Cafe Carpe

KRAY VAN KIRK
2025-04-17 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
This show was rescheduled from August 31, 2024. BUY tickets following bio.
A finger-style guitarist with a precise baritone, KRAY VAN KIRK has a Ph.D. from the University of Alaska. After five years of touring, he thought the sciences might be a bit more secure than playing music. But he wrote better songs than statistical models, and he set out again. “We are driven by myth and the seasons of the heart,” he says. “Everyone, absolutely everyone, of any gender, identity, orientation, ethnicity or anything else, should know that they are not alone but are on the Hero’s Journey.”
When he reached Scotland and the Fringe Festival, the Daily Fringe Review wrote, “The evening’s act was Kray Van Kirk, whose 12-string guitar and soaring vocals were spellbinding; the Alaskan singer-songwriter, in his Edinburgh debut, was not the reason I arrived early, but was certainly why I stayed late.”
Of this charming, quixotic and eclectic performer, the Borderline Folk Club in New York wrote that Van Kirk was “what every singer-songwriter should aspire to.”
“Every time I play cuts off The Midnight Commander, listeners ask ‘Who’s that?’ It’s Kray Van Kirk and there’s none like him.” – Auntmama ‘Sunday Folks’ DJ, KBCS Seattle, WA

SATCHEL PAIGE w/ Ruthie McQuinn
2025-04-18 20:30

CHERYL WHEELER w/ special guest KENNY WHITE- sold out
2025-04-19 20:00 - 22:00
Ticket link follows bios.
CHERYL WHEELER It has always seemed as if there were two Cheryl Wheelers, with fans of the New England songwriter relishing watching the two tussle for control of the mic. There is poet-Cheryl, writer of some of the prettiest, most alluring and intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene. And there is her evil twin, comic-Cheryl, a militant trend defier and savagely funny social critic. The result is a delightful contrast between poet and comic.
As the late Scott Alarik wrote, “Wheeler emerges as a gifted and open-hearted songwriter approaching the sure summit of her craft. Her abiding faith in her audience’s ability to find their own life reflected in the sweet spaces of her songs reveals an artist comfortably wearing the austere genius that defines folk music’s best traditions.”
KENNY WHITE opens the show and then accompanies Cheryl for her set.
Hailed by reviewers from the New York Times to the San Francisco Chronicle for his “thrilling” and “unique” piano playing, Kenny is a talented singer-songwriter and a successful NYC-based record producer. He has written, performed, and produced music for hundreds of TV and radio commercials as well as film soundtracks, and has toured with stars like Judy Collins, Stephen Stills and Tom Jones, among others.
Snapshots of human condition, from heartwarming to humorous; astonishingly gifted pianist who finds a hook at the end of a long phrase. “Kenny has earned a place among my favorite singer/songwriters. A true wordsmith and musician who reveals a fine sense of humor as well.” – David Crosby

VANCE GILBERT- tentative
2025-04-20 00:00
details to come

JOSHUA DAVIS & Interlochen Students
2025-04-25 20:15
Josh came with some of his students last year and it was a delight.

Speaking or singing, the voice of JOSHUA DAVIS is a disarming instrument: weathered and warm, as capable of conjuring confessional intimacy on a global stage as it is of making a small room, well off the beaten path, resonate with startling urgency and power. Couple it with an earnest poetic sensibility, a boundless work ethic, and an uncanny gift for connecting with audiences spanning generations, and it’s no wonder that Davis is now poised at the brink of the sort of widespread recognition that typically passes right over such a humble troubadour.
Over the past twenty years, Michigan-based Davis has honed an impressive range of skills – songwriter, bandleader, guitarist, and vocalist among them – in the most honest possible fashion: night after night, song after song, show after show Davis simply delivered every performance as though his life depended on it. Investing himself in the American musical diaspora, he has explored the common thread connecting folk, blues, jazz, ragtime, and country forms – discovering his personal perspective as a composer in the process.

“My sound is rooted in the folk tradition,” Davis explains, “but it’s not folk music. Terms like Americana, roots rock, and heartland rock come up, but there’s so much more to it than that. I’m not a purist: I play with that American folk lineage, I play with those metaphors.” His versatility and ravenous musical curiosity has resulted in a divergent and fervent output. Since his appearance as a finalist on Season 8 of NBC’s “The Voice”, Davis has been churning out an album a year and has plans to continue to do so. His sensibilities shine brightest on his latest trio of solo releases, each a thoughtful dispatch on life, love, change, and growth.

“The music that moves me is imperfect, honest and raw. Those qualities are what turned me on to Delta blues, to punk rock, to old soul, and traditional music from all over the globe. It’s all about feel. It’s ragged but right.”

Opening for Joshua will be a group of songwriting students from Interlochen Arts Academy, a boarding arts high school located in Northern Michigan (Joshua is on the Interlochen faculty). Students worldwide audition to attend the esteemed boarding arts high school, the first of its kind.

MICHAEL GULEZIAN
2025-04-26 20:00
MICHAEL GULEZIAN is one of the most highly acclaimed solo acoustic instrumental guitarists of our time. He is a phenomenal technical guitarist with the rare ability to transcend his own virtuosity, creating music that touches and moves people at the deepest level. In terms of his significance in the evolution of the genre, Michael is — among other things — the musical link between John Fahey and Michael Hedges.
“uncommonly thoughtful and provocative … sweeping story-like melodies, multi-dimensional epics, and heartland hymns.”
– Jazz Times
“compositional genius. … a magisterial ode to a quiet, breathing awe … a religious experience … the sense of a person playing a guitar disappears into the music … there is something happening in this collection that transcends music and reaches into the ethereal world. … astounding … cosmic.” Minor 7th.com
Although there are many guitarists who are exceptionally gifted at playing guitar, Michael Gulezian (gu-LAY-ze-in), by contrast, has distinguished himself with his music – boundary-free, horizon-expanding, genre-bending, transcendent, soulful, kickass, mind-opening, emotionally imbued, exquisitely gorgeous instrumental solo acoustic guitar music. Music that quite literally defies description.
For more than three decades, Michael has unpretentiously walked onstage and delivered one riveting performance after another. Each one of Michael’s albums has raised the aesthetic of contemporary solo acoustic guitar to a new level. He’s been called the musical link between John Fahey and Michael Hedges. Artists as diverse as Michael Hedges, Willy Porter, and Henry Kaiser have claimed him as a primary musical influence. Young lions such as Erik Mongrain, Andy McKee, and Trevor Gordon Hall are quick to acknowledge him as an inspiration. For those who follow solo acoustic instrumental guitar, Michael Gulezian is firmly established in the genre as one of the most significant artists of our time.
Michael now celebrates his first release in more than a decade: thunder heaven light. He describes it as the best album he has ever recorded: “It’s the most emotionally charged, joyful, and spiritually inspired music to ever fly through my heart and soul – some of the music is heart-wrenching, and some of it is pure joy. But more than anything else, every note of every song, is love, love, love.” Ten original tracks of instrumental acoustic guitar, recorded over a multi-year period, at studios in Colorado and Los Angeles. thunder heaven light was recognized in the “Best of Echoes – Top 25 Albums of 2019,” and prompted Fred Kraus of Minor 7th to write “Michael Gulezian might be the most accomplished pure guitarist on the planet.”

ROUND ROBIN w/ TRICIA ALEXANDER
2025-04-30 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-28 18:30 - 20:30
Round robin 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 somewhat regularly on the last Wednesday (formerly 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.

DAN MAGUIRE/ DAN TEDESCO
2025-05-01 19:30
Two Midwest Dans who happened to both reach out independently and have the same night available to share their music.
Ticket link follows bios.
DAN TEDESCO is a singer-songwriter, musician, recording artist and producer, originally from the far west suburbs of Chicago. Raised on the classic songwriters of the 60s/70s – The Beatles, Dylan, Neil Young, Springsteen and Tom Petty – Tedesco layers those early pop/folk influences with both his deep background in jazz and the crunch of early 90s grunge.
His records are collections of stories set to sonic landscapes representing what he believes to be the crux of his generation – the balance between humanity and technology. Tedesco’s live show, as recently described by a fan, borders on performance art – “He’s one of a kind, truly. I genuinely love his performance. It’s raw. It SO real. It’s a one man show, that parallels that of a UFC match. But it’s him against his guitar. They (him and his guitar) just go so hard at each other. And you can see it. Most apparently on his guitar, but it’s abundant on his face as he sings with it in his clutches, like a snake that’s trying to strangle him. And he doesn’t always win. And he knows it. But he NEVER stops fighting. It really is an original kind of performance that I’ve never seen.”
Tedesco has been fortunate to tour nationally, on both festival and club stages, and join artists such as Blues Traveler, David Lindley, Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters), Chuck Prophet, Alejandro Escovedo, Anders Osborne, Gin Blossoms, Langhorne Slim, Lucero, Old 97’s and Josh Rouse.
In 2020, amidst the pandemic, he launched a unique platform, the DTMC, which has challenged the way music is being both released and consumed. Described by MusicInMinnesota as what, “could very well be the new groundwork for how musicians share what they create”, Tedesco’s music channel serves as a mainline to his artistic world. As such, his current album, ‘The Overwhelming”, is being released on the the DTMC one song a month, and you can catch him on tour in support of the new record.
Based in Rockford, IL, but born and raised in Tulsa, OK, DAN MAGUIRE plays original rock and roll that, as he says, “Takes you to a Summer day, just a few clouds, you smell cut grass and there is ice cold beer.” This is music that captivates listeners with its soul-stirring authenticity. Known for his dynamic guitar work and introspective lyrics, Maguire’s music resonates deeply with fans of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chris Cornell, JJ Cale, and Kimbra, who are some of his biggest influences. Through his music, Maguire aspires to create moments of calm and assurance for listeners who may be wrestling with doubts and anxieties, offering a sense of optimism, even if only for a moment, that “maybe everything’s gonna be okay.”Maguire’s journey in music has spanned various genres and locations, starting with his upbringing within a musical family in Tulsa, OK. Growing up, he was introduced to a variety of popular music by his older siblings. This introduction inspired his love for a multitude of genres and led to his involvement in jazz and classical ensembles in Denver, CO, eventually evolving through original rock and roll projects in both Denver and Rockford. Now, he’s fully immersed in a solo career, crafting songs that reflect his own story and perspectives.
His 2023 album ‘Travelin’ Light’ earned him the Album of the Year award at the Rockford Area Music Industry Awards and cemented his place in the local music scene. Additionally, he was recently accepted as a performing member of The Listening Room Network, an achievement that aligns with his desire to reach and connect with audiences on an intimate level.Currently, Maguire is in the studio working on his next record, ‘Magnolia’. This project will feature a full band, comprised of some of Rockford’s top jazz musicians, whose talent he feels privileged to incorporate into his music. Early rehearsals have shown immense promise, building excitement for what’s to come in 2025 and promising a new chapter in his journey to showcase his evolving artistry and profound love for music.

TIM GRIMM w/ Sergio Webb
2025-05-03 20:00
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 .

RICHARD SHINDELL- Wednesday
2025-05-07 20:00
RICHARD SHINDELL lives as both an immigrant and emigrant, crossing thresholds, that informs his illumination of the human experience through narrative song. Shindell has inhabited a Zen Buddhist monastery and busked in the streets of Paris.
Originally from New York, now living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Shindell is a writer whose songs paint pictures, tell stories, juxtapose ideas and images, inhabit characters, vividly evoking entire worlds along the way and expanding our sense of just what it is a song may be. Meticulously recorded over three years in New York and Buenos Aires, his most recent release, Careless, offered an ambitious, luxurious, full- length statement. Shindell immersed himself in the studio, allowing the time and latitude to explore, experiment, take risks—to play—as each of these eleven songs was given form and substance. While his signature acoustic guitar style is used to good effect, Careless also found Shindell plugging in more. “The wider sonic and dynamic range of the electric has been a real inspiration. Rejuvenating.”
During the pandemic, Shindell stayed in Argentina, out on the wide open Pampa, reading, writing, taking walks, doing a little experimental recording, and tending the garden. He now returns to the road for a limited number of performances. Innovative, original and occasionally spiritual, Shindell’s songs weave tales that interchangeably champion the downtrodden, exalt the disaffected or wax empathetic to those lost to society’s fringes. From lighthearted ballads and adulterous love songs, to dirges and diatribes that skillfully skewer politics, prejudice, war and religion, to the comic point-of-view of a cow stuck in a barbed wire fence, he has a unique ability to morph into the soul of the many and varied personalities he casts as narrators in certain songs—veritable novellas framed in haunting acoustic melodies.

RICHARD SHINDELL/ Jess Klein- Thursday
2025-05-08 20:00
JESS KLEIN* opens for Richard on this second night of his 3 night run here.
RICHARD SHINDELL lives as both an immigrant and emigrant, crossing thresholds, that informs his illumination of the human experience through narrative song. Shindell has inhabited a Zen Buddhist monastery and busked in the streets of Paris.
Originally from New York, now living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Shindell is a writer whose songs paint pictures, tell stories, juxtapose ideas and images, inhabit characters, vividly evoking entire worlds along the way and expanding our sense of just what it is a song may be. Meticulously recorded over three years in New York and Buenos Aires, his most recent release, Careless, offered an ambitious, luxurious, full- length statement. Shindell immersed himself in the studio, allowing the time and latitude to explore, experiment, take risks—to play—as each of these eleven songs was given form and substance. While his signature acoustic guitar style is used to good effect, Careless also found Shindell plugging in more. “The wider sonic and dynamic range of the electric has been a real inspiration. Rejuvenating.”
During the pandemic, Shindell stayed in Argentina, out on the wide open Pampa, reading, writing, taking walks, doing a little experimental recording, and tending the garden. He now returns to the road for a limited number of performances. Innovative, original and occasionally spiritual, Shindell’s songs weave tales that interchangeably champion the downtrodden, exalt the disaffected or wax empathetic to those lost to society’s fringes. From lighthearted ballads and adulterous love songs, to dirges and diatribes that skillfully skewer politics, prejudice, war and religion, to the comic point-of-view of a cow stuck in a barbed wire fence, he has a unique ability to morph into the soul of the many and varied personalities he casts as narrators in certain songs—veritable novellas framed in haunting acoustic melodies.
*Of opener JESS KLEIN: The Bluegrass Situation hails her work as “one part grassroots social activism, two parts alt-country guitar rock — a combo we can certainly get behind.” Klein’s new album, When We Rise, harnesses this potent combination with themes of empowerment and the joy of overcoming set to a dynamic and deeply introspective roots-inflected soundtrack.

RICHARD SHINDELL- Friday
2025-05-09 20:30

WHAT'S HIS NAME & THE OTHER GUY
2025-05-10 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.”

CURTIS & LORETTA
2025-05-16 20:00
CURTIS & LORETTA The husband and wife duo’s extraordinary harmonies and proficiency on a parade of stringed instruments create an alluring frame for their poignant original songs, and traditional pieces from America and the British Isles. The current menagerie includes mandocello, folk harp, guitars, clawhammer banjo, ukulele, and mandolin, plus a bit of kazoo, harmonica, and shakers. Curtis’ down-home sense of humor and Loretta’s theater background engage the audience in an experience that runs the gamut of rolling with laughter to holding back tears, with plenty of side-trips in between. They rack up countless miles each year, crisscrossing the country to deliver their own unique brand of folk singer/songwriter music.
The duo’s perennial humor is ever present, with songs and stories of harp players trying to get into heaven, small spenders on first dates, bugs, and lutefisk! Their years of performing and touring together have honed their comfortable stage presence to a delightful edge.
“Loretta’s almost operatic alto and Curtis’ rich tenor form a lush, polished and varied vocal blend. The pair’s instrumental interplay is equally compelling, with Loretta’s harp textures dancing in and around Curtis’ deft guitar and mandolin lines.” … Dirty Linen

CASH BOX KINGS w/ Queen Lee Kanehira
2025-05-17 20:15
THE CASH BOX 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.

“Oscar Wilson’s powerful and deep voice harkens back to the golden age of Chicago blues. Nosek blows spirited, muscular harp. The Cash Box Kings serve up undeniable proof that they remain one of the top blues bands of this era.”
–Blues Music Magazine
“The Cash Box Kings play with taste and feel and it was faith restoring to know there’s guys out there that still know and appreciate real blues.”
-Blues Legend Charlie Musslewhite

TODD ALBRIGHT- Postponed
2025-05-22 19:30
This has been postponed. A new date will be established.
Ticket link follows bio-
TODD ALBRIGHT is a country blues, twelve string guitar player and vocalist based in Detroit, Michigan. Grounded in the pre-war era of the blues tradition (1880-1939), Todd is a mindful purveyor of blues history. His repertoire upholds musical pillars such as Blind Willie McTell, George Carter, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Leadbelly. His life’s work continues the distinguished tradition of the very roots of American music as told by the African American musicians who created it.

Todd’s vigorous, gritty and soulful performances are accompanied by stories of the masters and a deep intuitive sense of respect for craft, providing audiences with a meaningful experience while creating a transcendent moment. One of the top blues guitarists in the world, Todd is the only contemporary twelve string player in his genre.
Todd began playing the blues while still a teenager, some twenty-five years ago. Initially, he was drawn to the sound of the finger-picked style and has since immersed himself in the foundational music and narratives of American culture. Over the years, Todd has shared the stage with artists such as Roy Book Binder, Charlie Parr, Paul Geremia, and Dakota Dave Hull.
Todd’s first full-length LP, Fourth Floor Visitor, was released by Jett Plastic Recordings out of Detroit, Michigan (2017). His latest album, Detroit Twelve String: Blues & Rags, is out now on Third Man Records (2017).

ALEKSI CAMPAGNE
2025-05-23 20:30
Named Penguin Eggs & Roots Music Canada’s New Discovery of the Year! , ALEKSI CAMPAGNE offers a contemporary, indie-folk take on the time-honoured fiddle-singing tradition. Born and raised in Montreal, Aleksi blends folk songwriting with an edgy, multi-layered sound resulting from his unique combination of voice, violin and looping-effect pedals. He was awarded the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Award for francophone artist of the year for his debut album which features the same 10 songs in English and French. Thematically, Aleksi’s debut album is about all the firsts of growing up–from first loves to first moves, the first steps of your career and even first breakups.
Aleksi is uniquely qualified to offer a contemporary, indie-folk take on the time-honoured fiddle-singing tradition. At five years old, he began performing alongside his mother, Canadian folk icon, Connie Kaldor. At 19, Aleksi moved to Paris to study under jazz violin legend Didier Lockwood. At 21, Aleksi became the only student to have ever been accepted into the classical violin, the jazz violin and the jazz voice performance programs at McGill University. Since then, Aleksi had graced the lineups of some of Canada’ most beloved folk festivals—including the Mariposa Folk Festival, the Regina Folk Festival, and the Northern Lights Festival, among others. Aleksi tours festivals and venues across Canada with a four-piece band made up of some of the finest young musicians Montreal has to offer: Stephane Krims (Bass), Aaron Dolman (drums) and Zach Bachand (guitar).
Aleksi’s last year has been a whirlwind! In July 2022, Aleksi was selected as a Mariposa Folk Festival Emerging Artist to perform at the festival. In December, his single Another Day was picked by Paul Corby as a Top Single of 2022. In March, he was celebrated by Tom Coxworth as one of the Top 5 Favourite acts at the Folk Alliance International Conference, alongside acts like The Fretless and Mary Gautier. In May, his single Won’t be Scared was selected as the only Canadian finalist in the Kerrville Folk Festival’s Grassy Hill New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters. In July 2023, Aleksi launched his debut album to critical acclaim. In a review in Le Devoir by Sylvain Cormier, Aleksi’s debut was compared to that of Patrick Watson and Half Moon Run.

TRICIA ALEXANDER workshop- Energy Medicine & the Breath
2025-05-24 14:00 - 17:00
ENERGY MEDICINE & THE BREATH: Tools You Can Use – see reservation information below
The goal of this class is to bring 3 VERY simple tools into the hands of the participants. These tools are especially useful for:

improving mental clarity, coordinated brain function
general overall harmonic balance
stress reduction

thus improving communication within the entire bodymind complex; all of which leads increased well BE-ing

Facilitator Tricia Alexander is a Performing & Healing Artist
Musician, Minister & Mentor ° Reiki Master teacher (Usui lineage)
Bodytalker & Energy Medicine Intuitive
Tricia’s additional education includes: a two year apprenticeship with Meistra Kay Gardner in The Use of Modal and Sonic Tools for Healing (with deep listening exercises by Pauline Oliveros), Mindscape with Dr. John Veltheim, BodyTalk (with a variety of master teachers), as well as individual classes with Bruce Lipton, Dr. Michael Ryce, Martha Creek, and Eagle Man (Ed McGaa).
3 hour class
$25 – 45 sliding class fee
all ages are welcome
(no one will be turned away for inability to pay)

Contact Tricia to reserve your space in the class:
773-478-8778, triciababa@aol.com

Tricia with Alpha Stewart, Jr. (percussionist of wonder and light) will be doing a concert of music & spoken word- blues, jazz and folk here that evening. Find information and buy tickets here.

TRICIA ALEXANDER w/ ALPHA STEWART, JR
2025-05-24 19:00
Music and Spoken Word – Blues, Jazz & Folk with
TRICIA ALEXANDER and Alpha Stewart, Jr.(percussionist of wonder and light)

The vision for this concert grew out of Tricia’s practice as a performing & healing artist.
The simple act of a room full of people singing together gently opens & nourishes our hearts. Music helps us recharge – it lifts our spirits & at the same time energetically sends a unifying ripple of love out into the into the cosmic energy stream that we are all drinking from. Healing IS possible through the shared experience of sound & resonance. Even through these darkest of days, we can create safe & sacred space for & with – each other.
Hoping you will join us and sing along . . .
Tricia will be doing an afternoon workshop from 2 to 5– information here.

Tricia’s music & ministry:

1) We Are The People (that we’ve been waiting for)
Music Video Spirit Art – using the recording of Tricia’s song as the sound track

2) Her interview with Mark Helpsmeet’s (Song of the Soul, Northern Spirit Radio)

Music CDs and Poetry Books available at Tricia Alexander.com

SCAMMED! a TNW Ensemble Theater PLAY
2025-05-30 20:00
TNW ENSEMBLE THEATER
ticket link follows play description
More than 7,000 people get scammed every day in this country, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
But what if one of them decided to fight back and flip the script on the scammers?

That’s the premise of Scammed!, an original comedy/adventure play from TNW Ensemble Theater. When a freelancing editor falls for a sophisticated version of a classic scam, she assumes the rip-roaring, amoral alter ego of Helen Wheels to get even. She gets help along the way from her coffee shop cohort, an unconventional banker named Johnny Angel, and a helpful good citizen – or is he? Scammed! takes audiences behind the scenes in the world of hackers and con artists, showing the similarities between scams and current events.

Scammed! is written by Danielle Dresden, directed by Francisco Torres, and features performances by Megan Mori, Donavon Armbruster, and Patrick Chounet, with cameo appearances by Donna Peckett, Shane Heim, who also serves as stage manager, Francisco Torres, and Danielle Dresden. Graphics by Michael Duffy.

KAREN JOHNSON
2025-05-31 20:00
KAREN JOHNSON grew up in West Allis, WI, surrounded by music. One of her favorite memories is listening to old country tunes with her dad while riding along in his old pick-up truck. At a young age, Karen learned to play the Tamburitza and sing harmony as a member of the American Croatian Silver Strings Tamburitzans. Now playing the guitar, she has been performing at various venues since 1998 but loves playing in the Carpe’s listening room.
Karen sings songs of her favorite artists including Joan Baez, Nanci Griffith, Alison Krauss, and Suzy Bogguss, to name a few.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dclx2nwDJNY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6pYX8uK25o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z6AN79G3TE

JACK WILLIAMS
2025-06-04 19:30
JACK WILLIAMS– A South Carolinian, an uncommonly unique guitarist, a writer of vivid songs with a strong sense of place, and a storyteller in an old Southern tradition.
“…. his artistry… is nothing short of amazing. Dazzling picking, expressive voice, unique and interesting songs. He is a showman in the best sense of the word and just wowed our audience. I think they would have followed him anywhere.”— Rich Warren, formerly of WFMT “Midnight Special”, Chicago, IL

BEATS WORKIN'
2025-06-05 19:30
“Though not unique it is no less true that ‘BEATS WORKIN’ is the outgrowth of a series of jam sessions attended by 5 guys who love traditional bluegrass music, while believing that the genre is not set in stone, and that through the joy of making music, tasteful and creative contributions are waiting to be discovered (We think Bill would be proud!). As we each looked at the other 4 and concluded those guys are near-irreplaceable, the transition to a band seemed quite natural.”
Band bio follows ticket link:

THE BAND:

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

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

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

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

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

SATCHEL PAIGE
2025-06-06 20:15

BILL CAMPLIN w/ MICHAEL HECHT
2025-06-07 20:00
Literary artist MICHAEL HECHT will read excerpts from speeches or literature, and BILL CAMPLIN will sing a song between each excerpt. Readings will be from: Olivia Gatwood Angela Jackson, Jack Kerouac, Van Gogh, Charles Brandt, Shakespeare, Herman Melville, Langston Hughes, and Jimmy Santiago Baca.
Bill & Michael have done this collaboration many times with different readings, and really enjoy the concept, as have those in attendance.

CORKY SIEGEL
2025-06-11 20:00
CORKY SIEGEL is known internationally as one of the world’s great blues harmonica players, blues pianist, singer-songwriter, creator of CHAMBER BLUES, and the sole pioneer/composer of award-winning revolutionary works that weave blues and classical forms together. Co-founder of the SIEGEL-SCHWALL BAND, and Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Corky Siegel has a catalogue of recordings on RCA, Vanguard, Alligator, and million selling blues/classical recordings on the iconic classical label Deutsche Grammophon. His close associations with the blues masters in the earlier days of Chicago blues, his essential part in the blues rock revolution, and his surprising success in bringing together blues and classical audiences make him a pivotal (though inconspicuous) figure in modern music history. “underappreciated national treasure” – DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE.
Sagacious songs and instrumentals from the trail blazing legend of Siegel-Schwall, Chamber Blues, and Symphonic Blues
“A Piano and harmonica virtuoso of remarkable invention and wit” – BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

BILL MILLER
2025-06-12 19:30
Bill discovered he had already had a gig on the 13th, so he rescheduled to this date.
BILL MILLER is an award-winning Native American recording artist, performer, songwriter, activist, painter, and world-class accomplished flute player. Over the entirety, Miller has produced over a dozen albums, received three Grammy Awards, numerous NAMA awards (including a “Lifetime Achievement Award) and led Wisconsin’s La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. He is now touring in support of a recent collaboration album Look Again To The Wind: Johnny Cash’s Bitter Tears Revisited where Bill has the title track.

A Mohican Indian from northern Wisconsin, Bill Miller has long been one of the most admired figures in the Native American music arena and beyond. As an award-winning recording artist, performer, songwriter, activist, and painter, he’s been a voice for the voiceless, a link between two great and clashing civilizations.
For over 30 years, Bill Miller’s music has amplified the whispers of Native peoples’ hearts, while bridging cultures around the world with his signature sound: thunder (the voice), wind (the Native American flute), water (the guitar), and soul (the story).

MOJOHAND
2025-06-14 20:30
MOJOHAND – ROCK & ROLL, GINGER SOUL, AND JERSEY TWANG
New Jersey-born, Brooklyn-based band Mojohand have been writing rockin, country-soul-soaked songs and playing them in every bar, backyard, and basement willing to have them for the past seven years. Their energetic and melodic brand of rock & roll, ginger soul, and Jersey twang has won over crowds from coast to coast.
For their third studio LP “Dungarees”, Mojohand locked themselves in the live room at Business District Recording in Johnson City, NY and let the tape roll on a vintage 4-track ampex machine. The result is a timeless album that evokes the thousands of late nights onstage refining their raucous style and infectious songs, and the countless miles they’ve traveled together in their van chasing down the same promises that rock & roll has made with its fingers crossed for generations and generations.
The first single from Dungarees, “Santa Fe” is a melodic and laid back travelogue inspired by some of Mojohand’s less-glamorous nights on the road. “Santa Fe” showcases Mojohand’s knack for synthesizing their love of classic country-rock and southern-soul records into timeless bites of ear-candy.
Mojohand is known nationally for their relentless work ethic, electric live shows and catchy, classic songwriting. Their sound is uniquely their own, while also often compared to Americana heroes John Prine and Townes van Zandt, legendary rockers such as Bruce Springsteen and Drive-By Truckers, and beloved soul musicians like Otis Redding and Nathaniel Rateliff.

Mojohand was born in 2017 from the fiery remains of countless high school bands and side projects. Having played music together since their age was in the single digits, childhood friends Elijah Klein and Joe Dinardo joined with keyboardist Ian D’Arcy and began gigging around the Garden State with a revolving cast of local musicians. When Elijah met drummer Jasper Mahncke in New York City, the group found their groove and locked in with a flurry of singles and shows around the Northeast – from the woods of Vermont to packed bars in New York City and everywhere in between. To date, Mojohand has played 250 shows, driven over 60,000 miles, performed 9 American tours and a Canadian date, and have opened for national acts including Oteil Burbridge, Kyle Gordon, Summer Dean, and Whitey Morgan.
Mojohand’s love of The Road is palpable. At the end of their set, you’ll often hear lead singer Elijah deliver an open invitation to the audience: “The best part of driving around and playing shows all over the country is meeting new people. So come say hi when we’re done playing! We’d love to shake your hand.” “The road is what it’s all about; meeting new types of people, seeing how they react to the songs. A crowd in Texas might feel a groove completely differently than one in New York City. And so every night of tour, we learn a little more about how to deliver a great show and connect with the crowd.”

SHITUNAUTS- Thursday
2025-06-19 20:00
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY RANDY SABIEN BILL CAMPLIN in the semicircle, holding down the fort.
