Rich Mattson & The Northstars

Regional favorites Rich Mattson & The Northstars return to the Hook for another night of rockin’ fun. Special guests Leslie Rich & The Rocket Soul Choir open.

Hailing from the great Northwoods of Minnesota, Rich Mattson and Germaine Gemberling have been writing, recording, and performing together since 2010. The latest incarnation of the Northstars (with longtime drummer and cohort Keely Lane and bassist Kyle Westrick) released their 5th album “Skylights” in February of 2021 to rave reviews and high praise from the indie rock/americana/jangle-core crowd. With influences ranging from the Byrds, Neil Young, Petty, X, and Link Wray, the group’s original “cosmic folk” has cycled back to a more roots-rocking sound in recent years.

The Northstars perform all around Minnesota and beyond and have been invited to share the stage with such notable acts as the Minus 5, the Jayhawks, and Trampled By Turtles. Somewhat of a Minnesota music staple, Mattson is well known for his songwriting and outstanding showmanship as well as his work with literally thousands of artists at his Sparta Sound recording studio. Another Rich Mattson and the Northstars album is due for Fall 2022 featuring new keyboardist Dan Anderson.

Leslie Rich & the Rocket Soul Choir release The Butcher Boy, the long-awaited follow-up to their lauded EP Kidder’s Son. Drawing comparisons to America’s most revered rock songwriters like Tom Petty and John Mellencamp, Belfast-born Leslie Rich writes songs that are immediate and timeless, whether singing about unrequited love, hitting rock bottom or just finding the will to keep going in the face of extreme hardship. Together with his Minnesota-based trio, he makes perfectly crafted pop songs that showcase the band’s tight groove and Americana-inspired harmonies, delivering joy and optimism at a time when we need it most.