The Minnesota Musicians Concert Series

Hook & Ladder Theater and Minnesota Music Coalition come together to feature amazing Minnesota talent across a variety of genres. Join us monthly (Every 4th Thursday) to catch some of your favorites as well as some musicians you may not have seen yet!

 

With a focus on lyrics Whalen writes tales pulled from life experience and observation. Pain, suffering, hope, and love are common motives looking to strike an authentic balance of the struggles and joys of life. The band uses melody, rhythm, and harmony to conjure an experience that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Whalen and the Willows are a master class on soul and authenticity.

 

Art Vandalay is a Twin Cities-based band (and sometimes solo moniker of songwriter Brandon Henry) that blends the vintage sounds of The Band and the modern vibe of The Black Keys, creating a laid-back “Americana sound with a sprinkling of folk, pop, and jazz” (Mostly Minnesota).

Their latest album, Champagne & Chandeliers has been hailed as a “sonic feast” (The Norman Transcript). Capturing Art Vandalay’s retro-rock sound, the album is the perfect companion to a late-night drive and taking the long way home. The songs explore the choices made at every crossroads and how life speeds up and slows down–from the slow groove of “Traffic” to the rocking closer “If You Love Me.” 

With loose energy, smart lyrics, infectious grooves, and a vibey Americana spirit, Art Vandalay has become a fixture of the midwest Americana scene.

 

Abha K. is a Minneapolis-based musician who brings her R&B/Soul sound to her community. She released her first single, “Waves” in 2020 and it quickly made Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist. Following that, she released an EP in 2021 and has over 100,000 streams. You can catch her on stage in the Twin Cities area as well as visits to Chicago, St. Louis, and more. For booking inquiries, direct message her social media accounts. Check out her newest singles, released 08.19.2022 and 09.02.2022!

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The only statewide nonprofit devoted exclusively to serving our independent musicians, the Minnesota Music Coalition (MMC) is responsible for providing resources, support and paid performance opportunities to artists of all genres.