Cafe Carpe

BILL CAMPLIN/ TRICIA ALEXANDER/ ALPHA STEWART
2018-07-07 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
TRICIA ALEXANDER and BILL CAMPLIN will swap songs, and percussionist ALPHA STEWART will accompany them.
Joy-filled, uplifting and inspiring are some of the words used to describe Tricia’s music and performance – which ranges from soothing and deeply spiritual to social commentary and humor. She moves between jazz, blues and folk, spoken word & music, original compositions re-interpreted cover tunes – and she does it all with seamless grace.
Bill has been known to do some quick pivots between a few genres himself. Join the genre-jumpin’ fun.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

TRACY GRAMMER
2018-07-12 20:00 - 22:30
TRACY GRAMMER is one of contemporary folk music’s most beloved artists. Though she is widely renowned for her springwater-clear alto, perfectly intoned violin, and guitar playing that is by turns percussive and delicate, Grammer’s stories, often described as “incantations,” add a rare mixture of vulnerability, intimacy, and hard-won insight to Grammer’s performances,. As one fan puts it, “With Tracy, it’s never just about the music; it’s a soul journey.”
Tracy rose to acclaim as half of the “postmodern, mythic American folk” duo, Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer. From 1998-2001, the duo released three internationally celebrated, folk chart-topping albums featuring Carter’s mytho-poetic Americana songcraft and in 2002, toured with Joan Baez, both as featured artists and Baez’s band members. Called “the new voice of modern folk music,” the duo was clearly in its ascendancy when in July 2002, Carter suffered a fatal heart attack mid-tour. He was 49; Grammer, 34.
Determined to honor the duo’s journey and bring Carter’s songs, and those of other favorite writers, to broader audiences, Grammer kept to the road, releasing solo recordings and selections from the duo’s archives, including 2012’s LITTLE BLUE EGG (Red House Records), which was not only the #1 most-played album on Folk Radio in 2012, but also landed the duo at the top of the folk charts internationally as the #1 most-played artists with that year’s #1 most-played song.
Grammer is currently building a tour to celebrate the release of LOW TIDE, her first album of original songs. “I’ve been a writer all my life, but it was never my intention to be a songwriter,” she says. “However, the road has curves we can’t see at the outset of the journey. At some point along the path, writing songs became the most effective medicine for the pains and unresolved questions of my life. LOW TIDE is an album of revelations, confessions, questions, and ultimately healing. I am proud of the writing and utterly thrilled with the sounds. I took risks. I tried new approaches. I told the truth, and delivered my multitudes. My eleventh album is the first one that really sounds like me.” Co-produced with long-time touring partner Jim Henry, LOW TIDE was released January 19, 2018 on Grammer’s own label, Tracy Grammer Music.
In addition to touring, Grammer is the director of the Dave Carter Legacy Project. Her publishing company, Tracy Grammer Music, administers licenses for Carter’s catalog of music. She is working on a memoir about her journey with, and beyond, Dave Carter.
“A brilliant artist and unique individual. Her voice is distinctive, as is her mastery over the instruments she plays.” – Joan Baez
“One of the finest pure musicians anywhere in folkdom.” – The Boston Globe
“A musician and singer of dazzling versatility… [Flower of Avalon] unfurls as a portrait of an artist coming into her own.” – No Depression
“Tracy Grammer has that elusive quality of being able to speak directly to another person’s heart – instantly bypassing all of the usual infrastructure – the moment she starts singing. She’s great.“ – Richard Shindell
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

A ROSE AMONG THORNS
2018-07-14 20:30 - 23:00
This quartet of local musicians offers pleasing melodies, tight musicianship, and stirring renditions of songs from folk, pop, blues, country, and Celtic traditions. First performing on Café Carpe’s stage two years ago, the foursome includes JEFF MASON on acoustic guitar, bass, and vocals; PERRY BAIRD on vocals and acoustic guitar; TOM COOK on bass, mandolin, banjo, and a host of other stringed instruments; and ANGELA LICARI on violin. Jeff and Perry played at Café Carpe as solo acts and as a duo in the mid-1980s, renewing their musical partnership about five years ago. Tom, retired band teacher at Fort High School, came on board in 2015, and a violin was added in 2016, with Angela capably taking over that duty last year.
The guys are retired from their day jobs and reliving their younger days (as they remember them), while Angela provides the more youthful exuberance. All are familiar to local audiences as members of other musical ensembles, some of which include Jeff with the Merry Horde, Expanded Waist Band, and Blue Stew; Perry with The Buzzards; Tom with Madison Brass and Guitarcheology; and Angela with Madpolecats. The Rose Among Thorns collaboration gives each a chance to contribute favorite—often eclectic—songs for interpretation by the group. Songs featuring moving stories and themes, energetic instrumentals, soothing vocals, and singable choruses are all part of typical Rose Among Thorns musical sets.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY SONGWRITERS
2018-07-19 19:30 - 22:30
Five songwriters from the Rio Grande Valley, each with their own material, playing “in the round”, sharing the stage in various configurations, sharing the stories behind their songs, and providing support on each other’s songs.

$10 suggested donation. Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.
Eddie Saenz: https://www.youtube.com /watch?v=yMStxEklPqw

Rachel Corsi: https://www.youtube.com /watch?v=mmMeSz87HEw

Tina Van: https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=Rix2CY0q-20

Alex Quantz: https://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=EmrROgTbZTY

Bobby Villarreal

OPEN STAGE
2018-07-20 19:30 - 22:00

SIMON BALTO/ COUNT THIS PENNY/ SOLD OUT!
2018-07-21 20:30 - 23:00
Show is now SOLD OUT
Click on the link below to BUY TICKETS:

“Graceful country-pop with gorgeous vocals and Appalachian roots.” -NPR Music

COUNT THIS PENNY is a singer-songwriter duo born in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. They’ve shared the stage with the likes of Melissa Etheridge, Kacey Musgraves, The Head & the Heart, Shovels & Rope, The Lone Bellow, and Sarah Jarosz.
A Losing Match, the third full-length recording from Count This Penny, was released on April 6, 2018. It is the band’s first full-length effort since their 2012 release, Pitchman. The album contains 11 new compositions as well as a reimagining of the classic “Tennessee Waltz”.

Recorded live at Wild Chorus Studios in Knoxville, the album was engineered and mixed by Scott Minor (Sparklehorse) and features Josh Oliver (the everybodyfields), Elena Moon Park (Dan Zanes Band), Matt Nelson (Cereus Bright), Garrit Tillman, and Jessica Watson (Red Shoes & Rosin).

SIMON BALTO‘s work has garnered praise from critics both local, regional, national, and international. The Irish music publication Deadly Music! has compared his songwriting to top-of-his-game, Blood on the Tracks-era Dylan.
“An unbelievable talent- his layered folk ballads are reminiscent of Baez and Dylan, Guthrie and Prine. There is a deeply satisfying component to each of his songs – a reminder of home, woodsmoke, and the first traces of your breath as winter begins to settle.” Music Means Family
Most people mention the voice first. It comes from deep within. Sounds like it means what it says. Then come the lyrics and the stories — ones about workers and lovers, mothers and sons, the dying and mourning, the prideful and the abused. Ones about the Midwest and the beauty and difficulty that characterizes life around here. There is a humanity in the songs that recalls the work of some of the folk tradition’s finest architects. The songs linger. Exhale. Persist.
He has been featured on Wisconsin Public Television, Wisconsin Public Radio, Big Top Chautauqua’s Tent Show Radio, Daytrotter, and has supported and shared stages with a wide range of artists in recent years, from Jason Isbell to Johnnyswim, Field Report to Anderson East, Peter Mulvey to Communist Daughter, Charlie Parr to Horseshoes & Hand Grenades.
In 2016, he will release Murmurations, a full-band record that features Shane Leonard (Kalispell, Field Report), Ben Lester (S. Carey, The Tallest Man on Earth, Aero Flynn), Steven Hobert, Kevin Rowe (Buffalo Gospel), and Amanda Rigell (Count This Penny).

SONG CIRCLE w/ TRICIA ALEXANDER
2018-07-26 18:30 - 21:00, 2018-08-30 18:30 - 21:00
Round robin song circle led by TRICIA ALEXANDER– (performer, poet, healer, “with a voice, music and lyrics that resonate the heart”) done informally, not from the stage, no microphones. This is a lovely gathering of singers, songwriters, musicians and music appreciators, poets, and storytellers held regularly on the last Thursday of each month (except sometimes).
Traditional Round Robin protocol applies – everyone is part of the circle and has an opportunity to: play, pass or request a song from someone in particular or from anyone in the circle.
Everyone is welcome to attend. $5 cover for musicians and audience. Come early and have a bite to eat-

BILL CAMPLIN & the VISITING DIGNITARIES
2018-07-27 20:30 - 23:00

CAROLYN CARTER
2018-07-28 20:30 - 23:00
Award-winning Arkansas gospel & folk music singer/songwriter CAROLYN CARTER began singing and playing music as a very small child in eastern Arkansas. Like many folk and gospel singers, her music began with songs she learned in church. She wrote her first songs as a teenager. Carolyn continued singing as a young mom while raising three children. She has performed in the Ozark Mountain area of northern Arkansas for over 16 years and credits renowned Arkansas musician Odell Jackson for an early inspiration for her to write her stories through her own music.
Such a beautiful clear voice.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

BILL STAINES
2018-08-02 20:00 - 22:30
Anyone not familiar with the music of Bill Staines is in for a special treat.
Singing mostly his own songs, he has become one of the most popular and durable singers on the folk music scene today, performing nearly 200 concerts a year and driving over 65,000 miles annually. He weaves a blend of gentle wit and humor into his performances and one reviewer wrote, “He has a sense of timing to match the best standup comic.”
Bill’s music is a slice of Americana, reflecting with the same ease his feelings about the prairie people of the Midwest or the adventurers of the Yukon, the on-the-road truckers, or the everyday workers that make up this land.
Many of Bill’s songs have appeared in grade school music books, church hymnals, and scouting campfire songbooks; he is one of only a few songwriters to have eight songs published in the classic song collection, Rise up Singing. Composer David Amram recently described Bill as “a modern day Stephen Foster…his songs will be around 100 years from now.”
Over the decades, you have heard Bill singing on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, HBO’s award winning series Deadwood, and Public Radio’s Mountain Stage. Additionally, his music has been used in a number of films including Off and Running, with Cyndi Lauper, and The Return of the Secaucus Seven, John Sayles’ debut as a writer- director.
In 1975, Bill won National Yodeling Championship in Kerrville Texas. Another important recognition was given to him in 2007. Presented by the Boston Area Coffeehouse Association, The Jerry Christen Award recognized Bill’s contribution to New England folk music.
Currently, Bill has recorded 26 albums; The Happy Wanderer and One More River were winners of the prestigious Parents’ Choice Award, taking a gold medal and silver medal respectively. His songs have been recorded by many artists including Peter, Paul, and Mary, Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy, The Highwaymen, Mason Williams, Grandpa Jones, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nanci Griffith, Glen Yarborough and others.
“Folk music is rich in the human spirit and experience. I’ve always wanted to bring something of value to people through my songs.” With these thoughts, Bill continues to drive the highways and back roads of the country year after year, bringing his music to listeners, young and old.
“Bill Staines has been my hero since 1977. He carries on where Woody left off-carrying on the tradition of stories and characters you wish you knew.” – Nanci Griffith
“Staines is one of the best songwriters in folk music today, penning lyrics that evoke a sense of place and a generous spirit to go along with his pretty melodies. – Associated Press
“Staines is one of folk music’s best songwriters and entertainers.” – Milwaukee Journal
“There is no better writer of instantly memorable singalong choruses in this genre of music!” – The Boston Globe
“His gentle lilting voice, spacious melodies and common-chord lyrics give his songs a homespun grace that often belies his mastery of the folk form. He is such a pure pleasure too, people forget to notice how damn good at the job of singer-songwritering he really is.” – New England Folk Almanac
“Folk singer Bill Staines’ compositions recall the paintings of Grandma Moses – simple, literal and evocative of a bucolic tranquility that modern times have almost erased.” – Hartford Courant
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS
2018-08-03 20:30 - 23:00
THE YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS perform original songs and tunes inspired by the classic hillbilly, country-duo, and old-time musical traditions–and also mines this same repertoire for forgotten gems that deserve to be heard again.
Based in Soldiers Grove, WI, the Sapsuckers (Nikki Grossman, guitar, fiddle, and vocals; Joe Hart, guitar, mandolin, and vocals) perform frequent concerts, as well as square and contra dances, and they are known for the light touch and sense of humor they bring to their performance.
They launched their 2018 album, “Don’t Think About Tomorrow Tonight,” at an official SXSW showcase, where they earned a standing ovation from attendees, as well as numerous Midwest tour dates. The album was co-produced by John Wood (Richard and Linda Thompson, Cat Stevens, Incredible String Band). Their 2015 album, “Ocooch Mountain Home,” (their second), has received high praise from the likes of fROOTS, Bluegrass Today, and Country Music People UK.
In 2018, the Sapsuckers were nominated for Best Country Band in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Association.
“A warm blend of Appalachian music and Midwestern folk roots.” —Hymie’s Vintage Records
“Enchanting harmonies… note-perfect old-time fiddle playing… To be devoured by those who love old-time acoustic country music.” —fROOTS Magazine, John Atkins
“Clearly the Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers have got it all, the songs, the voices and great pickers… Wonderful.” —Country Music People (UK)
lease call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

SUITCASE JUNKET
2018-08-04 20:30 - 23:00
From the salvaged sounds of American juke joints, back porches, honky tonks, and rock clubs, THE SUITCASE JUNKET conjures an entirely new sound on his essential rock collection Pile Driver (out April 21, Signature Sounds Recordings).
The Suitcase Junket is MATT LORENZ: artist, tinkerer, swamp yankee, one-man band. His is the road-worn voice rising over the grind of a tube-amped dumpster guitar, and the wild double pitches of throat singing. From Lorenz’ penchant for thrift and ingenuity comes this full-length Signature Sounds debut of original rock anthems, mountain ballads, blues manifestos and dance-hall festivity. It is magnificent, rousing, image-driven songwriting, layed out on instruments built of broken bottles, thrift store forks, dried bones, gas cans, shoes, saw blades, a toy keyboard, salvaged instruments, and an overhead compartment’s worth of luggage.
Matt was raised in Cavendish, Vermont, the son of schoolteachers. He learned to sing by copying his sister Kate; the siblings are two-thirds of the touring trio Rusty Belle. Lorenz graduated from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 2004, having taught himself to throat-sing, inspired by a South Indian cooking class. On moving day, he pulled a guitar, filled with mold and worse for wear, from a dorm dumpster. He fixed it up and started pulling songs out of it. That was the beginning.
Since then, The Suitcase Junket has built a powerful fan base in his native New England and far beyond. Festival plays — past and forthcoming — include Mountain Jam, FloydFest, FreshGrass, Green River Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrsas, Joshua Tree, and Winnipeg Folk. The Suitcase Junket has combined streams of 1.25 million on Spotify and was named to Spotify’s Best of 2016 Folk & Americana and Blues & Roots Rock playlists. Lorenz caught the attention of National Public Radio who chose his video session for “Earth Apple” from his 2015 album Make Time as one of the year’s favorite sessions. His music puts him in the company of artists working the border of Americana and rock — Shovels & Rope, M. Ward, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Sam Amidon, Alabama Shakes, and The Record Company.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

SISTA STRINGS/ PETER MULVEY/ RANDY SABIEN
2018-08-07 20:00 - 22:30
Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets- click on the link.
Kicking off the August LAMPLIGHTER SESSION:
PETER MULVEY “Peter Mulvey is one of the most accomplished guitarists you’re ever likely to hear… utterly original… it is nigh on impossible to explain him to the uninitiated… his intelligent and sometimes complex songs engage both hemispheres of the listener’s brain… one of the finest, most complete entertainers… stunning.” – The Irish Examiner
RANDY SABIEN Dubbed the past, present and future of jazz violin by NPR’s Jazz Profiles, RANDY SABIEN is a regular at Big Top Chautauqua and has performed on A Prairie Home Companion and Austin City Limits. His instrumental skill on the violin, guitar, mandolin, and piano, in the genres of jazz, country, and rock, is legendary.
SISTASTRINGS are Milwaukee-based sisters who are using their gifts of music to creating social change. As classically-trained instrumentalists, Monique (cello) and Chauntee (violin) Ross are a dynamic, collaborative pair riffing on elements of classic and gospel music to create a unique sound rooted in passion. Their sound is soulful and fresh, a truly unique blend of their eclectic musical background. Their training in classical music paired with a deep love in gospel music has allowed them to cultivate their improvisation skills and use their instruments as their voice. But they sing too.

JACK WILLIAMS/ RANDY SABIEN/ BILL CAMPLIN
2018-08-08 20:00 - 22:30
We will be selling tickets through Brown Paper Tickets- click on Buy Tickets.

Part of the August LAMPLIGHTER SESSIONS:
The music of JACK WILLIAMS, rooted in his native South Carolina, was shaped by a 59-year career of playing folk, rock, jazz, R&B, classical and the popular music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. He is counted among the most dynamic performers on today’s “folk” circuit – “…one of the most enlightened and entertaining performers I’ve ever encountered”, said Dave Humphreys of Two-Way Street Coffeehouse in Downer’s Grove, IL. Jack is considered a “musician’s musician”, an uncommonly unique guitarist, a writer of vivid songs with a strong sense of place, and a storyteller in an old Southern tradition who further illustrates each tale with his guitar. Rich Warren of WFMT Chicago’s The Midnight Special said, “His artistry is nothing short of amazing”. Vic Heyman, in SING OUT!, wrote, “He is one of the strongest guitar players in contemporary folk.”
An adept acoustic guitarist and extremely capable in the vocal and songwriting departments…. Difficult to categorize, [Jack] Williams blends folk, country, jazz, and blues in a somewhat gentler Ry Cooder manner…. It would be hard to value one album over the other; both are of high caliber… Possessing a clear tenor,Williams showcases his fluid fingerpicking style on both discs… both albums are treats for the listener. Jack Williams comprehends the potency of understatement and inhabits a world that may be less realistic but certainly kinder.” Pieter Hofmann, DIRTY LINEN
Friendships with two great singers had an enormous impact on Jack’s career and on the development of his own singing voice. In 1973, his relationship with the late Harry Nilsson resulted in an album effort at RCA during an ill-fated period of music industry turmoil. Until 2002, he sometimes toured as sole accompanist to his friend, the late Mickey Newbury, with whom he co-wrote, co-produced, and recorded a live album and video, Nights When I Am Sane (reissued as Winter Winds).
RANDY SABIEN Dubbed the past, present and future of jazz violin by NPR’s Jazz Profiles, RANDY SABIEN is a regular at Big Top Chautauqua and has performed on A Prairie Home Companion and Austin City Limits. His instrumental skill on the violin, guitar, mandolin, and piano, in the genres of jazz, country, and rock, is legendary. “It’s hard to imagine you could find a better violin player in the Midwest. Or anywhere else, for that matter!”
BILL CAMPLIN has a career dating back to the Middle Ages. “You might know Bill Camplin as that feisty old gray dude who cooks up a mean bowl of chili and hosts wonderful musicians with his wife Kitty at The Café Carpe in Ft. Atkinson. Think again. Bill is a dynamite songwriter and guitar picker in his own right. We’ve seen him perform in the last few years with people like Willy Porter, Peter Mulvey, and Randy Sabien. Some nights he steals the show. When Randy and Bill get together, you can count on hearing some grand tunes and great vibes.”

RANDY SABIEN/ JACK WILLIAMS/ JOHN SIEGER/ ROBIN PLUER
2018-08-09 20:00 - 22:30
We are selling tickets through Brown Paper Tickets: click on Buy Tickets.

Part of the August LAMPLIGHTER SESSIONS:
The music of JACK WILLIAMS, rooted in his native South Carolina, was shaped by a 59-year career of playing folk, rock, jazz, R&B, classical and the popular music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. He is counted among the most dynamic performers on today’s “folk” circuit – “…one of the most enlightened and entertaining performers I’ve ever encountered”, said Dave Humphreys of Two-Way Street Coffeehouse in Downer’s Grove, IL. Jack is considered a “musician’s musician”, an uncommonly unique guitarist, a writer of vivid songs with a strong sense of place, and a storyteller in an old Southern tradition who further illustrates each tale with his guitar. Rich Warren of WFMT Chicago’s The Midnight Special said, “His artistry is nothing short of amazing”. Vic Heyman, in SING OUT!, wrote, “He is one of the strongest guitar players in contemporary folk.”
An adept acoustic guitarist and extremely capable in the vocal and songwriting departments…. Difficult to categorize, [Jack] Williams blends folk, country, jazz, and blues in a somewhat gentler Ry Cooder manner…. It would be hard to value one album over the other; both are of high caliber… Possessing a clear tenor,Williams showcases his fluid fingerpicking style on both discs… both albums are treats for the listener. Jack Williams comprehends the potency of understatement and inhabits a world that may be less realistic but certainly kinder.” Pieter Hofmann, DIRTY LINEN
Friendships with two great singers had an enormous impact on Jack’s career and on the development of his own singing voice. In 1973, his relationship with the late Harry Nilsson resulted in an album effort at RCA during an ill-fated period of music industry turmoil. Until 2002, he sometimes toured as sole accompanist to his friend, the late Mickey Newbury, with whom he co-wrote, co-produced, and recorded a live album and video, Nights When I Am Sane (reissued as Winter Winds).
RANDY SABIEN Dubbed the past, present and future of jazz violin by NPR’s Jazz Profiles, RANDY SABIEN is a regular at Big Top Chautauqua and has performed on A Prairie Home Companion and Austin City Limits. His instrumental skill on the violin, guitar, mandolin, and piano, in the genres of jazz, country, and rock, is legendary. “It’s hard to imagine you could find a better violin player in the Midwest. Or anywhere else, for that matter!”
JOHN SIEGER prolific and excellent songwriter with a semi-country bent whose songs have impressed Dwight Yoakam, Jerry Harrison, The BoDeans, Robbie Fulks and Flaco Jimenez enough to record them.
ROBIN PLUER a sultry diva with pizzazz and jazzy style- a multi-faceted songstress who elegantly but playfully delivers a mélange of vintage French ballads with a distinctive twist, as well as some R & B gems and non-French ballads.

PETER MULVEY/ PAUL CEBAR/ SHANE LEONARD/ KLASSIK
2018-08-10 20:30 - 23:00
We are selling tickets through Brown Paper Tickets. Click on this image:
Part of the August LAMPLIGHTER SESSIONS:
SHANE LEONARD is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter living in Eau Claire, WI. Over the past few years he’s worked with Field Report, Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Paul Simon), Justin Guip (Levon Helm Band), The Stray Birds, Sara and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek), Todd Sickafoose (Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird), Ben Sollee, Evan Ziporyn (Steve Reich, Bang On A Can), Zachariah Hickman (Ray Lamontagne, Andrew Bird, Josh Ritter), Sean Carey (Bon Iver), Robbie Lackritz (Feist), MIT’s Balinese Gamelan, Berklee College Of Music’s Ensemble Robot, and taught music through the Exploration School at Yale University, Augusta Heritage Center, and other programs throughout the US. Somewhere amidst all that he managed a steady output of solo work, releasing two EPs and a full-length, Westbound, under the moniker Kalispell. The debut album made many Best Of The Year lists, was profiled by Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa Public Radio, and featured twice as No Depression’s favorite new music.
To PETER MULVEY, there is no such thing as a straight and narrow path. At least, not one that he has any interest in taking.
A live-wire on any stage, Peter is an acoustic singer/songwriter/guitarist who, in fact, defies this categorization. His ferocious guitar playing whisks him through more tunings than he has fingers in the course of an evening, as he winds his way from full-throated rockers to deceptively plain-spoken musings. Whether solo or accompanied, Mulvey is someone who just naturally commands a stage:
“Peter Mulvey is one of the most accomplished guitarists you’re ever likely to hear… utterly original… it is nigh on impossible to explain him to the uninitiated… his intelligent and sometimes complex songs engage both hemispheres of the listener’s brain… one of the finest, most complete entertainers… stunning.” – The Irish Examiner
PAUL CEBAR Some idea of what Paul is about: “Milwaukee native Paul Cebar is a singing, strumming, and dancing museum of musical culture and a self-styled historian of myriad musical forms. Countless sounds pour forth when Cebar and his Milwaukeeans take the stage. New Orleans, Chicago, New york, Africa, Brazil, Cuba, jump-blues, gospel, jazz, reggae, calypso, soul and vintage R&B are sterting points for something that becomes uniquely Cebar. This mishmash helps reimagine and liven up obscure classics, and the band’s originals present new viewpoints on established styles.” The Onion AV Club
Kellen Abston is a hip-hop artist and rapper who performs under the name KLASSIK. He grew up in Milwaukee and attended school here. And in the three years since his first full-length album was released he’s become a rising star on a number of “artists to watch” lists.

SOLD OUT! PETER MULVEY/ NICKEL & ROSE/ CHRIS PORTERFIELD/ SISTA STRING- SOLD OUT
2018-08-11 20:30 - 23:00
SOLD OUT!!!

We are selling tickets through Brown Paper Tickets- click on Buy Tickets.

Part of the August LAMPLIGHTER SESSION:
“PETER MULVEY is one of the most accomplished guitarists you’re ever likely to hear… utterly original… it is nigh on impossible to explain him to the uninitiated… his intelligent and sometimes complex songs engage both hemispheres of the listener’s brain… one of the finest, most complete entertainers… stunning.” – THE IRISH EXAMINER
NICKEL & ROSE is a powerful Duo from Milwaukee, Wisconsin playing a unique style of folk that blends blues, jazz, soul, Americana, swing, and African music. The music of Nickel&Rose (Carl Nichols-Guitar, Johanna Rose-Upright bass) has become a travelogue taking listeners from a Griot Ceremony in Senegal to a basement punk show in Portland, all while retaining the true spirit of American Folk Music. Imagine Peggy Lee and Ali Farka Toure at a Bluegrass jam. Better yet, experience them live. With tours of seven countries under their belt, expect to see them in a town near you, bringing their diverse musical backgrounds together to create a new style of American music.
CHRIS PORTERFIELD says he is “midwestern to the core” and we find no fault with that kind of core.
Chris’ Milwaukee-based band, Field Report (an anagram of his surname) will release their third album soon. Field Report was culled together in the studio while recording their 2012 self-titled debut. They suddenly found themselves championed by their former idols: offered support tours by Counting Crows and Aimee Mann, lauded by the likes of Mark Eitzel and Richard Thompson, and covered by Blind Boys Of Alabama.
SISTA STRINGS are Milwaukee-based sisters who are using their gifts of music to creating social change. As classically-trained instrumentalists, Monique (cello) and Chauntee (violin) Ross are a dynamic, collaborative pair riffing on elements of classic and gospel music to create a unique sound rooted in passion. Their sound is soulful and fresh, a truly unique blend of their eclectic musical background. Their training in classical music paired with a deep love in gospel music has allowed them to cultivate their improvisation skills and use their instruments as their voice. But they sing too.

PETER MULVEY/ SISTA STRINGS/ BILL CAMPLIN
2018-08-12 19:00 - 21:30
We will open at 5:00, and are serving dinner. Please come early if you want to eat before the show.
We are selling tickets through Brown Paper Tickets. Click on Buy Tickets:

Part of the August LAMPLIGHTER SESSIONS:
“PETER MULVEY is one of the most accomplished guitarists you’re ever likely to hear… utterly original… it is nigh on impossible to explain him to the uninitiated… his intelligent and sometimes complex songs engage both hemispheres of the listener’s brain… one of the finest, most complete entertainers… stunning.” – THE IRISH EXAMINER
SISTA STRINGS are Milwaukee-based sisters who are using their gifts of music to creating social change. As classically-trained instrumentalists, Monique (cello) and Chauntee (violin) Ross are a dynamic, collaborative pair riffing on elements of classic and gospel music to create a unique sound rooted in passion. Their sound is soulful and fresh, a truly unique blend of their eclectic musical background. Their training in classical music paired with a deep love in gospel music has allowed them to cultivate their improvisation skills and use their instruments as their voice. But they sing too.
BILL CAMPLIN has been an integral part of the Wisconsin acoustic music scene for many years both as a performer and as co-owner of the legendary Cafe Carpe in Fort Atkinson. Bill is a strong guitarist with a beautiful tenor voice and he is noted for penetrating, intensely emotional performances of both his original songs and his interpretations of others such as Bob Dylan.

SIPPIN' ON SCIENCE
2018-08-14 18:00 - 20:30
Free Event. Fun and open to everyone!
Chat with a scientist, Bridget Seegers, from NASA (she grew up in Elkhorn) about how satellites are used to study your local lakes.
-Hands-on Science
-Explore local lake samples
-Free Sippin’ On Science stuff
-Trivia
-Science Prizes
-Learn about research robots and satellite science
-Engaging Informal Presentation focused on lakes, water quality, and algae
There will be a microscope with live local lakes samples to see tiny lake critters.
A chlorophyll fluorescence experiment will allow you to see green chlorophyll fluoresce red.
Try out a brand new app- still in development- that lets you monitor your local lakes for cyanobacteria.

THE KEVIN PRATER BAND
2018-08-17 20:30 - 23:00
Kentucky Based, Patuxent Music recording artist, THE KEVIN PRATER BAND is bringing the finest in Pure Kentucky Bluegrass, Classic Country, Grassed up Vintage Rock and Gospel music for their debut appearance here.
Kevin Prater has shared his vocal and instrumental talents in 24 countries. His unlimited talents vocally and instrumentally have gained him world wide recognition and respect. Having toured with many legends of bluegrass, his greatest ride comes in leading The Kevin Prater Band, now in their 11th year.
Forming of the band came from encouragement from life long friend Tom Timberlake, current guitar player of The KPB. With a resume of over 50 years of music, Timberlake has played with dozens of bands and was the last “Lonzo” of the world acclaimed comedy duo “Lonzo & Oscar” of the Grand Ole Opry.
Second longest member of The KPB, providing the glue that holds it all together, Danny Stiltner on Bass and harmony vocals. Stiltner carry’s his rhythmic blood from his father and re-known Bassist, Blake Stiltner. Danny has played with Tommy Webb Band, Larry Fuller and Ralph Stanley II.
Providing the youth, high energy to the band, the brother team of Adam Burrows, aka The Dancing Fiddler and Jake Burrows on Banjo and Dobro. Adam, first to the band, has an amazing knowledge and resume of Traditional Bluegrass music, which has been his life long passion. Adam plays all instruments, sings any part and has become the band comedian. Newest member, Jake Burrows, equally as talented and knowledgeable, is getting a lot of attention for his impressive High Tenor vocals. He also plays all instruments, sings lead and harmony. Jake and Adam have played with many great bands, toured at a young age with Lonesome Will Mullins, Kody Norris Show and many others.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

SATCHEL PAIGE with cellist ERIC MILLER
2018-08-18 20:30 - 23:00
Carpe artist-in-residence SATCHEL PAIGE plays his heartfelt compositions accompanied by Madison cellist Eric Miller.
Who I am:
I have been playing and teaching music in Wisconsin for nearly a decade. As a musician, I am fascinated by beautiful tone and music that speaks directly and immediately. As a teacher, I want to help create a world where people are more centered in a sense of beauty and wonder in their daily lives. I am inspired by the endless potential to learn and grow in every individual.
What I do:
Cellist and Viola da Gambist located in Madison, WI, Suzuki cello teacher – all ages and levels, Trumpet teacher – beginning and intermediate, Orchestra teacher in the Madison Metropolitan School District since 2009
Recent Performance Credits
Wisconsin Baroque Ensemble, Katie Burns, Green Lake Festival of Music, American Players Theater, Rural Musician’s Forum, Ensemble Musical Offering, Eliza’s Toyes, Madison Choral Project, Wisconsin Chamber Choir, Madison Youth Choirs
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

RYANHOOD
2018-08-23 19:30 - 21:30
“Hood’s vocal delivery brings an affecting authenticity. Throughout, they play furiously together and Green’s melodic leads and solos often provide the highlights. Their trademark acoustic folk-pop sound will remind some listeners of the work of Dan Fogelberg and Simon & Garfunkel.” – Tucson Weekly
“A heartfelt slice of hook-heavy, folk-laced pop, complete with introspective musings and lush instrumentals.” – Daily Wildcat
“Enough pop to be radio hits and enough folk that it’s still cool to listen to them.” – The Anchorage Press
Named ‘Best Group/Duo’ in the 2014 International Acoustic Music Awards, acoustic-duo RYANHOOD got their first break more than a decade ago as street-performers at Boston’s Quincy Market. It was there that they were spotted by a college booking agent and thrust into the college touring scene, where Campus Activities Magazine would name them “one of the most requested acts by college buyers all across the country.” They’ve since gone on to perform more than 800 shows in 45 U.S. states over the past decade and have shared stages with Jason Mraz, Matt Nathanson, Train, and many more.
Cameron Hood’s rich and folky lead vocals, Ryan Green’s explosive guitar and mandolin riffs, and their airtight vocal harmonies prompted the Arizona Daily Star to call them, “a match made in radio heaven.”
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

ECCENTRIC ACOUSTIC
2018-08-24 20:00 - 22:30
ECCENTRIC ACOUSTIC is a trio featuring Ruth Williams on mandolin, Sandy Stehling on guitar, and Scott Emmons on bass. They perform a wide variety of music, ranging from swing era jazz and country blues to more contemporary country, folk, and Americana.
Ruth Williams started singing harmony while doing the family dishes with her sister. She currently sings with Milwaukee’s Bel Canto Chorus. Ruth forsook the autoharp for the mandolin some years ago and has been a stalwart member of the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra for more than twenty years.
Sandy Stehling began playing guitar as a way to avoid studying while attending UW-Madison. His transcript shows the success of this strategy. The lively folk music scene on campus at the time was a major influence. He has been heard playing as a soloist and in various groups in the Milwaukee area for many years.
Scott Emmons, a multi-instrumentalist, is dean of the UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts. He performs in a classical guitar quartet, plays mando-cello in the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra, and is the director of the New Horizons Band in Waukesha.
Ruth and Sandy have been making music together since they first met some thirty years ago. They have played with Scott informally in various musical gatherings in the Milwaukee area, and have enjoyed collaborating with Scott seriously for the past four years. The process of combining three individuals’ musical tastes into an ensemble repertoire yields the serious fun that is Eccentric Acoustic.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

BEN DE LA COUR- cancelled NOW an OPEN STAGE
2018-08-25 20:30 - 23:00
The scheduled show has been cancelled so now you have the opportunity to hone your talents and present them in a 2-3 song rotation with others who come to do the same.

JEFF MASON and TRICIA ALEXANDER
2018-08-31 20:00 - 22:30
TRICIA ALEXANDER and JEFF MASON first met at the Cafe Carpe almost 20 years ago. They were drawn to each other’s style of play, chord voicings, musical influences and energy. They played several gigs together (often with help from percussionist of light Alpha Stewart, Jr) and then took different musical paths.

They reunited recently at the monthly Song Circle gatherings hosted by Tricia at the Carpe…and have so much fun making music together that they decided it is time to share the stage again. Jeff says, “it is like we never took a few decades off. We have both grown and changed and playing together is more joyful than ever.”

Tricia Alexander is an accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist, harmonicist, poet, teacher. Her music is a mix of folk, jazz, blues, poetry. She has performed in scores of cafes, concert halls, churches and schools. Her music is positive, empowering and uplifting.

Jeff Mason plays guitar and sings in several local combos, including: The Merry Horde, A Rose Among Thorns, The Expanded Waist Band, Jeff & Steve, and also performs solo. He describes himself as a blues guitarist who learned to play many different styles of music.

Their music is: living in the moment, listening, improvising, and having fun.

Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

BILL CAMPLIN and the OBVIOUS CHOICES
2018-09-01 20:30 - 23:00
Bill and band members Jason Klagstad, Bob Mueller, Alpha Stewart and Paul Wehrley bring their considerable talents together to honor and celebrate the beginning of September. What is so great about the first day of September? You will have to ask them.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

NEW PIONEERS
2018-09-06 19:00 - 21:30
This five piece bluegrass ball of fire featuring vocals, banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin appears here mostly regularly on the 2nd Thursday of the month- except when they don’t, like this time, which is the 1st Thursday. Its various members have been involved with traditional music locally, regionally, and nationally for many years.
The Pioneer’s lead singer and guitarist, Jerry Wicentowski, has been described by country music historian Bill Malone as “One of the finest singers in bluegrass music”. Jerry has also performed and recorded with such bluegrass greats as Tim O’Brien, Andy Statman, Byron Berline, Tony Trischka and others. Mike Schmidt of Spring Green, Wisconsin, is the group’s banjo player. This former French horn player has been a Nashville session musician and member of the popular Wisconsin-based bluegrass bands, Alive ‘n’ Pickin’ and the Piper Road Spring Band. He also performs occasionally with his wife Lori. Bruce King of Art Stevenson and High Water – also formerly of Alive ‘n’ Pickin’ – is on mandolin. Bruce and Mike are veterans of the Great Northern Bluegrass Festival in Mole Lake, WI – performing there every year from 1977 to 1982. Fiddle player Paul Kienitz is a member in good standing of regional bluegrass favorites, The Nob Hill Boys. Bass player John Jirak also has played banjo with various folks in the northeastern WI and Madison areas, most notably with the Green Bay based Fox River Flyer. As a bass player, he’s performed shows with the Chicago Bluegrass Band, Miltown Ramblers, Krause Family, Old Cool, Spare Time Bluegrass Band, Bob Steeno and The Old Truck, and Down From the Hills, and currently Madison’s newest, Kettle Moraine.
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JOHNSMITH
2018-09-07 20:30 - 23:00
JOHNSMITH
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.
“Johnsmith’s songs always move me. They make me laugh, cry, dance or just sing along. He is one of the most consistent writers of quality songs that I’ve ever met.” – Lydia Hutchinson, Editor, Performing Songwriter Magazine

“[Johnsmith] is one of those really pure hearted people that isn’t wasting any time on the cool factor, he gets there by virtue of his integrity.” – Frank Goodman
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

MANDY FER & DAVE MCGRAW
2018-09-08 20:00 - 22:30
MANDY FER and DAVE MCGRAW
Pacific Northwest based songwriter duo Dave McGraw & Mandy Fer voyage even further out to sea on their latest self-produced/recorded release Off-Grid Lo Fi. This was recorded entirely with solar and wind powered electricity on a nearly uninhabited, remote, off-grid island in northwest Washington state, McGraw and Fer have ventured into new territory, both geographically and artistically.
Known as a standout electric guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, Mandy Fer is unafraid to dominate the stage for an extended guitar solo, defying long-held gender barriers for female guitarists. Dave McGraw’s emotional songwriting riffs on natural elements of the world around him. McGraw spent a decade as a wildlife biologist, studying endangered birds in remote locales from the deserts of Mexico and the Grand Canyon to the mountainous rainforests of Washington. McGraw and Fer joined forces in Flagstaff, Arizona in 2010 before relocating to the Pacific Northwest in 2012.
“Every now and then an album comes along that is so good, you just can’t get anything else done…I have this problem at the moment with Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer’s first official collaboration album, which as far as problems go, isn’t such a bad one. With an immediately warm and soothing feel to the record, the rich acoustic sound and perfectly pitched vocals courtesy of both singers, together with some fine electric guitar playing makes SEED OF A PINE essential listening…some of the most delicious harmonies to have reached this reviewer’s ears thus far…” -Northern Sky Music Magazine(UK)
“Dave and Mandy create a confluence of soulful lyrics, musical chops and harmony in their music that is as beautiful as it is thought provoking.” -Willy Porter
“I could talk about these songs [Seed of a Pine] until the cows come home. Honestly this is one of those…albums which ‘had me at hello.’ If you’re a fan of modern folk and Americana, you can’t go wrong with Seed of a Pine.”
-Seattle Post Intelligencer – BlogCritics.org
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.
