Bands

Friday Night

Jon Wayne and the Pain: Headliners

Take one-part acoustic, one-part electric, and mix liberally with keen lyrics and bold rhythms to get the incomparable sound of Jon Wayne and the Pain. Formed in 2007, the band is no stranger to touring as they proclaim to play more than 180 shows a year, including at festivals such as Shangri-La, Electric Forest, and Summer Camp. In 2017, the CD Release Party for Your Vibe Attracts your Tribe at First Avenue in Minneapolis had over 800 attendees. The electronic reggae-dub sound is nothing like the RiverSong stage had seen before, which was why they were invited to Hutchinson in 2018. Now in 2022, Jon Wayne and the Pain are brought back by popular demand.

American Scarecrows

American Scarecrows have a sound that cannot be easily described; as Davin stated in a City Pages interview, “You can only be the artist that you are.” Seth Davin, Allen Maier, and Matthew Broadbent masterfully blend their talents and tell stories with a blend of folk, country, rock, and Americana. After a three-year hiatus, American Scarecrows are ready to share the next chapter of their story. They are currently working on their third album following the release of Keep Your Devils Around in 2011 and Yesteryear in 2014.

Michael Shynes

Since last gracing the RiverSong stages in 2017, Michael Shynes became a bona-fide superstar…in Poland. In 2018, he worked with Komodo, a Polish pop group, to record a cover of Cutting Crew’s “I just Died in Your Arms Tonight.” The song became a hit in Europe, prompting the band to bring Michael in on tour. After being treated like a star in Poland, he returned to Minnesota to a changed landscape; more opportunities were available and more success was inevitable. In 2019, The Current, the River and the Undertow was released, A follow-up to There Goes the Devil and Shadowboxing. He continues to work with Komodo, collaborating on new songs.

Faith Boblett

Called “Minnesota’s grungy Sheryl Crow,” Faith Boblett mixes unique sounds to create her own brand of pop. Growing up in a musical family, she taught herself to play guitar and started writing songs at 13 years old. In 2018, she was named one of the Best New Bands by First Avenue. In 2020, she released her third LP, take care; the first two singles received heavy airplay on The Current. Along with performing her own music, Faith has performed in tributes all over Minnesota as well as provided backing vocals for other MN-based bands such as Fathom Lane and Nick Costa. This is her first appearance at RiverSong Music Festival.

Saturday Night

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Kiss the Tiger: Headliners

Since they first appeared in late-2016, Kiss the Tiger has been roaring through the Minnesota music scene ever since. Their first EP, Elliot Park, was released in 2017; the music video for one of the songs was named one of MN’s Best Music Videos of 2018 by The Current. A song from their second album, Let Me Bleed, led to the same accolade in 2019. In 2021, Vicious Kid was released to more praise. “Hold On To Love” spent nine weeks at #1 on The Current. They’ve opened for such acts as Lake Street Dive, The Suburbs, and Black Joe Lewis.

Pert Near Sandstone

In 2009, Pert Near Sandstone was featured as one of RiverSong’s inaugural acts; since then, they have been high on the wish list for returning acts. After 13 years, they’ve returned to the RiverSong stage! Pert Near are stewards of the midwestern roots music community; their dedication culminated in co-founding the Blue Ox Music Festival in 2003. Blending old-school sound with modern string music, Pert Near is full of infectious energy and undeniable joy. Their latest album, Rising Tide, was released in 2020.

Chester Bay

The overwhelming response after 2019 RiverSong was clear: more Chester Bay. And how could we resist the audience’s insistence? Back for their second year, Jake Bobsen, Cory Bobsen, Marcus Greely, and Mike Salow bring original songs as well as unusual spins on classics such as “Ghostbusters.” Reggae, folk, ska, blues, and rock combine to create their own unique sound. First formed in 2005, the band released their first album Get Free in 2010. This was followed by Changes with the Midwest Moon in 2013. Nevertheless, the albums cannot capture the energy and excitement of seeing Chester Bay perform on stage.

Church of Cash

Among the handful of musicians that paved the way, one that stands out amongst the rest is Johnny Cash. Beyond a tribute band, Church of Cash remains loyal to the sound, image, and message of the Man in Black. Not content to just sing his songs, the quartet dress the part, sound the part, and act the part, keeping the spirit of Johnny Cash alive and on stage. The band has toured all over the United States as well as a European tour in 2019. On February 16, 2020, Church of Cash was honored as the 2019 Midwest CMA Tribute Act of the Year. Their album Thank You Sir was released in 2018, as well as a Christmas album in 2019.

Annie Mack

Annie Mack’s soulful voice and relatable lyrics take the audience on a journey of love, joy, and forgiveness. Her songs are inspired by a difficult childhood, divas like Etta James, and old-school gospel. Annie can be found at top venues and festivals all over the state including the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, the Dakota Jazz Club, and the Minnesota State Fair. She has opened for local and national legends including Dessa and Robert Cray. Her first album, Baptized in the Blues, was released in 2013; the follow up EP Tell It Like It Is was released in 2017. Annie kicked off the Festival’s preview concert series at Art’s Place in November 2021.

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 2019, and recently performed at Art’s Place as a preview to this Festival.

The Right Here

This twangy punk rock n’ roll quartet from Minneapolis might be familiar to those who follow the RiverSong Facebook page. In 2020, when the Festival had to be canceled due to Covid-19, several acts provided a short video performance, which were then shared online. But it was The Right Here that got the most attention. Their somewhat frenetic and highly energized mini-performance kept us waiting for when we could gather for live performances again! TRH are very familiar with playing live; in the past, they’ve played Pouzza Fest, Dude’s Weekend, One Last Party, and more. Their fourth album, Northern Town, was released in 2021.

The Federales

In 2012, two musicians kept running into each other at parties and found their discussions always headed in the same direction: old-school country music. James Gould and Ben Miller found like-minded musicians (Jay Scabich, Mark Larson, Karl Wahoske, Andy Schuster, and Chris Holm) and formed The Federales. Their debut album, Blues, Bourbon, & Burritos, featured that MIdwestern country from earlier conversations. But, their new release, Honkytonks & Hangovers, dips into a wide array of American styles. One can’t help but move when listening to The Federales perform.

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.

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

Friday Night

Saturday Night

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