Michael Johnson
April 12 | 7pm
In his 40-plus years in the music business, guitarist and songwriter Michael Johnson has quietly compiled an impressive catalog as performer and songwriter, establishing himself as a craftsman of gentle, virtuosic music, replete with thoughtful lyrics and unpretentiously dazzling guitar playing. Johnson spent nearly 20 years living in Minneapolis, and his annual Christmas shows at the Guthrie Theater became the stuff of legend. Now residing in Nashville where he is a busy songwriter, Johnson returns to Minneapolis only occasionally for special, intimate shows.
Richie Furay
April 28 | 7 & 9:30pm – NEW SHOW ADDED!
As a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Richie has been a pioneering force in rock and country music. A founding member of Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Souther-Hillman-Furay, Richie is an innovator of new musical forms, and he has contributed some of rock’s best vocals. In 1967, Richie moved to Los Angeles to meet up with his friend Stephen Stills. The two young musicians soon connected with Neil Young, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin. The five would join together to form Buffalo Springfield. The group produced three great albums before disbanding. While recording the last album with new member Jim Messina, Richie and Jim discovered they shared the same unique musical direction. Poco was born.
Chris Potter Quartet
May 31 | 7 & 9pm
A world-class soloist, accomplished composer and formidable bandleader, saxophonist Chris Potter has emerged as a leading light of his generation. Dave Liebman called him simply, “one of the best musicians around.” Potter’s Underground Quartet focuses his prodigious talent into an electric groove context, with Adam Rogers on guitar, Fima Ephron on bass, and Nate Smith on drums. On display are Potter’s unique mixed-meter melodies and adventurous harmonic language, with one of the most exciting ensembles he has ever led.
Shelby J Album Release Concerts
April 19 & 20 | 10pm
Singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, & social activist, Shelby Johnson or as Prince would say, “ShelbyJ.” is a native of Greensboro, NC. She is CEO of Blackgypsy Enterprises. Her company specializes in Spreading Positive messages, Light & Love through recorded Music, Books, Art & live performance. Shelby has toured nationally & internationally with her band Blackgypsy, Groove Theory, Mary J. Blige, Anthony Hamilton, D’Angelo, Martin Luther, Chante Savage, Santana, Larry Graham & her mentor and “co-star” for the 2007 History making Superbowl Halftime Performance… PRINCE!
Mindi Abair
October 20 | 7 & 9:30pm
In a career that spans seven solo albums and countless collaborations in the studio and live on stage, Mindi Abair has made her mark as one of the most recognizable saxophonists in the US. You may know her as the saxophonist on American Idol, or the only saxophonist to tour with rock legends Aerosmith since 1973. You may have seen her on stage with Bruce Springsteen for a historic night at the Beacon Theater, or tuned in as she joined Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra on the Late Show with David Letterman, or caught her appearance at The Grand Ole Opry. This powerhouse saxophonist/vocalist has made scores of friends along the way and earned the respect of top-shelf artists representing just about every genre of music.
Take Me To The River
October 31 & November 1 | 7pm
Take Me to the River presents a live performance experience based on the award-winning film and record that brought together multiple generations of iconic Memphis and Mississippi Delta musicians to record a historic new album and re-imagine the utopia of racial, gender and generational collaboration of Memphis (Stax, Hi Records) in its heyday. This historic show features a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see legends William Bell (2017 Grammy Winner), Bobby Rush (2017 Grammy winner), and Charlie Musselwhite (2014 Grammy winner) share the stage and perform classics and new TMTTR collaborations.