice uniquely his own. Bob Frey & the Adaptors features Gavin Haskin (mandolin), Marc Conklin (electric guitar) and Corey Hess (percussion), all stellar Twin Cities musicians who create a warm and melodic base for Bob’s lyrics. Bob has released five solo records- "Tape From Minnesota" (2004), "Like A Train" (2007), "Nothing Hid" (2013), "LongShot Deal" (2017) and "Ghost" (2022), the latter receiving an 8.5/10 rating from the well-regarded Maximum Volume Music.

www.bobfreymusic.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.

$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

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 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".

If You Could Read My Mind, you would know I didn't even think of Leaving On A Jet Plane this past winter. Instead, I was Feelin' Groovy back when I recorded these tunes in my solar studio & I recorded Puff The Magic Dragon, even though I Dig Rock and Roll Music. How Can I Tell You That I Love You for joining me at my concerts and to be Living In The Moment and throw caution to The Wind? That's the Secret O' Life! I say If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out and Shower The People you love with love!

michaelmonroemusic.com

$25 … Buy Tickets!

Three Frantzichs.

Two generations.

One damn good night of music.

You know Bailey and Halia from behind the counter at 318.

This time, they’re stepping out from behind the bar and onto the stage.

Join the Frantzich family for an intimate night of blood harmonies, original songs, unexpected covers, and the kind of chemistry that only comes from sharing a last name. If you’ve seen Bailey and Halia jump into Paul’s shows before, you know what happens. If not—don’t miss this one.

Local music. Family soul. Best listening room in the world.

paulfrantzich.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

$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

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

$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