Cafe Carpe

LONESOME BILL CAMPLIN
2025-09-13 20:00 (America/Chicago)
“….consummate guitar, voice, and lyrics, and with a mix of folk and rock-influenced tunes. And an awesome sense of humor.”

ERIK KOSKINEN
2025-09-18 20:00
From start to Finnish, a class act. May be joined by a fiddle player this time.
Ticket link follows bio.
ERIK KOSKINEN is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, whose music is not categorized by sub-genres. Stylistically he is on his own while heavily influenced by American roots music. The rhythmic integrity and musical tone is as important as the lyrical content and the artistic intent. Koskinen has reverently entered the anthology of uniquely crafted wry songs with the likes of Woody Guthrie and Ry Cooder while speaking as plainly as your neighbor. The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls Koskinen “the real deal” and “The best country songwriter in Minnesota”
GLIDE MAGAZINE:
“In the vein of his close friend, Jeffrey Foucault, Koskinen’s songs are stripped-down, breathe the Midwestern air, paint character portraits, and have a deceptively haunting quality.”
AMERICAN ROOTS UK:
“…melodies that stay with the listener long after the last notes of the final track have died away.”
“Erik is very much his own man stylistically. Sub-genres are no use at all in describing Erik’s music, and perhaps a new genre is more appropriate.”
SPINOUT RECORDS
“Writes like Dylan, looks like Hank Williams, walks like John Wayne, smokes like James Dean, and plays like no one else.”

JOE POLICASTRO TRIO- jazz
2025-09-19 20:15
Note that ticket price will change to $20 the day of the show.
Ticket link follows bio.
Hailed by Downbeat for its “deft analysis of choice repertoire,” and by the Chicago Reader for its “diversity of approaches to all kinds of source material,” the JOE POLICASTRO TRIO is a forward-thinking, Chicago-based jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro featuring guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature draws upon a wide array of musical styles and sources while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact.
“…a cohesive unit with an extraordinarily flexible mindset…at every step of the way, this band breathes and bends as one.” (Dan Billawsky, All About Jazz)

“Unpredictable and sometimes eccentric…each listen to Nothing Here Belongs reveals more surprises.” (Scott Yanow, JAZZIZ)
“Their deep understanding of each other and deft analysis of choice repertoire repays repeat and close listening.” (Michael Jackson, Downbeat)
“Known for its eclectic taste and approach, the Joe Policastro Trio “makes the case that such musical hybridity is worth celebrating.” “Policastro…is a melody-minded bassist who prioritizes group cohesion over individual displays of virtuosity.”
– Brian Zimmerman, Downbeat
The band is releasing its seventh album, Mending Wall, this fall. Their diverse catalog – Ceremony (2023), Sounds Unheard (2022), Nothing Here Belongs (2019), Screen Sounds (2017), POPS! (2016), and West Side Story Suite (2013) – captures the band’s progressive, forward-thinking, non-hierarchical approach in sonic detail showcasing the band’s original music alongside the trio’s ability to remake unlikely songs in its own raw, highly idiosyncratic fashion.

CAMPLIN FAMILY AFFAIR
2025-09-20 20:00
Bill sheds his lonesomeness, sharing the evening with nephew STEVE CAMPLIN and son SATCHEL PAIGE. Rip-roaring fun as always.
More details to come if I can find them.

ROUND ROBIN w/ TRICIA ALEXANDER
2025-09-24 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-10-29 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.

REED FOEHL
2025-09-27 20:00
Reed just asked to play here because he is in the area as an opening act for Sierra Hull. Bio follows ticket link.

Grammy-nominated songwriter REED FOEHL was raised in a small New England town whose folk/Americana music tells stories with a voice that pushes boundaries while paying homage to tradition. Foehl released his sixth studio album – “Wild Wild Love” – in May 2022 which was recorded with The Band of Heathens. From traditional folk ballads to barroom sing-alongs, this tunesmith’s “emotional, deeply personal lyrics and indelibly infectious choruses…leave the listener with an overriding sense of optimism” (Glide Magazine) — something we could all use a little more of these days.
He was nominated for a Grammy Award for his song “Fly” co-written with Brent Cobb which was covered by country legend Lee Ann Womack. With a life dedicated to songwriting and music, Foehl’s five studio albums have put him on the map of the publishing world, garnering placements in both film and television, most notably the feature film “Just Friends” and the popular vampire series” The Originals.”
Foehl now resides in the Green Mountains of Vermont and continues to tour across the globe.
“Reed has the ability to transport the soul, a true master. One of the great songwriters of our time.” –Gregory Alan Isakov
“Reed Foehl is like a brother to me, we’ve traveled a lot of miles on the road together, and I don’t think they make better singer-songwriters than him.” –Todd Snider
“Reed’s songs hit you in the heart, and everything else falls away.” –Anais Mitchell

CHRIS ACKER
2025-10-01 19:30
In a genre full of tall tales and marketable lies, CHRIS ACKER crafts candid songs – weaving his wit and woes into a body of work that exposes the stale plight of the American Songster to the honest, and sometimes hilarious, light of day.

In the tradition of Guthrie and Prine, Chris lends a quavering voice to the half-rotten romance of the unremarkable and unrefined. Regardless if you’re sitting by a backyard fire on a muggy Louisiana night or standing stage-side in some far flung town, when you hear Chris Acker playing, you’re hearing the end result of countless hours of observing the masters of the craft…and the end result of repeating their mistakes.
“Acker’s dual strengths are his songs’ easy, approachable pacing and his everyday poetic one-liners. To the former, his jangly, acoustic-driven tunes are as comfortable as well-worn jeans that have never seen a spin cycle.” Corbie Hill, No Depression
“Acker has been touted by many critics as a “torch carrier for the legacy of the late John Prine” and judging by this release that’s a pretty good assessment.” Darren Lumbroso, Americana UK
“Unlike the title of the first single, Famous Lunch is anything but a shit surprise – it’s a collection of honest, thoughtful and at times heart-warming tunes that whisper their way into the subconscious and leave the listener connecting with the material in ways very few country singers are able to master.” Sam Owen, Silent Radio UK
“Caught someplace between Jerry Reed and Gram Parsons, Famous Lunch is a world ridden hard, put away wet and full of fragility, boundless, unpredictable love and one-liners that’ll make you cry, laugh and puke—in that order.” Matt Mitchell, Paste Magazine
From the folk revival through the golden age of country music, deafened by punk shows and brass bands alike, Chris’s songwriting is a nod to the absurd yet muted brilliance that inhabits the molded corners of the bars he patrons and cratered street he treads, paired with a pained honesty that merits a long second look.
Acker released his fourth full-length album, Famous Lunch, on Gar Hole Records in October of 2024. Famous Lunch contains some of his best work yet: laid back, country-rockers like “Wouldn’t Do For You (Buddy)” and “Shit Surprise” (which Paste Magazine called a “song of the year contender” in 2024), a few raucous, bar-ready joints like “Don’t You Know (Who I Think I Am)” and “Bunn Machine”, and tender, folky triumphs like “Stubborn Eyes” and “Eyelash”, all showcasing Chris’ gift of building “vivid scenes at an impressively low word count” (No Depression).

CHICAGO FARMER
2025-10-03 20:30
The son of a small town farming community, CODY DIEKHOFF logged plenty of highway and stage time under the name CHICAGO FARMER before settling in the city in 2003. Profoundly inspired by fellow midwesterner John Prine, he’s a working-class folk musician to his core. His small town roots, tilled with city streets mentality, are turning heads North and South of I-80.
“I love the energy, music, and creativity of Chicago, but at the same time, the roots and hard work of my small town,” he shares. Diekhoff grew up in Delavan, Illinois, with a population less than 2,000. His grandparents were farmers, and their values have always provided the baseline of his songs.

He writes music for “the kind of people that come to my shows. Whether in Chicago or Delavan, everyone has a story, and everyone puts in a long day and works hard the same way,” he says. “My generation may have been labeled as slackers, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t work hard – many people I know put in 50-60 hours a week and 12 hour days. That’s what keeps me playing. I don’t like anyone to be left out; my music is for everyone in big and very small towns.”
He listened to punk rock and grunge as a kid before discovering a friend’s dad playing Hank Williams, and it was a revelation. Prine and Guthrie quickly followed. The name Chicago Farmer was originally for a band, but the utilitarian life of driving alone from bar to bar, city to city – to make a direct connection to his audience and listener, took a deeper hold.

BRI BAGWELL
2025-10-04 20:15
Texas Female Artist of the Decade and reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, BRI BAGWELL, is a force to be reckoned with on the Texas Country scene. From her first full-length release, Banned from Santa Fe in 2011, to her 2022 release Corazón y Cabeza (Heart and Head) Bri has masterfully commanded the stage for over a decade with her rousingly fun live performances and trailblazing artistry while creating a loyal and passionate fan base. More bio follows ticket link.

​Bri grew up in Las Cruces, NM but now lives in New Braunfels, TX. From the time she was writing poems in her childhood bedroom, to teaching herself how to play a dusty old piano, to getting her first taste of honky-tonk life singing in her twin brothers’ band at age 14, to playing her first solo show in college, Bri has integrated music into each stage of her life.
​After high school, jumping at the chance to live in ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’, Bri attended the University of Texas in Austin. It was here that Bri picked up a guitar and quickly learned to play a few chords. She jokes, “because it was easier to carry than a piano.” Finding herself in the right city with a new passion for the 6-string life surrounded by fellow musicians, Bri was drawn to the stage.

Following graduation Bri worked with a startup company in Austin where she utilized her marketing major. But she began playing shows so frequently, she found herself needing to choose between her day job and her dream. After just three months, Bri knew what she had to do and transitioned full time into her music career. With twelve #1 songs in Texas and multiple Female Vocalist of the Year awards to her credit, it is clear she made the right choice.
​Bri’s musical influences have all played a part in her musical evolution; from Johnny Cash to Dwight Yoakam, Miranda Lambert to George Strait, their spirits live within her songs. While on the road, she has shared the stage with some of the best: Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Gary Alan, Dwight Yoakam, Randy Rogers, Robert Earl Keen, Wade Bowen just to name a few.
“Bri Bagwell finds the path to her own heart on new album Corazón y Cabeza…[Bagwell] is increasingly finding her name being mentioned amongst country music truth tellers such as Ashley McBryde and Morgan Wade.” People Magazine

CLEM SNIDE/Rye Valley
2025-10-10 20:30
CLEM SNIDE– Alt-country/indie solo project of Israeli-American musician Eef Barzelay.
First emerged from Boston as a trio in the early 1990’s, went on to become a cult and critical favorite, picking up high profile fans from Bon Iver to Ben Folds over three decades and more than a dozen studio albums.
“The most underrated songwriter in the business today, with a sneakily firm grasp on poignancy and humor.” – NPR

Named for a William S. Borroughs character, CLEM SNIDE first emerged from Boston as a three-piece in the early 1990’s, and the group would go on to become a cult and critical favorite, picking up high profile fans from Bon Iver to Ben Folds over the course of three decades and more than a dozen studio albums. NPR highlighted the Israeli-born Barzelay as “the most underrated songwriter in the business today, with a sneakily firm grasp on poignancy and humor,” while Rolling Stone hailed his songwriting as “soulful and incisive,” and The New Yorker praised his music’s “soothing melodies and candid wit.”
The intersection of hope and resignation can be a disarming place but also incredibly beautiful. It’s where Oh Smokey, the tenth Clem Snide album, spends a lot of its time. EEF BARZELY, the songwriter behind the name since time immemorial, describes Oh Smokey as “slow, sad songs about God and death,” knowing full well that he’s being technically accurate but wryly incomplete. Like a sleepy late-night road trip conversation about a near-death experience, the record makes space for some intimate contemplation of what lies beyond.
Barzelay wrote these eight songs while upending much of his life. His 25-year marriage dissolved, he parted ways with his longtime manager, and he left his Nashville home after two decades. If you look at it one way, he’s been almost cosmically unlucky in the business, with a big break always around the corner that doesn’t exactly materialize. Seen from another angle, he’s built a dedicated fanbase person by person by creating an improbably timeless body of work, playing living rooms, and even writing personal songs for individual fans.
This collection of songs was brought to life with longtime Clem Snide fan Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horseman, Craig Finn, Hiss Golden Messenger). Kaufman added color and texture to Barzelay’s compositions, from the gentle sonic shrapnel of album opener “Free” to the organic hum that “At Your Command” rests on to the swelling expansiveness of title track “Smokey,” which was inspired by Eef’s fleeting collaboration with another Clem Snide fan: pop star YEBBA. With 30 years now of rising and falling Clem Snide emerges from the ashes, once again, with Oh Smokey. Still committed to loving the unknown, but with a more empathetic and mature appreciation for the bruises that come along with it.
Working-class Americana troubadours delivering original songs and a signature sound from the heart of the rustbelt, the valley of the Cuyahoga River. RYE VALLEY grew out of the rich musical soil unique to Akron, Ohio. They will open the show.

SORRY MOUNTAIN- bluegrass
2025-10-11 20:00
A new supergroup of Madison’s finest musicians, The SORRY MOUNTAIN BAND will bring you Bluegrass standards as well as swing and country tunes done Bluegrass-style, with crowd-pleasing 3-part harmonies and energy to spare.

JOE JENCKS/ KAIA FOWLER
2025-10-16 19:30
JOE JENCKS is a 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, an award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist based in Chicago. Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Joe delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit. Having penned several #1 Folksongs including the ever-relevant Lady of The Harbor, Jencks is also co-founder of the harmony trio, Brother Sun. From Festivals like Falcon Ridge, Kerrville, Mariposa, and Old Songs, to venues like Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, Jencks has enthralled diverse audiences with his approachable style. Joe is noted for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. Blending well-crafted instrumentals and vivid songwriting, Jencks serves it all up with a lyric baritone voice that has the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel.
“Climb inside the songs of Joe Jencks, and you meet real people. His lilting melodies and warm, caramel tenor draw us closer to the stories he tells. Jencks finds the humanness that binds us to the people in his songs!”- Scott Alarik – Author of Revival and WUMB, Boston, MA
“The spirit of Folk music is people working together. Joe is a fantastic singer who carries on the traditions.” – Pete Seeger
“A man with a golden voice who has a great feeling for history, and the role that songs play in documenting that history. The Coming of the Years, by Joe Jencks is a gorgeous record.” ~ Luka Bloom

“With his meticulous care, craftmanship and exquisite sensitivity, Joe Jencks has once again blessed us with a thoughtful and stunningly beautiful collection. Themed from the shaping of his own heritage, Joe in his typically generous way encourages each of us to explore and reflect on where we’ve come from. Haunting, melancholy, hopeful and heartfelt all at once, Joe’s gorgeous baritone brings new perspective to the traditional, honour and homage to those written by others, and breathes life to his originals. ” ~ Suze Casey, Artistic Director, Calgary Folk Club

As a music and healing artist, KAIA FOWLER nurtures wellbeing and flourishing for all! Through her passion, warmth, and vulnerability, she invites you to open your heart and transcend the everyday through song. A versatile guitarist and singer known for her soothing, vibrant, and beautifully resonant voice,, Kaia Fowler’s music rings with soul deep authenticity. For Kaia, who is also a Reiki master therapist, author, and professional counselor, making music is part of her mission to inspire lifelong flourishing through profound experiences of comfort, courage, and connection. creates music that speaks to the soul. Her passion, warmth, and genuineness invite listeners to open their hearts and transcend the everyday through song.

“Fabulous voice and song…”— Lilli Kuzma, host of Folk Festival on WDCB Public Radio, Chicago, Ill., referring to “Ridin’ Along” from One Breath (2022)
“Kaia Fowler is a tremendous lyricist. Her lyrics paint pictures and her musical notes add the color.“— The Americana Gazette (2010)
“It was a pleasure to host Kaia as a guest on Another Green World at WORT in Madison. It’s apparent — from her impressive guitar work, beautiful voice, and intentional, evocative lyrics — that she is the real deal when it comes to both singing and songwriting. Our conversation was lively, and she speaks about her music with authenticity and grace. Plus, she’s so da*n sweet! We’d have her back anytime.”— Katie Hutchinson & Farmer Shaun, WORT FM 89.9, Madison, Wis. (2019)

KAREN JOHNSON
2025-10-17 20:00
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats and to indicate whether you will eat here before the show.
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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dclx2nwDJNY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6pYX8uK25o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z6AN79G3TE

ANNIE & ROD CAPPS
2025-10-18 20:00
ANNIE & ROD CAPPS are touring in support of their upcoming new album.
Poignant and playful, effortless and endearing, their sound meets at the intersection of Americana & Folk. Like many singer/songwriters whose instrumentation is primarily acoustic the word “folk” covers a broad sonic range of genres and influences – what comes out is a rootsy vibe, touch of twang and soulful groove.
Since 2006, JASON DENNIE, has been contributing to their arrangements with his wildly creative mandolin and instinctive harmony. From house concerts to festival stages, the Capps have become known for their ability to create an intimate and engaging atmosphere that resonates with authenticity, earning them new fans every where they go.
“When I look around the room at an Annie and Rod Capps performance, I see a lot of smiling faces with eyes riveted to the stage…there is a magic that energizes an audience. I can’t wait to bring them back to our concert series!” – Tim Piazza, Concerts at the Cabin, Evansville, Indiana

ANCORA STRING QUARTET
2025-10-22 19:30
No one knew until it happened exactly how wonderful this quartet sounded in our intimate listening space- very wonderful, as it turns out.
“The Ancora String Quartet, now in its 27th season, is delighted to announce Sahada Buckley as its new permanent violist! She will be joining long-time members Wes Luke, Robin Ryan, and Benjamin Whitcomb in a performance of F.J. Haydn’s rousing quartet Op. 74 No. 3 in G minor, nicknamed “The Horsemen,” followed by Jean Sibelius’s ingenious and profound quartet in D minor, nicknamed “Intimate Voices.” The quartet is super excited to perform again in the truly magical space that is Café Carpe.”
Reminder to diners to please come at least an hour early.

ART LOVERS FLING- no regular food service BUT
2025-10-23 17:00 - 20:00
However – FORT ARTS COUNCIL invites you to a creative gathering to raise funds for their scholarship program.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to fortartscouncil@gmail.com

A free (though goodwill donations are welcome) event of creativity and community:

*ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS *CHALK THE WALK*
*CARICATURES *LIVE MUSIC*
*SILENT & LIVE LOCAL ART AUCTION*
*CASH BAR
Wear your most colorful and creative attire.
Local artists will be on hand playing music, demonstrating their art form, chalking the walk in front of the Carpe, and selling caricatures.
Silent and live auction items will include paintings, drawings, ceramics, jewelry and cards from local artists. In addition, as of today, art coffee table books and tickets to the Milwaukee Rep and Madison Symphony will also be on auction.
A detailed list of auction items will be emailed to signed up attendees and on-line a week prior to the event.
The scholarship began in 2017 and since has had 24 applicants and 8 awardees: Nate Stewart, Abigale Schwab, Miranda Aalto, Amelia Zanin, Alice Van Haaften, Elee Sharp, Jessica Sharp, and Evanna Thao. Previous scholarship awardees will be sharing their personal creative journeys in person or virtually at the event.

LONESOME BILL CAMPLIN
2025-10-25 20:00 - 22:00
He never made it to the sunset, so riding again.

MARK FURST Farewell to America Tour- one stop only
2025-10-30 19:30
Collected donations will go to a local charity.
Sadly, our friends Janice and MARK FURST are leaving for greener pastures in the Emerald Isle. We so wish that circumstances in our country hadn’t dictated this choice.
Mark will perform, celebrating the bonds of friendship and community.
Still thinking on how to do food- menu may by limited to one or two easily served items.

This from Mark’s Facebook post:

“It is with a heavy heart that I write this.

While I was growing up and as a young adult I always thought that the answers to life’s mysteries would become clearer as I got older. It would seem I have it backwards.

Until recently most of my friends did not know that I was not a citizen of the US, here since 1982 and on a green card since 1988. It never came up and it never seemed important to mention it. The only things I was not able to do were vote and do jury duty. I paid my taxes and got my licenses, did the work, did the play, married well, all good. Until now.

Having lived in three states; California (10 years), Tennessee (10 years) and Wisconsin (25 years) and also working for extended periods in six other states I feel I’ve had a pretty good experience of what is “American” and what that stands for. However, until now I’ve not really thought about that gathered wisdom. My time in this country has been delightful, fulfilling and nuturing and I’ve met so many bright, talented and loving people – not least of whom is my lovely and talented wife Janice.

Now that I think back to my time living in Tennessee I now realize I saw the signs of Trumpism way before 2016. Jacked up pickup trucks with large hand-painted signs telling “Mexicans go Home” or “Abortion is Murder” or incessant Rush Limbaugh playing in the background in every local business. I was having a good time flying hang gliders to pay much attention at the time.**

Not once in my time have I thought about how secure my immigration status is, except when I overstayed my visa for a few years in the early 1980s (although I think my mother worried more about it than I did). But nowadays this is just the kind of minor infraction that gets people arrested, deported or disappeared (and then deported). But I can’t be constantly looking over my shoulder, so we’ve made the difficult decision to sell our house and move to Ireland.

Probably the hardest thing I am dealing with right now is the confusion. Confused as to how can a country that has been so good to me be turning so inward and backward? How can the dismantling of the systems that have brought such prosperity be seen as anything but deliberate self-sabotage? How can decades of scientific progress be smashed up by such ignorance?

Our target date is the end of October, but may change due to circumstances, not the least of which will be if we can sell our house. So, if you know of anyone itching to get out of the city and move into a place set up for creative and entrepreneurial pursuits, let us know. Will be posting photos soon. In an attempt to find creative types we will start with advertising on “For the Love of Old Houses” a Facebook group that has 4 million subs. There are some AMAZING places on there but ours will fit right in I think – and be cheaper than most of them.

Update: I wrote this a few months ago and many friends do now know that we are going. We have a firm offer on the table for our house. Closing is planned for November 17th, probably leaving a week or two after that. Will be doing a “Farewell to America” show at the Cafe Carpe here in Fort on October 30th (Thursday) so come on by if you can. We would love to see you there.”

ACOUSTIC OPEN STAGE
2025-10-31 18:30 - 20:30
This is an acoustic open stage, sound system set up in advance, just stand up and play.
Share your songs (or stories- storytellers welcome) in a two song (think 7-9 minutes) rotation with whoever else is there to play, being respectful of others.
Please support our business by buying drink and/or food.

CANCELLED- Bill Poss & Love Seat
2025-11-01 20:00
This show is cancelled and will be rescheduled in 2026.
Racy songs of geriatric love… BILL & JJ PASSALACQUA are LOVESEAT and their new album “Our Way” is a reflection on their life together. Bill is a seasoned songwriter and touring artist, JJ has only recently been corrupted by him.
Bill has 5 studio albums in addition to the LoveSeat record. He toured solo, with The Fabulous Ginn Sisters and with the Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Steam Show, about 18 years on the road. JJ has been a nurse for 30 years, LoveSeat is her primary musical experience. “Our Way” came out in April of 2025 and did well on the Folk Chart and Alt Country Chart, garnering excellent reviews from all over the US and Europe. The show will be a mix of their music along with Bill Poss solo material. There will be some stories and lots of laughs.

Bill started the Moccasin Creek Festival in Effingham, Illinois in 2014. He is still the Exec. Dir.

BEATLES SINGALONG FUNDRAISER
2025-11-02 17:00 - 20:00
Local Musicians will be leading the crowd in Beatles tunes in this fundraiser for the Democratic Party of Jefferson County.
“So bring your singing voice to raise spirits and hope for a brighter future.

Be prepared to sing to your favorite Beatles tunes (and maybe a few others) lead by fabulous guest musicians: Josh Harty, Chip Cruz, Annelies Howell, Meg Kelly & Casey Davis, Jill & The Jax, Les Oiseaux (Guzzo Pinc & Cynthia Holt) and Satchel Paige.

The event is FREE but goodwill donations at the Jeff Dems table are encouraged as 100% of funds raised will go towards supporting 2026 MidTerm election organizing efforts
Free Soup, bread and dessert bar
Cash Bar
Food Drive for the Fort Food Pantry – Bring Non Perishable food

SATCHEL PAIGE w/ Ruthie McQuinn
2025-11-06 20:00
and special guest NICK LANG weighing in on drums

LOGAN METZ
2025-11-07 20:30
Ticket link follows bio-
LOGAN METZ is a musician, writer, and composer based in the American Midwest. His songwriting spans many genres, from jazz and rock to folk and country, but it’s all marked by artful chord changes, a character-centric narrative style, and a wry lyrical wit rooted firmly in the Tom Waits/ Randy Newman school of piano-based storytelling.
He’s written plays, essays, poems, soundtracks, and children’s albums, and in 2015 earned a Master’s degree from University of Chicago for his rock opera adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Othello”. Soon after he released his first solo album, “The Last Remaining Payphone in L.A.” (2016).

In 2018 Metz won a Fulbright fellowship to teach at IE University in Madrid, but turned down the award in favor of re-joining his old college friends’ band, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, as a multi-instrumentalist. Since then he has had the honor of playing with Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Joe Walsh, Jimmy Buffett, Eddie Vedder, Warren Haynes, Robby Krieger, John Densmore, Bob Weir, and in 2023 toured on piano for Willie Nelson.

He’s currently working on a bunch of passion projects, including a strategy card game, a full-scale stage musical, and a brand new solo album, coming out early next year.

HIROYA TSUKAMOTO
2025-11-08 20:00
Ticket link follows bio.
HIROYA TSUKAMOTO is an innovative guitarist, composer, and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan who fuses together folk, jazz, and world music. He’s not only a dizzyingly agile fingerpicker, but a soulful and transcendent performer, with compositions that combine instrumental guitar work with lyrical performance and spoken stories from his life.
In 2000, Hiroya received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and came to the United States. He formed his own group in Boston “INTEROCEANICO (inter-oceanic)” which consists of unique musicians from different continents including Latin Grammy Colombian singer Marta Gomez. The group released three acclaimed records (“The Other Side of the World”, “Confluencia” and “Where the River Shines”). Hiroya has released five solo albums.
Hiroya is a two time 2nd place winner of International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in 2018 and 2022.
“…chops, passion and warmth. Zealously recommended!” –Jazz Review.com
“Hiroya Tsukamoto may play the guitar with the skill of a virtuoso, and he may write compelling music that draws from many different cultures and genres, but if I had to choose one word to describe him it would be orchestrator. ” – Acoustic Guitar Magazine

ACOUSTIC OPEN STAGE
2025-11-14 18:30 - 20:30
This is an acoustic open stage, sound system set up in advance, just sit or stand up and play.
Share your songs (or stories- storytellers welcome) in a two song (think 7-9 minutes) rotation with whoever else is there to play, being respectful of others.
Please support our business by buying drink and/or food.

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

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

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

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

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