2010 Bands
WookieFoot
WookieFoot is a high energy magical phenomenon sustained by a beautiful family of players and believers. We are ordinary people supporting each other to do extraordinary things. It’s a joy to have collaborated with sooo many of you kids, and we are proud of the love our tribe is creating. You have nurtured these seeds we planted and we thank you for that. We hope you enjoy the fruits of this community as we are.
http://www.wookiefoot.com
Xavier Rudd
We have heard your calls! We can not even begin to describe how excited we are to have Xavier Rudd headlining Friday night with us at Harvestfest. We first saw him years ago as a one-man-band with 3 didjeridoos, 4 guitars, and more energy than I’ve ever seen a single person produce! Possibly the best show I have ever seen in my life! Perched on his throne of instruments, Xavier Rudd instantly hypnotizes every onlooker with his signature trio of didgeridoos, his lap steel guitar and the ability to play it all at once. Alongside his funked-out bass player and phenomenal percussionist, Xavier turns the entire set into an alarmingly unified and organic spectacle. Rudd believes his music is a gift from his ancestor’s and part of his journey is to share it and use it to connect with others. I know that once you experience his show, you will feel this connection. There’s no mistaking the genuine article!!!
Trevor Hall
Born in South Carolina and raised in California, Trevor Hall developed an affinity for summery acoustic music, from the beachside ambiance of Jack Johnson to the leisurely stroll of Bob Marley. Having spent his teenage years at a boarding school for the arts, Hall dedicated his life to music upon his high-school graduation. He self-released Lace Up Your Shoes in 2004; two years later, the teenaged Hall prepared for his major-label debut with Geffen Records. The Rascals Have Returned, an introductory EP produced by John Alagía, featured a soothing mix of reggae, folk, and roots rock. Sales were slow, however, and Geffen dropped Hall from their roster in 2008. Hall continued to tour, performing shows alongside the likes of Ben Harper, Matisyahu, and the Wailers. He also returned to the studio to record a self-titled sophomore album, which emphasized the artist’s reggae influences upon its release in 2009.
Beats Antique
Growing like wildfire under the canopy of live electonica and world roots music comes Beats Antique, a masterful merge of modern technology, live instrumentation and seductive performance. Beats Antique combines the sounds of the Middle East and orchestral gypsy music with the styles of hip-hop, brass band, downtempo, glitch and dubstep in a new collage of music that is mixed and broken down with clever breakbeats for an adept international flair. Beats Antique is producing an un-charted style of music by adding live horns, accordion, glockenspiel, viola, string quartets, kalimba, clarinet and various unusual instruments to their big beat arrangements.
That 1 Guy
For Berkeley, CA-based Mike Silverman, better known by his alter ego That 1 Guy, when it comes to making music, necessity is the mother of invention.
A classically trained upright bassist who won several jazz scholarships and competitions, Mike became one of the most original and in-demand upright bass players in the 90′s progressive jazz scene. At the peak of his powers, Mike was developing and utilizing techniques that were previously thought impossible on the upright bass. Often getting hired as a one-man-rhythm-section, he would function as a bassist, drummer, and entire mini orchestra simultaneously.
LYNX & Janover
LYNX and Jamie Janover create an diversified harmonic blend of all original hip-hop and down-tempo electronica grooves with folk style song writing, guitar playing, beat boxing, rhyming, amplified mini-kit percussion and the sounds of the hammered dulcimer.Together they have achieved the elusive perfect balance between the acoustic and the electronic, using today’s most advanced technologies mixed with ancient live instrumentation to create a unified sound reflective of the polarized nature of our times.
Ragbirds
Led by dynamic front woman and multi-instrumentalist Erin Zindle, The Ragbirds utilize an arsenal of instruments from around the world. Hailing Erin as “Highly impressive!” by USA Today and touted as “Astounding international electicism” by Reveal Arts, The Ragbirds are a fusion of folk rock and pop hooks over danceable world rhythms stirred with a Celtic fiddler’s bow. The Ann Arbor, MI-based project has released three studio albums, including 2009′s “Finally Almost Ready” produced by Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth). Performing nearly shows a year and crisscrossing over 30 States in a van powered by biodegradable waste vegetable oil, The Ragbirds live show invokes thinking, listening, and dancing. These festival favorites have performed rousing sets at Rothbury, 10,000 Lakes, Summer Camp, Hookahville, Ann Arbor Folk Festival, and many more.
Heatbox
The One Man Entertainment System, otherwise known as Heatbox, has been emerging in the Minneapolis music scene (“the 612”) for the better part of a decade. From rocking crowds in his humble beginnings with the Root City Band to selling out shows across the country, Heatbox’s unparalleled crossover between Motown, A cappalla, R&B, Hip Hop, Soul and Funk has gained National attention from both fans and the media alike.Creating beats and building songs from the ground up, Heatbox uses a Boss LoopStation RC-50 and a DigiTech Vocal 300 to create his songs. Recording each part as he goes, Heatbox’s music is live and in the moment. Using no tracks, samples, or pre-recorded music, each song and performance is distinctly unique.
Dead Man Winter (feat. Dave Simonette)
This guy normally plays in Trampled by Turtles but sometimes he just needs a little ‘me’ time. Featuring Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles
Pert Near Sandstone
Pert’ Near Sandstone is a new-timey stringband from Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, established in 2003. They play hard-driving acoustic music in the old-time vein, but with a fresh sense and new-time urban grit. Pert Near approaches the American stringband tradition with reverence, infusing their own ideas and character to deliver a sound and style uniquely their own. In Pert Near’s songwriting there is as much depth and diversity (and often quirkiness) as their traditional material. You’ll find this group gathered around a single, old-timey microphone in a choreographed dance of lyric & melody regardless of being in a rock venue or a formal theater. Their originality & energy has won them fans across generations and genres. Pert Near’s rhythm get’s people dancing, tight harmonies keep folks singing along, and the fiddle/mandolin melodies and hot solos tear a crowd up with energy. Having become a force in the Minnesota roots music scene, Pert Near Sandstone is streaching out along the rivers and roads of the region, picking up a following and teaming up with some great bands!
Euforquestra
Originally from Iowa City, IA, recently relocated to Fort Collins, CO, Eufórquestra has been touring more than ever and is continuing to take its cutting edge music in different directions. Their self-proclaimed “Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk” brings a rhythmic wall of sound, integrating such genres as Afrobeat, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Samba, Soca, Funk, Salsa, and Dub. This is music that ignites dance floors across the country with a sound that “explodes, dances and melts in your ear with sheer bliss”
Good Old War
Currently on Tour with Xavier Rudd !
Seldom do band members rebound gracefully after their main musical effort falls apart, but Keith Goodwin (vocals/guitar) and Tim Arnold (drums/vocals), members of the once up-and-coming progressive rock band Days Away have managed to do just that, pulling a 180 with their sound to a great degree of success in their new acoustic folk project Good Old War. Rounding out the trio is Dan Schwartz (guitar/vocals) from the Americana tinged 6 piece band, Unlikely Cowboy.
Unlike the recent trend among indie rock artists who have visited the country/folk genre, Good Old War makes no attempt to assimilate its music for the sake of novelty. There’s no fake twang in Keith Goodwin’s soft vocals, nor does the band try to overindulge itself by adding sounds by the harmonica or mandolin just for the sake of having them. Instead, this trio from Pennsylvania retains the intimate storytelling nature of folk-song structure, playing music for those who desire an emotive, lyrical experience without having to wade through pretentious or unnecessary musical gimmicks to get it.
Roster McCabe
Minneapolis based Roster McCabe combines funk, reggae, soul, techno and jazz into a very upbeat, energetic danceable show. Whether it’s a packed room of Roster McCabe fans at a club in Minneapolis or an afternoon set at a Festival in Austin, the crowds are enthusiastic – dancing and cheering the entire time. Roster McCabe tours tirelessly and have built a name for themselves as an excellent live act. They were named “New Groove of the Month” by jambands.com this past July.
The New Rebelution
New Rebelution is not just music… it’s a movement of people who want to better themselves for the sake of the planet, the universe. A movement to help people gain consciousness, and awareness of whats going on around them. A movement that promotes positivity and the realization that we are all mirrors, and that we all reflect upon one another. -The New Rebelution, conscious roots-rock-hiphop
Shoeless Revolution
The Twin Cities’ “Shoeless Revolution” was born in the belly of the local music ovens of La Crosse, Wisconsin. They’ve anvil’d their sound and aligned their rhythms to the worlds of Funk, Rock, and Pop creating a cinder shower of fast-soul-aerobic-fusion. One year ago they migrated to the Minneapolis/St. Paul arena and have been claiming the Twin Cities as their new stomping grounds. They’ve assembled a crowd of new ears and old by tailoring their songs to follow the gut of the dance floor, and hearken to the call of the funk-visceral-gods!
Useful Jenkins
Useful Jenkins is a spirited group that mixes campfire mystique along with a driven acoustic rock show. Their music takes you back to the front porch with a jug of shine and a foot stompin good time. The bands original songs are well crafted and will stick in your head long after the show. Their nicely placed cover tunes span their influences which include Yonder Mountain, Grateful Dead, and some traditional bluegrass. This is a show that will make you wanna kick off your shoes and dance away your cares.
Hyentyte
With a perfect blend of compositions and improvisations, Hyentyte has created a refreshing concoction that provides a musical fix for anyone in need of something fresh. Mixed in small batches, the band’s auditory brew continues to develop and mature with every show and provides audiences a unique flavor with every taste.
The Limns
[The Limns Bio]
Lunar Funk Theory
Sioux Falls based Lunar Funk Theory have been at it for over 6 years. During this time, they have developed a cohesive Jam Band sound that includes some funk, reggae, rock, blues, and even hip-hop, while growing a committed base of the best freaky, furry, fuzzy, fun loving fans. Inspired from music of all genres, the exceptional talent of each member is only surpassed by the melding of sound that can only be described as the Lunar Funk.
In April of 2010, Lunar Funk Theory released “The Living Tree EP.” The 6 track EP is only a sample of what’s to come as they progress on to their second Full Album release in early 2011. The title of the EP is inspired by a live painting by renowned artist, ArtGuy Chuck Hues, which features a tree that has come to life as the moon shines upon it… just as everything gets a little funkier in the lunar light.
Dead Larry
A delightful blend of psychedelic rock, dance and funk offers a look into the new generation of musicians and fans. Based out of Iowa City, IA, Dead Larry spreads a positive message to bring out a renewed feeling of passion and hope for anyone who listens. A group of 4 guys in their early twenties, Dead Larry loves to party and encourages the crowd to get up and moving. With a vast range of influences it’s hard to pin down the sound, but comparisons have been made to Modest Mouse, The Talking Heads, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Dead Larry encourages a community of friends and family (known as “The Family of Funky Friends”) that continues to support and grow with Dead Larry througout their adventures. Touring relentlessly across the country, Dead Larry is a psychedelic force to be reckoned with.
Cymatic
Have you ever thought to yourself, “What the hell is that smell?” Well, if you’re near the Cabooze on a Wednesday night, that scent tantalizing your nostrils it’s probably Cymatic’s ELECTRO-FUNK-RAWK stank pouring out of the front doors. Like a search dog you track it down, and this ain’t some lowly escaped convict hiding in the corner with chains wrapped around his ankles and wrists…hells no…You get 6 hard working fellas LAYIN’ IT DOWN week in and week out!
With newly teamed percussive duo of Zach Schmidt and Royce Rock, Bassist Leroy Kowasaki rounds out this filthy rhythm section. Evil guitarist Aaron Peterson and keyboard wizard Kevin Gastonguay rip out some of the meanist licks human ears can handle. Mitch Boerner tackles whatever song comes his way on the mic while stepping back to lend a percussive hand. Kevin Sinclair rounds out the group with his big brass stylings we all know and love. CYMATIC plays every Wednesday at the Cabooze, and wants nothing more than to melt your face.
The Histronic
The Histronic are the pioneers of the Minneapolis live electro scene, a trio specializing in a infectious brand of dance music, the past two years have been quite an adventure for the band; including their debut album being referred to as “the best jamband album of 2008″ by Jambands.com.
The growth of the group has been exponential; and their ability to push the musical limits on stage, coupled with a thick, rich, dance laden sound has helped them to earn coveted slots at such festivals as 10,000 Lakes Festival, Harvest Fest, Bella Madre, Loyal Earth Festival, Summerdance I & II, and Fat Fest. These monumental performances have led to the band performing for sold out crowds across the Midwest, and sharing the stage with such industry moguls as Pretty Lights, Umphreys McGee, Particle, EOTO, Lotus, and more. The Histronic combines the forces of drum and sample mastermind Stereo Adik (aka Matthew Mantle), synthesizer and keyboard guru West Fox (aka Kevin Dorsey), and bass man Gill Finn. Their live performance explodes with energy and ignites dance floors into complete hysteria. With another album in the works, and a growing fan base, the Histronic continues to build their following one dance party at a time.
Cirrus Minor
Cirrus Minor is a band a little different from most. While most bands pursue one genre of music and restrict their musical efforts to conform to society’s expectations of that style, Cirrus Minor is a psychedelic rock band birthed on the belief that all styles of music have something to offer. Their debut EP, “Awaiting Dilation” (released January 2009), flows from driven psychedelic rock to reggae, folk, and blues, touching on a variety of other genres. The live shows (available for free download at www.cirrusminorlive.com) take their musical vision even further, combining elements of jazz, funk, jamband, disco, hip-hop, electronica, gospel, and several other genres of well executed original material and improvisation to create a musical emotional roller-coaster. With marathon live sets of 2 – 4 hours, their music draws you in, keeps your attention, and maintains intensity and dancability. The vast amount of styles covered during a live show keeps each song fresh and exciting, while the musicianship of the members keeps each genre authentic sounding, with some notable exceptions where styles are manipulated to suit the song. With an ever-evolving laser-lights-projection setup and the level of improvisation at each show, every Cirrus Minor concert is a unique experience. The band formed in early 2008, and has brought their one-of-a-kind show to festival and venue stages around the Midwest to rave reviews for over a year and a half. Cirrus Minor is now in pre-production on their upcoming CD, due out early 2010 (more details soon), and will be on the road again in the spring.
Nicholas Mrozinski & the Feelin Band
Music that speaks to the heart & soul.
Nicholas Mrozinski is a vibrant, dynamic and multi-talented singer/songwriter from Saint Paul, MN. Nicholas is making music that is connecting with people, all around the world, on a deeply human level. Nicholas’ music is fully integrated, incorporating many schools of music and thought. His truly unique sound, typically described as “Alternative Soul-Folk” or “Conscious Global Pop” is passionate, intelligent, and captivating. His powerful voice, enriching lyrics, and liquid piano playing truly set him apart and are the reason Skope Magazine calls him “an authentic artist of this millennium.”
Sans Souci Quartet
The Sans Souci Quartet has jumped into the Twin Cities music scene with a unique blend of bluegrass, folk rock and innovation. The instruments are traditional, the voices authentic, the words sometimes plaintive, but the arrangements are unique and refreshing.
Jake Dilley & The Color Pharmacy
After moving to Minneapolis in 2006 he started work on his second “alternate soundtrack/video art project,” which was finished in late 2007. JD created original music and video to accompany the 1957 French film, The Red Balloon. Signed to Covalent Records in the earlier part of this year, Jake is currently at work on a 3D video show and concept album, T.R.I.P.S., to be premiered at an Imax near you. Recent performances boast multiple video projections, and have recently expanded to include a revolving door of the Twin Cites top musicians, artists, and filmmakers to aid the ever-evolving creation process that is Jake Dilley and The Color Pharmacy
Matt Ray
Born on the prairies of western Minnesota, Matt Ray is a self-taught musician who was surrounded by music growing up. Both Matt’s mother and father were active musicians, and Matt was often found sleeping in guitar cases or behind drum sets as a young child.
Painfully shy, and somewhat socially awkward, Matt’s style stems from a variety of sources, that are as diverse as Matt’s musical background. Blues, folk, jug band, and rock are just a few of the styles you can expect to hear when you see Matt perform.
Not only is his style unique and entertaining, but Matt’s performances are often filled with storytelling and musical history. As someone once said about his performance, “He may not hit every note technically right, but I can guarantee that you will FEEL his performance right down to your bones!
Gypsy LumberJacks
[Gypsy LumberJacks Bio]
P.B. & The Jam
Having an unprecedented musical birth on the far north side of a distant Funk Nebula, P.B. & The Jam, in it’s genesis stages, was comprised of gray matter & whatever was left of the Gods’ sense of humor. From the tips of the Fates long-stretching fingers assembled a cast of locally-renowned Minneapolis musicians who would make a pact with one another to forthwith rock out without regard for aural capacities. KEVIN GASTONGUAY, keyboardist & Dr. Seuss of musical masterpieces, brings insanely unique melodies & blazing piano lines coupled with TRENT BAARSPUL’s uncanny ability to seemingly pick up on each individual phrase & translate it into a guitarist’s universe and then take it to that upper epsilon providing for a solid foundation for a funky peanut butter sandwich. The jelly is mixed with a horn section that don’t quit, comprised of saxophonist, JOSEPH McCAULEY, and trumpeter, AARON WIENER, and a rhythm section that’ll light your pants on fire guaranteed to hit ‘cha where the good Lord split ya. The steady sticks of drummer SASSAN SCOTT ZAKER & bass thunder of CHRISTOPHER HUNNICUTT are never apt to leave you standing without vibrating. Lest we forget the last piece of this motley puzzle, DJ NIMO “THA HOOLIGAN,” the DJ hostess with certainly the very mostest, on the one’s & two’s givin’ you that shiver in your bones that won’t leave without giving a fond farewell. P.B. & The Jam is a raucously great time & solemnly swears to, like Dairy Queen, always treat you so right…
www.myspace.com/PBandtheJAMmusic
I Like You
Whimsically crafted words and melodies from the heart and mind of Wendy O’ Sunshine are combined with elements of folk, pop, reggae, and gypsy jazz to create a catchy glimpse into a silly, hopeful world of love and unity. Based in Minneapolis, Sunshine’s smooth melodic vocals are supported by her unique, upbeat ukulele style and the talents of her fellow band mates; Ryan and Jayme on acoustic guitar, Joe on upright bass, Flo on trumpet and David on drums. We aspire to inspire by putting a perpetual smile on your face, a groove in your soul, and joy in your heart, because we really do like you!
And, since we all know, live music is an experience – we hope you will come out and experience life with us. Because, we really do like you. 
www.myspace.com/ilikeyouperiod
Johnson Family Band
The Johnson Family Band is a collection of musicians from the Fargo Moorhead area that came together from a variety of musical backgrounds to celebrate a common love of folk music. We met in bars and classes we took together in college, and have spent the past few years playing small town bars, barn dances, parties, venues, and festivals. The music is rooted in a traditional mountain feeling, but draws influence from jazz and rock-and-roll as well. We have had the honor of sharing the stage with such artist as the Hackensaw Boys, Charlie Parr, Trampled by Turtles, The White Iron Band, Pert’ Near Sandstone, and Head For the Hills. We have been fortunate enough to play extensively in the Fargo-Moorhead area as well as South Dakota Wisconsin, and Colorado. This Summer, we had the opportunity to perform in the Mishiwaka Ampatheatre, the Aggie Theater, and the streets and bars of Telluride Colorado. We have been fortunate enough to perform at such festivals as the New Earth Festival, Log Jam, Bella Soul, Flow Jam, Soul Patch, Project Earth, and the 10,000 lakes festival. Our first studio album “Old Ruby” was released May 21st, 2007, recorded locally at Video Arts studio. The line up consists of Tom Johnson on dobro, Eddie Velo on Banjo, Mark Reitan on mandolin, Pete Hoffman on guitar, Ross Cameron on Upright Bass, and ms Haley Rydell on Fiddle.
www.myspace.com/johnsonfamilyband
Dustin Thomas
Dustin Thomas is a melody driven 3 piece folk/rock group out of Foley, MN. Forming in the fall of 2009, this versatile band has performed over 30 different venues across the country. While drawing influences from Bob Marley, Jackson Browne, and Sam Cooke, Dustin Thomas adds a modern twist, creating a flavor that is unmistakably their own. With a diverse sound ranging from driving guitars on “Angels” to the delicately picked melodies and skillful storytelling of “G.U.T.S.” Dustin Thomas is sure to give you a sound so endearing you’ll feel as if it was written for you. Within minutes you’ll find that each song is a carefully crafted canvas or simply a moment of passion, a celebration of joy. Give them 12 bars: if the bright harmonies and rhythms don’t have you at the edge of your seat by then, it will only be because you’re already up on your feet and dancing.
http://www.myspace.com/dustinthomas
Jon Eric
Jon Eric is best known for his banjo skills. His dedication and years of playing have led him to become a legend in pushing the boundaries of what the banjo can sound like. His versatile style of playing has also been characterized as a harmonic melting pot of Funk and blues. In addition to banjo, his expertise includes guitar, vocals, and dobro, and keys. Jon Eric is closely involved in his local community of Iowa City, and he also travels nationally for performances. Jon Eric is one-of-a-kind!.
Pre-Apocalyptic Junkyard Orchestra
In short, PJO is the the music our grandparents or great-grandparents would have listened to if they were as off-set as we are. Born in a mid-western basement and pushed out into the cold harshness of local alleys and bars, The Pre-Apocalyptic Junkyard Orchestra carry their banner of blind optimism and death defying acrobatics to the world that despises their very existence. With brave persistence and a knack for playing good ol’ fashioned folk, string, and accordion music with a twist, this crew is charging forward where few have dared tread before. Adrenaline, alcohol, four part harmonies, a violin, upright bass, guitar, banjo, accordion, and a behind the scenes godfather combine to make this one of the fastest growing acts west of the Mississippi. Together for only six months, there have been members joining, members dismembered, and mothers terrified for their children’s safety. Keep your wits about you when they show up in your town or you might just be beaten for no reason.
http://www.myspace.com/junkyardorchestra
Katey Bellville
Katey Bellville’s roots run deep in the Midwestern Music Community. Her father (Rod Bellville) has been a staple in the Old Time Music Scene for decades. Katey grew up in the hills of rural Wisconsin surrounded by music both from her father, and the countless musicians passing through who performed with him. She developed her own style, forging her way into being a musical staple in her own right. She has performed in collaboration with the likes of Garrison Keillor on “A Prairie Home Companion” and Alison Krauss at the “Ryman Theater – Grand Ole Opry”. Her unforgettably beautiful voice, and epic song writing that blends modern pop with rootsy folk… and a side order of yodeling, makes for a genre breaking musical experience enjoyable for both young and old alike.
http://www.www.myspace.com/kateybellville
