Art Vandalay is a Twin Cities band that plays a unique brand of laid-back folk/Americana with a vibe that is “impossibly catchy” (Duluth News-Tribune). Drawing on influences like Tom Petty, Wilco, John Prine and Neil Young, Art Vandalay's original repertoire varies from swooning heart-breakers to breezy Bossa Nova and gritty Americana songs that are “pure mellow magic” (Twin Cities Daily Planet).

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.

Since forming in 2006, The High 48s have been making music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude, original songs and a wide range of influences far beyond Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt and Scruggs.

In a genre created and dominated by artists from the South, The High 48s were born and raised in the Upper Midwest. And in a music scene where playing standards is the norm, The High 48s are a band of songwriters who perform their own material in addition to the “festival favorites.”

The Midnight Choir Social Club's sound was born under the Gospel Tent of the New Orleans Jazz Festival, in the protester-filled streets of Selma, and on Muddy Waters' front porch in the Mississippi Delta. The drums (Jess Pierce) and bass (Barb Brynstad) form the bedrock of this band, creating soulful grooves and a solid pocket. Funky, melodic guitar (Tim Frantzich) and saxophone flourishes (Dave Marden) accentuate the steady rhythm. The heartfelt and deep pathos of the vocalists, led by David Ballman with help from the Resistor Sisters (Lucinda Plaisance, Shelly Siegel), deliver gospel-inspired originals and inventive covers (Staple Singers, Tennessee Ernie Ford) that make the angels and the demons dance for joy.

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.

Join Delphia for their monthly residency at Aster Cafè. Sprig of That will open with original songs and arrangements for violin, guitar and tabla.

Featuring weekly special guests!

Turn! Turn! Turn! is the semi-acoustic trio Savannah Smith (guitar, vocals), Adam Levy (guitar, vocals) and Barb Brynstad (bass, vocals) playing their favorite close harmony 60's and 70's country, folk and pop covers along with a handful of cosmic indie/folk/Americana originals.

Employing a love for a variety of genres ‘Frederick, the First’ creates multi-pronged hooks to capture feelings and tap into something greater. With dark contemplative songwriting, a little existentialism, a whole lot of introspection, and clever twists along the way, don’t be surprised to find yourself relating to his philosophical galavanting guised with playful poetry.

James Rone is a Minneapolis-based songwriter, performing artist, and educator. During the last two decades, Rone’s music has ranged from angular power-pop (The Seagraves) to soul-revival (The Robinson Caruso Organization) to lush pop-rock (School For Girls). His music has been used in podcasts (Filmspotting), short films (Bookman), collaborative theater (Sandbox Theater’s Unspeakable Things) and children’s musicals (I Don’t Want To Go To Bed). “Precious Creature”, his collaboration with Floex, the Czech musician best known for the Machinarium soundtrack, appeared on the international hit album Zorya.

Since forming in 2006, The High 48s have been making music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude, original songs and a wide range of influences far beyond Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt and Scruggs.

In a genre created and dominated by artists from the South, The High 48s were born and raised in the Upper Midwest. And in a music scene where playing standards is the norm, The High 48s are a band of songwriters who perform their own material in addition to the “festival favorites.”

The Hive’s purpose is to provide community and opportunity for femme artists in the Twin cities to perform, network, expand and strengthen skill sets, and to give and receive support from other female identifying artists. Our goal is diversification and inclusion of femme identifying musicians. We are just getting started, so stay tuned as we press in toward achieving our goals and support local music by femme artists.

Currently, we are featuring: Cassandra Cole, Laura Farley, Jermaine Germain, Laurel Hay, & Nancy Long!

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.

Laura Hugo is originally from the Navajo Nation but has been calling the Twin Cities her home for the last 7 years. She’ll make you feel the feels with her melodic and catchy tunes about heartbreak. You’ll probably find her frequenting open mics, playing at various Minneapolis music venues and watching others play shows at least 4 days a week.

Every First Tuesday of the month Radio Five Watt presents an in-the-round style songwriter showcase featuring some of the Twin Cities most beloved local performers.

Featuring Kurt Jorgensen, Nici Peper, & Matthew Griswold

Radio Five Watt is a locally focused music, arts and culture internet radio station. We stream online 24 hours a day from our radio desk in the Northeast Minneapolis Five Watt Coffee shop.

Our goal is to be a catalyst of community and connectivity in a city rich with talent. From broadcasting the best and the newest of local music, to podcasting bits from our arts and culture community. Radio Five Watt is the the place where it all comes together to form one resonant voice, connecting everyone who listens and contributes.

Kraig Jarret Johnson is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist and recording artist from Minneapolis who has performed and recorded with Run Westy Run, The Jayhawks, Golden Smog, Iffy, Joseph Arthur & The Lonely Astronauts, members of R.E.M., Ray Davies of The Kinks and his own band, Kraig Jarret Johnson & The Program.

Chris Holm is a country blues musician based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A fingerstyle guitar picker and harmonica player, Chris channels the high-spirited liveliness of Charley Patton, attacking his guitar strings with abandon, and shouting along in a gravelly howl, later to channel Blind Willie Johnson on the lonesome sounds of a weeping slide guitar and Jimmie Rodgers on a blue yodel.  

Chris is joined by longtime friends and collaborators Berek Awend on keys and Mark Larson on drums to form a potent electric country blues trio.

American Pleasure Dome is a four piece rock and roll band from Minneapolis, Mn.

Band leader and songwriter Hans Schumacher writes songs drawing from a musical palette that includes rock, alt country, and folk. As an artist, Hans tries to connect with listeners by creating enticing sonic landscapes. His songs share a playful perspective on the complex issues of modern life. As a band, American Pleasure Dome is musically explorative, and brings a wide range of influences to their sound.

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 Skally Line steams its way around the curves and bends of early American music: Stringband blues, Appalachian ballads, fiddle tunes, early country and bluegrass, and Tin Pan Alley music. Along the way, we tell you forgotten stories about old Minnesota, play original music rooted in that history, and have a rip-roaring good time.

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.

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

Since forming in 2006, The High 48s have been making music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude, original songs and a wide range of influences far beyond Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt and Scruggs.

In a genre created and dominated by artists from the South, The High 48s were born and raised in the Upper Midwest. And in a music scene where playing standards is the norm, The High 48s are a band of songwriters who perform their own material in addition to the “festival favorites.”

2019 has been a stellar year for The April Fools, beginning with the April 1 release of their latest CD "Third" -- engineered and produced by Mike Owens at Blackberry Way Studios, and mastered by Andy Walters at Abbey Road Studios, London, UK.

Featuring a mix of originals and covers, "Third" finds the band dialing in a more straight up rock-oriented sound, while maintaining the focus on vocal harmony and classic songwriting that made their first two releases so unique.

"Third" has received radio airplay on more than 200 radio stations in the U.S. and beyond, including features on Tom Lambert's internationally syndicated "The Independent Music Show," "The Razor and Die Show" on WLUW in Chicago, and KFAI, 89.3 The Current, and WEQY locally in the Twin Cities.

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.

Greta Ruth is an experimental folk singer/songwriter from Minneapolis. With finger-style acoustic guitar and poem-like vocals, her music is a meeting point of softness and dissonance, reflection and dynamic stillness.

St. Anthony Mann is the sonic venture of Minnesota natives Adam Bjoraker (vocals, guitar), Matthew Tessier (bass), DJ LaFontsee (guitar, vocals), Doug Justice (guitar, vocals), and Ben McKeown (drums). After returning from his time spent in Milwaukee, singer/songwriter Adam Bjoraker connected with old friends and collaborators to bring to the twin cities a new collection of songs that attempt to dream both within and without themselves. Adam released his debut album, Sun Idle Ways, on January 7th, 2020. 

Equal parts intimate and expansive, Emma Ruddock's songs render a vulnerable inner dialogue of love, longing and fleeting moments of human connection. Her serene voice floats over revolving layers of acoustic guitar, accompanied by a stream of memories and searing observations that leave you feeling both exposed and enamored by the complexities of being human.  A native of New Hampshire, she currently resides in Minneapolis MN and is recording her debut record.

In 2005, Ryan Montbleau and his band headed into Applehead Recording in Saugerties, New York, to cut their debut album. With nothing more than ambition and a relentless work ethic to their names, they bootstrapped the whole thing, maxing out credit cards to fund it themselves and launch their careers from the ground up. Twelve years, eleven records, thousands of shows, and 60 million Spotify streams later, Montbleau returned to the studio for a special one-night-only concert that would become the latest entry in his venerable catalog: ‘Woodstock Sessions.’

Folk Origins & Western Swing
With Maygen & The Birdwatchers with Rusty Starr & The Western Spurs
Featuring Charlie Roth & Mark Bronstad

Relive the history of country music in person. Hosted by 2019 Midwest CMA Americana Artist of the Year nominee Maygen Lacey, What Even is "Country Music" is a limited music series inspired by Ken Burns’ documentary series Country Music.

Admiral Fox is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and keyboard dabbler based in Minneapolis, MN. His real name is Dan DeMarco. He used to make music under that name, and some other names too, but not anymore. His homemade style of recording and beatmaking recalls Neutral Milk Hotel, Fleet Foxes, and a lo-fi Radiohead.

Family Three are just two guys and one gal who love music. They would describe their sound as "Blindie-Soulk" - Blues, Indie, Soul and Folk. They have been playing some form of music since they were kids, but it wasn't until recently that they decided to take the next step, and are on the journey of finding out what it means to put the passion of music in the front seat.

Since forming in 2006, The High 48s have been making music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude, original songs and a wide range of influences far beyond Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt and Scruggs.

In a genre created and dominated by artists from the South, The High 48s were born and raised in the Upper Midwest. And in a music scene where playing standards is the norm, The High 48s are a band of songwriters who perform their own material in addition to the “festival favorites.”

Singer/songwriter, Vicky Emerson, has been heralded by the Minneapolis Star Tribune for her gorgeous, dusky voice and songwriting chops on previous releases but her new album, Steady Heart, which she self-produced, firmly established her as an essential, strong female voice in Americana music. Steady Heart, has received critical acclaim, helping her to rise to #4 on the European Americana Charts, #52 on the US Americana Album Chart and #34 on the Americana Singles Chart with her hit, "The Reckoning." No Depression raved that she is "...one of the pre-eminent independent singer/songwriters working in Americana. Her lyrical acumen is readily apparent for any listener, those unfamiliar with her work and longtime fans alike, but the lean economy of her poetic musings separates her work from performers who might otherwise overdo their desired effect on the audience." 

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.

Join Delphia for their monthly residency at Aster Cafè. David Gerald Sutton will open with his impressive ability to loop his violin into an entire orchestra.

Alternative Americana rock band, The Changeups, are based in Minneapolis fronted by vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Alicia Kay.  They call Colorado their second home and frequently grace the stages of the 331 Club, Aster Café and Palmer’s as well as the Turf Club and Varsity Theater.  Members have played across the US and they have been interviewed and played on KFAI multiple times among other radio stations.  

batteryboy combines social awareness and personal revelation to create "music to deal with everything else." Founded by singer Cobey Rouse in 2011, the group includes multi-instrumentalist Eric Carranza, bassist Ray Ringer and violinist Shannon Frid-Rubin. Their lush sound of strings and Carranza's Eno-esque atmosphere give Rouse's emotionally charged lyrics a fitting place to come to hit home.

Since forming in 2006, The High 48s have been making music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude, original songs and a wide range of influences far beyond Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt and Scruggs.

In a genre created and dominated by artists from the South, The High 48s were born and raised in the Upper Midwest. And in a music scene where playing standards is the norm, The High 48s are a band of songwriters who perform their own material in addition to the “festival favorites.”

Lowry Bridge consists of Phil Daniel song writer, guitar & vocals, Daniel Rachelbacher bass guitar & Kevin Sheehy drums. Formed in early 2018.

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.

Kraig Jarret Johnson is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist and recording artist from Minneapolis who has performed and recorded with Run Westy Run, The Jayhawks, Golden Smog, Iffy, Joseph Arthur & The Lonely Astronauts, members of R.E.M., Ray Davies of The Kinks and his own band, Kraig Jarret Johnson & The Program.

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.

Kurt Jorgensen has been long time band leader of the Kurt Jorgensen Band, releasing eight albums to date and receiving the praise of fans and critics alike. The Minnesota Music Awards has presented Kurt with Singer of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Brianna has toured nationwide with other artists as a bandleader and solo. Brianna has performed multiple times at South by Southwest, impressing industry luminaries and fans.

The two troubadours teamed up to record Brianna’s debut solo album “Wandering” with Kurt acting as producer and arranger for Brianna’s multi-instrumentalist talents. It did not take long for the pair to team up as songwriters and performers to form The Jorgensens: a team in life on and off stage. The sound is powerful and undeniably fresh, taking root in rock, blues and some southern kissed Americana soul.

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.

Erin Livingston is a singer, songwriter, classical flutist and cabaret artist in the Twin Cities.

Larry McDonough is a Jazz Pianist and Vocalist Composer, Arranger, and Educator.
We will be paying homage to the Bill Evans/Tony Bennett duet material with special arrangements by Larry McDonough.

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.

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

David Huss is a Minneapolis based singer-songwriter with a writing style rooted in Americana, folk and upbeat acoustic rock. David's songs are written with an optimistic perspective and are inspired by life's transitions.

In 2019 David recorded his first full length album - Intuition - and simultaneously
formed his band 'The Headwaters'. The past year consisted of full band performances around the state of Minnesota, finishing the album, and honing the sound of the full band into the finished upbeat folk rock sound they have become known for. 'The Headwaters'
are Lara Solveig on violin and harmony, Wesley Miller on percussion, Danny Gilles on keys and harmony, Noah Cameron on bass, and Hannah Hmeidie on on French Horn.

Johannes & The Secret Life is the unlikely meeting of musicians and songwriters from a variety of backgrounds. A fateful encounter at an open mic last spring led to the collaboration that birthed the new band. The two songwriters (Daniel, and Dan) draw inspiration from a range of early popular American music, Jazz, and Mediterranean folk. Their lyrics are influenced by years of wandering the globe— by choice or obligation— resulting in songs that speak of longing and reflection. Slow and brooding arrangements turn unexpectedly boisterous, with tempo changes and meandering chord progressions. Johannes and the Secret Life are: Dan Johannes, Daniel Martí, Erica VonBank, Paul Nevins, and Shawn Maroney.

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.

Liam Gerard is a Minneapolis-based singer, songwriter, recording artist and performer. With roots in pop music of the 90’s to his adult addiction with Motown and the blues of Ray Charles. The music has been described as pulsing and melodic, with an attention to reflective lyrics based on experience. Tastes of alternative, blues, folk and pop give the music an eclectic feel as it spans multiple genres. Liam Gerard wrote all 11 tracks on his debut album “Belle and Music” and funded the entire project without a record contract  over the course of 25 months of work recording it. Each song represents a moment/ event in time captured in the mind of a man utterly impassioned by his muse; a woman he refers to as, Belle.

Bluegrass, Honky Tonk, & The Bakersfield Sound
w/ Sawed Off String Band & MoeDell
Featuring Luke Hendrickson
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Relive the history of country music in person. Hosted by 2019 Midwest CMA Americana Artist of the Year nominee Maygen Lacey, What Even is "Country Music" is a limited music series inspired by Ken Burns’ documentary series Country Music.

Timbre Ghost plays the New High Lonesome sound. Songwriter Dustin Tessier's songs are contemplative, immediate and intimate; courting the boundaries of introspection, love, loss, & heartache. The songs are a melodic blend of Indie Country and Rock with a storytelling bent.

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.

Join Delphia for their monthly residency at Aster Cafè. The OK Factor, a classical crossover duo, will open with cellist Olivia Diercks and violinist Karla Colahan.

Lily Rabuse is a young, emerging singer/songwriter from Minneapolis with a rare, pure sound. She just released her first CD, a 5-song EP, 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.

Harbor & Home is an alternative rock band from minneapolis, mn. Their sound embodies modern roots americana with classic rock n’ roll. Following the release of their first album “dark days” in 2014, the band toured across the u.s. sharing the stage with such acts as Jeremy Messersmith, Eric Hutchinson, Mark Chesnutt, Flor, From Indian Lakes and Austin Plaine. They recently released their sophomore album “fighter” in may of 2017 after working with producer and engineer Christopher Furst at Studio 65 in Ham Lake, MN. Their latest single "You Want It Too" was released in January of 2018.

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.

Kraig Jarret Johnson is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist and recording artist from Minneapolis who has performed and recorded with Run Westy Run, The Jayhawks, Golden Smog, Iffy, Joseph Arthur & The Lonely Astronauts, members of R.E.M., Ray Davies of The Kinks and his own band, Kraig Jarret Johnson & The Program.

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.

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

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.

Nashville Sound & Outlaw
w/ Joyann Parker Band & Sherwin Linton
Featuring Mark Lamoine & Becky Kapell
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Relive the history of country music in person. Hosted by 2019 Midwest CMA Americana Artist of the Year nominee Maygen Lacey, What Even is "Country Music" is a limited music series inspired by Ken Burns’ documentary series Country Music.

“Honky-Tonk Jump plays swingin' Texas dance hall music in the tradition of Bob Wills, Milton Brown, Ernest Tubb and Spade Cooley with a sprinkling of Hank Williams and other early honky-tonk legends.  Three of the band members were regulars on A Prairie Home Companion - Dan Newton (accordion and vocals), Richard Kriehn (fiddle, mandolin and vocals) and Joe Savage (pedal steel/vocals). We also feature veteran musicians Tom Schaefer (fiddle), Dehl Gallagher (drums), Dan Lowinger (guitar) and Vaughn Asselstine (upright bass). Their music features signature twin and triple leads on accordion, fiddle, pedal steel and guitar with soulful vocals, all backed by a hard-swingin’ rhythm section. This band has fun and it’s contagious! 

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

Duets & Dynamic 80's
w/ Maygen Lacey, Sarah Morris & Her Sometimes Guys, Noah Neumann, The Home Fiers, Ted Hajnasiewicz,  Dayna Kohen, &  Ledfoot Larry
Featuring Zak "Poppa Bear" Norton & Vicky Emerson
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Relive the history of country music in person. Hosted by 2019 Midwest CMA Americana Artist of the Year nominee Maygen Lacey, What Even is "Country Music" is a limited music series inspired by Ken Burns’ documentary series Country Music.