The Infamous Stringdusters are the new vanguard of acoustic music. Well crafted songs, vivid arrangements, instrumental virtuosity, stunning improvisation, unique individuality and complete harmony… Bluegrass, Rock, Country, Blues, Folk, and Jazz, the “IS” is American Acoustic Music.
When The Infamous Stringdusters was released in June by Sugar Hill Records, some assumed from the title that it was a debut recording. Those already aware of the Stringdusters phenomenon will know differently: that 2007's Fork in the Road was the album that boldly introduced this daring, disciplined band to the world of bluegrass and a wider world of music enthusiasts who heard it and decided: 'if that's bluegrass, then I love bluegrass.' Fork in the Road was named Album of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Its title track was named Song of the Year, and the band itself earned the honor of Best Emerging Artist in a competitive field. It was a stunning cap to an amazing 2007.
Minnesota original Michael Monroe makes it back to The Cedar for a "Return To Wintersong". The concert will feature a collection of vocal and instrumental selections created from the warmth of his cabin during winters on the North Shore. The performance will be recorded for a future "LIVE @ The Cedar" CD! WINTERSONG, his latest CD was described by City Page’s Rick Mason as "...richly melodic acoustic music...with heartfelt sincerity ...Monroe explores subtle, quiet places that spark the imagination."
Monroe lives and creates music on Lake Superior's North Shore having moved from Twin Cities to rustic Hovland cabin in 94. He moved his solar MisTree Studio to his Grand Marais Log Cabin where he and long time partner Deb Mueller (now husband and wife) host a monthly Log Cabin Concert Series in their home.
From Vinyl to digital, performing his original music Monroe blends rich vocals, guitars, bamboo and glass flutes together... music and technology working together powered by creativity. He recycles his music LIVE on stage to deliver a powerful style of acoustic folk, reggae, and jazz. His award winning soundtrack is featured on PBS in the documentary "Chased By the Light" and he received a regional Emmy for his "Soaring On Mended Wings". Monroe plays guitars built by David Seaton on the Gunflint Trail, using salvaged woods from the 1999 blow down and 100 year old trees from the bottom of Lake Superior. Adding to his 8 CDs and 2 vinyls, he recently narrated and composed music for a series of podcasts for the Gunflint Trail Association.
John JorgensonExperience gypsy jazz as you’ve never heard it before! John Jorgenson brings all his musical creativity and experience to bear in the John Jorgenson Quintet, and the result is astounding audiences everywhere! John Jorgenson is a former member of the award winning Desert Rose Band, The Hellecasters and Elton John's band, and has recorded and performed with such luminaries as Sting, Bonnie Raitt, Birele Lagrene and even the great Pavarotti.
A master of gypsy jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt, John has appeared in many prominent guitar magazines. He was asked to recreate Django's music for the feature film Head in the Clouds, in which he portrayed the legendary guitarist with stars Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz. John Jorgenson brings his own flair to the stage with exciting new compositions, amazing fretwork and searing clarinet playing supported by some of the best musicians in the world. Whether playing his own accessible compositions or classic standards, John and his band make music that is equally romantic and ecstatic, played with virtuosity and soul.
Open Stage with host Molly Maher. Labeled as St. Paul Americana, Molly Maher breaks all convention with her guitar style, playing upside down and in different tunings. She has lived her music and it comes out beautifully in her playing. She will play a few of her own songs then invite people from the audience up on stage to do a number or two. Take advantage of this great opportunity to put yourself on the Cedar stage, perform two or three songs, and enjoy the top-quality sound!
“Innately creative and defiantly adventurous, they are concerned only with hurling their talents together and stamping new identities onto Brazilian music.” (Global Rhythm Magazine)
"an effervescent collage of samba, airy folk, and sheer mysticism" (Spin Magazine)
Kassin + 2 is the new portrait of Rio’s rich musical, cultural and ethnic diversity. The final installment in the + 2 trilogy — fellow band members Moreno Veloso (son of the great Caetano) and Domenico Lancellotti were the featured names for the first two rounds — this is the vanguard of a new generation of Brazilian musicians. Heirs to a family heritage of Tropicalia and Samba and respected producers in their own right, this unique mix of traditional Brazilian songwriting with the quirky beats, loops, and noises of contemporary electronica is defining the sound of New Brazil.
Local favorites Curtis & Loretta bring you a delightful old-fashioned holiday show, complete with your favorite Christmas carols, Victorian costumes, sweet vocal harmonies, and an array of traditional turn-of-the-century instruments, including folk harp, mandolin, mandocello, celeste (a charming music-box sounding antique keyboard), and harmonica. Curtis & Loretta are rereleasing “Christmastide with Curtis & Loretta” tonight. It was originally released on cassette tape in 1991. “Husband-and-wife team Curtis Teague and Loretta Simonet are living treasures of the Twin Cities folk scene, with a body of music rich in lovely harmonies and delicately wrought mandolin and harp....” The Onion
The Infamous Stringdusters are the new vanguard of acoustic music. Well crafted songs, vivid arrangements, instrumental virtuosity, stunning improvisation, unique individuality and complete harmony… Bluegrass, Rock, Country, Blues, Folk, and Jazz, the “IS” is American Acoustic Music. 
Minnesota original Michael Monroe makes it back to The Cedar for a "Return To Wintersong". The concert will feature a collection of vocal and instrumental selections created from the warmth of his cabin during winters on the North Shore. The performance will be recorded for a future "LIVE @ The Cedar" CD! WINTERSONG, his latest CD was described by City Page’s Rick Mason as "...richly melodic acoustic music...with heartfelt sincerity ...Monroe explores subtle, quiet places that spark the imagination."
Open Stage with host Molly Maher. Labeled as St. Paul Americana, Molly Maher breaks all convention with her guitar style, playing upside down and in different tunings. She has lived her music and it comes out beautifully in her playing. She will play a few of her own songs then invite people from the audience up on stage to do a number or two. Take advantage of this great opportunity to put yourself on the Cedar stage, perform two or three songs, and enjoy the top-quality sound!
“Innately creative and defiantly adventurous, they are concerned only with hurling their talents together and stamping new identities onto Brazilian music.” (Global Rhythm Magazine)
Local favorites Curtis & Loretta bring you a delightful old-fashioned holiday show, complete with your favorite Christmas carols, Victorian costumes, sweet vocal harmonies, and an array of traditional turn-of-the-century instruments, including folk harp, mandolin, mandocello, celeste (a charming music-box sounding antique keyboard), and harmonica. Curtis & Loretta are rereleasing “Christmastide with Curtis & Loretta” tonight. It was originally released on cassette tape in 1991. “Husband-and-wife team Curtis Teague and Loretta Simonet are living treasures of the Twin Cities folk scene, with a body of music rich in lovely harmonies and delicately wrought mandolin and harp....” The Onion
