On the Stage
What makes a legendary BRUNCH or fun dinner gathering even better? Fan favorite local bands and incredible music artists performing live at Hell’s Kitchen for the perfect soundtrack to your weekend. Catch our acts live on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am-1pm and Saturday nights, 6-9pm. Our calendar updates once a month with rotating top talent.
MUSICIANS: We have a set music schedule with tried & true artists from the Twin Cities on stage, but if you’d like to contact our booker, click here for more information. Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we cannot answer unsolicited requests unless we are actively looking for new musicians.
Ryan Picone Trio
FREE
The Ryan Picone Trio brings together three of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished improvisers—guitarists Ryan Picone and Ben Abrahamson, alongside bassist Matt Blake—to explore the rich musical traditions of Django Reinhardt while venturing far beyond them. Rooted in the spirit of Hot Club Jazz, the trio blends swing, flamenco, Brazilian music, and contemporary influences into performances that are both deeply expressive and spontaneously created.
Mary Cutrufello
FREE
St. Paul roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello has been a mainstay in the Americana scene here and in Texas for thirty years. She's performed on The Tonight Show and Austin City Limits, and toured in all 50 states and several European countries. Hailed by USA Today as "a fierce guitarist with with a blistered-throat voice," Cutrufello mixes original songs and classics of American music (think Willie Nelson and Steve Earle) into a captivating, heartland-proud musical stew at once timeless and immediate.
Jason and The Q
FREE
Jason Weismann’s smooth, smoky vocals are complemented by his breathy tenor sax work and backed by some of the swinging-est sidemen on the Twin Cities jazz scene. The Q performs a mix of well-loved standards, overlooked chestnuts and even a few well-crafted originals — featuring musicianship that will both engage the casual listener and impress the jazz aficionado.
The Dang Ol' Tri'ole
FREE
The Dang Ol' Tri'ole is a 5 person bohemian folk group from the Twin Cities. With nearly 15 years of playing together, they have honed their skills to demonstrate their fluency at their respective instruments through tight vocal harmonies, complex melodies, dense compositions, and improvisational soloing with a dynamic & cohesive presentation. Their unique experiences, and common bonds, have helped spawn their own sound that borrows from an array of styles including: Traditional Folk, Progressive Rock, Salsa, Blues, Ska, Gypsy, and Classic Rock.
Roe Family Singers
FREE
The Roe Family Singers are a Good-Time, Old-Time Hillbilly band from the Mississippi-headwaters community of Kirkwood Hollow, MN. Led by wife & husband Kim Roe (Best Female Vocalist, City Pages/Village Voice) and Quillan Roe (Accident Clearinghouse), the band blends characteristic old-time sound with rock & roll urgency and influence.
Jeff Ray & The Stakes
FREE
Musicians from the Midwest have a knack for reinventing tradition. Jeff Ray is no exception. Go to any one of his performances and you’ll hear his fans say the same thing, “his music sounds old and new at the same time”.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Ray left home at the age of 17 to cut his teeth in Memphis. It was through those travels that he developed his unmistakable “East-meets-West” Bluesy Americana sound.
Erin McCawley Trio
free
Erin McCawley’s Harrison Street Band is based out of the Twin Cities of Minnesota, but their sound is nationally influenced and their relatability is universal. Their music is strongly rooted in the blues, but branches out into funk, rock and Americana.
Erin McCawley is a natural entertainer. She has the ability to engage and empower a crowd with not only her lyrics, but with the confidence, energy and emotion she brings to the stage. She delivers every note with a voice that seems to rise from the soles of her feet. “It’s like watching music move!” said a recent audience member.
Since starting in 2011, Harrison Street has won Famous Dave’s Battle of the Blues Band, the Minnesota Blues Society’s Road to Memphis and was a semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. They’ve had the privilege of performing live on television during the WCCO Mid-Morning Show, and on radio at KFAI, as well as at several festivals and clubs throughout the Midwest. They have released three albums and are continually adding to their impressive repertoire of original music.
Tony Houle on guitar, John Tubbs on bass, and Bill Whelan on drums, Erin McCawley’s Harrison Street Band will show you just how fun the blues can be!
Matthew Griswold
FREE
His youth belies the experience that infuses his songwriting and performance. Minnesota native and Alternative Folk singer, songwriter and practicing musicologist, Matthew Griswold is currently playing over 200 of his “Modern Day Minstrel Shows” each year. Though a “solo” performer in trade title, he carries the sound of two dueling guitars and an array of dynamic vocal personalities to include a mastery in the art of whistling, which are all then supported by one boot strapped foot, stomping on a wooden cigar box, and keeping a “chain gang” like cadence through it all.
Nikki Matteson & Rich Rue
FREE
Nikki Matteson and Rich Rue are a musical duo from Minnesota, based in Minneapolis. They were the core members of the group, Nikki & The RueMates. Music from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as blues music, especially country blues and female blues, inspires their songwriting and these are the sounds upon which their live performances and recordings are based. When they perform in front of an audience, Rich’s blistering slide guitar and Nikki’s melodious singing create an intimate and joyful musical experience.
The Working Stiffs
FREE
Award winning horn player Steve Clarke brings his golden tone, soaring sax and vocals on vintage jazz and the Great American Songbook. A perfect pairing for your dining experience.
“Minneapolis sax man Steve Clarke has been a major musical figure for decades." -Phil Nussbaum, KBEM (Jazz 88.5 FM)
Sarah Morris
FREE
Sarah Morris has a habit of missing the forest. From the day the Minneapolis based singer-songwriter picked up a guitar, armed with the bone-deep memory of her parents’ well-loved record collection and rooted in the storytelling fire of a Mary Chapin Carpenter tune, she’s been too busy crafting love letters to the details of the trees. Sarah’s endearingly honest, expertly penned songs encourage audiences to pull away from the big picture and get caught up in the magic of our everyday minutia, the rainy day ache in her sunlit voice granting us permission to escape into stories at once hauntingly familiar and uniquely her own.
Cornbread Harris & Friends
FREE
James Samuel “Cornbread” Harris Sr. is a Twin Cities legend. His earliest influences were in country music, citing Hank Williams Sr. and Gene Autry among his favorites. Cornbread began learning piano at the age of 13, but he quickly grew tired of having his hands slapped with rulers by "the nuns" and he quit. He hit the piano once again in his early twenties, but this time around it was all about the Blues and he just kept on playing.
Now in his nineties, Cornbread is more active than ever in the local music scene. Don’t let his age fool you, Cornbread is full of life and is always hopeful about the future.
Mateo's World Music Trio
FREE
Mateo is very well known as a committed flamenco guitarist. He also specializes in Argentine tango and Latin jazz. He is joined by the excellent violinist, Sophia Butler, and master percussionist, Eron Woods. Expect the Unexpected as they journey through Spanish and Latin genres with inspired music making, always true to its' roots, with plenty of virtuosity thrown in.
Nick 'The Feelin'
FREE
"Genre-blending everything from blues & soul to hoodoo-hinted rock, these songs slip stealthily past your emotional defenses and melt your heart" - ROCK & BLUES MUSE
"A mix of the growl of DR. JOHN with the silk of MARVIN GAYE" - Chicago Tribune
You can hear the nurturing root sounds of American R&B, New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll, Country-Driven Gospel and the Soul Music of the Spirit and the Church in Nicholas David aka the Feelin. The soulful bearded songsmith became known to the world in 2012 as he endured the intense scrutiny of hit-making judges and a major television audience during "The Voice".
Ryan Picone Trio
FREE
The Ryan Picone Trio brings together three of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished improvisers—guitarists Ryan Picone and Ben Abrahamson, alongside bassist Matt Blake—to explore the rich musical traditions of Django Reinhardt while venturing far beyond them. Rooted in the spirit of Hot Club Jazz, the trio blends swing, flamenco, Brazilian music, and contemporary influences into performances that are both deeply expressive and spontaneously created.
The Dang Ol' Tri'ole
FREE
The Dang Ol' Tri'ole is a 5 person bohemian folk group from the Twin Cities. With nearly 15 years of playing together, they have honed their skills to demonstrate their fluency at their respective instruments through tight vocal harmonies, complex melodies, dense compositions, and improvisational soloing with a dynamic & cohesive presentation. Their unique experiences, and common bonds, have helped spawn their own sound that borrows from an array of styles including: Traditional Folk, Progressive Rock, Salsa, Blues, Ska, Gypsy, and Classic Rock.
Mary Cutrufello
FREE
St. Paul roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello has been a mainstay in the Americana scene here and in Texas for thirty years. She's performed on The Tonight Show and Austin City Limits, and toured in all 50 states and several European countries. Hailed by USA Today as "a fierce guitarist with with a blistered-throat voice," Cutrufello mixes original songs and classics of American music (think Willie Nelson and Steve Earle) into a captivating, heartland-proud musical stew at once timeless and immediate.
Jeff Ray & The Stakes
FREE
Musicians from the Midwest have a knack for reinventing tradition. Jeff Ray is no exception. Go to any one of his performances and you’ll hear his fans say the same thing, “his music sounds old and new at the same time”.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Ray left home at the age of 17 to cut his teeth in Memphis. It was through those travels that he developed his unmistakable “East-meets-West” Bluesy Americana sound.
Dan Israel & Friends
FREE
“After twenty-plus years, Minneapolis singer-songwriter Dan Israel has proven himself an expert at navigating the wide-open field between power pop and roots rock....spreading his wings has led Israel to his best album yet” - Michael Toland
Roe Family Singers
FREE
The Roe Family Singers are a Good-Time, Old-Time Hillbilly band from the Mississippi-headwaters community of Kirkwood Hollow, MN. Led by wife & husband Kim Roe (Best Female Vocalist, City Pages/Village Voice) and Quillan Roe (Accident Clearinghouse), the band blends characteristic old-time sound with rock & roll urgency and influence.
New Year's Day Brunch with Jason and The Q
FREE
Jason Weismann’s smooth, smoky vocals are complemented by his breathy tenor sax work and backed by some of the swinging-est sidemen on the Twin Cities jazz scene. The Q performs a mix of well-loved standards, overlooked chestnuts and even a few well-crafted originals — featuring musicianship that will both engage the casual listener and impress the jazz aficionado.
Cornbread Harris & Friends
FREE
James Samuel “Cornbread” Harris Sr. is a Twin Cities legend. His earliest influences were in country music, citing Hank Williams Sr. and Gene Autry among his favorites. Cornbread began learning piano at the age of 13, but he quickly grew tired of having his hands slapped with rulers by "the nuns" and he quit. He hit the piano once again in his early twenties, but this time around it was all about the Blues and he just kept on playing.
Now in his nineties, Cornbread is more active than ever in the local music scene. He plays several regular weekly and monthly gigs, and now incorporates jazz into his vast repertoire. He can be seen solo, backed up or playing with Cadillac Kolstad or other musicians.
Nick 'The Feelin'
FREE
"Genre-blending everything from blues & soul to hoodoo-hinted rock, these songs slip stealthily past your emotional defenses and melt your heart" - ROCK & BLUES MUSE
"A mix of the growl of DR. JOHN with the silk of MARVIN GAYE" - Chicago Tribune
You can hear the nurturing root sounds of American R&B, New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll, Country-Driven Gospel and the Soul Music of the Spirit and the Church in Nicholas David (aka "the Feelin”). The soulful bearded songsmith known to the world in 2012 as he endured the intense scrutiny of hit-making judges and a major television audience during "The Voice".
The Working Stiffs
FREE
Award winning horn player Steve Clarke brings his golden tone, soaring sax and vocals on vintage jazz and the Great American Songbook. A perfect pairing for your dining experience.
“Minneapolis sax man Steve Clarke has been a major musical figure for decades." -Phil Nussbaum, KBEM (Jazz 88.5 FM)
Nikki Matteson & Rich Rue
FREE
Nikki Matteson and Rich Rue are a musical duo from Minnesota, based in Minneapolis. They were the core members of the group, Nikki & The RueMates. Music from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as blues music, especially country blues and female blues, inspires their songwriting and these are the sounds upon which their live performances and recordings are based. When they perform in front of an audience, Rich’s blistering slide guitar and Nikki’s melodious singing create an intimate and joyful musical experience.
Sarah Morris
FREE
Sarah Morris has a habit of missing the forest. From the day the Minneapolis based singer-songwriter picked up a guitar, armed with the bone-deep memory of her parents’ well-loved record collection and rooted in the storytelling fire of a Mary Chapin Carpenter tune, she’s been too busy crafting love letters to the details of the trees. Sarah’s endearingly honest, expertly penned songs encourage audiences to pull away from the big picture and get caught up in the magic of our everyday minutia, the rainy day ache in her sunlit voice granting us permission to escape into stories at once hauntingly familiar and uniquely her own.
Bobby J’s West Bank Social Club
FREE
Revel in the music from a bygone era. A six-piece, typical New Orleans style band, complete with horns, playing jazzy dance music, lounge ballads, and a little bit of mambo. Bobby J’s West Bank Social Club was born at Palmer's Bar on the West Bank in Minneapolis.
Mill City Hot Club
FREE
The Mill City Hot Club was started by founding club member and guitarist Dean Harrington. The music is based on the tradition of gypsy jazz, pioneered in the 1920s by the Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt and French violinist Stephan Grappelli of the famous Quintet of the Hot Club of France.
Dinner with The Red Apple Trio
FREE
You may know Connor McRae from his 10+ years holding down the drum kit for Davina and the Vagabonds, or for his many gigs at the Schooner Tavern. Connor is also a technician and percussion specialist and has worked in the drum specialty business for many years before he began playing full time.
Joined by two of his friends on Bass and Guitar, Connor leads the Red Apple Trio through a blend of Blues, Jazz, and Rock and commands the microphone with a voice that's been said is “Classic” for Southern Blues.
Hot Club Mania Trio
FREE
A spontaneous, vivid performance by some of Minnesota’s most stellar gypsy-jazz artists played in the Django Reinhardt French swing tradition of the 1930’s. Gypsy Mania features an exceptional stylistic dimension with prodigious improvisation – a group not to be missed.
Cornbread Harris & Friends
FREE
James Samuel “Cornbread” Harris Sr. is a Twin Cities legend. His earliest influences were in country music, citing Hank Williams Sr. and Gene Autry among his favorites. Cornbread began learning piano at the age of 13, but he quickly grew tired of having his hands slapped with rulers by "the nuns" and he quit. He hit the piano once again in his early twenties, but this time around it was all about the Blues and he just kept on playing.
Now in his eighties, Cornbread is more active than ever in the local music scene. Don’t let his age fool you, Cornbread is full of life and is always hopeful about the future.
Mark Joseph & Friends
FREE
Mark Joseph has supported and worked with Samantha Fish, Marc Brousard, Greg Koch, Robby Kreiger, Whey Jennings, The Dire Wolves, Nicholas David, The Guess Who, WAR, Shred Is Dead, Keller Williams, Robert Randolph, The Travelin' McCourys, Leftover Salmon, Sherwin Linton, Merle Haggard and countless others.
Doug Otto & Hilary Thavis
FREE
Legendary local musician Doug Otto, from Bloomington, and captivating blues singer Hilary Thavis, who hails from Italy, have come together as a duo, serving country, blues, and folk hits as well as inspiring and entertaining originals. This multi-generation crowd-pleasing duo is one you won’t want to miss!
Mark Joseph & Friends
FREE
Mark Joseph has supported and worked with Samantha Fish, Marc Brousard, Greg Koch, Robby Kreiger, Whey Jennings, The Dire Wolves, Nicholas David, The Guess Who, WAR, Shred Is Dead, Keller Williams, Robert Randolph, The Travelin' McCourys, Leftover Salmon, Sherwin Linton, Merle Haggard and countless others.
Nick 'The Feelin'
FREE
"Genre-blending everything from blues & soul to hoodoo-hinted rock, these songs slip stealthily past your emotional defenses and melt your heart" - ROCK & BLUES MUSE
"A mix of the growl of DR. JOHN with the silk of MARVIN GAYE" - Chicago Tribune
You can hear the nurturing root sounds of American R&B, New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll, Country-Driven Gospel and the Soul Music of the Spirit and the Church in Nicholas David (aka "the Feelin”). The soulful bearded songsmith known to the world in 2012 as he endured the intense scrutiny of hit-making judges and a major television audience during "The Voice".
The Dang Ol' Tri'ole
FREE
The Dang Ol' Tri'ole is a 5 person bohemian folk group from the Twin Cities. With nearly 15 years of playing together, they have honed their skills to demonstrate their fluency at their respective instruments through tight vocal harmonies, complex melodies, dense compositions, and improvisational soloing with a dynamic & cohesive presentation. Their unique experiences, and common bonds, have helped spawn their own sound that borrows from an array of styles including: Traditional Folk, Progressive Rock, Salsa, Blues, Ska, Gypsy, and Classic Rock.
Sarah Morris
FREE
Sarah Morris has a habit of missing the forest. From the day the Minneapolis based singer-songwriter picked up a guitar, armed with the bone-deep memory of her parents’ well-loved record collection and rooted in the storytelling fire of a Mary Chapin Carpenter tune, she’s been too busy crafting love letters to the details of the trees. Sarah’s endearingly honest, expertly penned songs encourage audiences to pull away from the big picture and get caught up in the magic of our everyday minutia, the rainy day ache in her sunlit voice granting us permission to escape into stories at once hauntingly familiar and uniquely her own.
Katy Tessman
FREE
Optimistic and approachable, Katy Tessman’s songwriting resonates with the wisdom she’s gained through cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood. Her powerful vocals and rhythmic approach to guitar (or mandolin) create a heartfelt and diverse musical experience that is uplifting and inspiring. Engaged in outreach, Katy shares her story, talent, and positivity, offering comfort to others.
Books and music have always taken center stage in Katy Tessman's life. Growing up in the Twin Cities, Katy sang in choirs and musicals. After graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a B.A. in Speech Communication (and a resume of roles in several musical theatre productions), Katy picked up the guitar, and later the mandolin, and started songwriting. In 2001, Katy recorded an album of 11 original songs. Before becoming a mother in 2003, and again in 2006, Katy went on two national tours.
Katy Tessman is the author of "Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden" a breast cancer book for children. She was named CHANGEMAKER by The Minnesota Women’s Press, received the Mom’s Choice Awards GOLD MEDAL and Moonbeam Children's Book Awards SILVER MEDAL. A decade after her cancer diagnosis, Katy wrote a song that sums up the everyday-hero’s journey and published the accompanying lyric picture book, “Hero Now Crowned.”
Stories and songs truly heal and her aim is to evoke laughter and tears, spread smiles, and foster a sense of hope and togetherness.
Trench Size Trio
FREE
A funky instrumental trio consisting of three of the twin cities most seasoned musicians (we’re talking fresh herbs - none of the stale dried out store bought stuff). Trench Size Trio (TST) has been developing a sound and a body of work for close to a decade and not showing any signs of slowing down. Tom Reichert is the founder and has been playing with Joey Van Phillips for over two decades. So, it’s no mystery that their symmetry together has been a natural progression. Jim Anton, a long-time touring musician to the stars, has more recently settled down in the twin-cities and has become a household name to musicians and listeners alike. Together the three have developed a very unique sound, a cohesive musical bonding that gives a joyful listening experience. TST plays all original music leaning towards a back beat heavy sound with a jazz sense of improvisation. The melodies are catchy and quirky at the same time, but easily accessible to the average listener. Two of their most recent compositions, “Jiggle the Handle” and “Can We Sing”, have been self-released and are
available on all streaming platforms.
Dinner with Drew Peterson
FREE
Drew Peterson is about as Minnesotan as you can get, and his music evokes the back-country flavor of growing up on a rural farm and putting in the hard work. His music – folk, bluegrass, singer-songwriter – is most potent when he’s showing off his husky, seasoned vocals...
-Celeste Benzschawel, Peninsula Pulse
Minneapolis Mile of Music: Heatbox & Friends
FREE
Aaron “Heatbox” Heaton has been making ‘mouth sounds’ for the last 40 years…and has been getting paid to make mouth sounds for the last 20!
Heatbox is a professional beatboxer, loop artist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and voice actor. He has performed in almost every state in the United States as well as in Canada, Mexico, The Netherlands, Scotland, China, Dubai, Qatar, and New Zealand. He has sold thousands of records.
*He is also a songwriter, music arranger, audio engineer, video editor, video game designer, computer programmer, game show host, and the guy his parents call to fix their computer.
Heatbox (and Friends) are super-excited to be included in this Mile of Music event and to have the opportunity to share their unique talents at Hells Kitchen with guests.
Dinner with Joel Shapira
FREE
Joel Shapira is a top performing classical and jazz guitarist based in the Twin Cities. His educational background includes studies with some of the world's greatest players and teachers including jazz legends Joe Pass, Tal Farlow and Gene Bertoncini, as well as master classical instructor Alan Johnston. A native of St. Paul, Joel attended Berklee School of Music in Boston and The Mannes School of Music in New York City where he lived, performed and taught for eight years.
Joe Dunn and Friends
FREE to all patrons!
Joe Dunn is a guitarist, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Minneapolis. As the former front man of the popular jam band Frogleg, he as toured the country and brought his own unique style of singing and playing to many diverse musical situations for over a decade in the Twin Cities music scene and beyond.
Live Music To Be Announced - Stay Tuned!
FREE
We haven’t yet confirmed which one of our talented rotating local acts will be playing this day - please watch this space and check back later!
Dinner with The Dang Ol' Tri'ole
FREE
The Dang Ol' Tri'ole is a 5 person bohemian folk group from the Twin Cities. With nearly 15 years of playing together, they have honed their skills to demonstrate their fluency at their respective instruments through tight vocal harmonies, complex melodies, dense compositions, and improvisational soloing with a dynamic & cohesive presentation. Their unique experiences, and common bonds, have helped spawn their own sound that borrows from an array of styles including: Traditional Folk, Progressive Rock, Salsa, Blues, Ska, Gypsy, and Classic Rock.
Live Music To Be Announced - Stay Tuned!
FREE
We haven’t yet confirmed which one of our talented rotating local acts will be playing this day - please watch this space and check back later!
Roe Family Singers
FREE
The Roe Family Singers are a Good-Time, Old-Time Hillbilly band from the Mississippi-headwaters community of Kirkwood Hollow, MN. Led by wife & husband Kim Roe (Best Female Vocalist, City Pages/Village Voice) and Quillan Roe (Accident Clearinghouse), the band blends characteristic old-time sound with rock & roll urgency and influence.
Drew Peterson
FREE
Drew Peterson is about as Minnesotan as you can get, and his music evokes the back-country flavor of growing up on a rural farm and putting in the hard work. His music – folk, bluegrass, singer-songwriter – is most potent when he’s showing off his husky, seasoned vocals...
-Celeste Benzschawel, Peninsula Pulse
Brilliant Colors Jazz Trio
FREE
Brilliant Colors Jazz Trio features (3) experienced jazz musicians well known and respected throughout the twin-cities and region, including: Glen Helgeson - guitar, Jim Chenoweth - bass and Nathan Norman - drums
Courtney Burton and Court's in Session
FREE
Old School Jazz With an Unforgettable, Feel-Good Vibe
Courtney Burton has been a cherished performer in the Twin Cities jazz scene for over 25 years, enchanting audiences with her rich, velvety voice and heartfelt delivery. With her band, Court's In Session, she breathes new life into jazz standards and classics from the Great American Songbook, performed in the tradition of the jazz era—with a touch of blues and a wealth of soul.
Jeff Ray & The Stakes
FREE
Musicians from the Midwest have a knack for reinventing tradition. Jeff Ray is no exception. Go to any one of his performances and you’ll hear his fans say the same thing, “his music sounds old and new at the same time”.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Ray left home at the age of 17 to cut his teeth in Memphis. It was through those travels that he developed his unmistakable “East-meets-West” Bluesy Americana sound.