Pederson and friends weave a tremendous set of standards and favorites that will bring the Museum atrium to life. A sure bet for even the most discerning of jazz fans. The quintet features Pederson on trumpet and cornet, Tom Carvell on guitar, Steve Wallevand on trombone, Doug Neill on bass, Tom Christianson on drums, and special guest Sarah Morrau on vocals.

Mike Swenson is a singer/songwriter originally from Bismarck, N.D., by way of wherever he happens to be. Growing up between big cities and desolate prairie, his music relates their differences and similarities through a blend of old country with a modern folk twist.

A western North Dakota native, Connie Hill has been passionate about country life and country music since she was young. She infuses her country music with a sampling of folk, blues and jazz while lifting her fans with a high energy performance.

Singer/songwriter and Moody River Band member Tom Peckskamp will be filling in for Lori Thompson and Friends for the August Rush Hour concert. You can learn more about Tom at http://www.myspace.com/tompeckskamp.

National touring artist Tom Feldmann performs an uplifting mixture of gospel, blues and sloe-eyed country ballads on an array of beautiful National Reso-Phonic guitars. Dirty Linen describes him as “a master” of folk-blues-roots Americana music and Blues Revue Magazine called him “the real deal” and
“a soulful original.”

Admission is FREE • $5 donations are greatly appreciated
Sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio

Nationally touring, award-winning songwriter Julie Patchouli and master guitarist Bruce Hecksel light up the air with sparkling acoustic sounds and their powerful contagious chemistry. Famous for that smiling voice that instantly turns a bad day into a good one, Patchouli’s down-to-earth, hopeful songwriting blends elements of folk, pop, flamenco and jazz with world beat rhythms.

Jazz Nickel is a Fargo-Moorhead jazz quintet (hence the “nickel”) specializing in classic and modern jazz. The Jazz Nickel members are Jeremy Cahill on bass, Paul Liversage on tenor saxophone, Don Vangsness on guitar, Tim Johnson on trombone, and Tim Zoerner on drums.

Admission is FREE • $5 donations are greatly appreciated
Sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio

Comprised of visual artists who joined together out of a shared love of making music, indie art rock outfit The Fringe Benefit became the official house band of the Robert’s Street Studio and the Upfront Gallery in Fargo, ND. For this Rush Hour show, expect a musical experience combined with a sculptural installation/performance piece entitled “The Unsustainable Process”.

Singer/songwriter Steve Beckermann finds his musical direction wherever the pursuit of a good song takes him. Whether on his own or with the local groups he has been part of, including the acoustic quartet Front Porch Millie and the poetry-infused trio Frog Point Landing, the common thread is the song. Drawing on everything from traditional folk to contemporary rock, Beckermann’s music emphasizes the universal themes that make up our day-to-day living.

A trio of talent will enliven the Museum as we present a Rush Hour concert in association with the annual “Celebration of Women and Their Music.” McLain brings an indie/folk sound imbued with sweetness and optimism, while DeVries and Morrau will team up for a healthy serving of jazz/pop flavor.