The MnBS participates in the International Blues Challenge by sending a band and a solo/duo act to the competition which usually held in January. We have had great success as several of our bands and solo/duos have reached the semifinals and two of our acts have reached the finals. Our most recent band competitor placed third in the worldwide competition.   As part of the competition every IBC band or solo/duo acts competes the first two nights of the competition in two different locales on Beale Street in Memphis.  The IBC judges select an act from each location to compete against other semi finalists to choose who goes on to the finals on Saturday! The Challenge also features a “Best Self Produced CD” contest and offers a “Youth Showcase” to encourage young up and coming blues artists. MnBS has also been recognized for our “large contingent” of fans at IBC week in Memphis! 

“This free and opened to the public event celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month. It is co-sponsored by the Musician Performance Trust Fund, Twin Cities Musicians Union, and Jazz Central Studios; featuring four of the finest Big Bands in our local music scene today.”

Season Finale

Raised on Radio will be performing all your favorite Alabama songs, $5 cover charge at the door

Casual Sunday Blues Jam where players can sit in with a house band or do their own thing. Straight forward Chicago style shuffles and simple grooves.

Hosted by Tim from Gospel & Gravel and Janet Wirth EVERY Monday! Enjoy Live Music Performances from 6:00pm-9:00pm or come show off a talent all your own! All music styles welcome so come on in! Sign up starts at 5:30pm!

The Dan’s featuring special guest Richard Kriehn (Prairie Home Companion, Travis Tritt)!  2 sets of Swing, Country,  Blues, and whatever else they come up with!

Sing along! Songs of resistance, protest, labor & struggle. 

Cause for Concern: Cause for Concern is a dynamic 3-piece rock band known for their originality and vibrant energy. Their music features a blend of groovy, blues-infused tracks with psychedelic, fuzzy elements and memorable hooks that leave a lasting impression. Hailing from Minneapolis, MN, the band formed in 2023 and features Max Buffie on lead vocals and guitar, Saren Taing on bass, and Jonathan Magati on drums. Duck Bomb: Founding members Gavin Schultz (vocals and bass), Jonah Beck (guitar) and Josh McCullough (drums) came together in 2021 to form a band. During the release process of Bottom Text (2023), the name Duck Bomb was chosen for the group, with Jacob Wegier (guitar) joining later that year. Influences of pop punk and heavy metal clash to form a high energy modern alternative sound of contrasting highs and lows. Equipped with catchy choruses and lyrical narratives on conflict and growth, Duck Bomb has something for everyone to enjoy, from casual listeners with an itch for something explosive to active listeners with a hunger to dive in. Threads Electric: Indie/ electronic/ rock duo Threads Electric just released their debut album “Breath and Bones.” Multi-instrumentalists Joe Capacete and Brian Perry DIY recorded their album and the result is 100% bangers. Their live performance is expressive, dynamic, and danceable

With large dance floor for all

Confirm with venue for all shows and artist lineup

Unattractive Giant Monster – Unattractive Giant Monster is a post genre, weirdo sewer punk band from the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Fueled by hot dogs and inspired by bands like The Dead Milkmen, Devo, and  Diarrhea Planet, UGM is ready to party. Cut Rate Clones – Cut Rate Clones formed when four dads trawling Craigslist decided to get together to play punk rock instead of joining a bowling league or whatever dads usually do. Since 2022 they have slowly and meticulously crafting a set of original songs reminiscent of late 70s east coast punk and 90s ska punk refined into a modern mash up that will get your head bobbing and your feet skanking. Listening to the Cut Rate Clones will make you smarter, faster, more attractive, increase self confidence, and basically make all your dreams come true.   Ruben – Ruben is a Rock ‘n Soul band from various parts of the Twin Cities metro region in Minnesota. With each member taking lead vocal turns, the songs are often rich with beautiful melodies, close 4 part harmonies and warm horns.

Crooners Classics – every Wednesday at 5:30 PM we will celebrate the beloved musical treasures of yesterday. Limited Menu Available Wednesday’s Crooners Classics An Evening of Classic 1967 Greatness! Erin and Jay Cabaret are bringing back one of their most popular shows and some fantastically sentimental songs from The Mamas and the Papas, Jefferson Airplane, and Simon and Garfunkel to Vicky Carr, Bobbie Gentry and the Musical HAIR! They always Let The Sunshine In and you will be California Dreamin! Erin Schwab: 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. Jay was the head of the Theory and Composition Department at McNally Smith College of Music and Erin was on the Voice & Ensemble Faculty there. 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. Erin is the audience coordinator and a regular Jason Show contributor on Fox 9. She also is a Director of Educational Theater and a teaching artist and one of the co-founders of ETC Productions, a new educational theater company here in the Twin Cities! “The Twin Cities’ Bette Midler” –Fox 9 Host Jason Matheson

“Best of Rock with a Twist of 80’s Pop.”

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

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.

Weekly radio show on KFAI Radio 90.3 (4-6pm) The party continues at 331Club

The Minnesota songwriter showcaseTwin Cities tradition since 2005Curated by Nick Hensley of Love Songs for Angry MenFeatures 12 up-and-coming and veteran songwriters every Wednesday from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM September through May.FREE SHOWFor more information message us at: https://www.facebook.com/MNsongwritershowcase

Emmett will take you on a journey from the Farm Crisis of the 1980s, through mechanization of quarrying towns, to a letter to a soldier deployed in Afghanistan, to the billionaire space race.

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 60 minutes before showtimes. Pop / Progressive Rock Formed in 2023, The Super Tramps have quickly risen to prominence as one of the premier tribute bands dedicated to honoring the legacy of Supertramp. The Super Tramps deliver performances that leave audiences in awe. From the haunting vocals to the intricate instrumentals, every note is crafted with precision, capturing the essence of Supertramp’s timeless music. Whether it’s the soaring melodies of “Give a Little Bit” or the intricate arrangements of “The Logical Song,” The Super Tramps recreate the magic of Supertramp with intensity and passion, ensuring that fans old and new experience the thrill of a live Supertramp performance. Mark O’Day: DrumsPaul Boblett: BassMark Mraz: KeyboardsJesse Mueller: KeyboardsSteve Lehto: GuitarsRich Manik: Sax, Harp, ClarinetJohn Heinen: Lead Vocals, Acoustic GuitarTodd ‘TJ’ Johnson: Lead VocalsLisa Pallen: Backing VocalsJordan Roll: Backing Vocals The Super Tramps is comprised of some of the top performing musicians in the Twin Cities area. The Super Tramps Website

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. An Evening of Great Acoustic Hits Experience the Greatest Acoustic Hits from James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Peter, Paul & Mary – Michael’s originals and more! Tunes: If You Could Read My Mind, A Case Of You, Moonshadow, Up On The Roof, Wintersong, Forever Young. Expect the best acoustic hits: “Sundown,” “Wild World,” “Feelin Groovy,”“Peace Train,” “Hard Headed Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Bristlecone Pine,” “Two In Love,” “May You Never.” These tunes inspire fond memories, spark your imagination and stir your soul! Michael Monroe: Vocals, Guitar, Bamboo/Crystal Flutes & LIVE Looping “Minnesota Acoustic Music Master,” (Star Tribune) and Emmy Award-winning, Michael Monroe will be singing and playing guitars built on the North Shore with 200 year-old wood from the bottom of Lake Superior and flutes of crystal and bamboo. From vinyl to digital, Michael Monroe is now in his 6th decade of performing nationally in concert, festival, corporate and educational settings. He has travelled many miles since his first paid performance for an audience of 4000 in Asbury Park, NJ and recording his first demo over 4 decades ago in a “chicken coop” studio owned by Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary. michaelmonroemusic.com

Live Music Every Thursday we bring a little Celtic twist to our English pub with Celtic Jam at 7pm!  An open jam session available to anyone that wants to join in!  Open to all ages and talent levels.

Schedule may change during Xcel Events

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 90 minutes before showtimes. A Night of the Best Classic Rock! his rockin’ six piece band covers the greatest artists from the greatest era of rock and roll! With classic hits from The Doobie Brothers, Styx, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Linda Ronstadt, Janis Joplin, The Doors, Heart and many more, Renegade has it covered! This group of fine singers and musicians will blow you away with their versatile vocals and classic riffs. Casey Smith: Lead Vocals and Guitar Marisa Kirckof: Vocals Trevor Wiest: Lead Guitar Craig Smith: Bass Casey Smith is a multi-talented vocalist and electric guitarist originally from the greater Fargo area. He fronts Renegade’s male vocals with a relaxed yet magnetic energy to whatever space or audience he plays for. When Casey hasn’t been playing with Renegade, his latest venture has been touring with country music artist Chancey Williams, touring the United States and playing for amazing events such as National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and the Grand Ole Opry! www.divas-entertainment.com

The Hook & Ladder Theater is very proud to present a very special event celebrating the 98 year-old birthday of legendary twin-city performer, James Samuel ‘Cornbread’ Harris Sr., his band of Friends and some very special guests!

Structured Jam

Mind bending…Rocking…Reality re-imagined…Groovy…Makes the case for a better place

Scottie Devlin’s Test Site 67 is a local super group! These guys will make you laugh, dance and listen. Wide range of covers songs and their own. Never a dull moment.

Doors 7pm List 8pm

No cover–light fare available from 4:30pm to 9:30pm. Full-menu available until 8:30pm. Bar and table seating offered – NO RESERVATIONS Jacy Smith: Vocals, Piano Maggie’s Piano Lounge is a warm, relaxed and inviting space featuring a variety of seasoned singers and piano players. No cover. Order all of your favorite Crooners drinks and dinner items, experience superb service, and enjoy the great music!

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Manouche Swing Jazz “Hot Club” Quartet, a Twin Cities-based swing Jazz band, performs a timeless jazz tradition commonly known as Gypsy Jazz, a blend of traditional Roma music and swing jazz. Originating in Paris in the early 1930s, the ‘Hot Club’ jazz tradition brings back happy memories of the swing jazz era, and for all an opportunity to nod, tap, or hit the dance floor. Their music keeps audience members on the edge (or out) of their chairs due to the band’s formidable improvisational prowess, exceptional stylistic dimension. – a group not to be missed. Glen Helgeson: Guitar Gary Schulte: Violin Steve Pikal: Bass Jay Epstein: Drums Composing and performing for nearly three decades, Glen Helgeson has established himself jointly in both world music and in the field of music therapy. Glen has recorded eight CDs with combined sales of over 50,000 units. His professional recognitions include: A Minnesota Music Award for “Best Instrumental, Experimental, Environmental” album; A Minneapolis Walker Art Center commissioned grant for the Sculpture Garden; and the Jazz Composer Grant from the West Bank School of Music. Glen achieved a Masters degree in Music (1999); a certification in Neurologic Music Therapy (2003), and has performed professionally for over 30 years. Gary Schulte is a master improvisor and performance composer to whom Stephane Grappelli gave his most sincere blessing. A veteran of A Prairie Home Companion, he has done everything from classical improvisation with harpsichord master Layton James to the avant garde with David Byrne, and extensive collaborative work with groups such as Ballet of the Dolls, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, and Zorongo Flamenco. Sought after as a jazz violinist, he has gigged with some of the greatest artists of the Gypsy Jazz genre, including guitarist legend Dorado Schmitt. A performance graduate of Indiana University School of Music, Schulte studied with Paganini virtuoso Rugierro Ricci. Steve Pikal is highly regarded as a first call bass player from the Minnesota Twin Cities area jazz scene. He has had the pleasure backing shows with legendary performers such as Cab Calloway, Bob Hope, and Margaret Whiting. Some of his additional playing credits include the Jim Cullum Jazz band, Butch Miles, Artie Shaw Orchestra, the Barbary Coast Dixieland Show band, Dick Hyman, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jon Weber, Danny Coots, Brian Holland, the Wolverines Big band, Butch Thompson, Hal Smith, John Cocuzzi, Jeff Barnhart, The Midiri Brothers, and the Bill Evans New Orleans Jazz band. Jazz drummer, Jay Epstein, has an extensive career as a performer, recording and touring artist. He’s been on 7 European tours with pianists Bill Carrothers & Giacomo Aula. Some of the notable artists he has performed with include the rock band Gypsy, Barney Kessel, Roseanna Vitro, Manfredo Fest, Sheila Jordan, Karrin Allyson, Kenny Werner, Howard Levy, Toots Thielemans, and Sarah Vaughan. His CDs, ‘Long Ago’ & ‘Easy Company’, featuring bassist Anthony Cox and pianist Bill Carrothers, have garnered luminous reviews in the international press. Current bands include Red Planet, Klezmerica, Framework,Firebell, and Gypsy Mania. “Gypsy Mania, Central Park, Roseville. It was amazing to see this kind of Minnesota musical talent, so dedicated to the fun and energy of 1930s swing jazz, carry on the tradition with such enthusiasm and skill” . Al Don – Pick Six Minneapolis Star Tribune worldviewmusic.com

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes. A Night of Great Big Band Jazz! St. Olaf Jazz I is the premier large jazz ensemble at St. Olaf College. Composed of 21 members, the award-winning band is led by Dr. Joseph L. Jefferson. The jazz program at St. Olaf is home to two ensembles that perform both on and off-campus concerts every academic year. These versatile groups perform in a variety of musical styles including swing, bebop, fusion, funk, salsa and Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and traditional jazz idioms. Joseph L. Jefferson, director and trombonist is an award-winning educator that currently serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Ensembles/Applied Jazz Trombone at St. Olaf College. Director: Joseph L. Jefferson Joseph L. Jefferson is an award-winning educator who currently serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Ensembles/Applied Jazz Trombone at St. Olaf College. His extensive training in classical and jazz music has made him a versatile performer, playing as a soloist and chamber musician in Symphonic, Jazz, and Commercial settings both nationally and internationally. His numerous honors and awards span across the scholastic and musical spectrum, including being selected among the “Yamaha 40 under 40” Class of 2023 and receiving the 2022 Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Jazz Educator of the Year award from the Jazz Education Network. As a performer, Dr. Jefferson has shared the stage with a plethora of talented groups and artists such as Vanessa Williams, Sean Jones, The Cab Calloway Orchestra, and international R&B artists Dwele and Raheem Devaughn. In addition to his impressive resume, Dr. Jefferson is also a frequent clinician/consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center. WP.StOlaf.edu/jazz

Our friends at KFAI Community Radio (90.3FM) turn 47 this year and we’re helping them celebrate by throwing a free party. The station went on the air in 1978 with studios located in Walker Church and has been the voice of our community ever since. For their birthday celebration, they have curated an entertaining evening of music and fun.

Join us for Tim Sigler LIVE at the Narrows Saloon!

Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 90 minutes before showtimes. Salsa with Strings! Take a musical journey with Charanga Tropical and its repertoire of romantic boleros, modern salsa, and Cuban classics. The ten band members perform as a ‘charanga,’ one of the few in the United States, with an instrumentation that dates back to the roots of Cuban music. The sound combines violins, flute, vocals, and full Latin rhythm section. The beautiful blend of smooth strings and Caribbean beats inspires visions of Old Havana at sunset. Damian Rodriquez: Vocals Frank Rivery: Vocals Doug Little: Flute) Aja Majkrzak: Violin Ana Frómeta: Violin Kristi Petraborg: Viola Mariano Flores: Timbales Andrew Gillespie: Congas Joe Strachan: Piano Graydon Peterson: Bass Founded in 2006 by flutist and bandleader Doug Little, Charanga Tropical brings together Cuban and American musicians whose collective accomplishments include international tours, multiple CDs, major grant awards, Latin Grammy nominations, and more. Charanga Tropical has appeared at major festivals and venues throughout the Midwest. In 2019 the band backed up Grammy-winning Cuban singer Mayito Rivera. In 2015 Charanga Tropical became the only American group ever to perform at Havana’s International Danzón Festival. While on tour they played on national Cuban radio and at venues in and around Havana. Charanga also recorded in the same historic Havana studio that produced Buena Vista Social Club. The resulting CD ‘In Cuba’ captures the magic of that legendary studio space and landmark tour. “On a hot summer day no one else can make downtown Minneapolis feel so much like South Beach, Miami.” –Star Tribune CharangaTropical.com

This installment of Teleport differs from the previous ones in a few ways. For one, Teleport 004 will feature ambient and downtempo music.

Since forming in 2006, The High 48s have been making music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude, original songs and a wide range of influences far beyond Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt and Scruggs.In a genre created and dominated by artists from the South, The High 48s were born and raised in the Upper Midwest. And in a music scene where playing standards is the norm, The High 48s are a band of songwriters who perform their own material in addition to the “festival favorites.”Music 11am - 1pm

Dinner and drinks service starts 1 hour before showtimes. Gypsy Jazz A showcase of great works that were inspired by the legendary guitarist, Django Reinhardt. Ryan Picone: Guitar Tessa Nichols Meade: Violin Ian Stenlund: Guitar Taylor Smith: BassRyan 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. In 2023 the Ryan Picone Quartet released their debut album titled – I Awake dedicated to the legendary Django Reinhardt. The album has received great praise from the Django community including author Michael Dregni. In 2024 RPQ played their first Django Festival along side with musicians like Joscho Stephan and Sam Farthing. Review by author; Michael Dregni. “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!” www.ryanpicone.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 Tom Hunter: Piano, Vocals Maggie’s Piano Lounge is a warm, relaxed and inviting space featuring a variety of seasoned singers and piano players. No cover. Order all of your favorite Crooners drinks and dinner items, experience superb service, and enjoy the great music!

Cassie Brady Trio: “Improvised songs on the spot!” Cass Magpie: “The beautiful, contemplative indie folk of Driftless songwriter Cassie Brady.” Friend Dog: “Eclectic sounds with a head in the clouds”

Join us at the Historic Chateau Theatre for a night of blues with Charlie Parr! Opening acts TBA.Treedome Presents: Charlie Parr at the Historic Chateau TheatreSaturday, May 3rd6:00pm Doors // 7:00pm Show$25 adv. // $35 dosAll AgesCHARLIE PARRIn the music of Charlie Parr, there is a sincere conviction and earnest drive to create. The Minnesota-born guitarist, songwriter, and interpreter of traditional music has released 19 albums over two decades and has been known to perform up to 275 shows a year. Parr is a folk troubadour in the truest sense: taking to the road between shows, writing and rewriting songs as he plays, fueled by a belief that music is eternal and cannot be claimed or adequately explained. The bluesman poet pulls closely from the sights and sounds around him, his lyrical craftsmanship built by his influences. The sounds from his working-class upbringing—including Folkways legends such as Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie—imbue Parr’s music with stylistic echoes of blues and folk icons of decades past. Parr sees himself merely as a continuer of a folk tradition: “I feel like I stand on a lot of big shoulders,” he said in an interview. “I hope that I’ve brought a little bit of myself to the music.”Tickets on sale 11/12 at 10:00AM

Join us for Renegade LIVE at The Narrows Saloon