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Like the band name, Soap’s music is undoubtedly fresh. With influences ranging from jazz, blues and funk to progressive, psychedelic and electronic, Soap skillfully fuses all of these genres into one – dance infused rock. Set out to make every show inspiring, every note overflowing with energy and every person in the room move without remorse.

Imagine going to a double matinee showing of Led Zeppelin & P-Funk at Dream Theater and then heading to an Amsterdam discotheque to dance until the sun came up. That’s about as close as can be described without seeing Soap for yourself.

Soap has become a fan favorite on the Midwest festival circuit, this will be their fourth Bella Music Festival, others include 10,000 Lakes Festival (2), Big Wu Family Reunion (2), Prairie Grass Music Festival (2), Whippersnap Music Festival (2), Shoe Fest, Project Earth and this year’s first annual Shangri-La (formerly Wookiefoot’s Harvestfest). They have also shared the stage with notable acts and performers, such as Tea Leaf Green, Zach Deputy, Hot Buttered Rum, Kinetix, Heatbox, Jon Wayne & the Pain, Roster McCabe, Steve Molitz, Bernie Worrell and many more.

Soap, it’s not just for cleaning anymore. Come to rock. Come to dance.

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The Sans Souci Quartet has jumped into the Twin Cities music scene with a unique blend of bluegrass, folk rock and innovation. The instruments are traditional, the voices authentic, the words sometimes plaintive, but the arrangements are unique and refreshing. Sans Souci Quartet has had success playing numerous festivals including Harvest Fest, 10,000 Lakes Festival, Bella Family Music Festivals, Log Jam, and Boats & Bluegrass. The band has shared the stage with many bands including Hot Buttered Rum, Charlie Parr, Cornmeal, Oakhurst, Packway Handle Bad, Head for the Hills, Pert Near Sandstone, and Wookiefoot.

Each member brings his own musical influences to the quartet: Eric Larson, the frontman on mandolin, has decade of stage performance experience and a background that spans folk revival to modern pop. Zach Gusa, initially a guitar and harmonica troubador, now also channels the phrasings of Doc Watson and Tony Rice as the vocal harmonist of the group. Eric Roberts, inspired by the energy of the local folk music scene, has a banjo picking style all his own. Adam Lutz, in the back with the bass, has the most diverse background of the group, recently transitioning without compromise from electronic funk to acoustic folk. Coming together, these boys have found common inspiration from late 70′s bluegrass bands such as Old and in the Way, and current bands like the Old Crow Medicine Show.

In 2009, they released their first full-length album, “Knock Yourself Out,” with nine original tunes. Though their name is playful, it’s clear these boys care a great deal about their craft, and we look forward to more to come.

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Ifdakar’s pursuit of musical growth and experimental improvisation create an experience not to be forgotten. Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, this five piece band has garnered recognition for their live performances, where the band channels elements of psychedelic rock, funk, jazz, and electronica. The result is a mind bending, dance infused, pedal to the metal sound that it is unmistakably their own.

From songs that are tragic, to songs that transcend, Ifdakar showcases an array of improvisational jamming and elaborately structured pieces that are steeped in influences such as Phish, Pink Floyd, Les Claypool, Lotus, STS9 and many others. This spectrum allows for dense musical freedom, to tension-and-release madness.

While working relentlessly to improve every aspect of the band, Ifdakar has been fortunate enough to open for such scene luminaries as EOTO, Xavier Rudd, Kim Manning of Parliament Funkadelic, Willie Waldman, Steve Molitz of Particle and more.

The band has also shared the stage with quality acts such as Family Groove Company, the Coop, the Heavy Pets, the Histronic, Steez, the Hue, Roster McCabe, HeatBox, Down Lo, Elf Lettuce, Bowser, Hyentyte, Moon Boot Posse, Baghdad SCUBA Review, Enchanted Ape, Clovis Mann and many, many others.

As Ifdakar continues to climb the ranks of the Midwest scene, their popularity has started to snowball. Reaching capacity at marquee club shows regularly, the band has begun to make the jump to theaters, picking up numerous new fans along the way. Festival promoters have taken notice, too, as Ifdakar’s festival appearances more than doubled from 2009 to 2010, including a second straight year playing in front of the aforementioned EOTO at the Bella Music Fest in Geneva, Minnesota. 2010 also saw Ifdakar return to headlining duty at the Grateful Garcia Gathering in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, sharing the bill with Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band. Other festival appearances include Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Campout Roots, Fall Roots, Feel Good Festival, Madison’s Harvest Fest, the Prairie Grass Music Fest, Jakefest, the Late Summer Diet Festival and many others.

2010 was undoubtedly a time of growth and success for Ifdakar, which culminated with an Album of the Year nomination for their debut studio effort, On the Edge, by Leeway’s Homegrown Music Network. They have also announced plans to host their own festival, IfdaKamp, in June of 2011.

Ifdakar has found the right formula; band members who refuse to give up, cutting edge original material that begs to be played live, and devoted, dance thirsty fans who are convinced that this band has what it takes. Ifdakar is ready for anything and looks poised to take things to the next level. Their reputation continues to grow positively after each performance. From the intimate audience connections that stir, to the dark and spacey jams that take hold, Ifdakar is about musical dialogue between each other, and their growing audience.

Alternative Soul-Folk that speaks to the heart & soul of Mankind.

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Nicholas Mrozinski is a vibrant, dynamic and multi-talented singer/songwriter from Saint Paul, MN. Nicholas is making music that is connecting with people, all around the world, on a deeply human level. Nicholas’ music is fully integrated, incorporating many schools of music and thought. His truly unique sound, typically described as “Alternative Soul-Folk” or “Conscious Global Pop” is passionate, intelligent, and captivating. His powerful voice, enriching lyrics, and liquid piano playing truly set him apart and are the reason Skope Magazine calls him “an authentic artist of this millennium.”

Nicholas’ latest project, the hugely successful charity album, The Minnesota Beatle Project, has him in heavy rotation on 89.3, The Current. His rendition of The Beatles classic “Across the Universe” has been receiving multiple daily spins since December of 2009. The album was also the #1 seller for many weeks at Electric Fetus. To date, over $50,000 has been raised to help keep music programs alive in Minnesota Public Schools.

Recently Nicholas has been the voice of Artic Cat and the YMCA, doing voice-over work for national Television and Radio ad campaigns. Nicholas also has a talent for drawing. He offers a free print with every CD purchased at his live shows. Nicholas is also working on a book.

Nicholas’ first three albums came with critical acclaim, but—with some big time help, and a ton of steam—it is his latest album, “Together We’re Stronger”, that delivers some truly great songs. In 2008 we watched Nicholas lose over 100+ pounds and perform over 150+ shows. This newfound energy, passion, and momentum brought All-Star Minnesota musicians out of the woodwork to be a part of his new album. “Together We’re Stronger” is not only a representation of the times we all currently face together, but also a validation of the thriving local Twin Cities music scene. The players contributing to the album span over 40+ local bands, unofficially dubbed “The Feelin Orchestra” after Mrozinski’s nickname “The Feelin”.

The way everybody came together to contribute like this really makes the album name ring HOME. It also says a lot about Nicholas’ individual talents. Ask any of the contributing musicians and they’ll tell you that Nicholas’ music is special. Referring to his “global and magnetizing voice,” Rift Magazine believes he is “a chosen one”. Budgeteer News discovered that his’ “music draws you in, and keeps you fixated from the first note. It’s like falling in love with music all over again.” Summing it up is The Duluth News Tribune who proclaims, “This man is capable of producing such a warm sound, you’d swear you were sitting in front of an open flame.”

Nicholas and his own Label, Wake the World, are among an emerging trend of Conscious-Capitalists and Eco-Entrepreneurs. Giving back, connecting and sharing are as big a part of their business model as turning a profit. As they build and strive to maintain a position where they can help others, they put the world’s interests equal to their own. All of their CD packaging and mailings feature “green” design, using only recycled materials and FSC certified products. Nicholas and his label are actively seeking to connect with other like-minded organizations, Charities, and individuals – and are openly seeking volunteer opportunities.

Mrozinski and Wake the World, plan on releasing ten albums over the next five years. Mrozinski has already amassed hundreds of original songs, making his ambitious plan a very achievable goal.

Radio:

KSCR – Los Angeles, CA
WRBB – Boston, MA
WRAS – Atlanta, GA
WRDP – Chicago, IL
WXAV – Chicago, IL
WIIT – Chicago, IL
WVIA – Pittston, PA
WPTS – Pittsburg, PA
WODU – Norfolk, VA
KAOS – Olympia, WA
WXCU – Columbus, OH
WTJU – Charlottesville, NC
WWUH – West Harford, CT
KANM – College Station, TX
KCMP – Minneapolis, MN
KFAI – Minneapolis, MN
WMUC – College Park, MD
WSBU – St. Bonaventure, NY
WERU – East Orland, ME
WUAG – Greensboro, NC
KAMP – Tucson, AZ
KBSU – Boise, ID
KGLT – Bozeman, MT
WMHD – Terre Haute, ID
WAWL – Chattanooga, TN
KWVR – St. Louis, MO
KNDS – Fargo, ND
WIDR – Kalamazoo, MI
Press:

“You will be diggin’ Nicholas Mrozinski’s distinct musical qualities as an authentic artist of this millennium.” – Skope Magazine
“This music draws you in, and keeps you fixated from the first note. It’s like falling in love with music all over again.” – Budgeteer News
“Mrozinski’s voice channels the sincerity of Ray LaMontagne and mixes it with the playfulness of Jason Mraz.” – Lunch of Champions
“A Chosen One…Mrozinski lets the listener know that he cares and does so with a special enamor…all told through his Magnetizing and Global Voice.” – Rift Magazine
“Simply brilliant. Beautiful, powerful energy” – Brian Johnson of PhilosophersNotes

Discography:

•Nicholas Mrozinski – “Together We’re Stronger” (2009)
•Nicholas Mrozinski – “Oak Chase Way” (2008)
•Nicholas Mrozinski & the Feelin Band – “The Sacred Play of Life” (2008)
•Nicholas Mrozinski – “Four Legged Light” (2004)

Side Projects:

-Minnesota Beatle Project – Vol. I (2009) Nicholas contributed his rendition of The Beatles classic, “Across the Universe”
-Teague Alexy w/ The Feelin Band – “The New Folklore” (2007) (A Collaborative Effort)
-Nicholas was a part of 3 White Iron Band Albums when he was with the band.
-Nicholas played on a Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank album among others.

Check out this video!

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A solider in the name of soul, Mark Joseph has worked with countless musicians, producers and collaborators and played over 1,000 shows in the last ten years. Known as one of the hardest working musicians in the Midwest, he pushes the envelope musically searching for the hottest players, grooves and cuts. Focusing on an improv/freestyle approach to his live shows, Mark Joseph never fails to work the crowd into a frenzy!

Regular contributors to the Mark Joseph Project include LA based emcee Deploi and members Roster McCabe, Shoeless Revolution, The New Congress, Down Lo, International Reggae All Stars and Mint Condition. The Mark Joseph Project has also featured legendary players such as Steve Molitz (Phil Lesh/ Particle), Wain McFarlane (Ipso Facto), John Avila (Oingo Boingo/Mutaytor), Yoni Reinharz , Markiss Jamal (Al Green, Muddy Waters) and live painter Norton Wisdom.

Mark Joseph has also collaborated with Bernie Worrell, Banyan w/ Stephen Perkins & Willie Waldman, Papa Mali, members of Umphrey’s
McGee & Vinnie Amico of moe., Melvin Sparks, Ray White, John Molo, Rob Wasserman, The Big Wu and Vince Herman & Great American Taxi, Natty Nation, Robby Kreiger of the Doors,

The Mark Joseph Project has supported acts such as Digable Planets: Doodlebug & Butterfly, Tea Leaf Green, Bill Kreutzmann from the Grateful Dead.

Mark Joseph has been working on his debut album due out in 2011.

Minneapolis’ Feel Good Island Vibe Rock Band “The Limns” can be summed up in 1 word: Smiles! This applies to both the band and the people in the crowd… you will never see another show with more smiles. Their genre bending high energy shows please any crowd young and old with a mix of Reggae, ska, folk, and rock. The cast of characters that make up “The Limns” are an entertaining eclectic bunch to say the least, with multiple talents such as singing, playing a wide variety of instruments, juggling, unicycle riding, and a barrage of other circus skills. This group of strange but beautiful humans will entertain you at their show, leave their songs stuck in your head, and will still have you smiling the next day.

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Absolute Grüv is a Minneapolis based band composed of guitars, drums, horns, bass and Hammond b3 organ. The band’s six members – long time friends linked by a passion for creating fresh and interesting music – have been performing together for upwards of 8 years.
Influenced by a variety of sources from Cash to Coltrane, and Hank to Hendrix; their jam band style and the Grüv’s roots in jazz, blues, soul and R&B music make their growing repertoire of original compositions truly unique.

According to frontman Sam Hankey, Absolute Grüv’s mission is to “innovatively recreate some of the greatest sounds of the last century – the music that our parents played in the house while we were growing up – but in a modern manner, in a way that is applicable to our generation”

“Absolute Grüv is a band of great dynamic. Starting out with a nasty lead guitarist, and backed by a steady, well-transitioning drummer. This band doesn’t just play great jams; the secret weapon, lead singer, has the much needed soul with a whiskey drinking voice. The bassist keeps
the needed beat, as well as, throws a funk transition at perfect times. This band is a breath of fresh air in today’s […] music. Their new album “Just Past North” is a disc that didn’t leave my CD player half the summer. Perfect band for cruisin’ country roads by yourself and a nice air guitar.”

– Jambase.com user

The last 8 years have truly been a spectacle for Absolute Grüv. Gigs at hometown bars and restaurants quickly turned into regional, national and international invitations. They have been able to pull together an impressive lineup of successful shows both in and outside of the twin cities, along with being able to participate in multiple summer festivals such as Milwaukee’s Summerfest, The 10,000 Lakes Festival in Detroit Lakes, The Bella Music Festivals at Harmony Park, the White Iron Band’s Log Jam, Wookiefoot’s Harvest Festival, Fat Maw Rooney’s Fat Fest, and The Big Wu’s Family Reunion. Absolute Grüv’s solid base of loyal fans is creating a buzz across the nation that is hard to avoid. They are looking forward to another year of good crowds and great music in 2012.

Absolute Grüv is:

Ian Wilson – Guitars, Lead Vocals

Ian has been capturing audiences for years with undeniable skills on the electric guitar. The range of emotion coming through Ian’s fingers is intense, spanning from moments of sheer shredding to interludes of gentle singing. Ian’s playing encapsulates references to Duane Allman, Jerry Garcia, Carlos Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughan, amongst many other influences; but his vocal ability should not be overshadowed by his guitar. His ability to belt the high harmonies and take the occasional lead is major attribute to the Grüv.

Sam Hankey – Hammond b3, Keyboards, Lead Vocals

Absolute Grüv.s lively front man tears apart shows wailing on the Hammond b3 organ and belting his soulful blues voice on top of it. Only 23 years old, Sam has picked up more talent than most do in a lifetime, learning from local legends like Bill Brown and Tom Pletcher, and touring musicians such as Joey Kantor and Al Oikari. As well as being one of the major contributing song writers of the group, Sam Hankey is a passionate performer who generates a lot of energy in the audience of Grüv shows as well as on stage.

Brandon James – Bass, Vocals

Amalgamating with Absolute Grüv only three years ago, Brandon has picked up a whole book of Grüv originals in a very short time, adding his opinion where needed and in some cases, completely rewriting songs. His first encounter with Sam, while jamming at a local bar, seemed like fate. The Grüv had recently lost their previous bassist and soon after Brandon was asked to join the Grüv on the road. Brandon is one of the true ‘all natural’ musicians in the Twin Cities, learning almost completely by ear and performing at major events for years before even learning how to read music. His ability to learn quickly and react on stage, combined with his acute improvisational skills is exactly what the Grüv was missing. Brandon is constantly laying down funky bass lines and keeping things interesting.

Clay Whitney – Drum set, Percussion

Clay’s percussion obsession begins with a complete technical mastery of the drum set. Having played in bands and jammed alongside Ian since the age of 12, Clay has devoted a lot of time to learning everything he can about rhythm. Clay is now a percussion performance major at the University of Minnesota learning more about the world of percussion from mentors such as Latin/classical music giant, Fernando Meza and jazz master and Minneapolis legend, Phil Hey. Clay.s unique grooves keep audiences on their feet night after night.

Matt Potter – Saxophones, Auxiliary Percussion, Vocals

Developing his musical skills on the piano as a small child, Matt picked up the saxophone soon after during his middle school years in the Madison, WI area. Since then he has religiously continued to study classical and jazz saxophone with an impressive lineup of professors and
mentors like Ruben Haugen (University of St. Thomas), while occupying positions with many musical groups from the twin cities including the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. Potter’s aptitude on the saxophone as well has his ability to add auxiliary percussion sections and nail the high vocal harmonies has become a requisite asset to the Grüv’s stage and studio performance.

David Feily – Trumpet, Flugle Horn, Guitars, Vocals

David Feily’s composition skills are emphasized by his amazing instrumental capacity on the trumpet and the guitar. Originally from the D.C. area of Maryland, David developed an interest in jazz and rock & roll at a young age before moving to St. Paul, MN to study music performance with some of the best talent Minnesota has to offer, like Stephan Morgan, Chris Kachian and Chris Volpe at the University of St. Thomas. Feily’s on stage performance is potent. At the start of the set you may see him providing backing horns lines on the trumpet while in the middle of the set he might be shredding guitar solos and offering backup vocal harmonies. When Feily joined Absolute Grüv in 2011, he brought with him a songwriting talent that, in less than a year, has manifested into many new Grüv originals.

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Currently based out of South Minneapolis, “Mikel Wright & The Wrongs” is an ever-evolving group of talented musicians. Mikel broke fast onto the Minneapolis music scene in the summer of 2007 and has since earned a respected reputation for cultivating ridiculous bands and unforgettable jams. Over the last few years he has been weaving his ambition and vision into reality. Most recently, Mikel has tag teamed shows and built lasting bonds with other acts such as: Shoeless Revolution, Jon Wayne & The Pain, Roster McCabe, BigTree Bonsai, Mark Joseph Project, SOAP, and P.B. & The Jam. Mikel is constantly innovating his progressive beach-funk sound by adding fresh players and creating new renditions of his originals and covers alike. Their catalog is vast whether they are performing their own music or the music of their idols. From The Doors to James Taylor, or Bob Marley to Sublime, this band is sure to get all audiences singing and dancing along. Mikel Wright & The Wrongs have performed at the hottest clubs in minneapolis to festivals ranging from the biggest in the world, Summerfest in Milwaukee, to Minnesota’s own Big Wu Family Reunion, Bella, and 10,000 Lakes Festivals.

Please take a minute to check out all of the great videos taken by dedicated fans of the band!

The Workshy is a five piece band from Ames, Iowa that is getting known for their incredibly energetic live shows, and lively musicianship. Their variety of influences, ranging from jazz, funk, bluegrass and blues as well as many others, combines to create an infectious blend of sounds, making for one of the most captivating and exciting shows around. Their music incorporates such an array of sounds that they have been asked to share the stage with bands such as Great American Taxi, Radio Moscow, Euforquestra, Family Groove Company, and Jambang. They have played at several major music festivals including Wakarusa, Bella Vida, Bella Tempo, Camp Euforia, and 80/35. Starting to play around Ames in 2008, they have been growing ever since, and have started to form a following around the Iowa music scene. Be sure not to miss The Workshy!

…info soon…

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Useful Jenkins is a spirited group that mixes campfire mystique along with a driven acoustic rock show. Their music takes you back to the front porch with a jug of shine and a foot stompin good time. The bands original songs are well crafted and will stick in your head long after the show. Their nicely placed cover tunes span their influences which include Yonder Mountain, Grateful Dead, and some traditional bluegrass. This is a show that will make you wanna kick off your shoes and dance away your cares.

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A delightful blend of psychedelic rock, dance and funk offers a look into the new generation of musicians and fans. Based out of Iowa City, IA, Dead Larry spreads a positive message to bring out a renewed feeling of passion and hope for anyone who listens. A group of 4 guys in their early twenties, Dead Larry loves to party and encourages the crowd to get up and moving. With a vast range of influences it’s hard to pin down the sound, but comparisons have been made to Modest Mouse, The Talking Heads, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Dead Larry encourages a community of friends and family (known as “The Family of Funky Friends”) that continues to support and grow with Dead Larry throughout their adventures. Touring relentlessly across the country, Dead Larry is a force to be reckoned with.

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This band first formed with simple jam sessions between Matt Johnson, Dan Olson and a few sit in bassists. After a couple months of playing shows with on and off again bassists, O’fosho! hooked up with former WBPN bassist, Brant Niemi. Niemi helped the group gain momentum with frequent jams and regular gigs in the Fargo/Moorhead area but was soon not able to fill the spot full-time. With the recent disbandment of another local group, Johnson and Olson confronted bassist Andrew Overby (Classical Chill) and have been able to make more strides since he has joined. O’fosho! recently recorded with Gypsyfoot front man, Nolyn Falcon, and are trying to expand the band within the Dakotas, Minnesota and across the Midwest. O’fosho incorporates a HAVE FUN first vibe at our sho’s and wants to make every sho special and different from the last!

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Yasen Marie is an all-female indie pop band from the Twin Cities. They have been playing together since August 2008 all around Minnesota. Their music is original but is inspired by many different musicians and genres. With all the music that they create, their talent and musicianship is obvious. Their harmonies and instrumentals thrive as they draw their influences from artists such as Ani Difranco and Alanis Morissette. Their lyrics are powerful and passion apparent as they express their music through their life’s tribulations and triumphs.