The acoustic blues duo of Jim Ohlschmidt and Steve Cohen harks back to the classic harmonica and guitar duos of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, and Cephas and Wiggins. Blending Texas, Mississippi, Memphis, and Chicago blues styles, the Ohlschmidt/Cohen duo performs selections by Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Hurt, and Muddy Waters in addition to some of their own original blues tunes and arrangements
1:00 - Janet Planet
Appleton based Janet Planet mesmerizes listeners with her remarkable singing. Janet exudes an evident mastery of her instrument, resulting in a personal and meaningful experience for her audiences. Janet has graced renowned jazz festivals and intimate clubs, performing with small combos and full orchestras from Rochester to Russia, NYC to Johannesburg.
The Jim Krueger Memorial Music Scholarship Recipient (TBA) will have the opportunity to perform. If they are unavailable, Ten Strings will start at 2:00.
2:30 Ten Strings
Jim Van Lanen and Pete Honzik (Acoustic Fest Founder) bring together two very unique backgrounds. Pete has played acoustic guitar in numerous groups around Manitowoc over the past 40 years and Jim brings a classical background having played violin with the Green Bay and Manitowoc Symphonies.
Springfield, Missouri based musician and songwriter Mark Barger creates intricate arrangements of songs through the artistry of live looping electronics and other effects. He creates acoustic ambience in the style of folk, world music, funk, reggae, and soul. Mark has been performing in the Missouri Ozarks for more than 15 years.
Nashville-based singer songwriter Genevieve Heyward’s music has hints of indie folk, bedroom pop and indie piano pop, all tied in with her own spin and topped off with a unique and rich voice. Her songs and performing style incorporate humor and connection, making the audience feel heard and immersed.
Columbus, Ohio based Eric Nassau’s solo performances branched out from the usual singer/songwriter genre and started featuring his SK1 keyboard, guitars, and vocal rhythms all going through a looping pedal, harmonizing with himself and creating a dynamic sound that weaves in and out. Eric Nassau continues to delight audiences with his engaging personality and welcoming presence.
Eau Claire based Layne Yost talks about having seen John Denver live and his own tribute concerts: “It was like being back around that campfire of years before sharing songs and companionship with good friends. That’s the type of show I want and need to play... intimate, close, connected. This not an impersonation show, rather a sharing of his songs and message in the context of his life and world events.” Fill up our senses, Layne!
Take one part infectious enthusiasm, one part hot picking swing, one part vintage hot club jazz, and one part modern songwriting. Shake with ice and you’ve got The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League (the GATL)! Minneapolis based, The GATL plays modern songs under an old-time facade. It’s hot, infectious, and emotional. “Takes the best style of music from each decade after Prohibition and creates a unique musical style.” - CBS Minnesota