“What is Wookiefoot? What isn’t Wookiefoot?! Wookiefoot is a band, a Non-Profit 501C3 Charity Organization (www.bethechangecharities.org), a circus, a philosophy, and a community of globe trekking bliss junkies and believers that are the fuel to keep this Tribadelic Spaceship going! Their charity organization (with the support of their community) has donated over $500,000 to third world relief efforts. Wookiefoot invites their community home every September…when they host and headline their own Global Conscious Gathering called Shangri~La Festival at Harmony Park in Southern MN.Wookiefoot’s live sets are an always inspiring and entertaining barrage of sonic and visual stimulation.The fast paced circus like set has been called “Short Attention Span Musical Theater”.These live performances are a one of a kind experience that mixes Reggae, World Beat, Hip Hop, Irish, Funk, Folk, Rock & more with a large band featuring everything from a vintage Hammond Organ to Bag Pipes!Combine that with a mind-blowing stage show that may include anything (such as a light show, projection, costumes, fire, dancers, aerialists, magic, clowns, puppets, etc)…and you better buckle up!Welcome…and thank you for riding Wookiefoot!”

Useful Jenkins is a contemporary acoustic band with a foundation rooted in bluegrass, and readily taps into other genres, such as folk, funk, rock, and hip hop. Their music generates emotion and sends a message to a wide range of listeners, giving them an eclectic group of followers from all walks of life. The band is a 4 piece at its core (bass, lead acoustic, rhythm acoustic, mandolin) and has currently been integrating the violin as a fifth melodic layer. 4-part vocal harmonies accompany the wall of stringed instruments, leaving listeners with a strong, clean, and unique sound. Useful Jenkins thrives on energy; they flourish in the moment and have an unmatched resonance with the crowd. While frequenting Minneapolis, MN, the band was established in, and currently resides in Mankato, MN.

Formed as a 5 piece band in 2007, Useful Jenkins remained under-the-radar during their first few years performing. Open mic’s and campfire jams were their source of inspiration, which allowed them to form a strong and intimate bond between band members and fans alike. As their message grew, so did the network of friends who supported their direction. In February of 2009, the band released their first full-length album “Fast Eddie” which was the catalyst for their initial, and continued success in the Minnesota music-festival scene. Their second album, “Festival Express,” was released in September of 2012. It provided a more dynamic sound by capturing the raw bluegrass elements of “Fast Eddie” and combining them with funk and soul. Useful Jenkins continues to write and create music, on pace to release their third album in the spring of 2015.

The best way to experience Useful Jenkins is live in concert. Whether you are barefoot at a festival or standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a theatre, you will undoubtedly feel the pulse of their music and leave the show with a smile on your face. Their songs are memorable and easy to relate to, leaving them stuck in your head long after the performance. So if you are a sucker for acoustic music with a strong message, do yourself a favor; call up a group of your closest friends, clear your calendar, and go see Useful Jenkins. It’s a moment you will not soon forget.

Led by dynamic, energetic front woman and multi-instrumentalist Erin Zindle, The Ragbirds utilize an arsenal of instruments from around the world. The Ragbirds are a fusion of folk rock and pop hooks over danceable world rhythms stirred with a Celtic fiddler’s bow.

Surrounding Zindle’s earthy-sweet voice is the whirlwind of guitarist T.J. Zindle and dynamic bassist Dan Jones, spinning over the world-beat grooves of drummer Jon Brown and percussionist Randall Moore. Zindle skillfully switches between violin, mandolin, banjo, accordion, and percussion, all while dancing around the stage, drawing the awe of audiences across the country.

The Ragbirds albums have received local and national praise, hailed “Highly impressive!” by USA Today and touted as “Astounding international eclecticism” by Reveal Arts. The Ragbirds were formed in 2005 with the release of “Yes Nearby.” 2007’s world-travel themed “Wanderlove” was Homegrown Music Network’s #1 selling album in the fall of 2008. The 2009 international release of “Finally Almost Ready” saw the band invade Japan with the single “Book of Matches” reaching #1 on the charts in Osaka. In 2010 The Ragbirds reached yet another milestone in their young careers when they independently marketed and sold their 10,000th album.

The Ragbirds have performed in over 45 states to a tune of 150+ shows a year. Crisscrossing the nation in their converted diesel bus that runs on recycled waste vegetable oil, these festival favorites have performed at Rothbury, 10,000 Lakes, Summer Camp, Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Hookahville, and more, and have shared the stage with Rusted Root, Railroad Earth, Toubab Krewe, Hot Buttered Rum, The Duhks, and many others.