The fact that Michael Shynes is a Midwest born singer songwriter with a Platinum Record in Poland, in many ways, sums up the unlikelihood of his career perfectly. Being a self taught musician from a small town, he seemed to build a career out of nothing more than pure hustle and soulful songwriting. Even though the music itself may be difficult to define (often oscillating from Folk to Pop to R&B to Country and then back again), the intent behind it is the unifying ingredient. The unmistakable truth that it never strives to be anything less than genuine and authentic. Shynes has worked to become one of the most sought after performers in the Midwest. Blending shades of multiple genres over an acoustic and full band landscape, his songs are ripe with lyrical depth rarely paired with such mainstream appeal. The thing that seems to separate Shynes is unquestionably his vocal stylings. With a range and falsetto that is nothing short of captivating, his acoustic finger picking style acts as the perfect bed of warmth on which his soulful lyrics can rest.

Sam’s love for many genres of music fuse together in both his production and performing. You can find Sam playing bass around the Twin Cities with many acts including: Irie Minds, Trent Romens Band, Matt Schatza Trio, Alexander Craig, Brother Jon Band, Russ Parrish and the Lone Oaks as well as fronting his own projects under Sam Licari and the Sweet Tease.

After over 30 years together, one of the most resilient and influential Americana/Rock bands ever to come out of the Twin Cities is reaching back to the greatest fans in the world. With headline performances ranging from The David Letterman Show to Texas’ SXSW Music Festival, Gear Daddies has rocked fans from coast to coast. Over thousands of miles and countless venues from New York to Los Angeles to Phoenix to Denver to Kansas City to all over the Midwest, Martin Zellar, Nick Ciola, Randy Broughten and James “Billy” Dankert have galvanized a fan base across America with their unique brand of music and lyrics that exude an opportunity to relive some of our own life experiences.

Frontman Jed LaPlant comes from a family deeply tied into the Minnesota bluegrass community, where storytelling is central to a song. He draws on that background with lyrics that are personal and at times intimate. That intimacy translates to the audience in their live shows, balancing that deep connection with electrifying energy. The rootsy Americana rock band delivers music that has meaning, depth and ties to the human connection. Featuring band members from very different musical backgrounds (including Ariana LaPlant on vocals, keys, and fiddle; and Landon Pahl on bass, pedal steel, and banjo) they have landed on a sound that incorporates heartbreaking vocals, standout harmonies, driving beats, and epic jams. Wild Horses taps into their rural American roots with music that sends reverbs down your spine.