Bands

Bands
Band Booking is full, we are no longer accepting band submissions...
We are still interested in hearing from Dance Troupes (not fire), live paint, sculptors,
and all other creative performance...

[Click on band name for bio ]

Below is a bit of info on each of the bands we have lined up to play for you at this years Bella Fest. Be sure to check back often, as we will be adding more bands as the fest draws closer.

Pretty Lights
All Pretty Lights music is available for FREE download via PrettyLightsMusic.com

Pretty Lights is the musical vision of the ultra-versatile Colorado based producer Derek Vincent Smith, accompanied in the live setting by drummer, Cory Eberhard. Together these two achieve a raw energy rarely reached in the realm of electronic music.

At a time when music lovers from almost all subcultures and genres are finding common ground in the basic form of bangin' beats, Pretty Lights is giving the people what they want; electro organic cutting-edge party rocking beats that fill venues with energy and emotion and send dance floors into frenzies. And the people are responding. Pretty Lights' three albums, Taking Up Your Precious Time, Filling Up The City Skies, and Passing By Behind Your Eyes have been downloaded over 500,000 times from PrettyLightsMusic.com.

A 2009 sold out North American tour propelled Pretty Lights into 2010 with the first tour dates in the UK and Europe and a nationwide spring tour including stops at Coachella, SXSW, and Ultra Music Festival.

Keller Williams
Keller Williams has built a career on his uncanny ability to captivate a packed house—all by himself. He’s been called a "one-man band." A "solo cult-hero." "Music’s mad-scientist." All of which are clever labels for what seems to be an essential truth: On stage, Keller Williams works alone. For over 100 shows a year, Williams has proven himself to be a master of improvisational performance art. In his one-man show, he pads barefoot from guitar to bass to percussion stations, using looping effects—and enough instruments to stock a strip-mall music store—to layer sound atop sound until the stage swirls with a full-blown composition. While Keller has made liberal use of technology throughout his career, he knows that musicianship is ultimately a human undertaking. With a seemingly unquenchable thirst for all genres of music - bluegrass, jazz, and—who’d-a-thunk-it—hard rock – occasionally Williams puts unyielding faith in a backing band. Whether performing with solo or with Grateful Grass, Keller, Moseley, Droll and Sipe or Grunge Grass (just a few of his “band” projects), Keller Williams knows best how to please a music hungry crowd.

Robby Krieger's Roadhouse Rebels
The Doors guitar legend Robby Krieger has sold over 70 million albums, and is listed in Rolling Stone's ranking of the 100 Greatest Guitarists. For this special appearance, he'll perform with an allstar lineup of top players from the Los Angeles rock scene. Billed as Robby Krieger’s Roadhouse Rebels, the band will debut original material, plenty of improvisation, as well as songs from each band member's repertoire (Oingo Boingo, The Doors, Particle, etc.). Robby has toured most recently with Doors band mate Ray Manzarek, and was also one of the featured guitarists on tour with the acclaimed Experience Hendrix Tour. This Bella Vida show will also reunite Robby with world renowned bassist John Avila (the two worked together on one of Robby's albums), and innovative keyboardist Steve Molitz (Particle, Phil Lesh & Friends), who most recently toured internationally with the global musical phenomenon, Playing For Change. Krieger and Molitz have shared the stage over the years in various projects, and Krieger is featured on Particle's 2006 live concert DVD 'Transformations.'

Robby Krieger’s Roadhouse Rebels is:

Robby Krieger (The Doors) – guitar/vocals
Steve Molitz (Phil Lesh & Friends, Playing For Change, Particle) – keyboards/vocals
John Avila (Oingo Boingo, Mutaytor) – bass/vocals
John Molo (Phil Lesh & Friends, Bruce Hornsby & the Range, John Fogerty) - drums
Adam Iscove (Particle feat. Robby Krieger, Allrise) – vocals

EOTO
Consisting of Michael Travis and Jason Hann the duo mixes the organic sounds of live drums, keyboards, vocals, bass, percussion, and guitar through a variety of programs and gadgets to create a style of music that is more likely found in a dance club, then a live music theater. What sets EOTO apart from other artists in this emerging genre is how the music is created. While some artists may spend hours pre-mixing samples and elements of music for their live show, EOTO uses nothing pre-recorded, giving them the ability to approach each song with on-the-spot spontaneity and 100% live improvisation.

Emmitt-Nershi Band

DREW EMMITT
As the dynamic lead singer and mandolin player with the popular jamband Leftover Salmon and his own Drew Emmitt Band, Drew is a true renaissance man on musical instruments. Playing mandolin, fiddle, acoustic and electric guitar, he's a string man to be reckoned with. Fans and peers alike marvel at his powerful crystal-clear, pitch-perfect vocal style. He excels in unique energy driven mandolin licks and his influences include a pantheon of musical heroes including Lowell George, Steve Morse, Duane Allman, John Cowan, Bill Monroe, Sam Bush, Hot Rize and New Grass Revival.

BILL NERSHI
From the saloons of Telluride to the some of the most sought after venues in America, Bill Nershi has delighted countless fans as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and founding member of the String Cheese Incident. A seasoned veteran of flat-picking and a variety of acoustic styles, Nershi adds a unique, colorful perspective to virtually any musical situation he encounters, and his enthusiasm and playful spirit encourage an interactive, participatory experience for musicians and fans alike. His most recent forays into dobro, bass, and lap steel playing, as well as his accomplished songwriting contributions with the recently-formed Honkytonk Homeslice, prove that his musical horizons will only continue to expand.

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Bernie Worrell

A child prodigy who began studying piano at the tender age of three and gave his first public performance just a year later, Bernie Worrell wrote his first concerto at age eight and performed with the Washington Symphony Orchestra at ten. His classical studies would continue throughout his adolescence, including private lessons at the Julliard School of Music, before he entered the New England Conservatory of Music.

Upon leaving the Conservatory, Worrell served for several years as Musical Director for Maxine Brownbefore joining George Clinton's Parliament/Funkadelic crew. Worrell then proceeded to provide this freewheeling collective with a structural foundation which, while occasionally implied, was ever present. At the same time, he explored and expanded his own musical ideas in every conceivable direction with a brazenness which was both revolutionary and evolutionary. From fanciful forays on clavinet which leapt without warning from guttural gulps to squiggly squeals to liquid Minimoog bass lines which herded listeners to the dance floor, it all represented new musical language. All the while, his rapid advancements of the synthesizer's potential were actually traceable to his classical foundation.

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Great American Taxi
“All aboard!” You’ll hear Vince Herman shout this out at a Great American Taxi show and after you know a little bit more about this band you’ll know why. Herman (of Leftover Salmon infamy) and Chad Staehly (keyboards, vocals) have been driving the Taxi based out of Nederland, CO around the United States for over four years now. The band brands their music “Americana without borders.” Taxi definitely knows no boundaries and their 21st century brand of Americana music is sure to get you dancing and singing along. Diving into an ever expanding repertoire of their own carefully crafted electric folk music along with a great catalog of influential Folk, Americana, Bluegrass and Rock songs, all in attendance will find something to latch onto at a Taxi show. Whether you grew up listening to Gram Parsons, the Grateful Dead, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, Bill Monroe, Willie Nelson or Woody Guthrie, plan on taking a great American musical journey. All you have to do is pay the fare, get in the Great American Taxi, and enjoy the trip.

That 1 Guy
“Funky Bean,” “Buttmachine,” Mustaches and Laser beams. It reads like a page out of a Dr. Seuss book, but for Mike Silverman, better known as That 1 Guy, it is just the reality he was searching for. At 150-200 live shows each year people gather to see this mad scientist at work, curiously watching as That 1 Guy plugs an electric chord into the heel of a cowboy boot and transforms it into an instrument. He howls and the audience joins him like a pack of coyotes. They even chime in for the song “Weasel Pot Pie,” offering rhymes to finish a line about “cinnamon scones”: Twilight Zones? Al Capones? Frank Stallones? That 1 Guy laughs and offers the grin of a Cheshire cat. Here is a man who loves his job.

Ana Sia
Ana Sia’s love of electronic music combined with an innate understanding of the value of dance to the human soul collectively fuse to create unforgettable sets of experience, whether she is slamming spots in her hometown of San Francisco or taking her turn in the forests of music festivals around the country. Ana’s energetic delivery of brain-fazing beats has earned the Princess Slay-ah an important spot in pioneering the West Coast future sound movement. She will take you on a musical expedition into the deepest reaches of your brain, as she masterfully blends a wide spectrum of rhythms with a beautiful fluidity and a delicate sensibility, giving the dance floor a delightful ride that ends at the corner of bliss and oblivion. Uniting the best elements of dirty dubstep, grimy glitch, and her personalized blend of “global slut psy-hop,” Ana Sia’s sets confirm crunk status of all who dare enter into her seamless world of sound.

BoomBox
BoomBox is Producer/Engineer/DJ/Drummer Russ Randolph and Producer/DJ/Vocalist/Guitarist Zion Rock Godchaux. This pair of dynamic artists uses their rich musical history and their vision of music and popular culture to deliver a style of music distinctly different from anything heard or seen in music today. This signature sound and show brings live music to a new, elevated level. BoomBox evolved through the common visualization of two forward-thinking artists from diverse musical backgrounds. Raised by supportive and musically inclined parents, both Godchaux and Randolph had an obsession with music at very young ages. Godchaux, who grew up with deeply embedded rock and roll roots, began playing drums at the age of two, and played guitar and wrote his own songs as a teen. During the 90s, Godchaux was a well-received touring DJ based out of the San Francisco area. Randolph began as a young drummer, but it’s what was happening behind the scenes that attracted him most. As much producers as they are musicians, it is Randolph’s knack for engineering, Godchaux's understanding of soundscapes and the duo's rich ability to improvise live that keeps BoomBox resonating at higher levels.

Heatbox
Although making noises and sounds with his mouth since the age of ten, Heatbox hit the scene with Twin Cities-based funk, rock and blues group Root City Band. The group won several awards (including “Best Blues Band of the Twin Cities” in 2006) and Heatbox picked up a few of his own (1st place at the 2007 “Yo The Music” Minneapolis Beatbox Battle) before the two artists parted ways. Since then Heatbox has been writing new material, expanding his catalog of choice covers and performing to crowds throughout the country. Creating beats and building songs from the ground up, this band/producer/turntablist utilizes a voice modulator (sparingly) and a Boss LoopStation RC-50 to generate more sound than some full bands. When it comes to putting words to music, “I get lyrics at the most random times,” Heatbox says. “They just kind of float into my head one or two sentences at a time. I write them all down and then try to use them to make a song that makes sense.” This man’s true passion is to entertain people, and with the rolling out of his second album Heatbox seems determined to embody what it is to be a one-man entertainment system.

Moonalice
Moonalice is a Native American tribe that dates back to the beginning of time. According to Moonalice legend, the tribe descends from Piltdown Woman, or possibly from a couple of naked, snake-charmed gardeners who liked to hang around with friendly dinosaurs. In later times, the tribe evolved into two major clans. One was agricultural, the other nomadic. The farmers were known as hippies. They cultivated many things, but their specialty was a native American crop: hemp. Over the years, the hippies found many uses for hemp and built an advanced culture around it. Then came the 20th century. White people got all uppity about sex, drugs, and music. Next thing you know, they outlawed hemp. They tried to outlaw rock ‘n’ roll. And they nearly wiped out the Moonalice tribe, the remnants of which were forced underground. Fortunately, a new day has begun. A daring sextet of nomads has emerged to revive the tribe, its music, and its legend. The new Moonalice crosses the land, spreading good vibes and giving new hope to millions whose culture had been laid waste by the prohibition of hemp. With each gig, the tribe grows. There is Moonalice in everyone.

The Mark Joseph Project
The Mark Joseph Project is a group led by singer/guitarist Mark Grundhoefer that projects the heart and soul found in music. The band is comprised of an ever changing cast of musicians hand picked by Grundhoefer to play a variety of musical styles from a range of musical genres and eras. With an emphasis on strong vocals and solid funk and R&B beats, the band slides from classics by Jackie Wilson to the twisting arias of John Legend and Erykah Badu. By seamlessly switching from an eclectic selection of covers, to creative open-ended jams, to cutting and clever free styles, Grundhoefer is able to change the band's lineup with ease and maintain a fresh and vibrant instrumentation from night to night. The Project has used musicians from Down Lo, The New Congress, Gold Standard, The Feelin' Band, Shoeless Revolution and more, and has played venues throughout the Twin Cities and greater Midwest.

Pert Near Sandstone
Take old time music off the back porch, throw out the hillbilly reputation, and put it in the hands of a group that likes to play hard and have fun. Pert’ Near Sandstone rejuvenates American stringband music with raw energy and an aggressive approach. They play well-crafted original material that lends itself to the modern audience, as well as being stewards of the old-time and bluegrass traditions. Pert Near is as comfortable playing fully acoustic in the traditional style, as they are plugged in at a rock venue. From saloons to theaters, these boys keep your attention, hollering into a single microphone and laying thick rhythm on driving fiddle melodies. Pert Near Sandstone emerged from the strong roots music scene of Minneapolis and are now well-traveled across the country, gaining momentum and quickly becoming an act not to be missed in the current acoustic revival. They and only a few other groups have shown the character and the drive to lead stringband music well into the new century. With the upcoming release of their third studio album, "Out On A Spree" the boys continue to take their brand of old-time music out on the rivers and roads of the country in the revitalization of the American stringband tradition.

The Reef
The Reef is a Reggae/Hip-Hop band based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Combining elements of reggae, hip-hop, funk, and rock, The Reef sends a positive message of unity and personal empowerment. Formally known as The New Rebelution, they changed their name in October of 2009, but the band and energy have have stayed the same.

Root City
Root City is a funky blues band based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The band combines the well crafted music of Alex Rossi(Guitar-Vocals) with jumping high energy Funk and R&B covers. Other band member include: Heatbox (Beatboxing-Vocals), Cory Blanchard (Keys-Vocals), Patrick Nelson (Drums-Vocals), Chris Larson (Bass-Vocals) and Max Felsheim (Saxophone - Vocals). The group performs regularly at Gluek's on Wednesdays in downtown Minneapolis, and weekly at venues all over the Twin Cities area.

Roster McCabe
After a brief time together in an all-acoustic college bar band, Alex Steele (keyboard, vocals) Drew Preiner (guitar, vocals) and Michael Daum (guitar) began working on a new project with a new vision and direction. The style eventually settled into a funk rock reggae sound, with emphasis on solid songwriting and explosive performances. In September 2006, the trio released a demo called “Contradicting Gravity.” The short disc garnered some local attention in the Twin Cities, and word started buzzing around colleges and clubs. After a few member changes and additions, the band grew to a 6 piece and released their first full-length album, “The Rhythm/The Elements” in September 2007 to a sold out crowd at the historic Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN. Soon, small crowds swelled to hundreds and gig invitations began coming in from all over the Mid-West. The band condensed to a five piece, with Scott Muellenberg (bass) and Jeff Peterson (drums). In 2008, they began a demanding tour schedule, making stops at the regions top festivals like Summerfest, 10KLF, Bella Sol, and Harvestfest. Currently, Roster McCabe is touring and working on a new record, due out later this year.

Kinetix
Party Rock. It’s a self-created genre, not ostentatious but simply a description of what a Kinetix show has come to be. “Our goal has always been to channel the energy in a room and put on a performance. We want people to forget their problems and let loose. We put on a rock show,” lead guitarist Jordan Linit says. Kinetix are equal parts pop and rock, like being warmly serenaded but knowing there’s a strong possibility of getting punched in the stomach. They blend pop sensibilities with searing guitar work and a physical, flexible rhythm section to create, well, Party Rock. The music is well composed and full of energy. The result has created a loyal, diverse audience spread throughout cities and towns across the country. “You’ve got to play a show, first and foremost,” says drummer Jack Gargan. “A sold out venue or an intimate room, the song remains the same, so to speak. It’s all about, what can we do to make sure everyone in that room walks out with a smile?” And play shows, they have. Culled from a few years, 400 gigs and 40,000 miles of interstate, Kinetix’s music is a direct byproduct of their journey.

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! “SPEAK UP” released in 2008, the group’s toe-stomping and soulful debut album saw them turning problems such as “having too much junk in their car” into a tight ballad for the everyday twenty something. The proverbial theme song “Repeat” screams of seizing not the day but the entire life with sweet intelligency. The album is a journey, taking you through rhythmic gaiety, melodic grit, soul searching lyrics and red levels of danceability. In recent months Shoeless has followed their own advice and “simplified” their live show to find the groups elemental sound. They have overhauled old favorites and focused on the bricks and mortar of what they can bring to the feast of rock. The band is shooting for the spring of 2010 to release their sophomore album where these new revelations will be evident. Having made their way through snow and detours they’ve set their chassis to their craft and traversed the Midwest for nearly five years (that’s almost a pentade!), fueled by a 93 Chevy Eurosport Conversion Van and a hankering for big experiences and tiny discoveries. Their only sermon is that of living without one: keeping your own compass tuned to North. Oh, and the lack of footwear? It’s a mystery. Constantly changing, forever aware, irrefutably footwear impaired, they’ll make you move in ways that haven’t even been invented yet!

Dance Band
In the early years of the 21st century the planet earth was in flux. Times of war and global change brought seriousness and weight to the heart of the humanity. Dance Band emerged from stardust and light to move human bodies physically through these dark days. Wielding raps, rhythms, and relativity this small group of dance revolutionaries brings the heat to light the dance floor ablaze. Viva ledance!

Devine Collection
To quote from neo soul singer, Sy Smith's "Aquarius Rising" the Devine Collection ranges from "hip hop to be-bop to funk to fusion, from high life to reggae to rock and roll". The Devine Collection was founded by Stephanie Devine (The New Congress) in 2009. It began with an invitation to Debra G (Copasetic/The New Congress) and Jessica Johnson (8 Switch Assembly) to perform with Stephanie at a solo show at Bunkers and the dynamic of the three women singing together was so stunning they decided to continue singing together, creating the Devine Collection. It's a heavy female fronted band along with the soulful vocals(and guitar) from Jesse Larson (8 Switch Assembly/City Collective). The band is a multi-talented group of musicians and good friends whose main purpose is to create stellar music and have fun. The Devine Collection also includes Pat Nelson (drums) and Chris Larson (bass) from The Root City Band and Russ King (keys) from The New Congress with occasional guest appearances from some of Minneapolis' hottest musicians.

The Hue
The Hue, Chicago’s premiere instrumental progressive rock quartet, forges a wholly unique brand of electrified music from a diverse palate of influences that run the gamut from jazz to metal, classical and post-rock. As their blistering sound continues to evolve, the band constantly finds new ways to create action-packed songs that tell a story, even without lyrics. From searing metal tunes and rich post-rock numbers to expressive and melodious jazz pieces, a fiery dose of dueling guitars mix with the on-point rhythm section attack to reach explosive peaks. Emerging out of a weekly stint at Chicago’s legendary Wise Fools Pub in January 2007, The Hue has played alongside some of the nation’s best acts including Ray White, Ike Willis and Mike Keneally (of Frank Zappa fame), The Wood Brothers, Karl Denson, Garaj Mahal, New Monsoon, The Motet, The Breakfast, and members of Umphrey’s McGee & The New Deal. For three years they’ve brought their aggressive progressive fusion to venues across the Midwest, making stops at the 2008 and 2009 Summercamp and 10,000 Lakes Festivals along the way. To follow up the debut EP, Unscene (2007), The Hue released their first full-length album, Beyond Words, in the fall of 2009. The album, featuring keyboard virtuoso Eric Levy (Garaj Mahal) on one track, is comprised mostly of brand-new material that captures the intensity of the band’s live shows while showcasing the strength of the compositions themselves.

More Than Lights
More Than Lights, the Minneapolis-based alternative hip-hop band, launches its debut album, "The Electric Prescription For All Your Funky Illz" this month. The 11-song CD features all original music and lyrics, collaboratively written by its seven band members. The music of More Than Lights, rooted in hip-hop and neo-soul, explores a range of musical genres including funk, reggae and blues. Those who follow the band compare them to musicians such as Jamie Lydell, Jamiroquai, Sly and the Family Stone, Joss Stone, and the early work of Black Eyed Peas.

More Than Lights

The Histronic
The Histronic began with one goal in mind, "to make the people dance." Formed in the music friendly city of Minneapolis in 2007, they have accomplished this goal, and taken their high energy dance party all over the Midwest, including coveted slots at festivals such as 10,000 Lakes Festival, Harvest Fest, Bella Madre, Summerdance I & II, and Fat Fest. The pioneers of the Minneapolis live electro scene, the band has received some national attention including their debut studio album being referred to as "the best jamband album of 2008" by Jambands.com

With a unique ability to push the limits on stage, the Histronic is a full production; including "Histronivision," which incorporates a whirl wind of projectors and moving lights; setting the mood for the ultimate "tear the rug to shreds" dance party. The Histronic combines the forces of drum and sample mastermind Matthew Mantle a.k.a. Stereo Adik, keyboard guru Kevin Dorsey a.k.a West Fox and quick picking bass player Gill Finn. Their live performances ignite dance floors with energy, and makes everyone in the room want to bust a move. They've shared the stage with such industry moguls as Pretty Lights, Bassnectar, the New Mastersounds, Lotus, Bernie Worell, Umphreys McGee, Particle, EOTO, Motet Trio, Future Rock, Solid Gold, Dj Freddy Fresh and Pnuma Trio. The Histronic is building the Midwest live electro scene one dance party at a time. Join the party!

Jon Wayne and The Pain
The Histronic began with one goal in mind, "to make the people dance." Formed in the music friendly city of Minneapolis in 2007, they have accomplished this goal, and taken their high energy dance party all over the Midwest, including coveted slots at festivals such as 10,000 Lakes Festival, Harvest Fest, Bella Madre, Summerdance I & II, and Fat Fest. The pioneers of the Minneapolis live electro scene, the band has received some national attention including their debut studio album being referred to as "the best jamband album of 2008" by Jambands.com

At 26, Jon Wayne's musical journey has driven him from the frigid cold of North Dakota to the lush warmth of his Jamaican influences, with a few detours thrown in along the way. As the lead vocalist and guitarist of Jon Wayne and The Pain, Jon, with bassist Chuck Torgerson and drummer Chris Hicks, has created a unique sound that combines reggae/ska rhythms, meaningful lyrics with a set of irresistible beats. Born in Jamestown, North Dakota in 1983, Jon started playing music when he was only ten years old. He began writing his own songs when he was given his first guitar and eventually formed his first band in Fargo, ND in 2003. After moving to Minneapolis in 2004, Jon’s painful battle with addiction would last over the next few years. Jon’s lowest point came when he found himself pawning his guitar, homeless, and begging for money with a sign near a local highway exit. Despite his personal struggles, Jon continued to make music, forming Jon Wayne and The Pain with Chris Hicks in 2005. Playing music influenced by ska, reggae and dub, Jon and the band soon built a large, loyal fan base in Minneapolis. Chuck Torgerson joined Jon Wayne and the Pain in 2008 and the band released their first album in the spring of 2008. Produced by Mark Murphy of Wookiefoot, the self-titled debut was released to strong reviews and a growing a fanbase for Jon Wayne and the Pain that has extended beyond the Midwest. Finally at peace with his past and creating music that not only entertains but inspires thousands of fans across the country, Jon Wayne is embarking on the next phase of his musical journey with Chris Hicks and Chuckie Torgerson by his side. Jon Wayne and The Pain continue to spread a message of peace and recovery amidst a perfect balance of crisp sound and pure energy.

Nicholas "The Feelin" Mrozinski
With his captivatingly passionate vocals, liquid piano and purposeful songwriting, Saint Paul, Minnesota native Nicholas Mrozinski is making music that is connecting with people, all around the world, on a deeply human level. Nicholas integrates many schools of music into his own blend of "Conscious Global Pop" that is honest, real, and magnetic. Nicholas is currently supporting his 4th studio album, Together We're Stronger, which can be heard at hundreds of College Radio stations across the country. The vibrant and soulful Singer/Songwriters last three albums came with critical acclaim, but—with some big time help, and a ton of steam—it is his newest project, Together We’re Stronger, that delivers some truly great songs. In 2008 we watched Nicholas lose over 100+ pounds and perform over 150+ shows. This newfound energy, passion, and momentum brought All-Star Minnesota musicians out of the woodwork to be a part of his new album. Together We’re Stronger is not only a representation of the times we all currently face together, but also a validation of the thriving local Twin Cities music scene. The players contributing to the album span over 40+ local bands, unofficially dubbed “The Feelin Orchestra” after Mrozinski’s nickname “The Feelin”.

Jake Dilley and the Color Pharmacy
Unable to stay away from the studio and in response to the demand from his solid fan base, Jake Dilley went into the studio to record one for his fans. While the hype and speculation surrounding the upcoming release of Jake Dilley’s 3D experience “T.R.I.P.S” has growing anticipation, Dilley gives us the “Detour.” EP. Detour - a deviation from Jake’s mind bending psychedelic is a hard hitting indie-rock anthem. The dynamics throughout the album offer a journey, another route, for the listener to experience 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 LIVE 3D video performance and concept album, T.R.I.P.S., to be premiered at an Imax near you, early 2010. 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.

Sovereign Sect
Spawning from the idea of creating a Midwest electronic music collective by Sovereign Sect’s DJ Baktatr (Chris Patano) and drummer Seth Holden in late 2007, the Sect has transformed itself from a concept to a versatile live performance and touring act. Most well known in their hometown of Fargo, ND for throwing all-night raves for hundreds of electronic music scene-starved kids, Sovereign Sect brings the late night party, no question. In the first couple years of the group's existence, the Sect has made appearances at 10,000 Lakes Festival, Bella Sol/Madre Music Festivals, LYME Festival, Big Wu Family Reunion X, Dandyland Music Festival, FatFest, Loyal Earth Festival as well as sharing the stage with acts like EOTO, Ana Sia, KJ Sawka, VibesquaD, S.P.E.C.T.R.E., OTT, Signal Path, Mimosa, Kraddy and Pnuma Trio. Look for much more to come from Sovereign Sect in the coming year.

Sovereign Sect

DJ AppleJews
We are going to close the weekend's music with a tribute to one of the greats. DJ AppleJews, who has been spinning his priceless collection around town for the better part of 10 years, will help us remember a legend: Micheal Jackson August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009. Please don't miss this! 12-1am Sunday on the field stage.

Useful Jenkins
Useful Jenkins is a spirited young 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.

The North Country Bandits
THE NORTH COUNTRY BANDITS are a six piece band comprised of members from DOUG OTTO AND THE GETAWAYS, THE FEELIN' BAND, STONE SOUP, THE HIGH 48's, and THE JASON DIXON LINE. In the summer of 2007 we all got together to jam at Famous Daves, with MATT PUDAS, (WHITE IRON BAND) as his backing band under the name MATT PUDAS & THE NORTH COUNTRY BANDITS. We had such a great time playing music together that we decided to make a band out of it. Our musical influences are all over the board ranging from Blues and Bluegrass to New Orleans Funk and Old School Country. DOUG OTTO, NICK MROZINSKI, and DREW DRUCKREY all bring a different style and sound when they sing, but also blend very well when singing together. SHANE AKERS plays Dobro and Lap Steel, RICH CASEY supplies the low end (Bass) while CHRIS GRAY drives the bus (Drums)

SOAP
Picking up your life and relocating isn’t the easiest thing to do by any stretch of the imagination; however when the reason behind it is to fuel your passion, the decision is already made. Soap formed in a Chicago suburb five years ago; a five piece band driven by melody. After undergoing a number of changes, the remaining members up and moved to the twin cities to pursue academics in music and take lessons from some of the finest the area has to offer. After having re-arranged their lineup, ability and sound; the ensemble emerged on the Minneapolis music scene with a splash. In only a short time here the group has already performed at some of Minnesota’s biggest music festivals; 10KLF, Bella Madre, and Fat Fest. Beyond summer performances, they’ve successfully secured a weekly show at The Downtime Bar and Grill in Dinkytown, as well as gathered loyal attendance. The (now) four piece experimental group combines influences from across the board; drawing from rock, jazz, blues, funk and pop. The resulting sound is a unique collage of musical ideas that move and capture an audience. Never stopping, Soap is forever learning, changing, and aiming to please.

Gypsy Lumberjacks
Gypsy Lumberjacks where formed two years ago, with the intent of performing live music. Their songs are composed around simple and emotive passages, about life and our pursuit of living. All the arrangements lend to open interpretations by each member of this group. The Gypsy Lumberjacks are Americana, fused with sounds from the world that we hear everywhere. All the members of this quartet have an irreverent and respectful nature about each other and their music. They all enjoy playing Minnesota festivals during the summer and relaxing with fans and bands over a cold one. The rest of the year they travel and perform with other bands around the Midwest region. The Gypsy Lumberjacks love Minneapolis for being a wonderful arts town and wouldn’t be based anywhere else.

Jason Shannon Band
The Jason Shannon Band is a four-piece rock and roll outfit from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Specializing in driving guitars, funky keyboards, soulful vocals/harmonies held down by a heavy groove, Shannon, the principle songwriter, and his group collaborate to produce a sound reminiscent of early-era Wilco and The Band with hints of folk, blues, and roots reggae. The band completed a 2009 nationwide tour and will be hitting the road from May through September in support of monthly single releases that will be accompanied by videos and studio footage.

The Jason Dixon Line
Hailing from rural Minnesota, The Jason Dixon line performs gritty classic rock, blues, outlaw country & originals. All southern fried and dipped in Gov’t Mule sauce. Twin lead guitars in the style of The Allman Brothers Band, and a heavy rhythm section fronted by powerful bluesy vocals, make The Jason Dixon Line an evening’s worth of foot stompin’ musical entertainment.

Jackson Mare
A five piece band from Minneapolis that is jammed packed with Minnesota’s musical soul. From David on the keys, to Michael on the drums, these musicians are taking Brock’s songs and whipping them up with a new twist. Jackson Mare has been working for the past year, “trying hard not to let you down”, writing and playing out locally. We feel that 2010 is going to be a great year for the “Mare”. We are currently working on a recording that is due out in late August 2010. With the Shawn’s on the guitars, and Brock’s lead vocals, Jackson Mare pushes its own musical limits. Every practice is something different. It’s often mentioned that “changes, make it, even better” and the band usually follows his lead. Hope to see you out and a special thanks to Chris for making it all happen.

Jerry Oliver
Jerry Oliver is a singer/songwriter, guitar teacher and poet who originally hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota where he spent several years as a fixture in the Midwest music scene. Jerry made his mark playing with The Cherokee Rose Band and his own original rock band Peculiar Red. Jerry is the recipient of several ASCAP Plus awards for his songwriting accomplishments. Jerry was also a finalist in the Nashville Acoustic Hero Showcase sponsored by Emergenza Fest and Takamine Guitars at 12th & Porter in June 2006. Jerry formed the independent record label Odd Records in 1996 to release Peculiar Red's projects and since that time has released three Pushin' Daisies CDs, three solo albums and three instrumental CDs including the 2007 release of spontaneous compositions Splattered Shadows. In February 2008 Jerry released Death Of The Avant-Garde, a rock album produced by Marty MacKeever, in a limited small run. The CD received some rave reviews and sold out but has been reprinted and is now available for download on iTunes, eMusic and other digital outlets. Since his solo Summer 2009 Tour Jerry has settled down in Nashville where he is working on his next batch of songs and getting ready to record and play them with his new band Spider Poets. Watch for an Odd Records release and live shows in early 2010.

Candlelight Vigilante
Many say that the members of Candlelight Vigilante were raised by psychic crayon farmers from the south pacific, and that their powerful riffists aremisunderestimated only by their own prose experience. Bad movie references have been used to describe their ability to sway the most unenthusiastic ham critic.With a solid musical base influenced by the likes of Mr. Bungle,Dillinger Escape plan, The Black Crowes, Claypool, Joe Pass , Buckethead, and Ween, You are sure to have an experience rich in the sonic craft.

Sans Souci Quartet
This band is the product of many inspired nights spent in a clutterd uptown apartment, enjoying the company of acoustic instruments and brown liquor. The band name comes from an old Peter Rowan story that makes a passing reference to Jerry Garcia's front porch. "And when we first met Jerry, David said, you know Garcia lives just up the hill. I said Jerry Garica? He says yeah, said he likes to play banjo, I said you're kidding. We went up there, we walked up there, and theres a little sign above his door that says 'Sans Souci', which I think in French means 'no problem'." -Peter Rowan