The Way Back Yard open up the night with some Christmas classics, originals and standards from Otis Redding, John Prine, The Eagles, Sinatra and many more.

Jed LaPlant of Wild Horses will play an intimate set of solo originals. Wild Horses opened for Willie Nelson this summer and will be going on tour with Trampled by Turtles this winter.

We gather to honor their work as beloved institution-builders, teachers, mentors, philanthropists, and devotees of the artistic calling.The Cedar Presents Flowers Now! A Celebration of Black Elders of the Arts CommunitySaturday, December 7, 2024/ Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PMAll AgesSeated$18 Advance, $23 Day of Show This is a seated show with general admission, first-come-first-served seating. The Cedar is happy to reserve seats for patrons who require special seating accommodations. To request access accommodations, please go to our Access page.For Cedar presented shows, online ticket sales typically end one hour before the door time, and then, based on availability, tickets will be available at the door.ABOUT THIS SHOWJoin us for “Flowers Now!” a performance and an awards ceremony honoring the contributions of a generation who helped build the Black Arts Movement and happen to call the Twin Cities home. The event will honor Donald and Faye Washington, Jean Ann Durades, Babatunde Lea, Douglas R. Ewart, Janis Lane Ewart, Seitu Jones, Carolyn Holbrook, Ta-coumba Aiken and Louis Alemayehu, community elders who have left a distinct impact on the artistic culture of cities in the upper midwest. We gather to honor their work as beloved institution-builders, teachers, mentors, philanthropists, and devotees of the artistic calling. The program will be hosted by renowned poet Tish Jones.With performances by drummer Kevin Washington, flutist Nicole Mitchell and poet Louis Alemayehu.Event sponsors include the University of Minnesota Libraries, Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life and KFAI Radio.Donald and Faye WashingtonTo learn more about Donald Washington:Visit his Facebook page hereTo learn more about Faye Washington:Visit her Facebook page hereJean Ann DuradesTo learn more about Jean Ann Durades:Listen to her episode hereBabatunde LeaTo learn more about Babatunde Lea:Visit his Facebook page hereCarolyn HolbrookTo learn more about Carolyn Holbrook:Visit her website hereDouglas R. EwartTo learn more about Douglas R. Ewart:Visit his Facebook page hereJanis Lane EwartTo learn more about Janis Lane Ewart:Visit his Facebook page hereSeitu Ken JonesTo learn more about Seitu Ken Jones:Visit his Facebook page hereTa-coumba AikenTo learn more about Ta-coumba Aiken:Visit his website hereLouis AlemayehuTo learn more about Louis Alemayehu:Visit his Facebook page here

Join us on Sundays for a soulful blend of blues, southern soul, and irresistible Caribbean & American comfort food!

Patty and The Buttons preach the gospel of hot rhythm and happy feet. The band is similar to what you would find in a dance hall, cafe or nightclub anywhere around the world between 1920-1940. Despite being an ensemble firmly rooted in tradition, the band presents their music without being shackled to history. They play their own compositions as well as takes on music of the era. Patty’s eclectic taste gives the band diverse influences including New Orleans Traditional Jazz, Western Swing, Gypsy Melodies, Ragtime Piano Blues, Jug Music and 1930′s Popular Song. The core instrumentation of accordion, clarinet, guitar and bass is light and swift, but also melancholic and lush when it needs to be. Patty, mostly known as an accordionist doubles as the bands vocalist. His voice is inspired most by the old time hollers and croons from the dawn of recording once described as “Tom Waits meets Rudy Vallee.” More than anything, The Buttons is a group that is always enjoying themselves… Which seems to give audiences permission to do the same.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. A Fun and Eclectic Holiday Show Cafe Accordion Orchestra celebrates the season with their arrangements of holiday favorites and yuletide obscurities. Dan Newton: Accordion, Vocals Eric Mohring: Mandolin, Violin, Vocals Erik Lillestol: Bass, Vocals Brian Barnes: Guitar, Vocals Joe Steinger: Percussion Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra (CAO) performs an eclectic mix full of French flare, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude. The heart of the CAO repertoire is the passionate sound of the French valsemusette. The group complements the musettes with swing, ballads, tangos, cha chas, rumbas, and cumbias to create a wonderfully varied show. CAO has been delighting audiences and dancers alike since 1995. They have appeared in New York at the Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing series, the International Akkordeon Festival in Vienna, Austria, the Minnesota State Fair, as well as festivals, theaters and dance halls across the United States. “Full of heart and impressive natural abilities, CAO completely delights audiences.”–Jazz Police CafeAccordion.com

Sign-ups start at 4:45 pm. More information can be found on our Events & Music page. (4) Events & Music at The Finnish Bistro | Facebook

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes. A Soul, R&B, and Gospel Holiday Celebration! Celebrate the holiday season with the hottest band in the Twin Cities, “Co-MingL”. This critically acclaimed band gets to share their holiday favorites as they blend Soul, Rhythm & Blues, and Gospel, all into one intimate evening guaranteed to make your spirit bright. Expect to hear smooth, soulful sounds, as these gents blend harmony and melody to properly pay homage to the masters, past and present. Chilli Will: Vocalsg’Beau: VocalsKelz: VocalsPistol Pete: DrumsJonathan Bekure: BassGeoff LeCrone: Lead GuitarTaylor Hamilton: KeysScott Agster: TromboneTom Krochock: TrumpetBen Peterson: Saxophone g’Beau (pronounced “juh-boh”) an eclectic artist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer, songwriter, composer, and actor. g’Beau began playing guitar at age 5, by age 14, g’Beau was performing at many local and national venues/events, including The Special Olympics, The Superbowl, and recording/performing with many national artist such as Prince, Patty Austin, James Ingram, Sheena Easton, Pebo Bryson, Aaron Neville, Roberta Flack, and many others. In 2017, g’Beau was asked to join a USO touring band, that band would go on to perform at military bases in the Middle East region. That tour continued until the pandemic. g’Beau recorded his first solo CD “Love & Lies”. He has recorded multiple projects, with a new Album,”The Minister Of Music”, just released in August 2024. g’Beau’s, acting credits include appearances in the hit Broadway play Gospel at Colonus as “The Singer”, and, in Black Nativity. g’Beau, was a founding member of rhythm and blues cover band, “Urban Classic”. Will was born in Minneapolis Minnesota. Will has embraced all forms and genres of music from a very young age. Will entered the professional realm of music starting in 1998, when he began playing piano for the church choir. Throughout his musical experiences Will has had the pleasure of working with many local and national artist. In 2007, William founded the group, “God’s Will”. William also has been an original and touring member of the gospel group Darnell Davis and The Remnant. When he’s not performing with Co-MingL, Will is actively touring with an event band, “North Star”, a division of Elan Artists, and performing in Penumbra Theater’s, “Black Nativity”. As a singer, song-writer, and producer, Kelz knows his way around both the stage and the studio. Kelz is passionate about connecting with his audiences. His unique sound is a soulful blend of rhythm, blues, gospel, and hip hop, inspired by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, and John Legend to name a few.Mikal’s love for music and his undeniable work ethic will definitely leave a beauty mark in the world of music. Co-MingL is the hottest new band in the Twin Cities. ~O. Nelson

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. A Fun Holiday Variety Show! Now in its fifth year, this Hullabaloo of holiday entertainment comes to Crooners! In the grand tradition of good ol’ variety shows, host Dane Stauffer is joined by frequent musical collaborator, pianist Dan Chouinard, and a bevy of the Twin Cities’ finest to light up the holiday night with humor, reflection, songs, stories, sketches, sequins, and soul. We also hear that “Someone Special” is comin’ to town! A warm and wonderful night for the whole family! Dane Stauffer: Vocals, Show Host Dan Chouinard: Piano ,Musical Director Kris Stauffer: Bass Lee Adams: Comedy Jennifer Maren: Vocals, Comedy Doug Anderson: Vocals Plus More Special Guests! Award winning Singer/Actor/Writer/Director/Playwright/ Theatre-Maker Dane Stauffer’s acting credits include a lead role the smash hit “Glensheen” (“Broadway world award: “Best Performance in a Musical”,)“ Scrooge” in Dolly Parton’s Smokey Mountain Christmas Carol/Ordway, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol /Park Square Theatre. “When A Man Loves A Diva / Lab Theatre in Minneapolis. Awards include: “Best Actor in a Comedy” LA Stage Scene/All in the Timing, Best Actor /Broadway World for “Glensheen.” Nightclubs: Cafe Was and House of Blues, LA, Crooners and Dakota, MSP. When not onstage, with 40 years improvisation experience he can be found teaching empowerment through the arts to children and adults in all settings. ” SO much talent you forget its all one man!” www.danestauffer.com

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Jazz and Holiday Original Music Leslie Vincent and her band present holiday classics, with a few surprises along the way, to get you in the mood for the season! Warm, jazz vibes perfect for a romantic holiday evening. Leslie Vincent: Vocals Patrick Adkins: Piano Blake Foster: Guitar Ben Ehrlich: Drums Matt McIntyre: Bass Mitch Van Laar: Trumpet Leslie Vincent is a prolific songwriter and vocalist, known for her distinctive vocals. Equally at home singing jazz, the Great American Songbook, musical theater, and contemporary pop, Leslie Vincent is hailed for her joy-filled performances, “as much a storyteller as she is a jazz singer” (DownBeat Magazine). Her two jazz albums have garnered local and national attention, and Jazz.88 named her original song “Icetown Blues” one of the best songs of 2023. “Leslie Vincent…is as much a storyteller as she is a jazz singer” — DownBeat Magazine www.lesliedellavincent.com

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. High-Energy Sketch Comedy! What is “Spiked?” First-rate music plus sketch comedy, all mixed up in a sparkling holiday punch! Featuring local music headliners and Brave New Workshop alums, it’s Saturday Night Live meets Mariah Carey…with cocktails! Joining the cast of Spiked! this evening are none other than … JOHN DENVER AND THE MUPPETS! That’s right! Dennis Curley has been bringing his beloved John Denver tribute show, Country Roads, to Crooners for years now, and he will be joined on stage by puppeteer Brad Erickson and his special friends Kermit the Frog and Rowlf the Dog! Fans of “John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together” will delight in this special, one-night-only musical trip down memory lane! Marc Bohn: Drums Dorian Chalmers: Vocals Dennis Curley: Vocals, Piano Scott Keever: Guitars Natalie Nowytski: Vocals, Bass Brad Erickson: Puppeteer Katy McEwen, Jim Robinson, Maureen Tubbs, Joshua Will: Sketch comedians, Writers This year’s cast of Spiked! includes Brave New Workshop alums Jim Robinson, Katy McEwen and Joshua Will plus local sketch comedy and improv favorite Maureen Tubbs, with music from Dennis Curley (The Explainers, Country Roads), Dorian Chalmers (Church Basement Ladies, The Mancini Players), Natalie Nowytski (Orkestar Bez Ime, Follow the Firefly), Scott Keever (The Sweet Colleens, solo artist), and Marc Bohn (Tim Sigler, Jim Stairs Band. “Spiked is such a perfect show—sketches that make you laugh and cry, incredible special guests, and rock-solid music that raises the roof and raises your spirits.” —Martha Pettee, creative director, writer, producer TableSaltProductions.com

The Minnesota songwriter showcase
Twin Cities tradition since 2005
Curated by Nick Hensley of Love songs for angry men
Features 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 8 PM to 9:30 PM Sept-May
-FREE SHOW
-for more information message us at:

https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Holiday R&B, Gospel and Jazzy Pop! Please join Gwen Matthews and Robert Robinson to celebrate the holiday season. And introducing vocalist Luther Eskridge, who stepped in for Robert last Easter. Plus their beautifully talented band! Gwen Matthews: Lead Vocals Robert Robinson: Lead Vocals Luther Eskridge: Lead Vocals Martial Besombes: Grand Piano Ryan Bynum: Keyboards José James: Percussion James Towns: Acoustic Bass Sandra Hodges: Backing Vocals Christine Rimpson: Backing Vocals Angela Stewart: Backing Vocals

Based in Minneapolis, John Swardson writes songs that bleed through the holes in the soles of his boots. “A songwriter of uncommon emotional detail, depth, and empathy.”
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His catalog includes three records of originals, another soon to be released and a wide variety of covers that dart through his own music like Starlings at dusk.
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John has opened for many influences over the last handful of years including:
Sturgill Simpson, BJ Barham (American Aquarium), Ben Nichols (Lucero), Semisonic, Gene Ween, Tommy Stinson, and Echo and The Bunnymen.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Holiday R&B, Gospel and Jazzy Pop! Please join Gwen Matthews and Robert Robinson to celebrate the holiday season. And introducing vocalist Luther Eskridge, who stepped in for Robert last Easter. Plus their beautifully talented band! Gwen Matthews: Lead Vocals Robert Robinson: Lead Vocals Luther Eskridge: Lead Vocals Martial Besombes: Grand Piano Ryan Bynum: Keyboards José James: Percussion James Towns: Acoustic Bass Sandra Hodges: Backing Vocals Christine Rimpson: Backing Vocals Angela Stewart: Backing Vocals

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes. A Hilarious and Heartfelt Annual Holiday Variety Show! Ho, ho, HOLY COW! It is time once again for Erin & Jay Cabaret’s Naughty and Nice Holiday Spectacular! Grab your friends, family, co-workers, mailperson and favorite checker at TARGET and get your tix for the 2024 edition of Erin and Jay Cabaret’s most popular show!They will laugh, sing, cry and get a little saucy (and I’m not just talking about the liquor). It is always SO fun! No matter what Holiday you celebrate or how you feel about the Holidays – they have got you covered in this year’s Holiday Spectacular! Erin Schwab: Vocals Jay Fuchs: Vocals, Piano Erin Schwab and Jay Fuchs have been playing together in the Twin Cities and across the US for over 20 years. Erin and Jay have played all of the stages at Crooners for years and have written and performed many shows including 1967: Summer of Love, Erin sings Bette and their VERY popular Naughty and Nice Holiday Shows! They have played Clubs, Theaters, Weddings, Fundraisers, Garages, Living Rooms, Corporate and Political Events. Both Erin and Jay have also been Music and Theater Educators for years. Jay was the head of the Theory and Composition Department at McNally Smith College of Music for years and Erin was on the Voice & Ensemble Faculty there as well. Erin and Jay started Cabaret Camp and Jay has now evolved the original classes to cultivate a new group, The Cabaret All-Stars and they are playing numerous places around town as well. Erin is the audience coordinator and a regular Jason Show Contributor on Fox 9. She also is a Director of Educational Theater and Teaching Artist and one of the co-founders of ETC Productions, a new Educational Theater Company here in the Twin Cities. “Erin Schwab IS the Bette Midler of the Twin Cities” Jason Matheson of the Jason Show on Fox 9 and Jason and Alexis In The Morning on My Talk 107.1 FM