Cafe Carpe

NEW PIONEERS
2019-08-08 19:00 - 21:30, 2019-09-12 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago)
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.

MATTHEW FRANCIS ANDERSEN/ Pete Jonnson & Cheryl Niemo
2019-08-09 20:30 - 22:30
MATTHEW FRANCIS ANDERSEN
Matthew Francis Andersen’s music is reminiscent of Steve Earle, John Prine, and Springsteen. He’s a tremendous writer, bridging Chicago with the Northwoods. I really dig what he’s doing. – Nick Digilio, WGN Radio, 720am, Chicago

Matthew Francis Andersen is a consummate craftsmen. His song “Blue Line” proves he has a poet’s eye for detail, a trait that separates good writers from legions of hacks. Caine O’Rear, Editor-In-Chief, American Songwriter Magazine.
Matthew was born and raised in Chicago. But as a former walleye and musky fishing guide home has also been as far as northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. That’s where Andersen’s writing takes you: from the local taverns and street lights, to the boat landings and rivers deep within the northwoods. Matthew Francis Andersen’s writing shows you where this Midwesterner has been. Logging trucks and taxi cabs, game wardens and bar patrons live inside these songs.
Andersen has won American Songwriter Magazine’s Lyric Contest, was awarded the Individual Artist Grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. and has shared the stage with the likes of Jim Lauderdale, Gurf Morlix, Ruthie Foster, the band LIT, Steve Forbert, Kevin Gordon, Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart.
Watch a video here.
Cheryl Niemo and Pete Jonnson will open with a blend of bluegrass, traditional folk, pop, blues, and old standards (popular music from the early 1900’s).
Cheryl also loves the music of modern singer songwriters like Emmy Lou Harrison and Gillian Welch and includes many of their songs in her performances. Cheryl’s voice is beautiful and she knows how to sing a song and make it special.
Pete plays great rhythm guitar in a variety of styles, and harmonizes.

Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

BILL CAMPLIN BAND
2019-08-10 20:30 - 23:00

JEREMY CLYDE of Chad & Jeremy
2019-08-12 19:30 - 21:30
JEREMY CLYDE of Chad & Jeremy
We will open at 5:00 and are serving food.
Get your tickets by clicking on Buy tickets below:

Jeremy Clyde of Chad and Jeremy, and his Bottom Drawer Band present 1960s Chad & Jeremy classics, deep cuts from the psychedelic years, and songs from Jeremy’s ‘Bottom Drawer’ project. Featuring Emeen Zarookian on lead guitar, Emily Elkin on cello, and Kaitlin Wolfberg on violin, the show celebrates the release of his new CD, “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 5” with a special concert event highlighting songs from all four volumes of “The Bottom Drawer Sessions”.
The first of Chad Stuart & Jeremy Clyde’s 14 U.S. chart hits was “Yesterday’s Gone”, followed by “A Summer Song”, “Willow Weep for Me”, “If I Loved You”, and “Before and After”. TV appearances included “Shindig”, “Hullabaloo”, “The Patty Duke Show”, “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Batman”.
Their musical adventure-and evolution-continued with the hits “Distant Shores” and “You Are She” , from late 1966, but they turned a corner with the September 25, 1966 LP release ‘of cabbages and kings”. Looking back at the classic album, AllMusic guide says “Stuart and Clyde were gifted songwriters who could work outside the standard pop framework of the day, and Stuart (who orchestrated the album) was a talented and imaginative arranger who gives the material a sound that’s both rich and intimate. ”
That songwriting gift never left Jeremy Clyde, through decades of off and on touring with Chad & Jeremy and on and on acting on British television, including “Downton Abbey”, and the stages of London’s West End. With the 2014 release of “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 1”, 2016’s “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 2”, spring 2017’s, “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 3”, and spring 2018’s “The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 4″, and 2019’s”The Bottom Drawer Sessions No. 5”, Clyde has –with more than 50 sweeping, evocative, inspired recordings- officially reclaimed the songwriter’s title.
http://www.bottomdrawersession/
“Business As Usual”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSHk8w4yUdk

KEVIN PRATER BAND
2019-08-13 20:00 - 22:30
Kentucky Based, Patuxent Music recording artist, is bringing the finest in Pure Kentucky Bluegrass, Classic Country, Grassed up Vintage Rock and Gospel music for their second appearance here.
Known and world wide for his Machine Gun Mandolin style and his High Tenor Vocals, Kevin Prater brings his Belcher, KY. based THE KEVIN PRATER BAND to share their Traditional Bluegrass, Classic Country, Grassed Up Vintage Rock and the band favorite, Gospel music.
Kevin Prater is remembered by many as the long time sideman of the James King Band. Kevin toured with James for twelve years, beginning in 1997. Kevin also spent three years with The Bluegrass Brothers, earning a nomination as “Banjo Player of the Year”. Kevin has said many times, losing to J. D. Crowe is one of his greatest accomplishments. However, Kevin was part of two, “Album of the Year”, a “Song of the Year” and “Recorded Event of the Year” ward winning recorded projects during his time with James King.
Additional credits to his musical journey, Kevin spent three years as part of the house band at Dolly Wood for Ms. Dolly Parton, has played with Jerry Williamson & Redwing, Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain, Timmy Cline Band, Mark Phillips & Third Generation and many other bands in his nearly 40 years on the road.
Currently in his 12th year leading The Kevin Prater Band throughout the USA and Canada, the band is currently promoting their fifth CD, “All I Ever Wanted”, recorded on Patuxent Music label of Rockville, MD. The CD finished 2018 at #65 of the Top 200 on the Roots Music Charts. Title track “All I Ever Wanted” was written by Kevin Prater 22 years prior to being recorded. Other writes on the project includes a variety of writers, some well known, Larry Cordle, Mark “Brink” Brinkman and David Morris. Other writers include Keith Hatfield of Pikeville, KY., Kevin’s employer at CARQUEST. Keith’s song “Barefoot Country Girl” is the projects most requested track for the CD. “Lord Daniels”, written by Landon Messer is the bands typical gruesome Bluegrass track.
Completing the bands unique, pure Kentucky Bluegrass style, is a group of young, hard driving. traditional grass loving multi-talented young men. Each plays multiple instruments and contributes to the band vocally.
On Fiddle, Adam Borrows “Aka” the Dancing Fiddler. Adam livens up the stage with his fast and furious fiddle and his feet. Adam also adds a bit of comedy to the band. On Banjo and Dobro, Jake Burrows, Adams younger brother. They are known throughout the East Coast as The Burrows Brothers. They began touring in their early teens with Lonesome Will Mullins and quickly gained attention for their own band.
Filling the Guitar position, Ryan Lester. Ryan can sing any part, play any instrument, as he was born into Bluegrass Royalty in Hurley, VA. By age three his grandad Dean Jackson had him on stage. Dean is also responsible for starting Kevin Praters musical journey about the same age. Ryan began as a regular band member of Bluegrass Autumn at age 5, loving to sing and play. Ryan has toured with Ebby Jewell and Bluegrass Gentlemen, Mike Bentley and Cumberland Gap Connection and Sandy Shortridge Band.
Current Bass man, Cole Spears was a founding member of The Kevin Prater Band, has returned to fill in during a period of transition. Cole has played with many bands, plays man instruments and is an accomplished vocalist on lead and harmony.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

MCKAIN LAKEY
2019-08-14 19:30 - 21:30
MCKAIN LAKEY
Songwriter, performer, teacher, luthier, and sound engineer – McKain Lakey knows every inch of the musician life. With voice, banjo, fiddle, and her handcrafted guitar, Lakey draws her creative inspiration from the American folk tradition, touring nationally with her patented mix of old-time tunes and new-roots originals. These originals exist wherever the imagination of John Hartford flows into the grit of Hazel Dickens—in the beating heart of contemporary Americana, forever old and new, described by What’s Up Magazine as “a time capsule unearthed, fine-tuned and re-imagined.” Lakey is also an accomplished music educator and audio engineer, exploring the power of sound from every angle and letting that experience shine through her compositions. Following the success of her debut EP “West,” Lakey is currently writing a full-length studio album, expected in 2020.
“Through beautiful and intense original compositions and covers from days gone by, McKain brought goose bumps the whole way through. Holding a degree from Berklee College of Music and trained in the clawhammer style of banjo, she mixed musical virtuosity with one of the most amazing voices you will hear anywhere. A time capsule unearthed, fine-tuned and re-imagined, McKain Lakey shared her exciting perspective on Americana with fullness of heart and soul.” -Frank Giokas, What’s Up Magazine
“McKain is a wonder, bridging voicings of another era, another land, to a very relevant here and now.” –Meghan Yates (The Reverie Machine)
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

T.S. HENRY WEBB with GLENN DAVIS
2019-08-15 19:30 - 21:30
From T.S. HENRY WEBB:
“Been a couple of years since the last time Glenn (www.silvermoonblues.com) and I got to create some music together at the wonderful Cafe Carpe. Looking forward to seeing a lot of old friends. The joyful moments are due…I will abide.”

“Listening to TS Henry Webb’s music is like taking a walk thru your own transgenerational bohemia; the sun is shining in your favorite cafe, as old beatniks, young slackers, and foreign travelers drink coffee, smile and listen with the heart”. Kevin L Burrows – Liner Notes

“T.S. can shift gears suddenly, and from sunny day, take you to urban full moon night; neon souls walking midnight streets, when 3AM is always yesterday’s madness and tomorrow’s new dawn.” -Kevin L Burrows – Liner Notes

“All too often ‘alternative ‘ music seems to mean ‘the musicians can’t play’. It’s nice to find alternative music that is grounded in melody, rhythm, meter, counterpoint. In short, real music.” Kevin L. Burrows – Liner Notes
GLENN DAVIS began playing in blues bands in 1970 after graduating high school in Des Plaines, IL. In the late 70’s Glenn moved to New York, and recorded his first full length LP in 1984. Later that year he moved to Chicago and started touring nationally with his band Straight Shooter. In 1989 Glenn Davis opened the Silver Moon Blues Club in Darien, WI. Since then Glenn has released a number of CD’s on the Moonfish recording label.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

JACOB MILLER/ Jason Lynk & Steve Tesmer
2019-08-17 20:30 - 22:30
With an affinity for minimalist pop and firm roots planted in American traditional music, JACOB MILLER crafts a timeless sound unique to his style and abilities.
In 2019, Jacob released his debut album, ‘This New Home,’ which displays his abilities as a performer, writer and composer. Recorded and performed entirely by Miller in a SE Portland living room turned studio – songs and ideas come together to form an album that is hard, honest and heartfelt.
Local duo Jason Lynk & Steve Tesmer will open. Jason is a contemporary folk singer whose clear, driving vocals lend themselves to modern reinterpretations of various music styles, from classic rock to pop, folk, and country-western. Jason will be joined by Steve Tesmer on Dobro. Steve is an accomplished Dobro player and is a member of the popular local groups Three Thin Dimes and Jill and the JAX. Though their musical styles are diverse, Steve and Jason have found a perfect harmony to showcase exciting renditions of many of your favorite songs.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

BILL STAINES
2019-08-21 20:00 - 22:00
Anyone not familiar with the music of BILL STAINES is in for a special treat.
Singing mostly his own songs, he has become one of the most popular and durable singers on the folk music scene today, performing nearly 200 concerts a year and driving over 65,000 miles annually. He weaves a blend of gentle wit and humor into his performances and one reviewer wrote, “He has a sense of timing to match the best standup comic.”
Bill’s music is a slice of Americana, reflecting with the same ease his feelings about the prairie people of the Midwest or the adventurers of the Yukon, the on-the-road truckers, or the everyday workers that make up this land.
Many of Bill’s songs have appeared in grade school music books, church hymnals, and scouting campfire songbooks; he is one of only a few songwriters to have eight songs published in the classic song collection, Rise up Singing. Composer David Amram recently described Bill as “a modern day Stephen Foster…his songs will be around 100 years from now.”
Over the decades, you have heard Bill singing on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, HBO’s award winning series Deadwood, and Public Radio’s Mountain Stage. Additionally, his music has been used in a number of films including Off and Running, with Cyndi Lauper, and The Return of the Secaucus Seven, John Sayles’ debut as a writer- director.
In 1975, Bill won National Yodeling Championship in Kerrville Texas. Another important recognition was given to him in 2007. Presented by the Boston Area Coffeehouse Association, The Jerry Christen Award recognized Bill’s contribution to New England folk music.
Currently, Bill has recorded 26 albums; The Happy Wanderer and One More River were winners of the prestigious Parents’ Choice Award, taking a gold medal and silver medal respectively. His songs have been recorded by many artists including Peter, Paul, and Mary, Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy, The Highwaymen, Mason Williams, Grandpa Jones, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nanci Griffith, Glen Yarborough and others.
“Folk music is rich in the human spirit and experience. I’ve always wanted to bring something of value to people through my songs.” With these thoughts, Bill continues to drive the highways and back roads of the country year after year, bringing his music to listeners, young and old.
“Bill Staines has been my hero since 1977. He carries on where Woody left off-carrying on the tradition of stories and characters you wish you knew.” – Nanci Griffith
“Staines is one of the best songwriters in folk music today, penning lyrics that evoke a sense of place and a generous spirit to go along with his pretty melodies. – Associated Press
“Staines is one of folk music’s best songwriters and entertainers.” – Milwaukee Journal
“There is no better writer of instantly memorable singalong choruses in this genre of music!” – The Boston Globe
“His gentle lilting voice, spacious melodies and common-chord lyrics give his songs a homespun grace that often belies his mastery of the folk form. He is such a pure pleasure too, people forget to notice how damn good at the job of singer-songwritering he really is.” – New England Folk Almanac
“Folk singer Bill Staines’ compositions recall the paintings of Grandma Moses – simple, literal and evocative of a bucolic tranquility that modern times have almost erased.” – Hartford Courant
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

THE LOWEST PAIR
2019-08-22 20:00 - 22:00
THE LOWEST PAIR is a quirky, old-time roots influenced duet, featuring the high lonesome harmonies of banjo-pickin’ songsters Kendl Winter and Palmer T. Lee. They perform both traditional and original music, often nestling-in somewhere between. Arkansas-born and homesteading in Olympia Washington, Kendl is a solo artist on indie record label K Records and was one of the founding members of the popular string band The Blackberry Bushes. Palmer hails from Minneapolis, MN and is the front man of high energy festival favorites bluegrass outfit, The Boys n’ the Barrels. The two met in early 2013 and began discussing the idea of collaborating. Shorty thereafter they hit the road with their banjos and an old guitar. A few months after the duet formed they teamed up with Dave Simonette of Trampled By Turtles to record their debut record “36¢” released on Team Love Records. They are road warriors with a city folk front and back porch sentiment. This dynamic banjo duo is turning heads across the country.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.
“Now, first thing is to say this:
Much further out than inevitable,
Halloween’s thy game.
Sky King has come and Wilma’s done,
Uncertain as it is uneven.
Give us today hors d’oeuvres in bed,
As we forgive those who have dressed up against us.
And need us not enter inflation,
butter, liver, onions, and potatoes.
For wine is a shingle, and a Moore,
and a story for your Father.
Alright.”
The Lowest Pair
-by John Hartford

GEORGIA RAE & GEORGIA RAE FAMILY BAND
2019-08-24 20:30 - 23:00
Fiddle champ GEORGIA RAE has discovered the magic of the loop pedal and opened a treasure trove of original material and a one-woman show. Quirky and catchy, these songs will invade your life if you let them. Watch her build and give flight to song right before your eyes. Inspired by contemporary artists from the Avett Brothers to Mungo Jerry, and a jazzy feel to her bow, with her loop or her band, Georgia Rae’s music and love for life will follow you out the door and into the next day.
GEORGIA RAE and sister lead singer/uke KELLY JO anchor this band from Northern Illinois. The band has always pushed the envelope of traditional music. Their progressive sound is inspired by a mix of Americana, contemporary folk and roots, and a little jazzy swing, all flavored with family harmony and youthful energy. Their original songs are clever and catchy. Georgia Rae and Kelly Jo, are joined by a solid driving rhythm “punk rockin’ momma” on guitar, Joe Burie on bass and Laura Lanza on mandolin. The family has played and traveled together since 2011.
Georgia Rae is the 2016 National Twin Fiddle Champion (NOTFA, ID) and a state grand champion 7 times (IL, WI, MN).
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

SONG CIRCLE w/ TRICIA ALEXANDER
2019-08-29 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- therein lies our sustenance.

JOHN GORKA SOLD OUT
2019-08-30 20:30 - 23:00
Purchase your tickets in advance through Brown Paper Tickets by clicking on the Buy tickets link:

“With a tangle of songs that emotionally connect us all and leave a tender trace, JOHN GORKA stimulates the cerebrum, keeps our smiles agile and fit and reconnects us with what really matters most in music: honesty. His atmosphere allows for the listener to feel his individualized attention, his lyrical tenderness, his care for the guitar and his true presence.” Brian DAmbrosio, Huffington Post
“There are few contemporary songwriters that come anywhere close to the talent of John Gorka. His songs have a way of working on you long after you thought you had it all figured out. I will listen to a song that I know all the words to and can sing a long with and then one day sitting at a traffic light I realize that there was a whole other layer of meaning that I had missed.”

LONESOME BILL CAMPLIN
2019-08-31 20:30 - 23:00
just got the memo that Bill all by his lonesome had added himself to the calendar for this date.
Please call 920-563-9391 to make sure you get a seat.

PORCH closed for a private event 5-9ish
2019-09-06 17:00 - 21:00
Some people will get married.

OPEN STAGE
2019-09-06 20:00 - 22:00
Starting a little later this time around in order not to conflict with an event on the porch.

DAYNA KURTZ
2019-09-07 20:30 - 23:00
DAYNA KURTZ

Always delighted for the chance to hear Dayna.
This New Jersey born, now New Orleans (and seasonal Vermont) resident vocalist/writer/musician/producer has been bestowed with many awards and praises, including being named the Female Songwriter of the Year by the National Academy of Songwriters. Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt have raved about her in interviews, and she’s performed on such high-profile radio shows as World Cafe, Mountain Stage and NPR’s Morning Edition and Tell Me More. She’s toured and opened for the likes of Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson, Mavis Staples, Rufus Wainwright, B.B. King, Dr. John, Richie Havens, Keren Ann, Chris Whitley, and the Blind Boys of Alabama.
“When Kurtz sings, one of two things typically happens. Either she lets out a deep, husky croon that seems to bubble up from her toes, or she unleashes a full-throttle roar that’s more inviting than imposing…There’s no logical reason why Dayna Kurtz is not a full blown star.” – James Reed, Boston Globe
“Kurtz has total mastery of the dynamics of ballad singing. She brings the kind of substance to her vocals characteristic of a great gospel singer.” – John Swenson Offbeat
“Dayna Kurtz is the kind of artist who inspires wild-eyed zealotry among her fans, and there are three reasons for it: One, she’s an artist’s artist, one whose whiskeyed, determined alto often earns her comparisons with Nina Simone; two, while Europeans adore her, she’s obscenely under-appreciated in her own country; and three, her songs, which straddle a difficult space between jazz, rock, and folk, are pure poetry. Her latest release owes its artist instant stardom. If that’s unattainable, it should at least earn her the one descriptor all serious artists strive for: important.” – Tammy La Gorce ALL MUSIC GUIDE
“Dayna Kurtz’s diverse vocals feel both old and new, recalling Nina Simone of yesteryear…hypnotically haunting” – New York Post
“Kurtz’s voice is a potent thing. She projected that voice like a stage actress; the occasional glint of grit made it all the richer.” – Keith Spera, Times-Picayune (Jazzfest 2012 review)
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

TALBOTT BROTHERS
2019-09-11 20:00 - 22:30
Buy tickets through Brown Paper Tickets by clicking on Buy tickets:

Tickets will be $12 the day of the show, should any be left.
Blood is thicker than water and there’s nothing like family creating music together to prove it. With contrasting blood-harmonies and left-handed/right-handed guitar playing, singer-songwriter duo THE TALBOTT BROTHERS combine rock, blues and pop with honest storytelling.
A recent review in rolling stone.com:
“The Talbott Brothers, “Run No More”
A pair of harmony-singing siblings who were raised in rural Nebraska, the Talbott Brothers made cinematic folk-rock for open highways, widescreen skies, and the limitless reach of the American heartland. “I don’t wanna run, run, run no more” goes the chorus of this slow-burning anthem, delivered by Tyler and Nick Talbott with the conviction of two road warriors who’ve logged plenty of highway miles.”
Nick and Tyler were born and raised in Imperial, a small town in Southwestern Nebraska, just a stone’s throw from the Colorado border. They began writing and performing together before relocating to their mother’s birthplace of Portland, Oregon. Tyler, the youngest (lead vocals, baritone guitar, harmonica) and Nick, the oldest (backing vocals, lead guitar) discovered their love of music after digging their dad’s old dreadnaught guitar out of the basement and teaching themselves to play along to Johnny Cash, Bob Seger and the Beatles on vinyl.
Following the release of 2017’s GRAY, they found themselves in front of sold out crowds in the US and sharing the stage with ZZ Ward, Johnnyswim and AJR. Ear to the Ground Music dubbed the record as one of the ‘Top 5 Albums of the Year’ stating it as, “equal parts optimistic and captivating, inspiring and hopeful.” Through rigorous touring and over half a million streams on Spotify, they continue to build a strong and loyal fanbase wherever they go.

TRICIA ALEXANDER/ KAIA FOWLER/ DIANA LAFFEY
2019-09-13 20:30 - 22:30
3 AMAZING WOMEN – ONE NIGHT ONLY!!!
Exquisite voices, accomplished musicians, powerful songwriting
TRICIA ALEXANDER
“Joy-filled, uplifting and inspiring” are just some of the words used to describe Tricia Alexander’s musical and spiritual gatherings. An award-winning performing and healing Artist, a vocalist, guitarist, performance poet and percussionist – Tricia has a repertoire that moves through blues, jazz & contemporary folk.
The Folk Music Source Book places her “intelligent contemporary writing” in the same league as: Holly Near, Cheryl Wheeler, Anne Hills and Christine Lavin. Humanities Iowa calls her, “a modern day Aesop.” Tricia’s work with community arts development received awards in America and Britain. Her recent awards include the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Woodstock Folk Festival – and her song, I Will Walk, was one of the finalists in the 2014 World Citizen Artists Song Competition.
KAIA FOWLER
Listeners say Kaia Fowler’s music “speaks to the soul.” Through song, Kaia evokes transcendence and comfort even when witnessing difficult topics like personal loss, social inequality, and our fragile Earth. Her music explores challenges, embraces resilience, and celebrates the joy of being alive, even in times of sorrow. An accomplished finger-style guitarist with a wonderful vocal range, Kaia’s sound ranges from vibrantly melodic tunes reminiscent of artists like Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez to blues and roots rock songs with rhythmic strumming and powerful vocals. In concert, Kaia’s warm energy and authenticity invite listeners to transcend the day-to-day in a way that only live music can.
DIANA LAFFEY
is a much loved Chicago-based singer songwriter and performer, with an exquisite voice and the incredible ability to create breath-taking harmonies. She is also a powerhouse guitarist and percussionist. Diana’s been performing since high school, first in musical theater, later in Chicago-area nightclubs and coffeehouses. She plays acoustic folk, blues, rock – and has been part of Chicago’s professional music scene for over 30 years. People still talk about her 20 year duet with Kathy O’Hara, also her very early work with Herb Ramlose and ‘The Folk Next Door’. In addition to doing concerts, Diana is currently a Wiggleworms teacher at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

ROXANNE NEAT
2019-09-14 20:00 - 22:00
Since 1974, ROXANNE has performed traditional and contemporary folk music and ballads, drawing from Appalachian, Scottish, Irish and English traditions. She also performs original songs and those of her favorite singer-songwriters.
She complements her beautiful clear singing voice with guitar, piano, spoons, and bones.
One of the first performers to be featured on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Simply Folk” program, Roxanne was also a “pioneer” Artist-in-Residence for the Wisconsin Arts Board, teaching folk traditions to hundreds of children in K-12 classrooms.
Roxanne was a regular at the Green Dragon Inn and the early Carpe, but put her music on the back burner for a teaching career. She put that on the back burner to retire. She released a wonderful new CD in 2016.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

TANNAHILL WEAVERS
2019-09-15 19:30 - 22:00
We will be open at 5:00 and serving food. Kitchen will close at showtime.
We are selling tickets through BROWN PAPER TICKETS. Click on the Buy tickets link to get yourself some.

“The music may be pure old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll.” – Winnipeg Free Press
The TANAHILL WEAVERS are one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands. Now in their 51st year, they have a diverse repertoire that spans the centuries, with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, original ballads and lullabies, and humorous tales of life in Scotland.
“An especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new.” – New York Times
Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland, and named for the town’s historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the group has made an international name for its special brand of Scottish music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. For this tour they are joined by piper Mike Katz of Battlefield Band fame, one of the best pipers and biggest personalities in the Scottish piping scene.
In 2018 they released their 18th recording, Òrach (“Golden” in Gaelic) to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
“Formed from a Paisley pub session in 1968, seminal trailblazers the Tannahill Weavers now also rank as national treasures.” -Glasgow Celtic Connections 2018

PETER MULVEY/ PIETA BROWN- SOLD OUT
2019-09-17 20:00 - 22:30
Show seems to have sold out.
Double whammy of a bill-
Click on the Buy tickets below to get these hot items:

“PETER MULVEY is one of the most accomplished guitarists you’re ever likely to hear…utterly original…it is nigh on impossible to explain him to the uninitiated his intelligent and sometimes complex songs engage both hemispheres of the listener’s brain…one of the finest, most complete entertainers…stunning.” – The Irish Examiner
PIETA BROWN Hailed as a self-styled poetess, folk goddess and country waif by the BBC, Pieta Brown first came to international attention with her 2002 self-titled debut. The daughter of Grammy-nominated folk musician Greg Brown, Pieta has since been recognized by NPR for her moody, ethereal songwriting, applauded by The Boston Globe for her mercurial voice, and has continued to gain widespread critical attention for both her singing and songwriting with each release. She has shared stages with artists from Emmylou Harris and JJ Cale to Neko Case and Richard Thompson, in addition to performing at major festivals like Bonnaroo and Mountain Jam. Continually revealing new layers as both a songwriter and performer, Pieta is being recognized as one of modern Americana’s true gems.

TRACY GRAMMER- cancelled
2019-09-19 20:00 - 22:30
Tracy is under doctor’s orders to not travel, and regretfully had to cancel this gig. She will reschedule as circumstances allow, maybe next spring.
TRACY GRAMMER is one of contemporary folk music’s most beloved artists. Though she is widely renowned for her springwater-clear alto, perfectly intoned violin, and guitar playing that is by turns percussive and delicate, Grammer’s stories, often described as “incantations,” add a rare mixture of vulnerability, intimacy, and hard-won insight to Grammer’s performances,. As one fan puts it, “With Tracy, it’s never just about the music; it’s a soul journey.”
Tracy rose to acclaim as half of the “postmodern, mythic American folk” duo, Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer. From 1998-2001, the duo released three internationally celebrated, folk chart-topping albums featuring Carter’s mytho-poetic Americana songcraft and in 2002, toured with Joan Baez, both as featured artists and Baez’s band members. Called “the new voice of modern folk music,” the duo was clearly in its ascendancy when in July 2002, Carter suffered a fatal heart attack mid-tour. He was 49; Grammer, 34.
Determined to honor the duo’s journey and bring Carter’s songs, and those of other favorite writers, to broader audiences, Grammer kept to the road, releasing solo recordings and selections from the duo’s archives, including 2012’s LITTLE BLUE EGG (Red House Records), which was not only the #1 most-played album on Folk Radio in 2012, but also landed the duo at the top of the folk charts internationally as the #1 most-played artists with that year’s #1 most-played song.
In addition to touring, Grammer is the director of the Dave Carter Legacy Project. Her publishing company, Tracy Grammer Music, administers licenses for Carter’s catalog of music. She is working on a memoir about her journey with, and beyond, Dave Carter.
“A brilliant artist and unique individual. Her voice is distinctive, as is her mastery over the instruments she plays.” – Joan Baez
“Her pure voice conveys the simple truths of these songs; her gifts as a musician are like that of a painter who is a master of chiaroscuro, offering light and shadow at every turn…. A treasured part of my music collection.” – Mary Chapin Carpenter
“A musician and singer of dazzling versatility… [Flower of Avalon] unfurls as a portrait of an artist coming into her own.” – No Depression
“Tracy Grammer has that elusive quality of being able to speak directly to another person’s heart – instantly bypassing all of the usual infrastructure – the moment she starts singing. She’s great.“ – Richard Shindell
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve.

MIKE DOWLING
2019-09-20 20:30 - 23:00
MIKE DOWLING
bottleneck blues, vintage swing, ragtime, and more, played with grace, wit and dazzling dexterity
Mike doesn’t come through that often, so don’t miss the opportunity to hear this world-class guitarist.
“Finger-pickin’ good. Self-taught and handy with the improv, Dowling is noted for his subtle phrasing and impeccable sense of timing . . . a brilliant fingerpicker, flatpicker and slide guitarist, as well as an exceptional performer, singer, and songwriter. Guitar buffs can’t miss this one.“- Albuquerque Crosswinds
“Dowling is one of the most relaxed and highly skilled acoustic guitar players of his generation that I have ever heard. Everything he performs appears natural and deceptively effortless, and with a tone, particularly when he plays slide guitar that is very much his own and that very few others can emulate. His vocals have an engaging edge and alongside his consummate guitar skills there was nothing to criticize. After a number of encores a member of the audience spontaneously stood up and gave a heartfelt thanks to Mike for such a wonderful evening.” — October 2003 performance review, Blues in Britain
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

LURAY
2019-09-21 20:30 - 23:00
Richmond-based LURAY is coming home to Wisconsin to share songs from their new album, ‘Dig’, out now on 6131 Records. Led by SHANNON CAREY, Luray is indie folk, featuring strange and lovely banjo and ambient sounds. Luray’s sophomore album ‘Dig’ was produced by Shannon’s brother Sean Carey (of S.Carey & Bon Iver). The album’s single, ‘Dig’ was featured on the New York Times New Music Playlist.
Please call 920-563-9391 to reserve seats.

AN EVENING w/ LUCY KAPLANSKY
2019-09-22 19:30 - 21:30
Note- We do serve food when we are open for shows on Sunday. We will be open at 5:00, and serving food until 7:30. Remember to come early if you wish to have dinner before the show.
Seats are assigned, as always for busier shows.
Tickets will be sold through BROWN PAPER TICKETS. Click on the Buy tickets link and get yourself some.

LUCY KAPLANSKY is a rare vocal talent, “a truly gifted performer…full of enchanting songs” (New York Times). Blending country, folk and pop styles, she has the unique ability to make every song sound fresh, whether singing her own sweet originals, covering country classics by June Carter Cash and Gram Parsons or singing pop favorites by Lennon/McCartney and Nick Lowe. Lucy’s iconic voice has has been featured in film and on television, including commercials like Chevrolet’s iconic “Heartbeat of America” jingle. A Billboard-charting singer and one of the top-selling artists on Red House Records, she has topped the folk and Americana radio charts and has been featured on shows throughout the world from NPR’s Weekend and Morning Editions to BBC Radio to CBS Sunday Morning. One of the most in-demand harmony singers, Lucy has sung on countless records, performing with Suzanne Vega, Bryan Ferry, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin.

Raised by a piano-playing mathematician and a homemaker in Chicago, Lucy began singing in bars when she was still a teenager, even traveling to Norway to perform as a country singer. When she was just out of high school, she took off for New York City, where she became part of the renaissance of the Greenwich Village folk scene centered around Folk City and the Fast Folk recordings. Her compatriots included Suzanne Vega, The Roches, Steve Forbert and John Gorka as well as her frequent duo partner Shawn Colvin. The New York Times said it was “easy to predict stardom for her,” but instead, Lucy got a doctorate in psychology and started a private practice.
Eventually Shawn Colvin lured Lucy back to music, producing her debut album The Tide (1994). Red House founder Bob Feldman was blown away by the release and signed her right away. Since then, she has released six solo albums with Red House and released radio-charting albums with the folk supergroups Red Horse (with Eliza Gilkyson and John Gorka) and Cry Cry Cry (with Dar Williams and Richard Shindell).

Lucy continues to perform all over the world. When not performing, she lives in New York City, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.

DANNY SCHMIDT
2019-09-26 20:00 - 22:30
Named to the Chicago Tribune’s list of the “50 Most Significant Songwriters in the Last 50 Years,” Austin, TX-based singer/songwriter DANNY SCHMIDT has amassed a cult following for his poetic, poignant lyrics. With a craftsmanship and emotional depth drawing comparisons to Leonard Cohen and Townes Van Zandt, and with fantastical narratives reminiscent of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Salman Rushdie, Schmidt is considered a preeminent writer.
Sing Out Magazine proclaimed that: “Schmidt is a force of nature: a blue moon, a hundred-year flood, an avalanche of a singer-songwriter. His songs are a flood of poetry, mythology, folk wisdom, and surprise. He is perhaps the best new songwriter we’ve heard in the last 15 years.”
Performing solo most often, armed with just his voice, his acoustic guitar, and his acute insight and commentary, Schmidt’s an authentic timeless troubadour, one man sharing his truth in the form of songs, in unadorned and intimate fashion. The understated effect can be powerful. As songwriter Jeffrey Foucault put it: “Everything about the man is gentle, except for his capacity for insight, which is crushing.”

OPEN STAGE
2019-09-28 18:30 - 21:00

SONG CIRCLE w/ TRICIA ALEXANDER
2019-10-03 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, when there are 5 Thursdays in October, and a traveling performer needed the last week in September date, so we went to this 1st Thursday. There will be another on the last Thursday of October).

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.
