A veteran singer in the Twin Cities, Aimee Fischer is a vocal chameleon whose voice evokes emotion from the listener whether performing blues, country, rock or jazz. Thoughtfully emotional yet gutsy, this expressive singer can move within a single phrase from pensive artist to powerhouse diva. Fischer is backed by two stellar guitar players, Boyd Lee (of the very popular duo, Boyd Lee and Joe Cruz) on rhythm guitar and vocals and Steve Morgan (of Mick Sterling and the Stud Brothers fame) on lead electric and acoustic guitar. This talented line-up offers what everybody wants - great songs delivered in a fresh, exciting way!

The Shona people of Zimbabwe have friends & amazing musicians echoing their music. Ande Marimba is comprised of 7 young musicians that have grown up in the shadows of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Unvarnished music festival scouts were fortunate enough to find them performing in Santa Fe, NM last fall. Ande Marimba, Jesse, Riyah, Radha, Garcia & Jeff Brahe, Sylvan Swierkosz, Ian Overman, and Daniel Lockley (most are classically trained musicians), they will exponentially expand your musical capacity. Ande recently opened for Bo Diddley. A truck load of marimba's will be arriving on Sailboard Beach and Ande Marimba will be on hand to show you what unvarnished music is all about!

Andrew Heard, 'Urban Graffiti Artist,' is known for producing some of the finest graffiti art in the Midwest. You will find his designs showing up commercially on shirts and numerous boards (skate boards) throughout the Midwest. Andrew will be on site during the Windsurfing Regatta plying his trade. If you have an old board that needs some personalizing or a face lift or maybe new board that needs dickering up, Andrew is your man! You will find him at Sailboard beach this weekend, find out what he can do for you and your board!

"My greatest assets are the talented, improvisational musicians I am able to surround myself with" says singer/guitarist/songwriter Bill Shoup of his band mates. The flowing 3 part vocal harmonies of Bill, Michael Pfeiffer, and Dr. Mark Johnson intermingle naturally with the band's intricate acoustic and electric guitar work. Gifted drummer/percussionist Dave Jones joins the group for a variety of music from the likes of James Taylor, the Eagles and Santana; and includes Blues, Country, R&B, Rock, and original tunes. Any time these musicians gather, it's sure to be unpredictable, entertaining and fun!

Redefining musical diversity worldwide, Bob Brozman is an remarkably prolific and wide ranging artist whose wit, energy, and musical technique combine powerfully to create an unforgettable live performance. A master of slide, finger style, and percussive guitar, Bob’s exhilarating show spans the global and musical spectrum, and keeps audiences enthralled, begging for more of his endearing, infectious energy.
Bob’s familiarity with diverse world music cultures produces a novel blending of rhythmic and timbrel influences, unparalleled in today’s musical environment. His rhythmic dexterity resonates with elements of blues, jazz, Gypsy swing, calypso, sega, and even the most modern hip-hop and ska beats. Likewise, his chords and harmonies articulate an acute blend of timbres from Hawaiian, Indian, African, Japanese/Okinawan, Caribbean, and American roots blues. His finger work has been described in world press as uniquely staggering, yet full of humor. Bob has a collection of hand-tricks that make audiences look for electronic effects that in fact don’t exist: his show is the clean product of acoustic genius.

Sophistication, refinement, blazing guitar/mandolin, crazy good harmonica and one hell of a voice combine to form one of the best acoustic groups around known simply as Bojono. The three weave a musical tapestry ranging from folk, latin, pop, jazz, rock and bluegrass, complementing each other intuitively-Boyd’s voice soaring overhead and his rhythm’s powerful as a drummer while Joe’s lead guitar/mandolin and Noah’s harmonica blaze a trail that leaves the audience exhausted and spent. As a trio they push the boundaries of acoustic music offering an exciting and innovative live performance rarely seen these days.

Rick and Andy Ausland along with a troop of incredibly accomplished dancers and musicians will take your imagination (and the stage) by storm. Buckets and Tap Shoes has recently left Helsinki with people still shaking their heads. Our Credo is; if you aren't on the edge....you are taking up to much space. The Unvarnished Music Festival is proud to welcome (10 Foot 5) Buckets and Tap Shoes!

Julia & Nathan Bloom are an acoustic duo from Minneapolis with original songs, edgy smooth vocals, comfy acoustic guitar & eloquent percussion. The Unvarnished Music Festival is excited to have these two on board! They will be performing both on and off stage throughout the weekend.

Chris Smither's tenth recording, his live concert CD "Live As I'll Ever Be," is a fitting tribute to his more than three decades as a performing songwriter.
Chris first started playing music as a kid growing up in the Crescent City. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation on his mother's ukulele. "Uncle Howard showed me how that if you knew two chords, you could play a lot of the songs you heard on the radio. And if you knew three chords, you could pretty much rule the world." With that bit of knowledge under his belt, Smither was hooked.

Constalacion is a newly formed traditional and non traditional Hispanic group from the region. They took the festival by surprise! Backed by audience enthusiasm, the crowd insisted they return for an additional Sunday afternoon opening on stage, and they graciously accepted. Look forward to hear more of Constalacion in the future. It's Hispanic music at its finest!

The Emerald Tide Dancers are a sibling act that present an eye catching array of Irish songs, dances, and stories that keep adults and children smiling and laughing through the whole performance. They have been performing together for about four years and their act is definitely a crowd pleaser. This year The Emerald Tide Dancers will be performing over one hundred times. We are pleased that one of these performances will be seen at the Worthington Windsurfing Regatta & Unvarnished Music Festival.

Goodroad is a brand new mainstream rock band formed from Strong Men Stoop member Nick Sittig, The Jukebox Zero's Eldon Fisher, Sugardaddys' Steve Grimes, Q's Brett McCarthy, Scott Rogers, Dave McCann and Allen Goodroad. Their new-age acoustic sound combined with heavy rock influenced guitar, molds a new sound into the Sioux Falls music scene.

Ipso Facto is a reggae group that has toured extensively with the likes of UB 40, Tracy Chapman, and many others. They are the only American band invited to perform at the prestigious "Jamaican Sun Splash" Japanese tour which attracts enthusiastic listeners including Jon Bon Jovi! They left with the title "Worlds Greatest Amateur Rock Band." While performing on stage at Club Eurasia he was joined by a purple guy formerly known as the artist Prince. The Unvarnished Music Festival organizers have tracked this band from Jamaica to Hawaii to Japan and back again. The reason for our dogged perseverance? Ipso Facto (Wain, JuJu & Greg Mcfarlane) born of a Jamaican father and Mississippian mother grew up in the deep south of Minnesota; Worthington. As in keeping with the spirit of our festival, windsurfers and musicians give back to their audience and in the case of Ipso Facto, they have graciously accepted to come back the next morning and give an impromptu Reggae workshop. Look for them on stage and off stage during the shore line jam.

Jake Rowan combines his song writing talent with his amazing vocal stylings to bring you some great tunes! Some have described Jakes singing and song writing as a mix of Stevie Wonder and The Beatles, with an added touch of todays pop style. Jake has played in many locations around Minnesota and currently has his new CD "Here's Some Music" for sale. He's a performer that you definitely need to hear!

Expect high energy, enlightened performance on stage that will spill off onto the shoreline jam later evening!

Jennifer J. Holt traded her keyboard for her mother's guitar at 16 years old while growing up on the prairies of South Dakota. Ever since she has been writing and performing, mixing her original songs with traditional American and Celtic folksongs. Jennifer also performs with the Celtic ensemble The County Popes. An all around musician, Jennifer, along with her acoustic guitar and vocals, plays penny whistle, low whistle, and the bodhran. She will be releasing her first LP, The Road to Tunerville, in the spring of 2003. Jennifer has appeared with Seven Thieves, Mean Larry and has composed and performed original music for Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater.

Ric Lee is a multi-instrumentalist whose symphony includes violin, mandolin, Scottish smallpipes, harmonica and many more! He has been nominated for two Minnesota Music Awards and part of bands such as Earth Size Hail, Machinery Hill and Seven Thieves. He is a solid presence in the music scene and founder of a Friday Night Jam that has been ongoing for the past 15 years.

Jerry Giefer Was recently highlighted on Minnesota Public Radio. The "Valentines Day" morning show featured Jerry's original instrumental music (finger style guitar). Jerry is a master guitar instructor and it is our good fortune that he is "in tune" with the Festivals' goals (music of , by, and for the musician!) The Unvarnished Music Festival is proud to have Jerry here to share in the fun!

Jim has played in coffeehouses throughout the Midwest including Kuppernicus Coffee Gallery, North Shore Coffee Company, Boathouse Coffee Club and the Laughing Cup and in clubs such as the Fine Line, Jitters and the 400 bar. He also performed at the 1996 and 1997 Chicago Blues Festivals.

Jim Langemo's shows are full of emotion and energy -- driving band tunes and delicate acoustic arrangements combine to create an infectious, compelling experience. Welcome to Sadieville captures this variety and energy and will have you listening again and again.

Joe Price has been performing for over 30 years. He was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 2003. He also received the honor of appearing in the National Guitar Catalogue playing the "National Reso-Lectric Guitar". Being a stunning slide guitarist it is no wonder that over time Joe has often opened for musicians such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Honey Boy Edwards, Willy Dixon, KoKo Taylor, Hound Dog Taylor, JB Hutto, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Homesick James, Clifton Chenier and many more.

Whenever you read or hear about the music of Johnsmith, certain watchwords always come up, regardless of the source. Words like uplifting, or integrity, heart, or soul. His songs and voice go straight to the heart, because that’s where they come from.

Johnsmith has walked down the roads that made him whole, and when he brings that onstage, he connects with folks. He calls himself a blue collar songwriter, banging out his tunes along the back roads one show at a time.

"John is refreshingly out of the loop. He is devoid of trend-hopping or cute posturing while he blasts away within his dream world." (P.Dickinson-Pulse of the Twin Cities) John has performed at numerous Twin Cities establishments including the Fine Line, Ginko's, Bon Appetit, and the Acoustic Cafe. If you're looking for a fresh act you don't want to miss John Snell the Tenth.

Kristina Olsen is one of the most entertaining and compelling performers on the international folk circuit. A fine instrumentalist (acoustic guitar, steel-body slide guitar, saxophone, concertina and piano) as well as a powerful songwriter with a big bluesy voice, Kristina has audiences around the world coming back for more. Her mix of strong songs in the troubadour tradition, some jazz-inspired sounds and powerful bottleneck blues (as well as her hilarious storytelling) makes for a diverse and satisfying musical experience, on stage and on disc.
Born in San Francisco and raised in Haight-Asbury during the 1960's, Kristina's approach to music and life was formed by that environment of vital cultural expression, social activism and diverse musical influences. She now calls Venice Beach, Los Angeles home but rarely sees it from touring ten months a year.

Lehto & Wright - what America's top acoustic magizines are saying about them...

Among North America's best practitioners of Anglo-Celtic Folk Rock.
Wonderfully intricate, powerful guitar driven music-DIRTY LINEN

...very powerful...a real gem-Folkworld

Inspired and meticulous playing...Lehto and Wright are consummate purveyors of classic British and Celtic Rock...

What can you say about Lisa Wenger? She's a beautiful, talented and passionate performer. A fixture on the Twin Cities Blues scene for nearly a decade now; Lisa has through various incarnations delivered a funked up, stripped down, wall shakin' and house rockin' blend of blues based American roots music. As the Monday Blues Jam house band at the Minnesota Music Cafe in Saint Paul, one of the Twin Cities premier music venues, as well as playing countless nights in countless other clubs and bars in the region, Lisa and The Lisa Wenger Band have proven to be a crowd pleasing outfit. Featuring Phil Schmid on guitar, Jeremy Johnson on Drums, Bill Black on Bass and local keyboard legend Bruce McCabe filling out the sound, Lisa if free to explore, vocally, a wide swath of influences. With a set list that can run the gamut from tried and true blues classics by the likes of Koko Taylor, Etta James and beyond to reworked Rockabilly rave-ups from Wanda Jackson and even more contemporary soul and New Orleans R&B they can do it all. And throughout, Lisa sings with great confidence, control, sex appeal, a little grit and just the right amount of sass. The Lisa Wenger Band are at the forefront of the Twin Cities blues scene today and Lisa with her great voice, great stage presence and great looks is a sure bet to last a good long time in the blues world.

Matthew Fox is a guitarist and songwriter whose Georgia and Texas roots run deep. He has steeped himself in a variety of styles from acoustic blues to swing and his acclaimed originals are rooted in the great Texas story-song tradition. Matthew has appeared on stages, radio programs and at workshops throughout the US and United Kingdom and has recently released his second solo project, Tall Tales & Plain Lies. This all-original CD features the stellar playing of Peter Ostroushko on violin and mandolin, Clint Hoover on harmonica and Gary Raynor of "A Prairie Home Companion" on bass. Matthew is also endorsed by Langejans Guitars, Diamond Bottlenecks and Elixir Strings. Matthew's guitar stylings will be a perfect fit for the Worthington Windsurfing Regatta & Unvarnished Music Festival!

His unique creation of music leaves his audiences mesmerized as he blends his rich vocals, guitar, bamboo and glass flutes, combining musical styles of acoustic folk and jazzy reggae. Michael's original music and compelling energy bring a powerful style that is as much fun as it is innovative,,, music and technology working together powered by creativity... and he recycles his music on stage with his "live" layering/looping technique.

MTI is a high energy rock/funk group composed of educated jazz musicians. They have an extremely unique style and can always get the crowd up on their feet to dance. Besides being able to groove, MTI has many original "story telling" songs that are sure to make any audience laugh histarically; especially when they hear about the waffle that Rufus made. If you didn't get a chance to see them on stage at the first and second annual regattas, you'll be able to see them around at the shoreline jam.

Nelson Flavor is a nontraditional four piece band blending various musical identities into a funky-alternative sound. The band members include accomplished Minnesota recording artists MoeDeLL and Cary Aria. MoeDeLL leads off with his dark and scratchy voice blended with some fast hitting funky guitar while Cary Aria puts on a show of his own on the drums. Along with the veteran artists are Zachary Dorholt on bass guitar and Brent Cahlon on saxophone. Zach has been playing in central Minnesota bands throughout the past 10 years and isn't afraid to let you feel his low-end pop-funk presence. Brent Gahlon recently headed up Husky Sports band at St. Cloud State University and is now lending his skills to a different genre. While the band shares many influences, it is hard to find where exactly their sound comes from, which only makes the music that much more fresh…

The firebrand incendairist performs feats of daring do with glowing gaseous materials. Be forewarned, this is not for the faint of heart, Nickolas will perform with what appears to be flagrance and seeming impunity. Au contraire', it gets better and better.
Nickolas has just returned from an extended tour, most recently performing in Mal Pais, Costa Rica, Lago Atitlan, Guatemala. Nick is no stranger to the U.S. at 1st Ave in Mpls, an amazing guest appearance with Wookiefoot, at Quest, the 10,000 lakes festival and yes....Burning Man. That ain't the half of it! W.O.W. welcomes Nickolas Balster.

Nikki & The RueMates music includes a heavy dose of country blues, with Nikki on guitar and singing songs done by past blues greats such as Memphis Minnie and Muddy Waters, and Rich playing finger style on resophonic slide and “regular” guitars. Carrie & Bryce are the most recent additions. They also play folk music including spirituals, ballads, country and old timey, and music with a more Caribbean and rock flair, as well as original music collaborated on by Nikki and Rich.

Their sound is rootsy, with nice three-part harmonies being one of the group’s strengths. In the past, Nikki was a finalist on the “Prairie Home Companion” Annual Talent Contest at the ripe old age of 16. Guitarist Rich Rue is well known in Twin Cities circles for work with bands including The Hightops. Now in her 20s, Nikki and the RueMates are part of the Twin Cities vibrant acoustic music scene, having played at the legendary Viking Bar on the West Bank, and various radio programs on KFAI in the Twin Cities. The RueMates have also been know to trade in their acoustic show for an electric one featuring an authentic 60s psychedelic light show. They have a friends jam at the Red Stag in Northeast Minneapolis the first & last Sunday of every month as well.

Noah Hoehn is a Worthington native known regionally for his versatile and distinctive harmonica playing. He is a two-time recipient of the prestigious McKnight Artist Fellowship for Performing Musicians. In 2007, Hoehn played harmonica in the Minnesota Opera’s world premier production of “The Grapes of Wrath” at the Ordway Theatre in St. Paul, MN. Recently, he appeared with the regional super-group, the “Radio Specialists,” at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux Falls. He is best known for his work with the popular Twin Cities trio, Bojono. Noah’s solo performances include appearances on Minnesota Public Radio and National Public Radio. He recently released a CD featuring solo harmonica.

PH Pederson is a seasoned musician and luthier; he has been restoring old musical instruments for over 25 years. He has studied and played American Folk Music for 10 years longer. He had grown up in Duluth, MN folk scene before moving on to Minneapolis to play coffee houses and nightclubs. Twenty-six years ago he moved to Maple Hill, above Grand Marais, and still travels around and plays when he has time out of a busy schedule. His first CD "Can't Tell My Future" is a compilation of country blues and other traditional tunes from the twenties and thirties. Although he's written one of the selections on this work, he doesn't hold himself out as a writer, but rather an interpreter of music of a time gone by...

Know as the "Musical Stringman," Paul Imholte will made his appearance at the Worthington Windsurfing Regatta & Unvarnished Music Festival. Paul is know as the "Musical Stringman" due to the amount of stringed instruments he performs on. He plays nearly a dozen stringed instruments. Paul plays a wide variety of styles including: Country Hoedowns, Celtic melodies, Classical transcriptions, humorous songs, and lovely ballads. To the right, Paul is featured playing, and explaining, the Hammer Dulcimer which is one of his featured instruments. The Hammer Dulcimer originated in the Middle East and came to influence the creation of the modern day piano. We are very excited to have Paul Imholte sharing his music with us and the public!

If you've ever heard Gatemouth Brown and appreciate Texas road house blues, you'll be held enrapt by the high energy sounds of Paul Mayasich and the Benderheads. They will unleash a musical storm surge that will leave no portion of the festival grounds...(and Sailboard Beach) untouched. The musical bluesical incantations of the Benderheads will be a sensory overload! Don't miss them!

The Boston Globe described it as "neo old-timey with cosmopolitan splashes of contemporary pop and jazz." It's an exuberant mix of musical idioms, held together by superb musicianship, impeccable taste, and the band's charismatic vocals. A stage show dips into country blues, vintage swing, modern songwriter fare, and Appalachian fiddle tunes and songs. It's a bracing fusion: listen to Arbo deliver Bessie Jones' version of "O Death" accompanied by fat, bluesy guitar solos and a groove that owes allegiance to the Meters, and you'll see. This is a band that picks up what's lying around — from tin cans to traditional music — and creates something new.

These friends in music have played together in many combinations over the years. Musical histories vary from Rock to Celtic to Bluegrass to Beatles to Bach and to blues. Red Road performs original, traditional, and arrangements of a variety of musical styles. Jim Groth plays guitar and cittern; Charley Smith – fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki, and button accordion; Jill Groth – whistle and percussion; Barb Song – cello and bass, and everybody sings.

Ride is a Chicago style blues band from the Minneapolis/St Paul area. Members of this group were the musicians that unknowingly helped formulate the brainchild for this event. They are veteran windsurfers and purveyors of smooth blues tunes and know how to satisfy an audience!

"Old-time" country music was born in the mountains of Appalachia, not the prairies of the upper Midwest. But a Minneapolis band is putting its own stamp on a traditional American art form.

Minneapolis — The songs of the Roe Family Singers sound like they were written in some hollow in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the turn of the 20th century. Only their

"A testimony to the incredible talent that is found locally, in this small prairie community." The Unvarnished Music Festival is honored to have Rythmohoven and Jose' be a part of this continuing & incredible musical adventure.

Sideline is a 4 piece band from the Worthington area that is quickly becoming a local favorite. They perform a variety of music but with a focus on 70’s and 80’s rock. Many from the area may recall them as the house band for this spring’s “Gone Country” show at the Worthington Memorial Auditorium, where they stretched their chops toward the music of the Grand Ol’ Opry. You’re likely to see another “side” of Sideline at this year’s Regatta. Almost too much fun for one stage!

Steve Kaul and the Brass Kings have received the Unvarnished Music Festival Seal of Approval they are the essence of what this music festival is all about. Steve and the Kings are original and unvarnished, their driving music exudes unfettered originality in a Dylanesque style. From NYC to Denvertown these musicians are causin' a sensation! We'd love to tell you more.... but its a surprise! come see em!

The Stallions are a seven piece blues band. The members come from varied music backgrounds, and have been playing together for about five years. Their repertoire includes traditional and contemporary blues, original songs, and rhythm and blues classics. All their material is soulfully executed and danceable. Musically the band is tight and polished with an entertaining presentation. The Stallions always put their own signature on any song, whether it be an original or cover. If you want to hear some blues with a kick, check them out.