cafe & coffeehouse by day, live music listening room by night
318 Water Street Excelsior, MN 55331 USA
(952) 401-7902
HOURS OF OPERATION
8am - 2pm Every Day (winter hours)
Dinner & Live Music! Thu. / Fri. / Sat. nights!
Doors/Dinner Service 6pm / Shows 8pm
Brunch served Sat/Sun 8am - 2pm
$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...
$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.
$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
$25 … Buy Tickets!
Join Grant Dawson for his annual night of music and merriment at the 318 Cafe. New songs, old songs, good songs, bad songs, he's got it all. Maybe some surprise guests. Maybe not. Who knows at this point? Just come for the food, the fun, and the fellowship. It's the season of schmaltz!
Sophie Jones is a young, local singer who enjoys sharing her passion of music with others. Music invokes community and connection which is something she strives to be apart of. With a back round of musical theatre and serving on worship at her church, she loves to be on stage, sharing her gifts with others!
$15 ... Buy Tickets!
Click the photo to see full bios.
After a successful debut in 2024 Jack Cassidy & Monica Livorsi are BACK with their wintry Sweater Weather Songs show at the 318! Enjoy a cozy collection of tunes and don't forget to wear your sweater. Joined by Dan Carpel (bass) & Ben Peterson (drums), it's going to be the ultimate evening of winter and holiday melodies to end the 2025 season.
Jack: jackjcassidy.com
Monica: monicalivorsi.com
$20 … Buy Tickets!
We are happy to announce we will be back at the 318 cafe for our annual dazzling holiday show! Bring friends and family and come spend a cozy evening with us singing along to old favorites, toasting with good wine, and sharing good cheer!
Deb Harley, Lee Vague and Grant Vague, and cellist Celia Seickert.
$15 … Buy Tickets!
Having graced the stage at the 318 Cafe many times and hailing from Bozeman, MT, Eli Quist is coming home for a special show at his favorite listening room. Eli is one-half of the Americana duo The Low Liners, and a well-traveled solo singer-songwriter. Joined by mandolin virtuoso Richard Kriehn, Eli's heartfelt originals and choice covers are sure to inspire you.
$35 … Buy Tickets!
Scottie Miller's Holiday Concert With Strings. Saturday, December 20th, 2025. 8PM. 318 Cafe - Excelsior, MN. Grammy-nominated songwriter and Blues Music Award winner Scottie Miller returns to 318 Cafe for his annual Holiday Concert With Strings! Joined by Cierra Alise Hill (violin/cello) and Jesse Kellerman (violin), this exclusive show blends soulful holiday spirit with world-class musicianship. Don’t miss this intimate evening with Bluebird Reviews’ ‘Artist of the Year,’ only at 318 Cafe.
$25 … 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.
$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…
$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!
$25 … Buy Tickets!
Looking for a place to run from the Holidays? We’ve got you covered. Come to the 318 and relax from the madness with Rebel Fiddle’s Holiday No Fly Zone. For one night at the end of December, we proudly establish a Holiday-free space. No pithy Holiday banter, no sugary chestnuts, no simmering resentments. We’ll have standing orders to shoot down any drippy Christmas songs that get within range. Join musical guest Rebel Fiddle for a masterclass in folk, country and hippie shit-kickery, performing Lyle Lovett to Hank to the Lovin’ Spoonful. Featuring MN luminaries Brian C Peters, Kenny Wilson, Dr Dave Schmalenberger, Scott Malchow and Pat Frederick. Sublime earthy music, 318 scratch cooking and not an ounce of Holiday sappiness. Our gift to you!
$40 … Buy Tickets!
This Americana/Rock/Country band formed in 2023 brings together Platinum Recording Artist and Songwriter Michael Shynes (Over 300+ Million YouTube Views and over 100+ Million Streams) and Renowned Musicians Tommy Vee (Son of Legendary Singer Bobby Vee, has backed the likes of Paul McCartney, Brian Setzer, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Chuck Berry to name a few), Jasper Nephew (guitarist for Owl City at the height of their popularity), as well as Bennett Vee and Isaac Levy (touring drummer and guitarist for Jonah Marais and Chase Bryant) who have also worked in the studio with some of the biggest producers and artists in the world. It was born out of a desire to create ‘real authentic guitar driven music’ at a time when digital and AI are said to control the creative future. This band begs to differ, and seeks to prove that you are truly missing something when removing the human element from performed music. Recording their records in a one of a kind space and on analog gear at Tommy’s famed Rockhouse Studio in Saint Joseph, MN, the band has amassed over 3 Album’s worth of material prior to their first commercial release. Joining this core for studio and live performances are some of the finest musicians from around Central Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
$20 … Buy Tickets!
His twisted observations of life, the world around him, and particularly how he has managed to screw it up, have earned John Deboer a reputation as one of the most consistently strong acts wherever he goes.
Having appeared at comedy clubs, colleges, three federal penitentiaries, the Daytona 500 Experience, as well as on Comedy Central, XM-Sirius Satellite Radio, Dry Bar Comedy and in national TV commercials, with a brief (very brief, yet heartwarming) shot on Last Comic Standing, John DeBoer might be the funniest comedian you never heard of.
Jeff Pfoser owns two minivans, enjoys top-shelf root beer and prefers eating breakfast food for dinner. A charismatic family man whose relatable stories take surprise twists and turns, Pfoser combines impromptu commentary with astute observations of both the magnificent and the mundane. A Stand Up! Records recording artist, he's appeared in the Boston Comedy Festival, the Fargo Comedy Festival, Minneapolis’ 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festivals, and Mexico's Akumal Comedy Festivals.
$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...
$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".
$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
$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!
$30 … 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 virtuosic violinist and multi-instrumentalist Pat Frederick and owner of the 318 Cafe Matt Muller!
$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.
$15 … 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.
$20 … Buy Tickets!
David Harland and Nikki Lemire will be joined by legendary cellist Sierra Alise Hill and talented violinist Jesse Kellermann to impress with a bonfire of dazzling percussive finger-style guitar and angelic plucking on her harp-strings… and yours! Surely a one-of-a-kind celebration
$50 … Buy Tickets!
An Indulgent evening of wines, cheeses, and chocolates.
Learn Pair Strategies! Sample Seven Wines! Wine Discounts!
This intimate and inviting setting provides the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with exceptional flavors, expertly paired wines, and warm hospitality at Excelsior's coziest Cafe.
Seats are limited, so reserve yours today for an evening of culinary delight and distinguished taste!
$25 … Buy Tickets!
We have the distinct pleasure to present a new kind of Holiday show with longstanding chiefs of the trade! Pat Frederick, Willie Wisely, Kristin Mooney and Jeff Arundel combine to share in festive fanfare beyond what any normal mortal might come to expect! With a roster of special guests, this is not a holiday show to take lightly, and surely not one to be missed.
$20 … Buy Tickets!
If you’ve been lucky enough to catch Becky Schlegel any other time of the year, you know this will be a special night of crooning, stories, accompanied by a hearth of incredible musicianship. Prepare to explore new landscapes and meet new people along the way! And if that’s not enough, members of the famed Minneapolis bluegrass band “The High 48s” will be backing her up, only to add to the warmth of the evening.
$17 … 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. Featuring an All-Star lineup of John Kerns, Shelly Domke, & Steve Ruble.
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!
$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…
$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…
$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!
$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!
$35 … Buy Tickets!
“Minnesota Acoustic Music Master,” (Star Tribune) and Emmy Award-winning acoustic troubadour, Michael Monroe, performs some of his favorite tunes from his many decades in the music biz! He’ll revisit each original and cover tunes that kept him living and loving music!
$25 … Buy Tickets!
Join Timothy & Paul Frantzich for a LIVE RECORDING — a pub-style, heart-bursting night of community singing and high vibes.
No pressure, no perfection — just voices rising together. Traditional favorites like I’ll Fly Away, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and How Can I Keep from Singing. Originals like Looking for the One, Abraham, and Everybody’s Chains Came Off!
If the spirit moves (and it will), this recording could find its way to Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. Come sing. Come be part of the sound. Let’s go!
$20 … Buy Tickets!
Molly Maher is a captivating force in the realm of Americana, seamlessly traversing the rich landscapes of these genres with her unique voice and formidable guitar skills. Influenced by the evocative storytelling of Lucinda Williams, the soulful depth of Bonnie Raitt, and the gritty flair of Tony Joe White, Molly crafts music that resonates with authenticity and emotional weight.
Jeff Ray is an avant-garde resonator slide-guitarist and songwriter based in Minneapolis, MN. His music is rooted in the traditions of acoustic blues and American fingerstyle guitar, but Ray quickly departs from tradition: his songs integrate flavors of Indian classical music and West-African guitar under the cryptic guise of alternate guitar tunings.
$40 … Buy Tickets!
He’s back!! Bryan White is a CMA, ACM, and Grammy award-winning country music artist, producer, and songwriter. Throughout his prolific recording career, he's charted 21 singles, of which six were number #1! Okay, enough with the accolades - Bryan has had an amazing career, but that has never changed who he is as a person. Kind hearted, soft spoken, humble and honest. He brings these qualities to the stage along with his amazing talents! This will be a night to remember! He’s truly “the real deal”…
Includes Q+A and Meet & Greet!
$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.
$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 and Richard have shared musical spaces and stages for several years but usually, with several other musicians. But tonight…it’s just the two of them. You’re gonna want to see this!
$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...
$20 … Buy Tickets!
The “Acoustic” version of The 22nd Row band returns to the 318! This 4-piece group of seasoned musicians revisit and re-create the classic & timeless songs of Elton John. Their four-part harmonies, rich musical textures and engaging banter always make for a special evening.
$20 … Buy Tickets!
Click the picture for full bios.
An evening of hilarious stand up comedy with co-headliners Jason Schommer and Jodie Maruska with Aron Woldeslassie as the host!
Jason Schommer is a standup comedian and storyteller who spent two years as the opening act for comedy legend Louie Anderson in Las Vegas and toured with Louie regularly. Comedy icon Louie Anderson said “Jason is funny, clever, smart, and on his way to the big time!”.
Jodie Maruska may have grown up in Minnesota, but using the restroom at Cabella’s is as close to camping as she gets! After being asked for her autograph the first night she performed standup, she knew she had found her calling
Aron Woldeslassie is a stand-up comedian, author, and producer based in St. Paul. His work has been featured on Minnesota Public Radio, TPT’s Almanac, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, and various literary magazines.
$20 … Buy Tickets!
These popular singer/songwriters first got together to perform on Joel Sax’s debut album, ‘Billions of Stars.’ They had so much fun and got such a great response at their sold-out release show that they have joined together to form a new band, The Friend Ship! They will bring their best songs, sweetest harmonies, and funniest stories to the 318 Café for a night of beautiful music.
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!
Luke LeBlanc is a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter who delivers dynamic and versatile original performances that feature a warm, organic merging of rootsy folk and pop. As noted by The Current, LeBlanc’s music is “so delicate, understated, and careful in its construction that you forget it’s taking apart how to live in such an unstable world while giving solace and a place for rest.”
$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!
$15 … Buy Tickets!
This energetic ensemble is excited to return to the 318 Music Cafe since their performance in March. Maeflies band members, Mae, Spike and Bob will be joined by special guest keyboard/accordion legend Jason Craft. Expect new songs, familiar favorites and deep cuts; all delivered in a new musical remix. Don’t miss this special show.
$15 … Buy Tickets!
Bob delivers wry, intelligent lyrics in well-crafted songs with a voice uniquely his own. Bob Frey & the Adaptors features Rachel Calvert (violin), 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. In his review of “Ghost” for Folking.com, Bill Golembeski wrote, "Midwest singer-songwriter Bob Frey’s new Ghost album is a sincerely whittled selection of whiskey-soaked and quite wonderful songs that bleed with Gothic folk campfire prayers." In reviewing Bob’s 2017 “Nothing Hid” album, Harry Kaplan of Twangri-La wrote, “Smart songwriting is what Bob Frey is all about. These are not songs as much as they are poems set to music. They are incredibly tangible and all of them tell a great story or require some thought or introspection.”
$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. One of the few who can keep up, DGS, will join on violin with their looping wizardry. This is a one night only deal, so get your tickets ASAP!
$20 … Buy Tickets!
Tony Ortiz has thrilled audiences with his outstanding singing and heartfelt songs. As lead singer of the Monroes in the 80s, you've heard Tony on the radio singing 'What Do All the People Know' or perhaps seen them touring with Rick Springfield or Toto.
$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 week is no different! Joyann Parker and Mark Larmoine stop by and share in the fun. You can’t get this close to this show just anywhere…
$20 … Buy Tickets!
Partners on and off stage, these two incredible singer/songwriters from Texas have a chemistry and shared talents that will blow your mind! Presley’s amazing voice can be heard on Martin Zeller’s newest album, “Head West”. So, while she is in town for his October release shows, they are making their debut appearance at The 318! Don’t miss this one, because the next time they come to town you’ll be watching from the nose bleeds at Target Center!
$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".
