Performance Series events are made possible by grants from the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts with additional contributions from the General Mills Foundation, the Land O'Lakes Foundation, and the Minnesota State Arts Board. Additional Series funding is provided by the NorAM/Minnegasco Foundation, Prairie Ecology Bus, Incorporated, and by Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, Waseca from appropriations by the Minnesota State Legislature.
Scottie MillerGo to Concerts and Events page
New Orleans/Delta/Barrelhouse/piano blues and rich and soulful vocals. Miller's piano playing re–kindles the long lost styles and spirits of legendary players like Professor Longhair, Otis Spann, and Pinetop Perkins. Scottie recently finished a 2–month USA tour with Bo Diddley and Friends featuring Alvin Youngblood Hart and Ruthie Foster. Scott was a Finalist in the "Solo/Duo" category at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2005 and nominated in 2007 for "Best–Unsigned Blues Recording" (IBC/Blues Foundation Memphis).
Website: www.scottiemiller.com
Watermelon Slim & The WorkersGo to Concerts and Events page
At least once in every man's life everything seems to come together magically. When the road leading to such times is long and grueling, the zenith becomes exponentially more rewarding. Bill Homans a.k.a. Watermelon Slim is the extraordinary wheel man behind this redemption story road trip.
In December 2006 Watermelon Slim garnered a record–tying six 2007 Blues Music Award nominations for Artist, Entertainer, Album, Band, Song, and Traditional Album of the Year. Only the likes of B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray have ever landed six. His 2006 self–titled release was ranked #1 in MOJO Magazine's 2006 Top Blues CDs, won the 2006 Independent Music Award for Blues Album of the Year, hit #1 on the Living Blues Radio Chart, debuted at #13 on the Billboard Blues Radio Chart ahead of both Robert Cray and North Mississippi Allstars, and won the Blues Critic Award for 2006 Album of the Year.
In April 2007 Watermelon Slim and The Workers released The Wheel Man, his second for Northern Blues Music and his fourth album in five years. The CD hit #1 on the Living Blues Radio Charts, #2 on the Roots Music Blues Charts and debuted in the Top 10 in Billboard's Blues charts.
Website: www.watermelonslim.com
Lehto & WrightGo to Concerts and Events page
Lehto and Wright have a sound that is a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. By taking cues from the Irish, English and American folk traditions and interpreting them with contemporary guitar–based arrangements, Lehto and Wright have taken a fresh approach to the world of folk and folk rock.
Website: www.lehtoandwright.com
Chicago Afrobeat ProjectNadine B. Andreas Artists in Residence
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First coming to prominence with dynamic bandleader Fela Kuti during the political and social turmoil of the 1960s, Afrobeat is energized by participation and action, and best appreciated by a live audience. The Chicago Afrobeat Project is a prominent purveyor of Afrobeat music, a combination of the drum heavy Yoruba music (a repetitive, polyrhythmic feel), the bright dance music of West Africa's highlife, American funk and the instrumental virtuosity inspired by jazz music. Melodic and hard–hitting horn lines create a lyrical flow to the music, delivered by a cutting, driven rhythm section dynamic. Complex call–and–response percussion songs are dispersed throughout the performances.
Website: www.chicagoafrobeatproject.com
Nadine B. Andreas Artists in Residence
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The Aurora Brass Quintet was formed in 1993 to explore the brass quintet setting. Artists in Residence at Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Minneapolis, the ABQ continue to be in demand as clinicians and as a classical music ensemble, performing across the Upper Midwest region. Recent performances include appearing at the opening of the 6th World Choral Symposium at Orchestra Hall (Minneapolis) and for the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
Website: www.aurorabrass.org
Mr. Baber's Neighbors/The Solar String BandGo to Concerts and Events page
From the flatlands of the Midwest comes a band of urban hillbillies who joined the bluegrass revolution and set out to bring the mountain sounds to those seeking a respite from the daily grind. The Solar String Band was established in the living room of Mr. Baber's Neighbors with the intentions of nothing more than a good time. With the release of their self–titled album Mr. Baber's Neighbors offers their own interpretation of the bluegrass experience.
Website: www.baberhood.com
Garaj MahalNadine B. Andreas Artists in Residence
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When you hear your first Garaj Mahal note, leading into an innovative fusion of funky jazz with a tasty world music flare, all other thoughts leave your mind as the music takes you on an unforgettable voyage. Fans return to experience the band again and again because they know they will always hear something new and progressive from these four first–class musicians. Featuring guitar and sitar virtuoso Fareed Haque, Garaj Mahal combines a century of musical experience to create a sound that's always new, freshly infused with a wide spectrum of musical expression, and always smoking hot.
Website: www.garajmahal.net
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