Koe Wetzel w/ Kolby Cooper + Kat Hasty at The Armory

Koe Wetzel is an American singer and songwriter. His music has been described variously as a "blend of rock and country", outlaw country, and "fusing country and grunge".

Charlie Parr w/ Mikkel at The Dubliner

Resonator fueled folk songs from Duluth Minnesota.

Luke Callen & Clare Doyle at Icehouse

‘It was a hell of a year,’ says Americana artist-to-watch Clare Doyle, reflecting on a breakout year in which she was named one of First Avenue’s Best New Bands of 2023, an Emerging Artist of 2024 by Music in Minnesota, and released three debut singles which garnered immediate attention for their infectious blend of soulful country and rootsy rock, and a bold lyricism that’s hailed as “a fresh perspective in emotional storytelling” by Music in Minnesota.

In a short span, Doyle has established a reputation for a mesmerizing live show that brings audiences along for a ride - from the electrifying heights of a cathartic anthem to pin-drop-quiet intensity in a breakup ballad - and has become a fixture on some of the region’s most legendary stages. She has been tapped to support artists such as The Cactus Blossoms, Turn Turn Turn, Them Coulee Boys, and Dallas Ugly and has toured regionally throughout the Midwest.

Becky Kapell & Mikkel at 331 Club

Worker’s Playtime
Becky Kapell

A weekly happy hour hosted by Mikkel, featuring a different artist every time.

Mikkel Beckmen (washboard, wooden tray, and stomp box) has been a fixture on the Twin Cities scene for a number of years; some of the folks he's played with include the Brass Kings, Charlie Parr, Corpse Reviver, and Lonesome Dan Kase & the Crush Collision Trio.

Roe Family Singers at the 331 Club

Bonfire Music Group recording artists the Roe Family Singers are a Good-Time, Old-Time Hillbilly band from the tiny community of Kirkwood Hollow, MN. Led by wife & husband Kim and Quillan Roe, the band marries old-time sounds from barn-dances, fiddle pulls, and county fairs with the rock & roll passion of youth.

Jaspar Lepak at Lake Harriet Bandshell for Minneapolis Music in the Parks

Heartfelt Folk/Americana

FINICK at Water Works at Mill Ruins Park for Minneapolis Music in the Parks

Singer-songwriter, indie-folk music

Mumblin' Drew's Oldfangled Orchestrators at The White Squirrel

Eldest Daughter & Emmy Woods at 331 Club

Eldest Daughter
Emmy Woods

Wild Horses and Erik Koskinen w/ Nicky Diamonds at Turf Club

The rootsy Americana rock band Wild Horses delivers music that has meaning, depth, and ties to the human connection. Featuring band members from very different musical backgrounds, they have landed on a sound that incorporates heartbreaking vocals, standout harmonies between Jed and Ariana, driving beats, and epic jams. Wild Horses taps into their rural American roots with music that sends reverbs down your spine.

Erik Koskinen is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, whose music is not categorized by sub-genres. Stylistically he is on his own. Influenced by roots music of the Americas and the world, the rhythmic integrity and musical tone are as important as the lyrical content and the artistic intent.

Pulling from old church hymn books, family stories and he’s own unique writing style, Diamonds performs a set that takes you back in time and keeps you hooked like a good book. “Diamonds unloads a heavier sound that soars behind his peaking vocals, but solo, his songs cut with a tender power”, Doug Freeman, Editor of the Austin Chronicle says. Diamonds with he’s clever melodies, seasoned writing style and mesmerizing voice have quickly gained the attention of many in the Country, Americana and Folk industry. And since has been invited to play in 2022’s Americana Fest(who played to a sold out showcase with the Black Opry at the historic Station Inn). He was also invited to 2022 Lucktober Reunion on Willie Nelson’s Ranch in TX, and Pilgrimage Music Festival in TN. Diamonds was also requested by Alicia Keys to perform and sing on stage live with her on her last date of her 2022 world tour. 
 Diamonds has released 2 singles at the end of 2022, one of which titled “Met Her in Bed” has already been praised by acclaimed country and soul artists from Tami Neilson and Adeem the Artist to Durand Jones & The Indications, calling it “ancestral in nature”, “inspirational”, and “music they’ve missed and so glad to hear again”. Diamonds is set to release a catalog of songs in album/video form in March of 2023 titled, Doing Time in the Feel Good Prison. In less than 1 year of his arrival into the Country music scene Nicky Diamonds is well on his way.

Mark Joseph & Mutlu w/ Superior Siren at The Hook & Ladder

Mark Joseph / Mutlu

with guest Superior Siren(solo)

The Hook and Ladder is proud to host three amazing singer/songwriters for a night of soul, r&b, and eerie folk featuring Mark Joseph, Mutlu, & Superior Siren(solo) on Friday, August 9 night in our intimate air conditioned Theater. Limited reserved seats available to see this world class collection of artists perform live!

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MARK JOSEPH

American Soul is a fitting brand for Mark Joseph; since his 2017 album by that title, he has charted a relentless and soulful course through America, and Americana, from blues to country to psychedelic rock and everything in between. On his newest offering, “Palisade Peach,” Joseph’s fourth full-length album, he continues this journey, from his soul, straight to your heart. It is a “blues” album in the truest sense of the word, with familiar 12 bar strains that echo the march of American music from the rural southern US up the Mississippi, to cities like Minneapolis and Chicago where it found a wider urban audience; it is the blues that has given rise to “rhythm and blues,” to “soul” and to “rock and roll.” You find it all on “Palisade Peach.”

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MUTLU

With his silk-like vocals, Mutlu gently showers over melodies like rain. A Philadelphia native and first-generation American of Turkish decent, Mutlu combines his innate Philly-soul style with elements of folk, reggae and rock. This cohesive blend of music creates a rare and retro sound that is entirely timeless. Mutlu has already made substantial headway with his high-caliber soulful sound. He’s collaborated and toured extensively as a support act with legendary duo Daryl Hall & John Oates. He even holds the distinction of having made the most guest appearances on Daryl Hall’s acclaimed, award-winning TV show “Live From Daryl’s House”. Mutlu has toured as a support act and longtime collaborator with noted singer/songwriter Amos Lee, and has shared stages with the likes of Adele, Katy Perry, John Hiatt, Leon Russell, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Todd Rundgren, Shuggie Otis & many more. Additionally, he was the support act on the North American leg of Joe Jackson’s acclaimed “Rain” tour. Mutlu has rocked stages across Europe and America, including: Greek Theatre (Los Angeles, CA), Ascend Amphitheater (Nashville, TN), Tower Theatre (Philadelphia, PA), Royal Festival Hall (London, UK), to name a few.

“Truth and love is well worth the struggle, It won’t come easy but it’s worth some good trouble” – “Lifeline, Mutlu

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SUPERIOR SIREN (solo)

S U P E R I O R S I R E N is an eerie folk project inspired by Lake Superior and Siren mythology. The haunting music offers an alluring and dangerous expression of vulnerability and desire. Superior Siren was created by singer-songwriter Laura Sellner. She debuted her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics in 2014 with the solo EP ‘Lotus in the Muck’. In 2016 Sellner joined forces with cellist Rachel Gobin, bassist Nyssa Krause, and drummer Emma Deaner to craft a mesmerizing blend of vocals, strings, and percussion. The all-female band became a sisterhood of sirens, producing the 2018 LP ‘Superior Siren‘ followed by a tour of the Midwest. Another ethereal solo album titled ‘Kill Your Darlings’ was released in 2021 spotlighted by the Love Poem single and music video. Superior Siren enchants audiences as a solo or full band act; performing with DeVotchKa, Low, Trampled by Turtles, Charlie Parr, HALEY, and Bon Iver as well as collaborating with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Superior Siren will release new eerie folk music in 2024.

Samuel John Band 'Minnesota Goodbye' EP Release with Aaron Simmons, Adam Brandt and Cole Diamond at 7th Street Entry

The Samuel John Band is a country rock group rooted in the heart of Minnesota. In 2024, they released their debut singles "Set Me Free" and "Enjoy the Show". From the small town of Braham, MN, Samuel John found his musical calling through the inspiring performances of his mother, a pianist and vocalist, and witnessing his brother Ben drum for a touring country band. Samuel, also a frequent concert-goer, drew inspiration from watching his favorite songwriters in the independent country and rock scene. Joined by longtime friend Jake Abel on bass, whose experience spans multiple bands, and meeting Brandon Nelson, the lead guitarist, through spontaneous jams at the Monday night Terminal Bar open sessions in Minneapolis, the band found its core. John Wander, previously collaborating with Brandon, completed the lineup on drums. Together, they’re doing their best to create an authentic country rock sound.

Aaron Simmons, now 26, has established himself as an infectious performer, an authentic and storytelling songwriter, and one of the hardest-working musicians in the midwest, driving an average of over 3,000 miles a month on top of being a traveling videographer to help keep the lights on.

Adam Brandt is the St. Paul base country music alias of Adam James Hildebrandt. Nominated in 2022 by the Midwest Country Music Organization “New Artist of the Year” after the successful release the debut EP, Red Lights. The Adam Brandt Band currently performs as a 4-piece at venues around the Twin Cities and Midwest.

Mixing up an unlikely concoction of vintage rock & roll and outlaw country, Cole Diamond is, depending on when you ask, either the stage name for singer-songwriter Ryan Otte or the collective handle for Otte and his Band. For years, Otte spent most weekends behind a drum kit playing with too many bands to list. The idea for Cole Diamond came about as a way for Otte to step out from behind the drums and try his hand at the front of the stage. In the years since “Cole Diamond” was conceived, he has released an EP, a string of singles, received airplay on 89.3 The Current, and opened for national acts such as Corb Lund. Drawing on influences that range from Waylon and Willie to Brooks & Dunn, Cole Diamond delivers a modern take on a classic sound.

Squid City Slingers at Margie's Kitchen + Cocktails

Squid City Slingers are a folk/bluegrass/gypsy jazz trio from the Twin Cities with a second home in the Twin Ports.

Lonesome Dan Kase w/ Mikkel at The Dubliner

Acoustic guitar/vocal-stomps, boogies and blues.

Luke LeBlanc & Thomas Sticha at Icehouse

Join us on August 8 for a show in the Courtyard featuring Luke LeBlanc and Thomas Sticha, both accompanied by their full bands. Minneapolis-based Luke LeBlanc is known for his rootsy fusion of folk and rock, delivering performances with a nuanced touch. His latest album, Places, produced by Erik Koskinen, has drawn acclaim for its thoughtful composition and warm, organic sound. LeBlanc has earned recognition from The Current, Bluegrass Situation, Americana Highways, and Glide Magazine, and has shared the stage with Charlie Parr, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Amythyst Kiah.

Saint Paul based singer-songwriter Thomas Sticha's music intertwines traditional country with modern folk. His debut single, “Then It’s Gone,” released in January 2024, showcases his ability to blend classic country themes with contemporary sensibilities. Sticha's full-band performances have been described as “thoroughly charming” by Adventures in Americana, appealing to fans of artists such as Tyler Childers, John Prine, and Merle Haggard. His music reflects a fresh yet familiar sound.

Mike Munson & Mikkel at 331 Club

Worker’s Playtime
mike munson 

A weekly happy hour hosted by Mikkel, featuring a different artist every time.

Mikkel Beckmen (washboard, wooden tray, and stomp box) has been a fixture on the Twin Cities scene for a number of years; some of the folks he's played with include the Brass Kings, Charlie Parr, Corpse Reviver, and Lonesome Dan Kase & the Crush Collision Trio.

The New Havoline Supremes at The White Squirrel

Roe Family Singers at the 331 Club

Bonfire Music Group recording artists the Roe Family Singers are a Good-Time, Old-Time Hillbilly band from the tiny community of Kirkwood Hollow, MN. Led by wife & husband Kim and Quillan Roe, the band marries old-time sounds from barn-dances, fiddle pulls, and county fairs with the rock & roll passion of youth.

Riverside Music Series presents Nat Myers w/ Molly Brandt at Mayo Park

Schedule

6:00 pm | Get ready!

Come early to enjoy the space and to grab your spot before the show starts. Food and beverage vendors will be onsite. Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and picnics are welcome.

7:00 pm | Molly Brandt

Music has always been a core part of Molly Brandt's existence. Brandt strives to tell her real-life stories and fictional fables to her audience with a personable experience. Brandt has also inherited Dolly Parton’s knack for painting unvarnished pictures of poverty and struggle but performing them with glitz, style, and attitude. She dazzles when she takes the stage, first with her presence and statement outfits—inspired by designer Nudie as well as divas Nikki Lane and Margo Price.

Learn more about Molly Brandt on their website.

8:00 pm | Nat Myers

Nat Myers, the Korean-American blues poet, embodies the essence of itinerancy, infusing his music with the restless spirit of constant exploration. His debut album, "Yellow Peril," pulsates with jumpy blues tracks narrating train-hopping adventures and the allure of the open road. From Kansas to New York City, Myers’ journey has been marked by an insatiable curiosity, shaped by his love for poetry and the blues. While COVID-19 halted his street performances, it also led to a serendipitous encounter with Dan Auerbach, culminating in a collaboration that birthed a dozen vibrant songs. "Yellow Peril" isn't just an album; it's a testament to Myers’ journey of self-discovery as a Korean American, intertwining themes of identity, heritage, and resilience.

Learn more about Nat Myers on their website.

About Riverside Music Series

The Riverside Music Series, presented by Rochester Public Music, is the region’s longest running and most anticipated FREE outdoor concert series. Five weeks of live music on Sunday evenings, packed with legendary acts, emerging talent, and local favorites. The music starts at 7 PM in beautiful Mayo Park, located just behind the Civic Center in downtown Rochester, Minnesota.

Come early to enjoy the space and to grab your spot before the show starts. Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and picnics are welcome. Walk, bike, or roll to the park if you can, otherwise take advantage of the ample free parking downtown. These are all-ages events, and all are welcome!

Closed captioning will be available with your data-connected smart phone or tablet.

Lonesome Dan Kase at Dusty’s

Lonesome Dan Kase plays the green booth 1st Sundays of the month 5-8pm

Charlie Parr at Dakota Jazz Club

In the music of Charlie Parr, there is a sincere conviction and earnest drive to create. The Minnesota-born guitarist, songwriter and interpreter of traditional music has released nineteen albums over two decades. Also, he has been known to perform up to 275 shows a year. Parr is a folk troubadour in the truest sense: taking to the road between shows, writing and rewriting songs as he plays. Further, he is fueled by a belief that music is eternal and cannot be claimed or adequately explained. Additionally, the bluesman poet pulls closely from the sights and sounds around him, his lyrical craftsmanship built by his influences.

The sounds from his working-class upbringing imbue Parr’s music with stylistic echoes of blues and folk icons of decades past. Further, those sounds include legends such as Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie. Parr sees himself merely as a continuer of a folk tradition: “I feel like I stand on a lot of big shoulders,” he explains. “I hope that I’ve brought a little bit of myself to the music.”

Charlie Parr is the humble master of the 21st-century folk tradition. His discography is simultaneously metaphysical in nature and grounded in roots music. Parr started recording in Duluth in 2002, where he lives today. Life in the port town on Lake Superior has a way of bleeding into his work the same way his childhood in Austin, Minnesota does. Parr’s music has an overwhelming sense of being present and mindful, and his sound is timeless.

In his 2024 release, Little Sun, Parr weaves together stories celebrating music, community and communing with nature. Also, it is an ambitious and raw album that exemplifies the best of Parr’s sound. It’s a blend of the blues and folk traditions he continues to carry, and the steadfast originality of a poet.

Recommended for Fans of John Fahey, Reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt and Dave Van Ronk

Charlie Parr at Dakota Jazz Club

In the music of Charlie Parr, there is a sincere conviction and earnest drive to create. The Minnesota-born guitarist, songwriter and interpreter of traditional music has released nineteen albums over two decades. Also, he has been known to perform up to 275 shows a year. Parr is a folk troubadour in the truest sense: taking to the road between shows, writing and rewriting songs as he plays. Further, he is fueled by a belief that music is eternal and cannot be claimed or adequately explained. Additionally, the bluesman poet pulls closely from the sights and sounds around him, his lyrical craftsmanship built by his influences.

The sounds from his working-class upbringing imbue Parr’s music with stylistic echoes of blues and folk icons of decades past. Further, those sounds include legends such as Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie. Parr sees himself merely as a continuer of a folk tradition: “I feel like I stand on a lot of big shoulders,” he explains. “I hope that I’ve brought a little bit of myself to the music.”

Charlie Parr is the humble master of the 21st-century folk tradition. His discography is simultaneously metaphysical in nature and grounded in roots music. Parr started recording in Duluth in 2002, where he lives today. Life in the port town on Lake Superior has a way of bleeding into his work the same way his childhood in Austin, Minnesota does. Parr’s music has an overwhelming sense of being present and mindful, and his sound is timeless.

In his 2024 release, Little Sun, Parr weaves together stories celebrating music, community and communing with nature. Also, it is an ambitious and raw album that exemplifies the best of Parr’s sound. It’s a blend of the blues and folk traditions he continues to carry, and the steadfast originality of a poet.

Recommended for Fans of John Fahey, Reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt and Dave Van Ronk

J-Mo on the Beat, Wyly Bigger at Eagles 34

Jamie Passewe brings us his roots rock interpretations and Originals.

Facebook event page for the show: https://www.facebook.com/share/32GEmRK7Ff9XxYPV/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Wyly's website: https://www.wylybigger.com/about

Redwing Blackbird Presents~ Goatroper's Going Away Soirée! Redwing Blackbird, Goatroper, The Percolators, Too Old Cat, Chris Vondracek and Cowboy Thoughts at Palmer’s

This show starts on the patio and then move inside. Doors 6pm. Showtime 7-10 on the patio and then inside after 10. $10 for a ticket. If weather is dumb the show moves indoors.

Doors 6pm

7pm Too Old Cat~ plays charming, original folk music that blends traditional and progressive elements. Their tunes for banjo, cello, accordion, and vocals explore themes of friendship, dreamspace, and how we move through and connect to the world.

8pm Goatroper~ is a Good Timing Upper Midwestern outfit from the beautiful city of Minneapolis, MN. Lead by Mike Lee and Abbey Janli - this group blends the traditions of American music with the rhythms of a Honky-Tonk night - featuring tight harmonies - infectious grooves and a sound that'll have you coming back for another helping.

9pm The Cult of Percolation~ weird, fun indie rock in the B52's vein of it all.

10pm Redwing Blackbird~ Every field of Human Achievement has it's Straight-to-the-Toppers, it's Hot-Shooters, it's Best of the Best. This internet website represents the 99th percentile of the 99th percentile of Regional Country Music. There’s simply none better.

11pm Christopher Vondracek~ his solo debut record, Rattlesnake Summer: The Musical, a sonic tour through the state of South Dakota, inspired by a poetry collection of the same name he published in 2020. Vondracek plays piano and sings in the band, backed by friends and family.

12am Cowboy Thoughts~ a new saucy country band covering the classics!

The Burney Sisters Feat. Ryan David Young & special guest Jed LaPlant at The Amsterdam

The Burney Sisters, comprised of sisters Emma (16) and Bella (14) Burney create music with a maturity and emotional intelligence that belies their age. They write keen and knowing songs while arranging for multiple instruments and structuring unique and resonant harmonies. The result-personal and penetrating music that both connects with and captivates their listener. Their soul nurturing sibling harmonies and tunes are reminiscent of The Avett Brothers, First Aid Kit, Lake Street Dive, The Staves, and Joseph.

Lenz & Frenz at 331 Club

Lenz & Frenz
(Certain members of Pert Near Sandstone, Farmhouse Band, San Souci Quartet, Row of Ducks)

Luke Callen at 331 Club

Harold’s House Party on KFAI
Luke Callen

Carter Winter at Turf Club

With a rich baritone voice and a talent for crafting engaging lyrical stories, singer/songwriter Carter Winter is quickly becoming established as one of the most brilliant new singer/songwriters in country music.

Called "country music’s modern traditionalist," Carter Winter connects with an audience through a fresh sound that like Carter himself, is surprisingly familiar, yet raw and honest. Winter has been influenced by living a life on the edge, but having the wherewithal to share life’s ups and downs through songs. As a creative talent, he has always been compelled to do what he does, even if there’s no fallback option. When it’s all said and done, the challenges are what makes the music stand out.

The Infernos & The Gated Community at 331 Club

The Infernos 
The Gated Community