Sat 3:00 pm

Casey and Joe
This sister and brother duo first began performing in their family's folk group, "Danville", in 2002. Casey and Joe create unique harmonies, often tossing the lead, back and forth. They both lend their hand at acoustic guitar and bass while Joe adds harmonica, and Casey, mandolin and percussion. They released their first recording, "Casey and Joe: Live in Concert", in June 2009 and will release their first studio recording in the Autumn of 2009.

Sat 3:45 pm

Jake Armerding
Armerding stands out from a crowd of new singer-songwriters for what has always been a hallmark of great songwriting: an ability to create something new out of something old.

Sat 4:45 pm

Mother Banjo
Mother Banjo is a one-woman band featuring Ellen Stanley on banjo and vocals. Her music combines the haunting sounds of traditional folk and gospel with contemporary alt-country and Americana hooks. Poetic and rich, her songs are sad, sweet and full of the stories that inhabit the wide open prairies of the Midwest. An engaging live performer, Mother Banjo weaves humorous stories with fun covers and her own original material.

Sat 5:15 pm

Red House Round
Storyhill's Grammy-winning St. Paul-based label Red House Records is staffed by some of the most talented people in the business. In addition to producing, promoting and distributing the best roots recordings throughout the world, they are well-known writers, musicians, designers, DJ's and sound engineers. Showcasing their musical talents at this year's Storyhill Fest Midwest are Customer Service Manager Jon Rodine, Information & Production Manager Brandon Henry and Director of Publicity & Promotions Ellen Stanley.

Sat 5:45 pm

Photo credit: Tony Nelson

Ben Kyle and Luke Jacobs of Romantica
Romantica plays lush, richly orchestrated pop-folk made rural by twangy pedal steel. Led by an Irishman, the music contains references to Ireland but is placed firmly in the rich musical traditions of American country and folk music. Romantica has been added to the in-flight music on Sun Country Airlines flights as part of their MN Music Campaign. Romantica is planning to release their 3rd album in early 2010.

Sat 7:30 pm

Cliff Eberhardt
Cliff Eberhardt knew by age seven that he was going to be a singer and songwriter. Growing up in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, he and his brothers sang together and their parents played instruments. His dad introduced him to the guitar and he quickly taught himself to play. Fortunate enough to live close to the Main Point (one of the best folk clubs on the East Coast), he cut his teeth listening to the likes of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, and Mississippi John Hurt — receiving an early and impressive tutorial in acoustic music. At the same time, he was also listening to great pop songwriters like Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and Rodgers and Hart, which explain his penchant for great melodies and clever lyrical twists.

Sat 8:30pm

Sun 2:30 pm

Peter Larson
Peter Larson is a talented new artist from the Minneapolis area. He is a self taught guitarist who is quickly gaining the attention of listeners with his impressive finger picking abilities blended with vocals which complement his instrumentation brilliantly. Peter owes the inspiration for his acoustic sound to influences from the past, including Nick Drake and Cat Stevens.

Sun 3:15 pm

Joanna Jahn
Country music for people who don't think they like country music.
 
Joanna has a voice and an ear for stories so personal you might forget they're country. This front porch chanteuse sings of the simple pleasures and missed opportunities, from 401ks to just-friends. Steel guitars and thumping rhythms peek inside the honky tonk door. Songs produced with elegance and restraint, enveloping melodies let that voice-equal parts velvet and dirt road-stand alone. Whether she's paying tribute to Karen Carpenter, covering Hank Williams in a country bar or having a formal torch singer moment before a crowd of a thousand, her soul-seducing voice, open style and enviable range make any stage hers alone. Joanna is heard and seen every week throughout the Twin Cities where she is from. She is currently one of The Dollys, an all-girl trio that performs the hits of Dolly Parton, EmmyLou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and many others. She also performs her original songs live with the brothers Trent & Troy Norton and drummer Billy Thommes.

Sun 4:15 pm

Bill and Kate Isles
It's been sixteen years since Duluth’s Bill Isles was a rare survivor of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Instead of ending his life, it jump-started his creative energies. When he started performing his heart-felt original songs and stories almost 10 years ago, he never dreamed that his career would develop into a 45,000 mile - and 130 show-per-year full-time itinerary. He is joined by his wife of five years, and musical collaborator, Kate. Words like "Transcendent" and "Mesmerizing" are common in audience descriptions of their concerts and fans of all ages tell of listening to their albums over and over again.

Sun 5:15 pm

Brenda Weiler
Weiler originally started writing songs while in her hometown of Fargo, North Dakota after graduating from high school. Choosing the open road over college, she spent much of the next eight years touring and writing, releasing five albums to critical acclaim and great regional success. Weiler became known for her ability to connect to her audience, regardless of the size of the venue, as well as her insightful songs and compelling voice.

Sun 6:15 pm

Justin Roth
Justin Roth is a nationally touring singer/songwriter/acoustic guitarist who combines an artful blend of pop hooks laid on a bed of brilliantly inventive guitar technique for a unique mix of new acoustic folk. His use of alternate tunings, partial capos and his two-hand tapping technique leaves audiences mesmerized and displays his impeccable guitar playing that has been described as, "more than just an instrument, but an extension of himself." A dynamic live performer, Justin has won fans over with his intricate solo guitar instrumentals, heartfelt songs and spontaneous delivery, often composing songs during his shows with the audience's help.

Sun 7:15 pm

Antje Duvekot
Antje Duvekot has solidified her reputation as one of America's top emerging singer songwriters with "Big Dream Boulevard" her debut studio release. The CD was produced by Seamus Egan, founder of the Irish super group, SOLAS. The project was released on acclaimed songwriter Ellis Paul's label, Black Wolf Records and has quickly attracted international attention for Antje. Antje has extensive touring experience, criss-crossing the US and Europe several times. She is a compelling live performer and has been invited to play some of the top festivals including The Newport Folk Festival as well as the Mountain Stage, Philadelphia and Kerrville Festivals. Internationally, she's headlined the The Celtic Connections Festival in Scotland and the Tonder Festival in Denmark.

Sun 8:30pm