Live Music

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas Hear the classic score from composer Vince Guaraldi, performed by one of the region’s finest piano trios. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and fill your heart with holiday spirit! Tanner Taylor: Piano Graydon Peterson: Bass Jay Epstein: Drums Tanner Taylor studied under Jack Oatts and Manhattan School of Music’s Garry Dial. Taylor is an in-demand pianist throughout the Midwest, actively performing in the Omaha, Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Kansas City music scenes. Taylor has performed with jazz notables such as Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Lew Tabackin, David “Fathead” Newman, Steve Turre, Wycliffe Gordon, Wes “Warm Daddy” Anderson, Dick Oatts, Eric Alexander, Bobby Shew, Steve Smith, Jaleel Shaw, Delfeayo Marsalis, Barbara Morrison, Connie Evingson,and Randy Brecker. as well as performing on “A Praire Home Companion” with Garrison Keilor. Taylor was inducted into the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame in October, 2022.

Join us at 6:30 pm for The Bistro Showcase Hosted by Jun Sugiyama Featuring Sam Pickerign & Luke Lynell For more information visit our Events & Music Facebook page

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas Hear the classic score from composer Vince Guaraldi, performed by one of the region’s finest piano trios. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and fill your heart with holiday spirit! Tanner Taylor: Piano Graydon Peterson: Bass Jay Epstein: Drums Tanner Taylor studied under Jack Oatts and Manhattan School of Music’s Garry Dial. Taylor is an in-demand pianist throughout the Midwest, actively performing in the Omaha, Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Kansas City music scenes. Taylor has performed with jazz notables such as Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Lew Tabackin, David “Fathead” Newman, Steve Turre, Wycliffe Gordon, Wes “Warm Daddy” Anderson, Dick Oatts, Eric Alexander, Bobby Shew, Steve Smith, Jaleel Shaw, Delfeayo Marsalis, Barbara Morrison, Connie Evingson,and Randy Brecker. as well as performing on “A Praire Home Companion” with Garrison Keilor. Taylor was inducted into the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame in October, 2022.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas Hear the classic score from composer Vince Guaraldi, brought to you by one of the great piano trios in the region. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and the holiday spirit in your heart! Tanner Taylor: Piano Graydon Peterson: Bass Jay Epstein: Drums Tanner Taylor studied under Jack Oatts and Manhattan School of Music’s Garry Dial. Taylor is an in-demand pianist throughout the Midwest, actively performing in the Omaha, Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Kansas City music scenes. Taylor has performed with jazz notables such as Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Lew Tabackin, David “Fathead” Newman, Steve Turre, Wycliffe Gordon, Wes “Warm Daddy” Anderson, Dick Oatts, Eric Alexander, Bobby Shew, Steve Smith, Jaleel Shaw, Delfeayo Marsalis, Barbara Morrison, Connie Evingson,and Randy Brecker. as well as performing on “A Praire Home Companion” with Garrison Keilor. Taylor was inducted into the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame in October, 2022.

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes. A Beautiful Holiday Show with Great Pop and Jazz Tony-nominated and Platinum Award-winning singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway brings the season to life with her heartwarming holiday show, Making Spirits Bright! Known for her gorgeous voice, down-to-earth personality, and perfect blend of pop, jazz, and classical, Callaway casts a spell that puts everyone “from one to ninety-two” in the holiday spirit. As the beloved host of nationally renowned Yuletide extravaganzas with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Callaway has become the go-to artist for holiday magic. In her latest celebration, Ann delivers a wonderland of holiday classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “I Wonder as I Wander,” alongside her own cherished compositions such as “God Bless My Family” and “Christmas Lullaby,” famously recorded by Barbra Streisand for Christmas Memories. Adding a touch of holiday wonder, Callaway takes words and phrases from the audience to create her “Holiday-Song-on-the-Spot,” a show-stopping carol that fills the room with cheers for the season! Ann Hampton Callaway is one of America’s most gifted artists in pop and jazz. A leading champion of the great American Songbook, she’s made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer. Voted by Broadwayworld.com as “Celebrity of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist,” Ann is a born entertainer. She is best known for Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series “The Nanny.” She made her feature film debut opposite Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon in the Robert De Niro film “The Good Shepherd.” Callaway is a Platinum Award selling writer whose songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand’s recent CDs. “Just as Ella Fitzgerald was the greatest jazz singer of her era, so too is the magnificent Ann Hampton Callaway of hers.” – Musical Theatre Review AnnHamptonCallaway.com

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

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

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Holiday Fun Songs & Stories – “Just like the ones we used to know.” All of the wonderful songs of the season, and holiday humor and Crosby holiday history. Plus the good musical times from the Bing Crosby TV shows, made new by Arne and his friends. Includes “White Christmas”, of course! Arne Fogel: Vocals Rick Carlson: Piano Steve Pikal: Bass Arne Fogel is a 2018 inductee into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, and a 2008 inductee into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame. He appears frequently as a singer at the top jazz venues in the Twin Cities. He has written, produced and/or appeared in dozens of concert presentations in such venues as Orchestra Hall (where he performed as Rosemary Clooney’s opening act for her penultimate career appearance), Bloomington Center For the Arts, Crooners, Hanifl Center for the Performing Arts, Hopkins Center for the Arts, 3M History Theater, Phipps Center for the Arts, The Fitzgerald Theater, The Capri Theater, and many other venues throughout the Upper Midwest. Arne has performed in many live radio concerts and productions, including three years as a regular performer on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. Arne has performed on nearly 1,500 recording sessions as a vocalist on jingles and film soundtracks, and recorded, produced, or co-produced several albums. For 12 years he produced and hosted “Arne Fogel Presents” on the stations of the Minnesota Public Radio network, and for over 45 years has entertained radio audiences with his programs on SiriusXM, WWTC-AM, KLBB-AM, KTWN-FM, Netradio.com, and Bing Crosby Internet Radio. Currently, Arne appears on KBEM-FM in the Twin Cities. “…I can’t think of anyone else around here who does what Fogel does…There’s a dearth of male jazz vocalists in general, and none in this area who has mastered Fogel’s unique style of pop/swing. It’s accessible, danceable, romantic and fun…” — Pamela Espeland, MINNPOST www.arnefogel.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 Fun Songs & Stories – “Just like the ones we used to know.” All of the wonderful songs of the season, and holiday humor and Crosby holiday history. Plus the good musical times from the Bing Crosby TV shows, made new by Arne and his friends. Includes “White Christmas”, of course! Arne Fogel: Vocals Rick Carlson: Piano Steve Pikal: Bass Arne Fogel is a 2018 inductee into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, and a 2008 inductee into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame. He appears frequently as a singer at the top jazz venues in the Twin Cities. He has written, produced and/or appeared in dozens of concert presentations in such venues as Orchestra Hall (where he performed as Rosemary Clooney’s opening act for her penultimate career appearance), Bloomington Center For the Arts, Crooners, Hanifl Center for the Performing Arts, Hopkins Center for the Arts, 3M History Theater, Phipps Center for the Arts, The Fitzgerald Theater, The Capri Theater, and many other venues throughout the Upper Midwest. Arne has performed in many live radio concerts and productions, including three years as a regular performer on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. Arne has performed on nearly 1,500 recording sessions as a vocalist on jingles and film soundtracks, and recorded, produced, or co-produced several albums. For 12 years he produced and hosted “Arne Fogel Presents” on the stations of the Minnesota Public Radio network, and for over 45 years has entertained radio audiences with his programs on SiriusXM, WWTC-AM, KLBB-AM, KTWN-FM, Netradio.com, and Bing Crosby Internet Radio. Currently, Arne appears on KBEM-FM in the Twin Cities. “…I can’t think of anyone else around here who does what Fogel does…There’s a dearth of male jazz vocalists in general, and none in this area who has mastered Fogel’s unique style of pop/swing. It’s accessible, danceable, romantic and fun…” — Pamela Espeland, MINNPOST www.arnefogel.com

Join us at 6:30 pm for The Bistro Showcase Hosted by AJ Scheiber Featuring Gary Krainak & Scott Wooldridge For more information visit our Events & Music Facebook page

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

Striking beauty, dynamic powerhouse vocals, coupled with her songwriting prowess, Jennifer Marie delivers a moving performance with her sophomore EP, “Do It All Again”. After great success of her debut album “You Can Whisper”, Jennifer Marie felt the pull to explore her love of soulful, pop music that shifts her from her prior project. She shares, “I will always have roots in the church, but felt capable of so much more with my artistry and message. Artists are becoming less defined by genres and it’s so important to me to continue to be a message of hope, love and encouragement. I love to make music, regardless of genre, and am so excited this new project allows me to reach a broader audience. Life is hard and yet so beautiful; let’s share in that together.”

The Farewell Season plays music made for a long drive down a back highway. The band slides effortlessly from Americana, to folk, to indie and back again. Originally formed in Omaha, NE, they split time between the Heartland and the Twin Cities these days. Formed by frontman Nate Gasaway (The Big Deep) and drummer Taylor Stein (Ten O’Clock Scholars), the lineup is rounded out by Paul Gedbaw on guitar and Justin Crow on bass; both veterans of the Nebraska music scene. Their single “You’ll Find A Way,” has received radio play in both Minnesota and Nebraska. Their upcoming album “Funeral Flowers,” features 10 songs that started to take shape over the past three years. From the raucous title track, to the haunting “Holy Water,” to the back porch feel of “Badlands,” you’ll want to see where this album takes you from one track to the next.

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.

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

MNAKED RETURNS!
(A storyteller night of sorts… chopping it down to just the bare essentials featuring great local Minnesota Music and reimagined covers) EST 2005

Curated by Nick Hensley of Love Songs for Angry Men & The MN Songwriter Showcase

Act One: The Teddy Holidays
Act Two: Thomas Sticha

Aaron Tinjum is a Minnesota-based songwriter.

He formed his folk rock project, Aaron Tinjum and the Tangents, while playing the many coffeehouses, dive bars, used clothing stores and furniture shops of the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas. In 2012, they released their debut Mirrors in the Dark and were honored by the Austin Mayor and City Council with their own official band holiday.

After a stint in Washington, D.C. and the release of Foreign & Domestic in 2016, Tinjum returned home to Minnesota to begin work on his next album. With the newly re-formed Tangents, he recorded his third and latest release Zinger at Sovereignty Recording in Minneapolis. The latest entry in Tinjum’s catalogue is arguably his best and most mature songwriting to date, with songs exploring the topics of aging and expectations.

On December 21, the Larry McDonough Quartet (LMQ) will perform music in celebration of Seinfeld’s fictional December 23 holiday “Festivus for the Rest of Us” along with other odd takes on holiday music. Come see the show that filled both the Aster Café and the old Black Dog Café.

Festivus was created by Seinfeld character Frank Costanza (played by Jerry Stiller) as an alternative holiday in response to the commercialization of Christmas. The tradition of Festivus begins with an aluminum pole. Frank cites its “very high strength-to-weight ratio” as appealing. During Festivus, the pole is displayed unadorned. Frank admits, “I find tinsel distracting.”

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.

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

Rich Mattson is a musician/songwriter and producer/engineer living in Sparta, Minnesota. He began performing in 1980 at the age of 13, and took up songwriting shortly after that. Since then he has led and played with several bands, most notably the Glenrustles (1988-1999) and national touring act Ol’ Yeller (2000-2013). In 1991 he opened his own recording studio in Uptown Minneapolis, and over the years has worked with hundreds of artists. Currently he is leading a cosmic folk rock group called “Rich Mattson and the Northstars” and collaborating with his partner Germaine Gemberling. He continues to write, record and produce music at his recording studio, Sparta Sound.

Caflisch is a word guy in the best tradition (a little closer to the spirit of Loudon Wainwright III than Leonard Cohen), while musically he would comfortably fit in just as easily with early Seventies singer-songwriters as late Seventies punk pop. — Kevin Avery, author, Everything is an Afterthought: The Life and Writings of Paul Nelson

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.