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.

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.

Jeremy Ylvisaker is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer who has worked with John Prine, Jenny Lewis, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Andrew Bird, Sandra Bernhard, Damo Suzuki (Can), members of Prince’s New Power Generation, Mouse on Mars, Swamp Dogg, The Suburbs, film maker Chuck Statler ("The Truth About Devolution"), Merce Cunningham dance company, and many others playing on five continents in venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, The Cape Town Jazz Festival, The Ed Sullivan Theater (The Late Show with David Letterman), and other television programs including Austin City Limits and the Colbert Report. He composes and improvises a variety of instrumental music, some of which to accompany dance performances such as "Stripe Tease", some of which for use in films such as "Pitchfork Unsung: Dan Corrigan", "Rhythmic" (feat. Andrew Bird), and "Trophy Husband." Some just for listening while you do your thing. And a lot of rock n roll.

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.

Minnesota Acoustic Guitar Showcase is a musical collective of 10 Twin Cities based guitarists - they cover a diverse range of styles in their solo sets and collaborations of rotating players. Tonight’s show features Dan Schwartz, Ben Abrahamson and Sam Breckenridge. Starting at the very beginning, his dad’s interest in The Grand Ole Opry and his mom’s fondness for American Bandstand immersed Dan Schwartz in a wide variety of great music. This influence resonates in the range of music he…

It’s not so much a sound as it is an essence; there is no need to be able to distinguish it before you can trust it. A Piano in Every Home’s second album North American Review is a collection that captures a poignant picture of the beauty and pain that comes with growing up. Written in the space and time reserved for examination, these eight tracks were coaxed from their bated origins with a delicate confidence and trial and error.

What started out as a duo of Travis Erickson on guitar and vocals, and Jacob Pavek on piano, the two childhood friends incorporated the doctrine of their live show into North American Review, which includes Jake Wallenius on drums and Mark Newcome Kartarik on bass. The quartet transformed the wide-eyed tunes into a full-grown collation.

The Legend of the Actual Wolf

There are outlaws, and there are outlaws. Some practice the pose and cultivate the image, though seldom dirty their soft, bourgeois hands with anything actually outside the law. When they do, it is often despicable, irresponsible or just plain mundane. The Actual Wolf, however, is a real outlaw and has pled guilty to it. Between the bust and before the trial AW recorded a pair of EPs, each showing ‘another side of the Wolf’. The first is USA, an everyman’s acoustic album that channels both Woody and Zimmerman on a smuggler’s road trip on the cop-laden corridor of the I-80. The second—Lightning & the Wolf— conjures a 30-something’s symphony to Gawd, a rock EP at times so ethereal that it floats like smoke up into the aether, at others so earthy & grounded you can almost feel the parole. This is not music that pleads for forgiveness—the man has given his freedom as a sacrament at the altar of his beliefs. Rather, these are songs of redemption. Actual Wolf has paid a price, but like many deals with devils, seems to have come out the greater for it.

“Ian George is a fanciful folk troubadour with a rhythmic flow and spirited vision. He’s an American Matt Corby; a heartwarming blend of Iron & Wine’s folk and Vampire Weekend’s frisky energy. George’s music is the type to which one would ascribe words like frolic and wandering, but his songs are equally intimate and emotional... Worthy of everyone’s ears, songs we can teach our children, our parents, our grandparents, and ourselves.” ~Atwood Magazine Who is this guy?: A frisky and…

Launched in 2016 with the EP, “My Mom Says I Have A Rich Inner Life,” Minneapolis grunge-pop band Lunch Duchess has continued to make cathartic jams for the sardonic and the heartbroken. Front person/drummer Katharine Seggerman tends to write songs as a therapeutic exercise: sitting with difficult situations until the truth materializes in a melody, and then protecting that truth with the help of a loud rock band. She is joined by Sam Frederick on guitar, Nicky Steves on synthesizers, and Matthew Sandstedt on bass, and together...they are Lunch Duchess.

The band is currently recording their debut full-length album, to be released this summer.

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.

The Larry McDonough Quartet will perform the music of Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea. They will begin the Bill Evans Trio in 1961 at the Village Vanguard, then with Herbie Hancock’s music throughout the 1960s, concluding with the jazz fusion of Chick Corea’s first Return to Forever group. Come see and hear what Miles started.

The Brotherhood Project is a program of original songs and stories created by brothers and Twin Cities artists Ryan and Jamie Marshall. The project takes an intimate look at what it means to be a brother: providing a shoulder to lean on, reminiscing on childhood memories, dealing with loss in the family, and more.

Ryan Marshall is a Minneapolis singer-songwriter and a regular featured artist at the Riverview Cafe Songwriter Showcase and open mics around the Twin Cities. His younger brother, Jamie, received a degree in vocal music from St. Olaf College, and has since performed nationally and internationally with professional choirs from the Twin Cities. They are joined for the Brotherhood Project by Blake Weimerskirch on drum and vocals, and Sean Gilbertson with spoken word.

Lacey is a singer-songwriter based in the Twin Cities.

As a classically trained pianist and a homegrown church choir singer, Lacey used the skills she learned over the years to craft her own songs with driving melodies and a modern hint of soul. After playing in countless coffee shops, bars, restaurants, breweries, and sidewalks, Lacey independently released her solo live EP, "Will Play for Coffee" in April 2017. Eventually, she worked her way up to open for acts including Stephen Kellogg, Eric Hutchinson & the Believers, Rufus Wainwright, Mason Jennings, & Reina del Cid. As she built traction and a steady fanbase, Lacey received full Kickstarter support that allowed her to record her debut full-length album at Creation Audio in Minneapolis. Now, she is excited to release the LP, “Over Again,” with a full band to back her up! Fans of Lacey’s music also enjoy: Regina Spektor, Sara Bareilles, Julien Baker, Brandi Carlile, Ingrid Michaelson, Phox, Lawrence

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.

Shaun Munday is a one-of-a kind talent. He blends soul-drenched vocals with show-stopping bass guitar technique. Shaun captures audiences with a full band sound and plays the bass better than most people play a guitar. He is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA where he studied and performed with some of the greatest artists and educators in the industry including John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, Matthew Garrison (Herbie Hancock), Antonio Sanchez (Pat Metheny) and Jetro Da…

Featuring special guests 26 Bats!

Twin Cities based The Immaculate Beings came together from across the midwest to form a family full of music,
love, adventure, and collaboration. With musical upbringings from all ends of the music spectrum, Trevor, Griffin, Staurie, Joe, Mitch, Casey, and Michael focus on creating a sound that heals and inspires the world to be Immaculate. Inspired by psychedelic
rock, jazz, indie pop, and soul, The Immaculate Beings strive to create a safe and open space for all humans with every live performance.

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.

Mel and the Side Effects. A Band with hints of Indie-Folk, Americana and groove. It is bar room harmonies, bursts of harmonica and complex tangles of acoustic bass and guitar. This trio is made up of three long time friends: Dan Scultz, Jeremy Plumb and Mike Haldorson. They have been playing in bands together for more than 15 years and that familiarity makes each show an improvisational unique experience. On the latest EP: The sophomore release from Mike Haldorson and bandmates, this time as Mel and the Side Effects, is a bluesy Americana ode to noticing and appreciating the little things that make life delightful.

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.

Tonight is the final of 3 shows over successive months that feature one of the Twin Cities most established songwriters.

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."
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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.
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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.

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.

Featuring Ellen Stanley on banjo and vocals, Mother Banjo is a New England-raised, Minneapolis-based songwriter. Called “an outstanding poet” (Inside Bluegrass), she was a Midwest Finalist for the prestigious Mountain Stage NewSong Contest and has been featured nationally on SiriusXM Radio and CMT.com. She has showcased at South By Southwest (SXSW) and the Folk Alliance International Conference and is touring behind her new album Eyes on the Sky and opening for artists like Lucy Wainwright Roche and Grammy-winning bluegrass/country legend Jim Lauderdale. Featured on The Current, the new record is Mother Banjo's most fully realized album to date, artfully mixing her signature blend of folk, bluegrass and soulful Americana that has become a hallmark of her live shows. Produced by Jeff Oehler of New York-based Beehive Productions, it was tracked live on the stage of the historic Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing, MN with her all-star that includes Ben Cook-Feltz (keyboards, vocals), Dan Gaarder (guitars, vocals), Jim Parker (mandolin), Eric Paulson (bass) and Joe Olsen (drums). The full band will be joining her for this final show before Mother Banjo goes on maternity leave to become a new mother so don't miss it!

Annie Fitzgerald has been described by Jamsphere as “a blend of Tori Amos’ intellectual appeal, Sarah McLachlan’s mystical charm and Edie Brickell’s baroque spirit”. Honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame as an artist to watch, Fitzgerald released her second album You & Me & the Sun on June 1st, 2018. Produced by Danny O’Brien (The Farewell Circuit, Dem Yuut), the album finds Fitzgerald joining gifted musicians and shaping a textured pop sound mixed with the raw vitality of rock-and-roll. Since her first release In Good Time, Fitzgerald spent time a part of the NYC Indie scene, started a family, and welcomed a move back to her home state of MN and a newfound sense of space to create. You & Me & the Sun explores connection, vulnerability, love, and sparks in the span of time navigating the balance between motherhood & her life as a songwriter.

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.

Haunted Like Human is bringing a new roots voice to Nashville: two parts folk, one part Americana, and a dash of indie vibes. Classically trained guitarist Cody Clark has played everything from post-hardcore to jazz. Vocalist Dale Chapman grew up writing prose and poetry, and she brings her strong imagery and storytelling into her music. A combination of Northwestern grit and Southern charm, the two strive to create a unique and intimate listening experience.

Lee is a previous American Idol winner and grew his fan base from this, though has spent the last years really shedding the stigma of the show and becoming his own independent artist. Lee’s other break out moment came when The Walking Dead picked up his song The Blackbird Song which resulted in over 10 million Youtube views collectively and 5 million Spotify plays. His song “Don’t Be Afraid” has been used for 2 yrs for the Blue Cross Shield campaign song and NASCAR commercials picked up “The Ride” Lee has been touring and supporting, touring and headlining and making a solid press dent too.

Love Songs For Angry Men ...
Return to the Aster Cafe
For a Rare Full Band Performance

Hi, I’m Dan. I’m a whiskey & beer drinking, fishing & hunting loving, motorcycle riding, quality food eating, hippie sympathizing, people loving, husband & father who lives in Minneapolis and shares a life with my amazing wife and adorable son. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, MI, and moved to Minneapolis when I was 18 to study music, and I stayed because I’m one of those crazy people that enjoys the snow and cold weather. Music is my trade & performing it for people is my passion. When I’m not in my studio writing songs and cutting records, or on the road playing shows, I’m usually tending to our backyard chickens, eating fresh veggies from my wife’s huge garden, or out doing one of my many outdoor hobbies.

Having steeped themselves like an old bag of tea in the recordings of Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music-Luke Callen & Wolf van Elfmand bring the old weird America into the new absurd America. Branding their style as New Folk/Strange Country-the duo uses old tropes to formulate new ideas around Americana music-an oft exclusive realm. Having first met in the dusty boom town of Fort Collins, Colorado-the two formed the hard driving folk outfit Von Stomper-and promptly got on the road. With the band, and as solo musicians they have toured both coasts, the American West, South and Heartland. Now as a duo-part Mississippi John Hurt, Roger Miller, and Blaze Foley-Luke and Wolf have crafted a sound that is both reminiscent of the past, resentful of it's pain, and reluctant towards it's future.

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.