$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!

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.”

bobfreymusic.com

$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!

michaelshynes.com

$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.

tonyortizsoul.com

$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…

themandolinplayer.net/richard-kriehn

joyannparker.com/joyann-parker-duo

$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!

facebook.com/presleylynhailemusic

facebook.com/nick.brumley

$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!

Billy Johnson and Paul Frantzich are not only delivering their trademark flavors of encouraging, feel-good vibrations, they’re giving free guitars to kids! Partnering with FG4K (Free Guitars 4 Kids) and the generosity in their hearts, they’re raising a little money to put some 6-strings into the hands of the next generation. Come support a new wave of musicians & artists and share music with your favorite local ones!

fg4k.org

$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!

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.

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Storyteller/Stand-up Comedian Bill Chadwick is a teller of tales, stand-up comedian, preacher, author, social justice activist, ventriloquist and girls’ basketball coach. (But his favorite role is “Grandpa.”) Bill is a regular here at 318 and his shows always sell out quickly. His style has been likened to that of Kevin Kling. His book, Still Laughing, Still Learning (Still Looking for a Good Title): Mostly True Stories of Family, Friends, Faith & Foibles has sold out its first printing and has won multiple awards (well, two is “multiple,” isn’t it?) Bill and his spouse, Kris, live in Minnetonka (no, not on the lake; in the slums of Minnetonka).

Monica Livorsi is a singer-songwriter and piano player based in the Twin Cities area with a love for soulful melodies and heartfelt piano. In 2021 she made her recorded music debut releasing her first single, "Come Back Around" in March of 2021, with her EP Here and Now releasing in November 2021. Her versatile voice and training have landed her various performance opportunities ranging from choral to contemporary at venues including Orchestra Hall, Crooner's, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, and 318 Cafe.

billchadwick.com

monicalivorsi.com

$15 … Buy Tickets

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 albums routinely land on year-end Top-10 lists, with "Hummingbird Heart" voted "Best of the Year." His songs and videos have also been featured nationally on such platforms as USA Today, and locally on The Current.

scottgagner.com

$15 … (CANCELED)

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

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!

Scottie and Cierra have been working feverishly on Scottie's forthcoming album. Arranging for full orchestra, and featuring 10 new, original compositions. Come hear a taste of this exciting new "Cinematic-Singer-Songwriter" material, and of course Scottie's piano-blues along with Cierra's stunning strings. 

Renowned musician Scottie Miller achieved the esteemed honor of being named “Artist of the Year” from Bluebird Reviews in 2023, thanks to his outstanding poetry book and album “Carnival Cocoon.” His collaboration with Ruthie Foster led him to grace the red carpet at the 2024 Grammy® Awards, where Foster's album “Healing Time” garnered a nomination for “Best Contemporary Blues Album.” (Scottie contributed to the title track and other songs on the album.)

scottiemiller.com

cierrahill.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 … CANCELED

The unmatched Prairie Ferrets return with their legendary lineup of musicians Liz Ashworth, Larry Dalton, Mark Kreitzer and Richard Kreihn.

$55 … (CANCELED)

Head back to class—wine class, that is!

Join Jenn from Distinguished Taste at 318 Café in Excelsior for an engaging wine flight experience that explores how place shapes the glass.

We’ll focus on a single grape variety for each flight and discover its unique expression across three different wine regions around the world. From Old World elegance to New World boldness, you’ll see firsthand how terroir, climate, and winemaking style create distinctive personalities in wines made from the same grape.

Perfect for curious sippers and seasoned enthusiasts alike, Back to the Vines is your chance to deepen your palate, broaden your horizons, and enjoy a relaxed evening of exploration in Excelsior’s favorite neighborhood café.

distinguishedtaste.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

$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.

$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

$35 … Buy Tickets!

Michael Monroe returned to the Twin Cities following his 28 years on the North Shore of Lake Superior and he p resented Log Cabin Concerts in his cabin for the past 17 years which were featured on KSTP’s Jason Davis’ On The Road and in Lake Superior and Cabin Life Magazines as well as the Star Tribune. Monroe’s award winning instrumental soundtracks have been featured on PBS/CBC, Toronto Enviro/New York Indie Film Fests in the documentary, “Chased By The Light” presenting Jim Brandenburg’s life and stunning photography.

michaelmonroemusic.com

Joshua J Schmidt, also known by his solo moniker, Cryote, has made his mark on the national music scene over the past decade. As the frontman of indie-rock quartet Step Rockets, Cryote blends the timeless traditions of acoustic folk-rock with elements of pop nostalgia. His shows are characterized by a personal touch on a diverse range of vintage rock influences, and his well-developed sense of pop nostalgia and catchy melodies.

cryotemusic.com

$20 … Buy Tickets!

Every time he plays here, Richard brings his all-star musician friends to deliver a night of blistering picking and light-hearted banter. On this night he'll by joined by Nicole Wilder & Grace Savard!
themandolinplayer.net/richard-kriehn

$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

$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

$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.

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Dizzy is Jason Craft on keys, Joe Elliott on Guitar, Aaron Fabrini on Bass, Tim Zhorne on Drums and vocalist Mark K Johnson! Some of the finest musicians in the Twin Cities today…

If you like old school Jazz Standards served up in a fresh way, you’ll love this band!

$15 … Buy Tickets!

Thank You For Being A Friend began as a series of livestreams in 2020-2021.  Formed by Jillian Rae, Annie Fitzgerald, Vicky Emerson, and Sarah Morris, the desire to make music together, even though physically apart, led to regular online concerts, where the artists and friends would swap songs and stories, and folks would tune in from their homes.  Over time, the 'Friends' group expanded to include other Twin Cities-based singer/songwriters, and eventually, led to in person shows at a few favorite local venues.  We are thrilled to bring an edition of TYFBAF to 318 Cafe!  Join Annie, Jillian, Sarah, and Katy Vernon, for a night of songs, stories, most certainly laughs, and maybe tears.

Thank YOU for being a friend!

Katy Vernon: katyvernon.com/

Jillian Rae: jillianraemusic.com

Annie Fitzgerald: anniefitzgerald.com

Sarah Morris: sarahmorrismusic.com

TYFBAF: https://www.youtube.com/live/0uzRMmbAFgc?si=nUdL0rB12mDdPZc9

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!