Joe Cruz is regarded as one of the most versatile and energetic multi-stringed instrumentalists on the Twin Cities music scene today. Throughout his 30-year career, this passionate musician has been involved with numerous groups and recording projects, developing a vast array of styles. On any given night he can be found playing anything from solo acoustic guitar to screaming electric, swinging with a jazz combo, picking mandolin in a bluegrass band or exploring Latin music on Cuban trés and Puerto Rican cuatro. Also a composer, Joe has an extensive repertoire of original song and instrumental compositions. In addition to his musical talents, Joe is an accomplished wood turner and furniture builder. He currently performs solo, as well as with his trio, Scenic Roots. He also plays regularly with fiddler Brian Wicklund &The Barley Jacks and with blues piano man Scottie “Bones” Miller.

Mixing up an unlikely concoction of vintage rock & roll and outlaw country, Cole Diamond is, depending on when you ask, either the stage name for singer/songwriter Ryan Otte or the collective handle for Otte and his Band. For years Otte spent most weekends behind a drum kit playing with too many band to list. The idea for Cole Diamond came about as a way for Otte to step out from behind the drums and try his hand at the front of the stage. In the years since “Cole Diamond” was conceived he has released an EP, a string of singles, received airplay on 89.3 The Current, and opened for national acts such as Corb Lund. Drawing on influences that range from Waylon and Willie to Brooks & Dunn, Cole Diamond delivers a modern take on a classic sound.

The Tom Harkness Project is a collaborative arrangement of some of the best Twin Cities musicians spearheaded by Tom Harkness, a local favorite and seasoned veteran of the live music scene. Tom provides a high level of talent that is crafted for your entertainment needs from solo, duo, trio and full bands. Tom’s exceptional experience and professional performers, bring a wide variety of music styles with a unique Louisiana flair, bringing the best quality of live entertainment to you.

Award winning musician, Joe Flip, performing with his hand-made oil can guitars, is now receiving international radio-play and recognition for his many talents.

His album, "Tin Can Tunes," charted #2, along with his song "Mess Around," charting #1 on the international RMR Radio Charts earning him a 2019 Blues Blast Magazine Music Award nomination. Joe also represented Minnesota at the 2019 International Blues Competition in Memphis, TN, advancing to the semi-finals.

His hand-made oil can guitars, "Hayburners”, have been sold all over the world and have been featured on FOX 9 News, Blues in Britain Magazine, CNET, and The Drive Magazine.

Not only content with performing, Joe also serves as a music teacher and promoter of "Blues for Kids," a music education program he created at the 501c3 non-profit organization, "Discover Music". The program is known for organizing workshops at schools and festivals with the mission of teaching children of all ages about the Blues music genre with harmonica and guitar.

Kijana “KJ” Gant is a smooth and soulful R&B vocalist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born in Chicago, raised in Gary, Indiana, and came under the spell of music at just 12 years old. He writes songs about life, love, and relationships in an effort to make all three become better. Kijana has drawn comparisons to legendary performers like Luther Vandross, Brian McKnight, and Frankie Beverly but has crafted his own original style that stands out both musically and lyrically.

His motivation is to share his love and passion for music with the world and to let his audiences experience what he feels onstage. He’s been performing steadily in regional clubs and building a fan base. His plan for 2021 and beyond is to book festival shows and to open for national acts whose fans will appreciate his unique voice and engaging stage presence. 

More than anything, Kijana is here to show the world how music can uplift and inspire individual lives. His performances are an outpouring of love and emotional energy and his blend of Pop, Soul, and R&B is powerful enough to propel him to the highest levels of the music industry. The 2020s are going to be big for Kijana and he belongs on the radar of anyone seeking the next great modern R&B singer.

Nick Hensley & The Love Songs For Angry Men, The Solo, Duo, Trio & occasional Full Band (with the terrible name) From Saint Paul, Minnesota (The Best City in the Twin Cities!) 

Nick Hensley is the former lead singer and co creator of The District, a regional alt rock act from the upper Midwest, co based out of St. Paul, MN and Chicago, IL.

Hensley created Love Songs For Angry Men shortly after The District called it quits in 2003. Hensley’s alias, stage name and alter ego, Love Songs For Angry Men, originated as a bad joke… similar to other shorter lived band names like Amish Puppy Mill and Billy’s Little Secret. Unfortunately, for Nick and his band members, now approaching 20 years later...THE NAME JUST WON’T GO AWAY!

Hensley’s 3 studio albums were released (in 2009, 2013 & 2019) to sold out crowds in Chicago, Saint Paul and MPLS. The albums are currently available at all major retailers, live shows and everywhere on the web. All three records have received several rave reviews from different media outlets including a 4 star review from Paste Magazine and AltCountry.com and a best of 2013 local selection in the City Pages. 

The new record is in the can and due to be released in 2023 (Also the 20 year anniversary of NICK HENSLEY & The Love Songs For Angry Men)

Hensley has maintained a full schedule since 1998 playing more than 200 shows a year throughout the North America and overseas. He has shared the stage with several National acts including: The Why Store, Alex Ligertwood of Santana, Fastball, Big Head Todd and The Monsters, The Gear Daddies, The Samples, Low, Semisonic, The Wallflowers, Soul Asylum and many more. 

Hensley is also a booking agent and an avid supporter of local MN music. In turn, he has created some of Minnesota’s most popular Songwriter Showcases including: MNaked and the MN Songwriter Showcase, which is held every Sunday at Plums in St. Paul (for 17+ years) and every Wed at The Aster Cafe in NE MPLS.

We are a fresh, multi-genre cover band from the Twin Cities, guaranteed to keep you dancing with a variety of awesome music & unique arrangements all night long. From pop to funk to country to alternative, we play it all!

J Train Jazz is a four piece jazz combo led by ‘power-tenor’ Jerry Parker playing standards, Motown, R&B and post-modern jukebox-style renditions of contemporary tunes.

Minneapolis based musician Tim (Timothy) Howe has been serenading his way onto the Minnesota Music Scene since 2008. First preforming in coffee shops and local clubs, Howe has been able to make his one-man show into a must see event!

Using smooth vocals, looping abilities, and acoustic singer/songwriter style, Howe has created a sound that will leave you completely awe-struck. Charismatic, soulful, and ambitious, Howe has propelled himself to headlining such venues as the “Fine Line Music Cafe” in Minneapolis, MN, melting the “Saint Paul Winter Carnival” main stage, and also being runner-up in the 101.3 KDWB “Break Out Star” Competition in 2009.

He has graced the small screen, being the featured musician on QCTV’s (Quad Cities Television) “Suburban Mix” as well as local radio broadcasts “Cities97” and “101.3 KDWB.” Howe has also been a “preferred audition” for NBC’s “The Voice” in 2011, and 2012, and has earned comparisons to such artists as Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw, and Bruno Mars.

Howe is definitely an artist not to be missed. When people ask for, “Tim Who?” You know they want “Tim Howe.”

Henry Bitzer is a 17 year old musician stationed in West St. Paul, Minnesota. Henry plays atvenues in and around the Twin Cities, showcasing the musical abilities he has honed over the past 5 years under the tutiliage of 2getherproductions music studio. He thoroughly enjoys singing, playing guitar, and exhibiting his classical piano skills for audiences anywhere. Henry performs a wide variety of songs as a solo act, and is even occasionally accompanied by other musical acts such as guitarist Bennett Bamsey, or his music instructors, the talented duo Kathryn and Andy Karg.

The Tom Harkness Project is a collaborative arrangement of some of the best Twin Cities musicians spearheaded by Tom Harkness, a local favorite and seasoned veteran of the live music scene. Tom provides a high level of talent that is crafted for your entertainment needs from solo, duo, trio and full bands. Tom’s exceptional experience and professional performers, bring a wide variety of music styles with a unique Louisiana flair, bringing the best quality of live entertainment to you.

Mixing up an unlikely concoction of vintage rock & roll and outlaw country, Cole Diamond is, depending on when you ask, either the stage name for singer/songwriter Ryan Otte or the collective handle for Otte and his Band. For years Otte spent most weekends behind a drum kit playing with too many band to list. The idea for Cole Diamond came about as a way for Otte to step out from behind the drums and try his hand at the front of the stage. In the years since “Cole Diamond” was conceived he has released an EP, a string of singles, received airplay on 89.3 The Current, and opened for national acts such as Corb Lund. Drawing on influences that range from Waylon and Willie to Brooks & Dunn, Cole Diamond delivers a modern take on a classic sound.

Excellent multi-instrumentalists, musicians and performers Johnny Holliday & Willie Moore serenade audiences with their unique renditions of popular songs and original music providing an amazing show that is tailored to any event.

Award winning musician, Joe Flip, performing with his hand-made oil can guitars, is now receiving international radio-play and recognition for his many talents.

His album, "Tin Can Tunes," charted #2, along with his song "Mess Around," charting #1 on the international RMR Radio Charts earning him a 2019 Blues Blast Magazine Music Award nomination. Joe also represented Minnesota at the 2019 International Blues Competition in Memphis, TN, advancing to the semi-finals.

His hand-made oil can guitars, "Hayburners”, have been sold all over the world and have been featured on FOX 9 News, Blues in Britain Magazine, CNET, and The Drive Magazine.

Not only content with performing, Joe also serves as a music teacher and promoter of "Blues for Kids," a music education program he created at the 501c3 non-profit organization, "Discover Music". The program is known for organizing workshops at schools and festivals with the mission of teaching children of all ages about the Blues music genre with harmonica and guitar.

Tony Cuchetti is a roots rock/Americana artist hailing originally from Detroit, MI. Growing up in a traveling musical family garnered him a multitude of creative experiences that helped shape his rustic, soulful sound. Now based in the Twin Cities area, Cuchetti has become a mainstay in the local music scene, performing his long-in-the-tooth brand of music and relatable stories.

J Train Jazz is a four piece jazz combo led by ‘power-tenor’ Jerry Parker playing standards, Motown, R&B and post-modern jukebox-style renditions of contemporary tunes.

We are a fresh, multi-genre cover band from the Twin Cities, guaranteed to keep you dancing with a variety of awesome music & unique arrangements all night long. From pop to funk to country to alternative, we play it all!

Connections between partners, whether they be spiritual, romantic or creative can be the origin of true magic. The journey of Brianna and Kurt, and evolution of their creative collaboration, has yielded albums that defines both of them through the vehicle of The Jorgensens. There is an honest authenticity of the repertoire they’ve created which is both timeless and classic.  Their performances are genuine, soulful and relatable for many who will hear these songs. This kismet did not emerge overnight, but is the product of years of being in one another’s creative lives, collaboration, friendship, and inevitably falling in love. 

 Kurt and Brianna began working with one another in 2014.  They were introduced by her mother, who had been a long-time fan. Brianna recalls, “She thought that we would work well together and knew that Kurt had put out multiple records that sounded great. We met in St. Paul at his house and I played through some of my original material. As soon as he started playing along with me the music instantly clicked. There’s no denying that it was a musical match from the get go, and we became fast friends. Every week we’d get together and cut tracks at his studio, and in the process shared details about our lives. We saw one another through some tough times. It was a moment in time where Kurt was getting divorced, and I was getting sober. What a pair we were. The writing and recording gave us an out from each of our realities. Detaching from the drama, we were able to place our energy into creating something good. As I approached the end of the recording process it occurred to me that my time with Kurt was possibly coming to a close, and it saddened me. Not only musically did I love working with Kurt but I’d grown to love Kurt as my near and dear friend. I think he was the first person I’d ever been honest with in my life, and I didn’t want the collaboration to end. Kurt felt the same way, and we decided we were going to write, produce, and record an album together, while playing acoustic gigs as a duo. We completed our first album titling it ‘Love Wins’ because in the process we fell in love with each other romantically.” 

 For Kurt, he reflects, “I was interested in producing other musicians, but was not interested in just recording people for money. I had listened to some of Brianna’s music and thought she had some well written songs and a very distinctive voice that separated her from other female singers. It is important to me to be unique or different, and Brianna felt refreshingly real in every way. As you would imagine we spent hours, days, and nights with each other so it was easy to start falling in love. She would show up in the morning for breakfast, and hours later would be leaving after a late dinner. As we were getting close to finishing, we had talked about the possibility of me playing guitar in her band. She didn’t have enough material to fill a full night so we started adding in some of my songs, and not long after we were bouncing song ideas off each other and it clicked fast.  We formed as a team, and re-tooled my band as co-band leaders. Since then we have never spent a day apart.  She is the love of my life on and off stage, and we have a 5-year-old boy and some great music as a reward.”

 When asked about what specifically about strengths the other partner brings to the table Kurt shares, “She wants to be the best, and wants us the be the best at what we do. I love her voice, no one sounds like her. Brianna’s song writing is not tide down with rules, and it gives her a fantastic freedom that makes her real. All of my favorite songwriters have that quality, and I am sure it is one of the things that draws me to her.” And for Brianna, she reveals, “Kurt knows how to write a great song. Writing together is fun and challenging. Fun because bouncing creative ideas off of someone inevitably leads you to an end result you couldn’t have come up with on your own. Challenging because when you’re writing with someone, you’re vulnerable. When you can show that side of yourself to someone in a creative way inspiration strikes and creation blossoms.” 

 The repertoire that has become “The Lexington Stretch” and their latest "Americana Soul" is an amalgamation of genres colliding with ease and flow that organically morphed into a sound that simply feels natural to the listener. Whether inspiration is drawn from the roots of the Blues, musicianship embodied in Jazz, or the heartfelt purity that defines great singer-songwriters and elements prevalent in Americana, this band’s music is simply their own.  These albums are a testament to the beauty of witnessing a melting pot fusing varying inspiration together while creating a cultural afghan that feels warm and cozy once woven together. Songs that define this realized vision include “Voodoo,” and “Storyville,” while others like “Goin’ Goin’ Gone” are simply genre-specific.

 Alongside the original repertoire, the cover of Willie Dixon’s “If the Sea Was Whiskey” is a standout tribute to the classic. Kurt recalls, “I have loved Willie Dixon since I was 15. Once my parents were out of town, and I knew he lived in Chicago.  So, I called every Willie Dixon in the Chicago area to tell my hero how much I loved his music. I never did get him on the phone. I’ve wanted to record a song of his since that early age, and with the theme and feel of this album it fit. I did spend the rest of my 15th summer paying off our long-distance bill, seeing that my dad was not very happy about my quest.” The recording of “St James Infirmary” was the first track captured for this album. Brianna shares, “While we were working on my solo album back on 2014, one day we were taking a break he and asked me if I was interested in hearing what he was working on. I obviously was, and so he played this song for me. I was blown away, and asked what he was going to do with the recording. I was shocked when he told me ‘probably nothing’ because it didn’t fit appropriately anywhere on albums he had coming up. He had recorded it for himself because he loves jazz, and was inspired by a version he had heard the Preservation Hall band perform. We started hanging out in New Orleans quite a bit, and was instantly in love with the city.  I felt at home there, and was enchanted by the sound, performances, storytelling, culture, food, fashion, architecture, EVERYTHING. At some point I told Kurt the next album we do has to be something that his version of ‘St. James Infirmary’ would fit onto appropriately. His rendition of that song in my opinion shaped the whole sound of this album. Now, we obviously weren’t going to record a whole album of traditional New Orleans jazz, BUT we could create an environment through horn arrangements and storytelling that made that song feel right at home.”

 The album title (The Lexington Stretch) celebrates the Jorgensens every day life. It’s a reference to an area where they live, write music, record their songs, eat dinner as a family, entertain, and reflect on all things that are life. But more broadly an ode to St. Paul, Minnesota. The Twin Cities have treated them well professionally, where they continue to perform hundreds of shows a year supported by the fans and musicians who have one of the greatest scenes across America’s cities. Kurt was acknowledged by the Minnesota Music Awards with the trifecta - Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year. He reflects, “I think I was able to do that here because of our strongly supported art and music scene. It is diverse and the quality of life is great. If it weren’t for our cold winters everyone would want to live here. You’ve got be tough to make it through 20 below zero and lack of sunlight for months on end. The summers are amazing, and many of musicians who do live here (all very tough) are as good as you will find any place on Earth. Brianna adds, “I love living here because it’s beautiful, progressive, entertaining, and comfortable and these are all things that fuel my creativity. I have a sense of belonging when I’m here. I feel peace, and pure happiness. St. Paul is filled with wonderful restaurants (I’m a major food enthusiast), book stores, coffee houses, nature parks, museums, theaters, historical sites, I mean the list goes on and on. I’m loud and proud about St. Paul and I always will be.” 

 The union and commitment these two individuals made to one another has been the core of this evolving creation which grows exponentially with every passing year. As Brianna reflects, “Sometimes when you do life together to this degree you forget about the deep stuff. We are to a point where we know one another so well that we can basically speak without speaking. Reflecting on us, it makes me feel the clarity that we do have something special here and I can’t wait for more people across The World to hear, feel, and embrace this small piece of us we aim share through our songs.” Kurt offers, “Looking back, I am proud of the legacy of collected works which encompass over a hundred songs released before we started working together. I had been trying to create the Americana Soul sound for a long time. It plateaued, and needed fresh life.  Brianna helps me grow, and to be a more ‘unchained’ artist than I was before (pun intended).  With this album, I think we’ve finally reached that pocket where there is a balance of creativity, songs and the sound we’ve been hearing in our heads slowly refining themselves to become what is now “The Lexington Stretch.”

Mixing up an unlikely concoction of vintage rock & roll and outlaw country, Cole Diamond is, depending on when you ask, either the stage name for singer/songwriter Ryan Otte or the collective handle for Otte and his Band. For years Otte spent most weekends behind a drum kit playing with too many band to list. The idea for Cole Diamond came about as a way for Otte to step out from behind the drums and try his hand at the front of the stage. In the years since “Cole Diamond” was conceived he has released an EP, a string of singles, received airplay on 89.3 The Current, and opened for national acts such as Corb Lund. Drawing on influences that range from Waylon and Willie to Brooks & Dunn, Cole Diamond delivers a modern take on a classic sound.

The Tom Harkness Project is a collaborative arrangement of some of the best Twin Cities musicians spearheaded by Tom Harkness, a local favorite and seasoned veteran of the live music scene. Tom provides a high level of talent that is crafted for your entertainment needs from solo, duo, trio and full bands. Tom’s exceptional experience and professional performers, bring a wide variety of music styles with a unique Louisiana flair, bringing the best quality of live entertainment to you.

Minneapolis based musician Tim (Timothy) Howe has been serenading his way onto the Minnesota Music Scene since 2008. First preforming in coffee shops and local clubs, Howe has been able to make his one-man show into a must see event!

Using smooth vocals, looping abilities, and acoustic singer/songwriter style, Howe has created a sound that will leave you completely awe-struck. Charismatic, soulful, and ambitious, Howe has propelled himself to headlining such venues as the “Fine Line Music Cafe” in Minneapolis, MN, melting the “Saint Paul Winter Carnival” main stage, and also being runner-up in the 101.3 KDWB “Break Out Star” Competition in 2009.

He has graced the small screen, being the featured musician on QCTV’s (Quad Cities Television) “Suburban Mix” as well as local radio broadcasts “Cities97” and “101.3 KDWB.” Howe has also been a “preferred audition” for NBC’s “The Voice” in 2011, and 2012, and has earned comparisons to such artists as Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw, and Bruno Mars.

Howe is definitely an artist not to be missed. When people ask for, “Tim Who?” You know they want “Tim Howe.”

Kijana “KJ” Gant is a smooth and soulful R&B vocalist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born in Chicago, raised in Gary, Indiana, and came under the spell of music at just 12 years old. He writes songs about life, love, and relationships in an effort to make all three become better. Kijana has drawn comparisons to legendary performers like Luther Vandross, Brian McKnight, and Frankie Beverly but has crafted his own original style that stands out both musically and lyrically.

His motivation is to share his love and passion for music with the world and to let his audiences experience what he feels onstage. He’s been performing steadily in regional clubs and building a fan base. His plan for 2021 and beyond is to book festival shows and to open for national acts whose fans will appreciate his unique voice and engaging stage presence. 

More than anything, Kijana is here to show the world how music can uplift and inspire individual lives. His performances are an outpouring of love and emotional energy and his blend of Pop, Soul, and R&B is powerful enough to propel him to the highest levels of the music industry. The 2020s are going to be big for Kijana and he belongs on the radar of anyone seeking the next great modern R&B singer.

Ledfoot Larry is a Saint Paul, Minnesota-based "Cowpunk" artist, combining Tex-Mex and early styles of country music to create a neotraditional sound. Lorenzo "Ledfoot Larry" Michelutti first performed as the solo artist "Ledfoot Larry" in 2014 in Saint Paul, MN, and by 2017 decided to take his act out with a full band.  Eight distinguished years into their genre-bending career, Larry and band together make "Ledfoot Larry". In that time, they have headlined festivals, released their debut album "Smooches Gracias" to critical acclaim, a follow-up album titled "Tequila Mockingbird" which has seen much terrestrial radio play, and were 2019 and 2021 Midwest CMA Awards nominees.

Larry and band have also gone on to be frequent headliners for rodeos in the Midwest, and are even a fixture at local festivals and street dances across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

So call them what you will..."neo classic country", or "new fashioned hillbilly" - it's all the same to them. They are all dedicated to holding the torch for traditional American 'roots music', while at the same time looking to forge new ground and expressing their own musical vision.

Their exciting live show is a combination of radio-friendly originals, and the most danceable Top 40 classics from the "Golden Age of Country" to ever grace the radio!  Whether you find them at a street dance, large venue or roadside honky-tonk, you're looking at a sweaty night of broken heels and spendy bar tabs.

Excellent multi-instrumentalists, musicians and performers Johnny Holliday & Willie Moore serenade audiences with their unique renditions of popular songs and original music providing an amazing show that is tailored to any event.

Award winning musician, Joe Flip, performing with his hand-made oil can guitars, is now receiving international radio-play and recognition for his many talents.

His album, "Tin Can Tunes," charted #2, along with his song "Mess Around," charting #1 on the international RMR Radio Charts earning him a 2019 Blues Blast Magazine Music Award nomination. Joe also represented Minnesota at the 2019 International Blues Competition in Memphis, TN, advancing to the semi-finals.

His hand-made oil can guitars, "Hayburners”, have been sold all over the world and have been featured on FOX 9 News, Blues in Britain Magazine, CNET, and The Drive Magazine.

Not only content with performing, Joe also serves as a music teacher and promoter of "Blues for Kids," a music education program he created at the 501c3 non-profit organization, "Discover Music". The program is known for organizing workshops at schools and festivals with the mission of teaching children of all ages about the Blues music genre with harmonica and guitar.

The New Feral Cats are a 5-piece, female-fronted R&B, blues, rock band. All members of this band are seasoned pros delivering high energy music that gets the crowd on their feet.

J Train Jazz is a four piece jazz combo led by ‘power-tenor’ Jerry Parker playing standards, Motown, R&B and post-modern jukebox-style renditions of contemporary tunes.