RICHARD SHINDELL/ Jess Klein- Thursday
2025-05-08 20:00 (America/Chicago)
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
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.

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

ROUND ROBIN w/ Tricia Alexander
2025-05-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-06-25 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.

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.

SHITUNAUTS- Friday
2025-06-20 20:30

SHITUNAUTS- Saturday
2025-06-21 20:30
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY RANDY SABIEN BILL CAMPLIN in the semicircle, holding down the fort. Summer solstice with the mostest

SHITUNAUTS- Sunday
2025-06-22 18:00
WILLY PORTER PETER MULVEY RANDY SABIEN BILL CAMPLIN in the semicircle, holding down the fort.
We will open at 4.

RESONANT ROGUES
2025-06-26 20:00
The RESONANT ROGUES ’ dark Appalachian folk paints a picture of their lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina and on the road. Anchored by the songwriting duo of Sparrow (banjo, accordion) and Keith Smith (guitar), they’ve traveled the byways and highways of America and crossed the oceans with instruments in tow. From riding freight trains to building their own homestead, the pair are no strangers to blazing unconventional trails. At once rooted and adventurous, each song tells a story of real experiences, friendships, and challenges.
“Their intense cohesion is so intertwined that it feels like they’re playing with one pair of hands.” -No Depression

“This is country music as classic as it comes.” -Holler Country

ANNE HEATON w/ Frank Marotta, Jr.
2025-06-27 20:30
Singer-songwriter and pianist ANNE HEATON has captured audience imaginations for over fifteen years with her songs that are, by turns, “tender, barbed and spiritual” (Washington Post). She’s been featured by the New York Times Popcast, played numerous times on NPR and shared the stage with artists such as Jewel, Sarah McLachlan and jazz drummer Max Roach. She teaches at Berklee College of Music Summer Programs and is the founder of Soul Songs School, an online songwriting program.
She will be performing with her multi-instrumentalist husband Frank.
Says Chip Duncan- “I met Anne at a party but didn’t realize at the time I was speaking with a luminary! Anne and her guitar playing husband have developed an outstanding reputation as songwriters, performers, and teachers of the craft. When I saw Anne play with Willy Porter at Shank Hall last fall, I became an immediate fan. She’s fun, funny, charming and wow, what a voice … and what great songs!”
Anne is currently earning her Master’s in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she hopes to research the outcomes of songwriting as a social emotional learning tool for teenagers. Anne lives in Milwaukee where she enjoys coffee, Lake Michigan and being a mom to two freethinking daughters.
To listen to Anne’s music, join her on YouTube, Apple Music or Spotify
Press
“Stunning” – PASTE
“Absolutely gorgeous” – New York Times Music Popcast
“Lush, introspective, elegant” – Boston Globe
“The recording is so good. I’ve always been a huge fan of Anne Heaton.” – Richard Milne, WXRT
“Strong, emotive and slightly haunted” – Boston Herald
“Superb” – Performing Songwriter Magazine
“Tender, barbed and spiritual” – Washington Post
“Thoughtful, emotionally intense” – Sound & Vision
“[Heaton’s] compelling piano melodies and clearly articulated phrasing remind me of Carole King” – Naomi Arenberg, “Folk on WGBH” NPR
“[Heaton] always enchants with a clear-hearted delivery that’s distinctively her own” – Chicago Reader

CLOSED around the 4th
2025-06-29 08:00 - 2025-07-11 11:30
People seem to have other things to do that do not involve the Carpe around the holidays, and so we will find other things to do.
Let’s keep our democracy.

WEARY RAMBLERS
2025-07-11 20:30
Newly formed Iowa folk duo, WEARY RAMBLERS bring years of experience to the stage with award-winning songwriting and chemistry. CHAD ELLIOTT and KATHRYN FOX showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and great storytelling.
WINNERS OF 21ST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS IN “BEST GROUP/DUO” CATEGORY!
“That man’s music is as honest as was Woody Guthrie’s.”- Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
More bios follow ticket link-

Chad Elliott blends folk roots and soulful writing to deliver an original sound with over two decades of being on the road. Elliott is lauded as “Iowa’s Renaissance man” by Culture Buzz Magazine. He has penned more than 1,500 songs in his career while also cultivating his skills as a painter, sculptor, illustrator and author. Elliott’s career demonstrates a love of folk, roots and singer-songwriter music. He has worked with and shared the stage with artists of the highest caliber, including Odetta, Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, Ruthie Foster, Greg Brown, Bo Ramsey, etc.
“When listening to Fox for the first time, one might wonder, how can a young woman make a violin sound so good?” – Cityview Magazine
Deemed “fiddler extraordinaire” in Cityview Magazine, Kathryn Fox is a DownBeat award winning artist. She played on the Grammy-nominated track “All My Tomorrows” with Kate McGarry. Kathryn toured internationally with fiddle troupe, Barrage 8, with shows in Europe, the U.S. and Canada. She has performed, recorded PBS specials and recorded with George Benson, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Pharrell Williams, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan, Osmond Brothers, Gloria Gaynor, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Kenny Loggins, Mark O’Connor, Ryan Montbleau, Seth Walker, Edgar Meyer and Joshua Bell.

LONESOME BILL CAMPLIN
2025-07-12 20:00
After much cajoling, LONESOME BILL CAMPLIN has agreed to play here.
He is preparing a set list. Perhaps he will even publish it on this site.

GRANT PEEPLES/ Jim Hoehn
2025-07-17 19:30
A self-described “tree-hugger that watches NASCAR,” GRANT PEEPLES is known for his axe-sharp socio-political tunes, raucous humor and heart-gigging ballads.
He is the recipient of the Focus Foundation Award for Creative Excellence, which cited the “humor, compassion and wisdom of his songs,” and their “unflinching social insight and cultural acuity.” Grant tours coast to coast, and is a regular performer at The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, the 30A Songwriters Festival, and The Florida, Folk Festival. January 2019 marked a second tour in The Netherlands, where FolkForum.nl described him “…a pure storyteller, in the best American folk tradition…” and his show “…one of those gems that you will remember for a long time…”
“Patriots, priests, pole-dancing for god, and the politics of belief. Grant Peeples’ music isn’t easy, but it’s real as hell, and beautiful t’boot. “—Americana Gazette
“His songs are the antithesis of hooks, ear candy, and popular music…” Rick Davidson, MusicFest News
“He’s the Woody Guthrie of the New Millennium.”—Larry Newman-WSCA Portsmouth NH
JIM HOEHN will do a brief opening set.
