Liam Gerard is the stage name of a local Minneapolis singer, songwriter, and recording artist whose debut album, Belle and Music, creates a unique multitude of sound which encompasses Pop, Alternative, Folk, Americana and Blues over eleven tracks. With roots in everything from Motown to Weezer the live performances swing from solo acoustic stylings to a dozen musicians and a dance group. Recently gigging with a quartet of the best the city has to offer.

Small Circles are a three piece psychedelic, fuzz-blues, garage-rock band based out of Minneapolis, MN. Featuring Minneapolis indie-rock veterans Rich Serafin on guitar and vocals, Kevin Sheehy on drums and Colorado transplant
Ian Davis on bass.

Fans of Velvet Underground, Television, Luna, and Spacemen 3 will enjoy the bluesy, psychedelic, indie-rock leanings of Small Circles.

When was the last time you heard a singer/songwriter bust into a fantastic bebop guitar solo? When was the last time you saw a jazz guitarist step up to the vocal mic and bring the audience to tears with a country ballad by Gram Parsons? Minnesota music legend Ben Glaros has found a way to bring this all together in his new duo "The Other Ol' Blue Eyes". He and bassist Bruce Morrow play a carefully curated blend of jazz standards, pop and country classics and original tunes. Songs made popular by Frank Sinatra (who shares Ben's birthday!) sit comfortably alongside David Bowie, Roxy Music and the Beatles and somehow it all makes beautiful sense. Throw in the improvisational talents of these two amazing musicians and you've got a truly unique night of music!

The Larry McDonough Aster Sunday Jazz Series presents classic jazz on the first Sunday of the month.

We just lost the amazing Tony Bennett on July 21, 2023. Much has been said about his career but not much about his association with Bill Evans. We will change that.

The Larry McDonough Trio celebrates the two recordings of legendary pianist and composer Bill Evans and vocalist Tony Bennett. Bill Evans rarely performed with singers, so it was big news to some in the jazz community when Evans and Bennett recorded and released “The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album” in 1975. The album included pieces each had done separately, such as Waltz for Debby (Evans) and The Touch of Your Lips (Bennett). In 1976 they recorded “Together Again” for release in 1977.

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

TJD is on a mission to discover the best new, and emerging artists in the area, and he's bringing them to the Aster stage! Each month discover your next new favorite artist.

Michael Sodnik is a singer/songwriter and producer based in Minneapolis, MN. Let his music serenade you with soothing melodies, dreamy guitars, chill grooves, and good vibes!

Songwriter Martin Devaney is known as the unofficial mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota. Since the release of his first record in 2002, he has released seven full-length albums and a 7-inch EP, along with records from side projects Crossing Guards and Folios. He also has spent time playing saxophone in the bands Roma Di Luna, Mike Gunther and His Restless Souls, and Heiruspecs, with whom he was a founding member. Over the last twenty-plus years he's crossed the country playing both solo and with various cohorts and collaborators along the way, building a fan base the old fashioned route, show by show. Devaney has also always fostered community in the MN scene through his record labels Eclectone Records (2002-10) and Pig's Eye Records (2013-present). Dubbed "the ubiquitous barroom bard" by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and a "charming, bushy-haired songsmith" by No Depression, Devaney writes from the heart of a working class troubadour.

It is the latest release from the Minneapolis songwriter, Scott Zosel, who works hard to exemplify the style and swagger of creative, edgy TC artists like Paul Westerberg, Dave Pirner, Gary Louris, and others. Minneapolis DJ Ellen Stanley (KFAI) describes his music as “FIRST-RATE SONGWRITING EVOKING THE SUNNY ROOTS/ROCK SOUNDS OF THE JAYHAWKS.” It’s a style featuring elements of folk-rock, some pop, with the fresh edge of country. A very articulate and mercurial sound that’s always catchy, irreverent and fun. Zosel continues to push the edge of Americana into a more pop direction, while still staying true to his folk-rock roots. He recorded it ‘live’ in collaboration with Producer/drummer GREG SCHUTTE at Boom Island Recording with renowned atmospheric lead guitarist DAN SCHWARTZ and touring pro, bassist NICK SALISBURY. Vocalist KELLY JORDAHL rounded out the tracks with her soaring harmonies, the perfect finishing touch.

Boots & Needles combines the talents of Lauren Asheim and Dallas Cornell and features Old and New Country Blues, Traditional, and Rockabilly vibes. You may recognize Lauren from past bands including The Hula Peppers, Slippery People and Lady Date. She has also trod the boards as an actor and vocalist all over the Twin Cities including the Guthrie Theater, the History Theater, Mixed Precipitation and more. Dallas brings a wealth of musical skills and an eye for design to the duo and has played with The Cornells, The Changeups and numerous ska and punk outfits back in California. Known as the "human metronome" and a skilled sewing machinist, he is full of surprises. They aim to share their love of all things country and blues, sparkles and dirt and maybe a few more unexpected pairings along the way...

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

Kismet Roundezvous is the recent coming together of Lonesome Dan Kase and Dawn Tanner. Bringing a rich and deep background steeped in country blues, folk, ragtime and Americana their music and original songs reflect those many influences, while carving their own unique path.

The Maeflies first performed 19 years ago…..and they are still delivering the best of original and cover songs, with a fleet of stringed instruments and their unique folk-rock sound!

The Maeflies, Minnesota's Americana-Country-Rock Ensemble, have been playing their trademark sound since 2004. They deliver rich signature harmonies, hot guitars and songs that tell a story. The Maeflies know their way around any iteration of guitar, including pedal steel, mandolin and banjo. All the Maeflies can sing and pass around the lead vocal. Mae fronts the band; and you will discover why.

Katy Tessman soars to new heights with her eagerly awaited album, “Fly,” marking her return to songwriting and performing after a twenty-year hiatus. The album weaves a tapestry of uplifting melodies and heartfelt ballads, resonating with themes of self-discovery and resilience.

David Harland has felt the pull of music all of his life. His music has been described as innovative, introspective and expressive. David is a fingerstyle guitarist and singer/songwriter in the tradition of great innovators like Michael Hedges, Nick Drake, David Wilcox and Billy McLaughlin.

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

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.

Wilkinson James was born in 2008 when Liz Wilkinson and AJ Scheiber met up and merged their singing and songwriting into a musical partnership that one fan described as "the bastard offspring of June Carter Cash and Townes Van Zandt." Somewhere along the line that duo became a full band, adding pedal steel, fiddle, and saxophone to Liz and AJ’s tightly knit harmonies and classic-yet-fresh original tunes. Their first (self-titled) album, released in 2014, showed their love of folk, honky-tonk, and country blues. The follow-up, Abandon, added touches of jazz, torch, and swing to their folk / honky-tonk base, while keeping the focus on original songwriting, eclectic, carefully curated covers, and fun, energetic performances.

Conor Lee is an active sideman and guitarist for a variety of different performing groups in the Twin Cities. When he’s not supporting other musicians, Conor is writing and performing his own music. Blending his early alternative rock influences with lush soundscapes and jazz influenced melodies, his music explores themes of nostalgia, soul searching, and navigating hardship.

Who The Hell Is John Magnuson?
Years ago, John was in a Minneapolis band called the Carpetbaggers. John wrote and sang many of the band's songs. In November of 2020, John released an Indie/Folk-Rock-ish record (with splashes of twang) called Barely Noticeable. His eponymous trio consists of Paul McFarland and John Sandbo (when they are available).

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

MNAKED RETURNS!
(A storyteller night of sorts… chopping it down to just the bare essentials featuring great local Minnesota Music and reimagined covers) EST 2005

Curated by Nick Hensley of Love Songs for Angry Men & The MN Songwriter Showcase

Act One: The Color Cold
Act Two: Lori Lofstrom

The Long Goodbyes hit a sweet spot someplace within the eclectic constellation of Power Pop, Classic Country, Americana, and Rock & Roll. Four of five members watched their kids grow up together at the same school, as they themselves grew into sure-handed songwriters and performers (we don’t discuss the 5th guy). TLGs will get and keep your attention via smart originals laced with gripping melodies, tight harmonies, and quirky lyrics. They also like to put their own twist on a few, nicely curated covers. By the end of the night, you’ll be echoing the words of one club owner, “Best show of the year!”

Just when some critters are going into hibernation, songwriting ace Bill Giese is resurfacing with a new band, The Bill Giese Trio, featuring Michael Valentiner and Holle Brian, with some great old songs. You may remember Giese from “A Prairie Home Companion” back in his Stoney Lonesome days, or “Waitin’ out the Storm,” a song that Kate MacKenzie and Emmylou Harris recorded. A restless fella, he has a bad habit of changing bands before they can gain momentum, but his phrase-turning talent is well worth indulging.

Matthew French is a Minneapolis-based singer, songwriter and Gibson guitar collector who creates music to connect people through shared stories of love and loss. The former minister has grown a loyal fan base through his engaging performances, wry sense of humor and warm, community-minded spirit.

Raised in a small town outside of Dayton, Ohio, French grew up playing music in the church. He sang with various bands and flirted briefly with the trombone and cornet before falling in love with the guitar at 16. French played in bands through college and started performing music professionally. French moved to Minnesota in 2005, but it was not until several years later that he truly immersed himself in songwriting catalyzed by a painful divorce in 2014.

Steven C. (Anderson) and Marcus Royce (né Mark Smeby) come together for a night of beautiful music where they will individually and together share tunes from their respective catalogs and well-known favorites.

A killer combo of Minneapolis, MN and Dallas, TX music scene veterans. American Rock and Roll.

“Minnesota quintet, The April Fools, dive deep into the musical rabbit hole on their 4th release, Wonderland (Blackberry Way Records) Combining 90’s Indie Rock, 60’s Psychedelic Rock, Outlaw Country, and a sprinkling of Jazz, The April Fools create a mind-bending soundscape that defies easy classification – you need to hear this release today…” TURNSTYLE JUNKPILE – ROOTS MUSIC MAGAZINE, Chesterfield, VA 9/2022

MNAKED RETURNS!
(A storyteller night of sorts… chopping it down to just the bare essentials featuring great local Minnesota Music and reimagined covers) EST 2005

Curated by Nick Hensley of Love Songs for Angry Men & The MN Songwriter Showcase

Act One: Thomas Abban
Act Two: Wil Farr of Hurrah a Bolt of Light

With inspiration and influences from folk, pop, country, bluegrass, and “this 'n' that,” Sweet Rhubarb brings an eclectic mix of songs written by others and well-crafted originals. Exquisite vocal harmonies are a hallmark of their performances, which are always fun, warm, engaging, and inspiring. Personnel include Burna Krugler (vocals, guitar, bass, and occasional banjo), Ann Fate (vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica and percussion), and Priscilla Thomas (vocals, bass, and guitar). The St. Paul trio has been delighting local and regional audiences since 2009.