Music is back at Aster Cafe!
October 2021
MN Songwriter Showcase hosted by Nick Hensley (FREE)
The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:
https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase
Find out more »MN Songwriter Showcase hosted by Nick Hensley (FREE)
The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:
https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase
Find out more »An Evening with John Swardson and Bad Blood $10
Based in Minneapolis, John Swardson writes songs that bleed through the holes in the soles of his boots. "A songwriter of uncommon emotional detail, depth, and empathy."
His catalog includes three records of originals, another soon to be released and a wide variety of covers that dart through his own music like Starlings at dusk.
John has opened for many influences over the last handful of years including:
Sturgill Simpson, BJ Barham (American Aquarium), Ben Nichols (Lucero), Semisonic, Gene Ween, Tommy Stinson, and Echo and The Bunnymen.
A true product of the Minneapolis Sound, Alex was born and raised in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Although a nationally recognized songwriter, and accomplished guitar player, its his soulful vocals that people seem to identify with him the most. He is also an original cast member and co-creator of the Rhythmic Circus, an award-winning musical production with Broadway and international acclaim.
An evening with The April Fools $12
The April Fools began as a studio project for singer/songwriter Brian Drake, who intended to record a batch of his songs with help from a wide network of players to flesh out the tunes. Guitar, bass, and drums would be augmented by horn players, strings, woodwinds, keyboards, vocalists, and more depending on the specific song. The songs themselves spanned a broad spectrum—rock to straight-up country to alt-country/Americana to blue-eyed soul to Brit-pop to folk to 70’s AM radio and more.
The four original members got together for their first jam on September 15, 2013. Easily finding a cohesive thread with which to bring together those diverse genres, they quickly began recording sessions for what would become their debut album. Released in April 2015, the self-titled The April Fools quickly garnered airplay on more than 100 radio stations across the U.S.
An evening with Tina Schlieske $25
*** For the 10/30 & 10/31 Tina Schlieske shows, we will be enforcing a vaccination policy. All attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination. ***
Tina Schlieske, originally hails from Minneapolis, MN and is best known for fronting the band Tina and the B-Side Movement, now Tina and the B-Sides.
Find out more »Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons (FREE)
Patty and The Buttons preach the gospel of hot rhythm and happy feet. The band is similar to what you would find in a dance hall, cafe or nightclub anywhere around the world between 1920-1940. Despite being an ensemble firmly rooted in tradition, the band presents their music without being shackled to history. They play their own compositions as well as takes on music of the era. Patty’s eclectic taste gives the band diverse influences including New Orleans Traditional Jazz, Western Swing, Gypsy Melodies, Ragtime Piano Blues, Jug Music and 1930′s Popular Song. The core instrumentation of accordion, clarinet, guitar and bass is light and swift, but also melancholic and lush when it needs to be. Patty, mostly known as an accordionist doubles as the bands vocalist. His voice is inspired most by the old time hollers and croons from the dawn of recording once described as “Tom Waits meets Rudy Vallee.” More than anything, The Buttons is a group that is always enjoying themselves… Which seems to give audiences permission to do the same.
Find out more »An evening with Tina Schlieske $25
*** For the 10/30 & 10/31 Tina Schlieske shows, we will be enforcing a vaccination policy. All attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination. ***
Tina Schlieske, originally hails from Minneapolis, MN and is best known for fronting the band Tina and the B-Side Movement, now Tina and the B-Sides.
Find out more »November 2021
MN Songwriter Showcase hosted by Nick Hensley (FREE)
The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:
https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase
Find out more »The Minneapolis Songwriter Rounds $10
Featuring:
Scott Woodridge
Kristen Mastantuono
Liam Moore
Hosted by: T.J.D.
Music 8-10 pm
Find out more »The Midnight Choir Social Club $10
With a sound born in New Orleans' gospel tents and on muddy water's front porch, the The Midnight Choir Social Club's deep pocket drums and bass, melodic guitar and heartfelt vocals deliver gospel inspired music that makes the angels in the demons dance for joy.
Find out more »Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons (FREE)
Patty and The Buttons preach the gospel of hot rhythm and happy feet. The band is similar to what you would find in a dance hall, cafe or nightclub anywhere around the world between 1920-1940. Despite being an ensemble firmly rooted in tradition, the band presents their music without being shackled to history. They play their own compositions as well as takes on music of the era. Patty’s eclectic taste gives the band diverse influences including New Orleans Traditional Jazz, Western Swing, Gypsy Melodies, Ragtime Piano Blues, Jug Music and 1930′s Popular Song. The core instrumentation of accordion, clarinet, guitar and bass is light and swift, but also melancholic and lush when it needs to be. Patty, mostly known as an accordionist doubles as the bands vocalist. His voice is inspired most by the old time hollers and croons from the dawn of recording once described as “Tom Waits meets Rudy Vallee.” More than anything, The Buttons is a group that is always enjoying themselves… Which seems to give audiences permission to do the same.
Find out more »Lily Rabuse + Jason Roberts $8
Lily Rabuse is a young, emerging singer/songwriter from Minneapolis with a raresound. She released her first CD, a 5-song EP, in 2019 and is working on completing her first full album. Influenced by jazz melodies and music from idols like Nick Drake, Amy Winehouse and Joni Mitchell, she currently juggles song writing and performing with earning an undergraduate degree.
Find out more »MN Songwriter Showcase hosted by Nick Hensley (FREE)
The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:
https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase
Find out more »Liam Gerard with special guest Estefanía & co $10
Liam Gerard is a Minneapolis based singer-songwriter, performer, and recording artist. The music is best described as pulsing and melodic, with an attention to reflective/ poetic lyrics based upon experiences. Tastes of alternative, blues, folk, and americana give the music an eclectic feel as it spans multiple genres with a goal of being anything but stale and redundant. LG trio consist of Paul Cahoy on lead guitar and Casey Schultz on keys.
Find out more »Kid Dakota with special guests Martin Dosh, Dan Murphy, & Kraig Johnson $10
Formed in 1999, Kid Dakota released two albums on LOW's Chairkicker's Union - “So Pretty” (2002), and “The West is the Future” (2004) - and four albums on Graveface Records - “A Winner's Shadow” (2008), “Listen to the Crows As They Take Flight” (2011), “Denervation” (2018), and “Age of Roaches.” His new double album, “MICD” will be released in 2022.
Darren is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, engineer, teacher, and producer. Although he grew up in a small town in Western South Dakota, Darren cut his musical teeth in Minneapolis. A fixture on the scene there for two decades, Darren founded two critically-acclaimed bands (Kid Dakota and the Olympic Hopefuls), released nine albums, and won three Minnesota Music Awards including “Artist of the Year.” He toured extensively in the United States and Europe, sharing stages with rock and roll icons such as Soul Asylum and the Violent Femmes as well as indie rock stalwarts like LOW and Black Moth Super Rainbow. He owns a recording studio in NE Minneapolis - Homesteader Studio - and has two Bedlington Terriers - Dante and Diva.
Find out more »Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons (FREE)
Patty and The Buttons preach the gospel of hot rhythm and happy feet. The band is similar to what you would find in a dance hall, cafe or nightclub anywhere around the world between 1920-1940. Despite being an ensemble firmly rooted in tradition, the band presents their music without being shackled to history. They play their own compositions as well as takes on music of the era. Patty’s eclectic taste gives the band diverse influences including New Orleans Traditional Jazz, Western Swing, Gypsy Melodies, Ragtime Piano Blues, Jug Music and 1930′s Popular Song. The core instrumentation of accordion, clarinet, guitar and bass is light and swift, but also melancholic and lush when it needs to be. Patty, mostly known as an accordionist doubles as the bands vocalist. His voice is inspired most by the old time hollers and croons from the dawn of recording once described as “Tom Waits meets Rudy Vallee.” More than anything, The Buttons is a group that is always enjoying themselves… Which seems to give audiences permission to do the same.
Find out more »MN Songwriter Showcase hosted by Nick Hensley (FREE)
The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:
https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase
Find out more »The Minneapolis Songwriter Rounds $10
Featuring:
Sarah Morris
Eli Gardiner
Leslie Vincent
Jaia Wilbour
Hosted by: T.J.D.
Music 8-10 pm
Find out more »Hardy Gal Night featuring The Changeups and Sister Siren $8
Alternative Americana rock band, The Changeups, are based in Minneapolis fronted by vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Alicia Kay. The lineup consists of co-founder and guitarist/songwriter Jimmy Baker (Crazed Individuals, Eddie Mac), as well as drummer Aaron Rosener (Matt Jennings, Unclick), and bassist Jeff Ellington (The Fake McCoys, The Roosevelts). Their various backgrounds as rock, country, R&B, folk and punk musicians make for a distinct sound changing the song style throughout a performance. Alicia’s emotional lyrics and twangy heartfelt singing trickled in with Jimmy’s fun pop songs charm any audience and is loved by fans of Neko Case, Lucinda Williams and Lydia Loveless.
Find out more »Al Church $10
Al Church’s new album “Night Games” out now!
"It sounds like it came crashing in from 1978 with one of those absolutely insistent sax lines and a bassline that you’ll wanna write home about, plus a gorgeous chorus that’ll linger in your brain all day long...You And I,” the obvious single that’s got one of those magnificent Hooks From God that stumble across your path every once in a while..."- Letoile Magazine
"Just as powerful as Fitz & the Tantrums vocalist Michael Fitzpatrick, Church's treated falsetto is always in control... On the piano-laced title track, he sounds more like Queen's Freddie Mercury."-City Pages' Erik Thompson
Find out more »Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons (FREE)
Patty and The Buttons preach the gospel of hot rhythm and happy feet. The band is similar to what you would find in a dance hall, cafe or nightclub anywhere around the world between 1920-1940. Despite being an ensemble firmly rooted in tradition, the band presents their music without being shackled to history. They play their own compositions as well as takes on music of the era. Patty’s eclectic taste gives the band diverse influences including New Orleans Traditional Jazz, Western Swing, Gypsy Melodies, Ragtime Piano Blues, Jug Music and 1930′s Popular Song. The core instrumentation of accordion, clarinet, guitar and bass is light and swift, but also melancholic and lush when it needs to be. Patty, mostly known as an accordionist doubles as the bands vocalist. His voice is inspired most by the old time hollers and croons from the dawn of recording once described as “Tom Waits meets Rudy Vallee.” More than anything, The Buttons is a group that is always enjoying themselves… Which seems to give audiences permission to do the same.
Find out more »Jason Chaffee An Ambient Electronic Debut $7
Life makes your head spin. To capture serenity… Chicago born, Wisconsin raised award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Chaffee draws from his own personal story to arrange a tapestry of ambience, emotion, and melody into a song that captures your ear on the first listen. Taking the from the musical roots of Peter Gabriel and Colin Hay combined with the ambient musical landscape in the likes of Olafur Arnalds(IS) and Nils Frahm(Germany) he draws on the energy of the notes between the notes, casting a silence that allows a break to capture our collective breath and move into the next universe provided tones.
Find out more »MN Songwriter Showcase hosted by Nick Hensley (FREE)
The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:
https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase
Find out more »Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons (FREE)
Patty and The Buttons preach the gospel of hot rhythm and happy feet. The band is similar to what you would find in a dance hall, cafe or nightclub anywhere around the world between 1920-1940. Despite being an ensemble firmly rooted in tradition, the band presents their music without being shackled to history. They play their own compositions as well as takes on music of the era. Patty’s eclectic taste gives the band diverse influences including New Orleans Traditional Jazz, Western Swing, Gypsy Melodies, Ragtime Piano Blues, Jug Music and 1930′s Popular Song. The core instrumentation of accordion, clarinet, guitar and bass is light and swift, but also melancholic and lush when it needs to be. Patty, mostly known as an accordionist doubles as the bands vocalist. His voice is inspired most by the old time hollers and croons from the dawn of recording once described as “Tom Waits meets Rudy Vallee.” More than anything, The Buttons is a group that is always enjoying themselves… Which seems to give audiences permission to do the same.
Find out more »December 2021
20th Annual Jeff Arundel Holiday Show! $10
Hear Ye!
The pandemic may have put a damper on a variety of things, but it didn’t leave you in the lurch when it comes to the JA Holiday Show! Back and better than ever, this year’s edition features the usual combination of melancholy and mayhem, certain to leave you in a state of mild euphoria followed by a serotonin shortage. The utmost in professionalism is promised, and at ten bucks, there’s not much to lose. Many folks think this show could be $10.75! Get it while it’s hot folks. One night only, costumes encouraged, decorum expected. Now We Go!
Featuring: Jeff Arundel and The Hammsmen, Steele Arundel, Molly Maher, The Artful Dodger, Paul and John, The Sirens, and Scrooge himself!
Find out more »Billy Johnson’s Black Dog High (Pop Folk) $10
Billy Johnson’s Black Dog High featuring George McKelvey, Mark Mraz, and Scott Best.
Billy Johnson is a singer/songwriter from Minneapolis. Billy was the lead singer of The Hillcats, and is the lead singer of Billy Johnson’s Roadshow. He also has an acoustic duo called B-TEAM with George McKelvey. Billy has recorded 10 CDs. He strums a Gibson guitar with soul, and has a great vocal range.
Find out more »
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