The Grand - New Ulm

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September 3

Rain Dogs with Eli Hoehn, Betty Harsma & Ocho

September 4

Join Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound at The Grand at Riverblast 2010!

Let's take this show on the road!

Join us Saturday, September 4th at Riverside Park as we celebrate Riverblast 2010. Enjoy the party on the river with a performance by the popular Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound, sponsored by the Grand Kabaret. Visit the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce online for more Riverblast event details and info. See you there!

September 10

Cafe Accordion Orchestra (Latin / Swing)

CAO is lead by Dan Newton on accordion and vocals, with Eric Mohring on mandolin, violin and vocals, Erik Lillestol on bass and Joe Steinger on percussion. "Berets and Bongos" describes the Cafe Accordion experience. A loungy, eclectic mix, full of French flare, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude. The heart of the Cafe Accordion repertoire is the romantic, gypsy-influenced valse-musette. The group complements the musettes with swing, ballads, tangos, cha chas, rumbas, and cumbias to create a wonderfully varied show. They inject their music with good humor and expressive abandon. Their high level of musicianship and passion for performance makes them an entertaining concert act as well as a great dance band.

"Full of heart and impressive natural abilities, CAO completely delights audiences." -Joy Maxfield, Jazz Police

"Cafe Accordion's music is stylish yet appropriately timeless, transcending trendiness with an easygoing charm." -Christopher Bahn, The ONION

September 11

Andrea Sander-Connett & Robert Bell

Andrea Sander-Connett has been singing professionally in United States and Europe in a variety of venues such as clubs and restaurants, concerts both house and theater, coffee houses and Young Audience concerts in the schools. She sings many of the old jazz standards with Robert Bell and his Gypsy Jazz accompaniment, lots of French torch songs a la Edith Piaf. She has lived and played music in France, Greece and Ireland as well as in Eastern Europe; Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, where she has learned Gypsy, traditional and popular songs. Andrea describes her love of all music, especially the world songs as much the same as her love for tasting and cooking food from all over. "To have the song melodies, rhythms and the lyrics in my mind, in my heart and flowing out of my throat is a beautiful experience for me.... and it's a blast to share that with listeners and other musicians!"

September 17

One Fast Move (Acoustic / Jam Band / Bluegrass)

THE TWENTY STRING EXPERIMENT! One Fast Move... is an experimental string band that stretches traditional stylings, taking the best from americana, blues, bluegrass, old-time country, folk, jazz, newgrass, and even psychedelic jam rock. Influenced by John Hartford, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Bela Fleck, Old Crow Medicine Show, and others too numerous to mention, One Fast Move includes Mark Bishofsky (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Eli Hoehn (banjo, vocals, harmonica, claves), Chris Markoe (upright bass), and Karen Krueger (fiddle, viola).

September 18

Beg for Justice (Folk / Bluegrass / Country)

Local favorite Beg for Justice is back! The high energy string band plays Old Time, Bluegrass and Folk music, and features Jeremy Peterson (mandolin/vocals), Lehi Hoehn (fiddle/vocals), Justin Gehrke (guitar/banjo/vocals), Nick Burris (guitar/vocals), and James Irhke (bass). Make sure to check them out at the Grand Kabaret!

September 24

Ms. Iretta & Johnie B Sanders

Widely popular blues singer and Chicago native Ms. Iretta, along with long-time professional blues musician Johnie B Sanders, have had the "blues clubs jumpin'" from stages across the country and world - and now they're here, ready to rock the Kabaret stage this Saturday, Sept 24! Straight from the heart of Chicago, this blues performance is sure to leave you feeling anything but.

Hope to see you all there for what's bound to be another great night at the Grand!

September 25

Bob Bovee & Gail Heil

Since 1980 Bob and Gail have traveled the country together taking old time music to audiences of all ages at festivals, fairs, concerts, dances, schools, libraries, music camps, radio and TV programs. This is rural music as played in homes, at dances and for earlier entertainments such as minstrel shows and country radio. Along with a repertoire including dance tunes, ballads, cowboy songs, humorous and sentimental numbers, blues and rags, they spice their shows with stories, history and folklore. They both sing (Bob yodels, too) and play fiddle, banjo, guitar and harmonica.

"No one handles old-time cowboy and humorous songs better than Bob. His vocals are hauntingly rough. His guitar and harmonica are as good as you will ever hear. Gail is one of the top fiddlers in the country, and her vocals are worth the price of admission. Whether performing in concert, playing for a barn dance, or on a recording, Bob & Gail leave you wanting more." -Don Stevens, All Music Guide

October 1

Atwater-Donnelly

The highly acclaimed husband-wife duo, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, present delightful programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs, a capella pieces, old-time gospel songs, dance tunes, and original works. Elwood and Aubrey blend gorgeous and unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons, limberjacks, and other surprises including Appalachian clog dancing, French Canadian footwork, and Tap.

October 2

Poet Ward Bloedel & music TBA

October 9

Charmin Michelle & The Jim Whitman Trio

We love Charmin Michelle, and - YAY! - she'll back on the Kabaret stage, along with the Jim Whitman Trio, Saturday Oct 9th!! Read on for more info on the fabulous Charmin...

"Taste and understatement. Swing and savoir-faire. Grace and grooves. Intimacy and panache. Singer Charmin Michelle delivers all of the above and more." - This is what the Minneapolis Star/Tribune had to say about this charismatic chanteuse whose conversational style recalls the late Billie Holiday and other legendary ladies of jazz. And, yet, her music is free of tiresome camp and easy nostalgia. She's a savvy songstress and, while putting her own imprint on a melody, is always respectful of those who first inhabited it.

October 15

Betty & Ocho (Folk)

We wanted more Betty & Ocho and (yay!) they're back on the Kabaret stage Friday, Nov 15th. Performing a fabulous blend of both old and new with an energy that's hard to resist, Betty & Ocho are folk and so much more.

October 16

Jerry Ostensoe & The Strollers (Folk / Blues / Harmonica)

"...a true artist with a commitment to quality and authenticity... his voice is true to the region." (Patrick Moore, Cure in Montevideo)

Jerry Ostensoe [has] an engaging musical style that blends the blues, country and folk music into a rich, fertile ground where stories grow. With a voice that’s true to the region, he sings about trains, love, the wind and what’s just over the hill. Jerry continues to write songs with a sincerity and passion that comes with knowing a place well. His country blues style provides a solid foundation for his inspired lyrics. Together they beckon like the lonesome whistle of a freight train just beyond some distant hill. His current CD “Just East of West” showcase his songwriting and continues to grow in popularity and recognition throughout the region and beyond.

October 23

Jim Whitman Trio (Jazz)

Don't miss the Jim Whitman Trio, local Kabaret favorite including Jim Whitman, Jim Magure, and Rick Orpen, Saturday October 23rd at the Grand!

October 29

Poet John Rezmerski

October 30

Daddy Squeeze Trio

The Daddy Squeeze Trio is a fun and adventuresome group that believes having a good time makes great music even better. They can swing the standards, generate Latin and rock grooves, and surprise their audience with slightly twisted covers of forgotten pop tunes.

Imagine, if you can, a banjo and accordion treatment of “Cat Scratch Fever” or “Smoke on the Water”, a bewigged rendition of Frank and Nancy Sinatra’s “Something Stupid”, a Tango/Klezmer treatment of Cher’s “Bang Bang”, or a Tom Waits-influenced beat poetry reading of “Takin’ Care of Business”. The Trio also offers Louisiana-style dance music, Tex-Mex, Brazilian Forro, Cumbia, French Musette, Gypsy Swing, and has become a showcase for Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton’s original songs.

The Trio

Dan “Daddy Squeeze” Newton - accordion and vocals.

Bob Ekstrand - guitars, banjo and vocal

Tom Lewis - upright and electric bass

November 5

Mr. Lee Weber with special guest

Guitar player extraordinaire from Mason City Iowa.

November 6

Dick Kimmel & Co

Local favorites Dick Kimmel & Co are back! Read on for more info...

Dick Kimmel… played the first bluegrass heard by many folks in the North-central part of the US…How fortunate, because Dick’s brand of bluegrass is as good an introduction as any bluegrass music missionary could hope for. (Len Kalakian, Bluegrass Unlimited)

November 12

The Sirens from Lili's Burlesque & Robert Bell

Lili's Burlesque Revue is the Twin Cities' premier burlesque and cabaret troupe, where each show offers a host of tantalizing treats! Lili's features vintage entertainment with a modern twist, serving up plentiful portions of burlesque, cabaret, and vaudeville -- with a little circus on the side. In a single performance, audiences can experience a delectable smorgasbord of acts, including classic striptease, sultry singers, comedy, novelty acts, and live music.

Lili's Burlesque Revue - You'll like what you SEE, and especially what you DON'T!

Robert Bell's passion for the guitar shines through his recorded music and his diversity in the Jazz genre creates energizing live performances. Check out the music or performance sections of his site for more information.

November 13

Kevin Soucie (French / Folk)

Kevin will be on a rare musical swing through Minnesota where he will play some of the wonderful French and Quebequois music we hear so infrequently in these German parts. Come enjoy this very special music and Kevin's soothing voice.

Kevin may also play a few tunes from his last CD, Cosmopolite that has been described as having "a worldly sound that can be described as electric cosmopolitan folk. Soucie draws from the genres of world music, folk, rock, blues, reggae and country... - cdBaby

November 19

Bockfest Boys

The Bockfest Boys perform a raucous show of upper mid-west style music which includes a number of original compositions as well as popular music from the past 50 years and beyond. Arrangements include overtones of country, rock and roll, ethnic polka, folk, blues and bluegrass all combined into a Minnesota hotdish that is piping hot out of the oven. Their unique style and contagious audience engagement makes for one truly fun filled experience every single time they perform. Vocals, Trombone, Trumpets, Baritone, Lead, Rhythm, and Bass Guitars, Concertinas, Button Accordion, Keyboards and Percussion are their tools of the trade. Band members include Anton “Tony” Berg, Scott Sparlin, Randy Domeier, Allan “Smiley” Wiltscheck, Bob Beusmann and Steve Moran. Expect anything.

November 20

Eastside with Reynold Philipsek (Jazz / Harmonica / Pop)

Guitar meets chromatic harmonica and acoustic bass.... [with] original tunes influenced by Astor Piazzolla, Miles Davis, the East Coast jazz of the 1950s & '60s, and Philipsek's vast knowledge of the repertoire. Sweet, swinging music, beautifully played and thoroughly enjoyable. (MinnPost)

Eastside consists of Reynold Philipsek (guitar), Clint Hoover (chromatic harmonica) and Matt Senjem (acousic bass) will play and sing a wide range of music from jazz to pop to Motown.

December 3

Maud Hixson & Pianist Rick Carlson (Jazz)

“Minnesota native Maud Hixson has gained notice for her smooth, velvet-lined voice and natural way with a lyric.” (Adam Feldman, Timeout New York)

Singer Maud Hixson made her New York debut in a one-woman cabaret show last year spotlighting the music of composer MIchael Leonard, thanks in part to a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Her repertoire is focused on the works that enjoyed mainstream popularity in the early to mid-20th century. Her devotion to the songs of this era and her approach to performing prompted modern songwriting poet Amanda McBroom (“The Rose”) to observe: “I think she’s the new Peggy Lee.” In addition to her work in jazz, cabaret and concert venues, she makes her theatrical debut in March, 2010 in the Guthrie Theater’s upcoming presentation “Coward’s Women”.

Her most recent recording project included working with legendary trumpeter Warren Vaché, who said “Maud sounds wonderful. Strong and sure and musical”. Her affinity for recording is evident on her solo debut CD “Love’s Refrain”, as well as her previous release with singer Arne Fogel, both enjoying airplay locally, on various XM and Sirius satellite radio programs, the “Singers and Swing” MusicChoice cable television channel, and elsewhere nationwide.

December 4

Rain Dogs

Eli Hoehn Betty Harsma Ocho

December 10

Todd Lines

Todd Lines & several special guests will entertain you in style! Todd has a new CD out called "Softly" about which he says: "These songs are some of my favorites: lovesongs, a movie theme, a 50s tune and a song I wrote for my sister's wedding." Todd has a wonderful voice with beautiful phrasing, class and style.

December 11

String Mod--Tango and More!

A four piece group including two violinists, a bassist and Robert Bell on guitar. We plan dancing lessons early in the evening for those of you who wish to tango into the night...

December 17

Cafe Accordion Orchestra (Latin / Swing)

"Full of heart and impressive natural abilities, CAO completely delights audiences." -Joy Maxfield, Jazz Police

"Cafe Accordion's music is stylish yet appropriately timeless, transcending trendiness with an easygoing charm." -Christopher Bahn, The ONION

December 18

Ben Marti Trio

The trio consists of Ben Marti on piano (and maybe accordian if we are lucky!) James Ihrke on bass and Tom Bierer on Trumpet. Ben plays in several groups and you will see him regularly at Morgan Creek winery in the nicer weather. We are lucky to have him and his group back at the Grand playing music ranging from jazz standards to swing to perhaps a little New Orleans jazz.

December 31

Jim Whitman Trio (Jazz)

Don't miss the Jim Whitman Trio, local Kabaret favorite including Jim Whitman, Jim Magure, and Rick Orpen, Friday December 31st at the Grand!

"The Grand Kabaret Live Arts Entertainment Series" has been made possible in part by the Grand Center for Arts & Culture of New Ulm and their 2010 grant award from Prairie Lakes Regional Art Council and the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

This activity is made possible by a grant provided to the Grand Center for Arts & Culture by Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Though the event calendar currently lists primarily live music performers, The Grand Kabaret is committed to the continued development and expansion of its performance art offerings.

Possible event ideas include drama, spoken word performances, literature/poetry readings, and more. Stay tuned for event calendar additions and updates! Or email us with your suggestions for improving the performing arts entertainment at The Grand Kabaret.