Erik Koskinen is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, whose music is not categorized by sub-genres. Stylistically he is on his own while heavily influenced by American roots music. The rhythmic integrity and musical tone is as important as the lyrical content and the artistic intent. Koskinen has reverently entered the anthology of uniquely crafted wry songs with the likes of Woody Guthrie and Ry Cooder while speaking as plainly as your neighbor. The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls Koskinen “the real deal” and “The best country songwriter in Minnesota.”
A fixture of the American roots scene, Koskinen has earned praise from Rolling Stone Country for his “authentic voice and vivid storytelling,” while No Depression has called him “one of the best songwriters in the Midwest.” His music draws comparisons to artists like John Prine and Steve Earle, yet his sound remains uniquely grounded in the landscapes and working-class stories of the Upper Midwest. Critics frequently point to the emotional honesty and craftsmanship of his writing-songs that feel lived-in, reflective, and deeply human. On stage, the Erik Koskinen Band brings those songs to life with muscular musicianship and a warm, road-tested chemistry. The result is a performance that moves easily between intimate storytelling and electrified roots rock, creating a show that is both powerful and deeply personal.
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Drew Peterson is an independent Americana singer-songwriter who has captivated fans across the Midwest for over 20 years. Since fronting the Minnesota-based group Forty Watt Bulb, Peterson has spawned two other successful Roots projects; the twangy, upbeat Dead Pigeons and bluegrass-influenced Boxstore Bird. Peterson comes from a long line of musically inept Norwegian Farmers (unless you count Grandpa Pops, the town drunk, who played the harmonica and the concertina for booze). Not born with musical talent, his mom bought him a guitar at a church rummage sale for $5 and it was then he decided he wanted to become a musician. Growing up on a farm in rural Minnesota, he tackled this endeavor the way he had been taught – hard work and lots of practice. And practice is what he’s been doing for 20 years. His passion has always been crafting lyrics and songwriting.
Peterson has built a unique brand that transcends the genre. With clever, dry humor and thought- provoking lyrics, Peterson’s music is like oil over gravel. Drawing on influences from John Prine, Tom Waits, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, among others, Peterson offers the world upbeat tunes with a soft- spoken gravitas that belies his years. With a performance style that can transform from intimate listening room to rowdy festivals and bars, Peterson always gives his heart and soul to the stage. And with each new performance, he works to connect with the audience through storytelling.
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Dellwood is a duo of young musicians with enough skill and talent to entertain for hours and a repertoire that’s bound to capture the hearts of music lovers of all ages. They have an energetic and diverse stage presence with songs ranging from originals and Americana to their spin on an assortment of your favorite songs.
***THIS SHOW IS ON THE 2ND FLOOR & ACCESSIBLE ONLY BY STAIRS. We would love nothing more than to be able to welcome every human into the theater and are working really hard to have an elevator built in the near future.***
