FLANNEL FEST
FLANNEL FEST
The Jayhawks/The Macot Theory/Beth Kille Band/Allison Mahal
November 11 @ 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 11, 2023 @ 6PM
FLANNEL FEST
THE JAYHAWKS
THE MASCOT THEORY
BETH KILLE BAND
ALLISON MAHAL
This is a General Admission Show.
Tickets: $40 ADV/$45 DOS
VIP: $50 ADV/$55 DOS
VIP includes a seat in the VIP section (front rows of the balcony) plus early entrance to the event.
EVENT BIO:
Join us for the 10th Anniversary of Flannel Fest, a celebration of music benefitting the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund that keeps our Wisconsin neighbors in need safe in their homes.
With performances by The Jayhawks, The Mascot Theory, Beth Kille Band, and Allison Mahal.
Flannel Fest has raised over $95,000 for the Keep WI Warm/Cool Fund over the past 9 years of Flannel Fest events, thanks to generous sponsors, matching grants, and all the amazing event attendees! Thank YOU for helping us keep our Wisconsin neighbors in need safely in their homes!
LINEUP:
The Jayhawks:
The Jayhawks and their rootsy sound were definitely swimming against the tide when they emerged from a crowded Minnesota music scene in 1985. Over the course of almost 4 decades, 11 albums, countless memorable live shows, and enough personal drama to fill a couple of Behind the Music episodes, this beloved band soared to heights few ever achieve while winning the hearts and minds of numerous critics, fans, and peers in the process. After releasing two Indie albums in the 80s The Jayhawks signed with American Recordings in 1991 and over the next decade released 5 challenging, at times groundbreaking, albums, toured the world to widespread acclaim and even survived the departure of foundingmember Mark Olson in 1995. After a hiatus in the mid-2000s, the “classic” 1994 lineup reunited for another new studio album in 2011 and 2 years of solid touring, re-acquainting audiences old and new with the band’s timeless musical vision. 2014 saw a late 90s version of the band led by Gary Louris hitting the road to support the reissues of the 3 Jayhawks albums released from 1997-2003. This lineup released the band’s 9th studio album in 2016, recorded in Portland, OR with producers Peter Buck and TuckerMartine. The band’s next studio album, Back Roads And Abandoned Motels was released in the summer of 2018, featuring Jayhawks versions of songs Gary Louris had previously written with other artists plus 2 new compositions. Recording for a new Jayhawks album was completed in Minnesota in late 2019 and in July 2020 the band released their 11thstudioalbum, XOXO, which features songwriting and lead vocal contributions from all 4 core members. The Jayhawks have made music in 4 different decades and are as vital now as they were in 1985. They definitely have earned their reputation as a true American treasure.
The Mascot Theory:
Casually weaving in and out of rock & roll lanes; Eagles harmonies, Rolling Stones guitar swagger, ZZ Top West Texas stomp, Pink Floyd mood, Tom Petty/Poco-esque melodies, and relatable lyrics, sung by a guy who sounds a bit like Neil Diamond in the right light. The entertainment halt of 2020 forced the band to reflect & refocus musical efforts. With the core foundation of prolific singer/songwriter Erik Kjelland, Nick Fry on bass, and Paul Metz on drums, The Mascot Theory used this time off to slightly shift their sound to a more classic rock inspired Rock & Roll groove, especially thanks to the addition of lead guitarist Cory Swadley who brings a strong musical swagger and reverence to the guitar gods of the past, as well as the addition of keyboardist Brandon Jensen. In 2021 the band made a major leap towards a more national focus when they were discovered and signed by manager Chuck Toler of TolerVision LLC, who helped steer the careers of artists like Cheap Trick and Mudvayne. Toler circulated the band’s music around to trusted colleagues in the business leading to producer Terry Manning (Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Lenny Kravitz, Stax Record) taking interest & agreeing to produce their next album. In April 2022 Manning and the band assembled at Sonic Ranch Studios in Texas to record 15 songs for a future full-length album release. Some of those songs were released on the Big Big EP in early 2023.
Beth Kille Band:
At first glance, you may not know what to make of them. The farm boy, the quiet intellectual, the ex-Marine, all backing up a wild-haired, shoot-from-the-hip, spirited woman. But then, the show begins, and you know you’re about to be wrapped in the arms of a cohesive unit, bonded in the kinship of music. The four members of the Beth Kille Band – Michael Mood (bass, backing vocals), Tony Kille (drums), Michael Tully (guitar, backing vocals) and Kille herself (guitar, mandolin, vocals) – have amassed some impressive accolades. In addition to the numerous songwriting recognitions, Kille grabbed one of her 25 Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) Awards when she was named “Artist of the Year” in 2010 and Tully snagged the highly competitive “Guitarist of the Year” Award in 2014. Their style can best be described as Americana-Rock but these dynamic performers can play everything from folk to funk to in-your-face rock. Their 3rd studio album, “This Open Road,” was released May 26th, 2023.
Allison Mahal:
Midwest folk-rocker Allison Mahal is known for her “powerful voice” and “knack for heartbreaking lyrics” (NPR). On her new album, Not Over This Yet, Mahal is ready to confront the past with brutal honesty and tender consideration. The ten tracks play out like thumbing through a photo album, some snapshots burnt at the edges, blurry and overexposed, others are intricately framed, capturing first impressions of what has grown into a golden-light love. Her latest singles have earned her placements on both Apple Music and Amazon playlists, and the album has garnered attention from the likes of Under The Radar and Consequence of Sound, who wrote, “it feels as though she’s stepped into some of her own power.”