Cafe Carpe

PAUL CEBAR/ JOHN STANO- SOLD OUT
2025-03-14 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Go to the ticket link below if you want to add yourself to the waiting list.
SUPER BROTHER-IN-LAW TAG-OFF as PAUL CEBAR and JOHN STANO cast their songs back and forth.

Singer/songwriter JOHN STANO’s sound is a distinctive blend of acoustic and slide guitar, stellar rack harmonica, expressive vocals and insightful songwriting developed over many years of performance and study. He sometimes adds a little mandolin, cigar box guitar or banjo to the mix as well. His style can be described as a combination of Folk, Americana and Country Blues. Initially self-taught, John went on to study American fingerstyle guitar at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and harmonica with national blues legend, Jim Liban.
PAUL CEBAR’s “voice has warmed Milwaukee’s ears while on stage and on the airwaves at WMSE, where he regularly hosts a Wednesday morning show featuring an eclectic, all-vinyl mix. His bands The Milwaukeeans and Tomorrow Sound — as well as his earliest project, The R&B Cadets — have garnered plenty of well-earned attention.
He’s worked with notable musicians like John and Mike Sieger, Willy Porter, Robyn Pluer, Peter Mulvey, Juli Wood, Mike Fredrickson, Reggie Bordeaux and Bob Schneider, serving up soulful sounds infused with worldly appeal. ”
“Paul Cebar is a masterful synthesist of rhythmic culture.”

LONESOME BILL CAMPLIN
2025-03-08 20:00
Trying a ticket link this time since Bill was so popular last show.. reach out if that bothers you.
“….consummate guitar, voice, and lyrics, and with a mix of folk and rock-influenced tunes. And an awesome sense of humor.”

ACOUSTIC OPEN STAGE
2025-03-07 18:30 - 20:30
This is an acoustic open stage, sound system set up in advance, just stand up and play.
Share your songs (or stories- storytellers welcome) in a two song (think 7-9 minutes) rotation with whoever else is there to play, being respectful of others.
Please support our business by buying drink and/or food.

CHRISTINE LAVIN
2025-02-28 20:00
Witty, songwriter-storyteller with a flair for the creative, the dramatic, and the humorous.
“CHRISTINE LAVIN is the Folk World’s long reigning Queen of the Intelligently Absurd. The title of one of her earlier albums, “I Don’t Make This Stuff Up, I just Make it Rhyme” says it all. She has an eye for the ironic and the absurd in the news and everyday life, and puts it into song. She dresses it all up in skillful guitar work, electronic loops and wonderful gimmicks like baton twirling. Ya gotta love her.” -NJ Morristown Patch
Buy tickets following bio.
Christine started her professional life as a waitress/bread baker at the Caffe Lena in SaratogaSprings, NY in 1975 where she met Dave Van Ronk who encouraged her to study guitar with him in NYC. She took his advice and is now a singer/songwriter/guitarist/recording artist/author/videographer based in New York City.

Her latest solo album, her 25th, ON MY WAY TO HOOTERVILLE, includes 10 new songs and one re-worked song, “Ramblin’ Waltz,” a re-telling of her time in 1975 when she was an entourage driver for the first week of Bob Dylan’s iconic “Rolling Thunder Revue” tour.

In 2023 Christine released “THE SEASONS PROJECT,” an 80-song seasonal compilation that features the work of 63 American, Canadian, British, and Irish singer/songwriters, along with 480 digital pages of information on all the artists. She hopes it will introduce folklorists and music historians of the future to true musical artists of the last part of the 20th century and first part of the 21st century, not just the ones who make the most money.

In 2024 she is completing her 26th solo album, DRUM SCHOOL DROPOUT, which she hopes to release in the fall.

In February 2024 nine of Christine’s songs appeared in the off-Broadway musical “InunDATED” sung by Broadway star Sierra Boggess. “inunDATED” is written by playwright Alice Scovell.

In September 2019 Christine spent a month at the artist retreat Yaddo in Saratoga Springs. Three of the songs she wrote there are included on her latest HOOTERVILLE album. In April 2019 she was inducted into the Rochester, NY Music Hall of Fame along with Al Jardine of The Beach Boys. She received a 2012 Nightlife Award given annually to the best concert and cabaret performers in New York City. In November 2011, her book COLD PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST: A MEM-WHA?? (Tell Me Press, New Haven) won the 43rd Annual ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for excellence in writing about music. Christine has also won five ASCAP Composer Awards, The Kate Wolf Memorial Award, and her album Good Thing He Can’t Read My Mind won Album of The Year from the National Association of Independent Record Distributors.

She has produced ten compilations, and so far, these compilations have showcased songs of 100 songwriters whose work she admires. The food-themed compilation, ONE MEAT BALL, includes a 96-page cook booklet that Christine edited — songs and recipes by Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Dave Van Ronk, and many more, including a surprise appearance by international — and now late — gigastar Dame Edna, Christine’s idol (sigh).

For four years she hosted “Slipped Disks” on XM satellite radio, playing CDs slipped to her backstage by compatriots, and was occasion guest host for City Folk Sunday Supper on WFUV-FM at Fordham University. She also writes freelance for various publications (The Washington Post, Huffington Post, St. Petersburg Times, Performing Songwriter, and Delta “Sky” Magazine). Her song AMOEBA HOP is a science/music book by illustrator Betsy Franco Feeney (Puddle Jump Press), receiving the stamp of approval from The International Society of Protistologists, and a “Best Book Award” from The American Association for The Advancement of Science.

THE PLUTO FILES: THE RISE AND FALL OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE PLANET (W.W. Norton) by Neil deGrasse Tyson, head of the Hayden Planetarium in NYC, includes the complete lyrics to Christine’s song “Planet X,” which details Pluto’s history and planetary status debate in rhyme. Neil included Christine in a live concert event at The Beacon Theater in NYC, “Comedians & Astronomers,” and his voice is on that recording, her 23rd album, SPAGHETTIFICATION.

Christine performs concerts all over the US, Canada, and points beyond (Australia, Germany, Israel), often hosting knitting circles and Downton Abbey-style napkin folding backstage at each show. Songs of hers have been performed by artists as diverse as Broadway stars Betty Buckley, Sutton Foster, Karen Ziemba, Klea Blackhurst, cabaret divas Andrea Marcovicci. Barbara Brussell, and Colleen McHugh, the a cappella Dartmouth Decibelles, and The Accidentals, winners of the National Harmony Sweepstakes Championship.

On A Winter’s Night, her first seasonal compilation project, (20 artists) became a four-artist national tour that first hit the road back in January 1991 and was a five-artist tour that hit the road November 2019, including Christine, Cliff Eberhardt, Patty Larkin, Cheryl Wheeler, and John Gorka — only to be abruptly sidelined by the pandemic on March 12, 2020.

LATEST PROJECTS: Christine started creating videos for her songs in 2011, and now creates them for other artists (including Michael Feinstein, Noel Paul Stookey, Janis Ian, Judy Collins, Craig Werth, Julie Gold, David Ippolito, and others).

Even more at www.christinelavin.com

THE RAMBLIN' KIND/ Looper and Hoss
2025-02-22 20:30 - 22:30
THE RAMBLIN’ KIND is a classic Country & Western band from Milwaukee & Madison, featuring the fabulous RUTHIE MCQUINN of the Krause Family Band on vocals and fiddle.
Blues duo LOOPER & HOSS will do an opening set. For over 20 years, this electrifying blues duo has been captivating audiences across southeastern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and all the way down to the heart of the Mississippi Delta. With a deep passion for the blues and an engaging stage presence, they deliver soulful, high-energy performances that leave a lasting impression.
Brian “Looper” Lucas commands the stage with his fiery harmonica playing and charismatic frontman energy, while Dan “Hoss” Smelter brings raw emotion and masterful technique to the guitar. His dynamic playing and boundary-pushing songwriting breathe fresh life into the blues tradition.
Together, they create a memorable musical experience, blending authenticity with innovation. Whether you’re a longtime blues fan or a newcomer to the genre, their music will move you.

MAXIMIANO/ THE SPINE STEALERS
2025-02-21 20:30
BUY TICKETS following bios:
MAXIMINAO’s music is rarely about just one emotion, moment, or person. Their debut album, “The Real Truth,” instead explores the way that experience flows through periods of growth and change. The songs shimmer, echo, and glide through tales of memory and identity that Piet Levy of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel called “one of the most piercing and emotionally resonant collections of songs from a Milwaukee artist of the year… a towering achievement.” With this ringing endorsement, The Journal Sentinel ranked “The Real Truth” as the 3rd Best Milwaukee Album of 2024.
The album, which Maximiano wrote, produced, arranged, recorded, and mixed, is adorned with a variety of sounds; piano, pedal steel, flute, clarinet, and more elevate the americana-folk core. With an all-star band of Milwaukee musicians (including members of Field Report, PHOX, Old Pup, and Ellie Jackson), the vulnerable songs swell to cathartic, indie-rock peaks. Riding the waves of this folkestra, Maximiano sings tenderly but urgently about taking chances, missed opportunities, and reevaluating memories. The result is a flowing, expressive sound that, according to Erin Wolf, music director at 88.9 Radio Milwaukee, “captures the beauty that often comes from the newfound wisdom accrued in your stumbling, youngest years.”“The Real Truth” is a lush, courageous, and ambitious first record from an artist poised to take up the lineage of earnest, folk-influenced singer-songwriters. Though their music will appeal to fans of Adrianne Lenker, Songs:Ohia, Sufjan Stevens, and Elliott Smith, the real truth is that there is no one quite like Maximiano.

THE SPINE STEALERS are a two-gal duo making “spooky folk” influenced by the north-wood Wisconsin pines, 24/7 truck stop diners, heartbreak and dark lakes. Kate and Emma started learning guitar together around bonfires in their shared hometown during the height of the pandemic, soon writing songs inspired by lonesome winters, the heartaches of nostalgia and broken ideas of love. The duo started frequenting open mics in July of 2022, which led them to a whirlwind first year as performers. It began with opening for Dead Horses at Madison’s Majestic Theater for Folk Fest 2023, then winning the 2023 Blue Ox Music Festival Virtual Band Competition, and releasing their first ever EP, “River Teeth Tapes” in July, 2023. 2024 brought the release of several singles, a feature in DAYBREAK magazine, and most proudly, the recording of their debut album “If the Sky Falls, Beyond the Sidewalks”, released in October, 2024.

LONESOME BILL CAMPLIN
2025-02-15 20:00
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats and to let us know if you are likely to dine here that night.
BILL CAMPLIN is back! Just when you thought you were safe from “his consummate guitar, voice, and lyrics, and with a mix of folk and rock-influenced tunes. And an awesome sense of humor.”
Bill is lonesome for his fans, however many, however few.

THE BOSTON IMPOSTERS
2025-02-14 20:00
Ticket link follows bio:
THE BOSTON IMPOSTERS are a husband-wife singer-songwriter duo and music educators based in Southeast Wisconsin. Davey Harrison and Maire (pronounced like Mary) Clement began collaborating many years prior, but their duo was officially founded during their time living as Midwestern Imposters in Boston. The duo blend beautiful harmonies, accompanied by acoustic guitar, mandolin, and banjo to craft heartfelt original songs. Inspired by traditional, classic and contemporary folk music, The Boston Imposters write about their lives and experiences, inspired by the people who have been a part of their journey.
“Hearkening back to the traditional folk duos of the 1950s and 1960s, The Boston Imposters represent the genre at its most pure: two capable voices, supported by sparse-yet-effective instrumentation, working together to earnestly share stories anyone can relate to.” – Elena See, FolkAlley.com

SATCHEL PAIGE
2025-02-08 20:00
#1 son, initiating our new stage.

CLOSED JANUARY 4 thru FEBRUARY 5
2025-01-05 08:00 - 2025-02-06 11:30
We are closed for the month of January, and will reopen on Thursday February 6.
“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” – Paul Theroux

CORKY SIEGEL & not ERNIE WATTS- read text
2025-01-04 20:15
DAY OF SHOW UPDATE: Ernie Watts will not be performing tonight, as he does not feel well.
Corky feels fine and will put on a fine solo performance.
He has been with Ernie and exposed unknowingly to whatever he may have.
A two-night run with these two greats: more bio info and video clip follows ticket link.
“Ernie Watts is one of the greatest living tenor saxophonists, at the top of his game.” Ian Patterson / All About Jazz
Two-time Grammy Award winner ERNIE WATTS is one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players in music. CORKY SIEGEL “is a piano and harmonica virtuoso of remarkable invention and wit.” – Billboard Magazine He is a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement awarded artist that Downbeat Magazine calls: “A national treasure.”

Corky and Ernie met in India as part of Global Fusion, an international touring company comprised of music visionaries from every part of the globe. What happens when these two extraordinary friends come together in one intimate setting? Ernie says: “We’ll rearrange your chromosomes!”
This will be a special concert where Ernie and Corky will share short tidbits of their unique adventures. Ernie toured with The Rolling Stones for 3 months, was part of the Johnny Carson Tonight Show Band for 20 years, and recorded with everyone from Cannonball Adderly to Frank Zappa. Corky toured with George Carlin for 3 years, and was part of the epic blues/rock explosion that included Janis Joplin, Santana, Hendrix and others.

CORKY SIEGEL & ERNIE WATTS- kickin' in the new year
2025-01-03 20:30
A two-night run with these two greats: video clip at bottom of page
“Ernie Watts is one of the greatest living tenor saxophonists, at the top of his game.” Ian Patterson / All About Jazz
Two-time Grammy Award winner ERNIE WATTS is one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players in music. CORKY SIEGEL “is a piano and harmonica virtuoso of remarkable invention and wit.” – Billboard Magazine He is a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement awarded artist that Downbeat Magazine calls: “A national treasure.” More bios follow ticket link:

Corky and Ernie met in India as part of Global Fusion, an international touring company comprised of music visionaries from every part of the globe. What happens when these two extraordinary friends come together in one intimate setting? Ernie says: “We’ll rearrange your chromosomes!”
This will be a special concert where Ernie and Corky will share short tidbits of their unique adventures. Ernie toured with The Rolling Stones for 3 months, was part of the Johnny Carson Tonight Show Band for 20 years, and recorded with everyone from Cannonball Adderly to Frank Zappa. Corky toured with George Carlin for 3 years, and was part of the epic blues/rock explosion that included Janis Joplin, Santana, Hendrix and others.

CLOSED JANUARY 1 & 2
2025-01-01 08:00 - 2025-01-03 11:30
We will be closed on New Year’s Day and the day following. Reopening Friday January 3 at 11:30.

CHRIS HANSON BAND NY EVE afternoon
2024-12-31 15:00 - 20:00
PACKAGE DEAL SOLD OUT– Some tickets for just the show may still be available. ($40) Here is the link for show only
We are again doing our annual New Year’s Eve music and dinner package with a twist- an afternoon meal followed by a 5:30 show to get everyone home early. Entree options, to be chosen when you buy tickets, are seafood jambalaya (gluten free, dairy free) or puff pastry chicken a la Carpe.
Anyone with dietary restrictions should contact us to see if we can accommodate you. (cafecarpe@sbcglobal.net)
Doors will open at 3:00, and we will begin serving at 3:30. Seats will be assigned for the show and likely for the dinner. Depending on sales, we may be contacting you with a specific meal time to accommodate feeding everyone comfortably.
The package price includes the meal, dessert and coffee, dinner tip, and the fabulous show. Your drinks will be put on a tab for you to pay at the break. Chris Hanson band info follows the ticket link.

If you’ve ever watched TV you’ve heard CHRIS HANSON‘s music. Founder of MidCoast Music’s Catalog through Warner Chappell PM Chris’s compositions have been on 20/20, The Super Bowl, Sex and the City, he Sopranos and countless other shows. Growing up in Waukesha and carrying on in the tradition of Les Paul Chris loves the guitar and has produced albums for Greg Koch, John Sieger, Pat McCurdy and has led several bands of his own -The Agents, Nine Volt Jubilee and The Chris Hanson Band.
ROBIN PLUER is a perennial WAMI Award winner a for best female vocalist. A gifted entertainer who audiences love everywhere she performs. Robin was an original member of the R&B Cadets with Paul Cebar and John Sieger and has performed with Milwaukee’s own Mrs. Fun and numerous others. Robin combines French chansons, jazz standards with contemporary songs and has been a top draw at Milwaukee’s Bastille Days for years.
GLENN ASCH has been a violinist for the Milwaukee Symphony for over 30 years but his talents go deep into all music genres. From jazz, bluegrass and rock to the deepest ethnic roots found in Indian, Irish and Eastern music. Glenn beat the devil and challenges anyone to raise a bow against him ! There are no survivors.
They don’t make them like this anymore. JOHN PARROT is the rock of the band and the very definition of rhythm guitar. Playing an 18″ arch top John is a drum set that plays chords. Having played for years with Jethro Burns, Chet Atkins and Chuck Hedges, John brings the authority of a player who has gigged with the best.
JOHN BABBITT is one of Milwaukee’s most active double bass performers having worked with Manty Ellis, Chuck Hedges and David Hazeltine. John has worked with numerous Midwest Symphonic Orchestras including Rockford, Oshkosh, Green Bay and Milwaukee’s own MSO.

STILL NO TOMATOES/ CHRIS HAISE
2024-12-28 20:00
These two acts will share the evening, with Chris Haise starting. Ticket link follows bios.
STILL NO TOMATOES are a Hodgepop trio featuring Jeff Stehr, Mike Lizzo and Mark Walczynski. They blend diverse musical enthusiasms with inventive instrumentation. From folk rock to one drop, this eclectic ensemble connects the dots between genres, illuminating and exploring the terrain between imagination and expectation. Their new three song EP, Demo Listen Derby (2024) careens between the beautiful balladry of Warning Sign to the funky folk rock feel of the provocatively titled F@#king Old Men.
PRESS…“… that night, the band came across as triumphantly new. Perhaps it is the orchestration that allowed for this impression. When was the last time you heard a ukulele and trombone duet? When they sang together, their voices were intervallically close; the sound soft and certain. Lizzo played his baritone gently, as if loudly would have been impolite. They took water from the fountain of diverse experience and dipped into a deep pool of genres. What to call it? Currently, they describe their music as “Hodgepop”. This is accurate. Stehr takes generously from the songbook of his experience, plays around with the hodgepodge he finds and writes music that ranges from the witty to the poetic. Despite the inpatience of its name, Still No Tomatoes are ripe for the table.”— Jonathan Brodie, Cream City Grub blog –
Milwaukee based singer songwriter CHRIS HAISE leads the CHRIS HAISE BAND through a diverse repertoire of hook filled ballads and toe tappers. Mixing folk and rock, Haise’s vocals have been described as Dylan meets Springsteen meets Petty, while his lyrics have been described as “smart new songwriting” and “intense, thoughtful songcraft”. Sporting an indie rock feel with pop undertones Haise’s music will get stuck in your head for days.
PRESS…“… The Chris Haise Band’s latest album, “Busy People” (2024), released this week, is a captivating blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics. With a mix of folk, rock, and Americana influences, the band shines on this record, anchored by previous singles “Bric-a-brac” and “I Don’t Listen to Love Songs.” On the title track, Haise assumes the stature of a tenured songwriter, reflecting on the world and the people that simply don’t have time to slow down for him or anyone. The piano takes center stage on much of this record, with heartfelt ballads that achieve anthemic heights more often than not. “Busy People” is a record worth slowing down for.”— Alan Halas, Breaking & Entering, Milwaukee

KRAUSE FAMILY BAND
2024-12-27 20:15
You are in for a treat with the great KRAUSE FAMILY BAND– father Rick Krause (guitar and vocals), daughters Katie (vocals) & Ruthie (violin and vocals), accompanied by Scott Wright on piano.
Original music and cover tunes ranging from Bob Wills to the Reverend Al Green to the Mills Brothers to Tom Waits sung in close family harmony- talent in abundance.

CLOSED DECEMBER 25 & 26
2024-12-25 08:00 - 2024-12-27 11:30
You may not be surprised that we will be closed on December 25 & 26.

ERNIE HENDRICKSON
2024-12-21 20:30
Bio follows ticket link:

Hailing from Shullsburg, Wisconsin, ERNIE HENDRICKSON is a voice of American roots music, influenced by icons like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and Jerry Garcia. His 2007 solo record, Down the Road, which the Illinois Entertainer deemed “Groundbreaking,” pushed him onto the Midwest’s radar as an emerging singer-songwriter. His second and third records, ‘Walking with Angels’ and ‘One For the Dreamers,’ found him working with industry veterans Bo Ramsey (Lucinda Williams, Greg Brown) and Chad Cromwell (Neil Young, Mark Knopfler), respectively. Roll On,’ was released in the summer of 2019 and was recorded in Chicago by producer Brian Deck (Counting Crows, Iron, and Wine).
He has played stages from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to the Living Room in New York City and all points in between, and his songs have been in regular rotation at over 100 different radio stations across the country. Each performance is a unique exploration of melody and spirit, a must-see for any music lover.
Come help him celebrate the release of his new album, “Live at Cafe Carpe,” recorded here in December 2023!

CASH BOX KINGS
2024-12-20 20:15
Alligator Recording artists the CASH BOX KINGS are bona fide blues royalty. Co-led by real-deal Chicago blues vocalist and songwriter OSCAR WILSON and songwriter, harmonica giant and singer JOE NOSEK, the band plays masterfully raw and unvarnished houserocking blues. Wilson’s huge, gritty vocals and Nosek’s powerhouse harmonica fuel their razor-sharp original songs. BILLY FLYNN will be making it a trio with his masterful guitar playing.
Mixing tough Chicago and Delta blues, jumping proto-rock ‘n’ roll, and steamrolling “bluesabilly” (their original mix of Chicago blues and Memphis rockabilly), they attack every song they play with contemporary authority and old school authenticity. With their top shelf musicianship and trademark good humor, the Cash Box Kings are a one-of-a-kind blues band. In the words of MOJO magazine, the band is “flawless.”

THE DONJUANS "Snow, Snow, Snow Show"
2024-12-19 20:00
By their name you might assume that The DONJUANS rely merely on their good looks. However, you will be impressed to know that the group includes two GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriters, DON HENRY and JON VEZNER. Their song, “Where’ve You Been” (recorded by Kathy Mattea) was the first song in country music history to sweep all major song of the year honors including the GRAMMY®, ACM®, CMA, and the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International (NSAI) awards.
Fuller bios follow ticket link:

“Jon Vezner writes about the details, the details of our hearts and feelings. His gift is in speaking to these ordinary things which connect us to one another. And in recognizing their simple beauty, he transforms them into something extraordinary.”  Mary-Chapin Carpenter
“The crowd was won over by [Don Henry] this guy and his guitar. Long may he write.”
​ – Dirty Linen
Grammy award-winning songwriter, Nashville based, JON VEZNER is a tunesmith of rare sensitivity and dry wit. His catalogue of recorded songs, topped by the poignant “Where’ve You Been,” reflects his straight-to-the heart sensibility and emotional awareness. Vezner weaves the particulars of his own feelings with the lives of people he has known into universal themes that deeply touch listeners’ emotions.
Vezner was honored with a Grammy for “Best Country Song” and the Nashville Songwriters Association “Song of the Year” in 1990, for “Where’ve You Been”, the true story of Vezner’s grandparents, co-written with Don Henry, and recorded by Kathy Mattea. “Where’ve You Been” was also honored as “Song of the Year” by the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM).
Jon’s catalogue of songs reads like a songbook itself, interpreted and recorded by the greats in the business as varied as the songs themselves; artists such as Martina McBride, Janis Ian, John Mellencamp, Nancy Griffith, Faith Hill, Clay Walker, Diamond Rio and Native American recording artist, Bill Miller. Other co-penned songs recorded by Kathy Mattea include “A Few Good Things Remain,” “Time Passes By,” “Whole Lotta Holes,” “Slow Boat,” “Who’s Gonna Know,” “All Roads to the River,” “The Innocent Years,” “Calling My Name,” “Trust Me,” and most recently the touching ballad “Ashes in the Wind.” Singles written by Vezner include “If I Didn’t Love You” by Steve Warriner, “Has Anybody Seen Amy” by John and Audrey Wiggins, “Then What” by Clay Walker, and “You’re Gone” by Diamond Rio.
Born in Minnesota, Jon Vezner began his musical career as lead singer and bassist in high school, going on to earn a B.A. degree in music education and music theory at Minnesota Southwest State University in the mid 70′s. Vezner’s preparation as a music educator was well earned, but songwriting was and remains his main interest, the next logical step in his career led him to Nashville in the 80′s.
Graduating with a B.A degree has also led to another labor of love, producing CD projects and earning a growing list of production credits with artists such as Danny O’Keefe, Victoria Shaw, and singing legend Patti Page.
Grammy Award winner DON HENRY ‘s songs have been recorded by legends like: Ray Charles, Patti Page and Conway Twitty, By country crooners like: Gene Watson, John Conlee and B.J. Thomas, By young hit makers of today like: Blake Shelton, Lonestar and Miranda Lambert….and the list goes on.
And he’s shared the stage with performers as diverse as Joey Ramone to Keith Urban.
The wit and wisdom of Don’s songs are widely renowned whether it’s campfire favorites, the hilarious “B.F.D.” and biker lullaby “Harley”, to the wonderfully poignant tribute to Martin Luther King “Beautiful Fool”, and of course his Grammy Award winning country classic “Where’ve You Been”.

SHITUNAUTS- Sunday
2024-12-15 18:00
Last night of a 4 night run. Showtime is 6:00. We will open at 4, and are serving food.
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY BILL CAMPLIN RANDY SABIEN

SHITUNAUTS- Saturday
2024-12-14 20:15
Third show of a 4 day run.
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY BILL CAMPLIN RANDY SABIEN

SHITUNAUTS- Friday
2024-12-13 20:30
Second show of a 4 day run.
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY BILL CAMPLIN SATCHEL PAIGE
(Randy Sabien has a prior commitment but will become the 4th beetle for the Saturday and Sunday shows.)

SHITUNAUTS Thursday
2024-12-12 20:00
First show of a 4 day run.
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY BILL CAMPLIN KATIE DAHL
(Randy Sabien has a prior commitment but will become the 4th beetle for the Saturday and Sunday shows.)

WHITNEY MANN/ HAYWARD WILLIAMS
2024-12-07 20:30
Bios follow ticket link. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show

As a girl, WHITNEY MANN dreamed of a life in Country music. “I daydreamed all day, every day, of singing songs that I wrote in front of thousands of people,” she says. At the age of four, she began writing her own songs, and two decades later she realized her version of success by opening shows for legends like Willie Nelson, George Jones, and Loretta Lynn on big country stages and in theaters throughout the Midwest.
Whitney put down her guitar to raise a family. But songwriting is in her bones. It’s an itch that will perpetually need to be scratched. Her old songs are about love and truth and heartbreak. And to listen to her new material, you’ll realize that she’s stayed true to form – except now she’s looking for a fight.
HAYWARD WILLIAMS is a veteran singer/songwriter from Milwaukee, WI.
Growing up in Wisconsin in the 80’s and 90’s convinced Hayward Williams to search for something more out there in the world. Foregoing higher education, he joined a band and learned much about what to do and what not to do in the Midwest music scene. Playing in pubs for many years , getting thick skin and finding a notably sharp tongue, avenues opened up to Williams. Headlining European tours, major US festivals and a few trips to Australia later, Hayward has carved out an impressive niche in the folk music business.

BEATS WORKIN'
2024-12-05 19:30
Though not unique it is no less true that ‘BEATS WORKIN’ is the outgrowth of a series of jam sessions attended by 5 guys who love traditional bluegrass music, while believing that the genre is not set in stone, and that through the joy of making music, tasteful and creative contributions are waiting to be discovered (We think Bill would be proud!). As we each looked at the other 4 and concluded those guys are near-irreplaceable, the transition to a band seemed quite natural.
Band bio follows ticket link:

THE BAND:

VIKTOR BRUSUBARDIS– bass, vocals
Viktor began performing on the bass in the spring of 2021, joining members ofChicken Wire Empire, The Milbillies, and co-founding the Milwaukee bluegrass band “SugarBush”. He has shared the stage with artists Dead Horses, Chicken Wire Empire, Billy Bronsted (Billy Bronsted and the Bluegrass Buddies), Mike Mangione (Mike Mangione and the Kin), and others. Viktor enjoys exploring different genres including Jazz, Classical, Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, and Old Time Music. While Viktor is not playing the bass he performs as a classical cellist in Milwaukee’s Festival City Symphony and teaches cello in the Milwaukee YouthSymphony Orchestra’s Progressions program. During his summers he participates in festivalssuch as the Musiques et Vignes en Confluence festival in the Loire Valley of France, the Gott istgut festival in Struppen Germany, Latvian Song and Dance Festivals in Canada and the United
States, and other local festivals. Currently, Viktor regularly performs with groups Beats Workin’,
Sugar Bush, Milwaukee Hotclub, and Cream City Hotclub.

KEN FINKEL Banjo and vocals
Ken got involved in Bluegrass while at the University of Rochester (NY), Largely self-taught, he made his way to Cincinnati where he met Dede Wyland and Jim Price through mutual friends. During a gig in Chicago, they came down along with Peter Knupfer and Dan Crownover. Turned out they formed Grass, Food, and Lodging. In their five years together, they built a strong regional following and gained national recognition, appearing on the Prairie Home Companion, and many prestigious festivals around the country. Following GF&L, Ken had his own booking agency,
representing Bluegrass, Roots, Blues, and Irish musicians and doing event booking and stage management- Summerfest, Bastillle Days, etc. A long career in the software industry followed. The passion for Bluegrass was reignited when GF&L had reunions in 2013 and 2015.

PETER ROLLER- Dobro
Peter is a longtime performer and composer of fingerstyle and slide guitar music. In the ‘80s he was main accompanist for 1st generation bluesman Yank Rachell, acting as Producer and playing guitar on his Grammy-nominated Blues Mandolin Man album. In the ‘90’s Roller’s original lap slide instrumental Rancho Mirage was included on the popular compilation Masters of Acoustic Guitar, while he also performed and recorded with dance band Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans, gospel quartet The Masonic Wonders, and Violent Femmes bassist Brian Richie. After retiring as Professor Emeritus of Music from Alverno College, Roller returned to his early love for Bluegrass and old-time Country Dobro, writing adventuresome pieces and performing with eclectic band The Resonators along with Beats Workin.’

JOHN STINEMAN- Mandolin, vocals
Growing up in Wabash, IN , John was introduced to Bluegrass music by the many people who migrated from Appalachia for employment. Upon witnessing an exceptional flat picker in the local music store he decided he could “do that “, bought a guitar and commenced. After refining his musicianship and moving to Florida he founded The Kitchen
Table Boys, his first success in music .He eventually became a member of Big Timber Bluegrass, a long time Orlando based band that had been founded by Chubby Anthony, who had fiddled with the Stanley Brothers, and later featured frequent guest appearances by Chubby Wise, legendary fiddler with Bill Monroe in the late 1940’s. Upon moving to Asheville , NC in 2001 he co-founded One Leg Up, a five piece swing ensemble that toured the Southeast until 2019.
During the pandemic John relocated to Northern Illinois and has returned to playing Bluegrass music, concentrating on mandolin, as a member of Beats Workin.’

JERRY WICENTOWSKI– Guitar, lead vocals
As a teenager growing up in New York City, Jerry was inspired to sing Bluegrass music by the performances of first-generation artists. His high clear voice carries on the tradition of the pioneers of Bluegrass, but his singing is far from a pale imitation or carbon copy of those early greats. Jerry’s performances have uniqueness, depth of feeling, and most important, respect and reverence for the music. He revisited the material of one of his early inspirations in his most recent CD tribute to Mac Wiseman entitled, ‘Thanks, Mac!’. Mac himself praised Jerry’s work saying, “Jerry, I’m very flattered by your interpretation of my material and I think it’s a wonderful piece of work! I heartily endorse it, and I’m very pleased that you’re carrying on my legacy.” In October 2019, just prior the pandemic, Jerry featured material from his recording on the stage of the historic Station Inn in Nashville.

JOHNSMITH
2024-11-30 20:00 - 22:00
JOHNSMITH is one of those artists so often under-recognized – he possesses a genius that cannot be denied, ignored, or overlooked. For the past forty-plus years, Johnsmith has been sharing his music all across America and abroad. He has become a favorite at festivals, clubs, and house concerts alike. In addition to being a Kerrville New Folk Winner, Johnsmith has released nine solo CDs to rave reviews, leads musical tours to Ireland, leads Idaho rafting trips, teaches songwriting, and has served as a staff songwriter in Nashville.

With his faded jeans, his twinkly blue eyes, and his infectious smile, John immediately connects with audiences. You get the sense of a man who loves his life, his family and friends, and who loves nothing more than sharing that love in song and stories all across this land.

LOST SOULS
2024-11-29 19:45
They always push to start the show earlier, but that can only happen if you get here early and allow enough time (at least an hour) for our very small kitchen to feed you. We set the time at 7:45, BUT will start the show only when all who came at a reasonable time to allow for eating have been fed. We will limit the menu in order to feed people faster.
Bio follows ticket link:

The LOST SOULS are Looper Lucas & Greg Valde (with some surprise musical guests if we’re lucky). These two have been playing together around these parts for over 25 years – under an array of monikers. You may have known them as “What’s his name & the other guy,” “Devil in the Outhouse,” or “Syd Hartha & the Monkeyminds.” Folks often ask if they are twins, but they’re not. Fun fact: same sperm, different mothers. As for music, expect some stirring and rousing americana, blues, country, and humor.
“Sure it’s juvenile and irreverent, but if you drink enough it’s not that bad.”
(anonymous satisfied customer)

LIMITED THANKSGIVING WEEK HOURS
2024-11-27 08:00 - 2024-11-29 16:30
We will closed Wednesday the 27th and Thanksgiving Thursday the 28th, as well as Friday lunch.
Reopening at 4:30 on Friday November 29.
Our daughter will be home, and that is a good enough excuse for us.

SISTASTRINGS
2024-11-24 18:00
The Ross sisters are back in Wisconsin for some larger shows at Stoughton Opera House (sold out) and the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, and asked if they could do a show here. We had to think about it for a second.
So happy we are to have them return.
Tickets are likely to sell quickly. If you already have tickets for one of the shows mentioned above, please give others a shot at seeing them.
We will open at 4:00 with a petite menu which will be shared in advance of the show via e-mail.
SISTASTRINGS
