The 2025 Sessions
at Garver Feed Mill

THURSDAY JUNE 19

Armchair Boogie!

Put on your boogie shoes and catch the lightning-fast sound of Armchair Boogie! This quartet is known for powerful harmonies, timeless originals, choice covers and unforgettable live performances. There’s no cure for Armchair Boogie fever except to see another show!

Madtown Mannish Boys

Madtown Mannish Boys is a Madison-based blues band steeped in Chicago-style blues and influenced by artists like Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Otis Spann. Some of their tunes are harmonica-driven; others are soulful ballads, heavily inspired by the likes of Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. This mix of styles and genres makes for a super-dynamic show that will keep you dancing! 

SlipJig

Slipjig plays Celtic music featuring fiery dance tunes, colorful ballads, sweet airs and rich harmonies. The group features multiple vocalists, including Ruthie McQuinn and Grammy-nominated Sheila Shigley.

Caravan

The amazing instrumentalists of acoustic jazz group Caravan specialize in the jazz stylings of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. Their music also is influenced by American Swing, traditional Latin, Parisian Waltz, European Folk and other vintage-jazz sources. Caravan has five CDs and their music has been featured in films, on TV and in ads and YouTube shorts. 

Johannes Wallman and Precarious Towers

Precarious Towers is an all-star Midwestern collaborative band founded by pianist and UW Jazz Professor Johannes Wallmann, featuring Downbeat ‘rising star’ alto saxophonist and flutist Sharel Cassity (Chicago), Milwaukee vibraphonist Mitchell Shiner, drummer Devin Drobka and Madison bassist John Christensen. 

Frank Martin Busch & The Names

From dusty dirt roads to dive bar neon, modern troubadours Frank Martin Busch & The Names carve their own brand of country, seasoned with alt-twang and amazing storytelling. Frank weaves tales of small-town dreams and restless hearts, and the musicianship of The Names - a tight-knit crew of drums, bass, guitar and fiddle - adds depth to every chorus. 

The No Name String Band

The No Name String Band music collective distills the heart of old-time fiddle music, jazz/funk improvisation and Latin rhythms into their uniquely “new time” sound. The band spins its own groove on light-footed and hard-driving barn dance tunes, while slowing down to explore more introspective originals. 

FRIDAY JUNE 20

Iris DeMent

Iris DeMent is one of America’s finest singer-songwriters and a fierce advocate for human rights. Her inimitable voice and unforgettable melodies are rooted in hymns, gospel and old country music, and her lyrics shimmer with humor, insight and tenderness. 

Her hopeful newest record, “Workin’ On A World,” is her seventh album. On it, DeMent addresses social justice, gun control, politics, aging and loss as only she can - with compassion and her strong belief in music as a healing balm. The title single won 2024 Song of the Year at the International Folk Music Awards. 

Ben Ferris Octet

You won’t want to miss a beat of music from Madison’s talented Ben Ferris Octet. Headed by bassist, composer and educator Ben Ferris, the octet plays a diverse selection of jazz from the 1920s thru today with the sound of a big band and the clarity of a trio. 

Joel Paterson
Annie Dolan

Chicago guitarist Joel Paterson brings you the best in jazz, blues, rockabilly and country and western swing. He is one of the busiest guitar and steel guitarists on the roots music scene today. Joining him is LA-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Annie Dolan, a fresh new voice on today’s rock and roots music scene. 

Jane Hobson

Jane Hobson is a talented singer-songwriter based in Madison and Chicago. She blends post-punk, indie rock and folk to create her hard-driving yet poetic sound. Musical influences include Killdozer (her dad Dan was the drummer), The Cranberries, Snail Mail and Big Thief, all of which add to her hard-rocking style. Her latest album is 2024’s “Attic Days.”

Mary Mack

Mary Mack’s stand-up showcase with other comedians is always a Sessions highlight. Delightfully observant Mack describes herself as a folk humorist, using storytelling and her strong northern-Wisconsin accent as part of her act. Her latest comedy album, “Scott and the ATM Machine,” was released in 2024.

SATURDAY JUNE 21

Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound

Milwaukee music legend Paul Cebar takes cues from the dance bands of western Louisiana and his native Midwest, the streets of New Orleans, touring African and Caribbean combos and the soul, funk and blues and coffeehouse scenes of his youth. He is joined by Tomorrow Sound: drummer Reggie Bordeaux, multi-instrumentalist Bob Jennings on keys and reeds and bassist Mike Fredrickson. 

Saideira Pagode

Saideira Pagode plays Brazilian ‘pagode’ music, which is a roots, samba-style music type from Rio. Pagode is often played and sung on tables in backyards and bars. The energetic Saideira group is made up of several longtime members of The Handphibians. 

Los Chechos

Los Chechos is a band of good friends and brothers who recreate some of Latin America's best sounds, from reggae/ska and cumbia to pop-rock. The band, led by multilingualist Alejandro Punguil, sings in Spanish, English and Portuguese. The group features guitarists Matt Manske and Jeff Alexander, bassist Kevin Knapp, keyboardist Peter Baggenstoss, percussionist Marcel Colbert and drummer Josh Pultorak.

The Apologists

The Apologists, east Madison’s garage-country heroes, play driving, engaging music with excellent guitars and powerful rhythms and harmonies. The quartet has played together for 20+ years and their influences include everyone from Johnny Cash to Johnny Thunders, P.J.Harvey to Dolly Parton and Gram Parsons to the Gang of Four. 

Grupo 
Rebulu

Grupo Rebulu is an Afro-Colombian music ensemble made up of some of the finest Colombian musicians in the U.S. From traditional songs to original compositions, Rebulu’s music is loaded with energy, history and danceability and makes for a true cultural experience. 

The Cash Box Kings

Look forward to a rollicking good time with blues band The Cash Box Kings! The Kings specialize in Chicago-style blues from the 1940s and 1950s, as well as Delta-style blues from the 1920s and 1930s. They are one of the best blues bands of our time and a returning Sessions favorite! 

Tani Diakite & the Afrofunkstars

Tani Diakite is a musical force who has inspired many other artists in the community. With his Kamale n’goni (a west African ancestor to the banjo), and his plaintive singing, Diakite and the Afrofunkstars drop the deepest blues around. 

Fareed Haque Group

Guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque leads this jazz quartet. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, Haque’s command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation. Featuring Larry Gray on bass, drummer Paul Wertico and Casey Nielson, electric/acoustic guitar. 

The Periodicals

The Periodicals are a British-American, Wisconsin-based ten-piece band that features stellar guitars, horns, keyboards, violin and sensational vocals. They earn rave reviews for their tight live sets that blend northern soul with alternative rock. 

Mary Mack Comedy Showcase

Catch some zingers from Sessions comedic favorite Mary Mack and friends. Mack describes herself as a folk humorist, using storytelling and her strong northern-Wisconsin accent as part of her act. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll go home smiling! 

Los Texmaniacs 

Los Texmaniacs have established themselves as leaders in Texas roots music, blending Tex-Mex conjunto, Texas rock and blues-R&B. Max Baca excels on the bajo sexto (a twelve-string guitar-like instrument) while his nephew Josh plays accordion. Together, they form the lively core of the conjunto sound.

Johnny Chimes Moses Patrou

Johnny Chimes is a self-named “jambalaya” of Southern blues, boogie-woogie piano, finger-style guitar picking and sweet soul singing. With special guest Moses Patrou on drums and percussion, you’re guaranteed an epic performance. 

Dave Landau

Madison’s charismatic Dave Landau has been a beloved children’s entertainer for 20+ years. He combines music, comedy and interactive fun for small humans ages two to eight. 

Chris Wagoner and Mary Gaines  

Based in Madison, the award-winning husband and wife duo of Mary Gaines (cello, guitar, bass, vocals) and Chris Wagoner (violin, mandolins, pastel, ukelele, guitar, accordion, vocals) play an eclectic mix of Americana - original and classic tunes ranging from folk to jazz, bluegrass to blues, honky-tonk and a little singer-songwriter on the side. 

Low Czars 

Low Czars is a highly talented cover band that plays power-pop, folk, garage-rock and R&B. The band’s repertoire lists more than 300 songs, including music by The Kinks, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Merle Haggard, Flamin’ Groovies, Cheap Trick, Elvis Costello, Big Star, Hawkwind and Swamp Dogg. 

SUNDAY JUNE 22

Robin Pluer and Mrs. Fun

Intelligent lyrics, stellar musicianship and a dynamic stage presence are hallmarks of Robin Pluer and Mrs. Fun. Their music blends off-center jazz, ultra-funk, spoken word rap and their own brand of neo-cabaret. The Mrs. Fun sound comes from Connie Grauer’s funky bass keyboard and Kim Zick’s skillful drum licks.

The Matchsellers

Hailing from Kansas City via Germany, the Matchsellers’ songs weave a tapestry of storytelling, humor and nostalgia. Top-notch acoustic harmonies, musicianship and dynamic song and stagecraft make the Matchsellers one of the most sought-after acoustic acts in the Midwest and beyond. 

Art Stevenson and High Water

Since 1993, Art Stevenson and High Water have kept traditional bluegrass music alive and thriving. Their repertoire includes bluegrass classics from Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers as well as early country, mountain songs and their own originals. They have released seven CDs, receive frequent airplay on radio shows nationwide and annually host the Bluegrass In The Pines festival in Rosholt, WI. 

Jon Langford and The Waco Brothers

Chicago’s Waco Brothers are an alt-country/punk rock band first formed in the ‘90s by Jon Langford of The Mekons. The band has aptly been described by Rolling Stone as “The Clash meets Cash” and has a fistful of ferocious albums and endlessly entertaining live gigs such as you’ll see here at the Sessions! 

Dry River Goats

Madison’s Dry River Goats play a blend of folk, alt-country and Americana. The band is led by singer-songwriter Kurt Klinger, whose songs may seem simple on the surface but evoke a deep understanding of the human condition. Featuring Scott Carome, backing vocals and guitar; Lily Ahrens, fiddle; Stan Welch, drums/percussion; Ken Keeley, bass; and Ryan Porter, pedal steel and dobro.

Madison Choro Ensemble

Originally inspired by a trip to São Paulo, the Madison Choro Ensemble took on the task of learning choro, a difficult music style that emerged out of 19th century classical music and morphed into response to 20th century jazz. The band adds its own spin, and also performs bossa nova classics. The group features a number of guest soloists and is made up of top-tier musicians from other area groups. 

Pupy Costello and The New Hiram Kings

One of our hardest working classic country and Western swing crooners, Pupy Costello, together with The New Hiram Kings, bring you the best from a deep treasure trove of American music. Look forward to classic Western swing chestnuts, Southern hits from the 1950s and hard-core, honky-tonk drinking songs! 

Cris Plata and Extra Hot

Tex-Mex songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Cris Plata blends norteno, conjunto and ranchera music into a new form. Together with Extra Hot, Plata’s mission is to bring original country and Mexican roots music to the masses.