The ever popular CenterStage Minnesota Concert Series will be back this fall for its fourth season! So far, this collaboration between KAXE/KBXE and The Reif Center has brought some seriously incredible acts to Grand Rapids in a one of a kind listening room; The Lowest Pair, jeremy messersmith, The Pines, Bad Bad Hats, Pert Near Sandstone, Erik Koskinen, The Cactus Blossoms, Actual Wolf, Gaelynn Lea...maybe I should just list all of the bands that have come because honestly, every show offers stunning talents from around Minnesota.
So, 2019/2020 season? Get ready for powerful women, native voices, young up-and-comers, and a truly intimate experience with a musician who also plays Red Rocks. Let's go.
September 19th - Chastity Brown
One of Minnesota's leading storytelling musicians, Chastity Brown has been featured on NPR's World Cafe, BBC and American Songwriter. She's toured with the likes of Ani Difranco and Indigo Girls, and on her last album, Silhouette of Sirens, the songs covered her experience in the world, and her perspective as a bi-racial, gay woman of color. Next she'll be bringing her blend of roots rock and soul to The Reif Center to open up the season!
October 17th - Mary Bue
Longtime known has a piano singer/songwriter, Bue dived into the world of rock with her last album, Holy Bones. Life changes often spark new paths, and Mary's has taken her from Duluth to Minneapolis, traveling the world as a student of yoga, and now working on a new album, The World is Your Lover, featuring some of the best musicians in the state.
November 14th - Annie Humphreyand David Huckfelt
Local storyteller and musician, Annie Humphrey, has won national recognition for her musical contributions over the years, winning Female Artist of the Year, and Best Folk Recording from the native American Music Awards, and most recently took home their award for Artist of the Year 2018. David Huckfelt is one of the founding members of The Pines (one of the great CenterStage MN artists the first season) and just released his beautiful solo debut. He draws deeply from the Native American traditions, working and touring with many Native songwriters and authors; people like Keith Secola, John Trudell, Winona LaDuke and, you guessed it, Annie Humphrey. Prepare for a beautiful night of folk music between these two artists, and hopefully we'll be treated to a few collaborations as well (*fingers crossed*).
December 19th - Early Eyes
One of the youngest bands to be featured on the CenterStage MN lineup, this is a seriously fun band that has a bright future. Just getting their start, the band has released a few EPs (one of which was produced by Chris Koza of Rogue Valley). Their indie-pop sound has drawn early comparisons to Hippo Campus, though that's not giving them the credit they deserve for their own voice they have created. They're playing some great stages, including Bayfront Festival Park this weekend (7/6/19) with Tramped By Turtles.
January 16th - Jillian Rae
A multi-faceted musician, Jillian Rae plays her fiddle touring with the Okee Dokee Brothers, records old time folk music with her trio, Corpse Reviver, and has contributed her violin work and vocals to countless albums from peers in the state. Out with a brand new album that is gaining traction beyond Minnesota, I Can't Be the one You Want Me To Be, Jillian has formed a full on rock band.
February 20th - Corey Medina & Brothers with Leah Lemm
Part of our debut CenterStage Minnesota Concert Series three years ago, Corey Medina & Bros. have played show after show after show and then some. One of the hardest working bands in northern Minnesota led by Shiprock, NM native, Corey Medina, they are poised to release four (yes, four - a mix of live and studio recordings, EPs and their second full length) albums in the next year. Grand Rapidian Leah Lemm will be opening up for them, and we'll maybe even be treated to a duet between Corey and Leah.
March 19th - Dave Simonett
Yes, THAT Dave Simonett! This is a rare oppotunity to see the Trampled By Turtles frontman performing his solo work, and word is that there will be a new project coming from him in the next year. Typically, Dave plays his music outside of Trampled as Dead Man Winter with a full band. This performance, however, will be a rare, truly solo, stripped down and intimate set. Get your tickets now as this will surely be a sell-out.
April 16th - Jaedyn James & The Hunger
Talk about a powerful voice. Jaedyn James leads one of the hottest up and coming bands out of the Twin Cities, performing as regulars at the Dakota Jazz Club playing their blend of funk and soul. Jaedyn's command of the stage is clear, even from one listen of the burning song, 'Set You On Fire'. R&B, soul, funk, and love. That's what's coming to us in April from Jaedyn James & The Hunger.
May 21st - Feeding Leroy
Out of Duluth, this alt-country/folk band released their latest album, Monument Valley to high praise. Led by Lee Martin and Sonja Bjordal, they have played their 'good timey tunes' everywhere from First Avenue, the Blue Ox Festival, Turf Club, to (of course), the Homegrown Music Festival. Connected with all of the folk greats of the state, they've played many shows with their friend Charlie Parr, been featured on the stage with Tramped By Turtles, The Cactus Blossoms, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, The Big Wu, and so on.
Tickets go on sale for the series on Monday, July 1st. Get yours now!
