2025 Line-up Coming Soon!

Friday Night 2024

Eli Gardiner Band

Eli Gardiner is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan but now based in Minneapolis. His songs speak to the issues of the present day, ranging from American roots based rock n roll to acoustic folk. Music in Minnesota says, “Gardiner has a voice that conveys the pieces inside of us that can’t always speak. Relatable, soulful, and honest, his songwriting is structured in observations. He’s a modern voice to old problems that continue to haunt our society.”

Tina & the B-Sides

Formed in the late 1980s, Tina & the B-Sides worked hard touring, recording, and performing all through the 1990s. Often called “the best bar band in America,” the band took a hiatus at the turn of the century; they regrouped in 2014 to release Barricade much to the delight of fans and critics alike. Tina Schlieske, the namesake of the band, is joined on stage with Laura Schlieske on vocals, Jeremy Plumb on bass, Troy Norton on guitar, and Ron Caron on drums. Though it has been over 30 years since their start selling CDs out the back of their van, Tina & the B-Sides continue to entertain crowds with their high energy shows.

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Trent Romens Band

Cutting his musical teeth on the Twin Cities scene, Trent Romens made his early mark as a blue-rock guitar prodigy. He opened for acts including Soul Asylum and Jimmie Vaughn, and was part of many regional blues festivals. After years on the stage, Trent took some time away; when he picked up the guitar again, he noticed that his sound had evolved. Having had his dreams come true only for time to take them away, the new songs express the wistfulness and growth of a seasoned musician. Trent has been working on rebuilding his dream and releasing new music in 2024 and beyond.

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Dan Rodriguez

Dan Rodriguez is a whiskey and beer drinking, people loving, Michigan expat who lives in Minneapolis because, as he says, he’s “one of those crazy people that enjoys the snow and cold weather.” He came to Minnesota for music, and stays to share that passion with others. His music has been used in various commercial campaigns including the Explore Minnesota Tourism ads in 2019. His album, 25 Years, features many of those songs including “You Feel Like Home.” His onstage presence, meanwhile, feels like a conversation with a friend. Weaving storytelling with his music, Dan enchants the audience and keeps them rapt in his tales. He was last at RiverSong in 2022, and is back this year as a crowd favorite.

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Saturday Night 2024

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Woodzen

Melding funk grooves with jazzy saxophone, blistering guitars, ethereal keyboards, and shimmering vocal harmonies, Woodzen bends more genres than a Minnesota hotdish. Formed at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, the group is composed of Hutchinson-native Jacob Johnson, Brody Kucera, Bob Delage, Ben Brunfelt, Peter Hanson, and Lydia Lecher. Woodzen can be used as a verb, a noun, an adjective…or an expletive! Throw in evocative poetry and call it psychedelic folk rock; or come and decide for yourself! Regardless, you won’t soon forget the sounds of this unique, up-and-coming band.

Nato Coles

Formed in 2010 on the west side of Minneapolis, Nato Coles and the Blue Diamond Band have since toured across America, from one side of the country and back multiple times. Their style varies from power-pop to garage punk, down to Americana and around to rootsy rock. Nato is joined with Matt Engelstad on bass, Luke Lecheler on keyboards, Sam Beer on guitar, and Mike Cranberry on drums. In 2019, their album Flyover was released. The band is currently in residency at the Northeast Palace Bar in Minneapolis, where they can be seen every fourth Saturday.

Fred the Bear

Over 30 years ago, Ray Coudret frequented The Bear’s Den in Donaldson, MN, where live music was welcomed and fostered by the owner, Bruce “Fred the Bear” Eschler. In tribute, the band named themselves after the man who gave them their start. With bluesy vocals and multi-part harmonies, FTB blends an eclectic mix of Americana, country, and classic rock. Their debut album, Just For a While, was released in 2017 and was followed up in 2023 by “Just This: Live from Imminent Brewing.” They have played on a variety of stages, from as large as opening for .38 Special, to as intimate as Art’s Place in Hutchinson last January. Ray is joined by Jerry Spencer on bass, Bob Kanzelman on drums, Beth Kanzelman on keys and flute, and Bo Aylin on guitar.

Rogue Valley

Where the blend of urban development and natural landscape converge along the shores of the Mississippi, Rogue Valley was formed. This Americana band raced onto the scene over a decade ago with four full-length albums in a single year; in 2016, they followed up with radiate/dissolve, an anthemic, twangy, surf-rock collection. In October 2023, the latest release, Shell Game, reached back to their folksy roots. The album roams territory both familiar as well as expanding the idea of Rogue Valley’s aesthetic. The band includes Luke Anderson, Chris Coza, Cody McKinney, Linnea Mohn, and Peter Sieve.

Salsa del Soul

Comprised of the best Latin music performers in the Twin Cities, Salsa del Soul was formed with the intent to bring dance music to the rest of the state. The styles of music include Cha-cha-chá, Merengue, Timba, Salsa, Bachata, and more. The Salsa del Soul Sextet feat. Frank Rivery includes Frank Rivery on vocals/congas; Leann Lindgren on flute and sax; Pat Smith on bass; Bryan Rossi on piano; and Shai Hayo on timbales. For more than a decade, Salsa del Soul has performed at a variety of venues and events. Wherever you happen to be, Salsa del Soul will get your feet tapping and your body dancing!

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New Primitives

Stanley Kipper had an impressive resume prior to forming New Primitives in 2003. Before then, he was working with artists including Joe Walsh, Jay Ferguson, Minnie Riperton, and others. In 2020, Kipper received a Midwest Rock and Country Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. Leading from behind the drums, Stanley is joined by Chico Perez on congas and percussion, Matt Stevens on bass, Andrew Wozniak on guitar, “Lightnin’” Joe Peterson on B3, and Brian “Snowman” Powers on saxophone. The unique blend of funky R&B with influence from world music mixes into a hypnotic groove. The band signed a three-record deal with Loud Folk Records, with the first release due in 2024.

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The Suitcase Junket

Solitary on stage and on the road, Matt Lorenz salvages, crafts, and creates the instruments he needs to create a wholly unique sound and experience. Using various materials and instruments, including a snare drum refurbished from an old suitcase, The Suitcase Junket updates the idea of the one-man band; instead of a vagabond, the sole person on stage is transformed into a multi-instrument spectacle. “The things I value are under attack. And writing songs and making art are the methods I have for responding.” In 2020, The End Is New was released; this was the sixth full-length album as The Suitcase Junket.

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Mae Simpson

Known for intense and exciting live shows, Mae Simpson has an immediate impact that favors the human connection between the musicians and the audience. Mae has played many notable stages including the Basilica Block Party and Blue Ox. Following the two EP releases of Feel It Comin’ in 2018 and Did You Make It Back in 2020, the band’s first full-length album, Chandelier & Bloom, was released September 2023. Mae is joined by Jorgen Wadkins on guitar, Aaron Silverstein on drums, David Kellermann on bass, and Paul Pederson on trumpet. They were the audience favorite of the 2023 RiverSong Music Festival; fans were asking for more mere moments after they left the stage!

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Free Fallin

More than a Tom Petty tribute band, Free Fallin is an experience! Using costumes, props, and instruments, the band attempts to recreate the authentic experience of a Heartbreakers concert. Upon his passing in 2017, Free Fallin was invited to play at Tom Petty’s Birthday Bash in his hometown, where more than 26,000 fans celebrated the life of one of American music’s most influential musicians. Playing the hits that are still heard on the radio (as well as a few obscure Traveling Wilburys songs), Free Fallin delivers a professional and entertaining experience for any music fan. The timeless songs will transport you back in time and have you singing along.

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Interested in being a part of the Riversong line-up?

Are you a talented performer interesting in playing at RiverSong Music Festival in the future? We are always looking for good talent to fill our lineup.

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We are so pleased to have been able to present many excellent performers over the years!

For nostalgia’s sake, here is a list of all the performers since 2009.

2023

Cole Diamond
Turn Turn Turn
Mae Simpson
American Scarecrows
The Bubbler
J.E. Sunde
Hawthorne Oachs

The Last Revel
The Orange Goodness
Good Morning Bedlam
St. Anthony Mann
The Cactus Blossoms
The Right Here
Fabulous Armadillos

2022

Faith Boblett
Michael Shynes
American Scarecrows
Jon Wayne and the Pain
The Federales
The Right Here
Tricia and the Toonies

Dan Rodriguez
Hooperina
Annie Mack
Church of Cash
Chester Bay
Pert Near Sandstone
Kiss the Tiger

2020

Annie Mack
Michael Shynes
Bad Bad Hats
4ontheFloor
The Right Here
Nooky Jones
Little Fevers

St. George’s Folly
Chester Bay
The Last Revel
Pert Near Sandstone
Church of Cash
Jon Wayne and the Pain

2019

Kent Burnside and the Flood Brothers
Katy Vernon
Good Morning Bedlam

Miss Myra & the Moonshiners

St. George’s Folly

Fastball
Fabulous Armadillos

Dan Rodriguez
Corey Medina
Chester Bay
Annie Fitzgerald

Thunder & Rain
4onthefloor

2018

Blues Traveler
Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy
Good Morning Bedlam
Davina and the Vagabonds
Jon Wayne and the Pain
Dusty Heart

Crankshaft and the Gear Grinders
Romantica
M French
Siama’s Congo Roots
Lowland Lakers
Jillian Rae
Como Ave Jug Band

2017

Shoeless Revolution
Whitehorse
Erik Koskinen Band
Gin Blossoms
Michael Shynes
Kind Country
Jackson and the Roosters

Jillian Rae
Heather Maloney
Farewell Milwaukee
Everett Smithson Band
Crankshaft and the Gear Grinders
Fabulous Armadillos

2016

Banditos
Jeremy Messersmith
Buck Hutchinson and the Crow River Ramblers
Kat Perkins
Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy
Little Hurricane
Charlie Parr

Socaholix
Crankshaft and the Gear Grinders
The DMB Tribute Crowded Streets
Daisy Dillman Acoustic
The Lowland Lakers
Farewell Milwaukee
The Okee Dokee Brothers

2015

Birds of Chicago
Legendary Shack Shakers
David Lee
Mark Edgar Stuart
Honey Honey
Possessed by Paul James
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
Socaholix
Jack Pearson

Splatter Sisters
Janis Ian
Star & Micey
Jeff Ray and Harold Tremblay
The Bazillions
Jeff Ray and Mikkel Beckmen
Zoe Lewis
Keri Noble

2014

Caravan of Thieves
Jeff Ray and Harold Tremblay
Chic Gamine
Malamanya
Choo Choo Bob and the Holy Smokestacks
Rayland Baxter
Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons, Adriel Denae, Invisableman (Formerly known as Space Woman) and Special Guests

Sena Ehrhardt
Dianne Gasch
Slaid Cleaves
Ellis
Star & Micey
Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank
The Bazillions
Jack Klatt & The Cat Swingers

2013

April Verch Band
Matt Ray & Those Damn Horses
Bethany Larson & The Bees Knees
Molly Maher & The Disbelievers
Caroline Smith
Peter Mayer
Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons
Peter Yarrow

Hymn for Her
Sophia Shorai Trio
Jack Klatt & The Cat Swingers
The Okee Dokee Brothers
Javier & the Innocent Sons (previously HUD)
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Magic Mama
Traveled Ground

2012

Bunny Clogs
Paul Spring
Caleb Hawley
Pieta Brown
Chastity Brown
Solas

Davina & The Vagabonds
Steve Howard and Phil Nusbaum
Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles
The Brothers Burn Mountain

Matt Ray & Those Damn Horses
The Okee Dokee Brothers
Matt The Electrician
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Michael Johnson
Traveled Ground
Patty and the Buttons
Useful Jenkins

2011

April Smith & the Great Picture Show
Stacy Halter
Cactus Blossoms
Steve Kaul & the Brass Kings
Davina & The Vagabonds
Sweet Grass Fish Frye
The Hollands!
Jack Pearson
The Mudbugs
Magic Mama

Tom Catmull with John Sporman
Natalia Zukerman
Useful Jenkins
Roma DiLuna
Victoria Vox
Ross Sutter
William Elliott Whitemore
Six Mile Grove
Winterbloom

2010

Bearfoot
Natalia Zukerman
Bill & Kate Isles
North River Ramblers
Charlie Parr
Patchouli
Chris Koza
Rhythm Angels

Eelpout Stringers
Shawn Phillips
HUD
Slim Pickins
Lehto & Wright
Stearns County
Stearns County Pachanga Society

2009

Andy Austin
Michael Monroe
Bob Gasch
Old Time Country & Blues Revue
Brian Brosz & Friends
Pat Donahue
Charlie Maguire
Patchouli
Cheryl, Lucy & Patty
Pert’ Near Sandstone
Crow River Singers

Prairie Grass
Danny Santos
Romantica
Dianne Gasch
Ross Sutter
Erin Bode
Stearns County Pachanga Society
Feelin’ Groovy
Susan Werner
Jim Post
The Hutchinson Brothers

Bands

2025 Line-up Coming Soon!

Friday Night 2024

Saturday Night 2024

Interested in being a part of the Riversong line-up?

We are so pleased to have been able to present many excellent performers over the years!

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