Cafe Carpe

JOHN ELLIOTT
2019-03-15 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
JOHN ELLIOTT writes gripping stream-of-consciousness songs that often take unexpected turns en route to delivering a powerful message. Chuck Schiele of The San Diego Troubadour wrote about Elliott’s lyrics: “They get in, make their statement, kick you in the teeth, and get out before they start talking too much…And this lends to the urge of rolling any track to its beginning for another spin.”
A native of Minnesota who now resides in California, Elliott began playing at various Hollywood venues in 2001, had expanded throughout southern California by 2003, and later became a nationally touring artist. He has performed in several countries and every state except Hawaii. His music has been featured on hit TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy and Californication, as well as in PASTE Magazine, on NPR and Neil Young’s “Living With War” website.
In the last decade, he has released eight genre-less studio albums on his own record label (Garland Lane) to an ever-expanding audience. All can be streamed at his website (www.thehereafterishere.com/ recordings). The newest releases are an unedited live performance (“Live in Austin”) and a compilation (“The Greatest Recordings According to Me: 2003-2013”). Both are available for purchase at shows on USB drives. John is trying to ever-so-gently do his part to end the compact disc.
John also produces an almost monthly podcast of sorts called “Audiodes.” Audiodes defy explanation and must be heard to be understood (seven are included on the USB compilation). They include interviews, meditations, sound collages, alternative versions of already released songs, covers, and more. Audiode Six is a stripped down, acoustic rendering of his “Good Goodbyes” album; Audiode Fourteen is a new concept album about technology called “21st Century Bicycle.”
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

NEW PIONEERS
2019-03-14 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. Its various members have been involved with traditional music locally, regionally, and nationally for many years.
The Pioneer’s lead singer and guitarist, Jerry Wicentowski, has been described by country music historian Bill Malone as “One of the finest singers in bluegrass music”. Jerry has also performed and recorded with such bluegrass greats as Tim O’Brien, Andy Statman, Byron Berline, Tony Trischka and others. Mike Schmidt of Spring Green, Wisconsin, is the group’s banjo player. This former French horn player has been a Nashville session musician and member of the popular Wisconsin-based bluegrass bands, Alive ‘n’ Pickin’ and the Piper Road Spring Band. He also performs occasionally with his wife Lori. Bruce King of Art Stevenson and High Water – also formerly of Alive ‘n’ Pickin’ – is on mandolin. Bruce and Mike are veterans of the Great Northern Bluegrass Festival in Mole Lake, WI – performing there every year from 1977 to 1982. Fiddle player Paul Kienitz is a member in good standing of regional bluegrass favorites, The Nob Hill Boys. Bass player John Jirak also has played banjo with various folks in the northeastern WI and Madison areas, most notably with the Green Bay based Fox River Flyer. As a bass player, he’s performed shows with the Chicago Bluegrass Band, Miltown Ramblers, Krause Family, Old Cool, Spare Time Bluegrass Band, Bob Steeno and The Old Truck, and Down From the Hills, and currently Madison’s newest, Kettle Moraine.
Like them on Facebook.

BILL CAMPLIN & the IDOLS of MARCH
2019-03-09 20:30 - 23:00

KAIA FOWLER
2019-03-08 20:30 - 23:00
KAIA FOWLER’s music shows influences from genres that include modern singer-songwriter, 1960s and 70s folk and folk rock, Americana, acoustic blues, and roots music. Her sound integrates beautifully resonant vocals reminiscent of singers like Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell with guitar work that ranges from delicate finger picking to percussive strumming. Kaia took up guitar playing and songwriting at a young age, and, throughout her life, she has poured her observations on life’s struggles, longings, joys, and sorrows into songs. In concert, Kaia’s energy and authenticity invite listeners to transcend the day-to-day, getting at the heart of the human experience in the way only music can.

Kaia’s music stands out for its lyrical detail and melodic phrasings that take advantage of her wide vocal range. A review by The Americana Gazette says, “Kaia Fowler is a tremendous lyricist. Her lyrics paint pictures and her musical notes add the color.” Selections from her 2010 album Seams of My Heart received radio play on Women of Substance Radio. Kaia’s 2015 album, an EP titled All The Way, is dedicated to her husband who died of pancreatic cancer, with sales benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. A new album, One Breath, is scheduled for release in 2019.
She was a finalist in the 2012 Great River Folk Festival songwriting competition.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

OPEN STAGE
2019-03-02 19:00 - 21:30
Share your talents in a 2-3 song rotation with others. Be prepared to play acoustically, as a sound man is not part of the deal.

THE HONEY PIES
2019-03-01 20:30 - 23:00
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.

SONG CIRCLE w/ TRICIA ALEXANDER
2019-02-28 18:30 - 21:00, 2019-01-31 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 (except sometimes).

Traditional Round Robin protocol applies – everyone is part of the circle and has an opportunity to: play, pass or request a song from someone in particular or from anyone in the circle.
Everyone is welcome to attend. $5 cover for musicians and audience. Come early and have a bite to eat-

GARNET ROGERS
2019-02-24 19:00 - 21:30
We will open at 5:00 and are serving food. Please allow time for us to feed you by arriving at least an hour early.
Buy tickets through Brown Paper Tickets by clicking on the Buy tickets link:

The big Canadian is back.
In a darkened bedroom, lit only be the amber glow from an old floor model radio, two young brothers aged 6 and 12 lay in their beds, listening to the country music broadcasts from the Grand Ol’ Opry, and practiced their harmonies. Two years later, the youngest one was playing the definitive 8-year-old’s version of “Desolation Row” on his ukulele. He soon abandoned that instrument to teach himself the flute, violin and guitar.
Within ten years, and barely out of high school, GARNET ROGERS was on the road as a full- time working musician with his older brother Stan. Together they formed what has come to be accepted as one of the most influential acts in North American folk music.
Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “charismatic performer and singer”, Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence – close to six and a half feet tall – with a voice to match. With his “smooth, dark baritone” (Washington Post) his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. Cinematic in detail, his songs “give expression to the unspoken vocabulary of the heart” (Kitchener Waterloo Record). An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humour and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again.
“Garnet Rogers is capable of awe-inspiring and unpredictable stuff – and that includes more than just music.”

CHAD ELLIOTT
2019-02-23 20:30 - 23:00
CHAD ELLIOTT‘s soulful, foot-stomping shows are incredible. His laid-back storytelling and his skillful fingerpicking weave well-crafted songs together for an evening of pure entertainment. Averaging more than 200 shows per year, Elliott has been on the road for nearly 20 years performing a blend of Americana, roots and country music.
Elliott’s early career demonstrates a love of folk, roots and singer-songwriter music. He has worked with many greats and shared the stage with artists of the highest caliber, including Odetta, Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, R.L. Burnside, Greg Brown, Bo Ramsey, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Counting Crows, Ruthie Foster, Lonestar, Jimmy Vaughan, etc. He has won many awards including the Woody Guthrie Song Contest and Iowa Blues Challenge. He placed 3rd in the International Song Contest with his Americana song, “Same Old Way.”
On his 20th album, Wreck and Ruin, Elliott dove into his love of roots-rock, soul and blues music with a rocking band behind his artfully crafted songs. Producer and drummer, Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo) lined up the best rhythm and lead players in Nashville to create Elliott’s greatest album to date. Guitarist and bassist Kenny Vaughan and Dave Roe, legendary Nashville players, add the needed touches to rocket Elliott’s songs into a new arena of hard driving Americana.
“Chad Elliott has assembled not only a great group of songs, but some of Nashville’s finest roots music practitioners and producer drummer Ken Coomer to make a soulful and beautiful album. Townes would be proud.” – Will Kimbrough about Wreck and Ruin.
​On his 21st album, RINGGOLD, Elliott recorded songs at his home studio in Iowa. The studio, built in his grandparents’ former home, helped him connect with his roots and explore difficult songs about those closest to him. It was released in 2017.
Elliott released his 22nd album, Rest Heavy, on August 10, 2018. Rest Heavy was recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, TN, with his band, The Redemptions. Greg Brown said of the new album, it’s “low, loose and full of juice. This album’s got a lot of life to it.”
Press Quotes:
​”This album just oozes soul, truth, and seems rather timeless as it could have been recorded almost any time in the last fifty-sixty years.” – Jim Hynes, Elmore Magazine review of Rest Heavy (US)
“There is so much to be loved about this album. From start to finish, it’s a masterpiece of deep soul and blues that shows you all the pictures of the places that inspired its sounds in every song. You need this album in your collection…” – Amanda Marcazo, The Jamwich magazine review of Rest Heavy (US)
“Chad Elliott has assembled not only a great group of songs, but some of Nashville’s finest roots music practitioners and producer drummer Ken Coomer to make a soulful and beautiful album. Townes would be proud.” – Will Kimbrough said of Chad Elliott’sWreck and Ruin album
“Chad Elliott is a veteran singer/songwriter who writes smooth, feel good songs ranging from soulful drinking songs to upbeat road-tunes to down and dirty tunes worthy of Ray Wylie Hubbard.” – Calvin Powers, The Americana Music Show
“…Chad Elliott stands out as a timeless and genuine musical poet with supple-strong roots like the bluestem and buffalo grass of Iowa prairie.” – Todd Partridge, NoDepression.com
“In the wide scope of Americana music live stories timeless as the land. With dynamic swells amid driven and transient melodies, Chad Elliott tells them one song at a time,” – Sam Burrish, Sioux City Journal
​
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

TIM GRIMM/ KATIE DAHL
2019-02-22 20:30 - 23:00
NOTA BENE: As of Friday a.m., this show is all but sold out based on the reservations. DO CALL to reserve seats before you come. And, as always, if you do not intend to use all the seats you have reserved, please have the courtesy to call us so that those seats can be made available to others.
An evening split with 2 Midwestern songwriters– each rooted in their writing by a strong sense of place. TIM GRIMM and KATIE DAHL offer an evening of literate, compelling songs that will open the mind’s eye of the listener with the pictures they paint–like novels that spread across the screen– you will see and feel the personal become the universal.
Tim hails from southern Indiana and has been called “The Poet laureate of the rural Midwest”. He has acted with Harrison Ford, played and toured with friend, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, and shared the stage with poet, Wendell Barry. He first played The Carpe 30 years ago…
After a foray in Holywood for a few years (acting in CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER and a series regular for 2 years on NBC’s – REASONABLE DOUBTS), Tim returned to the heartland and wrote and released his recording HEART LAND in 1999. Since then he has released 12 albums,
as well as group projects like the Emmy-nominated PBS production WILDERNESS PLOTS with Carrie Newcomer and Krista Detor. His songs have appeared in the film soundtracks– A WALK IN THE WOODS and SLICE OF PIE. His recordings consistently appear at the top of the Folk dj charts in America and abroad.
He is the only artist in the last decade to have multiple #1 songs (of the Year) on the Folk charts– 2014- KING OF THE FOLKSINGERS, 2016- WOODY’S LANDLORD, 2017- GONNA BE GREAT. His songs have been recorded by artists as diverse as Eric Taylor and RJ Cowdrey. Tim has been touring Europe for the past 10 years –with album releases on Cavalier Recordings in The Netherlands and Appaloosa Records in Italy, and for several years he has also led small group tours that center on music — to Ireland, Scotland and The Netherlands. He keeps a foot firmly planted in the world of theatre– both as an actor and as a musician-composer, having worked on and written songs for- THE GRAPES OF WRATH, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, FINDING HOME: INDIANA AT 200 (another Emmy nomination).
Katie comes from rural Door County, and has earned high words of praise from some of the country’s finest songwriters.
She has performed her original songs everywhere from the dusty cliff country of Mali, West Africa, to the winding canals of southern France, to the cedar forests of the American northwoods. The depth and power of Katie’s alto voice, the literate candor of her original songs, and the easy humor of her live performances have earned her numerous songwriting awards, as well as the chance to share stages with such luminaries as Dar Williams, Peter Mulvey, Julie Gold, and Cheryl Wheeler. Katie is also a playwright whose musical Victory Farm premiered to high acclaim in 2012 and has since been made into a live cast album. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel says Katie combines “old-fashioned populism, an abiding love of the land and wickedly smart love songs, all delivered in a rich and expressive alto.”
Katie travels extensively, playing intimate house concerts as well as established venues like Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. Richly steeped in the folk songwriter tradition, Katie navigates the muddy waters between the personal and the public with the skill of a writer twice her age. She is equally comfortable writing about the intricacies of a complicated relationship (without being indulgent or myopic) and taking on the threat of chain restaurants to her own small community (without being polarizing or didactic).
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

WIT and WISDOM-the monologues of Ruth Draper
2019-02-16 19:30 - 21:30
TAPIT New Works presents this wonderful show. Read this about it in the Wisconsin State Journal report on their Madison performance.
Picture an evening with your funniest and most interesting women friends, chock full of laughter, unexpected revelations, and sparkling commentary on the human condition.
Featuring a diverse cast of 10 female actors, aged 26-81, in an immersive, cabaret-style performance, Wit & Wisdom will introduce area audiences to the work of Ruth Draper, the most famous actress you’ve probably never heard of.
Ruth Draper (1884-1956) was a solo performer long before it was cool. She literally performed before the crowned heads of Europe (Queen Mary and King George V) and counted Laurence Olivier and George Bernard Shaw among her fans. Agatha Christie modeled two characters after her – and Lily Tomlin and Tom Waits both cite her as a major influence.
The monologues selected for Wit & Wisdom showcase Draper’s evergreen understanding of the human experience and her wicked sense of humor, administered with a kindly touch.
Audiences will visit a class in “Greek Poise,” track a married couple’s breakfasts through the years, follow the latest trends in doctors and diets, and, in general, learn more about Draper’s characters than they know about themselves. Musical interludes from Julia McConahay, “Madison’s rocking solo violinist,” weave throughout the monologues.
Director Catie O’Donnell is guiding the top-notch cast of leading area actors.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

A ROSE AMONG THORNS
2019-02-15 20:00 - 22:30
This quartet of local musicians offers pleasing melodies, tight musicianship, and stirring renditions of songs from folk, pop, blues, country, and Celtic traditions. First performing on Café Carpe’s stage two years ago, the foursome includes JEFF MASON on acoustic guitar, bass, and vocals; PERRY BAIRD on vocals and acoustic guitar; TOM COOK on bass, mandolin, banjo, and a host of other stringed instruments; and ANGELA LICARI on violin. Jeff and Perry played at Café Carpe as solo acts and as a duo in the mid-1980s, renewing their musical partnership about five years ago. Tom, retired band teacher at Fort High School, came on board in 2015, and a violin was added in 2016, with Angela capably taking over that duty last year.
The guys are retired from their day jobs and reliving their younger days (as they remember them), while Angela provides the more youthful exuberance. All are familiar to local audiences as members of other musical ensembles, some of which include Jeff with the Merry Horde, Expanded Waist Band, and Blue Stew; Perry with The Buzzards; Tom with Madison Brass and Guitarcheology; and Angela with Madpolecats. The Rose Among Thorns collaboration gives each a chance to contribute favorite—often eclectic—songs for interpretation by the group. Songs featuring moving stories and themes, energetic instrumentals, soothing vocals, and singable choruses are all part of typical Rose Among Thorns musical sets.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

NEW PIONEERS
2019-02-14 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. Its various members have been involved with traditional music locally, regionally, and nationally for many years.
“We are going to celebrate Valentine’s Day by performing as many of the classic Bluegrass “Love Songs” as we can…be forewarned, they don’t always end happy…but we’d be happy to see you and your friends at the show! As a special added holiday bonus, we will be joined on Bass by our former Bass-man Bruce Royal*..John [Jirak]has a date!”
The Pioneer’s lead singer and guitarist, Jerry Wicentowski, has been described by country music historian Bill Malone as “One of the finest singers in bluegrass music”. Jerry has also performed and recorded with such bluegrass greats as Tim O’Brien, Andy Statman, Byron Berline, Tony Trischka and others. Mike Schmidt of Spring Green, Wisconsin, is the group’s banjo player. This former French horn player has been a Nashville session musician and member of the popular Wisconsin-based bluegrass bands, Alive ‘n’ Pickin’ and the Piper Road Spring Band. He also performs occasionally with his wife Lori. Bruce King of Art Stevenson and High Water – also formerly of Alive ‘n’ Pickin’ – is on mandolin. Bruce and Mike are veterans of the Great Northern Bluegrass Festival in Mole Lake, WI – performing there every year from 1977 to 1982. Fiddle player Paul Kienitz is a member in good standing of regional bluegrass favorites, The Nob Hill Boys. Bass player John Jirak also has played banjo with various folks in the northeastern WI and Madison areas, most notably with the Green Bay based Fox River Flyer. As a bass player, he’s performed shows with the Chicago Bluegrass Band, Miltown Ramblers, Krause Family, Old Cool, Spare Time Bluegrass Band, Bob Steeno and The Old Truck, and Down From the Hills, and currently Madison’s newest, Kettle Moraine.
Like them on Facebook.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

RANDY SABIEN a Rare Solo Concert w/ Spatial guest Bill Camplin
2019-02-09 20:30 - 23:00
RANDY SABIEN is a bluesy, rockin’, swingin’, funky, jazz violinist. With an intensely rhythmic, vibrant and inventive style, he has captivated audiences worldwide, playing with scores of bands and musicians of all stripes.
Dubbed “the past, present and future of jazz violin” by NPR’s Jazz Profiles, Randy 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.
Says Randy-
“I was going to title my appearance at the Café Carpe February 9 “Randy Sabien Naked.” But I didn’t want to risk a raid or, worse, play to an empty house. Instead I’m calling it “Rare Solo Concert.” It’s rare because I’ve built my reputation (assuming I have one) on being a violinist leading a band or accompanying singer/songwriters. However, when I’m home I seldom play the violin as it’s lonely and kind of boring. I strum the guitar, plunk the piano, sing and I find that personally entertaining. As a result, I’ve created a personal repertoire of songs and instrumentals (many of them original) that I seldom perform publicly live on stage. Until now! I will bare my musical soul – but keep my clothes on. In case it’s a flop, my ace-in-the-hole second set features me slinking into the background as Bill Camplin (who typically performs so low) steps up to deliver his powerful time-tested material.”
“Listen closely to Sabien’s great cascades of notes, and you will hear the grand arpeggios, broken octaves, double-stops, trills, and tremolos that have marked classical violin playing since the solo work of J.S. Bach. But that’s just the starting point for Sabien’s art which bristles with the spirit of bona fide jazz improvisation. Rather than simply embellishing a tune, he reconceives it, building and developing intriguing new musical motifs along the way. ”
Howard Reich, CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

BILL CAMPLIN BAND
2019-02-08 20:30 - 23:00

DAN NAVARRO
2019-02-07 20:00 - 22:30
At 5:10 tonight- Dan is almost here, and the show will go on. Exercise caution in driving and walking if you decide to come.
DAN NAVARRO
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.
Dan has been here many times, and is a gracious engaging performer with many devoted fans.
“Navarro’s passion for creating music and for protecting all artist’s right to make a living is incredibly inspiring.” JRoser, That Mag
“Dan Navarro is an enthusiastic and captivating performer” BLDicks, NWTimes
Dan started his career as a songwriter, most often with Eric Lowen, for artists as diverse as Pat Benatar (the Grammy-nominated “We Belong”) , The Bangles, Jackson Browne, Keb’ Mo’, Dave Edmunds, The Temptations, Dionne Warwick, Dutch superstar Marco Borsato, The Triplets, Austin outlaw legend Rusty Weir and many more…
In the 1990s, he recorded and toured with Lowen in the acclaimed acoustic duo Lowen & Navarro until Eric’s retirement in 2009. Dan has since transitioned into a growing solo career, increasingly in demand on the national concert circuit.
He’s moonlighted as a singer and voice actor for 25 years, in major motion pictures, such as The Book Of Life (as the archvillain “Chakal”), plus The Lorax, Happy Feet (1 & 2), Rio (on the Oscar-nominated “Real In Rio”), Ice Age (2 & 3), and a dozen more; TV series Turbo Fast, Prison Break, Family Guy and American Dad; recordings with Neil Young, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Miguel, Jose Feliciano, Susanna Hoffs and Jon Anderson of Yes; and commercials for Subaru, Shakey’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Toyota, Coca-Cola, Honda, El Pollo Loco, Nationwide and hundreds of others…
He has contributed countless hours in Washington on issues of intellectual property, copyright and performer’s rights, including testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Copyright Royalty Board on behalf of the Nashville Songwriters Assn Int’l, AFTRA, NARAS, BMI , SoundExchange and the musicFIRST Coalition…
Dan also serves on the boards of SAG-AFTRA, Folk Alliance, The Levitt Pavilions LA and the Golden West Chapter of the ALS Association, fighting the neuromuscular disease better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which tragically took Eric Lowen’s life in 2012…
In 2009, after 22 years and 12 albums with Lowen & Navarro, Dan released the spirited “Live at McCabe’s”, backed by his pals from Austin-based Stonehoney. His newest album , “Shed My Skin” — his first studio album of new material—was released in 2015.
He is the father of a 22-year-old son, thinks sleep is for babies, and is a known abuser of acoustic guitars.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

ALBERT LEE BAND
2019-02-05 20:00 - 22:30
Buy tickets in advance through this link to BROWN PAPER TICKETS- click on the Buy Tickets link below:

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

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

JIM OHLSCHMIDT & DAVID COX
2019-02-02 20:30 - 23:00
DAVID COX and JIM OHLSCHMIDT are two singer/songwriter guitar players who arrived at the same destination from opposite ends of the road.
Ohlschmidt began his professional career in 1977 with a solo acoustic instrumental guitar album called “Behind The Eye.” Ohlschmidt’s recent CDs include a collection of original songs and instrumentals called “Old Box, New Tunes” (2013) and “Satisfied” (2015), the fourth volume of Mississippi John Hurt songs Ohlschmidt recorded with special guest Stefan Grossman. Another release from 2013, “Lorenzo Menzerschmidt” features Ohlschmidt in the company of former Violent Femmes drummer Victor DeLorenzo and Velveetatones bassist Tony Menzer.
Cox’s latest CD from 2018, “As Ever, Guitar,” is his first collection of solo acoustic guitar instrumentals. His three previous CDs, including “A Map To Anywhere,” showcase his uncanny gift for witty songwriting that is fresh and quirky. Tom McCarthy of the Associated Press wrote of Cox “his songwriting and guitar chops capture and amaze me” and Steel Bridge Songfest founder Pat McDonald describes him as “Brilliant, and authentic.”
Together Cox and Ohlschmidt interweave their guitar skills and songs into a fun evening of pure musical satisfaction.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

THREE THIN DIMES
2019-02-01 20:00 - 22:30
Three Thin Dimes is a five-member string band hailing from as far west as Cross Plains, and as far east as the Kettle Moraine. Since 2013 its members have assembled on a weekly basis at various local watering holes to play tunes and make merry. Guided by Lynn “Chirps” Smith‘s rock-solid fiddling and encyclopedic knowledge of the old-time repertoire of the American Midwest, and aided by fellow travelers Steve Tesmer (dobro), Ben Knowles (guitar, vocals), Allen Wilson (banjo), and Dominic Frinzi (bass), this band aims to set toes a-tapping. Expect a setlist that samples widely from various acoustic traditions, from Appalachian fiddle/banjo jams to Irish jigs and reels, from 70s-era newgrass to ragtime blues, and the occasional Hawaiian slide guitar interlude thrown in for good measure.

MERRY HORDE Annual Food Pantry Benefit- CANCELLED
2019-01-26 20:00 - 23:00
The MERRY HORDE has decided to cancel this event due to the threat of bitterly cold weather, which would likely reduce attendance and therefore the benefit to the Fort Food Pantry. The event will be rescheduled. Feel free to donate to the Food Pantry outside of this benefit- they can always use your help.
Hark the Herald Horde sings! Loads of Fun, good music, great harmonies are the thoughts that come to mind whenever The Merry Horde performs. The oft repeated phrase following each performance is “…and a good time was had by all”. So join us for a historic romp through a medley of bluegrass, and selected tunes from the 60’s & 70’s with one of Fort’s own, locally harvested, bands. These guys may be getting up there, but they can still bash out the chords and belt out the harmonies that will make the hair on your arms stand straight up!?!
And to boot, this performance is for a good cause- all proceeds will go to the FORT ATKINSON FOOD PANTRY. The music and the fun are free. So bring some canned or packaged goods, or stop by your favorite ATM on the way down so you can make a cash donation of your choosing to the Food Pantry.
Please call the Cafe Carpe 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

ELLIS PAUL/ opener Flynn SOLD OUT
2019-01-25 20:30 - 23:00
SOLD OUT- Last 4 tickets purchased Wednesday. Keep checking Brown Paper Tickets, as people sometimes return them to BPT and get a refund. You can also leave a message on our Facebook page or the Discussion section of the Brown Paper Tickets site indicating your interest in tickets.

Sometimes, the day of the show, people contact us to say they cannot use of all of their tickets. Sometimes, less preferably, people do not let us know in advance that they cannot use their tickets.

All this is to say that sometimes tickets become available the day of the show.

Tickets are being sold through Brown Paper Tickets- click on Buy Tickets below:

ELLIS PAUL
Ellis Paul is a key figure in what has become known as the Boston school of songwriting, a literate, provocative and urbanely romantic folk-pop style that helped ignite the folk revival of the 1990s. His folk-pop music songs have appeared in movies and on television, and are said to bridge the gap between the modern folk sound and the populist traditions of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
“Ellis Paul is one of the best singer/songwriters of his generation. And for many of us he is the face of contemporary folk music. Few are as smart, as literate, as poetic as Paul. I cannot think of another artist on the acoustic music scene is better loved by fans, or more respected by his contemporaries.”
Some artists document their lives through their music. Others chronicle their times. It’s a rare artist who can do both, telling their own story through songs that also encapsulate the essence of people and places who have helped define their era over- all. Woody Guthrie comes to mind, and so does Bob Dylan. Bruce Springsteen certainly as well. Yet few others, for whatever genius they may possess, can relate their own history to the history experienced by those who find that common bond, be it in a coming of age, living through the same realities or sharing similar experiences.
Ellis Paul is one of those gifted singer/songwriters. Though some may refer to him as a folksinger, he is more, for lack of a better word, a singular storyteller, a musician whose words reach out from inside and yet also express the feelings, thoughts and sensibilities that most people can relate to in one way or another, regardless of age or upbringing. The exhilaration of the open road. A celebration of heroes. The hope for redemption. Descriptions of those things that are both near and dear. The sharing of love…, intimate, passionate and enduring.
Of FLYNN– “Reflecting wisdom and heart, this passionate voice, woven into a rich, resonant sound texture, calls back memories of Bono and the mellower side of U2. His lyrics- and even more so, his voice- are so upfront and honest that you’ll be helplessly moved,uplifted and motivated to go do something incredible. There is real meat and intelligence to these musical bones. Don’t miss this talented and genuine artist.by CD Baby.” CD Baby

+ GOOGLE CALENDAR

FACT Readers’ Theater presents An Evening of One-Act Plays
2019-01-19 19:00 - 21:00
There is a $10 suggested donation.
PLAYS:
· “The Boor” by Anton Chekhov
· “A Matter of Husbands” by Ferenc Molnar
· “Sweet-and-Twenty” by Floyd Dell
· “He Said and She Said” by Alice Gerstenberg
· “If Men Played Cards as Women Do” by George Kaufman

BILL CAMPLIN & the Cohorts
2019-01-18 20:30 - 23:00
This was originally scheduled for Saturday January 19th in case you are confused. But now Friday January 18th is the date.
Full cohorts may not be on deck.

CLOSED the first 2 weeks of January
2019-01-01 08:00 - 2019-01-15 10:00
Wishing you a new year of elephant sufficiency.

NEW YEAR'S EVE Food & music package CHRIS HANSON BAND w/ Robin Pluer
2018-12-31 19:00 - 2019-01-01 00:15
Our annual food and music package New Year’s Eve celebration.
Please make your reservation by Saturday evening so that we can plan for food preparation and seating. That does not totally rule out reserving at a later time, but it sure helps to know how many people we might be serving. The same staff has to shop, cook, clean, etc, so pre-planning is essential.
For the last many years the CHRIS HANSON BAND and audience have had such a lovely time that it only made sense to schedule them again. Some of Milwaukee’s finest will be serving up their best for you, performing an eclectic repertoire of jazz and other genres, featuring musician and composer Chris Hanson, and enchanting chanteuse Robin Pluer.
So come ring in the New Year with enough goodness and warmth to sustain us through the upcoming year. [Apropos of this, some carp are thought to be a symbol of luck, prosperity, and good fortune within Japan. (and Fort Atkinson.)]
We do not serve food from our regular menu this night- we are only open for those who sign up for the food plus music package. We will know that day whether there will be room for people who only want to attend the show.
****The full food/music package deal is $55. Please call us to reserve a space at 920-563-9391.
In addition to calling to reserve your seats for dinner and show, we are asking you to purchase the music portion ($30) in advance via this link to Brown Paper Tickets.

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

Robin Pluer-Vocals
Chris Hanson-Guitar,Vocals
Glenn Asch-Violin
John Parrott-Guitar, Vocals
John Babbitt-Bass

NEW PIONEERS
2018-12-29 20:00 - 22:30
This five piece bluegrass ball of fire featuring vocals, banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin appears here mostly regularly on the 2nd Thursday of the month- except when they don’t, like in December, when they often do a weekend date. 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.

HOWARD LEVY & CORKY SIEGEL- SOLD OUT
2018-12-28 20:30 - 23:00
POP THE CORK! HO-HO HOWARD! Click on the link below to buy tickets: Show has sold out. Check Brown Paper Tickets closer to the date of the show to see if anyone has returned tickets, and leave a note in the Discussion there section expressing your interest in obtaining some.
**********Anyone who cannot use their tickets please contact Brown Paper Tickets to ask for a refund and notify the Carpe so we can make people aware tickets are available.*********

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

“Siegel is a national treasure.” – Downbeat Magazine

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

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

SYD HARTHA & the MONKEY MINDS
2018-12-27 20:00 - 22:30
Advance tickets should be bought buy clicking on the Brown Paper Tickets link- Buy tickets:

SYD HARTHA & THE MONKEYMINDS (previously known as Devil in the Outhouse and What’s His Name & the Other Guys) are Greg, Looper, Eric & Blaine. They will be offering their 13th annual traditional holiday concert – which is unlikely to include much holiday music. However, there will be folk, blues, swing, comedy and group therapy services available.
Guitars, harmonica, vocals, fiddle, bass, shaker egg, and more!!
“Sure it’s juvenile and irreverent, but if you drink enough it’s not that bad.”
(anonymous satisfied customer)

CLOSED December 25 and 26
2018-12-25 08:00 - 2018-12-27 11:30
Wishing that you all be of good cheer.
