Minnesota songwriter and singer Becky Kapell picked up her teenage son’s guitar on a whim and began teaching herself to play at the tender age of 42. She had no intention of writing songs but as she taught herself basic chords, melodies began to emerge and then somewhat magically lyrics attached themselves to the melodies. She recorded 12 of those songs with old friends in Portland, OR (where Becky lived as a young adult) for her first record For Now, released in 2012. Based on the strength of that recording Becky caught the attention of Minnesota guitar ace Paul Bergen and as the two began playing together her song-writing morphed from the folkier sound of her first record to the more guitar-driven sound of her 2018 release That Certain Ache. Recorded and produced by Bergen, the record also features his signature guitar work as well as guitar and drums by esteemed Minnesota musician Erik Koskinen who mixed the record and helped with additional recording at his Real Phonic Studios.

“This late-bloomer Minneapolis country crooner fell in with esteemed local twang vets Paul Bergen and Erik Koskinen to craft her album, That Certain Ache. Her smoky but tender voice recalls Jeannie C. Riley while her songwriting has a Lucinda Williams-like balance of down-and-out grit and hopeful beauty, with standout cuts including the bittersweet, slow-waltzing title track and the cool-rambling Capable Man.” -Chris Riemenschneider, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Becky Kapell Official Website

With special guest Gini Dodds!

The Dahlias’ singer/songwriter Gini Dodds and lead guitarist Terry Isachsen will perform a set featuring original rock and alt country material from their band’s three albums.

After taking a songwriting course taught by Ray Davies of The Kinks in the late 90’s, Saint Paul native Gini Dodds began writing, recording and performing in the Twin Cities with her band, The Dahlias, featuring lead guitar player Terry Isachsen.

Although Gini’s songs are as diverse as the rock and alt country genres she pulls from, her use of sophisticated melodies and arrangements is a unifying theme. Stylistically and vocally, she has been described as a cross between Chrissie Hynde and Lucinda Williams. Sweet Christine, a song off her first CD, Mellowdrama, was a winner in the Nashville Songwriters Assocation songwriting contest. She has also been a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition on more than one occasion.

Music 8-10pm

Make a reservation at www.AsterCafe.com to reserve your seat for the show. 

$8 cover charge will be added to your tab.