2017 . 8th ANNUAL
listener's
GUIDE
WINONA, MN APRIL 28-29
LA CROSSE, WI APRIL 14-15
-2016 2015 WE'RE GLAD ANNUAL YOU'RE REPORT HERE
WELCOME TO MID WEST MUSIC FEST! Mid West Music Fest was born in 2010 when AmeriCorps volunteer Sam Brown was stationed in the historic city of Winona, beautifully nestled between the bluffs and the Mississippi River. Boasting three institutions of higher education and a blossoming arts scene including the annual Minnesota Beethoven Festival, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Frozen River Film Festival, Boats and Bluegrass and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Sam quickly fell in love with his new community and planted his ambitious idea amongst a group of eager new friends. Mid West Music Fest is in its eighth year of bringing the best of the Midwest to multiple stages in a beautiful valley on the Mississippi River in downtown Winona, MN and La Crosse, WI. In 2015, MWMF was nominated for “Best Music Festival in Minnesota” by the Twin Cities City Pages and in 2016 added accolades for “Best Music Festival” from Southern MN Scene and Midwest Living. In 2016, over 3,000 people and over 400 musicians descended on La Crosse and Winona for 3 days of music and art. Dates for 2017 festival April 14-15 in La Crosse, WI and April 28-29 in Winona, MN. The festival has become well-known with regional artists, promoters and bookings agents. Since 2010, we have honed our organizing and mission as a 501c3 non-profit by promoting music and art activism in the region,creating opportunities for artists, stimulating downtown economic development, and providing diverse educational resources for artists, community members, and children. MWMF has a history of building community-based, communityowned experiences that deliver quality entertainment, while increasing the economic vitality of downtown. Through our Sounds Like School program, MWMF has reached over 10,000 students and performers in the last year three years. Sounds Like School builds connections to learners of all ages through partnerships with area schools. These partnerships expose students to live performances, connect students with musicians, and foster a general appreciation for music. “Mid West Music Fest has the two best festival qualities: organized and nice. That’s all anyone needs! The line up is varied and spectacular. Then you put it all in a magic little town on the river, I love it.” - Musician, professor and 2-time Grammy Award winner Kevin Bowe We hope you become part of our efforts to grow music and community in 2017!
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2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT
MID WEST MUSIC FEST TURNS EIGHT From 2015-2016 Annual Report
2016 has been a banner year for Mid West Music Fest. We saw large increases in many important areas including ticket sales and overall earned income. We also successfully brought the Winona honed model to La Crosse and through solid connections in that historic river town drew large numbers in our first year. The mission of the MWMF is to promote music and art activism in the region, creating opportunities for artists, stimulating downtown economic development, and providing diverse educational resources for artists, community members, and children.
With our new arm of the festival in La Crosse, and with increased sales and unprecedented media attention on the 2016 festival, we feel confident that the foundation is set for MWMF to grow. We have some great statistics to share in this report and we are really excited about the support we have received from Winona, La Crosse, and the Twin Cities for our efforts to bring music tourists to the downtown of these historic river cities to see great music by the best in local and regional musicians. We are proud supporters of Midwest and Minnesota and Wisconsin grown music. We are also strong supporters of local business and what tourism can do to grow the economy in historic downtowns. Record Attendance in Year 7 Over 3000 people attended Mid West Music Fest in April, including 1000 people during our inaugural day in La Crosse, WI. Since its inception in 2010 attendance and
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT
press has slowly grown for the festival. 49% of 2016 attendees were from Winona, 21% were from La Crosse, and 30% were from outside the area (including 10% from the Twin Cities area). Ticket sales were up 173% since 2013. Partnerships Soar in 2016 As a small arts non-profit we are dependent on volunteers, in-kind donations, and an overall sense of ownership by the two communities in which we now hold our event. We are also very grateful for the strong presence we have been able to maintain in the Twin Cities through our partnerships there - truly one of the greatest music cities in the country. Through partnerships with MPR - The Current, Hal Leonard, KQAL, Metre, HBC, KFAI, KUMD, The River, WDRT, Southern MN Scene, and Seven we benefited from over $50,000 of in-kind donations. In-kind donations have seen a 9-fold increase since 2013. These partnerships have helped to greatly increase our overall reach as an organization and added an unparalleled professionalism to the Mid West Music Fest brand. Investing in artists An important aspect of what we do is invest in artists. We believe that by supporting music artists we help to better the lives of people in our community. To that end, we have paid over $150,000 to musicians in the first 7 years of the festival. A majority of these dollars have been spent on Midwest and Minnesota-based musicians. In 2016 we also invested more in La Crosse and Wisconsin-based musicians. This has helped to support their individual businesses, contributing to the purchase of musical instruments and supplies, transportation costs, lodging costs, and practice time. We are all beneficiaries of this investment through hundreds of hours of performance time that has graced our local stages since 2010. MN Public Radio comes to Winona Our four year partnership with MPR - The Current took a tremendous leap forward in 2016 when directors there decided to spend Legacy funding toward bringing their Local Show to MWMF in Winona. Through extensive on-air advertising and a strong presence of DJs and their radio programming at the festival, Winona and La Crosse were highlighted throughout MN and WI. Winona musicians and our mayor were also highlighted as part of the live recorded show at the festival on April 30. They had such a good time they are returning to record live again in 2017!
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2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Earned Income Makes Big Jump Over the past several years we have been working to diversify our funding streams. As a small non-profit we have experienced some major stress because of the undependable nature of grants. It can be dangerous to build up infrastructure while counting on grants to be renewed year after year. To help strengthen our stability we have been working to increase earned income as a more assured way of keeping the doors open. Strategies that have been successful are offering space to business partners via our Listener’s Guide, charging partnership fees to venues that benefit from our holding part of the festival in their establishment, selling merchandise, charging fees to vendors at the festival and in 2016, operating our own concessions at the tent stage and the Masonic Theater. Since 2013, we have been able to increase our earned income by over 200% and in 2016 this earned income represented 50% of our budget.
Inaugural Year in La Crosse Huge Success We’ve been building relationships in La Crosse for several years, but in 2016 we really took those initial partnerships to a new level. Through a strong development committee in La Crosse that included key business leaders and arts supporters, we were able to generate new donors and partner with existing and new venues. Due to strong support from Weber Family Foundation, Dahl Automotive, La Crosse Visitors Bureau, Downtown Mainstreet, WDRT and a unique media partnership with SEVEN that helped get the word out our first year, we drew attendance on par with our best days in Winona. The MWMF Board and the La Crosse Development committee are committed to a Year 2 in La Crosse. MWMF education mission continues Though challenged by lack of education funding we continued to partner with area schools to bring talent and inspiration to youth in our city. We held a very successful artist residency with Twin Cities hip hop artist Toki Wright, worked with Cotter journalism students, held several shows at Riverway Learning Community, and offered many opportunities for learning for all ages during Saturday April 30 of the festival. Many thanks to Elizabeth Callendar King and others for continued support of this important work.
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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ORGANIZERS
THE FOLKS WHO PUT THIS TOGETHER FOUNDER Sam Brown
Concessions Tracy Flom
Board of Directors Sam Brown (Founder), Jacob Grippen (Chair), Sean Burke (Treasurer), Lois Sieve (Secretary), Charlie Brown, Kay Mazza, Jim Trouten, Doug Westerman
Music Committee Sean Burke, Megan Hanson, Matt Marek, Brianna Haupt, Jonathan Roberts, Scott Lochner, Brian Stehula, Alex Stevens, Noah Short, Dustin Roberts
Development Committee Winona, La Crosse) Sam Brown, Sean Burke, Andrew Dahl, Dane Gonzales, Corrie Brekke, Mike Keil, Nick Weber, Kay Mazza, Brian Stehula FESTIVAL Director Parker Forsell Assistant Director Dave Casey Administrative Assistant Sam Zierden Booking Manager Nick Elstad LOGISTICS Corbin Flom Ticketing Coordinator Emily Kurash
Education Committee Jacob Grippen, Mike Costello, Brianna Haupt, Nick Elstad Finance & Fundraising Committee Sean Burke, Jacob Grippen, Cynthya Porter, Lois Sieve, Kris Blanchard, Cherie Burke Listener's Guide Content Dave Casey, Jonathan Roberts, Parker Forsell Design Cody Bartz - Metre Photography Ben Steinquist, Jon Swanson, Bob Good Production Ben Assef - Northern Sun Productions PRINTING Hal Leonard
GET TICKETS AND ADDITIONAL INFO HERE www.midwestmusicfest.org Many thanks to the cities of La Crosse and Winona, volunteers, artists, and sponsors - you truly make this festival the place “where music and community meet.” Mid West Music Fest 164 E. 3rd St. Winona, MN 55987
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BUSINESSES $ 10,000
Festival Sponsor Level The Current Dahl Subaru Horton, Inc. Weber Family Foundation Midwest Family Broadcasting $ 10,000
Founder Stage Sponsor Horton, Inc. $ 5,000
VENUE Sponsor Level Hal Leonard HBC KQAL Leighton Broadcasting Winona National Bank Seven Minnesota Marine Art Museum Fulton Brewery $ 2,500
STAGE Sponsor Level Winona Daily News Explore La Crosse Charmant Hotel Elizabeth Callender King KFAI SEMAC Rivervalley Newspaper Group Bent Paddle Brewing $ 1,000
COMMUNITY Sponsor Level Candlewood Suites Court Above Main Hilton Hotel Home Federal Merchants Bank Mid West Music Store Ocooch Mountain Music SoMinnScene WDRT Wisconsin Public Radio Grand Stay Bartz Family Foundation
$ 500
$ 150
HEADLINER Sponsor Level Bluff Country Coop Courtyard by Marriot Eagles Club Carriage House Hampton Inn Peoples Food Coop Americann Inn
OPENING BAND Level Daniel and Nancy Goltz Peter Shortridge and Amy Nankivil Kay Mazza Hugh and Vera Miller Dave and Kathleen Christiansen Ron and Nancy Nelson Elizabeth Bach
$ 300
$ 100
SUPPORTING ACT Level Jumpstart Sales Inc. Winona Sandwich Company Riverfront Partnership Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. Coke
DOUBLE ALBUM Level Jim Casey Jay Xiong Dave and Muriel Arnold Stephen Bachler and Nancy Edstrom Bachler Eric Batleson Matt Bosworth and Jennifer Sanborn Francis Edstrom Ellyn English and Brad Turner Theresa Held Erin Maslowski Cyntha Porter Tom and Mary Ann Severson
$ 150
OPENING BAND Level Nate & Ally's WM. Miller Scrap Iron & Metal Co. Affinity Plus Credit Union
IndividualS $ 2000
Venue Sponsor Nick Zeller, Keith Zeller, John Creede, and Ron Carr
$ 1,000
STAGE Sponsor Level Anonymous Anonymous Susan and Jerry Miller Nick Weber $ 500
HEADLINER Sponsor Level Lois Sieve Mary Burrichter and Bob Kierlin Michael and Karen Keil Will and Shirley Oberton Jerry Pappenfuss
SPONSORS
THE PEOPLE THAT MADE THIS HAPPEN
$ 75
ALBUM LEVEL Jason Spartz $ 50
cd level Parker Forsell Jonelle Moore $ 25
and below SINGLE Level Jodi Dansingburg and Kevin OBrien Jean Hayes Jenn Baechle Frank and Ruth Bures Robert Copeland Jacob Grippen Pat Mutter Matt Marek
$ 300
SUPPORTING ACT Tim Saterbak 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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MISSISSIPPI RIVER
LA CROSSe vENUES
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CAVALIER THEATRE 114 5th Ave N
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GRAND HOTEL BALLROOM 207 Pearl St.
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The ROOT NOTE 115 4th St. S
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THE Charmant HOTEL 101 State St.
PARKING
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST INFO and tickets The Root Note - 115 4th St. S
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TURTLE STACK BREWERY 125 2nd St. S
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The Court Above Main 418 Main St.
LA CROSSE
Karate Chop, Silence Ivory James Isreal Roemer
SATURDAY, APRIL 15 The Root Note The Root Note The Root Note
LA CROSSE
9:30PM 9:30PM 9:00PM 9:00PM 8:30PM 8:00PM 8:00PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:00PM 6:30PM 6:30PM 6:30PM 6:00PM 6:00PM 5:15PM 5:00PM 4:45PM 4:00PM
Heat Box Frogleg Jon Stickley Trio PHO Trapper Schoepp Joe & Vicki Price Tani Diakite & the Afrofunkstars Frankie Lee Gentlemen's Anti-Temperance League Goodnight Gold Dust Feed the Dog Barely Losing Pieta Brown The Old Fashioneds Matt Monsoor Mike Munson Midwest Voltage LASKA Andrew Hughes Under Paris Skies The Golden Strings Jake Ilika Al Scorch Eddie Danger Mike Munson
12:00AM 12:00AM 11:30PM 11:30PM 10:30PM 10:30PM
Cavalier Theater The Root Note Cavalier Theater The Court Above Main Cavalier Theater The Root Note
6:30PM 6:00PM 6:00PM 6:00PM 5:15PM 4:45PM 4:30PM 4:00PM 3:30PM 3:00PM 2:30PM
People Brother's Band GGOOLLDD Ignite Michaela Anne Black Market Brass Dusk Eddie Danger & Doctor Bob Puppet Show TUGG Joe Huber Smokin' Bandits John Craigie Midnight Reruns Coyote Tenement Chicago Farmer Buffalo Gospel Auralai Springsteen's "Seeger Sessions" - Mr. Blink & Pig Town Fling The Old Fashioneds (duo) Big Liquor The Brother Brothers Idle Empress Matt Mahlum Anima Eddie Allen Gregg "Cheech" Hall Medicine Brothers Driftless Sisters Brahman Shaman
1:30PM
Luke Callen
The Charmant
1:15PM
Crooked Willow
The Root Note
10:00PM
FRIDAY, APRIL 14 12:30AM 12:00AM 11:30PM 11:00PM 10:30PM 10:00PM
WISCONSIN
LA CROSSE
THURSDAY, APRIL 13 10:00PM 9:15PM 8:30PM
LA CROSSE SCHEDULE
LA CROSSE
Cavalier Theater The Root Note The Court Above Main Cavalier Theater The Root Note The Court Above Main Cavalier Theater The Charmant Grand Hotel Ballroom The Root Note The Court Above Main Cavalier Theater The Charmant Grand Hotel Ballroom The Root Note The Court Above Main Cavalier Theater The Charmant Turtle Stack Brewery Grand Hotel Ballroom The Root Note Turtle Stack Brewery The Charmant The Root Note Turtle Stack Brewery
10:00PM 9:30PM 9:00PM 9:00PM 9:00PM 8:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:00PM
Cavalier Lounge The Court Above Main The Charmant Cavalier Theater Grand Hotel Ballroom The Root Note Court Above Main Cavalier Theater Grand Hotel Ballroom The Charmant The Root Note Court Above Main Turtle Stack Brewery Cavalier Theater Grand Hotel Ballroom The Root Note Turtle Stack Brewery The Root Note Grand Hotel Ballroom Turtle Stack Brewery The Root Note The Charmant The Root Note
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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WINONA SCHEDULE
WINONA WINONA
WINONA
THURSDAY, APRIL 27 10:30PM 9:00PM 8:00PM
Land at Last Matt Monsoor Frequency Collisions
SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Ed's No Name Bar Ed's No Name Bar Ed's No Name Bar
WINONA
FRIDAY, APRIL 28 12:00AM 12:00AM 12:00AM 10:30PM 10:30PM 10:30PM 10:30PM 9:30PM 9:00PM 9:00PM 9:00PM 9:00PM 9:00PM 8:00PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 6:30PM 6:30PM 6:15PM 6:00PM 6:00PM 6:00PM 5:45PM 5:30PM 5:30PM 5:00PM 5:00PM 5:00PM 4:30PM 4:30PM 4:00PM 4:00PM 3:30PM
Frog Leg Night Moves Dead Pigeons Los Colognes The Honeydogs The Twilight Hours Driftwood Bones Big Wu Feeding Leroy The Heavy Set Reina del Cid Elizabth Ghandour & The Heighburners Voodoo Fix Blackfoot Gypsies Farewell Milwaukee TABAH The Burke Band Fathom Lane Lunch Duchess Adam Levy J. Hardin General B and the Wiz Catbath Sam Cassidy Lydia Liza Almighty American Joey Ryan Jake Ilika Seasaw Jill The Coax Circle of Heat Ben Lubeck Reina del Cid Adam Strelow & The Worthy Adversaries Bo.Monro Big Wu Way - film
MINNESOTA
Ed's No Name Bar Island City Brewing The Eagles Club Ed's No Name Bar Historic Masonic Temple Island City Brewing The Eagles Club Tent Stage Ed's No Name Bar Historic Masonic Temple Island City Brewing The Eagles Club Trempealeau Hotel Tent Stage Historic Masonic Temple Island City Brewing The Eagles Club Blooming Grounds Ed's No Name Bar Mid West Music Store Acoustic Cafe Tent Stage Island City Brewing Historic Masonic Temple Mid West Music Store The Eagles Club Blooming Grounds Acoustic Cafe Ed's No Name Bar Island City Brewing Mid West Music Store Tent Stage Acoustic Cafe Blooming Grounds Ed's No Name Bar Mid West Music Store Art of the Rural Outpost
12:00AM 12:00AM 11:45PM 10:30PM 10:30PM 10:30PM 10:30PM 9:30PM 9:15PM 9:00PM 9:00PM 9:00PM 8:45PM 8:00PM 8:00PM 7:45PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:30PM 7:00PM 7:00PM 6:45PM 6:30PM 6:15PM 6:15PM 6:00PM 6:00PM 6:00PM 5:45PM 5:30PM 5:30PM 5:00PM 5:00PM 4:45PM 4:30PM 4:30PM 4:30PM 4:30PM 4:15PM 4:00PM 4:00PM 3:15PM 3:00PM 3:00PM 3:00PM 2:15PM 12:00PM
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
Black Eyed Snakes Kind Country Alex Rossi Sleeping Jesus Charlie Parr New Sound Underground LASKA People Brothers Flint Eastwood Dead Horses Jillian Rae Rachel Hanson Ignite Porcupine Teague Alexy Band Sonny Knight Them Coulee Boys Jaybone Bell & Restless Light Jay Smart Rachel Hanson Ben Weaver The Ultrasounds Waldemar Mike Munson McNasty Brass Ilika Ward & the Moonlight Riders Lydia Liza Barbaro Brianna Kocka Len Voy Tony Peachka Dan Israel Jake Manders BBGUN Sheep for Wheat Vinyl Spins: Minneapolis Scene Fletcher Magellan Gaelynn Lee Listen Here, Kids Danny Sigelman - author Nanaimo Jazz Beet Root Stew Jim Walsh - author Afflatus Wastrels Puppets w/ Eddie Danger & Doctor bob Sounds Like School Variety Show
Island City Brewing The Eagles Club Ed's No Name Bar Ed's No Name Bar Historic Masonic Temple Island City Brewing The Eagles Club Tent Stage Ed's No Name Bar Historic Masonic Temple Island City Brewing The Eagles Club Tent Stage Ed's No Name Bar Trempealeau Hotel Tent Stage Historic Masonic Temple Island City Brewing The Eagles Club Blooming Grounds Mid West Music Store Ed's No Name Bar Acoustic Cafe Island City Brewing Tent Stage Historic Masonic Temple Mid West Music Store The Eagles Club Blooming Grounds Acoustic Cafe Ed's No Name Bar Island City Brewing Mid West Music Store Tent Stage Acoustic Cafe Art of the Rural Outpost Blooming Grounds Historic Masonic Temple Ed's No Name Bar Art of the Rural Outpost Mid West Music Store Tent Stage Art of the Rural Outpost Ed's No Name Bar Mid West Music Store Tent Stage Tent Stage
WINONA VENUES
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HISTORIC MASONIC TEMPLE 251 Main St.
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THE EAGLES CLUB 210 E. 4th St.
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BLOOMING GROUNDS 50 E. 3rd St.
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ED'S NO NAME BAR 252 E 3rd St.
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ACOUSTIC CAFE 77 Lafayette St.
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ISLAND CITY BREWING 65 E Front St.
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Tent Stage Corner of Center & 2nd St.
MW 168 E 3rd St.
MID WEST MUSIC STORE
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TREMPEALEAU HOTEL 150 Main St. Trempealeau, Wisconsin
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ART OF THE RURAL OUTPOST 119 E 3rd St.
MID WEST MUSIC FEST INFO and tickets GRSF Office - 79 E 3rd St.
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PARKING
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
PARTNERS 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
PARTNERS 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
93 UNIQUE APARTMENT RESIDENCES IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN LA CROSSE Belle Square is a dynamic complex featuring the following amenities: • • • • • • • • • • •
93 spacious, well-appointed residences Retail establishments Secured underground parking Street-level green spaces Rooftop Terrace Club room Fitness center
Business center On-site property manager
Prime downtown La Crosse location Eco-conscious design
The Residences at Belle Square
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323 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
608-785-1100
bellesquarelacrosse.com
PARTNERS
FITNESS CENTER
CLUB ROOM
ROOFTOP TERRACE
Our on-site fitness center offers cutting-edge cardio and strength training equipment; professional trainers; towel service; and spacious locker rooms with private showers, changing areas, and vanity stations.
With a full kitchen, game tables, two big-screen televisions, and a sound system, our furnished club room is the perfect spot for our residential tenants to meet, hang out, and host parties and other private events.
Our Rooftop Terrace includes furnished patios, grilling stations, a fire pit, a bocce ball court, raised garden beds for tenant use, and large cisterns that collect and store rainwater for irrigation.
RESIDENCES
NEIGHBORHOOD
The Residences at Belle Square include well-appointed studio, one-bedroom, twobedroom, three-bedroom, and penthouse units.
Belle Square is located in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, close to the Mississippi River, performing arts venues, museums, and educational institutions. Specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, and breweries are within easy walking distance.
The Residences at Belle Square
323 State Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-1100
bellesquarelacrosse.com
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
“Congratulations Mid West Music Fest 2017”
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
PARTNERS
HUGE DEAL
Motorcoach Road Trips to Lambeau, Miller Park, Wrigley, country jam, US Bank stadium, rock fest & more...
RADIO
F F U T S
STORE.com 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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LA CROSSE ARTISTS
Al Scorch Folk Punk – Chicago, IL Balanced on wedges of punk, old-time string band, American and European folk, and soulful balladry, Al is an entertainer, road warrior, storyteller, and one helluva musician. A punk rock John Prine or Billy Bragg, Huffington Post calls him "The finest country-punkfolk-bluegrass banjo player in the country."
Andrew Hughes Alt. Folk – La Crosse, WI Singer/guitarist of popular Alternative Ska/ Reggae band TUGG and founder of the Guitar Academy at the Boys & Girls Club.
BLACK MARKET BRASS Funk / Afrobeat – Minneapolis, MN Drums and horns of all kinds crowd the stage at Black Market Brass shows. Funk guitar scratches, horn line blasts, trumpet riffs fill the air with a sound smuggled in from somewhere much warmer than here. The congas and bass settle into a groove and let the horn players take turns at making the crowd roar in amazement. Bring your dancing shoes.
Anima Alt / Indie / Folk – Viroqua, WI Friends since kindergarten, Raina and Jaia began making music together at the beginning of their high school years. They started by busking at local farmers markets and frequenting open mics, but with the help of their abundant musical community in the hills of Driftless Wisconsin, Anima's on-stage presence has grown, as well as their musical range.
Auralai Indie Pop / Chamber Folk – Oshkosh, WI With Stephanie Tschech providing a foundation of cello and voice, complemented by multi-instrumentalist Nate Lehner, Auralai combines the best of classical beauty with pop-esque rhythm and melody. NPR calls them "a delicately plucked chamber/folk duo that is at once rich and sparse." BARELY LOSING Americana / Alt-Country – La Crosse, WI Midwest Rock-N-Roll band playing inspired originals awash in the heyday of Uncle Tupelo and The Replacements. BIG LIQUOR Country Rockin' Blues – La Crosse, WI Songs about drinkin, livin’ big, and lovin big! Bringing classic country and alternative country to the forefront. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN "SEEGER SESSIONS" (Mr. Blink and Pig Town Fling) Big River Rhythm Rock – La Crosse, WI Two classic LAX bands put their own spin on New Jersey's finest signature tunes of muscular rock & roll soul.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
Chicago Farmer Folk – Bloomington, IL Chicago Farmer is the moniker Cody Diekhoff performs and writes under. Lyrically driven, he delves into the social and political issues of today’s world. Cody has his finger on the pulse of middle America. Coming from a long line of family farmers and factory workers in central Illinois, rural farming community has inspired many songs that are autobiographical in nature. Todd Snider says "Chicago Farmer is my brother, if you like me you'll love him."
LA CROSSE ARTISTS
Brahman Shaman Indie Rock – La Crosse, WI "Brahman Shaman is the musical alter-ego of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer Matt Olson. As the former guitarist for Iowa rock band Rearview Mirror, Olson had the opportunity to record a full-length album with Grammy award winning super producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stone) who also signed the group to his Palm Pictures imprint, Gobstopper records in 2001. Buffalo Gospel Rock – Milwaukee, WI Building on a solid foundation of heartfelt and heartbreaking Country/Western and Americana arrangements, and featuring a stellar cast of local and national musicians, Buffalo Gospel delivers wholly original material that manages to feel utterly timeless. Their first full-length release “We Can Be Horses” finds the band energized and pushing boundaries of rock and bluegrass. COYOTE Rock n' Roll – Madison, WI A four piece rock 'n' roll band that brings together the best aspects of 70's jam session style guitar-driven groups like Allman Brothers Band, Santana, and Little Feat through their own original tunes.
Crooked Willow Americana / Folk – La Crosse, WI Based in the Driftless and rooted in friendship and family, Crooked Willow plays a mixture Americana styles focusing on fun harmonies and toe-tapping rhythms.
DUSK Indie Rock – Appleton, WI Includes members of the storied pop punk band Tenement, including its leader Amos Pitsch. DUSK is their 70s style Stones version of alt. country meets rock n roll, with a magnetic Janis Joplin-like soul singer Julia Blair shucking and blazing over the top vocals and harmonies while playing keyboard. Part indie rockers threading the needle through 70s rock n roll, an absolute barn-burner of a live band.
Driftless Sisters Indie / Folk – Galena, IL Kat Karberg and Lily Sprengelmeyer produce an eclectic sound, ranging from slow haunting melodies to upbeat driving folk-pop. The two recently produced an original nine-track album “Sparks from the Fire”, produced by Little Scream at Last Songbird Records, featuring four tracks with Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire. Eddie Allen Folk – Trempealeau, WI Legendary, enigmatic folk hero that spins humorous yarns with roots in the Driftless and feet in the clouds. Listening to Eddie Allen is like taking a long, tall drink of river rat wonder.
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LA CROSSE ARTISTS
Eddie Danger Cosmic Country-Folk with a Tribal Twist of Jazz – Viroqua, WI Award-winning singer/songwriter, playwright, and wedding officiant, Eddie live-loop samples 4-part vocal harmonies and plays everything from guitar, to pump organ and didgeridoo.
Feed the Dog Folk – Oshkosh, WI Led by the songwriting and deepthroated vocals of Ellis M. Brown, the band features masterfully crafted fiddle, Leo Kottke-like finger picking' acoustic six and twelve string guitar, funky bass lines, and percussive soul.
Eddie Danger and Dr Bob Puppet Show Puppetry/Music – Winona, MN / Viroqua, WI Armed with years of honing improvisational skills, you never know what Danger and Dr. Bob will conjure up when they are given late night license to play the moment. A special vaudeville version of the duo in the historic Cavalier Lounge.
Frogleg Funk / Rock / Bluegrass / Reggae / Soul – Minneapolis, MN Since their first show in late 2012, a major buzz about the band Frogleg has been slowly spreading throughout the Midwest. Honing their craft with a weekly residency at Bunkers Music Bar & Grill in downtown Mpls., this 7-piece brings a unique blend of Bluegrass, Funk, Reggae, Jazz and Rock. Bring your dance shoes.
Frankie Lee Americana – Minneapolis, MN Minnesotan by birth, Americana singer-songwriter Frankie Lee released his first full length record American Dreamer in the UK in 2015 and in the US in the summer of 2016. Named songwriter of the year by the Minneapolis City Pages in 2014, The Guardian called his debut album “beautifully burnished Americana... traditional sounding, but wild at heart and should take him a long way.” Rolling Stone (France) called American Dreamer the “debut album of the year.”
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Gentlemen s Anti -Temperance League Gypsy Jazz – Minneapolis, MN A string quartet that brings the smoky rhythms and sizzling leads of Prohibition swing into the 21st century. Drawing their influence from almost a century of American music, The Gentlemen's Anti-Temperance League combines elegant composition, raucous enthusiasm, and virtuosic playing.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
LA CROSSE ARTISTS
GGOOLLDD Electronic Pop / Dream Pop – Milwaukee, WI Margaret Butler is a woman with seemingly limitless natural charisma and an obsession with dressing up in outrageous costumes. Combine that with a group inspired by the shimmery decadence of Queen, the primal yowl of Black Sabbath and the madcap joy of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and bang! One of the most evocative and celebratory rock acts to come out of the Midwest in years.
Goodnight Gold Dust Electro Indie Pop – Mankato, MN Dark and broody with a silver lining, Good Night Gold Dust has been making waves in the Minnesota scene since the release of their 2014 EP and have continued to polish their synth-saturated indie-pop sound since. With lots of love from the Twin Cities press outlets, GNGD is working hard to be your next favorite band, yet they make it so easy.
HEATBOX Beatboxing / Experimental / A'cappella – Minneapolis, MN The One Man Entertainment System, Heatbox has been dazzling audiences across the country with his mix of Motown, a cappella, R&B, Hip-Hop, soul and funk. He mixes live singing, beatboxing and vocal turntablism with a wide range of technology to bring one of the most entertaining live shows around. You'll have to see it to believe it.
Gregg "Cheech" Hall Country / Americana – La Crosse, WI Guitar phenom, and axe man for numerous well-known Midwest acts including White Iron Band and most recently Nicholas David. Cheech is one of the unofficial mayors of 3rd Street and has legions of fans for both his music and "everyman" demeanor in the community. Israel Roemer Folk / Acoustic Rock – St. Cloud, MN Roemer's love for music, community, and creativity shows through his acoustic-rock melodies and humble stage presence.
Idle Empress Indie Rock – Eau Claire, WI A newer cornerstone of the Eau Claire dream-pop scene crafting hauntingly pretty sound scenes. Fronted by Lauren Anderson, her lilting voice ties together sixstring sunsets and walk in the park drum beats. Ivory James Indie / R & B – Decorah, IA A mostly-one-man band featuring James and a rotating cast of other players. Inspired by Prince worship and informed by Stevie Wonder's adventurous, pop-minded sonics, it's equal parts Frank Ocean and Eurhythmics.
Jake Ilika Folk Blues – Minneapolis, MN A recent transplant to the Twin Cities by way of Winona, MN, Ilika has been playing music for over ten years. His songwriting is influenced by the likes of Wilco, Ray Lamontagne, and Ryan Adams. His solo shows are personal, intimate, and soulful and provide more space for the audience to experience his beautiful voice and stunning guitar chops.
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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John Craigie Folk / Americana – Portland, OR If John Prine and Mitch Hedberg had a baby, the resulting product would resemble something very close to Portland, OR singer-songwriter John Craigie. Musically comparable to Prine, with the humor and wit of Hedberg, the humble, gracious, and hilarious Craigie is one of the best storytellers of our time. It’s no wonder that Chuck Norris sends him fan mail, and Todd Snider brings him gifts on stage.
LASKA Alternative, Americana and Desert Rock – Eau Claire, WI Songwriting sisters Hannah, Becca and Mookie weave influences of Alternative, Americana and Desert Rock with raw emotion in their songs. They are all confident vocalists knowing what each will bring to the table to sing lead, but also support one another with beautifully hard-hitting harmonies. Topping off the harmonic sheen is an instrumental arsenal including violin, guitar, banjo, mandolin and ukulele.
JOE & VICKI PRICE Blues – Decorah, IA Armed with a joyous, disarming demeanor and the ability to play the doors off most anyone else in the room, Price has opened for the likes of Iris Dement and John Lee Hooker, while Iowa's own Greg Brown calls Price “the Buddha.” Brown isn't alone in his praise, as a litany of Iowa musicians list Price as one of their influences.
Jon Stickley Trio Electro-Harmonic Jazz Grass / Post-Grass – Asheville, NC The originality and sheer energy of this genre-bending ensemble rides on the thrilling combination Jon Stickley’s rapid-fire flatpicking guitar with the sultry and wild, yet refined, melodies of Lyndsay Pruett (from Bela Fleck bass player Future Man's band) on violin set over the deep groove of Patrick Armitage on drums.
Joseph Huber Folk / Singer-Songwriter – Milwaukee, WI Formally with the highly popular, defunct .357 String Band, he has honed his songwriting abilities immensely and now continues moving onward and upward captivating folks with his sincere and well-crafted songs under his own name and with his backing band. Whether it's irresistible, fiddle-driven, danceable tunes or honest, heart-wrenching "songwriter" songs, Huber spans the spectrum and knows how to evoke joy or pain with the likes of the best.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
Karate Chop, Silence Funk / Alt. Rock – Winona, MN Formed in 2016 behind the muse of multiintrumentalist Dante Degrazia, Karate Chop, Silence is a funky alt. rock quartet with with strong pop influences and an appetite for grooves. Luke Callen Folk – La Crosse, Wisconsin Singer/songwriter raised in the Mississippi Valley, back in the area after years of touring with his Colorado-based band Von Stomper. Matt Mahlum Folk Rock – La Crosse, WI Drummer for the for country grass band The Smokin' Bandits, solo Mahlum shows off his own brand of folkin' country.
LA CROSSE ARTISTS
Matt Monsoor Pop Music – La Crosse, WI A kind of renaissance man who makes furniture, lamps, photos, and jewelry, Monsoor melds art and music together into an electronic tapestry. His detailed videos were favorites of the music committee. Medicine Brothers Folk Rock – Viroqua, WI Sandler Waggoner and Shawn Neary sing winter songs. They sing water songs. They sing what moves them. They sing what they write and they tend to sing it loud. They sing because it has always been their medicine, and always will be.
Midnight Reruns Rock – Milwaukee, WI They worked with The Replacements Tommy Stinson on their latest album. Like a cross between The Ramones, Big Star, and their brethren in The Replacements these guys rock! Stinson says of the band “It’s melodic, smart and snotty. Which is pretty much how I like my rock.”
Michaela Anne Country / Americana – Nashville, TN Michigan born and Nashville based singer-songwriter Michaela Anne has garnered considerable acclaim for her introspective songwriting. The New York Times praised the “plain-spoken songs of romantic regret and small-town longing” and her latest honky tonk gem Bright Lights and the Fame was named among Rolling Stone's "15 Great Country and Americana Albums You Didn't Hear in 2016." Catch this rising star.
MIDWEST VOLTAGE Indie Rock – La Crosse, WI Fronted by twin brothers Hugh and Andrew Rose and drawing influence from early 90's rock and post punk, Midwest Voltage's sound features explosive instrumental progressive rock mixed with spacey riffs. Mike Munson Americana Blues – Winona, MN Rooted in the Delta Blues but defiantly midwestern, he is known for his slide guitar work and driving rhythm. An accomplished musician, Munson equals himself as a lyricist, with songs about traveling, loss and frustration. He was chosen by the Minnesota Blues Society to represent the state at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in 2017.
PEOPLE BROTHERS BAND Rhythm & Soul – Madison, WI One of the staples of Madison's vibrant music scene, The People Brothers Band is an 8-piece Rhythm & Soul powerhouse whose only desire is to get you moving on the dance floor. Their love for music and playing together shines brightly through each performance.
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PHO Funk – Minneapolis, MN Seven-piece funk band creating a new Minneapolis sound utilizing modern taste and classic influences to break musical boundaries. In 2016 they got the Prince seal of approval as they opened for Larry Graham at Paisley Park after Prince posted about the band on social media.
Pieta Brown) Singer-Songwriter / Americana / Folk / Indie – Iowa City, IA Hailed as a "self-styled poetess, folk goddess and country waif" by the BBC, Pieta Brown first came to international attention with her 2002 self-titled debut. Pieta has since been recognized by NPR for her "moody, ethereal" songwriting, applauded by The Boston Globe for her "mercurial voice” and has continued to gain wide-spread critical attention for both her singing and songwriting with each release.
Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars Malian Blues / Funk – Wasulu - Mali, West Africa / Madison, WI When you hear the blues played by Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars, you'll understand why it is often said that Mali is the birthplace of the desert blues. Tani plays the Kamale N'goni which is one of several African instruments that preceded the banjo, so there are similarities to bluegrass music. However, Tani is backed by The Afrofunkstars, a blazing, percussive rhythm section, and the interplay between Kamale N'goni and jembe grooves are so hard that audiences can't stay still!
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THE SMOKIN BANDITS Rock / Blues / Country / Bluegrass / Jam band – La Crosse, WI Since 2003, Smokin' Bandits have been a staple in the midwest music scene with their high-energy form of original music dubbed electrified "Grass n' Roll." With a catalog of original material and unique takes on everything from Willie Nelson to Leftover Salmon, the band brings a powerhouse performance each time to music lovers of all different genres and generations.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
TENEMENT Rock – Appleton, WI Heralded as one of the "10 Great Modern Punk Bands" by Rollingstone in 2016, the legendary Tenement joins the fest for their first year following the release of their 2016 self-titled album. A decade in with a wide breadth of influences displayed in their recordings, there is no sign that these legends are slowing down.
The Golden Strings Old time / Bluegrass / Country – La Crosse, WI / Viroqua, WI Duo featuring Josh Rabie and Tim Foss performing old-time, bluegrass, country and traditional fiddle tunes. The Old Fashioneds Old-Time Rock n' Roll – Winona, MN Led by the bedazzling Sarah Johnson and accomplished bluesman Mike Munson, the Old Fashioneds play the 1950s hits that should have been. Raucus, raunchy and high energy, they will get you dancing and remind you why rock and roll was considered the devil's music one minute and make you want to grab your sweetheart the next. The Old Fashioneds (DUO) Jazz / 50s Rock – Winona, MN A stripped down version of the four piece, the duo features Sarah Johnson on vocals and Mike Munson on guitar playing sultry, smoky jazz. Under Paris Skies Euro Swing & Gypsy Jazz – La Crosse, WI Plays music inspired by the sidewalk cafés and jazz clubs of 1930's Paris. Repertoire includes gypsy jazz, French waltzes, as well as tangos, boleros and bossas romantic charm with swing.
LA CROSSE ARTISTS
The Brother Brothers Folk – Brooklyn, NY Born and raised in Illinois, twin brothers Adam and David Moss are a musical duo unlike most others. Already established players and composers in a wide spectrum of genres throughout the NY musical circuit, they teamed up to bring their individual experiences together with rich harmonies and thoughtful songs accompanied by guitar, cello, violin and banjo.
Trapper Schoepp Rock n' Roll – Milwaukee, WI NPR Music calls it “Rootsy, cinematic rock that charms as it soars.” Trapper grew up in the river valleys north of Winona and brings a host of family stories and road worn nuggets into distilled songs that belie his age. With tour stints w/ the Jayhawks and Old 97s front man Rhett Miller, he's one the Midwest's many rising stars.
TUGG Alternative Ska / Reggae – La Crosse, WI Despite their northern roots, this band has been able to channel the tropical grooves and breezy melodies to become a top reggae draw around the midwest. All of the bands five releases have debuted in the Top 50 of iTunes Reggae Chart.
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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Adam Levy Indie-Rock – Minneapolis, MN Adam Levy is regarded by many to be one of the great American songwriters of his era. Levy is probably best known for his years of work as lead singer-songwriter for The Honeydogs. 2015 saw the release of the raw and emotional solo album "Naubinway," which is full of songs written in response and reflection on the death of his son Daniel. This special solo set is not one to miss.
Adam Strelow & The Worthy Adversaries Americana / Alt-Country – Winona, MN Veterans of countless gigs in countless bands, Adam Strelow and the Worthy Adversaries bring their collective experience to bear on songs of love, loss, and whiskey. The emphasis here is on songs and the music is about the moment and the delivery. Afflatus Indie / Folk / Alternative – Winona, MN Spencer Klaus counts life in the Mississippi River Valley as his muse. The band combines simple melodies with an emotive rhythm section - playing everything from more traditional folk rock to a unique form of stream of conscious beat boxing. Almighty American Folk-Rock / Americana – Minneapolis, MN Almighty American is the moniker of Minneapolis singer-songwriter, Michael Gay. He writes fundamentally simple songs with carefully crafted lyrics, paired with a classic sensibility and feel that will stick with you well after the fact.
Alex Rossi R&B / Funk/Rock / Alt-Country – Minneapolis, MN Rossi is a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who has been performing professionally for over 15 years. With strong roots in blues, soul and funk, Rossi has created his own unique and recognizable sound from his diverse musical background. His performances most often include a 3 – 5 piece band and a crowd that never leaves the dance floor.
Barbaro Bluegrass / Folk – Winona, MN Bluegrass vets Kyle Shelstad - guitar, and Isaac Sammis - banjo, blend their own version of cosmic american music. BBGUN Rock n' Roll – Minneapolis, MN BBGUN began in a sunny living room, over coffee, on a Friday morning. Comprised of Minneapolis music scene vets, including Al Church and Jeremy Hansen, expect blisteringly tight rock n roll. The City Pages called their debut, "Stunning."
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Beet Root Stew Bluegrass / Country / Folk – Winona, MN They’d scrape the bottom of the barrel to top off your glass. The energy never fades with a crack bluegrass outfit like Beet Root Stew. The local heroes return to play smart, relatable tales of love and loss.
MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
WINONA ARTISTS
Big Wu Rock / Blues / Soul / Country / Bluegrass / Funk – Minneapolis, MN Forming in Northfield, MN in 1992, The Big Wu is the quintessential Minnesota jam band. The band made a mark on the jam band scene with a reputation for hookoriented songwriting and as one of the earliest jam bands from the Midwest to achieve national success. Touring extensively throughout the late 90s and early 2000s they have chosen to keep it close to home, performing around their home state. Their annual Big Wu Family Reunion has become a staple of the summer festival scene.
Ben Lubeck Americana – Minneapolis, MN Lubeck is a songwriter based in Minneapolis. He is a founding member of Farewell Milwaukee and has released four records with the band. Rented Rooms, his solo debut, was named a Top 10 album of the Year by the Star Tribune. Written between FM records, the album is Ben’s difficult letter to his father. Ben Weaver Folk Rock – Minneapolis, MN Twin Cities folk musician and storyteller Ben Weaver is no stranger to Winona. The bicycle is his chosen mode of transportation for all activities in all kinds of weather, and you'll find him riding it on tour bringing his folk songs and stories to the masses.
Bo.Monro Progressive Instrumental Rock – Winona, MN Festival Founder Sam Brown performs his instrumental melodies and loops as Bo.Monro. brianna kocka Singer-Songwriter / Americana / Folk – Minneapolis, MN Kocka has been part of various musical acts throughout the Twin Cities—most notably Sun Gods to Gamma Rays and CAETANI. After five years away from the acoustic guitar, and while living on an island off the east coast for ten months, she tapped into her roots and wrote her first Americana album as a form of therapy to deal with the isolation of island living.
Black Eyed Snakes Rock – Duluth, MN Low's Alan Sparhawk project. Heavy swirling trash-swamp-boogie-blues via Duluth. Alive with raw energy. Thwomp yr foot, swing for the fences, and let them big gitche gumee inspired licks flow into your soul.
Blackfoot Gypsies Rock n' Roll / Blues / Garage / American – Minneapolis, MN The rock ‘n’ roll of Nashville’s own Blackfoot Gypsies sounds as if it emerged from some deep, Mississippi swamp waters. Add a tasteful incorporation of psychedelia, early 1970s Stones riffs, the band’s eclectic visual sense, and the stormy, strutting presence of harmonica player Ollie Dogg and look out. Over-the-top crowd pleasers.
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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WINONA ARTISTS
Catbath Rock – Minneapolis, MN Four-piece grunge-pop, rock outfit that takes an eclectic mix of influences - from sixties garage pop to grunge to metal. Their songs are chock-full of undeniable melodies and irresistible pop hooks. Circle of Heat Rock / Roll / Fusion – Minneapolis, MN Stellar musicians redefining the jam scene with a unique sound that feels pat-on-the-back familiar. Instrumental battles rage amongst the members as they wade in the sonic ocean of their own making, churning with waves of rock, funk, and jazz, ebbing and flowing with each song. Dan Israel Rock – Minneapolis, MN With over fifteen years of song-writing and 13 records, Dan is one of the legends of the Twin Cities music scene. His 2015 release "Dan" was hailed by many critics as his best, produced by another MN veteran, Rich Mattson, the record chronicles the dissolution of his 16-year marriage – a “busted life dream.” He wears his heart on his sleeve and writes unforgettably beautiful, and ultimately uplifting pop songs.
Charlie Parr Folk Music – Duluth, MN By now, a household name near and far in the folk and blues scenes, Charlie Parr returns to the Mid West Music Fest to burrow his way into hearts and memories. Brewing his original songs of hope, loss, innocence, and hardship, stomped and plucked along, Charlie has become a folk hero in the Winona area.
Dead Horses Americana / Folk – Milwaukee, WI / Oshkosh, WI These guys have cultivated a sensibility well beyond their years due in part to the powerful musical and literary force that is their frontwoman and songwriter, Sarah Vos. Informed as much by modern roots music as it is by the classics, they have crafted a timeless sound. They were invited into the studio by Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo) to record their most recent album, Cartoon Moon.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
Danny Sigelman, author Daniel Corrigan has been the photographer on the Minneapolis music scene since 1981—just as the scene was coming to life. Corrigan recently teamed up with music journalist Danny Sigelman, to publish a new book Heyday: 35 Years of Music in Minneapolis The Photography of Daniel Corrigan, 2016 (Minnesota Historical Society Press). Meet author Danny Sigelman for a book signing, talk, and Q&A session. Dead Pigeons Americana / Roots / Bluegrass – Minneapolis, MN Drew Peterson, legendary West Bank singer-songwriter, has been working the music scene for over 20 years and has been the frontman of three successful americana/roots, songwriter heavy projects. The Dead Pigeons have come to be known for their infectious, foot stomping sound - an original mix of upbeat barroom bluegrass and lyrically driven ballads. Driftwood Bones Folk Rock – Winona, MN Inhabiting the crossroads where sturdy, melodic folk songwriting and increasingly bluesy, raucous ambition meet, Driftwood Bones continue to evolve from their high school days when the band was formed. The nowsextet continues to bring a satisfying combination of rock-candy pop melodies and nuanced, mature lyricism and musicianship to their unique brand of folk rock.
Farewell Milwaukee Midwestern Folk Rock / Americana – Minneapolis, MN Mainstays of the Minneapolis music scene since 2008, FM embraces the role that their Midwestern roots have played in shaping them artistically, garnering them fans through their authentic lyrics, lush vocal harmonies, and an honest sincerity at live shows. They have gathered accolades from local and national press, landed a song placement on major-network TV, opened for the Lumineers and Ryan Adams, and are featured on compilations alongside Mumford & Sons, Adele and Amos Lee. Fathom Lane Indie / Folk Rock – Minneapolis, MN Fathom Lane mine a territory that’s somewhere in the vicinity of Laurel Canyon-circa-1970, right at the moment psychedelic spirituality gave way to something earthier and browner. Hints of David Crosby, Jackson Browne, and Gram Parsons.
WINONA ARTISTS
Elizabeth Ghandour & The Heighburners Folk Americana – Minneapolis, MN Born to a Lebanese father and American mother, she grew up in the small town of Madelia, MN. She began taking vocal lessons at age 8 and continued them through high school. She earned her degree in Vocal Performance at St. Olaf College, studying Opera. She takes that classical training and channels it into a smoky Joni Mitchell meets old country sound with her band The Heighburners.
Flint Eastwood Pop – Detroit, MI Driving pop with a side of rock from the Lower Peninsula, soaring vocal lines, heavy bass hits and fun electronic dips. Dance-ready, be prepared to make friends with a stranger.
fletcher magellan Americana / Country-Folk / Singer-Songwriter – Minneapolis, MN Cody D Fitzpatrick can often be found playing his guitar, pounding away at his battered old Samsonite suitcase, and singing about the way things were and the way they ought to be. Fletcher deals not only in nostalgia and sentimentality, but also of the melancholy brought upon by opportunities lost, mistakes made, and risks not taken in our halcyon days of youth.
Feeding Leroy Alt-Country / Folk – Duluth, MN Burning up the music scene in the Upper Midwest, Feedling Leroy has come down from the Twin Towers of the North, Superior and Duluth, and have been spreading their gospel on the road. Folky and grassy, the vocal quality at time evokes a gospel choir, with healthy harmonies left hanging in the air. Frequency Collisions Ambient – Minneapolis, MN Ryan Rud is a one man recording project that mixes multiple genres and sounds to create heady, textured, and sonically rich music. It's thought provoking music for those aimless drives with no particular destination.
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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WINONA ARTISTS
Gaelynn Lee Folk / Bluegrass / Celtic / Experimental – Milwaukee, WI / Duluth, MN A classically trained violinist and songwriter, she has been bewitching scores of fans with her experimental and ambient takes on fiddle music, an approach that incorporates her love of traditional tunes, songwriting, poetry and sonic exploration General B and Wiz Indie-Blues / Psych-Rock – Minneapolis, MN High energy psych-rock with a bluesy body and whole lot of heart. Their riotous shows are spurred along with searing guitar solos and larger-than-life stage presence. With a new album in the works for 2017, these MWMF veterans are not to be missed.
Jaybone Bell & Restless Light Americana / Folk / Bluegrass – Minneapolis, MN / Winona, MN / Burlington, WI Started while students at WSU, these guys are back with some fine Americana jam grass. Accomplished musicians all in their own right, when they build their little musical engine around the fine songwriting of Milwaukee-based lead singer Jason Ziebell the magic happens.
Ignite Dance Troupe – Winona, MN Movement performance by local artists using their bodies and light to create fiber optic magic.
Ilika Ward and the Moonlight Riders Folk Blues – Minneapolis, MN / Rochester, MN Led by seasoned musical veterans Jake Ilika and Joel Ward and armed with acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies that grab your attention and don't let go. 89.3 The Current's Andrea Swensson called their vocals "killer," "their accessible original tunes explored topics like heartache and hard times." Jake Manders Singer / Songwriter – Minneapolis, MN Singer/songwriter Jake Manders and his 200+ original tunes are a frequent guest here at the fest. He also performs with the alt- bluegrass band "The Pistol Whippin' Party Penguins". Beyond his songwriting and performing Jake is also a practicing artist and art-teacher.
Jay Smart Folk – Minneapolis, MN / Nairobi, Kenya Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, the current MN based artist collected a lot of buzz around his cover of Haley Bonar's classic new single "Kismet Kill", - the singer herself reported being blown away by it. His own songs are an equally striking mix of indie folk rock. Think Bob Dylan, Damian Rice, and Ray Lamontagne.
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WINONA ARTISTS
J. Hardin Folk – Madison, WI John Everett Hardin grew up in the shadow of the Piasa Bird. Raised in a small Mississippi River town, he eventually settled down in Wisconsin and released two albums, an EP and an LP, between 2005 and 2011 and extensively toured the U.S. under the name Everett Thomas. During this period his music appeared in numerous television spots, and shared the stage with acts such as Gregory Alan Isakov, Over The Rhine, and Sara Watkins.
JiLL Garage Rock – Minneapolis, MN Full sound filled with two members, thumping and bumping rock ‘n’ roll. Alt-rock to the knees. If I had a long drive I would throw this on repeat for at least five listens.
Jillian Rae Americana / Alt Country / Indie Rock – Minneapolis, MN Jillian Rae has been a heavy hitter in the Minnesota music scene for years, playing with many of the state's finest musicians. She's a multi-talented violinist, lead vocalist, and songwriter and her creative and dynamic style of violin playing and honest lyrics have captured hearts in every juke joint and star-spangled theater the band has played in the past several years. Jim Walsh, author A former City Pages music editor and awardwinning columnist for the Pioneer Press, writer and musician Jim Walsh distills thirty delirious, jam-packed years through his best Twin Cities music writing ever in Bar Yarns and ManicDepressive Mixtapes. Capturing the pure notes and character of the sound of the Twin Cities and beyond. With a keen eye for trends and the telling detail, his book truly is a mix tape of unforgettable music. He will read excerpts from the book and his forthcoming book - Gold Experience - Following Prince in the 90s. Q & A and book signing to follow.
Joey Ryan Pop – Minneapolis, MN / St. Paul, MN With an absolutely gorgeous voice first honed in his days of boys choir, Ryan is known for perfectly crafted pop songs with his recently retired indie rock band The Inks. You can also catch him on bass and adding his inspiring vocals in the americana rock band Farewell Milwaukee.
Kind Country Bluegrass / Jamgrass / Folk – Minneapolis, MN Kind Country is a Jamgrass band playing American standards as well as their own brand of Cosmic American music. Since their formation in 2012, the band has focused on creating live performances with high levels of improvisation and energy. 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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WINONA ARTISTS
Land at Last Folk / Blues – Winona, MN / Minneapolis, MN A duo that combines acoustic and electric guitar, fingerstyle and slide, and gentle voices singing honest lyrics. Mike Munson and Jake Ilika , forge together their solo styles to create their own blend of Minnesota folk and blues. Their debut EP “I Found A Way” came out this past winter. Len Voy Indie Folk – Eau Claire, WI Given the water he is drinking in EC, maybe it is not surprising that Nick Lanser builds a relaxed, layered mix of indie melancholy not far removed from Justin Vernon's "For Emma" era on his debut recording Hilgen House. The music committee are fans. Listen Here, kids Post-Hardcore, Shouty Shoegaze Po-Ro Extravaganza – Winona, MN The latest avenue of exploration for MWMF founder Sam Brown, expect chugging drone and a driving rhythm section.
Los Colognes Rock / Americana – Nashville, TN Chicago bred and Nashville based, they have been called a cross between Dire Straits/The Grateful Dead and JJ Cale. NPR Music tabbed them one of the 10 Bands to Watch coming out of this past year’s Americana Fest in Nashville. After a memorable night at the Masonic Theater during 2016 MWMF, we decided to let them strut their stuff at our storied rock club.
Lunch Duchess Grunge-Pop – Minneapolis, MN At times soft and comforting and at others like a slap in the face, Lunch Duchess punches and caresses its way through garage-pop rockers and smooth-and-kind-of-sludgy crooners. Fronted by powerhouse Katharine Seggerman (B.O.Y.F., Bae Tigre), sharp harmonies pair well with the grit.
Lydia Liza Folk / Indie – Minneapolis, MN A force in the Twin Cities music scene Lydia Liza has been making waves with her band Bomba de Luz and her solo vocal/guitar work for several years. Her reimagining of "Baby It's Cold Outside" created a national sensation this last Christmas season. Her collaborators have included Toki Wright, Caroline Smith and Jeremy Messersmith.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
McNasty Brass Modern Brass Band – Minneapolis, MN A curated collection of some of the best horn and percussion talent in Minnesota, each member brings a personalized dish to the table. Expect their first studio album, King Size Life, to showcase individuals' talents and bring out the flavors of their personal experiences in other projects. Always served hot. Nanaimo Jazz Jazz – Winona, MN With SMU Professor Larry Price on the piano and his son Sam on the guitar, Nanaimo Jazz is a family affair.
WINONA ARTISTS
New Sound Underground Funk / RnB – Minneapolis, MN Super finessed funk, bright and bubbly, dark and dank. Drop it down, bring it up, this super-troop will bring your feet to the floor and keep them there, finding a friend or a funky fiend to get your freak on.
Night Moves Indie Psych Rock – Minneapolis, MN Countrified, hook-laden psychedelic rock. Front man John Pelant's vocals are lush and enveloping, with effortless transitions between driving bursts of flanged guitar. SPIN says of their latest record, “A warm and intimate, wonderfully expansive gem”
People Brothers Rhythm & Soul – Madison, WI One of the staples of Madison's vibrant music scene, The People Brothers Band is an 8-piece Rhythm & Soul powerhouse whose only desire is to get you moving on the dance floor. Their love for music and playing together shines brightly through each performance.
Porcupine Rock – La Crosse, WI / Minneapolis, MN / Red Wing, MN Brilliantly written rock ‘n’ roll. Bassist Dave Reinders (we love you) departed earlier this year to be replaced by Greg Norton (we love you, too) of Husker Du fame. Rich and sumptuous, easily one of the best rock bands on either side of the Mississippi River.
Puppets w//Eddie Danger and Doctor Bob Puppetry / Music – Viroqua, WI / Winona, MN Eddie Danger is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, band leader, playwright, festival & parade organizer, story teller, sound & lighting tech, stage manager, master of ceremonies, wedding man, actor, blogger, educator, puppeteer & all around creative being. Joined on stage by Doctor Bob, a veteran puppeteer, who has been making and performing with unique marionettes of found objects for over 20 years. 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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WINONA ARTISTS
Rachel Hanson Folk / Americana / Singer-Songwriter – Minneapolis, MN A recent transplant to Minneapolis from the back roads of northern Wisconsin, Hanson's songs strike a chord somewhere deep in the hearts of all Midwestern-born travelers, teachers, and soul-seekers. Her sound is familiar, yet not overly derivative, from a timeless era of true classics.
Sam Cassidy Folk / Rock n' Roll – Minneapolis, MN Named one of First Avenue's Best New Bands of 2014, Cassidy's music has been described as a "unique brand of hard-luck, blue-collar rock" with "a true ear for timeless melodies". Often backed by the sprawling Red Daughter's band, his dynamic live show is not to be missed.
Reina del Cid Folk Rock – Minneapolis, MN Reina's vocals are sweet as a summer's day, and together with her band of virtuosos (which includes talented flat picker Toni Lindgren), she delivers a spirited folk rock set with the spot-on luster of a veteran artist. Described by the Star Tribune as "infectiously folksy and fiendishly fun."
Sheep for Wheat Rock n' Roll – Winona, MN Local Winona rock n' roll band playing an eclectic mix of rock, soul, folk and funk. Seasaw Folk-Pop – Madison, WI Salty and sweet, Madison based indierock duo Seasaw bring bright and tight string and vocal arrangements to fill out a solid sound with a raw backbone, each song a story, eager to give the next chapter in the next song.
Sleeping Jesus Indie Rock – Winona, MN Started as a solo project and vehicle for the music sketches of MWMF booking manager Nick Elstad, SJ has developed into a full band crafting a slew of hazy, indie pop gems on their way to a big year, playing storied theaters all over the Midwest and being named by MN Public Radio - The Current and U of M's Radio K as one of 2016's Best New Bands.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
Sounds Like School Variety Show Bluegrass / Country / Folk – Winona, MN Back by popular demand from 2016, the Variety Show offers an opportunity for local youth to show their stuff on the big stage. Everything from spoken word, to singersong-writer, to full band glory.
WINONA ARTISTS
Sonny Knight Soul / Rhythm and Blues – Minneapolis, MN The music of soul man Sonny Knight brims with these essential life traits because he exudes them. Along with his 7-piece powerhouse band, The Lakers, the 68 year-old retired truck driver has created a sound that extends much deeper than throwback soul. In the past year Sonny Knight and The Lakers have collaborated with James Brown alumni Fred Wesley and Jab’o Starks, produced their own live soul revue for Minnesota Public Radio at The Fitzgerald Theater (home of A Prairie Home Companion), starred in their own PBS special (airing throughout the nation in early 2017), and released their sophomore studio album, Sooner Or Later.
TABAH Rock – St. Paul, MN These soulful, groovy indie rockers led by earthy vocalist/guitarist Cecelia Erholz have a new record out this spring. Their sound is uniquely their own with influences of experimental rock, jazz and psychedelia that is rooted in the past. Teague Alexy Band Roots Rock – Duluth, MN Award-winning Duluth musician, author and storyteller Teague Alexy is probably best known for his Americana songwriting in the national touring brothers duo Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank. The Big Wu Way, film This film highlights the growth of a band, a culture, and a community that took form in Northfield, MN, in 1992 and grew to an influential presence in the Twin Cities and national music communities. The Big Wu has been a well-known, though still underground jam band through much of their career. You may not have heard of them, but if you did you were part of a tightly knit, uncommonly inclusive community of fans that mingled with the band as though they were lifelong friends.
The Coax Rock n' Roll – Minneapolis, MN The Coax, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a psych-rock outfit. They are Heavily influenced by garage bands of the 60’s and rock and roll bands of the 70’s, their postpunk sound captured in studio is replicated live with a raw energy that gets the body moving, and the mind racing.
The Burke Band Folk Rock – Winona, MN The Burke Band uses vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, tin whistle, and a unique drum, as three brothers and their father weave their way through Celtic folk, acoustic rock and their own original songs.
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WINONA ARTISTS
The Heavy Set Rock / Blues – Minneapolis, MN / La Crosse, WI / Winona, MN The personal and often heartbreaking lyrics of frontman Jake Ilika give way to straight up barn burning rock and roll. 89.3 The Current called their 2015 release Everybody's Got a Mountain "timeless, genre-defying, and worth a good long listen." Winona homegrown favorites, the Heavy Set will be playing the spacious Masonic Temple after filling Ed's (no name) Bar to capacity in 2016.
The Honeydogs Indie / Rock / Pop – Minneapolis, MN After 16 years together, the band has weathered successes and missteps, raised children, seen loves come and go, and throughout, thrived as an ensemble even when it seemed that no one was noticing. We've noticed, their certified legends in our book, wrapped into the ever evolving stream of heroes that have made Minneapolis the "greatest of music cities." Their 11th studio album, Love & Cannibalism is a blissful combination of soul folk, rock and alt. country.
Them Coulee Boys Folk / Bluegrass / Punk / Americana – Eau Claire, WI Allegedly founded at a bible camp, and born in the back valleys of Western Wisconsin, Them Coulee Boys craft a brand of Americana that blends punk, bluegrass, and rock & roll. Guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass, and a lone kick drum provide the pulse that led one reviewer to exclaim it “impossible not to bob your head, shake your legs, or even strum your fingers along with the beat”
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The Twilight Hours Rock – Minneapolis, MN Formed by Matt Wilson (Trip Shakespeare and The Flops) and John Munson (Trip Shakespeare, Semisonic, The New Standards) Hazy and dazy, flowery rock ‘n’ roll with a backbone. Strum and sing a song a-long, perfect craftsmanship, wash it down with some tidy keys, and make it blossom.
WINONA ARTISTS
The Ultrasounds Sludgy Garage Pop – Winona, MN Homegrown sludgy garage-pop from Winona, MN. Dark motifs, gritty and gallant guitars, steady beats, and spritely vocals blend into a heavy-with-a-halo rock set. Face melters with a side-song of salve.
Tony Peachka Indie Rock – Minneapolis, MN Surfy and sultry, the Minneapolis fourpiece pour out catchy and grinding toe-tappers that set one straight for a night out or glide one gently into a riot of a night in. Words for the head, rhythms for heart. One of MPR-The Current and Radio K's "Best New Bands of 2016".
Vinyl Spins: Minneapolis Scene Following their talks, join Jim Walsh, Danny Sigelman, and Minnesota Marine Art Museum curator Jon Swanson, as they spin records related to this conversation on the Minneapolis scene through Outpost’s Winona Sound System, a hi-fi audio system comprised of regionally-made components. WALDEMAR Indie Rock – Eau Claire, WI The sound of Waldemar is lush, intricate and layered; a vast array of instruments and elements woven tightly together. Often deviating from traditional indie song structures and favoring arrangements closer at times to modern and classical choral composers.
Voodoo Fix Blues Rock – Nashville, TN LA born, Nashville based rock blues. Wastrels Psychedelic Post-Punk – Minneapolis, MN Dan Schulte-Sasse, Sahil Merchant & Ben Mulhernmake up Minneapolis power trio Wastrels, self-describing their music as "straddling the line between ferocious post-punk and psychedelia, interweaving hook laden guitar riffs with primal bass and drum licks. Their songs are catchy, and you won't soon forget them.
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PARTNERS
The HUB
midwestmusicfest.org
The ROOT Root NOTE Note 115 115 4TH 4th ST St S, S, LA La CROSSE Crosse THE GRSF Office 450 Johnson St, Winona GRSF OFFICE 79 E 3RD ST, WINONA
Mid West Music Fest event
When: Saturday, April 29 at 3:00 p.m. Where: Art of the Rural Outpost What: Jim Walsh reads from Gold
Experience and Bar Yarns and ManicDepressive Mixtapes, followed by a Q&A about everything music. Books will be available for purchase and signing. don’t Miss: After the talk, join Jim Walsh, Danny Sigelman, and Jon Swanson as they spin records related to this conversation on the Minneapolis scene.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
Ben Steinquist
Tickets Available Online
Ticketing & Volunteer Check-IN
PARTNERS 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
Great River Shakespeare Festival Minnesota Beethoven Festival Frozen River Film Festival Tarah Flanagan and Caroline Amos in As You Like It. Great River Shakespeare Festival, 2016. Photo by Dan Norman.
507.452.0735 VisitWinona.com Minnesota Marine Art Museum Winona County History Center Polish Cultural Institute & Museum Emmanuel Leutze (1816-1868), Washington Crossing the Delaware, 1851, oil on canvas. Private collection, MMAM.
Mid West Music Fest Dixieland Jazz Festival Boats & Bluegrass Festival
THE ARTS mean more in Winona. 42
MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
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PARTNERS
"sweet" escape
Rooftop terrace at the charmant LA CROSSE’S ONLY ROOFTOP TERRACE OPENING MID APRIL FOR COCKTAILS AND LIGHT SNACKS WOOD FIRED PIZZA OVEN BEGINNING MID MAY EXTENDED HOURS EXCUSIVELY FOR MWMF
101 STATE STREET | LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN | 608-519-8800 44
MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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MID WEST IS BEST
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
PARTNERS
Come check out even more artists: Cézanne, Picasso, Monet, Gauguin, Renoir, van Gogh, O’Keeffe, to name a few. Show your MWMF wristband and receive ½ price admission.
MMAM.ORG TUESDAYS-SUNDAYS: 10AM–5PM | CLOSED MONDAYS & HOLIDAYS MINNESOTA MARINE ART MUSEUM 800 RIVERVIEW DRIVE • WINONA MN 55987 | (507) 474-6626
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PARTNERS 1160115_MWMusicFest16_AD.indd 1 MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet 48
1/12/16 3:57 PM
PARTNERS
When the broadband company HBC was created over 18 years ago, the letters simply stood for Hiawatha Broadband Communications. But over the years, as we have grown and expanded to new locations, we have come to understand that H-B-C also stands for Helping Build Communities.
Helping Build Communities Each year, we help support more than 125 non-profit organizations and charitable causes through volunteerism, promotion, and monetary support. Across southeast Minnesota, we work to ensure that our presence can be felt not only with the communications services we deliver, but also through the charities, clubs, societies, and organizations that make up the heart of every neighborhood. We know that schools, arts and culture, volunteering, and healthy living are the foundations of a strong community, and we embrace the role we play in enhancing and enriching the lives of those we serve.
Thank you for making us a part of your community. www.hbci.com
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1/9/17 1:09 PM
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PARTNERS
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
PARTNERS
For 8 Years!
Proud Local Sponsor of MWMF Home of
Mid West Music Fest Radio Show and The Live Feed streaming from the KQAL APP
2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
Metre is proud to support Mid West Music Fest’s contribution to the success of local and regional musicians and the educational opportunities created as a result of the event. A full-service advertising agency with locations in La Crosse, WI and Minneapolis, MN.
116 5th Ave S.
52
La Crosse, WI 54601
MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
608.782.5508
metreagency.com
PARTNERS
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PARTNERS
NumbERS DON’T lIE. THE NEWSPAPER IS STIll THE #1 mEDIA fOR REACHING CuSTOmERS AND DRIvING SAlES – bY A lONG SHOT. Yes – you read that correctly. Want proof? In a 2016 media study,* consumers ranked the local newspaper as the #1 media across key points of engagement, including:
• When Shopping For Products and Services • Where Consumers Find the Best Deals • Millennials Often Purchase Products and Services As a Result of • Website Visited By Millennials Past 30 Days • Single Most Relied upon Media Used to Make Buying Decisions
NEWSPAPERS #1 NEWSPAPERS #1 NEWSPAPERS #1 NEWSPAPERS #1 NEWSPAPERS #1 in 16 Categories
Grow your sales - advertise in the Winona Daily News. FOr MOre inFOrMatiOn On HOW river vaLLeY Media grOUP Can HeLP YOUr BUsiness grOW, COntaCt YOUr saLes COnsULtant tOdaY.
advertising: 507.453.3500 tad.sPading@Lee.net
902 east seCOnd st., sUite 110 WinOna, Mn 55987 *SOURCE: THE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE STUDY, jUNE 2016,
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
NEWSPAPERS—100 YEARS STRONG AND GOING THE DISTANCE .
PARTNERS
This activity is in part made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation.
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PARTNERS
SaturdayyMayy20th Western Wisconsin’s Largest Charity Ride for TWENTY Years!
For Registration & Ride Info or for More on our “Tike” for 2017... Listen to 95-7 The Rock or Call (608) 784-0957 Even if you don’t ride ... you can still help the family more info @ bigbikesforlittletikes.com
MORNINGS with 56
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Old building. New attitude. We’re focused on you. Providing the products you need and the service you deserve. Our everyday lives are enriched and inspired by the artistry that surrounds us in our beautiful river community. Winona National Bank is proud to be a patron of the arts, a member of this community, and a Mid West Music Fest sponsor. We hope you enjoy the show and find inspiration and joy from its palette of talented artists.
1491 West Broadway • 204 Main Street • 840 Mankato Avenue 507-454-8800 • www.WinonaNationalBank.com 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
welcome music fans & artists! BLOOMING GROUNDS COFFEE HOUSE offers a full menu, featuring: • Small Plates & Appetizers • Pizzas • Specialty Craft Beers • a Selection of over 20 Wines!
BLOOMING
OPEN EARLY & LATE!
GROUNDS
MON-THUR: 6:30 AM - 10 PM / FRI: 6:30 AM - 11 PM SAT: 7 AM - 11 PM / SUN: 8:30 AM - 6 PM
50 EAST 3RD ST. | 507.474.6551
Good Food daily Mon-Sat 8am - 8pm Sun 10am - 8 pm 121 W 2nd St Winona, MN 507.452.1815 www.bluff.coop
Bluff Country Co-op We know good food.
L o c a l • O rg a n i c • D e l i c i o u s 58
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Mid West Music Fest
77 LAFAYETTE · WINONA, MN 55987 · 507-453-0394
APRIL 28-29
ACOUSTICCAFEWINONA.COM YOU CAN ALWAYS SLEEP LATER. Get a good night’s sleep. Wake up to a nice, hot breakfast. And the rest of the day is up to you. Free hot, home-style breakfast Free hotel-wide, high-speed internet Comfortable, quieter rooms Indoor heated pool and hot tub Easy Rewards loyalty program
DANCE
LIKE YOU MEAN IT.
AmericInn.com | 800.634.3444
AmericInn Hotel & Suites Winona 303 Pelzer Street | Winona, MN 55987 507.474.7700
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
Proud Sponsor of the
PARTNERS
Mid West Music Fest Candlewood Suites “Your Home Away From Home” Spacious Suites • Full Kitchen in Every Suite Free Laundry • Free Wi-Fi • Fitness Center • Pet Friendly
Candlewood Suites La Crosse 56 Copeland Avenue | La Crosse, WI 54603 P: 608.785.1110 | CandlewoodSuites.com/LaCrosseNorth
6 charmingly appointed guest rooms $119 - $229 per night
Minnesota’s oldest single-owner Bed & Breakfast, established in 1870. Located in the center of historic Winona, Minnesota, nestled between the majestic bluffs and the mighty Mississippi River, our guests have the most convenient access to historic landmarks, festival sites, museums, as well as Lake Winona and the Mississippi River.
Amenities Include: ~Artisan Breakfast ~Jacuzzi Suites ~Fireplaces ~Free Wi-Fi ~Bottled Wine ~Complimentary Beverages ~Four Season Porch ~Garden Patio ~Ride in a Model A Ford ~Single and Tandem Bicycles ~Shuttle service to Amtrak or Marina To Book Call 507-452-8256 or Book Online at www.chbb.com
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PARTNERS
Make your stay Grand. GrandStay® La Crosse features: • Spacious suites with full kitchens • Nightly, weekly and monthly rates • Pool, whirlpool and exercise room • Complimentary Grand Start® Breakfast • FREE wired and wireless internet • Walking distance to restaurants and bars
Book your stay today!
877.388.7829
525 Front Street North • La Crosse, WI 54601 • Hotel Front Desk: 608.796.1615 • www.grandstaylacrosse.com
The Comedy of Errors Richard III Shipwrecked!*
An Entertainment–The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont
An Iliad*
*Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
SEASON FOURTEEN June 21–July 30, 2017
GRSF.ORG | WINONA, MN
507 474.7900
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PARTNERS
La Crescent Team Members
Hometown
Winona Team Members
service you can bank on. Bring your banking home.
Brooke White
Joe Thesing
507.895.9209
507.895.9200
Assistant Branch Manager
Market President NMLS# 411313
JustCallHome.com
La Crescent Location 208 S. Walnut
•
Market Vice President
Kim Trainor
Mortgage Loan Officer
507.453.6477
507.453.6474 NMLS# 515916
NMLS# 643203
Winona Location
La Crescent, MN
175 Center Street Member FDIC
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Cherie Burke
MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
•
Winona, MN
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
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EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW The Courtyard La Crosse Downtown / Mississippi Riverfront is the perfect place to unwind while you are in town for the Mid West Music Fest. Our location offers convenient walking access to Riverside Park and many of the Festival venues. Call 608.782.1000 and mention this ad by March 31st to receive the promotional rate of $132 for your stays on April 14th and 15th, 2017.
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT® La Crosse Downtown/Mississippi Riverfront 500 Front Street S. La Crosse, WI 54601 608.782.1000 Marriott.com/LSECY
From $132/NIGHT Limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Tax is additional. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Offer valid for April 14th and 15th, 2017. Advanced reservations required; must be booked by March 31st, 2017. Other restrictions apply. Rates are per room, per night and based on availability at the time of reservations.
Book now at Courtyard.com
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
MID WEST MUSIC FEST
ON ALL YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED We’re proud to support the Mid West Music Fest and applaud all it has brought to our area.
www.merchantsbank.com
Local community decisions. Regional strength. 21 Locations Serving Minnesota and Wisconsin Member FDIC
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PARTNERS
CURIOSITY SHOP Curated Vintage Vinyl Records * Books Clothes * Antiques
Thursday/Friday 2pm - 6pm • Saturday 12pm - 5pm or by appointment • 608-738-8863
164 East Third Street
•
Winona, MN
open 7 days made-from-scratch deli soups & sandwiches • in-house bakery • vegetarian & gluten-free options • fresh & organic produce • full-service meat & seafood • coffee & tea bar • specialty cheeses • cosmetics • bodycare • vitamins • gifts & flowers • wine, beer, & spirits • local food & favorites
315 5th Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 519 1st Avenue SW, Rochester, MN www.pfc.coop
Good. Honest. Local.
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PARTNERS
Join us at the store for our 2nd Annual Store Sets
Friday, April 28 7pm Adam Levy 6pm Lydia Liza 5pm The Coax 4pm Bo.monro
Saturday, April 29 7pm Ben Weaver 6pm Lydia Liza 5pm Jake Manders 4pm Nanaimo Jazz 3pm Wastrels
Show us your wristband during the fest and receive 10% off all MUSIC 168 East 3rd Street Winona facebook.com/midwestmusicstore Instagram: @midwestmusicstore Twitter: @mwmusicstore 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
The HUB
midwestmusicfest.org
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
TheROOT RootNOTE Note 115 1154TH 4thST St S, S, LA La CROSSE Crosse THE GRSF Office 450 Johnson St, Winona GRSF OFFICE 79 E 3RD ST, WINONA
Jon Swanson
Tickets Available Online
Ticketing & Volunteer Check-IN
PARTNERS
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The Trempealeau Hotel eys K k
e
tim te lac g a l lon B a m e p f th 9 for m p d x Fi sin o 11 aroun o 8 en do cou d o n a it’s be Vo kier B xy like 28 Fun / e l 4 A feels e 20 minutes from Fri u t g a a e Winona-Hwy 35 S Te sic th om c 9 l u e Trempealeau, WI 54661 M /2 w 4 t s Sa er We are a ticketless venue supporting m m MWMF and the artists. ja F Thank YOU for making this a great festival. M MW
Proud sponsor of Mid West Music Fest 2017
Kind Country * Dead Pigeons * LASKA Driftwood Bones * Rachel Hanson Elizabeth Ghandour & The Heighburners
Burke Brothers *Jay Smart Barbaro * Almighty American
Eagles Club
#1243
Hall is available for free rental - call us 507-452-3409 210 east fourth street Winona, MN 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
presents
PARTNERS
529 HUFF STREET WINONA, MN 55987 MWF 4PM-1AM SAT-SUN 11AM-1AM PICK UP & DELIVERY OPTIONS
507-452-9292 @ZaZasWinona
CHEESE CURDS 10 TAP BEERS POOL TABLE FULL BAR NACHOS WINGS DARTS PIZZA GYRO
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http://www.zazaspub.com/
If your favorite subject was all of them. 90.3 FM 88.3 FM
wpr.org
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FROZENRIVER.ORG 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
People Before Profit. That’s the beat we live by.
Latsch Sessions Volume 2 available at www.boatsandbluegrass.com
What’s the key to financial harmony? Performing a duet with Affinity Plus. We’ll help you create an ensemble to achieve your financial goals whether it’s setting up a checking, savings or investment account, getting a mortgage or consumer loan, or simply receiving advice. Visit our Winona branch at 120 East 2nd Street FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE NCUA.
Featuring Boats and Bluegrass Artists: Dead Horses, Hot Buttered Rum, Larry Keel, Rachel Hanson, The Heavy Set, Trout Steak Revival, John Craigie, and Dead Pigeons
affinityplus.org (800) 322-7228 Not for Profit. For People.
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MID WEST MUSIC FEST . where music & community meet
PARTNERS
Live Music Every Friday 7 - 9 pm
Off-Sale Beer Sold on Sundays
Unlimited Washes monthly and yearly plans available
Oil changes starting at $26.99
One stop do-it-yourself cleaning area including 8 free vacuums (507) 454-7659
Mon.-Sat. 8:00am - 6:00pm www.gilmorewashandlube.com
Winona’s only locally crafted beer! Check us out on and
Like us on
Thursday 4-10pm Friday 4-10pm Saturday 2-10pm Sunday 11:30-4pm
4065 6th St., Goodview, MN 55987 www.wenonahbrewingcompany.com 2017 . 8TH ANNUAL . WINONA, MINN . LA CROSSE, WISC
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PARTNERS
Dr. Kristin J Noble
Bring in your 2016 MWMF Listener's Guide and receive $5.00 off one of our services Offer good for one use per guide, expires 8/31/17 Guide must be present to receive discount. 117 W. 3rd St. Winona, MN * 507-453-7941
Veterans of Foreign Wars Neville Lien Post 1287
208 E. 3rd St. Historic Downtown Winona 507.454.1065 http://vfwpost1287.org/ Like us on Facebook
Post Commander: Jim Lukaszewski Club Manager: Dustin Dahl
Open at 2pm Monday-Friday, noon on Saturday and Sunday. Burger Night every Tuesday, $5 Baskets, 5pm-7pm Fish Fry every 4th Friday year round, 4:30pm-7pm Premium Dinners every Friday from Labor Day to Memorial Day, 5:00pm-7:00pm, see our online calendar for current menu. Rent Our Hall: 99 person capacity hall, licensed kitchen available for your use, catering services are welcome. Contact Dustin during normal business hours to tour the facilities, and check availability.
THE VFW MISSION: To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.
101 W. 2nd St • Winona • 507-452-6080 www.InstyWinona.com Orders@InstyWinona.com Bring in this advertisement for 10% off any in house printing order. Must mention this ad at time of order. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires May 31, 2017
Show This Coupon at the Winona Family YMCA to receive:
No Joiners Fee ($75 Value)
Expires June 30th, 2016
20% off
THu-FRI 4-6pm - 1/2 off full size Appetizers 58 Center Street – 507-452-2718 jeffersonpub.com
One Youth Program Expires June 30th, 2016
8
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NOTES GOOD TUNES FEEL SO GOOD
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