Cafe Carpe

KAREN CHOI- canceled
2020-04-03 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
KAREN CHOI
Rooted in the Americana tradition, KAREN CHOI’s songs explore the common human experience from a rich lyrical perspective. Choi has supported acts such as Son Volt, The Quebe Sisters, Wade Bowen and the late Pegi Young. Her latest release, ‘Lost County’ was recorded and mixed by Tim Gebauer of Electropolis in St. Louis, Missouri. Gebauer has worked with artists such as River Kittens, Le’Ponds, Pokey LaFarge and Sleepy Kitty. He co-produced the album with Nick Dahlquist and Karen Choi.
‘Lost County,’ leans into the stylistic freedom of the Americana genre as it scales back the use of bluegrass forward instruments as heard on Choi’s past work. The six song collection instead focuses on rich harmonies, electric lines, and multiple varieties of organ, piano and guitar. Choi hand-selected a cast of local players to record on the album, resulting in a sound that truly represents her live performance.
Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Choi was introduced to roots music through her father’s involvement in a local bluegrass band. At thirteen, she was self-taught on guitar and began songwriting as a means of guiding everyday encounters. She is currently living in St. Louis, Missouri where she spends her time raising her three boys and keeping a busy tour and show schedule.
For fans of: Over the Rhine, The Secret Sisters, Emmy Lou Harris, Courtney Marie Andrews and Amanda Shires
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

RANDY SABIEN & BILL CAMPLIN- canceled
2020-04-02 20:00 - 22:00
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.
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.
Please call to reserve.

GRANT PEEPLES- canceled
2020-03-27 20:30 - 23:00
A self-described “tree-hugger that watches NASCAR, and Buddhist with a gun below the seat,” GRANT PEEPLES is known for his axe-sharp socio-political tunes, raucous humor and heart-gigging ballads.
He is the recipient of the Focus Foundation Award for Creative Excellence, which cited the “humor, compassion and wisdom of his songs,” and their “unflinching social insight and cultural acuity.” Grant tours coast to coast, and is a regular performer at The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, the 30A Songwriters Festival, and The Florida, Folk Festival. January 2019 marked a second tour in The Netherlands, where FolkForum.nl described him “…a pure storyteller, in the best American folk tradition…” and his show “…one of those gems that you will remember for a long time…”
Gurf Morlix, who has produced Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier, Ray Wiley Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, and Slaid Cleaves—has produced five of Grant’s records, including his most recent release of original songs, “Settling Scores Vol II” (2018), and this year’s special release, ‘Bad Wife,’ (Feb 2020) a collection of songs written by women songwriters, a tribute to women in the year of the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote in the US. Songwriters include Eliza Gilkyson, Carrie Elkin, Telisha Williams, Caroline Spence, Phoebe Blume, Sarah Mac, Rebekah Pulley, Ali Holder, Myshkin, Alicia McGovern, and Dayna Kurtz, who wrote the album’s title track.
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A Few Things About Grant Peeples
His shows are a roiling mix of funny stuff and not-funny stuff. He doesn’t do a lot of lo-ooove songs, but when he does, it’s liable to break your heart.
He has made eleven studio records, three live recordings and three poetry books, the latest of which is “My Advice to Pilgrims,” published by Mezcalita Press.
He tours coast-to-coast, primarily as a solo artist, but often with a side man. He usually plays festivals with his band The Peeples Republik.
He lived on a small island off the Miskito Coast of Nicaragua for eleven years. There he installed the island’s first flushing toilet, rescued sea turtles, and built an eco-resort and dive shop. When he returned to the US in 2006, he returned to a homeland whose changes bordered on futuristic. And much of what he writes about today is informed by that experience.
Here’s a link to a recent interview with Grant in Richard Reardin’s ‘Beyond a Song’.
“Peeples is unusually honest, unusually literate. He’s the only songwriter I have ever thought to call “ruthless”…. ” John Conquest, Third Coast Magazine
“He’s the Woody Guthrie of the New Millennium” — Larry Newman-WSCA
“A man of deeply held conviction….and cajones — “D.C. Bloom Lonestar Magazine
“No performer holds a crowd like Grant Peeples” — Barry White- S. Florida Folk Network
“Comedic, acute, smart, intensely political” — Marc Stern WMBR Cambridge MA
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

SONG CIRCLE w/ TRICIA ALEXANDER- canceled
2020-03-26 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.

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- therein lies our sustenance.

THE VON CARPE FAMILY- Facebook Live concert Canceled
2020-03-22 18:30 - 20:00
The family has decided to cancel the live streaming event.
An evening of music by the talented Reinhardt family. Many Fort locals know KAREN REINHARDT. who also helps the Carpe out by waitressing occasionally.
Headlining the Von Carpe Family Singers are ERIC REINHARDT, Karen’s younger brother, and FRANCINE CICARRELLI from Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Eric began playing guitar at age 11. He has been writing and performing original music in the New England area, including performed at The Barn (Peter Mulvey has played there as well) and the Guthrie Center, the actual site of Arlo’s famous song! Francine is currently acting at the Performing Arts Theater of Woodstock. Her favorite role was Nora in A Doll’s House, with the Rhinebeck Theater Society. Eric and Francine play a mix of originals, folk, rock and music from the 1940s.
You can hear samples of Eric’s music at http://soundcloud.com/ericreinhardt.
Karen Reinhardt and Jim Marousis perform music as SECOND CHANCES. Jim plays guitar and harmonica, and enjoyed a 40-year career as a teacher in the public schools. Karen plays bass guitar and is currently teaching ESL at Madison College in Fort Atkinson. Karen’s sister, Lisa Reinhardt, a graphic artist who recently moved to Fort Atkinson from Portland, Oregon, will join Second Chances on some of their songs.
Besides playing music, Karen and Jim love traveling, taking their one-year-old dog Golda My Ears for walks at Dorothy Carnes Park, baby-sitting for grandson Camdyn, and listening to great music at the Café Carpe! They are active in the Unity Project, Heart of the City, and Jefferson County Indivisible.
You can hear their music at www.secondchancesmusic.com.
Leading off for the Von Carpes is Laura Christianson, Karen’s daughter. Laura graduated from Fort HS in 1999, and then received her degree in Musical Theater from Stevens Point. Laura has performed all over the country, from Florida to Alaska! She performed as Belle in Beauty and the Beast at Walt Disney World in Florida for 5 seasons. She also performed for several summers in a musical production in Denali National Park, Alaska. Laura is now a full time realtor in Madison (laura@illuminatedrealty.com) and the proud mom of Camdyn James Cloute (4/9/19)! She still enjoys performing in her free time and singing Camdyn to sleep every night.

OPEN STAGE- canceled
2020-03-21 18:30 - 21:00

TAYLOR DONSKEY- canceled
2020-03-20 20:30 - 22:30
TAYLOR JAMES DONSKEY is a lover and writer of songs. Although he has become known for his work as a sideman (bass, vocals, trumpet, trombone, percussion), Donskey considers himself a songwriter and band leader ahead of all else.<
Raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin and influenced by his time in the Driftless Region, he picked up the bass at 14 and began his life as a sideman. He played in pop punk bands and school jazz combos. He sang in choirs and played trumpet, trombone, percussion and most importantly, the bass. This led him to playing paid gigs in high school, sitting in with his uncle’s cover band.
“I had to learn nearly two hours of rock cover songs,” Donskey says. Playing music by Bowie, Petty, Harrison and McCartney left its mark. “A lot of that music had incredible bass lines like I’d never really heard. It really inspired me.”Taking that big leap into the spotlight, Taylor James Donskey emerges from his supporting role with Paper Over It, a sophisticated debut, showcasing his strong songwriting skills and prowess as an arranger and producer.
When not busy performing his own music or touring in Lena Elizabeth’s band, he teaches ukulele, piano, electric bass, upright bass, guitar, songwriting, music theory and voice. “Teaching is my second great joy,” he says. “I’ve learned how to translate the language of music so that people may experience it in their own way.”
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

GEORGIA RAE/ GEORGIA RAE FAMILY BAND- rescheduled to May 30
2020-03-14 20:30 - 23:00
This show has been cancelled for all of our health and safety, and has been rescheduled for Saturday May 30.

Tickets already purchased will be transferred to that date. Call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-836-3006 to request a refund if you cannot make that future date. They are rather busy right now, so you may want to wait a bit (but not too long) on that.

Purchase tickets from Brown Paper Tickets by clicking on Buy tickets below:

GEORGIA RAE FAMILY BAND
Two sisters from the midwest, Georgia Rae and Kelly Jo have grown into quite a songwriting team since they began playing together at age 12 and 15. Their sound has grown from the traditional into contemporary Americana flavored with family harmony and youthful energy. 7 time state fiddle champion Georgia Rae and sister lead singer/uke Kelly Jo, are joined by a solid driving rhythm “punk rockin’ momma” on guitar, Joe Burie on bass and Laura Lanza on mandolin. They have been pedaling their recent CDs, “Into Our Own” and “Wingin’ It” from Texas to MN and WI, and as east as NC. Their original songs are clever and catchy and evoke good vibes all around.
GEORGIA RAE also performs solo, alone on stage with a pedal board and some fancy footwork. She loops the tracks right in front of you and builds each song into flight with beautiful sounds, clever lyrics, and some rippin’ fiddle solos. Be amazed, leave happy.

GARNET ROGERS- Cancelled but read on
2020-03-13 20:30 - 23:00
After struggling all day with the decision, we have decided to cancel tonight’s concert.
HOWEVER, Garnet will do a remote concert, and it will be broadcast live at 8:30 via our Cafe Carpe Facebook page. We hope for no glitches, but…..
You may call Brown Paper Tickets 1-800-838-3006 to request a refund (call before showtime, and expect a delay, as they are a bit busy), or enjoy the concert in this socially distant way and consider that a fair return on your investment.
These are difficult times, and difficult decisions are being made by all of us. But epidemiologists say that to stay ahead of the curve, take precautionary measures even if they do not yet seem necessary.
Please call 920-563-9391 if you have any questions.
Stay kind, and concerned for others, and keep on singing.
Thanks for your patience, prudence, and patronage,
Kitty and Bill

Get your tickets by clicking on Buy tickets: except if it is SOLD OUT

Born in 1955, GARNET ROGERS began his musical career in high school playing violin, flute and guitar with his older brother, Stan Rogers. Upon finishing school in 1974, he and his brother formed a trio and went on to change the face of folk music in North America with their performances that left audiences breathless, records which to date have sold in the millions, and songs which have been sung and recorded by thousands around the globe.
Upon Stan’s untimely death in 1983, Garnet set out on his own, forming, along with his parents, one of the very first independent record labels in North America, long before “Indies” became fashionable. Thus far, Garnet has written and recorded 18 highly acclaimed records to date; received a Juno nomination; and recorded either solo or with Grammy nominated American folk icon Greg Brown, as well as legendary Scottish singer Archie Fisher (recently made a Member of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace).
Garnet also authored and recently published a memoir called Night Drive, a wild, funny, and vulgar telling of his years on the road with his brother. Night Drive has received uniformly rave reviews in North America and Europe, and continues to sell well. Resolutely avoiding the mainstream music industry, Garnet has refused all offers from large record labels, with the exception of a “best-of” compilation done with the highly respected Minneapolis record label Red House Records, the largest independent roots music label in North America. His own record label and publishing company, Snow Goose Records, remains family run.
Over the years Garnet has worked or appeared with artists such as the late Bill Morrissey (a Grammy-nominated writer, singer, and best-selling author), Mary Chapin Carpenter (five time Grammy-winning singer), the late Guy Clark, Shawn Colvin, folk legends Judy Collins and Tom Paxton, acclaimed British producer Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois (fellow Canadian and noted producer for U2), Bluegrass legend Bill Monroe, Harry Connick Jr., and many others.
Venues where Garnet has played include the Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington DC, Lincoln Center in New York City, and the Victoria Ballroom in Vancouver (as special musical guest in an evening honoring Nelson Mandela). As well, he has played at nearly every major music festival in North America, and hundreds of smaller concert halls and clubs around the continent, from Florida to the Yukon, Newfoundland to San Diego.
Garnet Rogers has been a guest on NPR shows All Things Considered, A Prairie Home Companion, Good Evening with Noah Adams, Fresh Air with Terry Gross; as well, he’s appeared on West Virginia’s Mountain Stage, CBC’s As It Happens, The Vicki Gabereau show, “Q” with Tom Power, Morningside with Peter Gzowski, and Swinging on a Star with Murray Maclaughlan.
Garnet is to be the subject of a documentary in the coming year, intended to touch on the travels and travails that make up the story of his touring life. The documentary is to be directed by Jonathan Silvers, the noted filmmaker whose most recent three-part series, “Dead Reckoning: War, Crime, and Justice from WW2 to the War on Terror,” was featured on PBS in spring 2017.
Garnet Rogers continues to write, to record, and to tour all across Canada and the States. He spends his off-time between his home in Nova Scotia and his farm in Ontario, where his wife, Gail Parker-Rogers, breeds and raises thoroughbred horses, several of which are on the US and Canadian Olympic Teams.
****Garnet requests that audience members bring non-perishable donations of food, and items of personal care (shampoo, toothpaste, soap) to help the less fortunate in the community.

NEW PIONEERS
2020-03-12 19:00 - 21:30, 2020-02-13 19:00 - 21:00
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.

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.

SONG SWAP w/ MARK POWERS on percussion
2020-03-06 18:30 - 21:00
An interesting evening of music is in development. Percussionist MARK POWERS, based out of Portland, Oregon, will be an artist-in-residence at St. Joseph’s School in Fort Atkinson the week of March 2. We thought it would be fun if he would further share his talents while in Fort. He thought it would be fun, too, and will join with regional artists Perry Baird, Kaia Fowler, Jason Lynk, Steve Tesmer, Tricia Alexander, and perhaps others, improvising percussion accompaniment for a diverse evening of music.
MARK POWERS has shared the stage with artist as diverse as Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen, Devon Evans (of Bob Marley and the Wailers), Clyde Stubblefield, Rolling Stones saxophonist Tim Ries, Bad Company’s Lynn Sorensen, [America’s Polka King] the late Frankie Yankovic, the Portland Cello Project, Floater and more.
PERRY BAIRD’s strong and smooth baritone vocals draw you in to the songs he plays, selections that are an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional styles. Frequently seen performing with local groups and duos, including Rose Among Thorns, Baird also delivers an enchanting solo performance.

KAIA FOWLER creates music that “speaks to the soul.” Kaia’s songs evoke transcendence, wellness, and comfort even when they witness loss, injustice, and the fragility of our Earth. A versatile guitarist, with a brilliant vocal range, Kaia’s songs range from vibrantly melodic finger style tunes to blues rock songs with rhythmic strumming and soulful vocals. Kaia’s warm presence and genuine caring invite listeners to transcend the day-to-day in a way that only music can.

Hear music by Kaia Fowler on her website (kaiafowler.com), her YouTube Channel or on Spotify.
JASON LYNK * is a contemporary folk singer whose clear, driving vocals lend themselves to modern reinterpretations of various music styles, from classic rock to pop, folk, and country-western. Jason hung up his guitar for the better part of a decade to experience the joys of climbing the corporate ladder, but he has tuned up his strings and is ready to share his music with you.

STEVE TESMER * is an accomplished dobro player and is a member of the popular local groups “Three Thin Dimes“ and “Jill and the JAX.” He also performs as a duo with Jason Lynk,. Though their musical styles are diverse, the two have found a perfect harmony to showcase exciting renditions of many of your favorite songs.

TRICIA ALEXANDER– exudes the kind of heart lifting joy that is both nourishing and contagious. A singer-songwriter, performance poet, guitarist, percussionist and harmonica player blues, folk and jazz). The Folk Music Source Book places her “intelligent contemporary writing in the same league as: Holly Near, Cheryl Wheeler, Anne Hills and Christine Lavin.”

*Click here to see YouTube videos of Jason Lynk and Steve Tesmer live at the Café Carpe last fall.

Come and enjoy an evening of food, drink, and music.

SONG CIRCLE w/ TRICIA ALEXANDER
2020-02-27 18:30 - 21:00, 2020-01-30 18:30 - 21:00

BILL CAMPLIN w/ ALPHA STEWART
2020-02-22 20:00 - 22:00

ERNIE WATTS, CORKY SIEGEL, and KALYAN PATHAK- SOLD OUT
2020-02-21 20:30 - 23:00
Get your tickets for this amazing trio by clicking on the Buy tickets link: Seems to have sold out though.

(Tickets will be $40 the day of the show.)
Two-time GRAMMY winning Jazz music icon, ERNIE WATTS is considered by All About Jazz to be: “one of the greatest living saxophonists at the top of his game.” Watts joins forces with Chicago Blues Hall of Fame legend, and master of harp and piano, CORKY SIEGEL., and KALYAN PATHAK, virtuoso tabla player. After a performance at the famed Jazz supper club Dakota, the Minneapolis Star Tribune had this to say: “(Ernie) Watts and (Corky) Siegel Excite the Audience … more than one standing ovation during the unforgettable evening.”
Ernie Watts is one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players in music. It has been more than fifty-five years since he first picked up a saxophone, and from age sixteen on he has been playing professionally. Watts has been featured on over 500 recordings by artists ranging from Cannonball Adderley to Frank Zappa. Ernie was a featured member of the Johnny Carson Tonight Show Band for 20 years. He also toured nationally with the Rolling Stones. Corky Siegel has earned an international reputation as one of the world’s great blues harmonica masters. He is a composer, blues pianist, singer / songwriter, and recent winner of the Lila Wallace/Reader’s Digest/Meet the Composer’s National Award for chamber music composition and the Illinois Arts Council Fellowship Award for Music Composition, Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award, and Chicago Blues Hall of Fame.
What Other People Have Been Saying about Ernie Watts: “If you haven’t become a fan of Ernie Watts yet, it’s time to get on the bandwagon. His savvy, tasteful, fully flowered music stands apart from his contemporaries, previous masters, and those burgeoning players claiming Coltrane as a major influence. In short, he’s the very best at what he does — which in itself is a proven, time-tested commodity.” – All Music Review
What Other People Have Been Saying about Corky Siegel: “… Fantastic … I’ve never heard anyone play harp with this much body and harmonic delicacy … I guarantee you’ve never heard anything quite like it.” – Stereophile Magazine “Siegel dishing up the blues from the Steinway (piano) was edge-of-the-seat stuff.” – New Zealand Herald
KALYAN PATHAK, a favorite artist of Aretha Franklin, had the great honor of being a percussionist for her globally televised memorial backing up an all-star line-up that included: Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Faith Hill, Chaka Kahn and many others. The Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich calls Kalyan: “ Fleet finger virtuosity.”

JP CORMIER
2020-02-15 20:30 - 22:30
At the age of 5, JP CORMIER began teaching himself to play the guitar. At 9, he won his first guitar competition against 30 other players 4 times his age. By his mid teens, he was playing a variety of stringed instruments, including the fiddle, mandolin and banjo. He recorded his first album of bluegrass instrumentals at 16, which led to 10 years of living and performing in the US. His time there included many memorable nights at the Grand Ole Opry with artists such as Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Charlie Louvin and Vince Gill.
Since returning to Canada, JP has released over a dozen award-winning albums. His impressive body of work has earned him a loyal fan base and multiple award nominations and wins. He continues to dazzle and delight audiences while performing 250 shows a year. JP’s complete bio can be viewed here.
“I would be proud to share the stage with this man anywhere, anytime.” Waylon Jennings

“One of the most important guitarists of his generation.” Chet Atkins
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

Longer bio:
Nobody really knows who multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter entertainer J.P. CORMIER is for sure. That’s to be expected.
In 1974 he was a five year old boy, discovering an innate talent for playing the guitar, I had a little hand in that, guiding him through the beginning stages. He learned faster than I could teach.
By the mid eighties, not out of his teens, he was a sideman for bands and artists of many different genres in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and all across the deep south. As he travelled and worked he added more and more instruments to his arsenal of capabilities. He became indispensable to the bands he worked for.
In the early Nineties, he became a sideman for one of Canada’s favourite sons, Stompin’ Tom Connors and also became a staple of the recordings at Studio H in Halifax. His work with the CBC there, spanned musical, production and arranging duties.
All this before he was 20.
In the mid nineties he reentered the musical scene of his beloved East Coast and the Island called Cape Breton. He exploded onto the trad music scene there as a fiddler, performing some of the most difficult music ever produced by legends like Winston Fitzgerald and Angus Chisholm with a facility that stunned onlookers. Especially those who knew he wasn’t born there, but born in Ontario to Cape Breton parents. Somehow, some way, his music was the real thing, sounding like he had been steeped continually in a handed-down brew of family tradition from the old country.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
His previous gig was in Nashville playing mandolin and banjo in a grammy nominated bluegrass gospel band and performing on the Opry, and playing television shows with the likes of Waylon Jennings. All those people also thought he was one of them, American, reared in the ways of bluegrass, old time and Americana music. They knew he was from Canada, but it just didn’t seem possible.
Then in 1997, something amazing happened.
An album released in Canada, out of nowhere, called Another Morning. This time it was him as a songwriter and a lead singer.
And what a songwriter he turned out to be. Some of the performances on that album are literally part of the musical vocabulary today in the East Coast. Songs like the title cut, and Kelly’s Mountain, The Molly May (co written with his cousin Gervais) and others. It inspired, 25 years ago, some of the biggest names in the business today. People like Dave Gunning, Matt Andersen, David Myles, Joel Plaskett, all of which will tell you: that record changed things.
The Canadian industry thought so too, and it received a Juno nomination and won an ECMA.
And that was just the beginning.
36 years later after stepping on stage as professional union musician for the first time at the tender age of 13, JP is still going, and frighteningly, still getting better.
16 albums followed the success of Another Morning, winning 12 more ECMA’s, another Juno nomination, a Canadian Folk Music Award and 5 Music Nova Scotia Awards. Each album was a snapshot of each thing that he can do. There are fiddle albums, Mandolin, Banjo, Guitar, tribute records, songwriting collections, a purely astounding spectrum of talent and musical vision.
His catalogue of recordings and the 150 or so records he’s produced on other artists, resemble the tapestry he weaves in live performance. Where he used to carry 3 and 4 piece bands, he tours alone now.
Just him and the instruments.
People still leave his shows confused, amazed and wondering what they just saw. Did they see a storyteller? A Songwriter? Arguably one of the best guitar players in the business today? Someone who crosses the lines between different instruments like there are no lines? Who was that masked man, anyway?
Accolades aside, and there are many from people like Chet Atkins, Marty Stuart, Waylon Jennings, Gordon Lightfoot; JP sees himself as just a performer. He’s shy, but has a razor sharp wit and lightning sense of humour. He can be reserved or edgy to the point no return. He speaks for soldiers, first responders, other artists, the forgotten and lost. He speaks sometimes only for himself and refuses rebuttal.
Of all the things he is, foremost he is an entertainer. I think one of the best. After you’ve seen what he does, I’m certain you will too.

He has won or been nominated for the following awards:
Maritime Fiddling Festival- Best Reel – 1989
East Coast Music Award (ECMA) Instrumental Album of the Year – 1991
Maritime Fiddling Festival – Best Reel – 1995
East Coast Music Award(ECMA) Roots/Traditional Artist of the Year – 1998
Nominated for a Juno Award in the Roots/Trad recording of the year category for “Another Morning” 1998
East Coast Music Award (ECMA) Instrumental Album of the Year – 2000
East Coast Music Award (ECMA) Instrumental Artist of the Year – 2003
Music Industry Association Nova Scotia (MIANS) Folk/Roots Artist of the Year – 2005
Music Industry Association Nova Scotia (MIANS) Musician of the Year – 2005
Canadian Folk Music Awards – Instrumental Album Of The Year – 2005
East Coast Music Award (ECMA) Folk Recording of the Year – 2006 (The Long River)[6]
In addition, he has won several East Coast Music Awards and the Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia (MIANS) Award in various years.
In 2005 the Bravo! network aired J.P. Cormier – The Man and His Music, a one-hour documentary examining the life and music of J.P. Cormier. J.P. was also featured on Bravo’s half-hour program “Men Of Music”.

ValenThaine's Day dinner- POSTPONED to a future date
2020-02-14 18:00 - 20:30
This Thai food night is postponed to a future date, which will obviously not involve Valentine’s Day.

For a ValenThaine’s Day special, a local resident who is Thai, and a great cook, will be making Thai food in the form of the rich Tom Kha Gai soup, and pork satay.
Please call 920-563-9391 by Thursday night to reserve this deliciousness.
Regular menu will also be available.

OPEN STAGE
2020-02-08 18:30 - 21:00

TIM GRIMM/Last Acre
2020-02-07 20:30 - 23:00
Get tickets by clicking on the link Buy Tickets link below, or purchase in person at the Carpe.

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). His most recent recording- A STRANGER IN THIS TIME (2017), is a collaboration with his wife, Jan,and sons Connor and Jackson– the “Family Band”. In the Fall of 2016 this same group recorded the single- WOODY’S LANDLORD– which was the #1 song on Folk Radio for the year. Tim’s previous recording, THE TURNING POINT, produced the #1 song on Folk radio in 2014– KING OF THE FOLKSINGERS. It was a particularly gratifying honor, given the song is a tribute to Tim’s friend and musical icon, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Tim’s history with Ramblin’ Jack goes back 30 years– beginning with a bicycle ride that led to The Newport Folk Festival…. Tim contributing liner notes to Jack’s Grammy winning album, The South Coast (1995)… Jack’s recording Buffalo Skinners with Tim on Tim’s album, Coyote’s Dream (2003)….and now, most recently KING OF THE FOLKSINGERS.
After college (Earlham), Grimm pursed an MFA in Theatre at The University of Michigan and from there worked in Regional Theatre, settling in Chicago. In Chicago, in addition to his theatre work, he studied briefly at the Old Town School of Folk Music and began writing songs and performing. He put together a band, Tim Grimm and The True Hearts and released 2 cds–True Heart, Kind Mind and Broken Down Palace. At which point, “Hollywood called”, and Tim put down his guitar and pen, and didn’t really pick them up for close to 10 years.
After several years (1990s) working in Los Angeles (where he co-starred for 2 seasons on the NBC drama Reasonable Doubts, worked on Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford, and appeared in several films and tv projects), Tim returned home to Indiana. He grew up in the woods and small town settings of southern Indiana, son of schoolteachers and grandson of farmers, and his return home was a conscious choice to live a life of significance rather than one of “success”. He now lives with his wife on 80 acres close to where he grew up.
Tim’s songs are full of the rural rumblings that have shaped his life—rich with descriptive details, and sung with warmth and intimacy—recognizing the inextinguishable national romance with the idea of the family farm and the vanishing landscape of rural America. He released the album, HEART LAND in 2000, and on the strength of that recording, was named 2000’s “BEST DISCOVERY in Roots/Americana Music” by The Chicago Sun-Times. His albums COYOTES DREAM and NAMES, led to his being named “2004 MALE ARTIST of The Year” by the Freeform American Roots DJs. He has released 10 solo albums since 2000 (including the newest- THE TURNING POINT), and 2 collaborations- AMBER WAVES (with Jason Wilber) and WILDERNESS PLOTS.
In 2005, Grimm was asked to compose music and act in a production of THE GRAPES OF WRATH at Indiana Repertory Theatre and Syracuse Stage in New York. His song from the play–THE PEOPLES HIGHWAY, made it onto his next album, THE BACK FIELDS, which was subsequently named Americana Album of the Year by the Just Plain Folks Music Awards– the world’s largest independent music awards.
In 2007, Grimm put together a concept cd with several of the Midwest’s finest songwriter’s— Krista Detor, Carrie Newcomer, Tom Roznowski, and Michael White. The recording, Wilderness Plots, was drawn from the short stories of noted author, Scott Russell Sanders, and explored the settling of the American Wilderness in the Ohio River Valley Region between The Revolutionary War and The Civil War. Two PBS programs have explored Wilderness Plots– the first, a documentary on the story and song, and the second a full Wilderness Plots- In Concert (2012). Produced by WTIU in Bloomington, IN, both productions were nominated for EMMY AWARDS. Tim continued to write songs based on Sander’s writings and released the album, WILDERNESS SONGS AND BAD MAN BALLADS in 2011. Looking ahead to the Spring of 2018, the original cast of Wilderness Plots will reunite for a select few shows, and again be filmed by WTIU for PBS.
Tim will share the evening with father/daughter duo Last Acre.
Last Acre is the project of Mark and Molly Mathewson, a father and daughter from Illinois. The duo has performed across the Midwest, opening for acts such as Robbie Fulks, Tim Grimm, and Antje Duvekot. Their sound is rooted in traditional Appalachian folk music, with one foot in bluegrass and the other in the prairie songwriting sensibilities of Greg Brown and John Prine. With blood-kin harmonies and dry, tongue-in-cheek repartee, the two have been called “as much of an emotional feeling as a musical moment.” (Tom Irwin, Illinois Times)
Mark Mathewson is a winner of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (Merlefest). His songs have been recorded by a number of bluegrass acts, including Blue Highway, The Lonesome River Band, Ernie Thacker, Kenny Smith, and Josh Williams.

You Know What Them All Say: The Films of Merle Mitchell
2020-02-06 19:00
Come enjoy an evening of short films by CHARLES JOHANNSEN.
Chuck Johannsen (same guy) has been making films and videos for 50 years. He’s made lots of videos for other people, documenting events and performances, and producing promotional/fundraising videos for non-profits. Out of personal interest, and paid from his own pocket, he’s made environmental documentaries including “Aldo Leopold at Faville Grove” (about the beginnings of prairie preservation – near Lake Mills) and “Bracelets for Birds” (about an an all-volunteer bird banding station west of Beloit).

In addition, he’s made a bunch of projects under the umbrella of Dada-loco… a loose group of artists and musicians that formed as a band around Watertown and Madison in 1971. Dada-loco continued as a film group, with Chuck Johannsen and Dal Lazlo as the main perpetrators, along with many long-time contributors. Besides the dozen or so projects that include the Mitchell twins, there are notable videos like “Poetry in Watertown”, “Wayne’s Art Shorts”, “Dr. Trondant’s UFO Report” and more.
Currently, he is working on videos for conservation and nature education organizations, as well as putting together a number of short (20 second) video bits of Dal Lazlo artwork that Mr. Lazlo keeps changing and painting over, making for interesting dissolves. He has a Youtube channel under the name Charles Johannsen and a Facebook page, called Dada-loco, that has some videos and over 2000 photos of Dal Lazlo artwork.
You Know What Them All Say is a 38 minute chronicle of the 40-year film career of “outsider artist” Merle Mitchell.
Merle and his twin brother, Marvin, lived at Bethesda Lutheran Home in Watertown during the 1960s and early 70s, then spent time in Fort Atkinson before moving to Illinois. Over the years, they acted in numerous Dada-loco Productions (originally a Watertown-based film group) – the first in 1974, the final one in 2016, months before Merle’s death. Merle appeared in around 12 films, with Marvin joining him in nine of them.
Another Dada-loco documentary, Bill and Art, with epilogue, about 25 minutes, will round out the evening. Bill Sweeney became quadriplegic in 1998 as the result of an auto accident near Lake Mills. The film focuses on Bill’s interest in art as a way to deal with being paralyzed. After this film was made, Bill started doing remarkable Photoshop work, inserting his image into painting masterworks. At Bill’s request, this video is not on Youtube. (Bill is a private guy, and is afraid people will steal his artwork or use it without permission). So, this is the only chance to see this film.
On one level, these are art therapy films, and the projects are infused with compassion. But the approach is 100% Dada-loco…irony, surrealism, and humor.

ALICE HOWE with special guest FREEBO
2020-02-04 19:30 - 21:30
A rare Tuesday night booking as these performers pass through between other gigs.
ALICE HOWE‘S path to “up-and-coming” artist seems both fated and winding. She grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, in a home filled with music and art. Long outdoor walks were encouraged, and Howe would often disappear to wander through her grandmother’s garden next door or to journal and turn experiences into songs. “I can’t remember not singing,” she says with a laugh. While music was always her companion, it didn’t become her profession until she decided to attend the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference in 2016.

Luminous alto voice full of warmth; smart and affecting lyrics flavored with wit and irreverence.

“A gem… at once of the moment and personal, timeless and universal.” -Americana UK/Mark Walton

FREEBO

From world-renowned bassist (Bonnie Raitt 10 years, CSN, John Mayall, Maria Muldaur, Ringo Starr, Neil Young, Dr. John, Loudon Wainwright) to award winning singer/songwriter, FREEBO‘s music touches your heart with songs of life, love, dogs, and the human condition. He is well regarded for his high level of musicality coupled with his thoughtful and powerful use of words in song lyrics as well as in prose and narrative.

“Freebo is more than one of LA’s best players, he’s also a richly gifted and distinctive songwriter, as expressive in his writing as on a bass. “- Paul Zollo, Songwriters On Songwriting
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

THE HONEY PIES
2020-02-01 20:30 - 22:30
Well-known area musicians TOM WASELCHUK, DOUG BROWN, MATT RODGERS and fabulous vocalist JODI JEAN AMBLE mix in a little jazz, folk, pop, country and Americana to create a unique sound. With originals and covers by people like Sting, Tom Waits and The Beatles, their eclectic musical mix leads to an outstanding melange.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

ELLIS PAUL
2020-01-31 20:30 - 23:00
Use the Buy Tickets link to get yourself some:

ELLIS PAUL A troubadour, a singer/songwriter, a folky, and a storyteller — all are fair labels for this artist, but they do not quite suffice. However, the tattoo of Woody Guthrie worn proudly on his arm is a good starting place from which to grasp Ellis Paul, for it is from the Woody Guthrie tradition that he hails, and Maine as well. Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor are also listed among his influences, and their spirits seem to occasionally grace his work. With an acoustic guitar in hand, he weaves intimate, provocative, and romantic tales of lives that were obviously witnessed by a most-talented voyeur.
Based in Massachusetts, Paul has been called the quintessential Boston songwriter more than a few times and has garnered the recognition and awards to back up that claim, including a shelf full of Boston Music Awards. Since coming onto the scene in 1993 with his independent debut, Say Something, Paul hasn’t slowed or weakened as a performer or a writer. Spending two-thirds of most years on the road has helped him perfect both crafts, with a lot of practice on-stage and a lot of people whose stories he retells in song. In fact, his 1994 album Stories proved enchanting enough to secure him a deal with Rounder Records and a national following of dedicated fans.
Over the years and albums, his songs have gotten more personal. He purposely turned the looking glass onto his own life for 1998’s aptly titled Translucent Soul as he publicly worked through the pain of his divorce. Following hot on the heels of 1999’s double-CD Live, the new millennium saw Paul’s song “The World Ain’t
Slowing Down” featured in Me, Myself and Irene starring Jim Carrey. His eighth studio release, a collection of previously unreleased tracks called Sweet Mistakes, arrived in 2001, followed by Speed of Trees (2002), a two-disc career retrospective (2006), a children’s record inspired by the birth of his second daughter called The Dragonfly Races (2008), and, finally, an all-new studio album, The Day After Everything Changed, in January 2010. In 2012, Paul released his second children’s record, The Hero in You, which featured songs about Benjamin Franklin, Georgia O’ Keefe, Rosa Parks, and Thomas Edison, and other notable Americans that Paul deemed heroic.
Chasing Beauty was released in 2014 and his 20th studio album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, in 2019.
— Kelly McCartney for AllMusic

JEREMY CLYDE of Chad & Jeremy
2020-01-27 19:00 - 21:00
We will open at 5, and are serving food.
Click on Buy tickets to get yourself some. Can also buy in person at the Carpe.

JEREMY CLYDE of Chad & Jeremy apparently enjoyed his visit here in August. He and his Bottom Drawer Band are back with a new show for 2020, presenting 1960s Chad & Jeremy classics, deep cuts from the psychedelic years, and songs from Jeremy’s ‘Bottom Drawer’ project. Featuring Emeen Zarookian on lead guitar, Sage Etters on cello, and Kaitlin Wolfberg on violin.

Clyde celebrates the release of his new CD, “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 5” with a special concert event highlighting songs from all five volumes of “The Bottom Drawer Sessions”. The first of Chad Stuart & Jeremy Clyde’s 14 U.S. chart hits was “Yesterday’s Gone”, followed by “A Summer Song”, “Willow Weep for Me”, “If I Loved You”, and “Before and After”. TV appearances included “Shindig”, “Hullabaloo”, “The Patty Duke Show”, “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Batman”. Their musical adventure-and evolution-continued with the hits “Distant Shores” and “You Are She”, from late 1966, but they turned a corner with the September 25, 1966 LP release ‘of cabbages and kings”. Looking back at the classic album, AllMusic guide says “Stuart and Clyde were gifted songwriters who could work outside the standard pop framework of the day, and Stuart (who orchestrated the album) was a talented and imaginative arranger who gives the material a sound that’s both rich and intimate. “That songwriting gift never left Jeremy Clyde, through decades of off and on touring with Chad & Jeremy and on and on acting on British television, including “Downton Abbey”, and the stages of London’s West End. With the 2014 release of “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 1”, 2016’s “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 2”, spring 2017’s, “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 3”, spring 2018’s “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 4”, spring 2019’s “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 5”, , Jeremy Clyde has –with more than 50 sweeping, evocative, inspired recordings- officially reclaimed the songwriter’s title.
http://www.bottomdrawersessions.com

“Business As Usual”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSHk8w4yUdk

Live Recording: PETER MULVEY w/ SistaStrings and Nathan Kilen
2020-01-25 20:30 - 23:00
Buy tickets using the Brown Paper Tickets link below, or purchase in person at the Cafe Carpe.

PETER MULVEY has been a songwriter, road-dog, raconteur and almost-poet since before he can remember. Raised working-class Catholic on the Northwest side of Milwaukee, he took a semester in Ireland, and immediately began cutting classes to busk on Grafton Street in Dublin and hitchhike through the country, finding whatever gigs he could. Back stateside, he spent a couple years gigging in the Midwest before lighting out for Boston, where he returned to busking (this time in the subway) and coffeehouses. Small shows led to larger shows, which eventually led to regional and then national and international touring. The wheels have not stopped since.
Eighteen records, one illustrated book, thousands of live performances, a TEDx talk, a decades-long association with the National Youth Science Camp, opening for luminaries such as Ani DiFranco, Emmylou Harris, and Chuck Prophet, appearances on NPR, an annual autumn tour by bicycle, emceeing festivals, hosting his own boutique festival (the Lamplighter Sessions, in Boston and Wisconsin)… Mulvey never stops. He has built his life’s work on collaboration and on an instinct for the eclectic and the vital. He folds everything he encounters into his work: poetry, social justice, scientific literacy, and a deeply abiding humanism are all on plain display in his art.
SISTA STRINGS
The sound of SistaStrings can’t be described in one word. The Milwaukee-based sister duo combines their classical background with R&B with a touch of gospel influence that culminates in a vibey, lush sound. With thick string harmonies between violin and cello and soulful voices, SistaStrings takes you on a journey. Formed in 2014 after the sisters graduated from college, Chauntee (violin) moved back from her studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Monique from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the sisters began doing string arrangements for local hip-hop artists and the rest is history. Slowly but surely, SistaStrings built a following and began playing more shows with collaboration being one of their strongest points.
The sisters not only write and arrange but find pleasure sitting in with musicians and exploring what sounds come from improvisation and spontaneity. Outside of being their own act, SistaStrings can often be found playing alongside singer/songwriter Peter Mulvey. Having been raised in church, SistaStrings was able to build their improv skills and ear training. The classical background that the two sisters have had allows them to command their instrument at will. Between the two of them, they have performed in some of the most reputable halls, including Carnegie Hall and in their classical career they have soloed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Symphony Orchestra.
SistaStrings has performed with Malik Yusef, opened for Black Violin, Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony, Lupe Fiasco, BJ The Chicago Kid, and The Roots. Outside of playing music venues, SistaStrings goes into schools and conducts assemblies, encouraging young people to pursue the arts and to not be afraid of hard work. Outreach and representation are important to these two young ladies as African American string players. The ladies are advocates for diversity in the arts and promote social justice in all that they do musically. SistaStrings will be releasing their debut EP in 2019.
Vocals, Violin / Chauntee Ross
Vocals, Cello / Monique Ros
NATHAN KILEN proficiently plays songs while hitting things with sticks and brushes.

Live recording: Peter MULVEY w/ SistaStrings & Nathan Kilen
2020-01-24 20:30 - 23:00
Buy tickets below using the Brown Paper Ticket link, or purchase in person at the Cafe Carpe.

PETER MULVEY has been a songwriter, road-dog, raconteur and almost-poet since before he can remember. Raised working-class Catholic on the Northwest side of Milwaukee, he took a semester in Ireland, and immediately began cutting classes to busk on Grafton Street in Dublin and hitchhike through the country, finding whatever gigs he could. Back stateside, he spent a couple years gigging in the Midwest before lighting out for Boston, where he returned to busking (this time in the subway) and coffeehouses. Small shows led to larger shows, which eventually led to regional and then national and international touring. The wheels have not stopped since.
Eighteen records, one illustrated book, thousands of live performances, a TEDx talk, a decades-long association with the National Youth Science Camp, opening for luminaries such as Ani DiFranco, Emmylou Harris, and Chuck Prophet, appearances on NPR, an annual autumn tour by bicycle, emceeing festivals, hosting his own boutique festival (the Lamplighter Sessions, in Boston and Wisconsin)… Mulvey never stops. He has built his life’s work on collaboration and on an instinct for the eclectic and the vital. He folds everything he encounters into his work: poetry, social justice, scientific literacy, and a deeply abiding humanism are all on plain display in his art.
SISTA STRINGS
The sound of SistaStrings can’t be described in one word. The Milwaukee-based sister duo combines their classical background with R&B with a touch of gospel influence that culminates in a vibey, lush sound. With thick string harmonies between violin and cello and soulful voices, SistaStrings takes you on a journey. Formed in 2014 after the sisters graduated from college, Chauntee (violin) moved back from her studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Monique from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the sisters began doing string arrangements for local hip-hop artists and the rest is history. Slowly but surely, SistaStrings built a following and began playing more shows with collaboration being one of their strongest points.
The sisters not only write and arrange but find pleasure sitting in with musicians and exploring what sounds come from improvisation and spontaneity. Outside of being their own act, SistaStrings can often be found playing alongside singer/songwriter Peter Mulvey. Having been raised in church, SistaStrings was able to build their improv skills and ear training. The classical background that the two sisters have had allows them to command their instrument at will. Between the two of them, they have performed in some of the most reputable halls, including Carnegie Hall and in their classical career they have soloed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Symphony Orchestra.
SistaStrings has performed with Malik Yusef, opened for Black Violin, Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony, Lupe Fiasco, BJ The Chicago Kid, and The Roots. Outside of playing music venues, SistaStrings goes into schools and conducts assemblies, encouraging young people to pursue the arts and to not be afraid of hard work. Outreach and representation are important to these two young ladies as African American string players. The ladies are advocates for diversity in the arts and promote social justice in all that they do musically. SistaStrings will be releasing their debut EP in 2019.
Vocals, Violin / Chauntee Ross
Vocals, Cello / Monique Ros
NATHAN KILEN proficiently plays songs while hitting things with sticks and brushes.

RACHAEL KILGOUR
2020-01-17 20:30 - 22:30
RACHAEL KILGOUR is a Minnesotan songwriter and performing artist whose sincere, lyric-driven work has been called both brave and humane. The 2015 grand prize winner of the esteemed international NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition and winner of the 2017 Kerrville New Folk Contest, Kilgour has been featured at NYC’s Lincoln Center, at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and by the ASCAP Music Cafe at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Kilgour’s unapologetic lyrics are a real treat” Rolling Stone
“A Heartfelt slice of master-crafted Indie Folk” Billboard
Rabbit in the Road Live at Millennium Stage: https://youtu.be/X_9lShVaIyQ​
We will be closed for a couple of weeks before this show. Please e-mail info@cafecarpe.com to reserve seats instead of calling, the usual method.

NEW PIONEERS
2020-01-16 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 when it is the 3rd Thursday, because the Carpe was closed on the 2nd 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.
Like them on Facebook.

CARPE CLOSED FROM Jan. 1 to Jan. 16- open evening Jan. 16
2020-01-01 08:00 - 2020-01-16 16:30
We are taking advantage of a slow business period to go out East to visit relatives and friends.
Reopening the evening of Thursday January 16 at 4:30. We will not be open for lunch on Friday January 17- will open for the evening at 4:30.
Normal hours resume Saturday January 18.
