Cafe Carpe

A ROSE AMONG THORNS
2018-02-16 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago)
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.

NEW PIONEERS
2018-02-15 19:00 - 21:30
This five piece bluegrass ball of fire featuring vocals, banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin appears here regularly on the 2nd Thursday of the month- except when they don’t, like this month. 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.
Like them on Facebook.

BILL CAMPLIN BAND
2018-02-10 20:30 - 23:00

DOUG COLLINS
2018-02-09 20:30 - 23:00
Called “one of the most brilliant songwriters to emerge from the Twin Cities in nearly two decades” by southernminn.com, DOUG COLLINS‘ hooky mix of Beatle-esque pop and classic country are highlighted in his energetic shows (both solo and with his crack band, the Receptionists), soulful singing, and honest, emotional songs. His last EP, Davenport Iowa, includes the title track, which was voted finalist for “Best Song of the Year” in 2013 by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, along with the song Lesbian Wedding, which was voted the same honor in 2014. His most recent release, Complicated Compliments, came out in February 2016, and was also recently voted one of the “Best of the Year” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune .
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

DAN NAVARRO
2018-02-08 20:00 - 22:30
DAN NAVARRO
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.
Dan has been here many times, and is a gracious engaging performer with many devoted fans.
“Navarro’s passion for creating music and for protecting all artist’s right to make a living is incredibly inspiring.” JRoser, That Mag
“Dan Navarro is an enthusiastic and captivating performer” BLDicks, NWTimes
Dan started his career as a songwriter, most often with Eric Lowen, for artists as diverse as Pat Benatar (the Grammy-nominated “We Belong”) , The Bangles, Jackson Browne, Keb’ Mo’, Dave Edmunds, The Temptations, Dionne Warwick, Dutch superstar Marco Borsato, The Triplets, Austin outlaw legend Rusty Weir and many more…
In the 1990s, he recorded and toured with Lowen in the acclaimed acoustic duo Lowen & Navarro until Eric’s retirement in 2009. Dan has since transitioned into a growing solo career, increasingly in demand on the national concert circuit…
He’s moonlighted as a singer and voice actor for 25 years, in major motion pictures, such as The Book Of Life (as the archvillain “Chakal”), plus The Lorax, Happy Feet (1 & 2), Rio (on the Oscar-nominated “Real In Rio”), Ice Age (2 & 3), and a dozen more; TV series Turbo Fast, Prison Break, Family Guy and American Dad; recordings with Neil Young, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Miguel, Jose Feliciano, Susanna Hoffs and Jon Anderson of Yes; and commercials for Subaru, Shakey’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Toyota, Coca-Cola, Honda, El Pollo Loco, Nationwide and hundreds of others…
He has contributed countless hours in Washington on issues of intellectual property, copyright and performer’s rights, including testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Copyright Royalty Board on behalf of the Nashville Songwriters Assn Int’l, AFTRA, NARAS, BMI , SoundExchange and the musicFIRST Coalition…
Dan also serves on the boards of SAG-AFTRA, Folk Alliance, The Levitt Pavilions LA and the Golden West Chapter of the ALS Association, fighting the neuromuscular disease better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which tragically took Eric Lowen’s life in 2012…
In 2009, after 22 years and 12 albums with Lowen & Navarro, Dan released the spirited “Live at McCabe’s”, backed by his pals from Austin-based Stonehoney. His newest album , “Shed My Skin” — his first studio album of new material—was released in 2015.
He is the father of a 19-year-old son and a known abuser of acoustic guitars.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

ALBERT LEE BAND
2018-02-06 20:00 - 22:30
Show is likely to sell out. Buy tickets in advance using this link:

Known for his signature Ernie Ball guitar and lightning speed picking, ALBERT LEE has not only worked with some of the biggest names in music but he has also maintained a solo career of his own. Bill could not believe our good fortune (and yours) when he got the request for Albert to play our little room. Albert will be accompanied by his band, J.T. Thomas on keyboards, Will McGregor on bass, and Jason Harrison Smith (or another) on drums.
“ONE OF THE FINEST GUITAR PLAYERS WHO EVER WALKED THIS EARTH…”Vince Gill
Albert was born on December 21, 1943 in Herefordshire, England, before moving and growing up in Blackheath, London. He was first introduced to music with the piano, taking lessons aged seven, learning the classics and pop tunes before the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis inspired him to take up guitar.
Albert was treated one Christmas to a Hofner President acoustic arch-top, and from there he never looked back. Spurred on by the recordings of Jimmy Bryant, Buddy Holly and The Crickets, Gene Vincent and The Everly Brothers, Albert left school at sixteen and turned pro, getting regular gigs at the 2 i’s Coffee Bar and The Flamingo Club in London – first with Bob Xavier’s band, and then with The Jury. He replaced Jimmy Page in The Crusaders before joining Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds in ‘64.

He soon found his favoured guitar of choice, the Fender Telecaster, whilst everyone else was playing Gibson Les Pauls and Stratocasters. Albert admitted to feeling like the odd man out as his appreciation for American country artists grew, and he formed the band Country Fever. He began working with Poet & The One Man Band, who later turned into Heads, Hands & Feet when Jerry Donahue and Pat Donaldson (of Country Fever) were replaced by Albert and Chas Hodges. Their self-titled debut album featured the original “Country Boy”, now synonymous with Albert’s trademark picking style.
The U.S eventually beckoned, and Albert began doing session work and briefly toured with The Crickets in 1973. He moved to Los Angeles, where he met his idols Phil and Don Everly, and Don invited Albert to play with him and pedal steel legend Buddy Emmons. After working on Don’s second album, Albert left to join Joe Cocker’s band and was replaced by Lindsey Buckingham.
Albert’s reputation was growing as he moved to Encino, and met his wife Karen whilst rehearsing up in Santa Barbara with Joe Cocker and his band before they went on the road. He contributed to Cocker’s “Sting Ray”, and was then approached by A&M about putting together a solo album.
At a pivotal point in his career, Albert was asked by Emmylou Harris to replace James Burton – one of his guitar heroes – who was leaving for Elvis Presley’s band. In 1976 he joined the Hot Band, and his incredible guitar work came to the fore on the “Luxury Liner” LP. Albert released his first solo album “Hiding”, produced by Brian Ahern, which featured perhaps the definite version of “Country Boy” with Emmylou on backing vocals and Ricky Skaggs on fiddle.
When he returned to London in 1978 for session recording, Albert met Eric Clapton. He was invited to join his band and played on Clapton’s live album “Just One Night”, which featured Albert on lead vocals for a cover of Mark Knopfler’s “Setting Me Up”. Albert would work with Eric for five years before he left and released his second solo album, the self-titled “Albert Lee” in 1982.
Albert fulfilled his boyhood dream to play with the Everly Brothers in 1983 when he acted as guitarist and musical director for their reunion concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Since then he would regularly tour with the Everlys on and off for 20 years. After two instrumental albums – “Speechless” (1986) and “Gagged But Not Bound” (1987) – steel player Gerry Hogan invited Albert to headline at a festival in Newbury, England – fronting his own band for the very first time, Hogan’s Heroes.
As Albert toured with Hogan’s Heroes through the late 80s, he began his long association with Ernie Ball Music Man, who would eventually (through many iterations) produce his signature guitar that he tours and records with today. In 2002 he would join Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Paul McCartney and other music legends on stage at the Concert for George at the Royal Albert Hall.
Albert also received a Grammy Award in 2002 for his contribution to “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” featured on “Earl Scruggs and Friends”. He appeared for the first time at Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2007, now an annual appearance, and has toured periodically for the last few years with ex-Stones bassist Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, performing with Georgie Fame. Joining his hero James Burton, along with the likes of Vince Gill and John Jorgenson, Albert won a Grammy for his performance on Brad Paisley’s instrumental “Cluster Pluck” in 2009.
Show is likely to sell out. Buy tickets in advance using this link:

OPEN STAGE
2018-02-02 19:30 - 22:00

SATCHEL PAIGE with ERIC MILLER
2018-01-27 20:30 - 23:00
Artist-in-residence SATCHEL PAIGE plays his heartfelt tunes accompanied by Madison cellist Eric Miller.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

Films- IN THE WORLD OF VISIBLE THINGS plus more - Chuck Johannsen
2018-01-26 19:30 - 21:30
An evening of short videos by regional artists and filmmakers, including the first public showing of a new film:

Premier showing of short film “In the World of Visible Things” (2018, 21:30 min.) by Dada-loco film crew. A narrative fiction film featuring Jefferson and Dodge County natives Chuck Johannsen, Dal Lazlo, Mike Frost, Bob Oestreicher, Bill Sweeney and the Mitchell twins (Marvin and Merle), among others.

The program will also include two Dada-loco works featuring Fort Atkinson bluesman, Paul Filipowicz – a 5:30 music video, “Chinatown” and a 31 min. piece, “Cerulean Blue”, with Paul acting a dual role. Paul will most likely attend the screening.

In addition, you’ll see “Dal Lazlo’s Crimeland” (2015), in which a crackpot social critic examines the artwork of Dal Lazlo, “Mama Coca” (1 min. – the origin myth of the coca plant, presented as a public service announcement), and “2 Works, 30 Years Apart” – Walk Into Hellwas filmed in June, 1975 and the sequel, Purgatorio in June, 2005, ten miles apart (Hubbleton and Reeseville) by the same two filmmakers, with the same two actors, and the same two composers contributing to the soundtrack.

If time permits, we’ll also screen Bill and Art (with epilogue), an art therapy documentary about Watertown native, Bill Sweeney. Paralyzed in an auto accident, Bill eventually turned out remarkable photoshop work, inserting his own image in masterworks of classical European art.

Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

SONG CIRCLE w/ TRICIA ALEXANDER
2018-01-25 19:00 - 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-

ELLIS PAUL
2018-01-21 19:30 - 22:00
Carpe will open at 5:30.
Please buy tickets in advance using this link:

ELLIS PAUL
Ellis Paul is a key figure in what has become known as the Boston school of songwriting, a literate, provocative and urbanely romantic folk-pop style that helped ignite the folk revival of the 1990s. His folk-pop music songs have appeared in movies and on television, and are said to bridge the gap between the modern folk sound and the populist traditions of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
“Ellis Paul is one of the best singer/songwriters of his generation. And for many of us he is the face of contemporary folk music. Few are as smart, as literate, as poetic as Paul. I cannot think of another artist on the acoustic music scene is better loved by fans, or more respected by his contemporaries.”
Some artists document their lives through their music. Others chronicle their times. It’s a rare artist who can do both, telling their own story through songs that also encapsulate the essence of people and places who have helped define their era over- all. Woody Guthrie comes to mind, and so does Bob Dylan. Bruce Springsteen certainly as well. Yet few others, for whatever genius they may possess, can relate their own history to the history experienced by those who find that common bond, be it in a coming of age, living through the same realities or sharing similar experiences.
Ellis Paul is one of those gifted singer/songwriters. Though some may refer to him as a folksinger, he is more, for lack of a better word, a singular storyteller, a musician whose words reach out from inside and yet also express the feelings, thoughts and sensibilities that most people can relate to in one way or another, regardless of age or upbringing. The exhilaration of the open road. A celebration of heroes. The hope for redemption. Descriptions of those things that are both near and dear. The sharing of love…, intimate, passionate and enduring.

READERS' THEATER- The Lady's Not for Burning
2018-01-20 19:00 - 21:00
Fort Atkinson Community Theater is delighted to announce a reader’s theater performance of Christopher Fry’s “The Lady’s Not for Burning”. Proceeds from free-will donations will benefit the FACT scholarship fund.

Fry’s play is a romantic comedy featuring a disillusioned soldier who wants to hang for a crime he didn’t commit, a woman who would prefer not to be burned for being falsely accused of being a witch, and young love thwarted by an arranged marriage. Learn more about it here.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

LONESOME BILL CAMPLIN
2018-01-19 20:30 - 23:00
First Bill Camplin show of the year- check it out. He’s resolved to be really good.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

NEW PIONEERS
2018-01-18 19:00 - 21:30
This is a reschedule from the cancelled-due-to-bad-weather January 11 date. Note that there will be a change to their regularly-scheduled 2nd Thursday of the month appearance in February.
This five piece bluegrass ball of fire featuring vocals, banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin appears here regularly on the 2nd Thursday of the month- except when they don’t. 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.
Like them on Facebook.

NEW PIONEERS- CANCELLED
2018-01-11 19:00 - 21:30
Due to unfavorable weather conditions this SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED. There is a strong possibility of it being rescheduled to Saturday January 13. Keep checking here and on Facebook for updates.
This five piece bluegrass ball of fire featuring vocals, banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin appears here regularly on the 2nd Thursday of the month- except when they don’t. 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.
Like them on Facebook.

NEW YEAR'S EVE- CHRIS HANSON BAND w/ Robin Pluer
2017-12-31 19:00
Our annual food and music package New Year’s Eve celebration.
For the last 2 years the CHRIS HANSON BAND and audience have had such a lovely time that it only made sense to have them again. Some of Milwaukee’s finest will be serving up their best for you, performing an eclectic repertoire of jazz and other genres, featuring musician and composer Chris Hanson, and enchanting chanteuse Robin Pluer.
So come ring in the New Year with enough goodness and warmth to sustain us through the upcoming year. [Apropos of this, some carp are thought to be a symbol of luck, prosperity, and good fortune within Japan. (and Fort Atkinson.)]
We do not serve food from our regular menu this night- we are only open for those who sign up for the food plus music package. We will know that day whether there will be room for people who only want to attend the show.

The full food/music package deal is $55. Please call us to reserve a space at 920-563-9391.
In addition to calling to reserve your seats for dinner and show, we are asking you to purchase the music portion ($30) in advance via this link to Brown Paper Tickets.

You may also pay at the Carpe, or send a check.
The $25 dinner fee will be put on a tab that night, and your drinks and a gratuity will be added to it.
The dinner includes an entree (Chicken Wellington),and 1 drink, with dessert and coffee after the first set. Please inform us of any food sensitivities so that we can accommodate them.
To facilitate feeding everyone efficiently, we ask that you choose a 7:00 hour or 8:00 hour time slot when signing up. Your arrival does not have to be precise within those 2 hour slots.
Music begins about 9:30 and will go past midnight.

CHRIS HANSON BAND features:
Robin Pluer-Vocals
Glenn Asch-Violin
John Parrott-Guitar, Vocals
John Babbitt-Bass
Chris Hanson-Guitar,Vocals

CORKY SIEGEL and HOWARD LEVY- SOLD OUT
2017-12-30 20:30 - 23:00
Pop the Cork! Ho! Ho! Ho-ward ! Get your tickets!

Back by Pop-ular demand, the maestros of musical mirth and merriment Corky Siegel and Howard Levy return. Blues legend CORKY SIEGEL teams with jazz giant, multi-Grammy winner HOWARD LEVY for a holiday evening of pure dazzlement and delight. Be sure to purchase your tickets early as this not-to-be-missed very special Holiday Show is sure to sell out.

“Siegel is a national treasure.” – Downbeat Magazine

“A memorable musical joy ride…Siegel plays wonderfully on harmonica as well as piano and combines it with a grand sense of humor and showmanship.” – San Francisco Examiner

“Howard Levy has almost single-handedly developed the full jazz potential of the diatonic harmonica….although he cites McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock as influences, Levy, the pianist has a sunnier more ebullient style than either, enlivened by an unfailing upward momentum.” – Jazz Times Magazine

OPEN STAGE
2017-12-29 19:30 - 22:00
Share in a 2-3 song rotation with others who love to play.

SONG CIRCLE - cancelled due to road conditions
2017-12-28 19:00 - 21:00
Tricia tested the roads and found them wanting in the safety area, so the circle has been cancelled. There will be one on the 4th Thursday of next month- check calendar to make sure I got that right.
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!
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-

THE MERRY HORDE FOOD PANTRY BENEFIT
2017-12-27 19:30 - 21:30
Hark the Herald Horde sings! Loads of Fun, good music, great harmonies are the thoughts that come to mind whenever The Merry Horde performs. The oft repeated phrase following each performance is “…and a good time was had by all”. So join us for a historic romp through a medley of bluegrass, and selected tunes from the 60’s & 70’s with one of Fort’s own, locally harvested, bands. These guys may be getting up there, but they can still bash out the chords and belt out the harmonies that will make the hair on your arms stand straight up!?!
And to boot, this performance is for a good cause- all proceeds will go to the FORT ATKINSON FOOD PANTRY. The music and the fun are free. So bring some canned or packaged goods, or stop by your favorite ATM on the way down so you can make a cash donation of your choosing to the Food Pantry.
Please call the Cafe Carpe 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

SYD HARTHA & the MONKEYMINDS
2017-12-26 20:00 - 22:30
Another Boxing Day Live at the Café Carpe
SYD HARTHA & THE MONKEYMINDS (previously known as Devil in the Outhouse and What’s His Name & the Other Guys) are Greg, Looper, Eric & Blaine. We will be offering our 12th annual traditional holiday concert – which is unlikely to include much holiday music. However, there will be folk, blues, swing, comedy and group therapy services available.
Guitars, harmonica, vocals, fiddle, bass, shaker egg, and more!!
“Sure it’s juvenile and irreverent, but if you drink enough it’s not that bad.”
(anonymous satisfied customer)
PLEASE CALL 920-563-9391 TO RESERVE.

KRAUSE FAMILY BAND
2017-12-23 20:30 - 23:00
KRAUSE FAMILY BAND
Original music and cover tunes ranging from Bob Wills to the Reverend Al Green sung in close family harmony- talent in abundance.

The Krause family, Katie, Ruthie, and their father Rick, sing together and play a variety of instruments, forming the core of the Krause Family Band. They perform originals and some traditional roots music, and are known for their distinctive close harmonies. They have been featured many times on the live radio show A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor.

Katie Krause – vocals, piano; Ruthie Emily Krause – vocals, fiddle; Rick Ernest Krause – guitar, vocals

Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

WILLY PORTER w/ CARMEN NICKERSON- SOLD OUT
2017-12-22 20:30 - 23:00
Midwest artists WILLY PORTER and CARMEN NICKERSON are an exciting addition to the indie-duo scene. With their liquid harmonies and unassailable, playful performance chemistry, these two solo artists have joined their unique talents to create the unforgettable sound of Porter Nickerson.
Porter has been turning first time listeners into die-hard fans for more than two decades. His blistering guitar playing and rich songwriting provides the perfect architecture to support Nickerson’s lush vocals, complimenting and elevating Porter’s songs to make them feel both fresh and timeless. The pair first collaborated on the 2013 EP Cheeseburgers and Gasoline and again on Porter’s 2015 record Human Kindness. In 2016 the duo performed as the featured musical guests on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion.
Porter Nickerson are excited to bring listeners Bonfire to Ash– their first album of original co-writes produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Ben Wisch (Marc Cohn, Jonatha Brooke).
“Together these highly accomplished artists take audiences on a singular musical ride full of heart, grit, energy, and fun that showcases the best of what live music has to offer. Ash burns brightest when Porter and Nickerson share their voices and different perspectives of a lonely relationship on “Echo of Love.”” -Piet Levy
“…produces a very smooth, accurate harmonic blend with him. Did I say I liked this? I REALLY do.” –Al Kooper, music legend/producer on Cheeseburgers and Gasoline
“Willy is an entertaining performer, an excellent guitarist, and someone who obviously loves what he does.” No Depression

NICHOLAS KEHOE & the DARKEST DAY
2017-12-21 19:30 - 21:30
After nearly three years in seclusion in the remote, Hoth-like, ice cave also know as Minnesota, NICHOLAS KEHOE is returning to the Carpe stage. Joining him for the evening will be the Darkest Day, AKA: Guitarist Extraordinaire Danny Tyksinski, Upright Bass Wizard Grant Blaschka, and Six String Jedi Master Phil Bregant.
This Winter Solstice come out and enjoy a mix of original and traditional Americana tunes featuring tasty flat pickin’, vocal harmonies and toe-tappin rhythms that’s sure to make the first day of the winter just a bit more bearable.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

THE NEW PIONEERS
2017-12-16 20:30 - 23:00
This five piece bluegrass ball of fire featuring vocals, banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin appears here regularly on the 2nd Thursday of the month- except when they don’t, like this month, when they seize a Saturday. 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.
Like them on Facebook.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

LAMPLIGHTER-w/ MULVEY/ PORTERFIELD/ GRIMM/ HER CROOKED HEART- SOLD OUT
2017-12-15 20:30 - 23:00
PETER MULVEY’s annual Lamplighter Sessions take place here from December 7th the 15th, minus Monday and Tuesday. Mulvey has been transported by music suspiciously (should we suspect foul play?) often in his life, and from the beginning, he sensed a pattern: most of these moments were impromptu, they happened offstage, and they involved people communicating something sublime in this elusive yet utterly reliable language we all share. The music-ness of moments is at its best when two or more players don’t quite know where it’s all going, and yet have enough of a common idea of the map at hand that they’re all going together. The Lamplighter Sessions is Mulvey’s dogged attempt to set up, year after year, lightning rods in a field, to coax these offstage moments into being onstage.
Who is this doggedy dog in this dog-eat-dog world?
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
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.
TIM GRIMM is a bit of a Renaissance man in the performing arts world. He has for the past 15 years blended his love for songwriting, travel, and the storytelling of acting (theatre, film and television).
He has toured and recorded with his friend, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, appeared with Harrison Ford in the film Clear and Present Danger, and has shared the stage with writer and poet Wendell Berry. Tim had the #1 song on Folk radio in 2016 with — WOODY’S LANDLORD, and the #1 song in 2014 — KING OF THE FOLKSINGERS. Grimm lives on 80 acres in southern Indiana, and has been called “The Poet Laureate of the rural Midwest”. His song THE LAKE was in the soundtrack for A WALK IN THE WOODS, starring Robert Redford. His latest release is A STRANGER IN THIS TIME– with The Family Band (his wife and both sons).
“Tim’s songwriting reminds me of Guy Clark. The songwriting is simple, straightforward yet full of poetry. It closely observes everyday life and distills the small moments of joy and pleasure. Grimm’s vocal style also reminds me of Guy Clark’s unassuming way of putting across a song. It’s a voice in service to the lyric….” -Richard Silverstein- Seattle
HER CROOKED HEART is the new name; the new music of Rachel Ries – multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, sideman, singer. Her Crooked Heart’s debut EP, To Gentlemen, and forthcoming album, To Love To Leave To Live, feature members of Bon Iver, Field Report and string arrangements by the inimitable Rob Moose.
But one thing has remained true since RR’s first homespun release: her sly and compassionate voice, excavating the depths of an all-too-human heart, armed with levity and a pen. It’s the messy humanity that’s of interest here. The trying and failing; the loving and losing and loving again. The choosing to be brave even when you’re shaking in your tattered boots. So please, make welcome: Her Crooked Heart. She’s been here all along.

LAMPLIGHTER w/ PETER MULVEY/ MIKE MANGIONE/ SISTA STRINGS
2017-12-14 20:00 - 22:30
PETER MULVEY’s annual Lamplighter Sessions take place here from December 7th the 15th, minus Monday and Tuesday. Mulvey has been transported by music suspiciously (should we suspect foul play?) often in his life, and from the beginning, he sensed a pattern: most of these moments were impromptu, they happened offstage, and they involved people communicating something sublime in this elusive yet utterly reliable language we all share. The music-ness of moments is at its best when two or more players don’t quite know where it’s all going, and yet have enough of a common idea of the map at hand that they’re all going together. The Lamplighter Sessions is Mulvey’s dogged attempt to set up, year after year, lightning rods in a field, to coax these offstage moments into being onstage.
Who is this doggedy dog in this dog-eat-dog world?
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
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.
For almost a decade, Milwaukee-based artist, MIKE MANGIONE has been writing and performing “orchestral folk music” (American Songwriter), using lush instrumentation and harmonies, bringing listeners into a place of spiritual awakening. Collectively, these songs tell the beautiful story of hope through despair. The style is as unique as the musicians that made it and as familiar as family.

LAMPLIGHTER- PETER MULVEY/ PAUL CEBAR/ NICKEL AND ROSE
2017-12-13 20:00 - 22:30
PETER MULVEY’s Lamplighter Sessions are here from December 7th the 15th, minus Monday and Tuesday. Mulvey has been transported by music suspiciously (should we suspect foul play?) often in his life, and from the beginning, he sensed a pattern: most of these moments were impromptu, they happened offstage, and they involved people communicating something sublime in this elusive yet utterly reliable language we all share. The music-ness of moments is at its best when two or more players don’t quite know where it’s all going, and yet have enough of a common idea of the map at hand that they’re all going together. The Lamplighter Sessions is Mulvey’s dogged attempt to set up, year after year, lightning rods in a field, to coax these offstage moments into being onstage.
Who is this doggedy dog in this dog-eat-dog world?
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
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.

LAMPLIGHTER w/ PETER MULVEY/ KAIA FOWLER/ SISTA STRINGS/ BILL CAMPLIN
2017-12-10 19:30 - 22:00
NOTE: Opening at 5:15, will be serving dinner. Kitchen will close after show starts.

PETER MULVEY’s Lamplighter Sessions are here from December 7th the 15th, minus Monday and Tuesday. Mulvey has been transported by music suspiciously (should we suspect foul play?) often in his life, and from the beginning, he sensed a pattern: most of these moments were impromptu, they happened offstage, and they involved people communicating something sublime in this elusive yet utterly reliable language we all share. The music-ness of moments is at its best when two or more players don’t quite know where it’s all going, and yet have enough of a common idea of the map at hand that they’re all going together. The Lamplighter Sessions is Mulvey’s dogged attempt to set up, year after year, lightning rods in a field, to coax these offstage moments into being onstage.
Who is this doggedy dog in this dog-eat-dog world?
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
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. The sound is rounded out by Nathan Kilen on drums.
With soaring vocals and impassioned guitar playing, KAIA FOWLER’s songs explore a vast emotional landscape. Drawing from the folk, blues, and roots rock traditions, her music resonates with strength and vulnerability. A finalist in the 2012 Great River Folk Festival songwriting competition, she has been compared to Joni Mitchell’s for the lyrical detail and melodic expression of her writing. A review by The Americana Gazette says, “Kaia Fowler is a tremendous lyricist. Her lyrics paint pictures and her musical notes add the color.” Selections from her 2010 album Seams of My Heart received radio play on Women of Substance Radio. Her new album One Breath will be released May 2018.
BILL CAMPLIN will also be in the ring throwing his considerable tenor around while plucking.

LAMPLIGHTER w/ PETER MULVEY/ BRIANNA LANE/ JOHN LOUIS/ plus NATE KILEN
2017-12-09 20:30 - 23:00
PETER MULVEY’s Lamplighter Sessions are here from December 7th the 15th, minus Monday and Tuesday. Mulvey has been transported by music suspiciously (should we suspect foul play?) often in his life, and from the beginning, he sensed a pattern: most of these moments were impromptu, they happened offstage, and they involved people communicating something sublime in this elusive yet utterly reliable language we all share. The music-ness of moments is at its best when two or more players don’t quite know where it’s all going, and yet have enough of a common idea of the map at hand that they’re all going together. The Lamplighter Sessions is Mulvey’s dogged attempt to set up, year after year, lightning rods in a field, to coax these offstage moments into being onstage.
Who is this doggedy dog in this dog-eat-dog world?
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
JOHN LOUIS is a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter and guitarist who crafts twangy folk songs about love, loss, living and nostalgia. “I think of my music as tonic from the chaos and swirl. Music for the road, or the kind of songs you sing with friends around the fire,” said Louis. His songs evoke hope and longing, change and regret, love and death, lost and found, and kindness.
“Rootsy singer/songwriter John Louis [is] equal parts John Prine and Robert Earl Keen . . . .” StarTribune – Chris Riemenschneid
Hailing from the song-rich soil of Minneapolis, BRIANNA LANE is the latest in a deluge of compelling songwriters flooding the region. Lane’s vocals are both confidant and fragile, running parallels to Mindy Smith or Americana veteran Patty Griffin. Behind Lane’s beguiling smile lies a heart that has had its share of heartache where songs like “In My Bones” and “Company” draw their inspiration. Her stories oscillate between a sense of urgency and resolve while seeking a tranquil balance.
“Poised, ambitious, a soul-singer of the first order, and an accomplished guitarist.” – Jim Walsh (Star Tribune Minneapolis, MN)
This night’s sound will be rounded out by NATE KILEN on drums.
