The Midwest Country Music Organization presents the Americana side of Country. What better way to showcase our members, playing their original music and the occasional well-placed cover by Americana songwriters that came before them.The Midwest Country Music Organization presents the Americana side of Country. What better way to showcase our members, playing their original music and the occasional well-placed cover by Americana songwriters that came before them.

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

Featuring:
Mother Coyote
Sela Runn
Willow Waters
Craig Ball

Hosted by: T.J.D.

Music 8-10 pm

The Midwest Country Music Organization presents the Americana side of Country. What better way to showcase our members, playing their original music and the occasional well-placed cover by Americana songwriters that came before them.The Midwest Country Music Organization presents the Americana side of Country. What better way to showcase our members, playing their original music and the occasional well-placed cover by Americana songwriters that came before them.

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

Emily Haavik is a singer-songwriter from the shores of Lake Superior, now living in the big city of Minneapolis. She and her band play a blend of Americana that's good for the soul and some glam country that's good for the rest of you.

Rio Nido is a vocal jazz trio that explores and redefines the vocal jazz form with a distinctive blend of musicality, intellect & humor. The Minneapolis-based group’s debut LP, “I Like to Riff,” is considered by many to be a classic of the vocal jazz genre, featuring reinterpretations of the acrobatic vocal arrangements of such fabled musicians as The Boswell Sisters, The Cats and the Fiddle, and Lambert, Hendricks and Ross.

Singer/songwriter Aaron Seymour has been a part of Twin Cities music for a long time. He has released records and performed live shows in five different decades, beginning as a teenager the Widgets in the 1980s, the Delilahs in the 1990s, X Ray Hip in the 2000s, Petty Demons in the 2010s, and White Sweater and Bubbles in the 2010s and into the 2020s. His latest project is called Bleek & Grimm, with longtime pal and collaborator Craig Teiken. Their self-titled debut EP (with a lot of help from Rich Mattson) was released in May. The late-in-the-month on Saturdays residency for Aaron Seymour and Friends will feature Bleek & Grimm, along with musical sets, cameos, and other surprises from some of Seymour’s past and present bandmates, noteworthy friends and other collaborators.

The Midwest Country Music Organization presents the Americana side of Country. What better way to showcase our members, playing their original music and the occasional well-placed cover by Americana songwriters that came before them.The Midwest Country Music Organization presents the Americana side of Country. What better way to showcase our members, playing their original music and the occasional well-placed cover by Americana songwriters that came before them.

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

Christian Wheeler is a little retro, a little pop, a little avant-garde, and refuses to stay in his lane. He is a producer, singer-songwriter, and studio musician from Minneapolis whose day job as a gun-for-hire guitar slinger feeds back into his original music in unexpected ways. With sparkling hooks, virtuosic guitar work, clever yet vulnerable lyrics, and plenty of ear candy, Wheeler's music is full of surprises while always feeling nostalgic and familiar.

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.

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.

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.

Liam Gerard is a Minneapolis based singer-songwriter, performer, and recording artist. The music is best described as pulsing and melodic, with an attention to reflective/ poetic lyrics based upon experiences. Tastes of alternative, blues, folk, and americana give the music an eclectic feel as it spans multiple genres with a goal of being anything but stale and redundant.

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

Featuring:
Adam Zahller
Theo Langason
Carlisle Evans Peck
Garret Nasset

Hosted by: T.J.D.

Music 8-10 pm

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.

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.

Darren is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, engineer, teacher, and producer. Although he grew up in a small town in Western South Dakota, Darren cut his musical teeth in Minneapolis. A fixture on the scene there for two decades, Darren founded two critically-acclaimed bands (Kid Dakota and the Olympic Hopefuls), released nine albums, and won three Minnesota Music Awards including “Artist of the Year.” He toured extensively in the United States and Europe, sharing stages with rock and roll icons such as Soul Asylum and the Violent Femmes as well as indie rock stalwarts like LOW and Black Moth Super Rainbow. He owns a recording studio in NE Minneapolis - Homesteader Studio - and has two Bedlington Terriers - Dante and Diva.

“Kind of Bill - The Musical Life of Bill Evans” Comes to the Aster

Performance of “Kind of Bill - The Musical Life of Bill Evans” and his associations with Tony Bennett, Scott LaFaro, Paul Motian, Miles Davis, Jim Hall, Eddie Gómez, Eliot Zigmund, Marc Johnson, and Joe LaBarbera.

Larry McDonough Quartet:
Larry McDonough, piano and voice
Richard Terrill, saxes and poetry
Greg Stinson, bass,
Dean White, drums

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."
​
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.
​
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.
A true product of the Minneapolis Sound, Alex was born and raised in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Although a nationally recognized songwriter, and accomplished guitar player, its his soulful vocals that people seem to identify with him the most. He is also an original cast member and co-creator of the Rhythmic Circus, an award-winning musical production with Broadway and international acclaim.

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." Their first (self-titled) album, released in 2014, showed their love of folk, honky-tonk, and country blues; their 2016 follow-up, Abandon, added touches of jazz, torch, and swing to their folk / honky-tonk base, blending dobro, fiddle, and saxophone with Liz and AJ’s tightly knit harmonies and classic-yet-fresh original tunes. Their Aster performance will feature songs old and new in duo, trio, and full-band formats, making for a lively, varied, and joyful night of music.

Rich Mattson and the Northstars started in 2014 as a cosmic folk group. Rich Mattson and his partner Germaine Gemberling have been writing songs, recording, and performing together since 2010. Each album seems to get them closer to the source of rock and roll. Their latest, “Totem,” (their 4th as Rich Mattson and the Northstars) featuring the rhythm section of drummer (and longtime Mattson bandmate) Keely Lane and bassist Kyle Westrick, is loaded with jangle, harmony, and melodic energy. The group performs all around Minnesota and beyond and has been invited to share the stage with such notable acts as the Minus 5, the Jayhawks, and Trampled By Turtles. Somewhat of a Minnesota music staple, Mattson is well known for his songwriting and outstanding showmanship as well as his work with literally thousands of artists at his Sparta Sound recording studio.

This event has been moved to The Parkway Theater. Click link for more details

Suzzy and Lucy released their new recording I Can Still Hear You in the fall of 2020. The album was largely recorded in the darkest hours of the Covid shutdown in the spring of 2020 in NYC. After starting the recording in Nashville, with producer Jordan Hamlin, the mother/daughter team went back to New York City just as the city closed up. They set up studios in their bedrooms: Lucy in Brooklyn, Suzzy in Manhattan, and finished the record. Hailed as “one of the year’s best” by Americana Highways, the new album has been met with high praise. (see attached sheet). Suzzy and Lucy have recorded two albums previously, Fairytale & Myth (Independent Music Award winner) and Mud & Apples (also nominated for IMA).

Featuring:
Maya Elena
Roz Marie (Paper Doll)
Faith Boblett
Ellen Stanley

Hosted by: T.J.D.

Music 8-10 pm

Singer-songwriter Matthew French has quickly become a regular on the burgeoning Twin Cities Americana music scene. Known for his positive and uplifting live shows, French's melodies transport and his lyrics tell a story. Our story. A human story. Raised in small town Ohio and now residing in Minneapolis, French released his EP Winding Road in 2016. Building on the success of Winding Road, French's debut full length album, Sweet Love, releases in the Fall of 2018. Sweet Love offers 10 original songs exploring the Americana landscape. Produced by Danny O’Brien (The Farewell Circuit, DEM YUUT), and recorded during the long Minnesota winter of 2018, the tracks provide a sonic foundation built upon catchy guitar hooks, and the blending of pedal steel and synth lines. French unpacks universal themes of love, kindness and community with a conversational lyricism that invites the listener to find themselves in his stories. Matthew French's audiences feel themselves reflected in the warmth of his voice. Not strangers, just unmet friends.

Folios is a new music project from veteran St. Paul songwriter Martin Devaney, inspired by a wide library and a love of lo-fi rock ‘n’ roll.

Known as the “Unofficial Mayor of St. Paul,” Devaney comes by that title honestly. Born, raised, and based in St. Paul, he grew up on baseball fields and in bands of the capital city. Whether booking shows at the city's clubs or standing behind the counter at a record store, Devaney has always been dialed into the St. Paul scene.

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

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."
​
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.
​
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.
A true product of the Minneapolis Sound, Alex was born and raised in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Although a nationally recognized songwriter, and accomplished guitar player, its his soulful vocals that people seem to identify with him the most. He is also an original cast member and co-creator of the Rhythmic Circus, an award-winning musical production with Broadway and international acclaim.

The April Fools began as a studio project for singer/songwriter Brian Drake, who intended to record a batch of his songs with help from a wide network of players to flesh out the tunes. Guitar, bass, and drums would be augmented by horn players, strings, woodwinds, keyboards, vocalists, and more depending on the specific song. The songs themselves spanned a broad spectrum—rock to straight-up country to alt-country/Americana to blue-eyed soul to Brit-pop to folk to 70’s AM radio and more.
The four original members got together for their first jam on September 15, 2013. Easily finding a cohesive thread with which to bring together those diverse genres, they quickly began recording sessions for what would become their debut album. Released in April 2015, the self-titled The April Fools quickly garnered airplay on more than 100 radio stations across the U.S.

*** For the 10/30 & 10/31 Tina Schlieske shows, we will be enforcing a vaccination policy. All attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination. ***

Tina Schlieske, originally hails from Minneapolis, MN and is best known for fronting the band Tina and the B-Side Movement, now Tina and the B-Sides.

*** For the 10/30 & 10/31 Tina Schlieske shows, we will be enforcing a vaccination policy. All attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination. ***

Tina Schlieske, originally hails from Minneapolis, MN and is best known for fronting the band Tina and the B-Side Movement, now Tina and the B-Sides.

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

Featuring:
Scott Woodridge
Kristen Mastantuono
Liam Moore

Hosted by: T.J.D.

Music 8-10 pm

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.

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.

Lily Rabuse is a young, emerging singer/songwriter from Minneapolis with a raresound. She released her first CD, a 5-song EP, in 2019 and is working on completing her first full album. Influenced by jazz melodies and music from idols like Nick Drake, Amy Winehouse and Joni Mitchell, she currently juggles song writing and performing with earning an undergraduate degree.

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

Lightnin' Joe Peterson is a singer/songwriter strongly rooted in the tradition of James Taylor, Randy Newman, and Joni Mitchell. He has made his living as an internationally touring multi-instrumentalist for over 15 years, and is currently based in Minneapolis, MN. He will be playing new original music and will be joined by Julia Floberg (cello) and Andrew Wozniak (guitar).

Liam Gerard is a Minneapolis based singer-songwriter, performer, and recording artist. The music is best described as pulsing and melodic, with an attention to reflective/ poetic lyrics based upon experiences. Tastes of alternative, blues, folk, and americana give the music an eclectic feel as it spans multiple genres with a goal of being anything but stale and redundant. LG trio consist of Paul Cahoy on lead guitar and Casey Schultz on keys.

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.

Darren is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, engineer, teacher, and producer. Although he grew up in a small town in Western South Dakota, Darren cut his musical teeth in Minneapolis. A fixture on the scene there for two decades, Darren founded two critically-acclaimed bands (Kid Dakota and the Olympic Hopefuls), released nine albums, and won three Minnesota Music Awards including “Artist of the Year.” He toured extensively in the United States and Europe, sharing stages with rock and roll icons such as Soul Asylum and the Violent Femmes as well as indie rock stalwarts like LOW and Black Moth Super Rainbow. He owns a recording studio in NE Minneapolis - Homesteader Studio - and has two Bedlington Terriers - Dante and Diva.

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

Featuring:
Sarah Morris
Eli Gardiner
Leslie Vincent
Jaia Wilbour

Hosted by: T.J.D.

Music 8-10 pm

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.

Al Church’s new album “Night Games” out now!

"It sounds like it came crashing in from 1978 with one of those absolutely insistent sax lines and a bassline that you’ll wanna write home about, plus a gorgeous chorus that’ll linger in your brain all day long...You And I,” the obvious single that’s got one of those magnificent Hooks From God that stumble across your path every once in a while..."- Letoile Magazine

"Just as powerful as Fitz & the Tantrums vocalist Michael Fitzpatrick, Church's treated falsetto is always in control... On the piano-laced title track, he sounds more like Queen's Freddie Mercury."-City Pages' Erik Thompson

Life makes your head spin. To capture serenity… Chicago born, Wisconsin raised award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Chaffee draws from his own personal story to arrange a tapestry of ambience, emotion, and melody into a song that captures your ear on the first listen. Taking the from the musical roots of Peter Gabriel and Colin Hay combined with the ambient musical landscape in the likes of Olafur Arnalds(IS) and Nils Frahm(Germany) he draws on the energy of the notes between the notes, casting a silence that allows a break to capture our collective breath and move into the next universe provided tones.

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

A career as a working musician and songwriter is one of those gigs that people look at and think, “How awesome would that be?” Well, Minneapolis based Tim Mahoney has been doing it his way for over fifteen years now.

What began as a side career with huge aspirations while Mahoney was waiting tables has now blossomed into a full-fledged career. And make no mistake, the way that Mahoney hustles, it IS a job, but one he is very happy to have. To date, he’s sold over 100,000 units of his various releases between a solo career and his part as a member of The Blue Meenies. And he also has the raw talent to win multiple awards year after year. In fact, Mahoney was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine in 2007 for their 40th anniversary issue when he won a Ray-Ban promotion.

Get out of the house, and enjoy a special Songsgiving show as Minneapolis songwriting pals Mother Banjo, Ben Cook-Feltz and Anthony Ihrig (The High 48s) team up for a fun evening of songs, stories and fun musical collaborations. Playing banjo, keyboards, guitar and percussion, they come from a variety of musical backgrounds (folk, pop, rock, bluegrass), while sharing a love of great songwriting and storytelling. Join these Aster favorites as they play a special show together, swapping songs and performing with each other at one of their favorite listening rooms!

Craig T. will be doing a wide variety of music this Sunday night.
He’s crafted all these years of folk, pop, country, and gospel into an easy jazz vibe.

Across America, from clubs in North Alaska to 4star hotels in Europe to the Grand Hyatt in Jakarta and beyond, he has given people amazing evenings of music.
Stories can abound, He can pull out tunes from different shows if he gets the bug.
Living in Nashville in the ’80s and 90’s he became friends with many
Of Nashville's finest. His one-man show “CTO” was one of the first fully sequenced and produced shows in the country back then.
Back in the ’80s and you may have heard him on the Nashville Network or evening playing 6 years at the Metrodome HiltonAnchorage Restaurant in the Twin Cities as the house entertainer where many a superstar stayed and listened and sat in and became friends.

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

Featuring:
Ted Hajnasiewicz
Maura Dunst
Emily Haavik
Lauren Anderson (Idle Empress)

Hosted by: T.J.D.

Music 8-10 pm

Larry McDonough saw Evans perform in the 1970s, and Joel Shapira met Hall when he lived in New York City. Larry and Joel will perform pieces from the classic Evans and Hall recordings “Undercurrent” and “Intermodulation” along with pieces that Evans and Hall performed separately that they might have included in another recording had Bill Evans lived longer. Intermodulating Undercurrents filled Black Dog in Saint Paul. Find out why.

Hear Ye!

The pandemic may have put a damper on a variety of things, but it didn’t leave you in the lurch when it comes to the JA Holiday Show! Back and better than ever, this year’s edition features the usual combination of melancholy and mayhem, certain to leave you in a state of mild euphoria followed by a serotonin shortage. The utmost in professionalism is promised, and at ten bucks, there’s not much to lose. Many folks think this show could be $10.75! Get it while it’s hot folks. One night only, costumes encouraged, decorum expected. Now We Go!

Featuring: Jeff Arundel and The Hammsmen, Steele Arundel, Molly Maher, The Artful Dodger, Paul and John, The Sirens, and Scrooge himself!

Michael Ray Pfeifer is a singer/songwriter who combines a free-wheeling brand of Americana and roots-rock. Michael is joined by saxophonist Dan Andreasen.
Pfeifer has released 4 albums (Juggernaut, Blind Faith, The Higher You Climb, and Fire On The Radio), as well as his latest single 'Queen of Sunshine.'

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

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, 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.

After 2 years, The Maeflies are thrilled to return to The Aster to perform a big list of songs, with their richest harmonies and full fleet of instruments to entertain you. Don't miss this unique show as the five Maeflies fill the intimate stage at The Aster.…. and their last show of the year!

The Maeflies, Minnesota's Americana-Country-Rock Ensemble, have been playing their trademark sound for over 17 years. They deliver rich signature harmonies, hot guitars and songs that tell a story. The Maeflies know their way around any iteration of guitar, including pedal steel, mandolin and banjo. All the Maeflies can sing and pass around the lead vocal. Mae fronts the band; and you will discover why.

Due to unforseen circumstances, Billy will not be performing 12/11. However the Black Dog High guys will still be out in full force, come join us for an intimate performance by George McKelvey, Mark Mraz, and Scott Best.

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.

Singer-songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the late 1960’s created musical crossovers in folk-and-country-rock that lionized the troubadour as the iconic figurehead of the music scene for a decade. Stephen Stills, Roger McGuinn, Neil Young, Jackson Browne and poured the foundations for what we hail as Americana today. With his good friends Paul Madsen on bass, and JJ Benson on lead guitar, Tim Houlihan will share songs and stories from an era that was the catalyst and inspiration for generations of musicians to come.

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

Featuring:
Austin James
Katrina Schleisman
Doug Collins
Kashimana

Hosted by: T.J.D.

Music 8-10 pm

Enjoy an evening of the music you love from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with the Nate Hance Trio, featuring the smooth vocal stylings of Kijana. You'll hear all those classic tunes, as well as new and exciting arrangements of our favorite holiday tunes. Enjoy a bit of nostalgia mixed with a bit of funk, as well as Nate's impressive trick of playing piano upside down and backwards!

Laura Hugo is originally from the Navajo Nation but has been calling the Twin Cities her home for the last 7 years. She’ll make you feel the feels with her melodic and catchy tunes about heartbreak. You’ll probably find her frequenting open mics, playing at various Minneapolis music venues and watching others play shows at least 4 days a week.

Composer / Performer Chris Koza is an internationally-recognized Americana artist and has spent the last fifteen years writing and performing amidst the lakes of Minnesota. Both solo and with his band Rogue Valley, Chris has shared the stage with Brandi Carlile, Andrew Bird, The Jayhawks, Stephen Kellogg, and Tift Merritt, among others. His music has been featured on television for ABC, MTV, and CBS as well as numerous regional and national campaigns. Winnebago recently commissioned Chris to record a version of Willie Nelson’s classic On The Road Again in a partnership with the National Parks Foundation. The highlight of the past several years was when Ben Stiller selected the Rogue Valley song, The Wolves and the Ravens, for his 20th Century Fox feature film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

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 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

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

Brian Charles Tischleder's music is Americana folk rock’n roll in the tradition Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen. He has been writing, performing and recording his original songs for all of his adult life. In the last twenty five years, he has toured extensively in the Midwestern United States while developing a large international fan base. He has played to sold-out crowds at Minneapolis/ St. Paul venues such as First Avenue, Fine Line Music Cafe and O'Garas.

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.”

Taylor James Donskey is an alternative folk songwriter. Session player and side-man for most of his career, he's added soloist and show host to his long list of musical wares. He's stolen many musical ideas from names such as Randy Newman, John Hartford and Jeff Tweedy, but hides it all under a warm blanket of honest soul-bearing truth. He'll share his original songs and a few choice classics, with many a reminder of who he is and what he does. When not taking the stage for himself, you can catch him hosting the Minneapolis Songwriter Rounds!

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

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 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

Nick Hensley
& The Love Songs For Angry Men,
The Acoustic Solo, Duo, Trio & occasional
Full Band (with the terrible name)
From Saint Paul, Minnesota
(The Best City in the Twin Cities!)

Nick Hensley is the former lead singer and co creator of The District, a regional soul & rock act from the upper Midwest, co based out of St. Paul, MN and Chicago, IL.
Hensley created Love Songs For Angry Men shortly after The District called it quits in 2002.
Hensley’s alias, stage name and alter ego,
Love Songs For Angry Men, originated as a bad joke… similar to other shorter lived band names like Amish Puppy Mill and Billy’s Little Secret. Unfortunately, for Nick and his band members, now papproaching 20 years later...
THE NAME JUST WON’T GO AWAY!

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

Dan Israel is a longtime fixture on the Minneapolis music scene. He was the first guest on 89.3 The Current’s “Local Show” and has been called “the hardest working singer-songwriter in Minnesota.” He won Song of the Year (for “Come to Me”) in the 2005 Minnesota Music Awards and Songwriter of the Year in the 2006 MMA’s. He received a 4-star review from the UK’s “Uncut” magazine for his 2007 album “Turning.” He has released 16 critically acclaimed albums, including his latest, 2020’s “Social Distance Anxiety Disorder," which many critics and fans have praised as his finest record yet.