Romantica, Tim Sparks, Jelloslave, and more... all the best Twin Cities artists at Summer at Northrop
The University of Minnesota Summer Session and Concerts and Lectures present Summer at Northrop 2009 - 25 free, outdoor concerts showcasing music from around the globe. All concerts will be held weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. on the Northrop Plaza.
/1 Glen Helgeson with Axis Mundi
Led by the talented guitarist/composer Glen Helgeson who fuses instruments with his own compositions inspired by his journeys through more than 25 countries. Performing for nearly three decades, Helgeson has traveled all throughout South America, Europe, and Africa. Now he's teamed up with the quintet Axis Mundi meaning "the world tree" for an alluring mix of world-beat music combined with elements of both modern and traditional jazz. Joining Helgeson is Gary Schulte, Cody McKinny, Dave Stanoch, and Michael Bissonette.
/2 Machinery Hill
A unique Minneapolis based band blending ska, klezmer, celtic, rock, and Americana folk. They are the winner of the Minnesota Music award for best world beat CD and specialist recording.
/6 Tim Sparks and Phil Heywood
World-class guitar player, Tim Sparks teams up with award winning bluesy guitarist Phil Heywood for some real fingerstyle guitar Americana. These two National Fingerpicking Champions teamed up for a virtuoso duo that is hard to find in the Twin Cities.
/7 Mark Stary & the Whiskey Roses
Mark Stary and his band are known for their blend of pop/classic/outlaw country with elements of blues/folk and rock n' roll. Band members include Dan Neale on lead guitar, Ryan Erickson on bass guitar and backing vocals, Ben Kaplan on drums, and Lisi Wright on fiddle.
/8 The Minnesota Sinfonia
The mission of the Minnesota Sinfonia is "to serve the musical and educational needs of the citizens of Minnesota, with special emphasis given to families with young children, inner-city youth, seniors and those with limited financial means." The Sinfonia performs nearly 30 free admission concerts, attended by 15,000 people, and serves approximately 12,000 students in both Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools with 39 performances through our Music in the Schools. They are dedicated to serving the community
/9 The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra
This newly formed band is already making a name for themselves with an eclectic mix of original and traditional country-edged, jazz/fusion instrumental pieces. Orchestra members include Dan Neale on guitar, Lisi Wright on fiddle, John Wright on bass, and Mark O'Day on drums/percussion. Two of The Orchestra's pieces were performed on A Prairie Home Companion in November of 2008.
/13 Mandragora Tango Orchestra
Mandragora Tango is a group of four tango musicians based in Minneapolis. The band features Bob Barnes on accordion and bandoneon, Laura Harada on violin, Scott Mateo Davies on guitar, and Rahn Yanes on bass. The group makes regular appearances at Loring Pasta Bar in Dinkytown.
/14 Greg Herriges/Telluric Currents
Greg has spent most of his musical career in Minneapolis, Minnesota making a name for himself through avant-rock ensembles. He studied ethnomusicology with a focus on Asian-art music. This is evident in many of his compositions.
/15 World Superpower
A progressive modern rock trio, featuring the U of M drumline instructor!
/16 The Moss Piglets
This band offers bluegrass music with a twist. Their sound is described as "a blend of bluegrass and oldtimey, with some country, altcountry, althillbilly, jugband, and rock." Band members include
John Barcay: melodica, piano, musical saw, turkey baster, vocals
Ian Gamble: clawhammer banjo, resophonic guitar, vocals, nagging
John Goolsby: acoustic guitar, mandolin, recorder, vocals, law
George Payne: standup bass, percussion, vocals
Mike Zullo: mandolin, guitar, violin, vocals
/20 Jelloslave
Jelloslave features cellists Michelle Kinney and Jacqueline Ferrier-Ultan, along with drummer Greg Schutte and tabla player Gary Waryan. The cello and drum quartet offers a mixed repertoire with everything from Bach to Led Zeppelin, in addition to their improvisational and jazz-influenced compositions. Several of the band members have toured and performed with well-known artists including Sheryl Crow and Andrew Broder.
/21 Romantica
Band members Ben Kyle, Luke Jacobs, James Orvis, Jessy Greene, and Tony Zaccardi met back when they were in school and formed a band awhile later in 2002. The band refers to their musical style as "Irish Americana Pop", and their recent album, America, made Paste Magazine's "100 Best of 2007" list. The album was recorded entirely at home, in a studio built by the band, and almost entirely through one microphone and one pre-amp. On the album you'll hear traces of true American artists, Gram Parsons, Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, and Iron and Wine, as well as a few from across the pond such as, Damien Rice, Nick Drake and Van Morrison.
/22 Innocent Reggae Band
Inspired by Bob Marley, Innocent's music combines both reggae and his Tanzanian roots. His songs reflect his dedication to the message of international injustices and underprivileged people in the world. All five of his CDs, including his 1993 hit "Kilimanjaro", have been praised by various musical reviews. Innocent also received an award for Best Male Vocalist and Best World Beat group by the Minnesota Music Academy. Concert goers can expect to enjoy songs in Swahili and English when they attend his performance.