The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

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

Bad Posture Club is a Minneapolis-based folk duo made up of Maren Day and Morgan Kavanagh. Their songwriting explores themes of home-places, memory, and family, finding inspiration in the strange relationship between human softness and the unyielding societal structures we both participate in, and push against.

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.

Mary Bue is a songwriter, Nada yogi, international retreat guide and teacher based out of Minneapolis, often roaming this beautiful world. Named Best Songwriter of 2020 by City Pages, her music touches upon archetypal themes of the human condition: love, loss, survival, dreams, and the natural world. A longtime student of yoga and psychology, Mary weaves sacred subject matter into her songs, seeking of deeper levels of consciousness, and deep concern for the environment mixed into her sometimes crass, real-world hue. Her latest (eighth) album The World is Your Lover was released in 2020 and garnered rave reviews from around the globe. Mary is grateful to make music with Jeremy Ylvisaker, Steve Price, Richard Medek, Shannon Frid-Rubin.

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

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Called "one of the most brilliant songwriters to emerge from the Twin Cities in nearly two decades" by southernminn.com, Doug Collins's hooky mix of Beatle-esque pop and classic country are highlighted in his energetic shows (both solo and with his crack band, the Receptionists), soulful singing, and honest, emotional songs. His last two CD's were voted "Best of the Year" by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and his most recent, Good Sad News, was voted #3 best American release in Spain by Ruta66 Magazine.

Uncompromising, mystical, mysterious, ethereal, with an artistic voice all of his own- multi-instrumentalist Thomas Abban is hard to categorize and even harder to ignore. His music balances the accessible with the bewildering. His ethereal voice glides above a tumultuous ocean of musical exploration. Rhythms and melodies feel at home, but a home a galaxy away. All of Thomas Abban's music is written, arranged, produced, and performed by himself. His latest EP "Deep Winter" was released January 28th.

Christmas Show with The Way Back Yard and Said Kelley!

Come join us for a night of folky, harmony driven Christmas revelry! Holiday classics from John Prine, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, The Eagles, The Kinks and many more delivered in three part harmony!

"The Way Back Yard" is an Americana fiddle band based in Minneapolis that centers its sound around three part harmonies. They draw their inspiration from collaborative singing bands like Crosby, Stills and Nash to create melodies that soar beyond their individual efforts.

Danger Pins Big Band, featuring Steve Brantseg (Suburbs) and Joe Baumgart (Belfast Cowboys). New music, selections from the 2023 release VIADUCT, and a few holiday treats.

Special guest Ava Levy, solo acoustic.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

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.

Aaron Tinjum is a Minnesota-based songwriter.

He formed his folk rock project, Aaron Tinjum and the Tangents, while playing the many coffeehouses, dive bars, used clothing stores and furniture shops of the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas. In 2012, they released their debut Mirrors in the Dark and were honored by the Austin Mayor and City Council with their own official band holiday.

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

Come for the next show of the new Larry McDonough monthly Sunday classic jazz series. The Larry McDonough Quartet will perform the music its monthly jazz series in 2023.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

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

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

Act One: Max Rewitzer
Act Two: Katherine Fried and Monica Livorsi

Matty, Haldy and Dano.

This show will be a trio - Matty O’Reilly (guitars/vocals), Mike (Haldy) Haldorson (guitars/vocals) and Dan (Dano) Schultz (harmonica/vocals). $8 cover.

Matty, Haldy and Dano will be performing an evening of original acoustic folk rock and Americana music (with a few obscure covers). This performance will be in the round, alternating lead vocals allowing for improvisational opportunities and unique variations of the music. Every time they play, the music evolves and shifts with the energy of the crowd, the space and the mood.

Alternative Americana rock band, The Changeups, are based in Minneapolis fronted by vocalist, songwriter and guitarist Alicia Kay. The lineup consists of co-founder and guitarist/songwriter Jimmy Baker (Crazed Individuals, Eddie Mac), as well as drummer Aaron Rosener (Matt Jennings, Unclick), and bassist Jeff Ellington (The Fake McCoys, The Roosevelts). Their various backgrounds as rock, country, R&B, folk and punk musicians make for a distinct sound changing the song style throughout a performance. Alicia’s emotional lyrics and twangy heartfelt singing trickled in with Jimmy’s fun pop songs charm any audience and is loved by fans of Neko Case, Lucinda Williams and Lydia Loveless.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Luke LeBlanc is a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter who delivers dynamic and versatile original performances that feature a warm, organic merging of rootsy folk and pop. As noted by The Current, LeBlanc’s music is “so delicate, understated, and careful in its construction that you forget it’s taking apart how to live in such an unstable world while giving solace and a place for rest.” Luke’s music has received critical acclaim from numerous music magazines, including Bluegrass Situation, Americana Highways, and Glide Magazine, and he has shared the stage with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Charlie Parr, and Grammy-Nominee Amythyst Kiah. His newest record, Places, was produced by Erik Koskinen and is his debut album for Real Phonic Records.

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 Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Turn Turn Turn began its life on the stage at the Aster playing a few residencies in 2018. They cut their teeth on three part harmony covers and eventually developed their own sound, releasing two albums of originals that traveled into psychedelic country, soul and rock territory. They are returning to the Aster in January 2024 for a two night stand, before the venue moves to bigger digs, playing as the trio for one night (1/12) and bringing the band to join them on night two (1/13). The trio are currently recording their third record and they will unfurl a few new songs from their upcoming record, as well as playing their favorite covers and originals from their first two records. Special guests: 1/12 Ava Levy, 1/13 Laura Hugo

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.”

Turn Turn Turn began its life on the stage at the Aster playing a few residencies in 2018. They cut their teeth on three part harmony covers and eventually developed their own sound, releasing two albums of originals that traveled into psychedelic country, soul and rock territory. They are returning to the Aster in January 2024 for a two night stand, before the venue moves to bigger digs, playing as the trio for one night (1/12) and bringing the band to join them on night two (1/13). The trio are currently recording their third record and they will unfurl a few new songs from their upcoming record, as well as playing their favorite covers and originals from their first two records. Special guests: 1/12 Ava Levy, 1/13 Laura Hugo

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Zoë Says Go delivers a fusion of Americana and rock, weaving socially conscious themes into tales of love, struggle and wonder. The band's latest album, “Turn the Table” has recently placed in the top 100 on the US College Radio Charts. Their sound ranges from funky to joyous to tender and contemplative, influenced by the likes of Dylan, Springsteen, Peter Gabriel and U2. All proceeds from the band’s album sales benefit Unite 2 Fight Paralysis.

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.”

Jenna Graves is a singer song writer local to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jenna has always been inspired by artists such as Adele and Amy Winehouse and brings powerful vocals to her original songs. Her music style is described as Indie-Pop.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Taylor James Donskey is a staple in the Minneapolis/St.Paul folk/country/americana/bluegrass/songwriter scene. You can catch him playing&singing his original tunes one night, playing bass with the country bar band the next, and see him hosting the Twin Cities Songwriter Rounds the following evening. He's proud of his work and he loves to do it. You can hear it in his music, which traverses the alternative folk and country realms. For fans of Tom Petty, Blake Mills, Lucinda Williams, Roger Miller.

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.”

Brandin Lea, the co-mastermind and lead voice of alt-rock legends Flickerstick, epitomizes a tale of meteoric ascent intertwined with a salute to rock and roll excess.

Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, Lea rocketed from local stages to national notoriety in tandem with Flickerstick’s triumph in VH1's renowned series ‘Bands on the Run’ in 2001, during which Flickerstick eclipsed 2000 rival bands. The victory ignited a fresh frenzy of touring, a major release of the acclaimed album ‘Welcoming Home the Astronauts’, and a chart-climbing single. Renowned for their unyielding tour schedule, incendiary live performances, and untamed antics, Flickerstick’s allure continued to shine brilliantly through the 2000s.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Dutch Beat, Freakbeat, Minneapolis Rock. The Boot R&B is the sexiest rhythm and beat trio in the Twin Cities.

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.”

Dylan Hicks & Small Screens is a free-ranging pop group that draws on various singer-songwriter traditions, pop, R&B, jazz, literary-musical hybrids, and improvisation. The group, whose 2022 album was called “ambitious and elegant” by the Star Tribune, is currently at work on an album of collaboratively arranged songs for nonet. Performing these sets in its more customary six-piece lineup, the group will be Christopher Thomson, saxophones; Michelle Kinney, cello; Zacc Harris, guitar; Dylan Hicks, vocals and piano; Dan Carpel, bass; and Peter Hennig, drums. Hicks is also a novelist, critic, and the coleader of Munson-Hicks Party Supplies.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Greetings from Astronomy Town! This group of musicians draw on their influences of jazz, indie, and neo-soul to create a balanced and interesting sound. Astronomy Town completed recording their first EP of original music in the Fall of 2023 and have plans to release in the Spring of 2024.

Their closest and most popular parallels include instrumental acts like Khruangbin, BADBADNOTGOOD, and Vulfpeck.

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.”

Join Mary Bue for an intentionally romantic, slightly anti-Valentine's, elegant and crass stripped down set featuring violin by Shannon Frid-Rubin and upright bass with Sean Roderick (Red Hot Django Peppers).

The Weeping Covenant is headed by vocalist and songwriter, Michael Beatrez. Writing from a lyrically driven perspective, he generally touches on themes of hope, vulnerability, and love. Beatrez leans into his comfortable sweet spot by singing over soft fingerstyle guitar ballads and rock songs that drive with measured intensity.

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.”

Jake and Travis of A Piano in Every Home taught each other how to make music. The group started in Wisconsin, evolving over the years and finally finding a more permanent home in the Twin Cities, MN. Opening for the likes of Lewis Capaldi and Dessa, the band’s sound can best be described as an eclectic fusion of indie folk, alternative rock, and atmospheric pop. Their forthcoming, self-titled album is anticipated to release in the spring of 2024.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

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.”

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.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Paul Odegaard and Katy have been collaborating for more than ten years on three records, and are continuing to experiment and grow their creative partnership.

Tonight's show will include new songs for the duos next project. A special night of 'Favourite Girl' songs. The next band and album coming later this year (or next!)

Fargo-raised fiddler, singer and songwriter HALEY E RYDELL releases her highly anticipated solo album Midwestern Daughter. After almost 20 years of making music with the Midwest’s top folk and roots bands (Buffalo Gospel, The Lowland Lakers, The Johnson Family Band, Angie Stevens & Haley E Rydell), this is her first solo project since her college days and her first since coming out.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Art Vandalay returns to the Aster Cafe to christen the hull of their first live album, One Night at the Aster. Recorded inside this decadent Minneapolis venue during a beautiful summer evening in 2022, the album finds the band simply on fire, delivering a scorching set of their “impossibly catchy” (Duluth News Tribune) Americana.

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.”

With a driving, brash sound equally indebted to American indie, early Mod and mid-90s Brit-Pop, Two Harbors are a bit of an anomaly in an era where studio effects and PR gimmicks are often substitutes for raw talent and passion. The quartet, fronted by Chris Pavlich, has a working class aesthetic and a simple formula: big, Johnny Marr-style hooks coupled with anthemic choruses. The mix of hard-bitten Minnesotan workmanship and the epic, stargazing hooks of classic 90s Britpop combine for a sound that has been masterfully produced and mixed by legendary producer Ed Ackerson (The Replacements, Motion City Soundtrack) at Flowers Studio and mastered by Frank Arkwright (Johnny Marr, The Smiths, Blur) in London at Abbey Road Studios. The band is carrying the flag for discerning music fans, eager for authenticity over hype.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Echoes At Midnight is an alternative country rock band based in the Twin Cities. The band started as a songwriting collaboration between Mary O'Connor (Vocals & Piano) and Ryan Power (Guitar) who bonded over a love of melodic rock and big choruses. After several years of writing songs, the duo added Mark Kopischke (Drums), Bill Berg (Bass), and Brian Ciaccio (Keys & Backing Vocals) to the lineup.

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.”

Teague & The Paddy Wagon play traditional Irish songs. St Patrick’s Day 2024 will be the debut of the six-piece version of the Teague & The Paddy Wagon string and dance band featuring Erik Berry (Trampled By Turtles), Jacob Mahon (Saltydog), Owen Mahon (Saltydog), Clancy Ward, dancing Sarah Cagley and Teague Alexy (Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank).

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Iowa-raised, Minneapolis-based Ben Cook-Feltz is a singer, songwriter, drummer and self-taught pianist. Combining observational, sometimes quirky lyrics with melodies that hearken back to the classic sounds of the 60′s and 70′s, he has been entertaining audiences throughout the Midwest as a dynamic performer, whether playing solo, with his crackerjack band, or backing up some of the finest regional talent (Jaspar Lepak, Haley E Rydell, Mother Banjo). His most recent record, Trucks, was released in October 2023.

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.”

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

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Admiral Fox sounds range from introspective indie folk to synth-flavored garage rock. Following the release of their EP Nowhere is Safe this March, their music has been slanting away from the acoustic singer-songwriter crooners of their debut, and heading into louder, more electric, and more socially conscious territory. Though they’ll always find time for a sad-boy ballad or three.

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.”

Minneapolis songwriter Sam Cassidy draws on the life of ordinary people as well as his own experiences to paint vivid pictures of struggle and joy, hard work and taking it easy. Pulling on influences from classics like Springsteen and Petty, as well as contemporaries like Laura Marling and Waxahatchee, his songs explore the grey area between right and wrong and try to examine what brings people to do the things they do. Cassidy is currently writing a new record, about himself this time around- a novel idea for him, and experimenting with an augmented, smaller band, while incorporating new sounds to his songs with synths and drum machines.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

AirLands is Kevin Calaba of Minneapolis, and a rotating collective of fantastic local artists, playing indie rock meets space folk. The songs are off kilter and introspective at times, and other times reach far, far out, but always tend to wind their way back home. The band is currently made up of guitarist Eric Julio Carranza, bassist Cooper Doten and Jeremy Harvey/Reese Kling exchange the drum chair. Much of the band’’s material is brand new and will be on an upcoming record produced by local engineer Brett Bullion.

"The Way Back Yard" is an Americana fiddle band based in Minneapolis that centers its sound around three part harmonies. They draw their inspiration from collaborative singing bands like Crosby, Stills and Nash to create melodies that soar beyond their individual efforts.

Diane is a Minneapolis-based musician and radio host/producer.

Primarily a singer and guitarist, Diane performs and writes an eclectic variety of music, including hip-hop, folk, jazz, and rock 'n' roll. She’s performed everywhere from Target Field to Target Center, First Avenue to Minnesota State Fair’s Grandstand, either with a full band, solo or performing as a special guest with acclaimed acts such as Kiss The Tiger, Haley, Tommy Stinson, and The New Standards.

Wilkinson James was born when singer-songwriters Liz Wilkinson and AJ Scheiber met up and began performing together in 2008. Their first (self-titled) album, released in 2014, reflected their love of folk, honky-tonk, and country blues, and proudly displayed the singing and songwriting style they developed playing the taprooms and coffee dens of the Twin Cities as a duo. Over the years that folk duo has grown into a full band that regularly features fiddle, electric guitar, and saxophone in addition to bass and drums. Their sound has evolved to include touches of jazz, country-rock, and swing, while still holding true to Liz's and AJ's original core concept, which one fan described as "the bastard offspring of June Carter Cash and Townes Van Zandt."

Award-winning folk/bluegrass songwriting pals Mother Banjo and Katey Bellville team up for a special double bill with their bands! Both champions of the local music scene and organizers of the popular annual John Prine and Gillian Welch tribute shows, they will weave in folk favorites along with their own original Americana songs. Join this dynamic duo for evening for a fun night of top-notching picking and singing!

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

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

Emily Haavik is a singer-songwriter from the shores of Lake Superior, now based in the Twin Cities. "There's soul in Haavik's voice" (Duluth News Tribune) and she writes "terrific songs with honest lyrics and infectious hooks" (The Bluegrass Situation). Haavik plays a blend of Americana, folk and glitzy-glam country. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband Phil and her son Robert. In her spare time she is a journalist and audio producer.

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 10 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
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In an age of quick fixes, flashing screens, and pop ‘songs’ that are more formula than art, an album that takes its sweet time is a radical act. “Also Going Nowhere”, Luke Callen’s third full-length effort is just that - a collection of songs that spread out through time and space, dripping with honest Midwest charm and a mischievous glint. It’s music that you can relax into, paired with lyrics you’ll want to chew on and savor, that ask something of their listener. These songs are proof and reminder: you don’t actually have to go anywhere at all to, you know, get somewhere.

Uncompromising, mystical, mysterious, ethereal, with an artistic voice all of his own- multi-instrumentalist Thomas Abban is hard to categorize and even harder to ignore. His music balances the accessible with the bewildering. His ethereal voice glides above a tumultuous ocean of musical exploration. Rhythms and melodies feel at home, but a home a galaxy away. All of Thomas Abban's music is written, arranged, produced, and performed by himself. His latest EP "Deep Winter" was released January 28th.