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!

Mathew Loren Lochner is a singer/songwriter originally from Duluth, Minnesota, where the influences of folk artists such as Bob Dylan and Charlie Parr first found their way into his music. His writing has taken the form of folk/country storytelling as a means to communicate his ponderings on personal struggle, nostalgia, and waywardness. He now lives and performs in the Twin Cities, though his songs have yet to lose their northern flavor.

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

Graham Bramblett was born in Texas and has called Missouri, Tennessee and Minnesota home. He has released three projects- ‘Under The Lights’ and ‘Standard Harmony’ and ‘The Great Inbetween’ - as well as songwriting credits with other artists.

Mostly Trees is a 4-piece band from Minneapolis, known for their take on guitar driven rock that ranges from grunge to dream pop. Their new style is a stripped down version of their earlier work, realized after bonding over a modified version of the board game Sorry! Once they made up the rules, the possibilities were endless. With a heavy influence of guitar effects pedals, their new album 'Moon Dogs' showcases a diverse range of sounds and instruments. The album was recorded in Nashville, TN with the Grammy Award winning production team of Daniel Tashian and Craig Alvin.

AirLands is intimate - and then sometimes reaches for the burning sun. There are drums, four parts, a cello, guitars, bass and a saxophone when it’s hot. There are more harmonies than shred but a tiny bit of shred in a soft way. We call it soft shred. There are long notes on pads and there are snyths that are nice to hear but boring to play. I think drums are for mallets, but drummers tend to disagree. I like songs that are both about what a person knows and what a person doesn’t know and I’m sometimes trying to help but mainly just observing. entirety.

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. From early 60's classics like "Okie From Muskogee" and "Mama Tried" to late career chart toppers like "Big City" and "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink," Darren will play hits and deep cuts spanning Merle's entire career. If you love The Hag, you won't want to miss 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

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: Sela Runn
Act Two: Johanna Matthews

Paperbacks is an indie pop band based in southern Minnesota, helmed by Minneapolis tunesmith Sven-Erik Olsen (vocals & guitar), whose tuneful, dreamy Beatlesque pop gems are brought to life by keyboardist Julie Sweet, bassist Michael Brewer Carina, and drummer Dan Greenwood. They are currently touring the midwestern United States and will release their debut album in 2023.

Wilkinson James was born in 2008 when Liz Wilkinson and AJ Scheiber met up and merged their singing and songwriting into a musical partnership that one fan described as "the bastard offspring of June Carter Cash and Townes Van Zandt." Somewhere along the line that duo became a full band, adding pedal steel, fiddle, and saxophone to Liz and AJ’s tightly knit harmonies and classic-yet-fresh original tunes. Their first (self-titled) album, released in 2014, showed their love of folk, honky-tonk, and country blues. The follow-up, Abandon, added touches of jazz, torch, and swing to their folk / honky-tonk base, while keeping the focus on original songwriting, eclectic, carefully curated covers, and fun, energetic performances.

The Sarah Ohr – Paul Odegaard Trio is the result of an experiment in trust. Sarah Ohr resides in Eau Claire, WI, and she was drawn to the harp at a young age because of its beautiful, healing power. Inspired to share her music on stage from a deeply mournful period in her life, Ohr connects gracefully with her audience while experimenting with different sounds. Sarah reached out to Paul on a referral whim to fill-in for a Wisconsin show, and they hit it off. Paul Odegaard is an in-demand Twin Cities performer and studio musician, and a frequent collaborator with some of your favorite songwriters (Katy Vernon, John Swardson, Dan Israel, Kevin Odegard, etc.), as well as big bands, and other experiments and improvisations. The trio covers popular songs, improvises with live-loops and layers, and creates ambient soundscapes together. This will be an evening of dreamy, ethereal 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

Emmy Woods was born and raised on an old dirt road in small town North Dakota and currently resides in Saint Paul, Minnesota. With hints of country, folk, and blues, Emmy’s songs showcase both her knack for storytelling as well as her strengths in musical artistry. Audiences enjoy a collection of tunes that are at once soft and strong, fragile and fierce. When asked to describe her music in three words, lover of music Kyle Smith said “Queer Farm Vibes.” She’ll be joined by her band, the Red Pine Ramblers.

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 Twins of Franklin are not, in fact, twins. They are two dear friends and Minneapolis musicians Becky Shaheen and Laura Lou. After being regularly mistaken as twins for years as best friends, roommates, and each other’s solo backup singers, they decided to embrace the label when they formed their duo in 2017. Turns out, a decade of singing together means the pair can do some pretty neat things. Like delivering tight, delicate harmonies that can suddenly become one world conquering belts.To the Twins, nothing is more fun than music-ing together, as a duo or as a full band. That’s the feeling you’re let in on when experiencing the Twins of Franklin’s delightful ballads and zesty uptempo folk songs live.

Come for the next show of the new Larry McDonough monthly Sunday classic jazz series. The Larry McDonough Quartet will perform the music of Antônio Carlos Jobim, Brazilian composer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter, arranger, and singer. Considered one of the great exponents of Brazilian music, Jobim internationalized bossa nova and, with the help of important American artists, merged it with jazz in the 1960s to create a new sound, with popular success. As a result, he is sometimes known as the "father of bossa nova". Come hear Garota de Ipanema (The Girl from Ipanema), Insensatez (How Insensitive), Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars), Orfeu da Conceição (Black Orpheus), Desafinado, Dindi, Wave, Chega de Saudade (No More Blues), Águas de março (Waters of March), and more, along with originals by Larry McDonough and Greg Stinson in the style of Jobim.

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

At first glance the indie-punk stylings of the largely teenage sibling band Loki's Folly might have very little in common with the middle-aged acoustic Americana of the wife-and-husband California duo The Nextdoors. But in fact the two bands are cousins (second cousins to be exact) and these surface differences give way to deeper connections - common family, common musical roots, and a common drive to create songs that go beyond the expected while staying true to form.

So join us for the musical experiment we call Bad Pear - two bands, one stage, no sense! They will collaborate, cover each others songs in their individual styles, talk influences, play some common favorites, and mine for common ground… and maybe you’ll find it makes more sense than you think.

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

Bleek & Grimm is a psychedelic/folk/rock duo made up of Aaron Seymour and Craig Teiken. Lead singer/songwriter Aaron Seymour has been a part of Twin Cities music for a long time, having released records and performed live shows in five different decades: beginning as a teenager in the Widgets in the 1980s, the Delilahs in the 1990s, X Ray Hip in the 2000s, Petty Demons and White Sweater in the 2010s, and Bubbles in the 2020s.

Becky Schlegel & Mother Banjo leave the kids at home and team up for a special Mother's Day show, featuring a fun mix of folk and country tunes!

Heard on various national public radio shows, Minnesota Music Award Winner Becky Schlegel is a songwriter who draws on the influence of classic country, bluegrass, folk, and her own thoughtful spirit. Becky's incredible voice floats, whispers then soars above music of the highest quality. She takes her listeners on a musical journey, exploring new places and meeting new people in every song. She is a 5-time IBMA Songwriter Showcase Participant and an inductee into the Legends of South Dakota Country Music Association.

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, folk and rock, weaving socially conscious themes into tales of love, struggle and wonder. Its latest album “Turn the Table” is charting in the top100 on the US College Radio Charts.

Nashville artist Jeff Dayton's career is a success story built on hard work, faith and professionalism. From his 15 years as bandleader and guitarist with Hall of Fame legend Glen Campbell to his tours on guitar with Lee Greenwood and megastar Kenny Chesney, Jeff has kept the same upbeat gratitude and energy he's had since his early days in club bands. He's played shows on guitar with Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Toby Keith, Buck Owens and Bo Diddley to name a few of the greats.

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.

Bethany Larson & The Bee’s Knees is one of Twin Cities best kept secrets as declared by Twin Cities Metro. Bethany grew up with three older brothers singing in the church choir. She picked up the guitar at fifteen, and during her college years she trained in classical voice. She now performs with her backing band, “The Bee’s Knees” - comprised of her brother Chris Larson on guitar, keyboard and backing vocals, Alicia Kay on bass and backing vocals, and Sara Horishnyk on drums.

Steve Katz is back on the Aster stage bringing his eclectic and sometimes troubling mix of original music and off beat covers

Steve Katz- String Bass, vocals, compositions
Dean Magraw- Guitar and psychoanalytic guidance
Miguel Hurtado- Drums and other amusement devices

Within less than a week of entering life, Toussaint Morrison was baptized in a New Orleans kitchen sink, named after the man who led the first successful slave rebellion, and raised by two activist parents who were called to the streets of the Crescent City to protest the Vietnam War. However, in a few years, he’d take a sudden move to the frozen tundra of Minneapolis by way of his parent’s divorce, and found himself playing toy instruments alongside his grandfather, a professional jazz trombonist. Years later, shuffling through his father’s tape collection during road trips to visit family in Detroit, Morrison was given a makeshift intro to Ice Cube’s … and as an adolescent between entirely different worlds and conditions he never asked for, began writing. Today, Toussaint has toured the country several times over with a live hip-hop band, as well as a solo artist, and released nearly a dozen albums. With an album set to drop in July of 2023, Morrison looks forward to translating his ballads to an acoustic performance at the Aster Cafe.

Nathan Griner’s style has evolved through his years of performance. He has found his home with a style reminiscent of The Lumineers meet the instrumentation stylings of Shakey Graves. He is visually engaging in his performance as he sings and plays guitar while stomping a cymbal under one foot and a suitcase under the other. He stands out having a big sound as a one man show. His covers will grab you while his originals keep you wanting more.

It is the latest release from the Minneapolis songwriter, Scott Zosel, who works hard to exemplify the style and swagger of creative, edgy TC artists like Paul Westerberg, Dave Pirner, Gary Louris, and others. Minneapolis DJ Ellen Stanley (KFAI) describes his music as “FIRST-RATE SONGWRITING EVOKING THE SUNNY ROOTS/ROCK SOUNDS OF THE JAYHAWKS.” It’s a style featuring elements of folk-rock, some pop, with the fresh edge of country. A very articulate and mercurial sound that’s always catchy, irreverent and fun. Zosel continues to push the edge of Americana into a more pop direction, while still staying true to his folk-rock roots. He recorded it ‘live’ in collaboration with Producer/drummer GREG SCHUTTE at Boom Island Recording with renowned atmospheric lead guitarist DAN SCHWARTZ and touring pro, bassist NICK SALISBURY. Vocalist KELLY JORDAHL rounded out the tracks with her soaring harmonies, the perfect finishing touch.

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.

Mark Ross & the Three-Nineteen is an Alt/Americana, Indie rock band from

the Twin Cities. Songwriting influences include elements of alternative rock and west coast Americana blending with open chord acoustic guitars and some driven lead guitar solos. From time to time the band adds fiddle or keyboard to the live mix. Mark Ross is a singer/songwriter from Northfield, MN, performing throughout the region and Nashville. MR319 music is available on all streaming platforms. Look for a follow up to the 2022 release “The Unreal Deal” in late 2023.

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.

Jason has spent the last 28 years living the racontourist lifestyle as the co-lead singer of his band, The Nadas. Throughout his music career he has been the proud owner of sixteen different tour vehicles - everything from a 77 Dodge Xplorer Van to an Eagle bus previously owned by Meatloaf. It wasn’t always paradise by the dashboard lights though - he’s seen it all.

Matty O’Reilly is a Minnesota native, a little older than your brother but probably younger than your dad. The songwriter and front-man for local Minneapolis bands Coolidge, Old Grey Whistle Test, The Home Wreckers and the Molly O’Reilly Orchestra, was at one point dubbed “the consummate opening act” by Chris Reimenschnieder of the Star Tribune. His original song “Bar Whiskey” was included in infamous radio DJ Jack Sparks Top 5 Break Up Songs of all time, 2nd behind Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones.

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 one set of the Miles Davis album Kind of Blue and a second set of music of the members after Kind of Blue group, along with poetry about leaders Miles Davis and Bill Evans and sax man John Coltrane. We will celebrate the birthday of Miles Davis, born on May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois. It is the 64th year since the release and performance of the legendary album Kind of Blue.

Erin Livingston is an established jazz, blues and R&B singer here in the Twin Cities. She has played such venues as Vieux Carre, Black Dog Cafe, Crooners, The Dakota Jazz Club, Birches Supper Club and many more with residencies at Flat Earth Brewery for 2 years, Erte and The Peacock Lounge where I played blues and Hot Club music for 3 years and The St. Paul Hotel. She loves to bring new life to standards and get people on their feet and enjoying the beat.

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 Sophia Deutsch on Cello

Katy was born and raised in London, UK but in the past dozen or so years has established herself as one of the busiest musicians in Minnesota. Her newest record ‘Suit Of hearts’ was named a top ten record of the year by the Star Tribune, as well as City Pages, and Melodic Playlist Twin Cities. Uke Magazine together with Uke Planet website call ‘Suit Of hearts’ The best ukulele album of the year. Most recently Katy was named the best Acoustic performer of 2020 by City Pages.

Laurent started playing clubs in Minneapolis while still in high school, signing his first record deal when he was twenty-two. His fifth album "Love Don't Let Me Down" was produced in Nashville, where Laurent is a full time songwriter.

"Nashville has been great. I've been able to work with songwriters who's names I used to read in the liner notes of my favorite records, grammy winners, and major label recording artists."

Katie Dahl is a songwriter and playwright whose work is as expansive as Lake Michigan and as deeply rooted as its rocky coastal bluffs. A small-town celebrity on the Wisconsin peninsula where her family has lived for 175 years, she is now a radio-charting folk artist who tours around the world. Clear-eyed and tough-minded, fresh and funny, Katie “delivers razor-sharp lyrics with a hearty, soulful voice” (American Songwriter).

Singer-Songwriter Annie Fitzgerald’s music has been described as “a blend of Tori Amos’ intellectual appeal, Sarah McLachlan’s mystical charm and Edie Brickell’s baroque spirit” (Jamsphere). Since the release of her first EP in 2005, Annie has released two full length records, numerous singles, been honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame as an artist to watch, and was a part of the NYC indie scene before welcoming a move back to Minnesota with it a newfound sense of space to create. Her single "Anam Cara" released in February 2023 was highlighted by the Current's Song of the day and the Scouting Report, as well as Mpls St. Paul Magazine. Annie & her trio (Matt Patrick, David Gerald Sutton) will be celebrating the release of a new single “I’ll Wait Here”.

Alicia Thao (she/her/hers) is a queer HMong American singer-songwriter who is Tulsa-raised and Saint Paul-based. Well-versed in a variety of genres, she identifies as an experimental indie/folk/soul/RnB performing artist. Her songwriting often explores her Asian American identity, growing pains, mental health, queerness, and love. Thao's music has been played on the popular Twin Cities music radio station The Current, featured by Twin Cities PBS, and has written music for the short film, "The Wind Always Strikes the Highest Mountain." She will be dedicating the next two years of her life working on her highly anticipated debut album.

Laura Lamb found her voice at a young age while watching her mother's family gather around a grand piano in Minneapolis, Minnesota singing songs by artists like Carole King, Norah Jones and Etta James. She remembers learning how to harmonize with her grandparents, while developing her smooth & melancholy voice. "It was a strange feeling to sing and bring my parents' friends to tears. It felt really special to be able to make people feel emotional as a young kid." She began writing songs after receiving her first guitar at age 12. Fast-forward to college days when Lamb first discovered Nashville, Tennessee. She was quickly swept under the wings of hit Singer-Songwriter and Monument Recording Artist, Cailyn Smith (Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Meghan Trainor) who gracefully mentored the young artist in her songwriting and performance skills. Before she knew it, she was showcasing her new Nashville co-written songs at coffee houses near her college campus in St. Paul, MN. After selling out her first big show in downtown Minneapolis, she made the brave move cross-country to Music City. Today, she has honed her craft while creating music some of Nashville's finest songwriters and musician's. She’s debuted her music at the Bluebird Cafe and has played Girls of Nashville - which showcases up and coming singer-songwriters. The independent artist has been preparing her next record with hit producer, Misa Arriaga (Kacey Musgraves), which will display her unique voice and emotion. The first single, Bluebird recently won top 10 in the NSAI 21st Annual Song Contest out of 3000 submissions.

With a sound born in New Orleans' gospel tents and on muddy water's front porch, the The Midnight Choir Social Club's deep pocket drums and bass, melodic guitar and heartfelt vocals deliver gospel inspired music that makes the angels in the demons dance for joy.

Featuring Brother Timothy Frantzich, David Ballman and a special guest.

Under the leadership of Bobb Fantauzzo, JazZen creates original music that “incorporates everything from modern groove to world jazz” (MOJA Radio). Voiced through the organic tonalities of world flutes and the rhythmic undercurrents of electric cello and drums, the trio creates a unique sound that is a blending of East Coast blues and West Coast cool and was described by Jazz Police as "the integration of an almost prayerful melodicism suggestive of Charles Lloyd with a more forward-thrusting, free-wheeling improvisational approach that echoes Coltrane, Davis, Shorter and Coleman."

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!”

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.

Kenny John James writes and performs Americana story-songs that conjure vivid images, be they quirky, clever, or contemplative.

All artists proceeds to benefit Free Guitars 4 Kids non-profit

Brynn Arens has been a mainstay and local rock figure since the 80's starting out with Obsession and Rattlin' Bones, in the 90's he began the band Flipp which saw great success with albums released on Hollywood Records, catching the eye of Kiss manager Bill Aucoin as well as their video "My Generation" which got regular rotation on MTV's "120 Minutes". Flipp took a hiatus in the 2000's but Brynn was not taking a break, he began producing and writing for several artists and he formed the band The Oddfathers which released an EP and 2 live albums with Jack Douglas. Flipp performed a reunion show in 2017 which led to a string of shows and the boys hit the studio again in 2020-21 with John Fields to record the latest "Too Dumb To Quit" in 2022.

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.

As a Minnesota music fan, singer/bassist and live sound engineer, Scott’s had a unique exposure to Minnesota music and the artists performing it. On the bass and backing vocals, he’s played in bands with songwriters like Tom Mason, Mark Hasbrouch (Surahoolies), Phil Solem (The Rembrandts), Aaron Seymour (The Delilahs), Melvin James (Planet Melvin) and countless others. Scott has also done much fill in work on bass as well, including groups like The Billys, Tim Mahoney, Scott Laurent Band, Rhythm Jones, The Phones, Mile One, The Kurt Neumann Band (BoDeans), Test Site 67, Rex Daisy's alter-ego band "Two Tickets To Paradise", and Patrik Tanner and The Faraway Men.

The Thirsty River is an independent band from the Twin Cities who have been quietly gaining a following playing bars and breweries, events and festivals all around the upper midwest over the past 10 years. The 5 members come together to form a fun, and thoughtful Americana sound which has been featured on TV broadcasts and big bills such as the White Wall Sessions and Blue Ox Music Festival 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.”

Hey Aster Fans,

I've had the privilege of playing my sacred, folk-rock originals for nearly 4 decades in and around the Twin Cities - from intimate clubs to national radio broadcasts - and I'm grateful for every opportunity to share this music with others.

The Aspen Times once said, "In his songs about connection, freedom, inspiration and identity, Paul's voice takes on an urgency; the singer he most closely resembles is Elvis Costello, and you can’t get much more urgent than that." - I liked reading that.

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 one set of the Miles Davis album Kind of Blue and a second set of music of the members after Kind of Blue group, along with poetry about leaders Miles Davis and Bill Evans and sax man John Coltrane. We will celebrate the birthday of Miles Davis, born on May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois. It is the 64th year since the release and performance of the legendary album Kind of Blue.

A wide variety of music can be heard in Jack Barrett's compositions. Throughout his life, he has explored avenues of classical, progressive rock, metal and jazz. All of these have left their permanent mark on Barrett's sound. His new record "Ideas" is a collection of solo improvisations that range from free jazz explorations to classical counterpoint.

TJD is a folk/rock songwriter who's crafting songs and telling stories that make for a excellent music-going experience. He is intimately connected with the St.Paul and Minneapolis music scene not only as a songwriter, but also as a side-man, bassist, and lead organizer and host of the Twin Cities Songwriter Rounds.

We are 5cent Reality.

Cindy Lawson began her rock and roll career in Minneapolis in 1985 with her all-female rock band, The Clams. Over the years, she has played in several bands in Minneapolis and New York City, but then took a break starting in the late 90's. She returned in full force with a new band in 2021 and in 2022 released “New Tricks”, her first full length record in 25 years on Boston’s Rum Bar Records. New Tricks got airplay both nationally (on Little Steven’s Underground Garage and on Little Steven’s Coolest Songs in the World) and internationally, garnering rave reviews in publications across the globe. In April of 2023, she released a new single and video called “Don’t Come Crying To Me” that was immediately picked for Little Steven’s Coolest Songs in the World and is currently in rotation on Sirius XM. It’s also been chosen for The Racket’s Local Music Playlist for 2023. She plans to release another full length recording later this year.

AirLands is intimate - and then sometimes reaches for the burning sun. There are drums, four parts, a cello, guitars, bass and a saxophone when it’s hot. There are more harmonies than shred but a tiny bit of shred in a soft way. We call it soft shred. There are long notes on pads and there are snyths that are nice to hear but boring to play. I think drums are for mallets, but drummers tend to disagree. I like songs that are both about what a person knows and what a person doesn’t know and I’m sometimes trying to help but mainly just observing. entirety.

Rafta is the Twin Cities' newest East-West fusion / psychedelic rock / Indian-Pakistani tabla-full-kit-piano-electric-guitar trio. Comprised of Dishant Thakkar, Danish Mahmood, and Zaq Baker, the ensemble brings together a rare confluence of prog and classic rock, Indian classical instrumentation, and expansive electronic tones.

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 upcoming record, Trucks, will be released in October 2023.

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.

j. bell & the Lazy Susan Band Band will be celebrating the release of new music with a solo EP by frontman j. bell. The band will perform the new EP in its entirety and round out their set with JBLSB staples from their entire catalog for a unique, don’t miss night!

The International Treasures are Doyle Turner and Ted Hajnasiewicz.

Tugging on heartstrings and bringing smiles to faces since 2020, the Treasures have been captivating audiences throughout the Midwest with their charismatic storytelling, sweet harmonies, and transcendent songs about the universal human condition. Active performers as solo artists and various musical projects, Doyle and Ted both have a solid recording catalog. The International Treasures' debut album will be released into the world on Sept. 17, 2023.
Ted was named the Midwest Country Music Organization's 2022 Maverick Award Winner, a year after his video "Just For Show" won the MCMO's 2021 Video of the Year. Doyle is a celebrated songwriter, recently having been selected as finalist in the 2023 Red Lodge Songwriting Competition.

Although Barbara Manning hasn’t played in Minneapolis since 2001, she has been touring and releasing albums since 1985 when her first band, garage neo-psychedelic trio 28th Day was in the top ten of the College Music Journal. She broke with that band and began a solo career which lead her to Matador records in the 1990s. Manning released 4 critically acclaimed albums on the major Indie label, one of which won the highly prized San Francisco Music Award, BAMMY, in 1995 for best album.

John Forrest and The Model Citizens is an alternative band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With an upbeat danceable sound, the music tries to capture the changing dynamics of love, self-destruction, loneliness, and isolation in the digital age. In 2019 John Forrest released his first album, Futile American Love. Following the release, John Forrest and The Model Citizens was formed and have since released two EPs while staying busy writing new music and playing shows around the Midwest. John Forrest and…

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.

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

Jackie Rae Daniels is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from Chicago. She started off with the classical variety at age five, on violin. Eventually she learned guitar to accompany her two other passions, writing and singing. At age 18 she began travelling and performing across the country gaining life experience that sowed the seeds of a vagabond soul. After living in almost 10 states, she moved to Nashville and spent years playing fiddle locally, in studios, and with touring acts. She has since dedicated more efforts into songwriting and adding a twist! These days you can catch Jackie Rae Daniels performing six stringed instruments live at once! She composes original pieces and builds each string part (violin, viola, tenor banjo, mandolin, bass, and guitar) looping into the song as she goes. It's a dynamic and texturally complex experience. Jackie Rae Daniels now resides in St Paul Minnesota and is happy to be back in the midwest by the star of the North. You can listen to two full length original albums ("Traveling In Circles" and "Hit The Moon") plus multiple EP's of several other projects on your favorite streaming services.

Brooke Elizabeth is singer/songwriter from a small town in Wisconsin, now based in Minneapolis, MN. Starting out in the Folk/Americana world, Brooke quickly got a grasp of the storytelling aspect of writing music and performing. Known for her blue acoustic guitar, she loves sharing her music and making connections while gigging around the Twin Cities and into her hometown area of Ellsworth, Wisconsin. She finds music to be her personal therapy with a lot of her writing based on personal experiences, but she loves reaching those who connect and relate to her stories and music. Brooke continues to grow and evolve her sound, which is influenced by artists like Ingrid Michaelson, Brandi Carlile, and Billie Eilish. She continues to work with highly accomplished producer, composer, and musician Tommy Barbarella, who has recorded several of her previous projects. Brooke most recently released, ‘Blue’, which is a testament to social media and the fear of missing out. Though she has a strong love for her music and creating, she has also recently graduated from college and will be continuing her work in special education for the next year or two, hoping to later pursue school counseling. Brooke has several passions, but music is the root of her creativity and who she is, and she is excited to continue to share her words with the world.

Eli Gardiner is a songwriter from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, currently located in Minneapolis Minnesota. Coming of the 2020 release of his album, The Fire and The Medicine, he formed his full band comprised of drummer Greg Schutte (Mickey Hart, Ryan Bingham) lap steel/electric guitarist Dan Schwartz, keyboardist Kevin Gamble and bassist Nick Salisbury (Ryan Bingham, Brian Fallon).

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.

Who The Hell Is John Magnuson?
Years ago, John was in a Minneapolis band called the Carpetbaggers. John wrote and sang many of the band's songs. In November of 2020, John released an Indie/Folk-Rock-ish record (with splashes of twang) called Barely Noticeable. His eponymous trio consists of Paul McFarland and John Sandbo (when they are available).

Minneapolis-born singer/songwriter Hannah von der Hoff makes a hometown return. Her project ‘Holy Hannah!’ is real, raw and soulful like the salt of the earth - original rock & roll inspired by the greats.

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.

Whit is a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter who draws inspiration from tiny creatures, Earth’s evolutionary history, and Mary Oliver. Her delicate melodies and formulated lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their ephemeral experience on this land and their connection to its complex living systems.

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.

Andrea Leonard (who performs under her project's name Delicate Friend) is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist currently based in Saint Paul. Considering her voice her "main instrument", Andrea writes voice-led original songs that let her raw, symbolic lyrics and driving melodies lead the way. Her full band, including musicians Kourtney Ryan, Rachel Bearinger, and Dan Crist, adds a grittier complexity to her original songs. Equally inspired by folk heroes like Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake and 90s/2000s staples like Alanis Morisette, Deftones and Massive Attack, her songs relish in storytelling while sometimes taking a deeper, darker turn. When not performing, Andrea teaches singing, violin, songwriting, and guitar around the twin cities at places like Music Lab, Twin Town Guitars, and She Rock She Rock.