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.

Dylan Hicks is a musician and writer. His acclaimed fifth album, Ad Out, was produced by John Munson and features eleven tuneful, character-driven songs smartly arranged around Hicks’s piano. He’s also the author of two novels, Amateurs and Boarded Windows, and has written journalism, criticism, essays, and word puzzles for the New York Times, the Village Voice, Slate, the New England Review, the Paris Review Daily, and many other publications.

Featuring band members from the Beatles tribute group, Rubber Soul, Everest captures the excitement and energy of the 60s pop groups with an original, eclectic, and modern 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.

Sonja Midtune is an artist and songwriter from Minnesota located in Los Angeles. Her music career started very young; traveling the world at 8 for musical theatre, and singing in bands and musical theatre at Minnetonka High School. Sonja got her BA in Music Theory and Composition at St. Olaf College in MN.

Her original music is in the songwriter-pop category, writing all the music on her own. She is known for her poignant lyrics and storytelling, with a back-to-basics style, nodding to the modern pop song but incorporating her composition skills. She's played all over the Los Angeles area including venues such as the main stage at the House of Blues in Hollywood, a 9-month residency Bar Lubitsch, Vibrato Jazz Club in Beverly Hills, The Viper Room, The Bootleg, and the Mint.

Americana singer/songwriter, Vicky Emerson, has been heralded by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and No Depression for her gorgeous, dusky voice and songwriting chops on previous releases but her new album, Steady Heart, which she self-produced, has firmly established her as an essential, strong female voice in Americana music. Emerson tours nationally and has opened for Gregory Alan Isakov, Malcomb Holcombe as a solo artist and Emmylou Harris as The Home Fires. She was raised in rural Wisconsin, has lived in New York City and San Francisco before relocating back to her roots in Minneapolis with her husband to raise her children.

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.

White Sweater is a folk / rock / pop group that plays the original songs of its own members’ previous groups, along with a few carefully selected covers, as well as their own new original material. Lead singer Aaron Seymour began his Minneapolis rock career as a teenager in the 1980's. He has co-written, sung lead vocals and released albums as front-man for the Widgets in the 1980's, the Delilahs in the 1990's, X Ray Hip in the 2000's, and Petty Demons earlier in this current decade. Guitarist / singer Craig Teiken has been the main singer / songwriter for the Wood in the 1990's and Rob the Carpenter in the 2000s'. He has been and/or continues to be a writer, guitarist, bass player and singer in X Ray Hip, Dave Rave and the Governors, Edie Rae and the Blaze Kings (and offshoot Edie Rae and Side Salad), and many other groups. He is currently producing a solo record of his own material in Minneapolis. Guitarist / singer Edie Rae has been a singer for local heroes Lolo’s Ghost. She has so far recorded and released two albums of her own original material in her group Edie Rae and the Blaze Kings. She also lends her talents to various bands and musical projects around the Twin Cities. Bassist/singer Tim Francis has been a member of the Fontanas, Fire Sermon, the Delilahs and Petty Demons. He is currently working on his debut album of original material with producer Rob Genadek in Minneapolis. Percussionist/singer Joseph Pettini performed in several bands in his hometown in the Bay Area of California. Since arriving in Minneapolis in the early 90's, he’s played a prominent role in numerous projects, including Tambuca, Big Red Ball, Electric Warrior, and First Avenue’s annual “Rock for Pussy” Bowie tribute. He currently leads his new band, Hurdy Gurdy, featuring several notable Minneapolis musicians, including guitarist Steve Brantseg (Suburbs, Phones, etc.) Drummer Clay Swanson is one of the most versatile and respected drummers in the Twin Cities. Swanson has been a member of many band, including the Widgets and Petty Demons. He is currently drummer with Edie Rae and the Blaze Kings, Earthquakes and Heartaches, and Hurdy Gurdy. In addition to those bands and White Sweater, Clay often lends his talents to numerous other projects in and around town.

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.

Fronted by 21 year old triple threat vocalist, songwriter and guitar player,Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones boasts a resume that can be hard to match for most multi-decade musicians. With over 2,500 shows under their belt, three completed albums and festival appearances at Peach Music Festival, Firefly Music Festival and Kaaboo Del Mar, Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones are on their way to becoming Rock & Roll’s next marquee act.

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.

“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

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.

Join us for an intimate night with Tyler Hilton.

A musician and actor, Tyler Hilton has accomplished a lot in his career so far. As a teenager, he released two Top 40 singles. He starred alongside Taylor Swift in her video for "Teardrops on my Guitar." He played the role of one of his musical idols, Elvis Presley, in the Oscar-winning Johnny Cash biopic 'Walk the Line,' and co-starred with Robert Downey Jr. in the acclaimed indie film 'Charlie Bartlett.' He may be most known for his musical role on the show 'One Tree Hill,' which earned him a devoted fan base around the world.

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.

Fragile Canyons is a four-piece indie rock band from the Twin Cities inspired by The Jayhawks, Jim O'Rourke, and Joni Mitchell. Their new album Slow Dancing Beyond Silverdome was released in December 2018 and has been featured on The Current and City Pages. All of their album sales and merchandise go to charitable causes.

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.

Tin Ear 3tet takes a love of vintage swing music and infuses it with a passion for songwriting, playing soul-melting originals both sweet and hot. An all-star trio featuring Joshua Parlanti from Mississippi Hot Club, Daniel Rosen from The Gentlemen's Anti-Temperance League, and Taylor Donskey from Lena Elizabeth.

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.

This summer Courtney Yasmineh/a> is on a journey, rediscovering her roots in Minnesota where she fell in love with the music of Bob Dylan and began her early songwriting career as a young girl in the North Woods. She’s releasing her ninth album in September, an album of songs written by her songwriting heroes. These recordings have brought her performances close to her rustic sensibilities, her summers on Lake Vermilion, her winter on the frozen lake, alone at seventeen. The trio is Rob Genadek, studio guru, amazing vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist who has been her collaborator now for fifteen years. Jon James, on bass or lead guitar and harmonies, who has also worked with Courtney through several albums. The trio heads to Europe with the new album in late September.

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

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.

Ben David is one of the most important new songwriters emerging from one of the most vibrant music scenes in America-Minneapolis. Minnesota has been the home to many of the last century's greatest, like Westerberg, Dylan, Prince, and now, in a new century, add a new name, Ben David.

Ben hails from the prairie lands of southwestern Minnesota and at first his songs have the same unassuming quality of those long horizons, but slowly details emerge and coalesce into the sounds of longing, becoming, young love, heart break and surprisingly deep ten cent philosophizing.

Andrea von Kampen is an independent folk singer-songwriter based in Lincoln, Nebraska, whose effortless vocal delivery has been praised by Hear Nebraska as “soulful and worn-in.” With the successful release of two EP’s, Another Day (2015) and Desdemona (2016), a Christmas EP (2016), an Audiotree Live album (2017), and her debut full-length album Old Country (2019), Andrea has quickly established herself in the recording studio and on the road. She has shared the stage with artists such as Tall Heights, Ira Wolf, Dead Man Winter, The Brother Brothers, Dead Horses, Darling West and many more.

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.

Elliot Blaufuss commands the stage with passionate soul and unharnessed energy to capture the hearts of audiences everywhere. With a performance history to lust over, Blaufuss has played some of the dirtiest clubs, ritziest hotels, tiniest cafes and most legendary venues in the world as Musical Director and multi-instrumental band member for platinum artists like Phillip Phillips and Eric Hutchinson. Elliott worked with platinum producer John Fields (Demi Levato and The Jonas Brothers) to complete and release his second solo record “Red” last summer. Blaufuss currently lives in Nashville, but is sure to infuse his native Minnesota funk roots into the music he writes.

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.

Lazer Lloyd is a singer/songwriter/guitarist and an international recording artist influenced by Americana, rock, blues, gospel, folk, country, southern rock, and the great guitar traditions of power and groove from Hendrix to Wes Montgomery. Lazer's music is a unique combination of roots rock, folk, country and blues. His songs deal with the issues of today as well as the common human struggle to find love and meaning. Lloyd's warm connection with each audience makes every show a new journey from acoustic heart to electric fire.

Tom Lieberman is perhaps best known for his association with public radio’s A Prairie Home Companion, where he worked variously on the performance, creative and production staff from 1976-86.  His work on APHC started Tom on a career path as an award-winning writer, composer and producer for radio, television, stage and screen.  Tom is, with Tim Sparks and Prudence Johnson, a founding member of the seminal vocal jazz trio Rio Nido, an association that continues today. His original songs have been heard from Sesame Street to Sweet Land, and his 2013 recording of original songs, “Common Denominator” was received enthusiastically by listeners, press & broadcasters worldwide, with Minneapolis StarTribune reviewers placing it on their annual “Top Ten Albums” list, describing it as, “bluesy, simmering, profoundly philosophical,” “gentle, playful, romantic and infectious,” and “a charming, eclectic album of original songs.”

Everyone knows that Louisiana is a great melting pot of music, food and Southern culture. Will Payne Harrison simmered in that pot for most of his life, soaking in influences of Traditional Cajun, Louisiana Blues, Swamp Pop, New Orleans Brass Bands and Zydeco. Even after departing Louisiana for Nashville to start his own solo career, he has kept in touch with his Louisiana Roots making his own unique blend of Americana and Roots music. On East Nashville Blues, Will Payne Harrison dove deeper into Bluegrass, Country and Singer-Songwriter genres, using a cast of top-notch Nashville musicians. With his newest album, Living With Ghosts, Harrison went back to his roots, bringing in the Crème de la crème of Louisiana musicians featuring The Rayo Brothers members (Jesse Reaux, Lance Kelehan and Jordan Ardoin) along with lead guitarist Jim McGee. Fats Kaplin (John Prine) even joined in on pedal steel and fiddle. Slated to be out in late Summer/early Fall, Living With Ghosts will encompass the perfect blend of Will Payne Harrison’s Louisiana/Nashville sound.