This fest highlights some of THE TWANGIEST, local Old School Country, Nashville Pop, Outlaw Country, Honky Tonk, Roots, Americana~Yee Haw!

The vibrant Twin cities music scene is known for many things: the sexy groove of Prince, the immediacy of the oft-heralded punk scene, for example - but there is twangy sound that often gets forgotten. But no more. Twangiest at Palmers this year on May 13th is an all day event highlighting the best the area has to offer – from the old school country of John Magnuson; the Nashville pop leanings of Sarah Morris; the pure originality of the Union Suits; the glorious honky tonk sound of Becky Kapell and the Fat 6; Doug Collins and the Receptionists’ poppy take on classic country, and the Americana wondrousness of local institution Molly Maher, Twangfest is a way to get some of the best music currently being played on Twin Cities stages all in one of the most iconic bars in the Twin Cities.

Molly Maher resides on the border between the lands of Americana and the Blues and moves beautifully between them, blending simmer and cool with kick-ass guitar playing.

Molly has traveled the roads of the American music tradition and returned to sing about it with an authentic and sage voice. To see her perform live is an unforgettable experience. An incomparable singer and songwriter with compelling depth and soul and cutting lyrics draws from the deep roots of Americana music. Writing songs that ring true her singing is a fine balance of deep and soulful, somewhere between Lucinda Williams and Bonnie Raitt. Twangy and lament-filled spirit, guitar driven country-folk-jam with a blues swagger.

Called "one of the most brilliant songwriters to emerge from the Twin Cities in nearly two decades" by southernminn.com, Doug Collins's hooky mix of Beatle-esque pop and classic country are highlighted in his energetic shows (both solo and with his crack band, the Receptionists), soulful singing, and honest, emotional songs. His last two CD's were voted "Best of the Year" by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and his most recent, Good Sad News, was voted #3 best American release in Spain by Ruta66 Magazine.

"Late-blooming Minnesota singer-songwriter Becky Kapell writes gritty, no-nonsense songs that come from the crossroads of old-time rock and roll and country, delivered with a wistful croon and a wry smile. Always walking the line between mischief and heartache, her music doesn’t shy away from life’s truths and her own shortcomings, and with over 50 years of life’s ups and downs, she has plenty of material to draw from. Working with her all-star band The Fat 6, Kapell has quickly become a fixture in the Twin Cities music scene, sharing the stage with some of Americana’s biggest acts like Southern Culture on the Skids, Rosie Flores and Wayne Hancock. Having just released her third album In It to Win It in 2022, Becky Kapell is poised to become Minnesota’s next big Americana export. Recorded during the pandemic with partner and bandmate Paul Bergen, it mixes the raw grooves of Lucinda Williams, the haunting sounds of Emmylou and the classic rock and roll feel of Nick Lowe."

Inspired by Classic Country, Vintage Jazz, Jump Blues, and Americana, “The Good Time Gals” are an all-gal band, featuring fresh, fun, originals and uniquely arranged covers that are sure to keep toes tapping and hearts humming along well after the show is over. This act is chock-full of heart, drive, and originality. Though difficult to categorize into a singular genre, all can agree it is where good music and good times meet. Co-founded by “Miss Myra” Burnette of “Miss Myra and The Moonshiners” (guitar and voice) and Debbie Briggs of “Debbie Briggs Vintage Jazz” (lead vocalist) and backed by the formidable musical talents of Beth Varela (cello-bass/percussion), and Alissa Jacobsen (fiddle). These rising stars in the music scene are a “must see” act!The Union Suits are an original midwestern Americana band from Minneapolis, MN via rural Wisconsin. They play good music. They play for keeps.

The Union Suits are an original midwestern Americana band from Minneapolis, MN via rural Wisconsin. They play good music. They play for keeps.

Years ago, John Magnuson was in a Minneapolis band called the Carpetbaggers. John wrote and sang many of the band's songs. In November of 2020, John released an Indie/Folk-Rock-ish record (with splashes of twang) called Barely Noticeable. His eponymous trio consists of Paul McFarland and John Sandbo (when they are available).

4pm - John Magnuson Trio

5pm Union Suits

6pm - Good Time Gals

7pm Becky Kapell

8pm - Doug Collins and the Receptionists

9pm - Molly Maher

IF WEATHER IS CRAP THE SHOW WILL MOVE INDOORS.