A night of lively Irish dance and music brought to you by the Mactir Academy of Irish Dance, marking the start of summer and bidding farewell to the gloomy months. Join us for a vibrant May festival bursting with Irish tunes, culture, and fancy footwork!

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins one hour before showtime. Fun Interactive Group Singing Seals and Crofts, Gordon Lightfoot, Carole King, Player, the Eagles, Bread, Fleetwood Mac, Air Supply, and more. Jay Fuchs will be your host, singalong song leader and accompanist. Together you will joyfully sing your favorite soft rock hits. Bring your cell phone or iPad (if you need bigger text) so you can have all the lyrics. Jay Fuchs piano, vocals, song leaderDoug Anderson vocals, guest song leader Jay Fuchs is a renowned entertainer, music director, and music educator. For 25 years he has been the musical partner of Erin Schwab, the “Bette Midler of the Twin Cites”. Together they create and perform popular shows throughout the area, including LUSH Lounge and Theater, The W – Minneapolis, and Birch’s on the Lake. Jay is the founder and director of Dr. Jay’s Cabaret. He has served as music director for the Governor’s Inauguration Ball, the Charlie Awards, the US Foods Awards Ball, the Basilica of Saint Mary Annual Fund Raiser, Children’s MN, and many more. For 27 years Jay was the Music Theory Department Head at McNally Smith College of Music. Doug Anderson is a veteran actor, dancer, performer in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. He has performed at the Guthrie, Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Hey City Theater, Center City Theater, and in London at The St. James Theater, Piaño, Crazy Coq’s, The Music Café and The Phoenix Arts Club.

The Eclectics are a bluegrass-based trio, playing old favorites, surprising bluegrass (covers of older pop and country), and original music.

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. Dynamic Passionate Latin Rock The all-time favorite hits of Carlos Santana. Classics include Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va as well as radio hits including Smooth and Maria Maria. Joe Cruz lead vocals, guitarJennifer Grimm lead, backing vocalsBrian Ziemniak keysTom Peterson bassAndrew Gillespie percussionJoel Arpin percussionJosh Alfaro drums Joe Cruz is regarded as one of the most versatile and energetic multi-stringed instrumentalists on the Twin Cities music scene today. Throughout his 30-year career, this passionate musician has been involved with numerous groups and recording projects, developing a vast array of styles. On any given night he can be found playing anything from solo acoustic guitar to screaming electric, swinging with a jazz combo, picking mandolin in a bluegrass band or exploring Latin music on Cuban trés and Puerto Rican cuatro. Also a composer, Joe has an extensive repertoire of original song and instrumental compositions. JoeCruzMusic.com

Southern California legends Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys roll into town for a swingin’ evening at The Hook! The authentic Rockabilly Hall of Fame band always delivers the goods. Kinda Fonda opens.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Jazz Standards, Jazz-Infused Pop, Soul Carmen McRae sang songs that reflected life at its most classic, comedic, ironic and obscure moments. Join Duo Libra as they share their experiences of love, loss and life as they explore the songbook of this legendary vocalist. Marcya Daneille vocals Kristin Sponcia piano Duo Libra was formed in Milwaukee, WI after a chance meeting at the show of a mutual friend, when vocalist Marcya Daneille and pianist Kristin Sponcia discovered that they shared a penchant for classic jazz standards, soul and sophisto-pop. An accomplished vocalist, composer and arranger of vocal jazz, Kristin became a member of the esteemed Phil Matson Singers and performed with them at Carnegie Hall. Kristin also enjoyed a long-term residency in China with her jazz duo. In New York, Marcya performed at several venues including the Miller Theater, Apollo Theater, Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center) and Alice Tully Hall. Marcya’s debut CD “Keeping it Simple” was recorded at the historic Nola Recording Studio and features performances by pianist Aaron Diehl and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon. Marcya has also performed in Italy and England. MarcyaDaneille.net

The Twin Cities have some great touring artists that like to jam local when back in town. The Schooner Tavern is one of the great venues that accomodate with flexible management. Stop on by! Great drink specials!

In a career that has already spanned a half-century, Jorma Kaukonen is one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots.Monday, May 6, 20246:30 pm Doors // 7:30pm Music$59 (+taxes/fees) Premium Seating$49 (+taxes/fees) Preferred Reserved Seating$39 (+taxes/fees) Advance General Admission // $44 (+taxes/fees) At The DoorAll AgesTicket purchases are final and non-refundableIn a career that has already spanned a half-century, Jorma Kaukonen is one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots. music, blues, and rock. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy recipient, Jorma was at the forefront of popular rock and roll, one of the founders of the San Francisco sound and a progenitor of psychedelic rock -- a founding member of two legendary bands, Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna. Joining Jorma is acclaimed acoustic guitarist John Hurlbut.Website // Facebook // Instagram // YouTube

The Second Edition of Crooners Classics – every Wednesday will have a 5 PM show highlighting a classic act from music history! Wednesday’s Crooners Classics Jazz Standards The Legend of Sinatra – Back at #1 on the 2024 Billboard Charts Wayne Anthony, Vocalist, with Adi Yeshaya Joe Pulice Graydon Peterson Joe Elliott Steve Wagner Pete Whitman Dave Graf As a vocalist, Wayne Anthony is a true chameleon. Entertainer, story teller, multi-instrumentalist, composer & producer, Wayne came up on the East Coast as an inspired member of a very musical family under the guidance of his Father George Cullinan who was a renowned Crooner & Big Band Singer. With a vast collection of musical styles, he’s followed a lifetime allure for the stage which has lasted over 5 decades and is still running strong. Wayne is a performing member in over 10 musical productions and has performed on prestigious stages such as the Target Center, The Troubadour In West Hollywood, Grand Casino, The Dakota, The Guthrie Theatre, The Chanhassen Theatre, Paisley Park Studios, The Fitzgerald Theatre, Crooners & St. Paul River Center. You’ll also find Wayne at his artistic residency of 7 years at Birch’s Supper Club on Long Lake and countless other Supper Club Stages such as Mancini’s in St. Paul along with a collection of Performing Arts venues in the Midwest. “Wayne Anthony’s voice, and his profoundly musical performances are always a must-hear and see” — Ricky Peterson | Musician & International Producer www.WayneAnthonyMusic.com

Tom and Ginny bring alive the soul of Ireland. Performing tunes learned from the old masters, they delight audiences with passionate reels and playful songs.

EVENT DETAILS rsvp on Facebook The Hook and Ladder Theater 7:00pm – 9:00pm Free COVID-19 Policies EVENT DESCRIPTION Space Between Monthly Music Industry Meetup :: Backline Help us welcome Backline, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that is at the forefront of the music industry mental health movement, and an instrumental supporter and sponsor of Space Between from our inception. Backline connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources. We will be joined virtually by Brad Cole, Backline Clinical Associate, who will be sharing about Backline’s current services and resources, their free “Touring Manual,” and answering any questions you all may have. Now on the 2nd Wednesdays monthly, join us at Space Between, a free peer-to-peer community support group for music industry professionals. Monthly conversations on topics we can all relate to. A communal space to share in the joys and pains of functioning within our music industry ecosphere. Collaborate with like minded industry folks! For anyone who makes the music possible: artists, managers, agents, promoters, engineers, crew, venue staff, security, and family. Monthly at The Hook & Ladder Mission Room :: 7-9 pm6:45pm – Doors7:00pm – Social7:30pm – Topic Presentation8:00pm – Topic Collaboration8:45pm – NetworkingLed and organized by Mental Health Professional, Mark Femling (LPCC) This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Join in the fun with an Irish céilí dancing session, every Wednesday with instructor Paul McCluskey and live music with local musicians.

Authentic high energy roots and blues. Acoustic resonator slide-guitar suggests Muddy Waters and pre-war blues.

Join us at 6:30 pm for The Bistro Showcase Hosted by Lucy London Featuring Lu & Lo and Mikey Marget For more information visit our Events & Music Facebook page

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. Jazz, Rock Fusion A set of energetic and upbeat jazz-rock classics by Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, and other legends of the era. Pavel Jany guitarsJohn Croarkin sax, flute Ted Godbout keyboards Dan Weston bass Josue Alfaro drums, percussion World Jazz Collegium is an assembly of local and international musicians founded by the Twin Cities based guitarist and composer Pavel Jany. In addition to their original material, World Jazz Collegium’s repertoire includes works by Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, Billy Cobham, Miles Davis, Jeff Beck, and other legends of modern jazz. PJanyMusic.com

#gap-1464188169 { padding-top: 31px; } RSVP ON FACEBOOK EVENT DETAILS #gap-769275504 { padding-top: 15px; } The Hook and Ladder Theater Doors 7:30pm :: Music 8:00pm  21+  General Admission: $24 ADV / $30 DOS COVID-19 Policies EVENT DESCRIPTION #gap-785277348 { padding-top: 15px; } UltraBomb  Greg Norton (Hüsker Dü)Finny McConnell (The Mahones)Jamie Oliver (UK Subs) with guests: The Silent Treatment, Big Salt, & Jaw Knee Vee — UltraBomb, A Punk Rock Power Trio featuring Greg Norton (Hüsker Dü), Finny McConnell (The Mahones), and Jamie Oliver (UK Subs), Returns to play The Hook and Ladder Theater on Thursday May 9 With support from Local MN bands; The Silent Treatment | Big Salt | Jaw Knee Vee #gap-1060024134 { padding-top: 30px; } #gap-1843993707 { padding-top: 22px; } #image_2130476079 { width: 100%; } This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. #col-976440675 > .col-inner { padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; margin: 0px 0px -21px 0px; } #row-994870394 > .col > .col-inner { padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } #col-1346902135 > .col-inner { margin: 0px 0px -27px 0px; } #row-1769569100 > .col > .col-inner { padding: 0px 0px 15px 0px; }

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes. Classic Repertory Big Band, Basie-Style The ACME Jazz Company is an 18-piece big band featuring vocalist Arne Fogel, singing selections from the Great American Songbook. Saxophonist Bob Parsons contributes the classic charts, plus unique arrangements, to the band’s growing eclectic repertoire. Arne Fogel vocalsBob Parsons music director, arranger, saxophone Arranger and woodwind performer Bob Parsons grew up in St. James, Minnesota. After receiving an M.A. in composition from the University of Minnesota, Parsons moved to New York City in 1991, where he was involved in composition, arranging, and production work for major label recording projects, jingles, and film scores. Parsons provided in-studio arranging services for Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, John Scofield, the Brecker Brothers, and many others. Since returning to Minnesota, Bob Parsons joined the Acme Jazz Company, which features his arrangements, giving him a forum for his personal eclectic style. “They’re a great swinging big band!”– Gerry Swanberg, Big Band Scene, KBEM

Banjo player Pete Hennig and guitarist Joel Shapira play a mix of musical styles including bluegrass, American folk music, classic rock and jazz.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Eclectic 20th Century Mix The May installment of the Birthday Club series, tipping our hat to May music birthdays including Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Bobby Darin, Fats Waller, Bacharach and David and more. Dan Chouinard host, pianoMaud Hixson featured guest vocalist Dan Chouinard started up the Birthday Club at Crooners in 2016 for the inauguration of the brand new Dunsmore Room. He’s been a regular at Crooners ever since. Maud Hixson was the first May guest, and is back for a reprise. She and Dan also recorded together on the 2024 Bistro Award-winning album Permanent Moonlight: Songs of Sir Richard Rodney Bennett. “Eclectic Minnesota accompanist Dan Chouinard is everyone’s go-to guy. “ –Kim Ode, StarTribune DanChouinard.com

CLARE DOYLE BIO With the release of her debut singles in 2023, Americana artist-to-watch Clare Doyle garnered immediate attention for her modern blend of soulful country and rootsy rock, alongside the bold lyricism that Music in Minnesota calls “a fresh perspective in emotional storytelling.” Originally from Saint Paul, MN, Doyle had settled in New Orleans, LA until the global pandemic forced a move back to her hometown, where she began to rediscover the musical identity she’d neglected for years. Armed with a decade of heartache, adventure, addiction, and life on the road, she began to alchemize raw emotions into a collection of songs that run the gamut from clever and rollicking, to gritty and gut-wrenching. She draws on a range of influences to write candidly about loving, losing, hurting, and making a hot mess of things. She was named one of First Avenue’s Best New Bands of 2023, Music in Minnesota’s Emerging Artists of 2024, and has been tapped to support acts like The Cactus Blossoms, Them Coulee Boys, and Turn Turn Turn. Socials IG: @claredoylemusic FB: Clare Doyle Music Website: claredoyle.com ———————————- SAMMIE JEAN COHEN BIO  Singer-songwriter, Sammie Jean Cohen, hails from Minneapolis, but has also experienced life in the mountains of Montana and off grid deserts of Arizona. Her musical style seamlessly blends outlaw country with bluesy folk elements, creating her own unique sound. Influenced by a diverse range of artists including Etta James and The Eagles, Sammie Jean aspires to complete her unfinished songs, release recordings, and harbors a dream of one day opening for the Heartless Bastards. Sammie Jean is not only a talented performer but also a sought-after opener for regional acts, showcasing her skills and versatility on stage. Additionally, as a professional photographer under the name No Aesthetic Photography, Cohen is frequently commissioned to capture stunning studio portraits and electrifying live performances of fellow musicians. Sammie’s involvement not only demonstrates her commitment to fostering a vibrant musical community but also underscores her reputation as a respected figure in the local music scene.   Links: https://linktr.ee/sammiejeancohen ———————————– CASSANDRA JOHNSON   Bio: Cassandra is a singer/songwriter and self taught guitarist who found her way to St. Paul from the prairies of Western North Dakota. She has blended her influences of indie, jazz, country-folk, and soul into a cohesive sound all her own. She elevates her moving melodies and autobiographical lyrics with rich guitar arrangements so that every song feels like a little world unto itself. Cassandra also plays lead guitar in local band, Astronomy Town. Links: https://www.instagram.com/cassandrajohnsonmusic?igsh=MWhvN2x5ZXIxNzhpNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://youtu.be/V0LPmX23NNw?si=MpHqMagRgwgJu0mC https://cassandralynnj.wixsite.com/cassandramusic Nothing to Prove Only To Share- Cassandra Johnson: Fostering Authenticity | Linktree   https://www.instagram.com/astronomytown?igsh=enNkcW9weW52MGJr

The Cornell All-Stars recreate the Grateful Dead’s Concert of 5/8/77 at Barton Hall at Cornell University!

Weekly trad session at the Dubliner.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Performed by the Larry McDonough Quartet The Larry McDonough Quartet will celebrate the music life of Herbie Hancock, who performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 11 and is known for the pieces Cantaloupe Island, Watermelon Man, Maiden Voyage, and Chameleon. He received the Oscar for Best Original Score for the film Round Midnight in 1986. Larry McDonough piano, synthesizer, voiceRichard Terrill sax, poetryGreg Stinson bassDean White drums Larry McDonough is an award-winning St. Paul jazz composer, pianist, singer, and teacher, performing around the world and recording with his group the Larry McDonough Quartet as well as solo, and in duos and trios. He has performed with legendary saxophonist and composer Benny Golson, Trombonist Fred Wesley, and trumpeter Duane Eubanks, as well as a who’s who of local jazz artists, and was inducted into the Minnesota Rock Country Hall of Fame for his work in the group Danny’s Reasons. His awards include the American Composers Forum Showcase Award for the composition “Strait of Gibraltar.” He has released eleven CDs and DVDs as a leader. His current CDs are “Kind of Bill on the Palace Grounds, Marking 40 Years since the Death of Bill Evans,” playing on jazz radio stations and streaming services around the country, and “Intermodulating Undercurrents Live at the Kos: The Music of Bill Evans and Jim Hall.” The two-CD set “Alice in Stonehenge and other AcoustElectric Adventures” has played on radio stations and streaming services around the world and charted #18 on the Roots Music Report’s Top 50 Jazz Album Chart. “Simple Gifts” reached number 29 on the CMJ Jazz Chart and also has been played on hundreds of stations around the country and throughout the world. He is joined by Richard Terrill, saxes and poetry, Greg Stinson, bass, and Dean White, drums. “The quartet does more than replay the songbook. They relive it, reinterpret it for a new generation of jazz listeners, making then into now.” — Eric Hanson, Author, Artist, and Jazz Historian. http://www.larrymcdonoughjazz.homestead.com

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Jazz Trio Performing their unique renditions of your favorite hits old and new. Chan PolingJohn MunsonSteve Roehm The three core members of The New Standards all come from illustrious Twin Cities bands. Chan Poling founded the seminal Punk/New Wave band The Suburbs. John Munson was an original member of Trip Shakespeare and the chart-topping Semisonic. And Steve Roehm started on drums in the Texas punk outfit Billygoat and the avant-jazz Electropolis. “What a terrific combo. Everything they do is a surprise.” –Greil Marcus TheNewStandards.com

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. Funk Pop Contemporary Celebrating the legacy of a musical family dynasty featuring the music of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, The Jacksons, and Janet Jackson. Emil CampbellKimberly MichaelsJay BeeLisa PallenJoe ElliottArt HaynesBrad BroenenErick BallardJeff FawbushRandy GristLynn Stonehocker A native of Florida, Emil Campbell began performing with his own band at the age of 12. Along with singing he plays the saxophone and keyboards, He has been described as energetic, dynamic and versatile. His electric presence on stage has earned Emil wide acclaim from Florida to Las Vegas, where he made his mark with impersonations of Michael Jackson, and Prince. He was the music director for Anita Ward, who sang the hit single “Ring My Bell”, and has been in plays such as the hit musical Inner City Opera with JD Steele. Emil is currently doing a recording project and serves as The R Factor’s musical director and band leader. “The R Factor is fantastic.” –Michael Bland TheRFactor.com

No cover–light fare available from 4:30pm to 9:30pm. Full-menu available until 8:30pm. Bar and table seating offered – NO RESERVATIONS Maggie’s Afterglow consists of casual entertainment offered outside our usual listening environment of ticketed concerts. Various jazz singers and pianists appear in the lounge. There is no cover, but tips are encouraged. You may sign up for the guest list, but space is not reserved. Seating is first come, first served in the bar and at lounge tables.

Irish and American Roots music. 871 miles to Nashville, 3702 miles to Belfast, 50 below zero with the windchill.

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. Storytelling, Singer/Songwriter Stories and Songs celebrating Mother’s Day Looking to celebrate this Mother’s Day? Come on down to Crooners on Saturday, May 11th. Whether you are a mother, or are married to one, or know, or have, or have had one, this is the show for you. Victor and Kevin are back under the big top for an early evening of stories, poems and songs that celebrate those who fed and wiped and everything in between. Come and share a laugh, maybe a tear, and don’t worry, it’s not a school night. What do you and Einstein, Gandhi, Taylor Swift and Queen Victoria have in common? Mothers. Kevin Kling story tellerVictor Zupanc singer/songwriter Kevin Kling is a beloved storyteller and an award winning playwright and writer whose plays have been produced in regional theaters, including The Guthrie, Seattle Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse, the Goodman, Kennedy Center, Denver Center and off Broadway at Westside Arts and Second Stage Theater. Kevin is a frequent performer at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN. He has written five books and appears often on PBS and Minnesota Public Radio. His PBS autobiographical documentary Kevin Kling: Lost and Found won a Regional Emmy. He was named the Minneapolis Storyteller Laureate by Mayor RT Rybak in 2014. www.kevinkling.com. Victor Zupanc has been a composer, music director, sound designer and performer on over 300 plays at some of the most prestigious theaters in America and abroad winning many awards for his work. Since 1989, he has been the resident Music Director/Composer at the Tony Award winning Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis as well as dozens of productions at The Guthrie Theater. In addition, Kevin and Victor have been commissioned together to create large scale pieces for orchestras and chamber ensembles. www.victorzupanc.com.

Under the Canopy will be getting funky and soulful with the sounds and vibes of New Orleans!

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Storytelling In Jazz, Cabaret Featuring songs America sang during WWII, from the plaintive “I’ll Never Smile Again” to “Sentimental Journey”; the burgeoning voices of swing, and the inventions that exploded onto the scene, from color television to the jukebox. Maud Hixson vocalsRick Carlson piano Hailed as “gently virtuosic” (All About Jazz), Maud Hixson is a devoted exponent of great songs, ranging from the classic Great American Songbook to the often unsung or forgotten compositions awaiting rediscovery. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Maud made her Guthrie Theater debut in the Noel Coward revue Coward’s Women, also appearing in Park Square Theater’s The Soul of Gershwin. She teamed with Sir Richard Rodney Bennett in 2012 for the long-running Midtown Jazz at Midday concert series at Saint Peter’s and debuted her show Skyscraper Wits in London and New York in 2015. She has made three appearances at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall for the New York Cabaret Convention, presented by the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Maud received a Next Step Grant from the McKnight Foundation in 2015 and is the recipient of four Artist Initiative grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, one of which supported the research for her album comprised of compositions by Broadway composer Michael (Mickey) Leonard. Her newest recording is devoted to the music of her mentor, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, which earned a 2024 Bistro Award. “Her vocal style is so warm, compelling and intimate—it’s clear she cares about the words and telling the story, with clarity and without artifice—almost a lost art these days.” –Michael Feinstein MaudHixson.com

Tower of Power HornsMay 11th, 7pmTrumpeter Gerard Ahlgren is based in the Minneapolis, Minnesota. He currently holds a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from McNally Smith College of Music with emphasis on Jazz Studies. Gerard plays locally with Blue Water Kings, Soultight Committee, Northstar, Jaedyn James and the Hunger, and Moonlight Serenaders.Gerard also has extensive experience playing professionally with the History Theatre and for Old Log Theater as well as Breck Middle School. Because of his diverse training from various trumpet players including Dave Jensen, Charles Lazarus, Marshall Scott, Michael Davison, and Adam Meckler, Gerard is fluent in several styles of music including jazz, blues, latin, fusion, and classical.This is the second appearance for Tower of Power Horns in our series.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Jazz Trio Performing their unique renditions of your favorite hits old and new. Chan PolingJohn MunsonSteve Roehm The three core members of The New Standards all come from illustrious Twin Cities bands. Chan Poling founded the seminal Punk/New Wave band The Suburbs. John Munson was an original member of Trip Shakespeare and the chart-topping Semisonic. And Steve Roehm started on drums in the Texas punk outfit Billygoat and the avant-jazz Electropolis. “What a terrific combo. Everything they do is a surprise.” –Greil Marcus TheNewStandards.com

No cover–light fare available from 4:30pm to 9:30pm. Full-menu available until 8:30pm. Bar and table seating offered – NO RESERVATIONS Maggie’s Afterglow consists of casual entertainment offered outside our usual listening environment of ticketed concerts. Various jazz singers and pianists appear in the lounge. There is no cover, but tips are encouraged. You may sign up for the guest list, but space is not reserved. Seating is first come, first served in the bar and at lounge tables.

Two-time JUNO and Songlines Award winner Kiran Ahluwalia’s vocals have positioned her as one of global music’s most compelling musicians!The Cedar PresentsKIRAN AHLUWALIA with Aida ShahghasemiSaturday, May 11, 2024 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00PMAll AgesSeated$35 Advance, $40 Day of ShowThis 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 SHOWTwo-time JUNO and Songlines Award winner Kiran Ahluwalia’s open-hearted vocals have positioned her as one of global music’s most compelling cross-pollinators bringing together the disparate traditions of Indian music, West African Blues and Jazz.With her band of electric guitar, accordion, organ, tabla, bass and drum kit, Ahluwalia creates boundary-breaking songs that invite us to explore the human condition, transcending the self by losing ourselves in a trance of groove and melody. Celebrating The Cedar’s mission to promote intercultural appreciation and understanding through the presentation of global music on this special springtime Saturday evening show.KIRAN AHLUWALIATwo-time JUNO (Canadian Grammy Award) winner Kiran Ahluwalia is a modern exponent of the vocal traditions of India and Pakistan, which she honors intensely yet departs from in masterful, personal ways. Kiran's lyrics explore themes as broad as cultural intolerance in a largely immigrant society and as personal as the struggle to fully embrace female desire by throwing away shame. With roots in Sufi, Qawwali, Ghazal, and Punjabi folk, she crafts her own contemporary originals while organically mixing with West African blues and American jazz to create a sound that is immediately welcoming and ultimately universal.Born in India, raised in Canada and currently living in New York City – Ahluwalia has long been on a path to master the art of singing and composing. “When I was growing up in India”, she recalls, “there were concerts that people from all over would crowd into. I was entranced by the sound and feel of the music from an early age.” My father would play tapes of Indian music for me and we would also listen to Bollywood on the radio”, Kiran recalls. “So when a song came on that I wanted to learn, my mother would quickly write down the lyrics for me and I would sing along to learn the melody”.From the time she was seven, Kiran immersed herself in Indian music. When the family immigrated to Canada she continued her musical training alongside her regular school. After graduating from the University of Toronto, she returned to India where she spent years of intense deep study in music. Back in Canada in the late 90s she followed more mundane pursuits – she got an MBA in Finance and started working as a Trader. And there it might have ended if Kiran had not had recurring visions of being on her deathbed not having lived out her passion. So she left the world of business and threw herself totally into a life devoted to the making of her own music. Her discography now seven albums deep is one of global music’s most interesting adventures and have featured collaborations with Celtic fiddler Natalie MacMaster, fado masters from Portugal and legendary Malian group Tinariwen with whom her video has amassed over 3 million views.Her albums have garnered her two JUNO (Canadian Grammy) Awards, two Canadian Folk Awards, the UK’s Songlines Award and peak rankings on the European World Music charts.Kiran’s own band is directed by partner Rez Abbasi whose accolades include frequent placement in the Top 10 guitarists on Downbeats International Critics Poll. The combination of Kiran's open-hearted vocals and Rez’s inspired and evocative guitar work seamlessly bring together disparate traditions so organically, that while the sound isn’t quite like anything you’ve heard, its combination of ethereal elegance and raw urgency is immediately welcoming and ultimately universal. This is truly music for the moment and what the world could use a lot more of.Writing both words and music, Kiran’s songs speak of: fighting civil wars within ourselves, realizing female desire by throwing away shame, untying knots that bind us to stale embraces, seducing a shy lover, of not having learned how to live, and about rage against the middlemen and institutionalization of religion.The title song of her latest album features her composition of the 1990s Pakistani Urdu feminist poem – We Sinful Women. Saat (seven) – "7 Billion" explores aspects of cultural intolerance – the loss of ‘brotherhood’ in mankind. Says Kiran, “It is a theme close to my personal experience. My story is that of an immigrant born in India and raised in Canada. As an immigrant child the hardships we faced were touted as temporary – the effects were permanent. On the one hand, I developed a wonderful double culture – two sets of wardrobe and multiple languages to think in. On the other, I developed conflicting etiquettes and ways of doing things that were neither ‘fully’ Indian nor ‘fully’ Canadian. The earth now holds seven billion people; for me this means there are seven billion unique ways of interpreting things. Yet wherever we live, the majority’s way of doing things becomes the norm; and whatever is different and foreign can be easily mistrusted. The consequence in a large immigrant based population such as ours is cultural intolerance and difficulty in embracing newness".Her ease of manner on stage makes her a unique and inspiring performer whose legion of fans continues to grow with every captivating performance. Kiran has toured regularly in North America, Europe and has performed at desert festivals in Mali, Morocco and India. Her music has garnered glowing praise from critics around the world. “Ahluwalia is busy honing a transnational sound as fresh as tomorrow” (Seattle Times) and “Hers is a voice destined to enchant more than one generation” (fROOTS, UK). Her compositions and arrangements are a reflection of an ongoing quest to create timeless music in a modern and global context that looks to the future while still maintaining a vital line to its storied past.To learn more about Kiran Ahluwalia:Visit her website hereAIDA SHAHGHASEMIAida Shahghasemi is a Minneapolis based musician with roots in Iran. She studied Psychology and Anthropology at University of Minnesota with a focus on the cultural aspects of Persian Classical Music and the restrictions imposed on the voices of Iranian female vocalists. She received her Masters degree from New York University in Arts Politics where she also served as an adjunct instructor teaching a course she developed on arts activism in Iran. She has worked with a number of different Art and Social Advocacy groups in New York and Minnesota as a musician, graphic designer, and developer and has served as an Assistant Program Coordinator at Hamline University’s Making Waves Social Justice Theatre Troupe. She has been a touring member of Iron and Wine and Marketa Irglova’s band while also being a recording artist on two of Glen Hansard’s albums. Her three albums are “Wind Between the Horse’s Ears,” released in 2015, “Cypress of Abarkooh,” released in 2019 and “Chashmandaaze Rooydaad,” released in August of 2022. She is a McKnight Music Fellow and serves as an adjunct faculty in the MFA program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Aida is a mental health therapist at CAREFree counseling and works primarily with adults and couples dealing with trauma.To learn more about Aida Shahghasemi:Visit her website hereSPONSORED BY

Pete McCauley and Tim Cheesebrow bring old tunes to life and have a great time doing it. A Folkin’ Good Time!