Life is better with live music in it.
Here are four shows to check out this week, including a two-day festival near the Mississippi Headwaters, a showcase of guitar-playing women and two summer concert series.
Starting things off, Rich Mattson and Germaine Gemberling are playing the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm for the Bands, Brews and BBQs series. Doors are at 4 p.m. and music at 5:30 p.m. The pair have played together since 2010 in Rich Mattson and the Northstars but often play stripped-down duo shows with a different flavor.
The Mississippi Headwaters Music Festival is this weekend, just north of the north entrance to Itasca State Park, with music Friday and Saturday. On Friday, music begins at 3 p.m. with Mickey Galbrecht, followed by Mike Garner, Charley Wagner and Mamma Wags, Lydia Rose Band and headliner Forge North. On Saturday, music begins early at 10:30 a.m. with Debbie Center, followed by Lori Goulet Reich, Scott Jasmin, Rubén Dario, Ben Ranson, Kitchi Boogie, Bad Decisions and headliner Corey Medina & Brothers.
Also on Saturday, Caige Jambor is playing Bemidji Brewing at 6 p.m. The indie-folk singer-songwriter has been picking up steam with three singles so far in 2026, with the latest "Peel" dropping earlier this month. At Bemidji Brewing, his dad Brian will be joining him on drums.
Wrapping up with the Girls With Guitars event at The Vault at Cuyuna Brewing in Crosby, 2 p.m. on Sunday. The second edition features an interesting lineup of jazz, blues and swing music, with Miss Myra of Miss Myra and the Moonshiners, Ruby Blue of roots-rock band Red Eye Ruby and local folk-blues artist Amanda Standalone.
Thursday, Aug. 20
- Rich Mattson & Germaine Gemberling - 5:30 p.m., Minnesota Discovery Center, Chisholm, free
Friday, Aug. 21
- Mississippi Headwaters Music Fest Day 1 - 3 p.m., 27579 180th St, Shevlin, $30
Saturday, Aug. 22
- Mississippi Headwaters Music Fest Day 2 - 10:30 a.m., 27579 180th St, Shevlin, $40
- Caige Jambor - 6 p.m., Bemidji Brewing, Bemidji, free
Lorie Shaull/KAXEBemidji Brewing is located in downtown Bemidji.
Sunday, Aug. 23
- Miss Myra, Ruby Rae, Amanda Standalone - 2 p.m., The Vault at Cayuna Brewing, Crosby, free
The weekly live music spotlight is made possible by the citizens of Minnesota through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
