Hook and Ladder continues outstanding lineup of performances

There are a lot of fabulous concerts planned at the Hook and Ladder Theater Lounge in downtown Longfellow, 3010 Minnehaha Ave. All of these performances are for adults (21+). Tickets for all shows are available via Ticketfly. Some of the upcoming shows to watch for:

Teague Alexy Band The Circuit Sessions CD Release Party with special guests including: • Trevor James Americana Rebel • Thirsty River String Band Fri., Apr. 7, 2017 Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm Advance $7 / Day of Show $10

Award-winning Duluth musician, author and storyteller Teague Alexy is probably best known for his Americana songwriting in the national touring brothers duo Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank. Teague’s songwriting is clearly influenced by his home in Minnesota as well as his childhood in New Jersey and life as a traveling musical hobo. Teague's storytelling side has deeper roots to his Irish ancestry. His new album Circuit Sessions combines multiple musical genres into a powerful new collection of Teague’s poetic songs with the lion-strong production and rhythm section of Eric Pollard (Actual Wolf) and Steve Garrington (Low) joined by Minneapolis guitarist Jake Hanson (Haley Bonar). Singer/songwriter Trevor James (of Tin Can Gin) holds no shame for what he says in his songs. He tells it the way it is. Raised in Minnesota but born in Florida he holds southern charm and Midwest nice with open arms. In spring 2016 Trevor recorded his first album called Broken Heart Express. The album is a presentation of Trevor's next chapter in music, showing a different side of music interest. The album is a mix of bluegrass, modern Americana, old country, delta blues and Irish traditional. The Thirsty River String Band is a group of guys that like to play music about the vices of our being—the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems. Only a couple years into their musical journey, Thirsty River have already created a very enjoyable, bright and bouncing EP that showcases their soothing vocal harmonies and highly-competent musicianship.

]The Magnolias plus • Johnny Rey & The Reaction • The Boot R&B Sat., Apr. 8 Doors 7:30pm / Show 8:30pm Advance $7 / Day of Show $10

It's hard to believe it's been over a quarter century since The Magnolias rock 'n' roll mission began. This period has seen music critics call them "Minneapolis' scruffy also-rans" and "little brothers" of more well-known Twin Cities groups The Replacements, Husker Du and Soul Asylum. Although The Magnolias were a few years younger than these bands, passage of time has revealed what fans always knew—at their best, The Magnolias were, and still are, second to none. With a twin buzz-saw guitar attack, sturdy yet flexible rhythm section, John Freeman's inimitable caterwauling and top-notch songwriting, the band created a sound that was instantly identifiable, as well as enduring. Johnny Rey has been a fixture of the vibrant Twin Cities music scene for four decades. As guitar player, and original member, of the Rock/New Wave band Flamingo, Johnny played extensive dates in the 5-state region as well as playing the legendary Longhorn Bar in downtown Minneapolis opening for everyone from The Talking Heads to Elvis Costello, The Only Ones and Patti Smith.

Saturday Night Dance Party • Sexy Delicious • Apollo Cobra Sat., Apr. 15 Doors 8pm / Show 9pm Advance $7 / Day of Show $10

Gangster Jazz. Quasi-Bohemian retro-pop. No matter how you describe them, Sexy Delicious has quickly become one of the most memorable bands to leave their mark on the Twin Cities music scene in the last half-decade. They start with a generous helping of sly rhythms, add a dash of dry wit, and serve with a cool mint julep and a pile of freshly printed money. Apollo Cobra is a different kind of Twin City power 3-piece band, employing analog synthesizers, drum machines, bass guitars, samples, vocals and HUGE beats to create what you hear on a stage...without the use of laptops. And what you hear is simply infectious, dance inducing music! Other performances:

BIG FAT LOVE: 9th Annual Celebration of John Prine's 1/2 Birthday Thur., Apr. 6 Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm Advance $7 / Day of Show $10

Bernie King & The Guilty Pleasures CD Release plus • The Jake Manders Band • Brady Perl Fri., Apr. 14 Doors 8pm / Show 9pm Advance $7 / Day of Show $10 • $15 (CD & Ticket Combo) The Night Before 20 with • Ginstrings • The Wooks Wed., Apr. 19 Doors 5pm / Show 7pm Advance $7 / Day of Show $10 The 4/20 (Rock ‘n) Roll Show featuring • Dead Man Boys Choir • 20 Watt Tombstone • Jesse D. Revel Thur., Apr. 20 Doors 8pm / Show 9pm Advance $6 / Day of Show $9