Sun May 12 Mike Dowling & Jeff Ray, 1pm https://mikedowling.com/ https://jeffraymusic.com/ When the late, great Vassar Clements heard Mike Dowling play guitar back in 1975 he did the sensible thing. He hired him. Mike was the guitarist in Vasssar’s first touring band and can be heard on Clements’ Grammy-nominated Nashville Jam. Clements called him simply, “One of the finest guitarists there is, anywhere.” Before embarking on a solo performance and teaching career, the Wisconsin native also worked and recorded with music legends Jethro Burns and Joe Venuti in Chicago, and studied briefly with session great George Barnes in San Francisco. In1995, after years in various ensembles and a successful stint as a Nashville songwriter he launched a solo performance career and with the release of Swamp Dog Blues began to headline at concerts and festivals throughout the world. Soon after, Mike packed up his guitars and his fishing gear and moved from Nashville, Tennessee to a little mountain town in northwest Wyoming where he and his wife opened Wind River Guitar, a unique residency school for private master instruction. He’s released eight critically acclaimed albums on his Wind River Guitar label and two more for Solid Air Records. David Chamberlain, host of “Sagebrush Boogie”, WRFG FM, Atlantic called his most recent CD, Tracks, “One of the best recordings I have ever heard.” Mike shares a Grammy for his contribution to Pink Guitar, a collaborative compilation of Henry Mancini tunes arranged and performed by twelve of the country’s top acoustic guitarists. Pink Guitar, produced by Solid Air Records, was voted Pop Instrumental Album of the Year in 2005. Mike Dowling will be joined by Minnesota resonator slide-guitarist and songwriter Jeff Ray. Ray‘s music is rooted in the traditions of acoustic blues and American primitive fingerstyle guitar while also integrating Indian classical and world music styles under the cryptic guise of alternate guitar tunings. His music recalls early blues and rock, fingerstyle-folk, and Indian Carnatic music – sounding equal parts Ry Cooder, Grateful Dead and RL Burnside. Jeff has shared the stage with Chris Smither, Justin Townes Earl, Indigenous, Spider John Koerner, Earl Greyhound, Black Diamond Heavies, Pat Donohue, Retribution Gospel Choir, Dawes, and Charlie Parr, among others. He has earned recognition as a first-place winner of the Minnesota Blues Society “Road to Memphis” competition and placed second in the Trocadero’s Spotlight Songwriter Competition. JEFF RAY hosts the “Roots & Resophonics” concert series at the White Squirrel Bar on the 2nd Sunday of every month, 1-3pm, featuring a unique duo performance of the most talented local and regional musicians in the American roots genre.        

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. Collegiate Jazz Ensemble Performing compositions and arrangements by acclaimed women composers and arrangers in honor of Mother’s Day. The program will include works by Toshiko Akiyoshi, Patty Darling, Michele Fernández, Melba Liston, Ellen Rowe, Maria Schneider, and Mary Lou Williams. Abigail Clasemann, Dylan Halom, Chloe Lee, Gabe Mauer, Julia Peterson, Parker Rogers, Indigo Sabin, Anna Stednitz woodwinds Aiden Carlson, Sam Helgerson, Ethan Kalla, Arya Menk, Gracelyn Szynal trumpetsAidan Hansen, Aidon Huck, Zach Mangan, Adam Nordquist, Ian Ort trombonesAmelia Boerger vibes, percussion Holden Docherty bass Daniel Gordon drums Jorgen Halstensen piano Conor Jolly guitar Will Sorg bass Nathan Swanson drumsJack Asmus, Arya Menk, Gracelynn Szynal vocals Dave Stamps director The Gustavus Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Dave Stamps, is the premier 21-member concert jazz ensemble at Gustavus Adolphus College. Formerly known as the Gustavus Jazz Lab Band and Gustavus Stage Band, the Gustavus Jazz Ensemble recently celebrated its 50th year of excellence. Founded in 1970 by Dr. Mark Lammers, the ensemble is composed of students majoring in a diverse array of academic disciplines. The ensemble, affectionately known as GJAZZ, prides itself on its multifaceted repertoire of classic big band works and cutting-edge arrangements by today’s leading jazz composers. Gustavus.edu/finearts

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins one hour before showtime. Mother/Daughter, Cabaret, Heartwarming, Hilarious Erin Schwab and Jay Fuchs have been doing Mother’s Day Cabaret’s for over 20 years, but this time will be EVEN BETTER! They will be joined by Erin’s real life daughter, Sophie Todaro! This is going to be a show to beat ALL Mother’s Day shows. We will sing everything from Stevie Nicks to Stevie Wonder, Showtunes and Sing-A-Longs and of course it will also be hilarious and heart warming. Mary T had us book this show with Sophie after the last show we did together! If the owner of the club herself loves, you better get your tix!! Join us at Crooners for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12th at 5pm! Get your tickets now!!! Erin Schwab, Vocals Sophie Todaro, Vocals Jay Fuchs, Piano & Vocals 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 EriJay 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. Host Jason Matheson has been calling her “The Twin Cities Bette Midler” for years! 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! For more information go to etcproductions.info “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 @ErinSchwabMN on Instagram

“Ray B’s got his own bag. Song-wise, he’s kinda Mayfield, kinda old Nashville, kinda Gamble & Huff, kinda his own deal.”

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins one hour before showtimes. Jazz Manouche, Swing The Music of Django Reinhardt Past, Preset, and Future. Ryan Picone Quartet is back for their encore performance to showcase the music of Django Reinhardt in a way that shows the relationship of how Django’s music developed from the 1930’s to the style that is now prevalent all around the world known as, Jazz Manouche. Author Michael Dregni who wrote one of the most recognized biographies of Django’s life had this to say about Ryan Picone Quartet’s most recent album. “Swinging, sensual, moody, rousing — Ryan Picone Quartet’s music follows the trail of Django Reinhardt’s Gypsy jazz. Listening to these tracks, you can almost smell the campfire smoke and see the nighttime lights of Paris burning on the horizon. Bon voyage!” Come join Ryan Picone Quartet for a night that takes you for a journey that showcases the life and legacy of Django Reinhardt. Ryan Picone lead guitarTessa Nichols Meade violinIan Stenlund rhythm guitarMatt Blake bass Ryan Picone Quartet is a group that was put together to showcase the original compositions of Ryan Picone. The music has been written throughout different time periods in his life, and represents his connection to the music of Django Reinhardt. The band consists of Ryan Picone from The Red Hot Django Peppers, Ian Stenlund from The Mississippi Hot Club, Tessa Nichols Meade from the Cold City Heat, and Matt Blake from the Gentleman’s Anti Temperance League. This group is an all star group that brings together a new transfiguration of Jazz. RyanPicone.com

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!

Join internationally-renowned Elvis tribute artist Anthony Shore as he celebrates his May birthday -- and Mother's Day!Sunday, May 12, 20246 pm Doors // 7 pm Music$45 Premium Seating (includes early entry, premium seating & meet and greet)$30 Advance Reserved SeatingAll AgesTicket purchases are final and non-refundableJoin internationally-renowned Elvis tribute artist Anthony Shore as he celebrates his May birthday -- and Mother's Day! Along with his all-star band (horns! strings! backing singers!), Shore will present an evening of Presley classics, including hits from Elvis on the silver screen to an iconic Las Vegas-inspired set. A night of music to be remembered!About Anthony Shore:At the age of 3, Anthony received his first Elvis record, and his love of a legend was born. As a child, he practiced his singing, and by the age of 16, he was performing professionally. Before relocating to the United States in 2011, Anthony toured Europe, performing to sell-out audiences in Spain, Cyprus, France, Tenerife, and London. Since moving to the States, Anthony has received numerous awards and enjoys getting to know people as he performs in a variety of private, public, and corporate settings. Anthony’s versatility allows him to perform in venues of all sizes, and he sets himself apart by producing quality shows throughout the year with his All-Star Band.Website // Facebook // Instagram // YouTube

Contemporary, modern, Spanish and flamenco dance merge into classical, jazz and flamenco music, forming a suggestive staging.A one of a kind experience!Barcelona Flamenco Ballet (BFB) address the ever-present myth of Carmen intheir new project. This new recreation of Bizet’s work brings new elements fromflamenco that were previously unknown. It goes beyond the traditionalconception in which it has historically been categorised and adapts it to thereality of today’s contemporary society. The values for which Carmen is todaya woman of our time and the adaptation of flamenco music and ballet with thedistinctive stamp that characterises David Gutierrez, places the work in a newparadigm of the universal myth and flamenco of the 21st century.Barcelona Flamenco Ballet is already established as an internationally renowned company, recognized worldwide after its successes on the billboard of the best theaters in the world. Criticism, awards and public success endorse this company as one of the best dance companies from Spain!David Gutiérrez, after his worldwide success as the protagonist and creator of his previous shows "New Time" and "Trapped in Time", is consolidated with this third risk proposal thanks to his own, avant-garde and pioneering label that will not leave the public indifferent . Within the framework of modern flamenco, we present a groundbreaking and versatile show, a bet that vindicates both traditional and innovative flamenco.Barcelona Flamenco BalletDining is available Pre Show @ our Uptown Lobby offering Tapas and Spanish inspired plates.Make a ReservationParking is available at the Seven Points Ramp Across the Street, Off Street on 31st and Hennepin or At 1422 West Lake St, Minneapolis MN 55408

New Irish Trad Session, every Sunday at 8!

Every Tuesday, 5-7! Specializing in American roots music, Devil Dodger’s music draws on a range of themes from lost love, heartache, jail and going to his grandfather’s farm as a child.

The Third Edition of Crooners Classics – every Wednesday will have a 5 PM show highlighting a classic act from music history! Wednesday’s Crooners Classics The music of Rosemary Clooney, Patti Page, Connie Francis, Doris Day and Peggy Lee “The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade” is a truly entertaining show jam-packed with hit after hit from some of the best-loved female vocalists of all-time. You’ll not only hear fantastic music performed by an outstanding cast, Colleen Raye, Jennifer Grimm, and Debbie O’Keefe, but also take a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time. Accompanied by a trio of extraordinary musicians, the music has a “true to the era” sound with background vocals and instrumentals. Colleen Raye, Vocals Jennifer Grimm, Vocals Debbie Okeefe, Vocals Norton Lawellin, Piano and Musical Director Tom Lewis, Bass Steve Jennings, Drums Colleen Raye is the creator and producer of Girl Singers of the Hit Parade and has expanded Colleen Raye Productions to include over10 Shows spanning from The Great American Songbook and Rock and Roll to Contemporary and Country Music. Colleen, from Ellsworth, WI, began performing in the Twin Cities Area at age 15. She went on to win vocal competitions, perform in Vegas and Atlantic City, record several albums as well as teaching and inspiring students to learn not only performing but the business end of Music. The Girl Singers troupe includes Jennifer Grimm, a Twin Cities Super Star and Musical Director of Crooners and Colleen’s daughter, Debbie OKeefe, who performs with “The Hot Toddies” and Todd Matheson, is in several of Colleen Raye’s shows and is Colleen’s sister..With Musical Director Norton Lawellin on piano, Tom Lewis on bass and Steve Jennings on drums- the band is stellar! “Beautifully sung, well-paced and very entertaining! Highly Recommend!” — John H. Potter Executive Director, The Phipps Center For The Arts “A heaping helping of song, sound and memories!” — Ken Buell, Rosemary Clausen Performing Arts Center Girl Sings of the Hit Parade

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

The Beavers play an eclectic mix of “bluegrassy” traditional, oldie-pop hidden gems and originals.

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Jazz and Other Standards Vicky Mountain sings a romp through all things Spring. Birds and flowers (and a little “Blossom” Dearie), April, May, June (and a little “June” Christy), trees and sunshine and showers.standard or obscure, these songs and stories will delight. Vicky Mountain vocals Chris Lomheim piano Tom Lewis bass Singer Vicky Mountain is sassy, swinging, sultry, seasoned and surprising. Her warm tone and welcoming persona keep her audiences coming back for more. From standards to hip oldies, jazz to country, blues to bebop her selection of very cool tunes takes you back in time with musical memories – and makes new ones. Vicky is a long time teacher at MacPhail Center For Music and has recorded 4 CDs featuring her original songs and some of the Twin Cities best musicians. “Vicky weaves a jazz mood, turns songs into conversation and music into intimate theater. What makes a jazz singer a jazz singer? Listen to Vicky Mountain” – Andrea Canter

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes. Tuneful, Timeless, Classic Pop Brilliant Story Tellers and Phenomenal Musicians, James Taylor, Billy Joel and Cat Stevens can really touch the Heart and Soul! A special night of wonderful songs, including many singalong favorites. Jay Fuchs piano, vocalsJames A. Rocco vocalsAndy LaCasse guitar, harmonica, vocalsReid Kennedy drumsKris Stauffer bass Jay Fuchs, James A. Rocco and Andy LaCasse are all beloved veterans of the entertainment world. 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”. Jay has served as music director for the Governor’s Inauguration Ball, the Basilica of Saint Mary Annual Fund Raiser, and many more. For 27 years he was the Music Theory Department Head at McNally Smith College of Music. are all beloved veterans of the entertainment world. As a teenager, James A. Rocco made his recording debut, singing a few lines on Frank Sinatra’s album Watertown. He starred on Broadway in CATS, toured the country in Jesus Christ Superstar, and performed as The Witch in Into the Woods. In 2021 Broadway World cited him as Twin Cities Vocalist of the Decade for his work on Broadway Songbook®. Andy LaCasse is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and arranger. For over 30 years, he has been a favorite studio session player and live performance band member in all areas of the Twin Cities music scene.

Join us at 6:30 pm for The Bistro Showcase Hosted by Jun Sugiyama Featuring Kate Hanley & Sabel Peterson For more information visit our Events & Music Facebook page

“Mama Hellcats” Concert: Authentic and Passionate Performances by Talented Mothers to Raise Awareness for Domestic Violence Resources – May 16 at The Hook & Ladder Theater.

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. Folk/Americana, Heart-Full Lyrical Melodies Mama’s Table weaves together heart-felt, down home harmonies with ethereal tenderness. Singing stories of love, pain, redemption and hope, held by lyrical strings, scintillating piano and in-the-pocket groove. Carin Vagle VocalsChristina Pawlowski VocalsTerrie Costello VocalsRichard Kriehn Mandolin, Violin, GuitarDik Hedlund Bass Jordan Hedlund Piano, Accordion Noah Hoehn Percussion, Harmonica Mama’s Table is a multi-generational group of beloved Minnesota musicians. Formed through long lasting family connections, St Joan of Arc music community and collaboration, this group has heart. Carin A transcendent, singular voice and spirit, Vagle is a founding member of Sophia, The Poet Tree, Simple Gifts and has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra. She is currently singing with Marc Anderson, The Billy McLaughlin band and her husband, Benjamin. Christina A powerhouse soul and jazz singer, Pawlowski’s singing career blossomed in Chicago, and continued on in the twin cities, and is the Founder of “Cadenza Kids” at her family owned business Cadenza Music in St. Paul. Terrie A classic folk songbird, Costello has performed with various elite choral ensembles, and is a beloved elementary school teacher in Minneapolis. Dik Bassist and former member of the Al Jarreau and Bonnie Raitt touring bands, Hedlund is one of the most requested recording and performing musicians in the area. Richard A Nashville touring artist, Kriehn has played with the Guys All-Star Shoe Band, the House Band on A Prairie Home Companion, several symphony orchestras, bluegrass and country bands, and has been featured on broadcast Television appearances. Noah Singer-songwriter, music technologist and multi-instrumentalist, Hoehn endeavors to explore the intersection of the blues, tribal percussion and his classical training. Jordan As a freelance performer on piano, bass and drums, Jordan gets called to do a lot of fun shows, and can be found playing something on stage for InterAct Theater, Saint Joan of Arc Church, and recently Rhythm Street Movement. Mama’s Table- “The Eye”

Specializing in American roots music, Devil Dodger’s music draws on a range of themes from lost love, heartache, jail and going to his grandfather’s farm as a child.

The Belfast Cowboys celebrate their anniversary with us each summer and are returning to celebrate their third 20th anniversary with another party for all their fans!

Weekly trad session at the Dubliner.

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes. Vocal Jazz Trio Billy Peterson bassDavid Hazeltine pianoLucia Newell vocals

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes. Straight Ahead Jazz, Soul Jazz Drawing inspiration from legendary jazz and “happy sounding” pianists Ramsey Lewis, Les McCann, Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal and more. A journey through his world of jazz, weaving in joyful music inspired by these greats with fascinating, enlightening and, at times, very personal stories about these legends and his special relationships with many of them. Atlanta native Joe Alterman expresses a certain upbeat naivete, with a broad smile andbright eyes that make you feel welcome. Journalist Nat Hentoff championed three of Alterman’s albums, as well as his writing (Joe wrote liner notes to three Wynton Marsalis/JLCO albums), calling one of Joe’s columns “one of the very best pieces on the essence of jazz, the spirit of jazz, that I’ve ever read, and I’m not exaggerating.” Joe Alterman began at NYU with a BA and Masters in Jazz Piano from NYU and has since performed at many world renowned venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland and Blue Note alongside Houston Person, Les McCann, Dick Gregory, Ramsey Lewis, and his own trio, among others. It is clear Joe hits all of the necessary points for jazz critics and fans alike. “A very special artist.” –Ahmad Jamal JoeAltermanMusic.com

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. Contemporary Jazz, R&B A musical tribute to the music of Grover Washington Jr. Brian Kendrick drumsC. Harris percussionPatrick Nelson bassTommy Barbarella keyboardsDeevo guitarKevin Jackson vocalsJosé James saxophones José James, a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer is a three-time Minnesota Hall of Fame inductee as a member of Willie and The Bees, Shangoya and Ipso Facto. José started his solo career performing and making stage appearances with James Brown, Paul Williams, Doc Severinsen, Eddie Daniels, Bob Brookmeyer, Art Pepper, Bonnie Raitt, Rubén Blades, Ipso Facto, Alexander O’Neal, Tracy Chapman, Bernard Allison, Syl Johnson, Peter Frampton, Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, UB40, and Prince. “An original, Jose’s music speaks from the heart.” –Rubén Blades

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.

Dick Danaher, Nick Jordan and Dehl Gallagher play their mashup of Celtic-Swing-Tango-Polka-and-whatnot. Its all about the rhythm.

Get ready for some top notch pickin' and grinnin' at the Spring Coil Roots Music Fest - a celebration of music, community, and good vibes!Join us for a great day of Music, Food and Craft Cocktails on the Vandalia Tower Plaza for Spring Coil Roots Music Fest. Featuring a great lineup of local Bluegrass and Old-time Country artists, food and drink specials, makers market and more.We're starting things off hot with local bluegrass super group the Lake Monster Bluegrass band, playing a prolific brand of traditional bluegrass. Next is the classic country and Western-swing sounds of Potential New Boyfriend, followed by the great old-time harmonies of the Roe Family Singers. To cap it all off is the excellent, high energy Americana of Them Coulee Boys. All day long we'll have King Coil's Roman-style Pizza, a taco pop up from chef David, brews from Lake Monster Brewing, signature Spring Coil cocktails, and a preview of our newest spirit offering, King Coil Agave Spirit.

RSVP ON FACEBOOK EVENT DETAILS UNDER THE CANOPY @ The Hook AND LADDER THEATER Doors 6:00pm Music 7:00pm 21+ Reserved Seats: $40 GA: $25 ADV / $30 DOS RAIN or SHINE Tickets On-Sale Friday, March 1 at 10am *Does not include fees NO REFUNDS Thank you to our supporting partners: Summit Brewing, DuNord Social Spirits, Jack Daniels, Ganja, Mpls / St Paul Magazine, KFAI – Fresh Air Community Radio, Nobool Presents, The Brian Oake Show, Zen Arcade, Arbeiter Brewing, Moon Palace Books, Longfellow Rising, Lake Street Council, & The MN State Arts Board COVID-19 Policies EVENT DESCRIPTION Albert Castiglia / Indigenous Two multiple award-winning headlining acts – Albert Castiglia and Indigenous (featuring Mato Nanji) will be joining forces Under the Canopy for an incredible evening of rockin’ blues.   Miami-raised Albert Castiglia served an apprenticeship while backing legendary blues musician Junior Wells and later went on to work with singer Sandra Hall. Never content to allow himself to be confined to any particular category, he embarked on a solo career that’s yielded many critically-acclaimed albums and consist kudos for his exceptional instrumental prowess, his searing vocals, and live performances that have dazzled audiences from coast to coast. It’s little wonder that Miami’s New Times lauded him as South Florida’s “Best Blues Guitarist” or that USA Today was inspired to remark “It’s a revelation to discover the thrilling retro-electric blues from this astonishing young guitarist.” M Music & Musicians once noted, “His back-to-basics approach follows in the footsteps of those who fostered the blues in the Mississippi Delta and the smoky late-night haunts of Chicago.” “It may be a bit premature to crown Albert Castiglia America’s newest King of the Blues, but there’s little doubt that he at least deserves the title of heir apparent.”— Miami New Times If the last few years are any indication, that comment from the Miami New Times is certainly the case. In 2020, he won a Blues Music Award “Blues Album of the Year” – in 2023, he won both “Blues Rock Artist of the Year” and “Blues Rock Album of the Year.” Castiglia has never allowed himself to be confined to a musical genre and AllMusic said his style“combines hardcore blues with soul, rock, and country flavors for a sound that will appeal to rockers and purists alike.” Mato Nanji, longtime front man of Native American band Indigenous, improves his craft with each record. His playing and singing have never been better as he pushes himself to new personal bests.  The group’s music is motivated not only by blues and rock greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and B.B. King, but also by the social issues and cultural bonds of the Mato’s Nakota roots. They have won Native American Music Awards for “Blues Recordings of the Year” as well as “Artists of the Year” honors. Indigenous’ sophomore release, Circle, was produced and arranged by Stevie Ray Vaughan’s longtime friend and collaborator, the late Doyle Bramhall, Sr. Born and raised on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, front man Mato dedicates his latest release Time Is Coming to the indigenous youth and all young people on the indigenous reservations. In addition to his Indigenous ‘day job’, Mato Nanji has been a member of the critically acclaimed Experience Hendrix Tour since 2002.  Playing alongside original Jimi Hendrix band members Billy Cox and the late Mitch Mitchell, the tour roster includes some of today’s blues greats including Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Dweezil Zappa, Doyle Bramhall II, and Robert Randolph. Mato and fellow EHT tour mates  David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) collaborated on the hard-driving, psychedelic blues-infused 3 Skulls and the Truth disc.  The album’s no-holds barred setting is the ideal foundation for the three veteran axemen to simply ‘let it fly’. The Award-Winning* Under the Canopy series at The Hook & Ladder Theater returns with its uniquely seasonal urban footprint to the Longfellow neighborhood of South Minneapolis in 2024. *Voted Best in MN 2021 by Star Tribune readers. —– The Hook has committed to having a food truck Under the Canopy throughout the 2024 season for our guests. Come hungry and enjoy dinner with the show! 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.

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes. Country, Folk Featured tunes include “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Interspersed with personal recollections of growing up with John Denver’s music, as well as stories from friends and family that will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. And in a truly unique twist, audience members are invited to share their personal stories as well. Dennis CurleyDorian ChalmersNatalie NowytskiEmily Judge-BeckerLeo LenanderJoe CruzMatthew Zimmerman Dennis Curley is a native of Syracuse, NY, and a graduate of Northwestern University. He has composed music for four shows in the Church Basement Ladies series. Dennis is the arranger of Schoolhouse Rock Live! and Schoolhouse Rock Live Too! He tours the Upper Midwest with Country Roads: Dennis Curley Sings the Music of John Denver, and is a co-founder and executive producer of Table Salt Productions. “Tall, casually graceful, Curley did not attempt in any way to imitate Denver. He gave us a show performed with respect and love for the music of one of America’s all-time favorite artists.” –The Daily Reporter, Spencer, IA DennisCurley.com

An Irish and bluegrass inspired folk rock band, formed by lifelong musicians who accidentally met at the Minnesota Renaissance Faire.

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 75 minutes before showtimes. Classic 80s Pop Featuring songs from songwriter, former Commodore member and best-selling recording artist of the 80s. Johnnie Brown‘s raspy baritone voice and showmanship will take you back to the pinnacle of R&B music.

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.

Live Music from the FB Trio with Trop-drinks, great eats and a guaranteed rowdy time!