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