Ellen Stanley

Mother Banjo on the John Prine tribute show at 331 Club

Many singer/songwriters count the likes of Kris Kristofferson and Bob Dylan among their favorites, but few writers can brag that Kristofferson and Dylan have said the feeling's mutual. Dylan has called John Prine's songs "pure Proustian existentialism... Midwestern mindtrips to the nth degree," and ... More >>

Mother Banjo's Ellen Stanley: I hit the hell out of that banjo

The name Mother Banjo conjures up an image of a woman passing along wisdom and stories via her music, mainly her banjo, and Minneapolis artist Ellen Stanley does just that. Along with her band, Stanley has created a new album prime for listening. The Devil Hasn't Won owns its string-led riffs that e ... More >>

Mother Banjo/Vicky Emerson

Kevin Steinman says farewell and thanks to the Twin Cities

See Also:U.S. healthcare is too costly for Kevin Steinman, so he's moving to NorwayI sit at a dining table we're about to sell, heaped with things we'll throw in suitcases in two days, amidst a mounting sea of packing boxes. Above the crinkling din of paper being wrapped around our kitchenwares, a c ... More >>

Literary Death Match

Ben Weaver kicks off BLB residency tonight

Photo by Jonathan Levitt​Twin Cities-based singer-songwriter Ben Weaver is a man of many talents: Not only is he a nationally esteemed musician and award-winning poet, but he's also a passionate and forward-thinking culinary professional, working for Minneapolis restaurant the Craftsman. Starting ... More >>