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

Steve Katz and his ghastly mutineers offer up a seditious mix of music on January 6th .

Steve Katz- Bass, vocals, composition
Chris Cunningham- Guitars, voice
Ken Goldman-Percussion, temperance
Peter Vircks- Saxophonz
Ted Greenbaum- Keys, voice

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.”

Connections between partners, whether they be spiritual, romantic or creative can be the origin of true magic. The journey of Brianna and Kurt, and evolution of their creative collaboration, has yielded music that defines both of them through the vehicle of The Jorgensens. There is an honest authenticity of the repertoire they’ve created which is both timeless and classic. Their performances are genuine, soulful and relatable for many who will hear these songs. This kismet did not emerge overnight, but is the product of years of being in one another’s creative lives, collaboration, friendship, and inevitably falling in love.

Larry McDonough begins the monthly Aster Jazz Series on January 8 with Chet - The Beautiful Music and Tragic Life of Singing Trumpeter Chet Baker.” Starting in February, the series moves to the first Sunday of each month, featuring the music of a different classic jazz artist each month.

Singer and trumpeter Cher Baker died in 1988 at age 58. In 2015, “Chet - The Beautiful Music and Tragic Life of Singing Trumpeter Chet Baker” played at the Dakota and Jazz Central to full houses. Come to the Aster for the return of “Chet” and see and hear why.

Pianist, singer, and composer Larry McDonough’s trademarks are unique harmonies and rhythms in both arrangements and compositions, often in the uncommon meters of 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. He usually features the other musicians, with only a handful of vocals in his recordings and performances. For years, his quiet singing style has been compared to legendary singer and trumpeter Chet Baker.

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

John Cushing is a Brooklyn based Songwriter who, if not arranging music for a 19-piece Big Band, is still bearing minimal and matter of fact lyrics and grooves but in other smaller forms. You will feel something! It’s a blend of indie and world folk music styles like Jazz and Samba. It is kinda sad, yet very hopeful. In a live setting you will witness music that can make you feel witnessed. In recordings you will find seeds of smiles.

Californian turned Minnesotan, Cassandra Cole's body of work dips a brush into the pigments of her deepest inner life and brushes out to make arresting portraits of the human experience.

Juxtaposed with her radiant vocals, Cole’s latest album, Steps, dives into some heavy subjects in her life - including years of depression, anxiety, heartache, and how she’s found her own way through it. “A pearl from another time interpreted with finesse and determination.” -Rolling Stone France

Fans of modern-era vanguards like Sharon Van Etten, Lissie, Soccer Mommy, or Lucy Dacus will be ever captivated by Cassandra’s effervescent pop-punk edge.

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.

Danger Pins are Shannon Pettini (vocals and guitar) and Joseph Pettini (percussion and vocals). Original electric Americana and select reimagined covers.

With special guest Dust of Suns!

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

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

Despite his Northern Minnesota roots, Chris’ has formed in intimate connection with the music of the American South. Born and raised in the small community of Clearbrook, population 580, near the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, the river’s musical heritage has made a strong impression on Chris throughout his life. Raised on the music of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Flatt & Scruggs, The Beatles, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, he eventually dug into the heroes of his own heroes and discovered a deep appreciation for country blues and hillbilly country music.

<a href="http://Admiral Fox">Admiral Fox’s 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.”

Scott Zosel is a genre-bending singer songwriter from Minneapolis, MN who weaves rock, pop, country and Americana styles into a suitcase of original songs, bringing these styles together into the mainstream with a modern poetic flair.

Darren Jackson (Kid Dakota, Olympic Hopefuls) plays an entire set of outlaw country from the number one outlaw himself, Merle Haggard. Step back in time to a Bakersfield honkey-tonk with music from the golden years of country music.

Formed in 1999, Kid Dakota released two albums on LOW's Chairkicker's Union - “So Pretty” (2002), and “The West is the Future” (2004) - and four albums on Graveface Records - “A Winner's Shadow” (2008), “Listen to the Crows As They Take Flight” (2011), “Denervation” (2018), and “Age of Roaches.” His new double album, “MICD” will be released in 2022.

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

Fourth Thursday of every month at the Aster Cafe January through April

Act One: Laura Perkins & Annie Jackson
Act Two: Maybe, Nebraska a.k.a. Kelley Larson and Mikaela Jensen

Matthew French is a Minneapolis-based singer, songwriter and Gibson guitar collector who creates music to connect people through shared stories of love and loss. The former minister has grown a loyal fan base through his engaging performances, wry sense of humor and warm, community-minded spirit.

Raised in a small town outside of Dayton, Ohio, French grew up playing music in the church. He sang with various bands and flirted briefly with the trombone and cornet before falling in love with the guitar at 16. French played in bands through college and started performing music professionally. French moved to Minnesota in 2005, but it was not until several years later that he truly immersed himself in songwriting catalyzed by a painful divorce in 2014.

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.”

Lovehouse is an indie rock band consisting of Henry Seymour, Parker Ruedy, Kevin Fischer, and Joe Flood. The band has roots in Minneapolis, Minnesota but today they reside and rock out in Duluth Minnesota. Lovehouse has garnered an underground following punctuated by the release of their first EP "Shades of Red". The band is looking forward into their bright future with tenacity and determination.

Coming off an 8 year hiatus, Dani Erin's newest sophomore album "Grow" is an eclectic mixture of retro-pop original music. Pulling influence from Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse and Steely Dan. While living in NYC, she was coined "The next generation of jazz" by Nextbop following the release of her first album "To Be Sown".

"Grow" features the remnants of silky jazz vocals with highlights of soul, rhythm, blues and funk. This new music is a celebration of life-experience, storytelling and how she perceives influence to make sense of the world around her. Keep tabs on this refreshing revival of Dani Erin. This blue-eye soul has something for everyone.

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.

Adam Zahller's Wheel Eternal plays thoughtful, surprising songs that are acoustic folk at the core, but split off rhizomatically into a lot of different musical areas. For fans of John Prine, Sam Amidon, Robbie Basho, Alice Coltrane, Iannis Xenakis.

Eli Gardiner is a guitar player and songwriter. influenced by musicians and artists who look at the world though their own prism, Eli has been writing original music for over 20 years. Originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, he now resides in Minneapolis. His latest studio album, "The Fire and The Medicine" was produced and recorded with Greg Schutte (Mickey Hart, Ryan Bingham, Chastity Brown). And his music has been featured on The Current, WCCO radio, Bob Country, and others.

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.”

Based in Minneapolis, John Swardson writes songs that bleed through the holes in the soles of his boots. "A songwriter of uncommon emotional detail, depth, and empathy."
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His catalog includes three records of originals, another soon to be released and a wide variety of covers that dart through his own music like Starlings at dusk.
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John has opened for many influences over the last handful of years including:
Sturgill Simpson, BJ Barham (American Aquarium), Ben Nichols (Lucero), Semisonic, Gene Ween, Tommy Stinson, and Echo and The Bunnymen.

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

The Larry McDonough Quartet will perform timeless jazz fusion from Chick Corea and Return to Forever. Corea formed Return to Forever in 1972 as a vehicle for Brazilian jazz centered on the Fender Rhodes electric piano and featuring singer Flora Purim, Joe Farrell on saxes and flute, bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer Airto. Return to Forever released two albums, Return to Forever and Light as a Feather, before reforming as a jazz-rock fusion band. Corea continued to collaborate frequently while exploring different musical styles throughout the his long career. He won 27 Grammy Awards and was nominated more than 60 times. Corea died in February 2021 at age 79.

Years ago, John Magnuson was in a Minneapolis band called the Carpetbaggers. John played rhythm guitar and wrote/sang many of the band's songs. The Carpetbaggers enjoyed some notoriety in the mid-to-late 90s when the band did three tours with Son Volt and shared the stage with such notables as Los Lobos, Alison Krauss, the Jayhawks, Dick Dale, and Paul Westerberg. In November of 2020, John released a record called Barely Noticeable. Half of the album is Indie/Folk-Rock-ish, and the other half is pretty much the same, except with a little more twang. When performing, John primarily plays his original material, with a few covers mixed in for good measure.

Robert Wilkinson, founding member and singer/songwriter for seminal band Flamingo, that later went on to morph into Flamin’ Oh’s.

Robert is featured in the recently released documentary “Jay’s Longhorn”. Dynamic, passionate, and authentic, Robert will be performing songs from his long and deep catalogue with Flamin’ Oh’s, The Snaps, and his solo album, “Days Like Glass”.

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.”

Katy Tessman is an optimistic and approachable singer-songwriter with a voice full of the wisdom she’s gained through breast cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood. Her powerful vocals and rhythmic approach to guitar (or mandolin) express a straight-from-the-heart songwriting style that moves passionately over diverse emotional and musical terrain. Tonight, Katy is releasing "Hero Now Crowned" as a single and launching the lyric picture book. It is a tribute to everyone who has overcome hardships – whether it be a health emergency, an addiction battle, or coping with anxiety, depression, or grief. Life can challenge us with these and many other painful experiences. You don’t have to have slayed the dragon to be a hero. Simply fighting, surviving, and continuing the battle certifies you as one. "Hero Now Crowned" celebrates you for this.

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

Lee Henke of The Last Revel
A modern-day renaissance man currently based in music city, Lee Henke continues to work tirelessly at his craft. A midwestern born singer-songwriter who is sincerely dedicated to quality and simplicity. With a constant demand for sustainable progress, he delivers well-constructed songs with an even blend of contour and grit.

Kyle Shelstad of Barbaro
Kyle Shelstad is a singer-songwriter based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin most known for his work with the Americana band Barbaro. With three albums of original music written for bands he has led, Kyle is beginning to embark on a solo project featuring tunes from the last fifteen years of writing and performing. The collection of Folk and Americana music is set to be recorded in January 2023 with engineer and producer Brian Joseph in Eau Claire, WI.

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.”

Courtney Yasmineh - Eight Folk Rock albums mostly made in Minneapolis with music producer Rob Genadek. One novel that tells the tale. Three grown children. A lifetime that speaks through a unique voice in stories and songs. Fifty years a songwriter. A woman of substance.
Courtney Yasmineh Official Website

Mother Coyote (former musical releases under her given name, Andriana Lehr) is rebirthing herself with a new moniker, and a new set of songs written and informed by the immense changes, both personal and collective, experienced in recent years. Inspired by the transition into motherhood and a deep journey into healing, her songs balance themes birth and death, and the seemingly endless spiral of soul searching that fills the spaces in between through the human experience. Mother Coyote brings forward storytelling that features raw truth and shines a light in the darkness for us all to look toward.

This show is cancelled due to poor weather conditions

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

This show is cancelled due to poor weather conditions

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

Fourth Thursday of every month at the Aster Cafe January through April

Act One: Ira Haze and Co.
Act Two: Alexander Craig

Nina Luna is, simply put, a force of nature. Born into the mystery of the hills of New England, raised on the spirit and the myths of the North Country in Minneapolis, she cut her teeth on legends of artists come before and forged her own path through the bright lights and dive bars of New York and Los Angeles. The unique influence of her bond with these places comes through in Luna’s music - a natural mysticism and sacred sensuality combine with a lust for life and a fiery edge into a shape-shifting alt-pop sound. Her lyrics are honest and vulnerable while her production is often cinematic and otherworldly, her voice at once ethereal and powerful. Like the elements, Nina Luna is hard to pin down and not so easy to define yet that captivating allusiveness is exactly what keeps the listener coming back for more.

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.”

A killer combo of Minneapolis, MN and Dallas, TX music scene veterans. American Rock and Roll.

“Minnesota quintet, The April Fools, dive deep into the musical rabbit hole on their 4th release, Wonderland (Blackberry Way Records) Combining 90’s Indie Rock, 60’s Psychedelic Rock, Outlaw Country, and a sprinkling of Jazz, The April Fools create a mind-bending soundscape that defies easy classification – you need to hear this release today…” TURNSTYLE JUNKPILE – ROOTS MUSIC MAGAZINE, Chesterfield, VA 9/2022

Joe Hysell has roots in the soil of America and a wayfaring spirit recognizable in his musical pilgrimages – from the Blue Ridge Mountains to Los Angeles to roads unnamed and unknown. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Hysell's debut EP, Workin' Too Hard, came out in 2017, and his most recent single, Still Gonna Try, is out now! Joe's live performances are backed by the Ramblin' Mercenaries.

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.

Ty Pow and The Holy North is a Minnesota raised Americana, Blues, and Alt-Country band featuring members of Cloud Cult, 4ontheFloor, Jillian Rae, and many other Midwestern staples. With over a decade worth of touring together in different capacities, Ty Pow and The Holy North came together to write and record their debut album with Soul Asylum’s front of house technician, Colin Loynachan. Released in June of 2022, Rhubarb ‘93 delivers a raw energy to the well crafted original tunes that draw influence from 60’s and 70’s Rock, Soul, and Rockabilly.

The Dust of Suns Trio, with Chris Lynch, John Munson & Jacqueline Ultan”

-Beautiful, magical brunch music

Based out of the Twin Cities, The Dust of Suns will take you to a different time and place with all original waltz musettes, magical tangos, and sweet melodic miniatures.

Space Hug is a sonic blend of female vocals, jangly guitar, ethereal keys and driving rhythm. Their Indie Pop sound draws comparisons to Metric and No Doubt.

Space Hug Official Website

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

Larry McDonough Quartet

Larry McDonough, piano and vocals
Richard Terrill, saxes and poetry
Greg Stinson, bass
Dean White, drums

Musician and writer Dylan Hicks was born in Austin, Texas, in 1970, and has lived since 1983 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His most recent recording, 2022’s Airport Sparrows, was recorded with Small Screens, a six-piece band that blends pop, jazz, R&B, folk, and chamber music. Other recent recordings include Accidental Birds and Munson-Hicks Party Supplies, a collection of Hicks’s songs mostly sung by John Munson. Hicks is 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.

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 Pinkerton Raid’s songs travel through forest legends and foreign lands, blackjack games and French bistros, photo albums and feminist awakenings, all backdrops for human drama of the genuine kind. 2022’s THE HIGHWAY MOVES THE WORLD begins two decades ago in Jesse James DeConto’s childhood basement, where he learned The Beatles and first turned a songwriter’s eye on his own rich and complicated family life. “Radiant,” says AMERICAN SONGWRITER. “Poignant,” says ROLLING STONE. Since the lockdowns, Jesse is back on the road with a totally new lineup, but, as always, a gang of friends with a full-band sound. The Durham, NC-based band has played at festivals from Georgia to Ohio, sharing stages with Liz Cooper, The Bones of JR Jones and The Nude Party. “A sound for dreamers around a campfire,” says GHETTOBLASTER.

Remember sitting in your living room as kid? The shag carpet tickling the back of your legs. You were chewing on your Marathon bar and sipping from a can of Rondo Soda while watching your favorite TV show…was it CHiPs or S.W.A.T.?… Doesn’t matter they both were great and so was the music in them. The Neighborhood Trio might just take you back to those times with their groovy 70’s theme song inspired tunes, but sorry Rondo is long gone, but I’m sure you will find something from the bar to crush your thirst!

The Dust of Suns Trio, with Chris Lynch, John Munson & Jacqueline Ultan”

-Beautiful, magical brunch music

Based out of the Twin Cities, The Dust of Suns will take you to a different time and place with all original waltz musettes, magical tangos, and sweet melodic miniatures.

The Sudden Lovelys are Daniel and Paige Ferraro, from Minneapolis, MN. They have performed together for over a decade while independently releasing seven albums and touring the country several times. Their most recent effort, titled “The Meteor,” was released in 2017 and are currently working on new material for an upcoming release.

With minimal instrumentation, The Sudden Lovelys produce a sound that ranges from whisper quiet to what you may mistakenly assume is a full band. They connect with their audience through storytelling, lyrics and an authentic passion for each and every performance.

Follow the Firefly — an imaginative trio comprised of guitar, bass, harp, and voices—made its debut in 2021 at Fest du Nord. With several paths winding through its varied stylistic influences, the trio twists and turns through singer-songwriter originals, composed instrumentals, and even a foray into traditional music from Eastern Europe. Follow the Firefly is: Scott Keever, Natalie Nowytski, and Phala Tracy.

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

Minneapolis bar-stage stalwart Gabe Barnett, and the ever-evolving crew behind him, them Rounders, seamlessly merge the heartfelt, poetic narratives of a folksinger with the cool, swaggering performance of a jazz combo, and add enough punky spirit, experimental tones, and danceable grooves to keep their sound uniquely their own, accomplishing what so many artists struggle to capture in their creations: timelessness.

Teague & The Paddy Wagon are a Duluth-based quartet that sing traditional Irish songs. Teague Alexy (Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank) plays acoustic guitar and harmonica alongside Jacob Mahon (New Salty Dog) on tenor banjo, Clancy Ward on fiddle and the step-dancing of Sarah Cagley. Teague learned many of these old songs from his Irish grandmother who was born in the musically rich County Mayo. Teague recorded an album of Irish songs with Trampled By Turtles mandolin player Erik Berry in 2017.

The Dust of Suns Trio, with Chris Lynch, John Munson & Jacqueline Ultan”

-Beautiful, magical brunch music

Based out of the Twin Cities, The Dust of Suns will take you to a different time and place with all original waltz musettes, magical tangos, and sweet melodic miniatures.

Mad Mojo Jett is a Party-Rock, Garage-Trash, Doom-Pop Quartet from Minneapolis, MN.

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.

With Julia Floberg on chello and Aubrey Weger on violin

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

Fourth Thursday of every month at the Aster Cafe January through April

Act One: Maybe, Nebraska
Act Two: Rachel Kurtz

Chris Mason is a singer, songwriter and storyteller from Minneapolis. Through the writing of melodic folk pop songs, he tells stories of love, heartbreak and everything in between. You will find Chris performing around the twin cities, solo acoustic or with a group of friends. All with the hope of sharing songs that others can find their story in.

The Dust of Suns Trio, with Chris Lynch, John Munson & Jacqueline Ultan”

-Beautiful, magical brunch music

Based out of the Twin Cities, The Dust of Suns will take you to a different time and place with all original waltz musettes, magical tangos, and sweet melodic miniatures.

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. His most recent single, "Winter Symphony," was released in December 2022.

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

Amanda B. Perry is a Twin Cities musician who brings passion and drama to the stage through powerful vocals, and soaring piano chords. In a pop/soul/americana style. Amanda specializes in writing love songs, and songs of life’s shared experiences; as found on her albums “By Special Request”, and most recent release "My Time".

Whale in the Thames is a band built on Rock, Wood, Liquid and Love. Formed in October 2011 when best friends got together for a trip underground to the Basement of Basements to have a jam/reunion. These songs sung in French, English and Gibberish flowed from their Roots of Friendship, Respect and Reality. Join us exactly 10 years later for a one-night-only performance with our friends (and yours) 5cent Reality for a night of music and antics.

With special guest 5cent Reality!

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.

Come for the next show of the new Larry McDonough monthly Sunday classic jazz series. The Larry McDonough Quartet will perform the music of Wayne Shorter, who died on March 2 at the age of 89. He wrote memorable pieces, such as Footprints and Nefertiti, and performed with Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, Weather Report, Steely Dan, Herbie Hancock, and others. The piece Wayne’s Thang was written by Kenny Garrett as a tribute to Shorter.

Larry McDonough Quartet

Larry McDonough, piano and vocals
Richard Terrill, saxes and poetry
Greg Stinson, bass
Dean White, drums

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.

Lena Elizabeth is a singer/songwriter based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, writing songs influenced by folk storytelling with a power-house voice, rooted in the blues. From clever and upbeat to soulful and heart wrenching, Lena Elizabeth loves to take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster and break expectations.
Adam Zahller's Wheel Eternal plays thoughtful, surprising songs that are acoustic folk at the core, but split off rhizomatically into a lot of different musical areas. For fans of John Prine, Sam Amidon, Robbie Basho, Alice Coltrane, Iannis Xenakis.

Stanley formed Stanley Kipper Project as a trio last year, with bass player Tommy Peterson and guitarist Andrew Wozniak or B3/pianist Lightnin’ Joe Peterson, depending on availability.

Drummer, singer and songwriter Stan Kipper is the leader of New Primitives, an award-winning
band that has successfully played around the five-state area for a number of years. Andrew and
Joe are members of New Primitives, and Tommy was a former member.

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

"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.

With special guest Jess Smith

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

Boots & Needles combines the talents of Lauren Asheim and Dallas Cornell and features Old and New Country Blues, Traditional, and Rockabilly vibes. You may recognize Lauren from past bands including The Hula Peppers, Slippery People and Lady Date. She has also trod the boards as an actor and vocalist all over the Twin Cities including the Guthrie Theater, the History Theater, Mixed Precipitation and more. Dallas brings a wealth of musical skills and an eye for design to the duo and has played with The Cornells, The Changeups and numerous ska and punk outfits back in California. Known as the "human metronome" and a skilled sewing machinist, he is full of surprises. They aim to share their love of all things country and blues, sparkles and dirt and maybe a few more unexpected pairings along the way...

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. Black Dog High features George McKelvey, Mark Mraz, and Scott Best. Billy 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.

At the beginning of the Covid-19 winter of our discontent, Adam Lifto, Joe Hartly, Paul Narlock, Will Hanson and Joe Diaz met through social media to form the band Twin Citizen as a project that would support one another's wellbeing, creativity, drive and passion for music. Twin Citizen has experienced early success in the Minnesota local scene with a recent and near sold out headlining event at the 7th St. Entry and an upcoming debut album release party at Icehouse this summer!