About the Bands
2025 Lineup
About the Bands
Once in a while, a band comes along that defies categorization, and Feed the Dog is just such a band. Hailing from the Midwest, this dynamic quartet seamlessly blends an eclectic mix of genres, including jam, bluegrass, soul, funk, and Americana, into a singular sound that is uniquely their own. At the core of Feed the Dog's music lies a lyrical sensibility that is both cerebral and emotive, with an emphasis on crafting vivid imagery and thought-provoking narratives that resonate deeply with their audience.
This eclectic and action-packed, experimental jam-grass act is a Midwest-based four-piece that masterfully blends soul-pleasing songwriting with a genre-bending, shake-your-hips instrumental flair. Their high-energy performances are driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player: imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance skillfully crafted on the violin, tireless beats both dynamic and soulful confidently assembled on the drums, driving low end with finesse and intention forged on the bass guitar, and unique approach to playing the acoustic guitar blending fast picking bluegrass runs with the strength of blues and rock to evoke an emotional contrast between melancholy and hopeful.
Whether they're performing live or in the studio, Feed the Dog always brings their A-game, delivering high-energy performances that leave audiences breathless. It's this unique blend of styles, skills, and musical vision that has made Feed the Dog one of the most exciting and talked-about bands on the scene today.The band started in July of 2015 and has been relentlessly playing festivals, theaters, and clubs alongside regional and national touring acts. "Ding Dang," the band's third full-length album, was released in September 2021.
Aaron "Heatbox" Heaton has been making mouth sounds for the last 40 years. He has been getting paid to make mouth sounds for the last 20.
Heatbox is a professional beatboxer, loop artist, singer, and voice actor. He makes a living making sounds with his mouth. He has performed in almost every state in the United States as well as in Canada, Mexico, The Netherlands, Scotland, China, Dubai, Qatar, and New Zealand. He has sold thousands of records.
He is also a songwriter, music arranger, audio engineer, video editor, video game designer, computer programmer, game show host, and the guy his parents call to fix their computer.
Formed in Columbus, OH in the Spring of 2016, The Quasi Kings have quickly “cemented [their] place as the sprawling, multi-instrumental next generation of Columbus reggae.” (Columbus Dispatch). The band, led by brothers Zach (vocals, saxophone, percussion) & Benny Coleman (vocals, bass), varies in age, musical backgrounds, and taste, leading to a worldly & distinctive collage.
Their premier offering, 2018’s Throwaway Culture EP, features catchy hooks, tight vocal harmonies, and a unique blend of reggae, rock, and hip-hop. Their latest album, Eye of the Storm, takes things a step further with songs like “Booze”, a raucous Sabbath inspired tune, and the dubby, horn driven “Cut It Out”. Their live shows are high energy, captivating and ever-evolving. The Quasi Kings have had the privilege to play with the likes of Dirty Heads, Steel Pulse, Badfish-Sublime Tribute, Fortunate Youth, Third World, Israel Vibration, The Werks, Dark Star Orchestra, Tropidelic, and more. Visit listen.thequasikings.com/bio for tour dates & more info.
Madison, Wisconsin based funk band, RARE ELEMENT has developed a strong reputation for its high-intensity, live shows. The band's highly talented 7-piece roster, including 3-piece horn section, bring massive energy to the stage at each performance. The band is influenced by classic funk artists such as Fred Wesley, The Meters, Clyde Stubblefield, and Herbie Hancock. See for yourself why Maximum Ink Magazine dubbed Rare Element as "Madison's Newest Super Group"!
This Milwaukee-based group, known largely for their electric live performances that incorporate the Australian Yidaki (didgeridoo) into flowing soundscapes of reggae, funk, and jazz-fusion, consistently leave audiences wanting more. Deeply rooted in the positive message of reggae music, the band has grown to realize their calling: to spread peace, love, and harmony… while laying down an infectious groove.
Spare Change Trio has been fortunate to open for their idols Mike Love, Dirt Wire, Satsang and The Wailers. As well as playing some of their favorite iconic venues, 7th St Entry in Minneapolis, Schubas in Chicago, Shank Hall in Milwaukee, along with a coveted set at the Eagles Ballroom in the Rave opening for 311. Their recent festival appearances include Summerfest, Peacetree Music Festival, People’s Fest, Vibe HIgh, Galactic Get Down, Mo Roots and Shangri-la Music Festival.
We can’t wait to see all of our awesome fans movin' and groovin' to our “Happy, Hippy, Funkeliceous, Reggae Blues jams! See you all soon!
Thats right folks. It is TWINE time! A heavy hitting 5 piece band built with guitar, saxophone, bass, drums and percussion with often a variety of other guests. Fronted by guitarist/lyricist Will Effertz, TWINE is known for their ability to listen to each other intently as well their genuine passion for "reading the room" which allows the energy of the crowd to persuade the bands direction of the flow during improvisational moments. Twine infuses the night with a blend of funk, rock, blues, americana, world inspired rhythms all combined into what is called the "Jam". The night consists of music they have written which paints the soundwaves with imaginative lyrics, dynamic rhythms and symphonic melodies as well as covers of bands that span generations!
That feeling you get in the wilderness and you hear birds in all directions calling out. So you listen close enough to hear their songs sync up in a polyrhythmic cacophony of improvised rhythm and melody. Brotherhood of Birds (BoB) is a Twin Cities-based, Minnesota progressive acoustic string band building original compositions that bring together traditional taste and modern style.
After hatching in January 2021, the group released 2 EPs entitled “Caged Vol. 1 & 2”. In the same year they played the historic First Avenue Main Room, Blue Ox Music Festival, and were featured in Bluegrass Standard magazine as well as on 88.5 Bluegrass Saturday Morning. They were featured as one of first avenues’s picks for best new bands of 2022. The following year, the band dedicated some serious live studio work at Future Condo in Minneapolis, which paid off in the form of the first full length album in 2024.
The bands tag team style line up makes every show unique while show casing around 3 dozen premier players in and out of the string band genre that the twin cities area has to offer. This ambitious format makes for a healthy dose of “head in the clouds” improvisation with a “feet on the ground” musical foundation, a perpetual list of covers, and an expanding catalog of original material.
Darren Walker (Guitar/Singer/Songwriter) and nephew of the great blues legend, TBone Walker, formed the band with well known local musicians including Jeff Sachs (Guitar/Fiddle), Jamie Saegert (Dog House Bass) and Tom Clasen (Drums).
DDS has grown from the seeds of windblown world music up through the cracks of the Wisconsin Bluegrass scene. An intergalactic rodeo of original Elven-Cowgirl-SpaceRock, lassoed together by feral harmonies, haunting melodies and whimsically nightmaresque songwriting. With roots spanning from Classical Russian to Psychedelic Rock, this multidimensional sound will take you on an unforgettable effervescent sensory adventure.