Every ten years guitarist/singer/songwriter Ben Glaros celebrates his decade birthday by doing what he loves most; making music in Minneapolis. In 1988 he rocked the 400 Bar with the Wraparounds, 1998 played jazz at Jitters with Your Neighborhood Trio (with buddy Steve Roehm on vibes...see classic video below!) and in 2008 led his own band at the legendary Uptown Bar. This December 12th he’ll turn fifty at the Aster and be joined again by vibraphonist Steve Roehm (New Standards, Twilight Hours, The Neighborhood Trio) and bassist/composer Kameron Markworth.

Come on down and grab a drink and a snack and enjoy a fun night of jazz classics by Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and more!

Gambler’s Daughter is the musical persona and band of singer/songwriter Jessa Roquet. Roquet’s music blends poetic lyricism with her rich heritage in folk music, heartfelt rock, and a touch of soulful blues. As the daughter of musicians immersed in the thriving folk scene of the 1960’s, Jessa Roquet was raised into a family culture of tight harmonies, storytelling, and guitars. Since the days of being hauled from gig to gig in the family station wagon, she has built a musical…

Sarah Morris and the Sometimes Elves come to the Aster for a sparkling night of
everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. Growing up in a house where Brenda Lee,
Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby crooned through the family speakers all season
long, Sarah brings that timeless sensibility to her Christmas classics old and new.
Bring your own jingle bells!

Join us for the penultimate performance of Holiday Follies by the wonderfully talented Le Cirque Rouge Cabaret & Burlesque Show! Doors 7pm Showtime 8pm Le Cirque Rouge Cabaret & Burlesque Show was the Twin Cities first burlesque show, and for 15 years has been its most loved. Backed by a full band and featuring a cast of triple threat performers, LCR has continually pushed the boundaries of comedy, and song and dance. After being such a big part of the…

Join us Saturday night, Dec 15 2018 to preview the Bluegrass Brunch residency with The High 48's every Saturday in Jan & Feb 2019!

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.

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.

Tim Sparks and Phil Heywood are two of the reasons why Minnesota is known nationwide as a hotbed for acoustic fingerstyle guitar. Both guitarists are widely recognized for their solo careers and have inspired seasoned pros and aspiring students alike with their unique talents. Both are former National Fingerpicking Champions who have gone on to release numerous recordings and compile lengthy performance resumés. About ten years ago Tim and Phil began to work up duets and perform together. They’ve built…

Nici Peper is an Americana singer-songwriter based loosely based in the Minnesota/ Wisconsin region. Growing up around gospel music and a family of storytellers, her lyrics reflect the soul and honesty of their influences. Her music exposes a gentle heart- one that writes of love, heartbreak, and dreams.

With special guest Joel Kachel!

Anna Stine is an indie folk artist creating music that ponders the trials and triumphs that make us most human. Her lyrics and melodies are driven by a soulful authenticity that invites audiences to connect to their own stories. Anna harmoniously blends together her love of honest folk songs and haunting jazz melodies, while drawing upon the influence of powerful female artists Anna's experiences as a music therapist have given her a unique understanding of the ways that music can enrapture and transform us, and she seeks to manifest this through her intentional presence and performance. In her debut album "Company of Now", released in October 2018, Anna delves into the delicate dance of being present in the midst of growth and discomfort. Through songs that speak to both suffering and self-acceptance, she encourages listeners to stand tall, breathe easy, and step from the ground they're standing on.

Coming hot on the heels of the release of her highly lauded new album Eyes on the Sky, soulful Americana songwriter Mother Banjo hosts a holiday show featuring her all-star band and special guests featured on her holiday EP. Called "a soul-healing collection of songs that put you in the spirit of the season" (Rift Magazine), Christmas Came Early was recorded with her husband Ben Cook-Feltz and features a fun mix of classic Christmas tunes, seasonal covers and holiday originals. This show will be good for those that love and loathe the holidays!

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.

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.

A wondrous romp thorough all your holiday favorites. Dozens of special guests, including Laura Hugo, Jaedyn James, Tucker Jensen, Jamie Quinn, and many more. Members of Delphia as the string quartet and Dirt Train as the house band. Hosted by Lightnin' Joe Peterson. Sure to leave a glint in your eye, a spring in your step, and a song in your heart.

Acoustic cosmic folk, rock & country covers and sweet harmonies from the 1960's & 1970's featuring Adam Levy, Savannah Smith, & Barb Brynstad

Join Mel and the Side Effects FOURTH Wednesdays here in the cafe!

December 26th
& January 23rd

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.

Georgia native Skyler Day wrote her first song at age 10 and began playing guitar at 14. Fast forward and she’s released two EPs, wrapped up a successful residency at the Hotel Café in Los Angeles and started this year off with a performance at the legendary Troubadour as well as BMI’s 16th Annual Snowball at the Sundance Film Festival. Day’s second EP, Los Angeles, was co-written with producer/songwriter Steve Solomon (known for hits like James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go”) and peaked at number 39 on iTunes. Day is known for her folk-meets-country roots, but Los Angeles has more of an experimental vibe, blending in modern sounds and merging subtle synthesizers with her acoustic guitar. Steven Ward of Grimy Goods wrote that Day has “a voice that cuts like silver and a penchant for honest songwriting.” As Day explained to Ward, “I’ve loosened the reins a bit and now we’re experimenting a lot more … we’re going more towards a pop-alternative thing—I don’t know how to categorize it—it’s just very different from anything I’ve done before.” Day, who is also a well-established television actress, has appeared on shows like Parenthood, Pretty Little Liars, Law & Order: SVU, Grey's Anatomy and Raven’s Home on the Disney Channel.

Featuring very special guest performances!

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.

Rachel Roberts is a dynamic and soulful singer/songwriter from the small town of Anoka, Minnesota now living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Influenced by classic country, blues, soul and pop artists ranging from Eva Cassidy to Norah Jones to Jennifer Nettles, Rachel finds a way to relate to her audience through her sweet, heartfelt lyrics, simple melodies, and large vocal range. Rachel’s sassy stage presence mixed with her smokey tone cuts through the room and leaves her audience with stories of heartbreak, love, lust, and everything in between.

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.

Question:

What do Seinfeld, Christmas, Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane, Ludwig van Beethoven, Mr. McGoo, Paul Simon, Ornette Coleman, Shakers, the Middle East, and award-winning American poetry have in common?

Aster Cafe presents NYE B.Y.O.V.! Come and join us for dinner, and Bring Your Own Vinyl records along--

We will have a special dinner menu, and starting at 8:00pm we will be spinning on our Aster Vintage HiFi System--bring your favorite record down and we will spin requests from 8pm to 10pm.

Then... from 10pm till the new year we are excited to welcome a rare live appearance by guest DJ's The 2 Drew Crew! The 2DC bring da funk and soul--we will pull tables and start dancing, with a champagne toast at the stroke of midnight.

No cover, no tickets, just Old-School action. We strongly suggest you make a reservation, special menu starts at 6pm.

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

Per Wikipedia, jazz rock fusion is defined as a “musical genre that developed in the late 1960s from a mixture of elements of jazz such as its focus on improvisation with the rhythms and grooves of funk and R&B and the beats and heavily amplified electric instruments and electronic effects of rock”. One highlight of last weeks Art A Whirl was a performance at FOCI Glass by the band Tortuga!. Tortuga! has a singular and inspiring take on the Jazz Rock genre.

Aaron Biggar’s drumming provides foundation and color. His rhythms can be both surprisingly powerful and subtle. With Shawn Maroney on Bass, these two complete an exceptional rhythm section. Maroney contributes to the ground on which this group builds their musical structures, while adding flourish and interest throughout the set. Cory Jesok, on guitar, provides texture, rhythm, and blazing solo work, creating space or density just when it is required. P.J. Tracy, on piano, asserts melodies, harmonic support and furious solos of his own, traveling through multiple styles within the same tune.

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.”

Good friends on and off the stage, seasoned performers Billy Johnson, Scottie Devlin, Joel Schaan, Ron Tracy, and Matt Muller bring their 3rd annual 5 Guys show to a new venue! A night of unscripted, unrehearsed, live on-the-spot, pick a song and go for it fun! And these 5 Guys have the experience to pull it off. A good time will be had by all...

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 Mary Bue every Sunday in January accompanied by a rotating full band consisting of some of the most talented players in town.

With special guests...
1/6 Ice Palace
1/13 Molly Maher
1/20 Ryan and Pony
1/27 Dylan Hicks

Mary Bue is an indie musician based in Minneapolis. A prolific songwriter with 7 albums under her belt, Mary’s music touches upon archetypal themes of the human condition: love, loss, triumph, dreams, and the natural world. A longtime student of yoga and psychology since her early teens, Mary weaves sacred subject matter into her songs with inquiries into the spirit, the seeking of deeper levels of consciousness, and deep concern for the environment all mixed into her sometimes crass, real-world hue.

Jason Chaffee is a singer-songwriter from Minneapolis Minnesota who writes ambient and catchy pop-rock. Being compared vocally with Peter Gabriel, David Gilmour, and Colin Hay, he can bridge driving melodies with an emotionally charged sound palate which keep a new ear replaying the tunes after a first listen.

In promotional support of Jason’s forthcoming album release “Carry Me” in September of 2018 he will be joined by a seasoned line of musicians for regional touring as well as guest appearances at local media outlets, podcasts, and online shows. Global distribution will be supported by festivals such as Iceland Airwaves.

Duluth, MN acoustic outfit Coyote consists of Jerree Small (Southwire) on guitar and vocals, Marc Gartman (Two Many Banjos) on banjo and vocals and Matt Mobley (Red Mountain) on upright bass. Formed in 2007 they have released four full length albums including their new one 'A Different Path'.

Produced by Steve Garrington (Low) this new music comes after a five year break in recording for the band. In light of their recent celebration of ten years as a group, all three members have renewed their vows and contributed original material to this new effort. It is their most collaborative recording to date.

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.”

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 Mary Bue every Sunday in January accompanied by a rotating full band consisting of some of the most talented players in town.

With special guests...
1/13 Molly Maher
1/20 Ryan and Pony
1/27 Dylan Hicks

Mary Bue is an indie musician based in Minneapolis. A prolific songwriter with 7 albums under her belt, Mary’s music touches upon archetypal themes of the human condition: love, loss, triumph, dreams, and the natural world. A longtime student of yoga and psychology since her early teens, Mary weaves sacred subject matter into her songs with inquiries into the spirit, the seeking of deeper levels of consciousness, and deep concern for the environment all mixed into her sometimes crass, real-world hue.

In 2016, Steve Dupuis (guitar in The Rakes, The Blue Mollies, Trompe Le Monde, etc...) found himself writing a bunch of songs inspired in equal parts by the insane political environment, personal stories and just plain rock & roll. Supported by Mark Devaraj (High On Stress, The Red Flags, WRRC Mpls) to play drums, Emily Dupuis (The Blue Mollies, The Bottlehouse) to play keys and sing back up, Jon Sawyer (The Rakes, Rob Stealcheat) for bass and Grant Eull (Detroit, Manplanet, Frizzle Fry) to round up the lineup on guitar. The Heavy Sixers influences can be heard in varying degrees when they perform live; from classic rock & roll sounds of the 70s to the college rock of the 80s and 90s. The band continues record basement demos in hope to release an album of some fashion in 2019.

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.”

Kari Arnett is an Americana singer/songwriter based in Minneapolis, MN. Drawing lyrics from hard life experiences, Arnett’s focus was to connect to other’s through song. While her lyrics are poignant, honest, and thought provoking, Kari Arnett has an authenticity that is rare. Having an affinity for lonesome melodies and rich dynamic vocals, she delivers a genuine Midwestern feel to any room. Her first EP, Midwestern Skyline was released in late 2015, and her single, “Heavy Heart” was featured as a Daily Discovery, by American Songwriter Magazine. Her full-length debut album, "When The Dust Settles" - Produced by: Danny O'Brien (Now, Now, The Farewell Circuit) Mastered by: Huntley Miller (Bon Iver, Sylvan Esso), was released September 20th, 2018 and has garnered great reviews from No Depression, Americana Highways, The Daily Country, Wide Open Country, and The Current's Host and DJ of The United States of Americana, Bill DeVille has praised Arnett for "being one of the Twin Cities most hardworking artists", and her single This American Life has earned a #1 spot on The Alternate Root Spotify playlist.

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 Mary Bue every Sunday in January accompanied by a rotating full band consisting of some of the most talented players in town.

With special guests...
1/20 Ryan & Pony
1/27 Dylan Hicks

Mary Bue is an indie musician based in Minneapolis. A prolific songwriter with 7 albums under her belt, Mary’s music touches upon archetypal themes of the human condition: love, loss, triumph, dreams, and the natural world. A longtime student of yoga and psychology since her early teens, Mary weaves sacred subject matter into her songs with inquiries into the spirit, the seeking of deeper levels of consciousness, and deep concern for the environment all mixed into her sometimes crass, real-world hue.

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.

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.”

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 Mary Bue every Sunday in January accompanied by a rotating full band consisting of some of the most talented players in town.

Mary Bue is an indie musician based in Minneapolis. A prolific songwriter with 7 albums under her belt, Mary’s music touches upon archetypal themes of the human condition: love, loss, triumph, dreams, and the natural world. A longtime student of yoga and psychology since her early teens, Mary weaves sacred subject matter into her songs with inquiries into the spirit, the seeking of deeper levels of consciousness, and deep concern for the environment all mixed into her sometimes crass, real-world hue.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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 story goes that the young Australian singer, songwriter and one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso first picked up his instrument of choice as a five-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing solo wherever he could, honing his craft and developing what would become the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he left school, turned professional and hit the road.

Based out of Minneapolis, Ryan Lee Jones is a singer-songwriter and music producer. His music holds the influences of Bon Iver, Jon Foreman, and Sufjan Stevens.

Syvers, a native Minneapolis indie folk-electronic duo stir together a love of honest vulnerability with contemplative discovery to process their tangled webs of identity in the flickering dance of dark and light.

Ben Noble is a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter who released his first full-length album Whisky Priest in the Spring of 2017. Fully self-produced and recorded in a cabin, Whisky Priest is a journey of exacting introspection. Noble loves the contrast of serene, innocent melodies with a haunting chorus of falsetto voices.

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.”

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.

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.

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. This five-piece band rustles up a rhythm roundup with Dan Newton on accordion/vocals, Tom Schaefer on fiddle, Dan Lowinger on guitar, Vaughn Asselstine on bass and Dehl Gallagher on drums. Their music features signature twin and triple leads on accordion, fiddle and guitar with soulful vocals, all backed by a hard-swingin’ rhythm section. This band has fun and it’s contagious!

For over thirty years, Dan Navarro has written, sung, played and acted his way through a rich and varied career...

It was as a songwriter that Dan Navarro started his career, mostly in collaboration with Eric Lowen, for artists as diverse as Pat Benatar (the Grammy-nominated classic “We Belong”), The Bangles, Jackson Browne, Keb’ Mo’, Dave Edmunds, The Tempatations, Dionne Warwick, Dutch superstar Marco Borsato, The Triplets, Austin outlaw legend Rusty Weir and many more...

Aaron Tinjum is a St. Paul, Minnesota-based songwriter.

He formed his folk rock project, Aaron Tinjum and the Tangents, while living in the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas. In 2012, they released their debut Mirrors in the Dark and were honored by the Mayor and City Council with an official band holiday.

In 2013, the group relocated to Washington, D.C., a move which Hometown Sounds described as "swimming against the tide of those talented musicians who make their mark on D.C. and move away." The group's follow-up, Foreign & Domestic, debuted in 2016.

They have opened for the likes of Sam Amidon, James McCartney, Reeve Carney and Kawehi.

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.

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.

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.

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.