DueNorth’s folk-rock sound emits tinges of bluegrass and country, hints at grunge, and doesn’t apologize for wisps of 80’s pop coloring its roots. A four-piece employing piano, bass, drums, and acoustic guitar, their music is characterized by strong vocals, subtle and lilting rhythms, and country/alt leanings. Rich harmonies and heartfelt, quirky lyrics draw the listener into a world graced with tales of love, longing, and the wonder of nature. A night of soul stirring and heart wrenching never felt so good. DueNorth are Christopher Koshiol, Chriss Mester, Glenn Olson, and Mark Schirmacher.

Mark Schirmacher and Michael McGarthwaite are excited to bring their new collaboration to the Aster Cafe, the first in an offering of Spring 2016 shows. After working together on Mark’s recently released debut album, “Broken Hearts Shine,” the Twin Cities-based artists felt that Michael’s nuanced, ethereal electric guitar sound and subtle, succinct phrasing complemented Mark’s moody, impressionistic music and image-rich songwriting. The artists will explore new arrangements of Mark’s solo material as well as a range of favorite covers.