On The Setlist this week, a new Iron Range supergroup kicks off a Minnesota tour in Virginia, the Grassroots Concert Series continues in Nisswa, a jam band comes home to Walker and a singer-songwriter performs at the brewery in Bemidji.
We're starting things off with a new Iron Range supergroup called Rangers at CHAIR in downtown Virginia. The project is led by Keith Secola and features Rich Mattson, Germaine Gemberling, Tim Saxhaug and many other Iron Range musicians. They just released their debut album, Ranger, mixing folk, Americana and rock 'n' roll. CHAIR is Culture, Humanities and Arts on the Iron Range, and is located in the former Lyric Center for the Arts space. It’s this Thursday at 7 p.m. in Virginia.
The same day, Duluth-based jam band Saltydog is heading to Walker to the Green Scene Market & Eatery at 8 p.m. Saltydog is led by Jacob and Owen Mahon, who grew up in the Walker area, and play a funky mix of rock, blues and folk, with a jam band looseness. They released their latest album, Pepper, in 2024.
The Grassroots Concert Series continues Friday in Nisswa with The Weary Ramblers at the Journey Church. The Ramblers are a folk duo with mandolin, harmonica, fiddle and tight vocal harmonies. They will be celebrating the release of their brand new album, Driftwood. Music begins at 7 p.m.
Finally, singer-songwriter Caige Jambor is playing at Bemidji Brewing on Saturday at 5 p.m. Part of the brewery's Timber Tap Series throughout various Saturdays this winter. Jambor released a pair of singles called "Golden Life" and "Kerosene" in 2024, showcasing his melodic and acoustic style.
Thursday, Nov. 20
- Rangers - 7 p.m., CHAIR, Virginia, free
- Saltydog - 8 p.m., Green Scene Market & Eatery, $10
Friday, Nov. 21
- Weary Ramblers - 7 p.m., Journey Church, Nisswa, $15 (adults), $5 (under 12)
Brainerd musician Kelley Smith was announced as the new artistic director of the long-running concert series on July 25, 2025.
Saturday, Nov. 22
- Caige Jambor - 5 p.m., Bemidji Brewing, Bemidji, free
Events this week include Soup in the Street in Grand Rapids, an open mic night in Park Rapids and performances of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" in Mountain Iron.
The weekly live music spotlight is made possible by the citizens of Minnesota through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
