Winter Dance Party (Night 3), Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA- 1/31/26

Winter Dance Party Night 3
Surf Ballroom
Clear Lake, IA
Jan. 31st, 2026

This is a "Midwest Sounds" recording (MWS406)

Lineage: Zoom H1Essential (32-Bit Float)

-Feel free to remaster, share freely anywhere else, or convert to MP3. Please don't sell it or profit from it in any way. If you enjoy this show, support the artist by buying/streaming their music, attending a show or buying merch.

More pictures here: Link

Danny B. Harvey & Annie Marie Lewis

https://dannybharvey.com/
https://www.facebook.com/anniemarielewismusic/
https://www.lglmusic.com/

1. Intro
2. Good Rocking Tonight (Roy Brown cover)
3. Susie-Q (Dale Hawkins cover)
4. Rock Boppin' Baby (Edwin Bruce cover)
5. Hit the Road Jack (Percy Mayfield cover) (w/ Austin Allsup)
6. Right or Wrong (I'll Be With You) (Wanda Jackson cover)
7. Matchbox (Carl Perkins cover)

Linda Gail Lewis

8. Boogie Woogie Country Girl (Big Joe Turner cover)
9. Wild, Wild, Wild
10. Diggin' My Way Out Of Hell
11. Don't Let Me Cross Over (Penny Jay cover)
12. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (Big Maybelle cover) (w/ Albert Lee)
13. Great Balls of Fire (Otis Blackwell cover) (w/ Albert Lee)
14. High School Confidential (Jerry Lee Lewis cover) (w/ Albert Lee)
15. Roll Over Beethoven (Chuck Berry cover) (w/ Albert Lee)

Danny B. Harvey- Vocals, Guitar
Annie Marie Lewis- Vocals

Linda Gail Lewis- Vocals, Keyboard
Tommy Vee- Bass
”Too Tall” Paul Vezelis- Drums

Archive.org / Google Drive

Guitarist, producer and composer Danny B. Harvey has played and recorded with such great artists as Levi Dexter, Tim Polecat, Johnny Ramone, Nancy Sinatra, Lemmy Kilmister, Lee Rocker, Slim Jim Phantom and Wanda Jackson. Harvey performs with his wife Annie Marie Lewis, who is none other than the niece of the music icon Jerry Lee Lewis, daughter of Linda Gail Lewis, and cousin of Mickey Gilley. Annie has the genealogy, the roots, and the direct blood connection to the first family of rock ‘n’ roll!

Linda Gail Lewis was born a Louisiana girl, now resides in Austin, Texas, and carries on her rock ‘n’ roll legacy as little sister to musical legend and genius, Jerry Lee Lewis. Immersed in the sounds of pumping piano and country from a young age, she developed an unwavering passion for music. She has maintained her fervor for performing live, captivating audiences globally with her high-energy shows.

Midnight Cowgirls (ft. Albert Lee)

https://www.themidnightcowgirls.com/
https://albertleeofficial.com/

1. Intro
2. Wedding Belle Blues
3. Tennessee Homesick Blues (Dolly Parton cover)
4. Ain’t My First Rodeo
5. Queen of Hearts (Dave Edmunds cover)
6. Hillbilly Slip
7. Rock Around With Ollie Vee (Buddy Holly cover)
8. Keep On Truckin’
9. White Lightning (The Big Bopper cover)
10. Shotgun Ghost
11. That'll Be the Day (The Crickets cover)
12. Blame It on Your Heart (Patty Loveless cover)
13. Born Ready
14. 9 to 5 (Dolly Parton cover)

Blaise Dahl- Vocals
Jennie Vee- Bass, Harmony Vocals
Marlhy Murphy- Drums, Harmony Vocals
Cassidy Fleeman- Guitar, Harmony Vocals
Leilani Kilgore- Guitar

Albert Lee- Guitar

Archive.org / Google Drive

The Midnight Cowgirls: Get ready to saddle up and ride into a rockin’ musical adventure!! Poised to revolutionize the music scene with their electrifying blend of country, new wave, post-punk, and rockabilly, the group’s fresh sound defies genre conventions, seamlessly blending twangy guitars with pulsating bass lines and driving rhythms.

Albert Lee is one of the most respected and renowned guitarists in music history. The British-born country-rock artist has worked with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and The Crickets over his long and illustrious career. With a reputation as one of the fastest guitar players in the business, he recorded a number of solo albums, and won a Grammy in 2002 for his contribution on ‘Foggy Mountain Breakdown.’ He continues to tour today, and plays his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar.

Billy Gibbons and The BFG’s

https://billygibbons.com/

1. Intro
2. Waitin' for the Bus > Jesus Just Left Chicago
3. Gimme All Your Lovin'
4. Cheap Sunglasses
5. I Got Love If You Want It (Slim Harpo cover)
6. Blue Jean Blues
7. Q-Vo
8. Foxy Lady (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
9. Brown Paper Bag
10. Just Got Paid
11. Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
12. Manic Mechanic
13. Sharp Dressed Man
14. La Grange
15. Thunderbird

Billy Gibbons- Vocals, Guitar
Mike “The Drifter” Flanigin- Guitar, Organ
Chris “Whipper” Layton- Drums

Archive.org / Google Drive

Billy F. Gibbons and the BFGs: Headlining the entire event is legendary rock guitar player Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top fame. Gibbons is unquestionably one of the finest blues-rock guitar players to ever emerge. Raised in Houston, Texas, Gibbons grew up in a home that favored both classical and country sounds, but upon discovering Elvis Presley via an appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” Gibbons became transfixed by rock ‘n’ roll. The group brings a sound that’s equal parts gritty blues, rock ‘n’ roll swagger, and southern charm.

Slim Jim Phantom & Friends

https://www.slimjimphantom.com/

1. Not Fade Away (The Crickets cover)
2. All My Love (Oh Boy) (Sonny West cover)
3. Big Boss Man (Jimmy Reed cover)
4. Matchbox (Carl Perkins cover)
5. White Lightning (The Big Bopper cover)
6. Rock This Town (Stray Cats cover)

Slim Jim Phantom- Drums, Vocals
Austin Allsup- Vocals, Guitar
Marlhy Murphy- Drums, Harmony Vocals
Tommy Vee- Bass
Bennett Vee- Guitar
Jennie Vee- Bass
Blaise Dahl- Vocals
Leilani Kilgore- Guitar
Cassidy Fleeman- Guitar

Archive.org / Google Drive

Slim Jim Phantom: As the legendary drummer for the Stray Cats, Slim Jim Phantom, alongside bandmates Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker, spearheaded the neo-rockabilly movement of the early 80s. With a love for 50s rock ‘n’ roll and the hard-edged rockabilly sound, Slim Jim Phantom continues to inspire and excite audiences worldwide with a sound, style, and image that remain as fresh today as it ever was. The coolest drummer in rock ‘n’ roll, Phantom’s influence is still clearly felt on today’s music scene with countless rockabilly drummers imitating his pioneering stand-up style.

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Tapers notes: Night 3 of 3 of the Winter Dance Party 2026. And that's another Winter Dance Party in the books, already counting down the days until 2027's version. The final night is usually when the big headliners play, but this year felt a bit different. Linda Gail Lewis was really great, I had book looking forward to her since the lineup was announced and she did not disappoint. The Midnight Cowgirls are always great, there were 2 different members compared to last year, but they both fit in perfectly, and Leilani Kilgore was incredible on guitar. Then we get to Billy Gibbons...I'll admit up front I'm not too familiar with ZZ Top or Gibbons music, but I obviously know the name. I guess to me that set stuck out, and not in a good way. The weekend is about celebrating the 50's era of music, and Billy Gibbons has nothing to do with that era, and played zero songs from that era. The inclusion of him made no sense to me, and it brought in a crowd that was basically there to see him, and couldn't care less about the rest of the night's performers. There are also was a barrier between the crowd and the stage, which I had never seen at a WDP show, and I'm assuming it was at the request of Gibbons. It just made it feel like we were watching the show instead of being a part of it like most years...it left a bad taste in my mouth. Musically it was good, but it just didn't fit in with the rest of the weekend. The closing jam with Slim Jim and Friends lasted about half as long as it has in years past, and just kind of...ended. There was no MC at the end, the lights just went up and that was it. But, overall, the week is fun, as always, but the last night closed it on a down note. Hopefully next year they return to a more traditional lineup and feeling, it's always one of the highlights of my year, so I have faith it will.

Winter Dance Party (Night 2), Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA- 1/30/26

Winter Dance Party Night 2
Surf Ballroom
Clear Lake, IA
Jan. 30th, 2026

This is a "Midwest Sounds" recording (MWS405)

Lineage: Zoom H1Essential (32-Bit Float)

-Feel free to remaster, share freely anywhere else, or convert to MP3. Please don't sell it or profit from it in any way. If you enjoy this show, support the artist by buying/streaming their music, attending a show or buying merch.

More pictures here: Link

The Holy Rocka Rollaz

https://holyrockarollaz.com/

1. Intro
2. Rip It Up (Little Richard cover)
3. Rumble (Link Wray & His Raymen cover)
4. Somethin' Else (Eddie Cochran cover)
5. Uranium Rock (Warren Smith cover)
6. Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly cover)
7. That'll Be the Day (The Crickets cover)
8. Down the Line (Buddy Holly cover)
9. It's So Easy! (The Crickets cover)
10. Happy Birthday to You (Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover)
11. I Fall to Pieces (Patsy Cline cover)
12. All Over Again (Johnny Cash cover)
13. Bye Bye Love (Boudleaux Bryant cover)
14. Maybellene (Chuck Berry cover)
15. American Pie (Don McLean cover) > True Love Ways (Buddy Holly cover) > American Pie (Don McLean cover)
16. Driving Wheel (T‐Bone Burnett cover)
17. Why Me (Kris Kristofferson cover)
18. Rave On! (Sonny West cover)
19. Duck Tail (Joe Clay cover)
20. Blue Moon of Kentucky (Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys cover)
21. Sleep Walk (Santo & Johnny cover)
22. Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry cover)

Mark Flora- Vocals, Guitar
Lisa Flora- Vocals, Bass
Levi Stugelmeyer- Drums

Archive.org / Google Drive

The Holy Rocka Rollaz are Minnesota’s own fantastic 50s rock ‘n’ roll band. They bring classic early rock ‘n’ roll hits and the rockabilly of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash played just the way those legends did. This is a band that truly brings the sound, the look, the memories, and nostalgia of one of America’s most treasured eras.

The Drifters

1. Intro
2. On Broadway (Barry Mann cover)
3. This Magic Moment
4. Up on the Roof (Carole King cover)
5. Save the Last Dance for Me (Mort Shuman cover)
6. Stand by Me (Ben E. King song)
7. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher (Jackie Wilson cover)
8. Dance With Me
9. (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding cover)
10. Under the Boardwalk
11. Shout (The Isley Brothers cover)

Archive.org  / Google Drive

The Drifters are one of music’s most iconic vocal groups. With a catalog of classics like “Under the Boardwalk,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and “Up on the Roof,” The Drifters continue to captivate audiences around the world. This high-energy show is packed with the slick choreography, smooth harmonies, and timeless tunes that have made them legends.

The Killer Vees

https://www.facebook.com/killervees/

1. Intro
2. Someday (When I'm Gone From You) (Bobby Vee & The Crickets cover)
3. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes (Bobby Vee cover)
4. Come Back When You Grow Up (Bobby Vee cover) > Run to Him (Bobby Vee cover)
5. Will You Love Me Tomorrow? (Carole King cover)
6. Rubber Ball (Bobby Vee cover)
7. More Than I Can Say (The Crickets cover)
8. Take Good Care of My Baby (Carole King cover)

with Brian Hyland

9. Sweet Nothin's (Brenda Lee cover)
10. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
11. Hey! Baby (Bruce Channel cover) > Susie-Q (Dale Hawkins cover)
12. We Belong Together (Ritchie Valens cover)
13. I'm Afraid to Go Home
14. Sealed With a Kiss (The Four Voices cover)
15. A Whiter Shade of Pale (Procol Harum cover)
16. Gypsy Woman (The Impressions cover)
17. Runaway (Del Shannon cover)

with Chris Montez

18. Come On, Let's Go (Ritchie Valens cover)
19. Some Kinda Fun
20. Call Me (Petula Clark cover)
21. La bamba (Trad.) (w/ Connie & Irma Valens)
22. Donna (Ritchie Valens cover)
23. The More I See You (Harry Warren cover)
24. Let's Dance > Little Queenie (Chuck Berry cover) (w/ Albert Lee)

Matt Vee- Vocals, Guitar
Tommy Vee- Bass, Vocals
Jeff Vee- Drums
Julie Velline- Vocals
Bennett Vee- Guitar
Chris Bloniarz- Keyboards
Richard Manik- Keyboards, Saxophone

Archive.org / Google Drive

The Killer Vees are a Minnesota-based musical group formed in 2008 by brothers Jeff and Tommy Vee (sons of legendary 1960s pop star Bobby Vee) along with their cousin Matt Vee and his wife Julie Velline. The group is known for producing and performing high-energy tribute shows, including "Remembering Bobby Vee," "I Am He Said - A Celebration of Neil Diamond," and classic rock 'n roll/country variety shows.

The Whitesidewalls

https://www.whitesidewalls.com/

1. Intro
2. Rock Around the Clock (Sonny Dae and His Knights cover) > Later Alligator (Bobby Charles cover) > Shake, Rattle and Roll (Big Joe Turner & His Blues Kings cover) > Rock Around the Clock (Sonny Dae and His Knights cover)
3. Treat Me Nice (Elvis Presley cover) > (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear (Elvis Presley cover)
4. I Only Have Eyes for You (Harry Warren cover)
5. Mona Lisa (Jay Livingston cover)
6. Sherry (The Four Seasons cover)
7. Chantilly Lace (The Big Bopper cover)
8. Raining in My Heart (Boudleaux Bryant cover)
9. The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Solomon Linda’s Original Evening Birds cover)
10. Cara Mia (David Whitfield cover)
11. Day-O (The Banana Boat Song) (Trad.)
12. Buzz-Buzz-Buzz (The Hollywood Flames cover)
13. In the Still of the Night (The Five Satins cover)
14. New Orleans (Gary “U.S.” Bonds cover) > California Sun (Joe Jones cover) > Palisades Park (Freddy Cannon cover) > New Orleans (Gary “U.S.” Bonds cover)

The Whitesidewalls are:

Dave "Swanee" Swanson
'Captain' Peter
Erik “Rocky Beaumont” Swenson
Bill “Bobby Maestro” Spalding
Rusty Renault

Archive.org / Google Drive

The Whitesidewalls Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue brings families together around 50’s and 60’s music. New audiences are discovering the melodic, harmonious and very danceable music of this era. ​The band throws down an authentic musical experience and a thoroughly entertaining show.

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Tapers notes: Night 2 of 3 of the Winter Dance Party 2026. Sound is basically the same as the previous night, except for The Whitesidewalls. They were having issues the whole set with their vocals, and unfortunately that is evident in the recording. Some songs you can barely even hear the vocals, but there's not much I could about it. Regarding The Drifters set, I'm not sure which version of the band this was, there's multiple bands out there calling themselves "The Drifters". Unfortunately the band members were never introduced, and Google returned mixed results...I will say they were very enjoyable though.

"Got a mind to ramble, got a mind to roam
I'm travelin' light and I'm slow coming home"

Winter Dance Party (Night 1), Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA- 1/29/26

Winter Dance Party Night 1
Surf Ballroom
Clear Lake, IA
Jan. 29th, 2026

This is a "Midwest Sounds" recording (MWS403)

Lineage: Zoom H1Essential (32-Bit Float)

-Feel free to remaster, share freely anywhere else, or convert to MP3. Please don't sell it or profit from it in any way. If you enjoy this show, support the artist by buying/streaming their music, attending a show or buying merch.

More pictures here: Link

Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50s

http://www.richieleeproductions.com/

1. Intro
2. C'mon Everybody (Eddie Cochran cover)
3. Somethin' Else (Eddie Cochran cover)
4. Tallahassee Lassie (Freddy Cannon cover)
5. Palisades Park (Freddy Cannon cover)
6. Tossin' and Turnin' (Bobby Lewis cover)
7. Poor Little Fool (Rick Nelson cover)
8. It's Up to You (Rick Nelson cover)
9. In Dreams (Roy Orbison cover)
10. Crying (Roy Orbison cover)
11. Only the Lonely (Roy Orbison cover)
12. Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison cover)
13. All My Love (Oh Boy) (Sonny West cover)
14. Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly cover)
15. Rave On! (Sonny West cover)
16. Chantilly Lace (The Big Bopper cover)
17. Come On, Let's Go (Ritchie Valens cover)
18. Donna (Ritchie Valens cover)
19. La bamba (Trad.) (w/ Connie Valens)
20. Great Balls of Fire (Otis Blackwell cover)

Archive.org / Google Drive

This show takes you back to the roots of rock ‘n’ roll history! Iowa-grown Richie Lee started performing at a young age, and over the years has shared the stage with many rock ‘n’ roll greats. The band stays true to the sounds of the original songs and their artists, including Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Elvis Presley, and many more.

Austin Allsup

https://www.austinallsup.com/

1. Intro
2. Not Fade Away (The Crickets cover)
3. That'll Be the Day (The Crickets cover)
4. Big Boss Man (Jimmy Reed cover)
5. Maybe Baby (The Crickets cover)
6. Raining in My Heart (Boudleaux Bryant cover)
7. Some Days
8. (You're the) Devil in Disguise (Elvis Presley cover)
9. Heartbeat (Buddy Holly cover)
10. Bony Moronie (Larry Williams cover)
11. White Lightning (The Big Bopper cover)

Archive.org / Google Drive

Continuing the family musical legacy started by his father, Tommy Allsup – who played guitar with Buddy Holly on the 1959 Winter Dance Party Tour and was a regular at the Surf Ballroom himself –Allsup is an alum of NBC’s “The Voice,” and has cultivated his own gritty style as an original artist.

Jay and the Americans

https://www.jayandtheamericans.com/

1. Intro
2. Only in America
3. Let's Lock the Door (And Throw Away the Key)
4. The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore) (Frankie Valli cover)
5. Up on the Roof (Carole King cover)
6. She Cried (Ted Darryl cover)
7. Some Enchanted Evening (Richard Rodgers cover)
8. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (Barry Mann cover)
9. Let It Be Me (Gilbert Bécaud cover)
10. Cara Mia (David Whitfield cover)
11. Stand by Me (Ben E. King cover)
12. Walking in the Rain (The Ronettes cover)
13. Such a Night (Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters cover)
14. I Saw Her Standing There (The Beatles cover) > I'll Be Back (The Beatles cover) > Day Tripper (The Beatles cover)
15. Just Like Me (Paul Revere and the Raiders cover) > Kicks (Paul Revere and the Raiders cover)
16. Come a Little Bit Closer
17. This Magic Moment (The Drifters cover) > Cara Mia (David Whitfield cover)
18. Outro

Sandy Deanne- Vocals
Marty Sanders- Vocals, Guitar
Jay Reincke- Vocals
Darren Dowler- Vocals, Guitar
Lenie Colacino- Bass
Rick Van Horn- Drums

Archive.org / Google Drive

One of the most enduring vocal groups to emerge from the 1960s, known for their unforgettable hits and smooth harmonies. With a blend of old-school charm and modern energy, the group continues to captivate fans of all ages.

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Tapers notes: Night 1 of 3 of the Winter Dance Party 2026. The Winter Dance Party is always one of the highlights of the year for me, and it always delivers. It's a great week to catch up with friends I haven't seen since last year, eat at restaurants I haven't eaten at in a year, and see some great bands. Some of them are there annually and it's always good to catch up with them, as well as see some new bands I would have never gotten a chance to if not for the WDP. Richie Lee and Austin Allsup were solid as always, they've become staples of the WDP, and really seem to embrace their Clear Lake "family" as much as we embrace them. Jay and the Americans were great, a lot of these bands from the 50's have no original members left and tour as a cover band more than anything, but the band still has two originals left (Sandy & Marty). As with last years recordings, these are not perfect, I set my recorder in one place and let it go for the night. So, keep that in mind when listening, these are not being advertised as "A+" recordings or anything, just a document of a moment in time, flaws and all.

"Got a mind to ramble, got a mind to roam
I'm travelin' light and I'm slow coming home"

Alicia Witt, Electric Fetus, Minneapolis, MN- 12/18/25

Alicia Witt
Electric Fetus
Minneapolis, MN
Dec. 22nd, 2025

This is a "Midwest Sounds" recording (MWS402)

Lineage: Zoom H2 internal mics

-Feel free to remaster, share freely anywhere else, or convert to MP3. Please don't sell it or profit from it in any way. If you enjoy this show, support the artist by buying/streaming their music, attending a show or buying merch.

More pictures here: Link

https://www.aliciawittmusic.com/

1. Intro
2. I Think I'm Spending Christmas With You
3. O Holy Night (Adolphe Adam cover)
4. Weird Time of Year
5. Lonely Holy Christmas
6. December 26th

Archive.org / Google Drive

Monday, December 22nd at 12:30 pm, award-winning singer/pianist/actor Alicia Witt will celebrate the holidays at Electric Fetus with an in-store performance! Following her performance, Alicia will sign copies of I Think I'm Spending Christmas With You on vinyl and CD. This event is free and open to all ages.

I Think I'm Spending Christmas With You is Alicia Witt's 7th release and debut as solo producer. It includes her original renditions of Christmas classics like “O Holy Night,” “The First Noel,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” alongside nine new original holiday songs, including the title track.

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Tapers notes: My last recording of 2025, and it was deinitely a fun one. I knew of Alicia more from her acting, but I really enjoyed her Christmas album, so I was excited when I saw this show pop up. She was in town to play a full band show at the Dakota later that night, but at this in-store appearance it was just her and a keyboard, but that was really all that was needed, her voice carried the songs just fine. 2025 was a fun year in music, I made my 400th recording, saw some new artists, spent time with artists I've known for years, and met some great people along the way. Looking forward to 2026, I've already got a handful of shows on the list!

"Got a mind to ramble, got a mind to roam
I'm travelin' light and I'm slow coming home"

Cornbread Harris, Hook And Ladder Theater, Minneapolis, MN- 12/18/25

Cornbread Harris
Hook And Ladder Theater
Minneapolis, MN
Dec. 18th, 2025

This is a "Midwest Sounds" recording (MWS401)

Lineage: LyxPro SDPC-2 mics > Zoom H4Essential (32-Bit Float)

-Feel free to remaster, share freely anywhere else, or convert to MP3. Please don't sell it or profit from it in any way. If you enjoy this show, support the artist by buying/streaming their music, attending a show or buying merch.

More pictures here: Link

https://cornbreadharris.bandcamp.com/

Set 1

1. Intro
2. Blue Blue Blue
3. Deeper Blues
4. Gloria (In Excelsis Deo) (Trad.)
5. When I Been Drinking (Big Bill Broonzy cover)
6. Merry Christmas, Baby (Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers cover)
7. Candy Man
8. Blue Christmas (Doye O’Dell cover)
9. Intermission Riff

Set 2

1. ?
2. What Child Is This? (William Chatterton Dix cover)
3. ?
4. The Little Drummer Boy (The Trapp Family Singers cover)
5. Night Train (Jimmy Forrest cover)
6. Please Come Home for Christmas (Charles Brown cover)
7. Pennies From Heaven (Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra cover)
8. Jingle Bells (James Lord Pierpont cover)
9. Twas the Night Before Christmas (Fred Waring & His Pennsylvanians cover)
10. ?

Cornbread Harris- Vocals, Piano
Steve Clark- Saxophone, Flute
Benjamin Link- Trombone
Maurice Jacox- Saxophone, Vocals
Doug Hill- Drums
Scott Soule- Bass, Vocals
Jon Pederson- Guitar
Nathan Berry- Trombone, Cornet
Sam Brooks- Saxophone
Bobby Jay- Trumpet

Archive.org / Google Drive

The Hook and Ladder Theater is proud to again host this very special, intimate Holiday Blues Show with the one and only Cornbread Harris and Friends on Thursday, December 18th at The Hook and Ladder Theater. 

James Samuel “Cornbread” Harris, Sr. (born April 23, 1927) is an American musician and Twin Cities legend. The Cornbread, as he often refers to himself, has been playing blues, boogie-woogie and rock n roll piano for Twin Cities audiences for decades…roughly 7 of them now. Yes, Cornbread opened for The King (Elvis). Yes, a young Cornbread appeared on MN’s first recorded rock & roll record (with Augie Garcia). Yes, Cornbread has been the recipient of numerous prestigious (Blues Hall of Fame, Sally Award, etc.) recognitions. Yes, Cornbread is Jimmy Jam’s dad.

 

But, the fact that Cornbread still holds down weekly and monthly gigs across the Twin Cities at restaurants like The Loring Pasta Bar and Hells Kitchen, as well as playing local music venues, weddings, churches, old folks homes and private events as often as he can, is what might just make him the most special artist in our artist-rich community.

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Tapers notes: None.

"Got a mind to ramble, got a mind to roam
I'm travelin' light and I'm slow coming home"

Erik Koskinen, Oak Center General Store, Lake City, MN- 12/13/25

Erik Koskinen
Oak Center General Store
Lake City, MN
Dec. 13th, 2025

This is a "Midwest Sounds" recording (MWS400)

Lineage: LyxPro SDPC-2 mics > Zoom H4Essential (32-Bit Float)

-Feel free to remaster, share freely anywhere else, or convert to MP3. Please don't sell it or profit from it in any way. If you enjoy this show, support the artist by buying/streaming their music, attending a show or buying merch.

-Thanks as always to Erik for allowing me to record.

More pictures here: Link

https://erikkoskinen.com/

Set 1

1. Intro
2. Devil's Blues
3. Long Drive
4. Pocket Full of Money
5. Treat Me So Bad
6. The Unemployment Line
7. On Christmas Day
8. First Time in Years
9. Broke Down

Set 2

1. Intro
2. Darlin'
3. Big Plane
4. Free Money
5. Cruising Paradise the Long Way Around
6. Gun
7. Keep My Baby With Me
8. Pony to Ride
9. Six Pack of Beer and a Pack of Cigarettes
10. 4th of July

Erik Koskinen- Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Josh Gravelin- Bass Guitar
Richard Medek- Drums
Kora Melia- Fiddle

Archive.org / Google Drive

Erik Koskinen is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, whose music is not categorized by sub-genres. Stylistically he is on his own while heavily influenced by American roots music. The rhythmic integrity and musical tone is as important as the lyrical content and the artistic intent. Koskinen has reverently entered the anthology of uniquely crafted wry songs with the likes of Woody Guthrie and Ry Cooder while speaking as plainly as your neighbor. The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls Koskinen “the real deal” and “The best country songwriter in Minnesota”

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Tapers notes: None.

"Got a mind to ramble, got a mind to roam
I'm travelin' light and I'm slow coming home"

Josie Sanken, River House Kitchen + Drinks, Hutchinson, MN- 12/12/25

Josie Sanken
River House Kitchen + Drinks
Hutchinson, MN
Dec. 12th, 2025

This is a "Midwest Sounds" recording (MWS399)

Lineage: SBD > Zoom H4Essential (32-Bit Float) + Zoom H4Essential Internals

-Feel free to remaster, share freely anywhere else, or convert to MP3. Please don't sell it or profit from it in any way. If you enjoy this show, support the artist by buying/streaming their music, attending a show or buying merch.

-Thanks as always to Josie for allowing me to record.

More pictures here: Link

https://www.facebook.com/JSANKENMUSIC/

Set 1

1. It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas (Perry Como cover)
2. White Christmas (Irving Berlin cover)
3. Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver cover)
4. Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley cover)
5. Stuck Like Glue (Sugarland cover)
6. Blue Christmas (Doye O’Dell cover)
7. Jingle Bells (James Lord Pierpont cover)
8. Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days) (The Judds cover)
9. I Will Wait (Mumford & Sons cover)
10. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (Whitney Houston cover)
11. The First Noel (Trad.)
12. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt cover)
13. A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay cover)
14. Ring of Fire (Merle Kilgore cover)
15. Something in the Orange (Zach Bryan cover)
16. Leaving on a Jet Plane (John Denver cover)
17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (If Only in My Dreams) (Bing Crosby cover)
18. Last Christmas (Wham! cover)
19. O Holy Night (Adolphe Adam cover)
20. Automatic (Miranda Lambert cover)
21. Royals (Lorde cover)

Set 2

1. Drift Away (Mentor Williams cover)
2. Silver Bells (Bing Crosby cover)
3. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee cover)
4. Parachute (Chris Stapleton cover)
5. When the Stars Go Blue (Ryan Adams cover)
6. Harper Valley PTA (Jeannie C. Riley cover)
7. In the Bleak Midwinter (Harold Edwin Darke cover)
8. Deck the Halls (Trad.)
9. Make You Feel My Love (Bob Dylan cover)
10. Heads Carolina, Tails California (Jo Dee Messina cover)
11. We Danced Anyway (Deana Carter cover)
12. Someone Like You (Adele cover)
13. Boondocks (Little Big Town cover)
14. Wagon Wheel (Bob Dylan cover)
15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Martin cover)

Archive.org / Google Drive

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Tapers notes: None.

"Got a mind to ramble, got a mind to roam
I'm travelin' light and I'm slow coming home"