Love and Loneliness with Pieta Brown

By Doug MacRostie

Pieta Brown is a striking Poet-songwriter with a haunting voice and unmistakable style. Daughter of Midwest folk legend Greg Brown, Pieta has a deep love for music. Her latest album "One and All" is a colorful soundscape where Americana, indie-rock and raw folk come together. With artful storytelling and soul-tinged grooves, she blurs the lines between love and loneliness. Pieta Brown is young, talented, and joining me this week on Centerstage MN.

Her creative lyrics and unique music is well beyond her years. When I asked what inspires her, Pieta said, “Songwriting for me really is a response to the world. It’s a way of dealing with the universe and this life. I think if you’re not inspired by everything then maybe you’ve got to turn off the television and wake up. There’s so much going on, I feel like one lifetime is not even near enough time to begin being an artist.”

And we'll hear from Duluth's Sara Softich. Her new album is "Highway to the Sun", which was primarily written as she journeyed to/through New Mexico. She returned to Northern MN to record at Sacred Heart Studios in Duluth.

Also new to the show this week will be Atlantis, a modernized 80's piano rock band out of Grand Rapids. Their debut release of all originals is "Hiding Place."

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 KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursday afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org.

I'm Gonna Run Away and Join Kazyak

by Doug MacRostie

A couple months ago, three young guys came strolling into the KAXE studios with a new CD they'd just recorded and produced. Introducing themselves as Kazyak they left a copy of "A Beautiful Brontosaurus" and continued on their trip from visiting family in Northern MN to the Twin Cities.

They struck me as being very friendly and down to Earth, and also very passionate and proud of the music they'd produced. The cover artwork was great and I put the CD in right after they left and loved it instantly. The first song, "Join the Band" kicks it off perfect and it just builds and grows from there - one of my favs is the 11+ minute "Don't Let's Be Silly". It's folk music at it's core, with elements of jazz, soul, rock and jam.

I remembered them mentioning they would be back in the area in Sept. and invited them to come to the studios to talk about their music, and I am very excited to have Jed, Peter and Danny in-studio this week on Centerstage MN. We'll talk about their lives and their music, and they'll be performing some acoustic tunes - and while the CD is based mostly around electric instrumentation, the scaled-down acoustic set-up only makes their 3 part harmonies shine even brighter. They've got a bunch of gigs in Northern MN and beyond, so check out their schedule!

Talking with them, they'll go from some lighthearted humor to something profound in the blink of an eye - which is also represented in their music. Many different styles, influences, emotions, thoughts and ideas all coming together as one thing: Kazyak.

Next week KAXE Volunteer Producer Charlie Pulkrabek talks with Alicia Corbett, and we'll hear a live recording of The Limns - so we'll also hear a song from each of them this week.

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 KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Behind the Music: Lance Benson and Mark Bauer

by Doug MacRostie

Lance Benson and Mark Bauer are two Bemidji musicians who have been musical all their lives. While they were friends and knew each other for a long time, it was within the last 3 years that they consistently started performing together.

Lance writes personal music inspired by experiences in his life in a friendly, acoustic style. From the subject of an email to failing Art class, Lance's music is a window with a crystal clear view of life, love, friends and emotion. His voice rings true with honest and soulful lyrics and his fingers slide effortlessly and lovingly on his guitar.

When Mark first started joining Lance for sets on stage, it was just as much as a fan than friend. They're musical relationship has grown and Mark is now definitely the foundation of Lance's music. Left to his own devices at a construction site, Mark is the kind of percussionist who will start banging on studs searching for notes to turn the entire structure into one huge drum. Cool.

Around our conversation, we'll hear a recording of Lance and Mark's opening set for the Danny Schmidt concert at the KAXE Amphitheater earlier this summer - a great performance as the sun set with Lance on vocals and guitar, and Mark on percussion.

We'll also hear another song from Kazyak's debut CD "A Beautiful Brontosaurus" - an 11 minute instrumental roller coaster ride, to be exact :D This trio, operating out of Minneapolis, will be my guests in-studio next week.

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 KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Get Awestruck by Aurora

by Doug MacRostie

I had been hearing about this really good songwriter from the Iron Range. A young girl. Musicians who stopped by the station would mention her name. From Aitkin. Promoters of festivals would be excited to have her. Also plays the harmonica. Producers would expect her to, "not be around here long, this girl is going places". And they were right. I am very excited to have Aurora Baer in-studio this week on Centerstage MN. Trust me, you're going to love this :) And, she will be opening for the Mark Olson (of The Jayhawks) concert we have here this Monday night!

On her way to 22 years old and still new to the being a professional musician, Aurora is breathtaking. She has a very emotional and powerful voice and writes a unique style of acoustic soul-blues. When asked about music and songwriting as a form of therapy, she said, "Definitely I consider it for me and for the listener. But isn't that the point, isn't that the point of music? I mean, that's kind of a broad question but: what is the point of music? Isn't it... to help people deal with things and process emotions, you know. Big part of it. Why do you go see live music? Because it makes you feel better and allows you to move stuff in your mind and deal with things. Or teach lessons, tell stories, you know. "

And she's not the only Northern MN artist we'll hear this week. I'll also be playing Trampled by Turtles and Lance Benson. Also a new band to Centerstage MN, Saint Anyway's new album Two, they're from Cloquet.

I am really excited to have a master copy of the upcoming release from Sela Oveson called "Rogue Lightning". The artwork isn't even done for this album yet and it isn't available anywhere, but Sela stopped by the station to drop off :D Sela is one of my favorite MN musicians - she has a fire that burns within her, a voice that's powerful and songs with meaning. She sings in a unique style that can carry you away to the heart of her music, and she has many Iron Range musicians joining her for a thicker presentation on this CD.

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 KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Rolling Down the River to the West Bank

by Doug MacRostie

"The West Bank" has historically been a hotbed for music in Minnesota. Part of the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis, it's bordered by the Mississippi River to the north and east. This creative community is fueled by the close proximity of various cultures; there are urban poor of diverse ethnic backgrounds, college students, and middle-class urbanites. Back in the 60's, when some kid named Bob Zimmerman was learning folk music and some young chick named Bonnie Raitt recorded her debut CD, one of the most influential blues and folk trios formed: Koerner, Ray and Glover. The two surviving members, Spider John Koerner and Tony Glover performed in early July at Mill City Museum on the West Bank and we'll hear that performance this Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN, with a big thanks to our sister-station KFAI for capturing the concert for us, made possible by the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

To set up that concert, we'll hear a new CD from Darryl Holter called "West Bank Gone," which takes us back to the West Bank in the 60's. We'll hear the title track which chronicles some of the West Bank personalities that are no longer with us.

We'll also hear some modern music coming of the Minneapolis music scene: Brother Ali and More Than Lights - we'll hear songs relating to the life, struggle and power of women. I am working on getting both of them on Centerstage MN sometime... it WILL happen, I just don't know when :)

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 KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Centerstage MN is Flung Wide Open

by Doug MacRostie

Some artists "own" a style. They eat sleep and breath it. Their entire career is dedicated to it. That's cool and all, but it didn't work for Deb Harley, a singer-songwriter from Eden Prairie. Her new CD, "Flung Wide Open," broke the mold of her previous work and brings many different styles into the mix. "I decided to give myself the freedom to touch on any genre because I love them all," she told me, and it rings very true on this new CD. It's upbeat contemporary folk music with more than a twist of blues, country and swing, and she'll be joining me in-studio this week on Centerstage MN to talk about it.

"I felt completely open to everything," Deb went on to say, "I felt like this is it, this is how I want to stay: open." She will also have her guitar along to perform some live music during our conversation. While a lot of writers are drawn to sad and morose topics, "Flung Wide Open" is pleasantly positive with occasional giggles. Deb said, "I want to write music that promotes healing and hope."

Inspired by Deb's flung wide open attitude, Centerstage MN covers a lot of sonic ground this week. We'll hear some classic Bob Dylan, MN blues man Big Walter Smith, the "new-grass" of Trampled by Turtles, the rock of Paul Westerberg and the acoustic work of Bill Bulinski...and more!

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 KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

The Truth According to Janiva Magness

by Doug MacRostie

Janiva Magness is one of the premiere Blues and R&B performers in the world today. She has a rich and soulful voice that can take an audience from deep sorrow to overwhelming joy. The story of her life is one of extremes and hardships. In her teens, both of her parents committed suicide and she bounced from foster home to foster home around the Twin Cities. She was the kind of "at risk" youth that typically doesn't survive. As she describes it, that was the Fate she was born to. But, through the kindness of others she was able to discover her Destiny: music. She will be joining me on Centerstage MN to talk about her new CD "The Devil Is an Angel Too."

Janiva told me, "I really believe people deserve the truth. People work really hard for their money and if I'm going to expect them to spend money to see my performance or buy my CD, then I damn well better give them something worth spending on....My job is about human connection, and the gift, or vehicle is the music, but the stories are about human connection. In order to do my job I have to be able to tell the truth and bring myself to that story...if someone understands by the end of a song, or end of a show, that they're not alone in their experience - if I can accomplish a piece of that, then I've done my job. I feel like the world is full of mediocrity and people are B.S.ing out there, and on records there is a lot of B.S. out there, and I can't serve that...it's a glorious gift that this is my world and this is my job."

Beyond her internationally acclaimed music career, Janiva is proud to be a spokesperson for National Foster Care Month and Ambassador of Foster Care Alumni for Foster Care Alumni of America. "For me it's sort of 'paying it forward,' by talking about the early part of my life, it turns out that it helps other people that are still in the struggle, that are still in that part of their journey - and I want to serve that, I want to serve that. It's so amazing." And so is she.

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 KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Centerstage MN Comes In Under Parr

by Doug MacRostie

This week on Centerstage MN we're going to hear a live concert by Charlie Parr with an opening set from Nikki and the RueMates. It was recorded at the 331 Club in NE Minneapolis, a long-time hotbed of MN music, by KFAI, our sister station in the Twin Cities.

Charlie Parr is an amazing musician who has been more referenced as an inspiration for northern MN musicians than anyone other than Bob Dylan. He has a very traditional and "dark" presentation of blues music along with traditional and original folk. From Duluth, Charlie has helped define the music scene in NE MN, along with bands like Trampled by Turtles, as very raw and authentic. We've had Charlie perform live on Centerstage MN before, and thanks to KFAI for this opportunity to share another of his performances.

Nikki and the RueMates music has been played on Centerstage MN before, but we haven't been able to arrange getting them to perform in-studio, so it is very cool to have this opening set to enjoy before Charlie Parr. They are a 3 piece from Minneapolis ranging from acoustic blues to psychedelic folk.

Also, Maddi Frick will be talking with Troy Rogers about Bradfest, a memorial music festival, organized by the Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation, that will benefit young Minnesota musicians and honor the the life of Bradley E. Rozman featuring an eclectic mix of local and regional live music, entertainment, refreshments, a silent auction, and more.

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 KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

The Many Colors of Mark Olson

by Doug MacRostie

This week I'll be talking with Mark Olson about his new solo CD "Many Colored Kite." That name should be familiar, Mark was the founding member and principle singer/songwriter with The Jayhawks. One of the most acclaimed bands to come out of MN, the Jayhawks were on the forefront of the Alt-Country scene during the mid-80's through mid-90's and you can still hear their impact and influence in music today. This is Mark's 2nd solo CD, and it's a bit more upbeat than "Salvation Blues" which came out in 2007. Other than being a world-class singer, songwriter and performer, he's a very good speaker too, and we will talk in-depth about his music - this is going to be a great interview on Centerstage MN this Thursday night at 6.

For example, I asked Mark Olson what inspires him, "The basic struggle as far as family, friends, earning a living, existence, our place in the would - just the basics that I think most people struggle with in their lives, that inspires me to try and express myself about it. Things that are obviously wrong - I don't think that I can change the world or make anything better... if I can express myself in a way that points out something wrong and if there's a solution out there...I don't know. But that inspires me, there is so much wrong in the world right now. If you sing a song you can help someone feel better or even yourself. What also inspires me, this is really true; I like the physical aspect of playing music, I like how it feels to move the arms and sing and get into it - there's just something about that I've always enjoyed." See what I mean?

We'll also hear music from Pat Surface's new CD "Songwriter. " Pat has been making music for over 30 years from Ely. Along with The Boundary Water Boys he's put together a great collection interpreting many well-known songs. Pat only prints his releases 1000 copies at a time, and when I bumped into him in Bemidji last week he told the first pressing of "Songwriting" sold out in less than 5 days. Right on!

Plus we'll hear from Grand Rapid's High Bongo. And next week my guest is The Brothers Burn Mountain and we'll hear from their new CD "Partly in the Blue, the White."

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 KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

The Scintillating Soul-Pop of Keri Noble

by Doug MacRostie

I had never heard of the term "soul-pop" before listening to Keri Noble, and with her clear and powerful voice and catchy, melodic music she introduces the genre very well. Her music falls into the pop category, but her vocals definitely have that soulful edge. With a Pastor father, Keri was raised in a religious home in Detroit and you can hear the gospel influence in her music. As she grew older in Minneapolis she started questioning the judgment and exclusion side of religion and wondered why there wasn't more prominence of love and acceptance - something she sings about in her amazing song "Born Again". When she heard Joni Mitchell's album 'Blue' in her late teens it inspired her to start writing songs and expressing her emotions through music. "My songs are about relationships, and not just the romantic kind...it's like therapy, you have to feel music." Keri will be my guest this week on Centerstage MN to talk about her new self-titled CD.

Keri Noble will be performing this Sat. at the 6th Annual 91.7 KAXE Mississippi River Festival under the Rotary Tent at the KAXE amphitheater in Grand Rapids along Pelican Railroad, the Brass Kings, Eilen Jewell and MN music legend Willie Murphy. Get more details here.

As a side-note: those of you who listen to Julie Crabb as The Mom of Pop Culture or listen to her host Green Cheese Trivia, Keri talks JUST like Julie. I don't mean her voice sounds the same, I mean they talk the same - the words, the rhythm, the style - listen for it and let me know if you agree :)

We'll also hear music from The Jayhawks and Bob Dylan, new music from The Brothers Burn Mountain, and Andy Dee's solo CD "Sweet Soul Sewage."

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 and on KFAI at 90.3 FM Minneapolis & 106.7 FM St. Paul Tuesday nights between 8 and 10pm.

Alison Scott on Centerstage MN

by Maddi Frick

Singer/ songwriter Alison Scott has a beautiful voice to stun the masses. Based in Minneapolis, Alison works with her band composed of Grammy-winning guitarist Kevin Bowe, drummer Peter Anderson, and bassist Steve Price. Her new CD was listed as one of the year’s top 10 by the St. Paul Pioneer Press. She began performing solo after winning the Women and Music Minnesota’s first annual songwriting contest. One of the judges, Kevin Bowe saw talent in her and convinced her to make an album with him. Now, with her third album due out on September 11th of this year, Allison Scott is one of the strongest new voices to come out of the Minneapolis music scene in many years.

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 KFAI at 90.3 FM Minneapolis & 106.7 FM St. Paul Tuesday nights between 8 and 10pm.

Feel the Lake Effect

by Doug MacRostie

The human voice can do a lot - from throat-singing to yodeling (I'm still waiting for the forward thinking performer who combines those...). Multiple voices combined take it even further - they can create a powerful wall of sound with intricacies and melodies that go from the lowest lows to dizzying highs. Lake Effect, a vocal jazz ensemble out of Duluth, have a released their first CD, "Live!" and we'll hear a conversation with lead vocalist Jenny Graupmann this Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN.

With her degree in vocal performance, Jenny is joined by up to 18 other voices on this CD. A project from the School of Fine Arts' Department of Music at UMD, "Live!" ranges from mystical soundscapes to pop-choruses, including a high flying medley of Michael Jackson tunes. Members of the ensemble are selected after highly competitive auditions in the fall of each year. The students are music majors and non-music majors of varying ages and musical backgrounds.

Speaking of interviews, I'll also be featuring many musicians who will be guests coming soon on Centerstage MN including Mark Olson, Keri Noble, Deb Harley and the Brothers Burn Mountain.

Mark Olson, founding member of The Jayhawks, new solo CD is called "Many Colored Kite" and it's an upbeat (compared to his last solo album, "Salvation Blues") neo-folk expansion of Olson's "desert country" style.

Keri Noble will be performing as part of the 6th Annual 91.7 KAXE Mississippi River Festival - she's an acoustic pop singer with confidence and a beautiful voice.

Deb Harley is new to me, her CD arrived at the station last week called "Flung Wide Open." It's her 4th CD overall, it's upbeat contemporary folk music with a twist of blues, country and swing.

The Brothers Burn Mountain are good friends of Centerstage MN (they've been on 5 or 6 times). They're new CD is called "Partly in the Blue, the White." It's another excellent album from BBM that takes their whimsically experimental style to new heights. The emotion and imagery in their music is truly something special.

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 and on KFAI at 90.3 FM Minneapolis & 106.7 FM St. Paul Tuesday nights between 8 and 10pm.

Video: Mayda with 'Little Ginkgo' Live on Centerstage

Her voice is clear, emotional, powerful. Her music is clever, engaging, intimate. Her name is Mayda, and she performed live at the KAXE Studios June 24th on Centerstage MN. An adoptee from Korea, CSMN host Doug MacRostie said, "her music is so emotional and consuming, so intimate and personal. It's like there is a wildfire blazing away inside of her, and it burns through her music setting anyone who listens ablaze."

More info:
Mayda: http://www.myspace.com/imaydasong
KAXE: http://www.kaxe.org

... (more info)

Mayda Live in Concert Tonight

by Doug MacRostie

Her voice is clear, emotional, powerful. Her music is clever, engaging, intimate. Her name is Mayda, and she'll be performing live at the KAXE Studios tonight from 6-7:30pm as part of Centerstage MN. You don't want to miss the chance to be part of our live studio-audience as we broadcast this beautiful concert all over Northern MN - be ready to be WOWED by Mayda.

An adoptee from Korea, "her music is so emotional and consuming, so intimate and personal. It's like there is a wildfire blazing away inside of her, and it burns through her music setting anyone who listens ablaze." Don't let the 4' 10" fool you - this is going to be huge!

Be at the KAXE Studios tonight at 6 to be in our live audience, 260 NE 2nd Street Grand Rapids. There will be a Rotary event happening outside - we'll be rockin' INSIDE the KAXE building. See ya then!

Mayda: Please Pierce Her to My Earlobe

by Doug MacRostie

I listen to a lot of music. All kinds of CDs come into the KAXE Studios and I spend much of my commute sliding discs in and out of the stereo. A couple weeks ago one of our volunteers left a Mayda EP on my desk - I had never heard of her. As I was drifting through the haze of generally unremarkable music (anything can get on CD these days...) I put in Mayda and instantly heard something special. By the end of the EP her powerful and emotional voice and clear, intricately-tuneful guitar work had reached out of the dashboard and grabbed onto my face and made it rock. Perfect :) It's so emotional and consuming, so intimate and personal. It's like there is a wildfire blazing away inside of her, and it burns through her music setting anyone who listens ablaze. This week on Centerstage MN I'll be featuring music from Mayda's "Eyes on the Water." AND - I am very excited that she will be performing LIVE on Centerstage MN a week from Thursday, on June 24th, and you can be part of our studio audience!!! When we open up the station like this it's a very intimate venue - the perfect way to experience Mayda! It's a free concert during KAXE's "Come to Your Senses" summer fundraiser so come out and enjoy on Thursday the 24th at 6pm! (Click here to rsvp on Facebook).

I've also got a new song to play from Mason Jennings, inspired during a 2007 trip to Patagonia to check out the filming of 180° South: Conquerors of the Useless. The DVD just recently hit stores and the soundtrack also features Ugly Casanova, James Mercer and Jack Johnson.

I've got some Dalia and More Than Lights, both with a clear and in-your-face (in-a-good-way) style that will go well with Mayda. And the out-of-this-world music of The Darbuki Kings and Jake Dilley and the Color Pharmacy. And more music from Trampled By Turtles' "Palomino."

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 and on KFAI at 90.3 FM Minneapolis & 106.7 FM St. Paul Tuesday nights between 8 and 10pm.

The Beautiful and Lonely Courtney Yasmineh

by Doug MacRostie

While dreams of being a rockstar and performing around the world are in the hearts and minds of many aspiring songwriters, the reality of the music industry can be a cold, hard place. Through hard work and dedication Courtney Yasmineh has taken her music not only all over the U.S., but around the world and her latest release, "Beautiful Lonely" has taken her revealing and emotional songwriting in more of a rock direction sonically with highlights of pop, and she'll be joining me in-studio to talk about it on Centerstage MN - plus, she'll have her guitar along for some live music.

Having started playing guitar at the age of 8, Courtney Yasmineh releases music on her own label, "Stupid Bitch Records" and she does all her own management and promotion. This hands on approach may be too time consuming and hectic for some, but Courtney embraces it and puts in her all. As she describes in on her website, "I used to be a person, and when I was a person I liked nature, reading and writing, romance and friendship. Now I'm a musician and I am consumed by my musician-ness. When I come up for air, I hope a person I will again be."

I'll be starting the show with another song of Janiva Magness's "The Devil is an Angel Too," an outstanding album of blues/R&B with enough emotion to make Oscar the Grouch weep. It's on the top of my list to contact her label to get her back on the show to talk about this new CD. We'll also hear from The Hold Steady's new CD "Heaven is Whenever." A national act out of Brooklyn, they were formed by Craig Finn and Tad Kubler, the former members of 1990s Minneapolis band Lifter Puller. This new album is a rockin' homage to the classic rock of their youth dancing on the edge of the mainstream. Plus some High Bongo from Grand Rapids and Trampled by Turtles from Duluth.

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 KFAI at 90.3 FM Minneapolis & 106.7 FM St. Paul Tuesday nights between 8 and 10pm.

Exclusive Backstage Video: Trampled by Turtles

Trampled by Turtles are an eclectic 'new-grass' group hailing from Duluth, MN. They have built a solid following not only regionally but all over the U.S. and beyond with their fiery music and intelligent lyrics building a devoted word-of-mouth army of die-hard fans.

Their new release, "Palomino", debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts and has been in the top 5 for 5 weeks now - currently back up to #3 (right behind the Carolina Chocolate Drops "Genuine Negro Jig"). This is their 5th album and (as usual) it's excellent. As described on their website, "While using time-honored tools of the trade - guitar, acoustic bass, banjo, mandolin and fiddle - their soul-deep differences in influences, attitude and attack make for a very different musical beast." And that's saying nothing of their unbelievably high-energy live shows...

So, in celebration of the continuing success of Turtles, here is an exclusive video clip we have of them warming up with Rich Mattson at the 10,000 Lakes Festival (r.i.p) last year, mixed in with some of the performance on the main stage (just before Wide Spread Panic!) including both "When the Ship Comes In" and "Shenandoah":



A big thanks to Trampled by Turtles for welcoming Doug MacRostie into their dressing room shortly before taking the main stage! Check out KAXE.org for more info on MN music, and more.

The Brass King Himself on Centerstage MN

by Doug MacRostie

The difference between seeing a band live and hearing a band on CD can be night and day. The reason for this is simple: it's hard to recreate the energy that flows between an artist and audience when working in-studio. So, bands often release live albums - sometimes good, sometimes bad. In the case of The Brass Kings new release "Live Humdinger," it's very, very good - and singer/songwriter Steve Kaul will be my guest this week on Centerstage MN to talk about it. He writes music that looks at the world from a different direction, "I try to focus on the characters and the situations that aren't in the mainstream. Things that are behind the scenes, things that are maybe looked down on or just the invisible people on the street... Everyone's got a story, and I see stories everywhere with these kinds of people - I don't find them in the normal places."

Steve Kaul is the caliber of guitarist you compare with the likes of Doc Watson, Leo Kottke and Bruce Cockburn. From Bemidji and operating out of the Twin Cities, Steve has been playing music since he was in grade school and records/performs both solo and with The Brass Kings. The BK are a trio playing authentic Americana and folk music with Steve on Acoustic and Resonator Guitars & Vocal, Mikkel Beckmen on Washboard, Refrigerator Door, Butter Dish and Djembe and Brad Ptacek on Washtub Bass. On Live Humdinger they are joined by many guests performers including Molly Maher, Nate "Sonny" Sipe, "Baby" Grant Johnson and more. The sound of the CD is warm and inviting; you can feel as much as hear the crowd grooving to the music and it captures some stellar performances.

And be sure to come out and see The Brass Kings with MN's Pelican Railroad, Keri Noble and Willie Murphy along with Eilen Jewell from Cambridge Massachusetts for the 6th Annual 91.7 KAXE Mississippi River Festival starting at Noon on Saturday, July 17th. Click here for more details.

I've also got new music from Two Many Banjos forthcoming release "POW," new music from Peter Ostroushko's "When the Last Morning Glory Blooms," and new music from Janiva Magness's "The Devil Is An Angel Too."

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.

What I Learned in Iraq: MN Underground Hip-Hop

by Doug MacRostie

Something about falling in love with music while stationed in Iraq strikes me as profound... The other day a young man named Alex Aldrich came into the KAXE Studios inquiring about volunteering. It didn't take long to figure out he was very passionate and engaged with music. When I asked him about it, he said he especially likes the MN underground hip-hop scene, so I asked him to join me on Centerstage MN for a Pick 3 of MN Favs. Between his selections, and a conversation with Roma Di Luna, this week is another wild mix of MN talent. Alex is 24 years old. He joined the military when he was 17 and served in Iraq. He told me that when he was young(er), he didn't have a huge emotional connection with music. His older sister started sending him music while he was overseas, which helped to fill the long voids of staring out at the desert on duty and waiting during down time. This is when his passion and connection with music was born. I can't imagine the situation, but I can understand developing an intimate connection with music, which we'll be talking about.

The band name Roma Di Luna translates to 'Gypsies of the Moon' - the name is a mish-mash of different languages and cultures; 'Roma' references the gypsy life-style and the sound in Eastern European folk music, and 'Di Luna' meaning 'the moon' in European and American cultures. This combining of cultures and styles serves as a perfect name to represent the unique and exciting sound that is Roma Di Luna, who take influences from all over the world and combine them into a new style of folk song story telling.

I am very excited to have Channy and Alexei Moon Casselle of Roma Di Luna on Centerstage MN. Husband and wife, Alexei and Channy are the songwriting core of RDL. When I heard their debut release Find Your Way Home back in 2007 I was floored - such moving and compelling vocals with a genuine, bare-bones style of 'new old music.' For their latest release Casting the Bones they expanded to a full band which only served to enhance and elevate the sound further into new sonic territory. Channy's beautifully haunting vocals combined with Alexei's songwriting create a truly original sound that I look forward to talking with them about.

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.

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.