ACOUSTIC OPEN STAGE
2025-11-14 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
This is an acoustic open stage, sound system set up in advance, just sit or 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.

CORY BRANAN
2025-11-15 20:00
Over the last two decades CORY BRANAN has released five albums to much critical acclaim from NPR, Pitchfork and Rolling Stone among others, who called him, “A country boy with a punk-rock heart.” He has toured extensively, appearing on stages from Letterman and the Ryman to your town’s shittiest punk bar.
“…a career stacked with lonesome country anthems to life on the road, delivered in a voice that’s pleasantly weathered.” – NPR
Branan’s songs have been covered by such artists as Tyler Childers, Frank Turner, and Dashboard Confessional. He has also collaborated with the likes of Jason Isbell, Laura Jane Grace (Against Me!), and Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) who have been included as featured guests on previous records. Branan has even been mentioned in the Lucero song, “Tears Don’t Matter Much” with the lyrics, “Cory Branan’s got an evil streak, and a way with words that’ll bring you to your knees.”
“classic Branan: detailed storytelling filled with his patented razor-sharp, quick-witted evil streak, varied sonic feels and textures that invoke the best parts of 70s (and, I suppose, 90s) album radio, massive, death-defying guitar riffs and a level of musicality that somehow takes more twists and turns than the lyrics they provide the soundscape for. ” Dying Scene
“It’s rad”, says Branan, “to have a new home with nice folks at Blue Èlan who’ve threatened to turn me loose to make my kind of weird American music, and I’m really looking forward to getting into the studio this fall and giving it hell.”

VON CARPE FAMILY SINGERS- a benefit for the HOMELESS COALITION
2025-11-16 15:30 - 17:30
The show starts at 3:30, and we will open at 3:00. Please allow time for ordering a drink and being seated before the show starts. The only food being served is to those who bought food & show tickets until they were sold out, and dining will be after the show (see below about food details).
The show is SOLD OUT– but will be livestreamed with the option of donating online then:
The live streaming link: Live with the Von Carpe Family Singers
This November tradition of a benefit for the HOMELESS COALITION of Fort Atkinson is happening again.
The Von Carpesters feature siblings Karen, Lisa and Eric Reinhardt joined by daughter Laura Christianson, grandson Camdyn James Cloute, daughter-in-law Steph Kilkenny and husband Jim Marousis. The incredible Krause Family Band returns (with King Leon), as well as musical prodigy Brian Lucas and poet extraordinaire Sharon Daly. As a special treat this year we are joined by the Carpe’s own Bill Camplin, Kitty Welch and the One and Only Satchel Paige Welch.
The music will be from 3:30-5:30, followed by the meal (for those who bought the show and meal- sorry, no room for any others) beginning at 5:45.
NOTA BENE re food: We will only be serving food after the show to those who bought the show and meal ticket before it sold out…
You will buy a ticket for just the show ($20), OR for the show plus a meal ($30).
There are three options for the meal, which you will choose when ordering your ticket. (Therefore get the choices of all for whom you are buying tickets in advance of purchasing.) Meal choices are chicken and ham jambalaya, meat chili with cornbread, or a vegan black bean burger.
It promises to be a unique and enjoyable experience!

DAVE RAMONT/ TIM SOUTHWICK JOHNSON
2025-11-21 19:30
Two friends will share the stage, tossing songs back and forth. Bios follow ticket link:

Singer/songwriter DAVE RAMONT hails from the swamps of Northern Illinois, teaching music and singing around the Midwest and points beyond for years. Muddy skies & chicken pies. He’s released 4 solo albums, plus 4 more with swillbilly band dick smith. Their album Smoke Damage was a top 3 independent release as chosen by Acoustic Guitar magazine. He’s currently recording new songs and singing for sandwiches & rye whiskey.
“Ramont has the sly, shy twang of a country soul singer; his songwriting shares the mystical eye of Jimmie Dale Gilmore. His quiet humor and scrappy musicianship allow for a hazy country vision with mystery.” -Mark Guarino, Chicago Daily Herald
Wisconsin resident TIM SOUTHWICK JOHNSON is an accomplished performer on guitar, mandolin, tenor guitar, ukulele and harmonica. Since 1982 Tim has performed at colleges & universities, clubs &festivals in 30 states. He’s a former member of Mercury/Columbia recording artists Heartsfield and was a founding member of the band Famous Vacationers.
His original songs run the gamut from sweet ballads, thought provoking story songs, compelling art songs and fingerstyle instrumentals. Tim has also provided music for film including the independent film Wisconsin Barns- A Touchstone of the Past- which has aired on PBS nationwide.
Tim’s latest CD, Sand County Songs, is based on the Aldo Leopold book, A Sand County Almanac.

BILL CAMPLIN/ PETE JONSSON
2025-11-22 20:00
Bill and Peter will swap songs. Ticket link follows bios.
PETE JONSSON‘s musical career began with formal lessons on piano, and forced lessons on the trumpet during his grade school years. His rebellion ended when Santa brought an ukelele with a plastic Arthur Godfrey chord changer and a book of Steven Foster songs. At the age of twelve he made the leap to six strings– the family Gibson guitar, and began his musical journey during those years when folk music and the Kingston Trio was the pied piper and youth were cliff-bound lemmings. Shortly thereafter he descended into the blues and worse–songwriting.
During his adult years he became interested in the live music of his childhood, that is pop tunes from the early 20th century played by his father(guitar), grandfather (mandolin), and uncle (tenor banjo). These were songs like Five Foot Two, Harvest Moon, Whispering, and Bye Bye Blues. For thirty plus years he was a member of the famous trio called Live Bait whose signs can be seen to this day in the resort areas in northern Illinois and Wisconsin. Pete was a member of the Stage Leftovers, the house band that played regularly on the second and fourth on the square of downtown Woodstock, IL. Now he is the guitarist with Cheryl and the Down Home Boys. Pete is a flatpicker, fingerpicker, slide guitarist, a strummer and also has the audacity to attempt solo performances, and has escaped, thus far, the wrath of audiences and serious injury.
BILL CAMPLIN is the co-owner of the Cafe Carpe, with musical chops going back to being one of the stars of his high school choir, his teacher being Margaret Hawkins, who went on to be the Choral Director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

CLOSED November 26 and 27
2025-11-26 08:00 - 2025-11-28 11:30
Give us grateful hearts, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others.

WHAT'S HIS NAME & THE OTHER GUY
2025-11-28 20:15
If y’all manage to arrive in a timely fashion so that we can get you fed before 8, show will start at 8. Please buy tickets in advance so we can plan for the evening.
WHAT’S HIS NAME & THE OTHER GUY are Brian (Looper) Lucas & Greg (Loopier) Valde . These two have been playing together around these parts for over 25 years – under an array of monikers. You may have known them as “Lost Souls” “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.”

JOHNSMITH- CANCELLED
2025-11-29 20:00
Cancelled due to the obnoxious weather forecast. John and many of you would be traveling a distance to get here, and that does not seem wise. We will inform you of rescheduling. Those who already have tickets will be hearing from us via e-mail regarding refunds.
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.

BOBCAT OPOSSUM
2025-12-05 20:00
BOBCAT OPOSSUM are Ellen Coplin and Sean Hoffman and friend Liv LaFluv, blending American roots and Celtic music with original instrumentals and multi-part part vocals.
With their love of Celtic traditions and American roots, Bobcat Possum blend dance band grooves with melodic and harmonic threads to weave a sonic tapestry that reflects their exploratory approach to the musical traditions they draw on for inspiration. Whether playing traditional pieces or new compositions, their music exudes playfulness and confidence that is a joy to see and hear.
Whether singing cowboy ballads, American folk songs, or Scottish ballads, Bobcat Possum love of singing and storytelling draws the listener in and sets the imagination soaring.

TIM GRIMM w/ Sergio Webb
2025-12-06 20:00
Ticket link after bio-
TIM GRIMM is a bit of a Renaissance man in the performing arts world, forging a rich and varied career that blends his love of songwriting, travel, and acting in theatre, film and television. For most of his 25-year career as a storytelling balladeer in the tradition of John Prine, Woody Guthrie, and Bob Dylan, Tim has written primarily about community, history, family, and social issues – often framed by his strong sense of place and the many years he spent on the family farm he built in rural Indiana. His songs are filled with rural characters and landscapes, written and sung with vivid warmth and intimacy.
Tim will be joined by respected sideman SERGIO WEBB .

SHITUNAUTS-Thursday
2025-12-11 20:00
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY BILL CAMPLIN
The lads gather sans Sabien for the Thursday and Friday shows.

SHITUNAUTS- Friday
2025-12-12 20:30

SHITUNAUTS- Saturday
2025-12-13 20:30
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY BILL CAMPLIN RANDY SABIEN

SHITUNAUTS- Sunday
2025-12-14 18:00
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY BILL CAMPLIN RANDY SABIEN
Last night of a 4 night run. Showtime is 6:00. We will open at 4, and are serving food.

Anne HEATON/ Katie DAHL/ Jenny BIENEMANN
2025-12-18 20:00
Fun night with songwriters KATIE DAHL (Door County), ANNE HEATON (Milwaukee), and JENNY BIENEMANN (Chicago) joining together to present “Songs to Light A Winter’s Night”, an intimate evening of original songs and songs to celebrate the winter solstice. The artists will share and add texture to one another’s work as they illuminate and celebrate the darkest days of the year, exploring themes of hope, mystery, belonging and kindness. The music is rooted in the folk tradition, with songs that roam freely to explore country, jazz, and rock traditions.

KATIE DAHL: “Katie Dahl’s songs aren’t just melodies and words, they’re journeys that are firmly grounded in a sense of place—beautiful, real landscapes that help you feel places that you may have never been before. That’s the very best kind of songwriting.”—Dar Williams
ANNE HEATON: “[Heaton’s] compelling piano melodies and clearly articulated phrasing remind me of Carole King” – Naomi Arenberg, “Folk on WGBH” NPR
JENNY BIENEMANN:
“Jenny Bienemann is a dynamic and versatile artist whose work seamlessly blends poetry, songwriting, photography, and digital creation. Renowned for her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, she has earned widespread recognition across multiple artistic fields and built a global following. Her daily ritual of capturing photos paired with writing haiku led to the creation of Haiku Milieu, a transformative movement that nurtures creativity and fosters community. This initiative encompasses a diverse range of projects, including books, a clothing line, a soundtrack, and the Haiku Milieu concert series, which features songs inspired by the haiku written by artists from across the United States. Additionally, her Sunday Morning Haiku Milieu email reaches a vast global audience, sharing moments of artistic reflection and connection each week.” – Hidden Gems online

CASH BOX KINGS w/ Queen Lee Kanehira
2025-12-19 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 is on guitar and JOE PENNER on bass.
The Kings will be joined by QUEEN LEE KANEHIRA, recognized as one of the premier blues and boogie woogie piano players in the world today. She was the winner of the inaugural 2019 Chicago International Blues Piano Competition. She regularly tours throughout Europe, Asia, and North America as a solo artist (and as a member of the Cash Box Kings). She was a featured artist for the Otis Span Tribute concert at the 2024 Chicago Blues Festival.
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.”

ERNIE HENDRICKSON
2025-12-20 20:30
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.
He recorded his newest album, “Live at Cafe Carpe,” here in December 2023.

BILL CAMPLIN and MICHAEL HECHT
2025-12-27 19:30 - 21:00
Literary artist MICHAEL HECHT will read excerpts from speeches or literature, and BILL CAMPLIN will sing a song between each excerpt. Readings will be announced later.
Bill & Michael have done this collaboration many times with different readings, and really enjoy the concept, as have those in attendance.

CHRIS HANSON BAND- New Years' eve afternoon
2025-12-31 17:30
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 showtime to get everyone home early.
Seating is limited, so don’t hesitate.
Entree options, to be chosen when you buy tickets, are seafood jambalaya (gluten free, dairy free) or chicken curry (gluten free, dairy free). Anyone with dietary restrictions should contact us to see if we can accommodate you (cafecarpe@sbcglobal.net)
Doors will open at 3:00. There will be 2 seatings for dinner- 3:30 and 4:30. You will choose which one when you buy tickets, unless the one option has been filled in which case the choice will be made for you.
Seats will be assigned for the dinner and the show.
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.
SHOW ONLY: There will be some seats available for the show only. Price includes dessert and coffee at the break. Show only ticket link here.
Chris Hanson band info follows full package 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.

LONESOME BILL CAMPLIN
2026-01-30 20:00
Lonesome Bill rides into the New Year fresh from Ferndale tour, where he wowed an audience of his daughter’s friends.

JOE JENCKS/ LISA MEDINA
2026-01-31 20:00
JOE JENCKS is a 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, an award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist based in Chicago. Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Joe delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit. Having penned several #1 Folksongs including the ever-relevant Lady of The Harbor, Jencks is also co-founder of the harmony trio, Brother Sun. From Festivals like Falcon Ridge, Kerrville, Mariposa, and Old Songs, to venues like Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, Jencks has enthralled diverse audiences with his approachable style. Joe is noted for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. Blending well-crafted instrumentals and vivid songwriting, Jencks serves it all up with a lyric baritone voice that has the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel.
“Climb inside the songs of Joe Jencks, and you meet real people. His lilting melodies and warm, caramel tenor draw us closer to the stories he tells. Jencks finds the humanness that binds us to the people in his songs!”- Scott Alarik – Author of Revival and WUMB, Boston, MA
“The spirit of Folk music is people working together. Joe is a fantastic singer who carries on the traditions.” – Pete Seeger
“A man with a golden voice who has a great feeling for history, and the role that songs play in documenting that history. The Coming of the Years, by Joe Jencks is a gorgeous record.” ~ Luka Bloom

“With his meticulous care, craftmanship and exquisite sensitivity, Joe Jencks has once again blessed us with a thoughtful and stunningly beautiful collection. Themed from the shaping of his own heritage, Joe in his typically generous way encourages each of us to explore and reflect on where we’ve come from. Haunting, melancholy, hopeful and heartfelt all at once, Joe’s gorgeous baritone brings new perspective to the traditional, honour and homage to those written by others, and breathes life to his originals. ” ~ Suze Casey, Artistic Director, Calgary Folk Club
LISA MEDINA is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter with a flavorful hint of Latin rhythm and spice. Lisa’s performance history includes: church choir, theater kid, solo singer-songwriter, vocals and guitar in various duos and bands, and as a vocalist with a Grammy-nominated Latin jazz big band. Over the years Lisa sang on renowned stages, most notably at the Petrillo Bandshell for the Chicago Jazz Festival, Park West, the Old Town School Folk & Roots Festival, the Adler Planetarium, and at Wrigley Field singing the National Anthem for Cubs games.

Upon having children, Lisa’s paid gigs transformed into exclusive cribside lullabies and toddler storytimes. This season as a new mom – full of wonder and sometimes chaos – left her without the time or energy for writing songs. After a decade flew by, Lisa thought perhaps she had forgotten how. Finally, when the pandemic hit in 2020, isolation at home with her family, a new puppy, and an old piano stirred her creative spirit. Lisa and her little ones filled their time playing music together. Amid the devastating events in her community and the world, her children’s innocent laughter and musical curiosity became her muse. Lisa started crafting stories and dreams into powerful songs that resonate with listeners of all ages. These songs, written at a time of creative reawakening, form the heart and the backbone of Lisa’s latest project: her first studio album, which was released in May 2024.
“Lisa P. Medina’s debut CD, “Wishes,” is everything a DJ ‘wishes’ to receive. Excellent songs and music, with a variety of styles, offering great messages and entertainment. Lisa is a wonderful new talent who will enrich the folk music scene and folk radio.” Lilli Kuzma, host of “Folk Festival” on WDCB

ELLIS PAUL
2026-02-01 17:30
For this Sunday show, we will open at 3:30. Come AT LEAST an hour early so that we can get everyone fed before showtime. (Show will start a little late if that does not happen.)
ELLIS PAUL doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless.
more bio follows ticket link

Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a sevenalbum contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories.
His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year and most recently his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year. His new album “55” touches on the necessity of gratitude in a difficult era of the pandemic and divided political stances on his own imprint, Rosella Records.

BUDDY MONDLOCK
2026-02-05 19:30
BUDDY MONDLOCK writes songs.
He does it so well that some great songwriters have recorded his songs on their own albums. Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith, and Janis Ian, to name just a few. You might’ve heard his song “The Kid” (recorded by David Wilcox, Peter, Paul and Mary and Cry, Cry, Cry) and maybe even sung it yourself around a campfire. He draws you into his world – where a single snowflake follows the trajectory of a relationship, where you get you pocket picked by a Roman cat, where you might swim over the edge of the world if you’re not careful and where dreams that don’t come true still count.

His latest album, Filament, finds him exploring some new territory, both sonically and rhythmically. Produced by Brad Jones, known for his creative approaches to singer/ songwriters, songs like “Problem Solved” and “Sunlight In My Pocket” are propelled along by drums and percussion. Others are painted with woodwinds and string arrangements. Buddy is at heart a storyteller and the songs cover a lot of territory too, ranging from a young artist who finds fame too soon in the title song, to the wonders and mysteries found in “The Dark,” a song he co-wrote with the great Guy Clark.
When Buddy made his first trip to Texas from his native Chicago, Guy Clark heard him singing one of his songs under a tree at the Kerrville Folk Festival and liked it. So Guy went back to Nashville, opened the door and said, “listen to this kid, he’s good!” A publishing deal and a U-Haul headed south soon followed.
In 1987 he was a New Folk Award Winner at Kerrville and he released his first album called “On the Line”. Over the next few years David Wilcox recorded “The Kid” on his first record for A&M. Buddy did some writing with this other new kid in town named Garth Brooks. Janis Ian heard him singing at the Bluebird Cafe and asked him if he’d like to write with her. Their song “Amsterdam” got recorded by Joan Baez. Nanci Griffith asked Buddy to sing on a show she was taping for Irish television. She ended up liking that song so much that she recorded “Comin’ Down In the Rain” on her Grammy Award winning collection “Other Voices, Other Rooms.” Garth became a star and “Every Now and Then” ended up on his album “The Chase.”
1996 was a good year. Peter, Paul and Mary recorded “The Kid” and then asked the kid himself to sing with them on their “Great Performances” TV special. He won a Kerrville Music Award for Song of the Year that autumn for “The Kid” too. Since then he’s released a string of critically acclaimed solo recordings on his own label and on EMI. And in 2003 Buddy toured North America and Europe with Art Garfunkel and Maia Sharp in support of their album “Everything Waits To Be Noticed” which they wrote and recorded together as a trio. “Filament” will be his seventh album.
In recent years Buddy has been writing songs with military veterans through a program sponsored by an organization called Music Therapy of the Rockies and he includes several of those songs in his shows (and one on his new album). “This has been such a powerful experience and I’m honored to have been trusted with these stories of trauma and of triumph too,” he says.
Buddy and Maia Sharp have also been collaborating on a new musical called, “The Girl In the Red Dress.” It includes several songs from their project with Art Garfunkel and a slew of new material from Buddy and Maia. Set in a world where “The Leader” has banished all color as subversive, the story focuses on a young woman who must learn to believe in herself and comes to find that she can actually make a difference.

CLAUDIA SCHMIDT
2026-02-07 19:30
CLAUDIA SCHMIDT has been perfecting her craft of performing for almost four decades. It is a quirky and wonderful hodge-podge (her word!) of music, poetry, story, laughter. drama, and celebrating the moment. Work in clubs, theaters, festivals, TV, radio has added depth and dimension, and since she has always included her original work along with very personal versions of the work of others, what you get is a unique look at the world from someone who says what she sees with clarity, humor, and wonder.
The San Francisco Bay Guardian said: “Schmidt’s shows are a lot like falling in love. You never know what’s going to happen next, chances are it’s going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory and you know you’ll never be the same again.” More succinctly, Garrison Keillor said “when Claudia sings a song, it stays sung.”

JASON THOMAS BAND
2026-02-13 20:00
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats and to let us know if you will be dining here before the show. If you don’t, there might be chaos…
JASON THOMAS BAND is a 4-piece band from Fort Atkinson that plays modern acoustic covers of rock, pop and alternative hits. Jason is a contemporary folk singer whose clear, driving vocals lend themselves to unique reinterpretations of various music styles. He is joined by Steve Tesmer on Dobro and Ben Knowles on bass, who are both members of the popular local groups The Dimes and Jill and the JAX. Bob Milan accompanies on drums. Bob is a professional percussionist, locally known for his steel drum playing as Bahama Bob. Though their musical styles are diverse, they have found a perfect harmony to showcase exciting renditions of many of your favorite songs.

NOAH GUTHRIE
2026-02-14 20:00
Celebrate (or ignore) Valentine’s Day with NOAH GUTHRIE.
“Noah Guthrie is an Americana singer-songwriter and musician hailing from South Carolina. Known for his soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting, Guthrie has made a significant impact on the music scene with his unique blend of Country, Americana, and Rock influences.
“Guthrie is growing leaps and bounds as a performer, the sort of charismatic presence with a huge, expressive range capable of capturing sheer, fiery intensity almost naturally.” -The Musical Divide

He first gained widespread attention with his viral YouTube covers, which showcased his powerful vocals and garnered millions of views. Guthrie’s talent caught the eye of television producers, leading to his appearances on popular shows such as NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” Dancing With The Stars” and FOX’s “Glee,” where he played the character Roderick Meeks in the final season. These appearances helped broaden his audience and solidified his presence in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, Guthrie has had the honor of opening for several legendary artists, most notably performing 12 shows with the iconic Willie Nelson. This experience not only highlighted Guthrie’s abilities as a performer but also connected him with new fans and industry veterans alike. His heartfelt, honest songwriting, dedication to his craft and ability to connect with audiences continues to propel his career forward in the Americana music scene.
“Guthrie’s roots as a South Carolinian from a musical family, run deeply Country/ Americana. But his genre-bending vocal range sets him apart sonically and could place him anywhere in the industry.” -American Songwriter
“Guthrie paints cinematic images with his words that transport you to the ‘Blue Wall’, the name the Native Americans gave to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guthrie is as adept at a smooth falsetto as he is a bluesy rasp akin to Greg Allman. The guy can really sing.” -Red Guitar Music

WILLY PORTER & the HUMAN QUARTET
2026-02-15 18:00
“HUMANS IN A ROOM” Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, WILLY PORTER, will be joined by cellist/vocalist Mai Bloomfield, singer/percussionist Carmen Nickerson and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Pearl for an immersive multi-speaker zone evening of music from their live studio Atmos album, Humans in a Room. This will be a very special night, and you may wish to be one of the humans in the room.
Will be serving food this night with limited choices- opening at 3:45.

REVEREND ROBERT DA BONES MAN & LOOPER
2026-02-20 20:15
Renowned blues artist REVEREND ROBERT is set to captivate audiences with his authentic pre-war blues and dynamic performance. Hailing from Clarksdale, MS, Reverend Robert has amassed a wealth of experience, enthralling audiences across Europe, India, the UK, and Canada with his award-winning approach to blues music.
Reverend Robert’s mastery of pre-war blues is both genuine and infectious. Beyond the traditional blues realm, he seamlessly weaves into his set elements of jazz, ragtime, and swing, creating a diverse and electrifying musical experience. His stomping beat and irresistible groove promise to keep attendees entertained throughout the night.
Sharing the stage with Reverend Robert is the esteemed Randy “DA’ BONES MAN” Seppala, a percussionist extraordinaire and member of the U.P. Music Hall of Fame. Da’ Bones Man is known for his unparalleled energy, playing a variety of percussive instruments, including bones, washboard, drums, and cajon. His charismatic stage presence is not to be missed, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
Completing the trio is blues veteran Brian “LOOPER” Lucas, whose harmonica skills bring a soulful touch to the performance. With a rich history of playing at various festivals and clubs from Mississippi to Marquette, MI, Looper’s contribution adds depth and dimension to the musical ensemble.
This evening promises to be a night of exceptional blues, celebrating the roots of this timeless genre while infusing it with contemporary flair. Music enthusiasts and blues aficionados alike are invited to witness the magic unfold. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unparalleled musical synergy of Reverend Robert, Randy “Da Bones Man” Seppala, and Brian “Looper” Lucas.

ERIK KOSKINEN TRIO
2026-02-21 20:00
ERIK KOSKINEN is in this band, along with Richard Medek on drums and Josh Gravelin on bass guitar.

WHITNEY MANN/ Anna Vogelzang
2026-02-28 20:15
Ticket link follows bios.
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.
ANNA VOGELZANG will open for Whitney.
Anna believes in the power of songs. Since 2004, the Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist has independently released 7 award-winning albums and toured extensively throughout the US, opening for a wide range of acts from Gillian Welch to Sara Bareilles. Atwood Magazine says her songwriting is “beautifully visceral”, exuding “the kind of storytelling ability passed down through decades of folk tradition – it walks the line between the modern and the nostalgic”. Her voice has been described as “an ethereal, lucid thing” that “nets melodies like it’s catching monarchs”.
