A User Friendly Centerstage MN

by Doug MacRostie

It isn't easy for an artist creating original music to get a start - not only in MN, but anywhere. I.R.O.M.A., the Iron Range Original Music Association, is a wonderful non-profit that supports local, original musicians. We'll hear from a few of their artists this week on Centerstage MN including The Tisdales, Sela Oveson and Aaron Kaercher, who will be joining me live in-studio.

Aaron Kaercher is a singer/songwriter from Ely who writes unique music that blends many different styles. He released his first solo CD, "User Friendly Radio" last year, and while there definitely is a thread that ties all the music together, the range of sounds and genres is impressive. From the friendly and fun "smile" to the moody and edgy "She," the album covers as many emotions and feelings as it does styles. It's going to be a lot of fun having Aaron in-studio.

Aaron will be joined by Mike Gemberling and The Tisdales, High Drama Blues and Sela Oveson for Live Original Music in Concert under the Rotary Tent at the KAXE Amphitheater on Sat. May 15th. This is a FREE celebration of local, original music. KAXE teamed up with I.R.O.M.A. for this event - the Iron Range Original Music Association, a non-profit working to help musicians succeed in northern MN. Get more info about the concert here.

Plus new music from Pieta Brown, The Brass Kings and Trampled by Turtles. TBT's new album "Palomino" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart - right on Turtles!!!

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on Pioneer 90.1 in Thief River Falls, Saturday nights at 11pm.