The Listening Room | Fargo ND

Friday - March 2 - 7:30 pm
Lehto & Wright

Lehto & Wright have a sound that is a unique blend of Irish, English and American traditional and modern music. They have taken a fresh approach to the world of folk and folk rock.

John Wright and Steve Lehto perform their material in an acoustic, "unplugged" setting. From American spirituals to Irish tune sets they offer an exciting live performance of traditional and contemporary folk music with an eclectic twist.

If you have been to any of the recent performances by the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra at The Listening Room you will recognize bass player John Wright as their bass player. Wright's background spans many different musical styles including blues, fusion, pop Latin and rock.

Steve Lehto's impressive versatility and range on the guitar is matched only by the emotion he puts into his playing.

"... among North America's best practitioners of Anglo-Celtic folk-rock... wonderfully intricate, powerful guitar-driven music...." -Dirty Linen

Friday - April 6 - 7:30 pm
Drew Nelson with Michael Whisler

This will be Drew's 3rd time at The Listening Room. His base of fans is quickly growing in Fargo. Last year he filled the house. He writes as a witness to the lives and journeys of those he has met along the way, mixing Americana and roots-rock with traditional folk styles. He has has toured across North America and Europe, performing solo and opening for popular rock artists like Melissa Etheridge and esteemed folk singers like John Gorka.

Drew met Gorka the first time in 2006 at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Since then, he has shared the stage with John several times. "Drew Nelson is one of my favorite new artists," Gorka says. "His songs sound like the rest of us feel.dazed, angry, amazed and climbing."

Drew recently signed with Red House Records and has just released his first record with them, "Tilt-A-Whirl." With any luck he'll have plenty copies along! You will want to make reservations early for this concert because we expect to sell out.

Special Guest
Michael Whisler

If this is the first time for you to hear Michael you are in for a treat. I keep booking Michael because I want to hear him make a mistake - just once. The only thing that exceeds his flawless playing is his ability to get better and better. Michael has opened for Drew whenever he has been here. I hate to break a tradition.

Friday - May 18 - 7:30 pm
John Wort Hannam

John Wort Hannam comes from a long line of people who make a living using their hands. His great-great grandfather drove horse and buggy for the village doctor. His great-grandfather was a stevedore, his grandfather, a farmer and his father still works as a master carpenter. Wort Hannam now carries on the tradition making his living writing songs and playing music.

Thriving on live performance, John Wort Hannam is truly happy when he is on the road playing and connecting personally with an audience. He tours extensively in Canada and the US. His many appearances have included a 2009 Mainstage performance at the Kerrville Folk Festival, a 2008 performance at Trafalgar Square and the 2006 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC in conjunction to one of John's songs, "Church of the Long Grass" appearing on the prestigious Folkways recording label.

John has been only working as a professional musician for 10 years, but his list of accomplishments is impressive, to say the least. 2010, Juno Nominated for Roots & Traditional Album Of The Year; 2009, Calgary Folk Festival, Winner of Best Song; 2007, Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Winner; 2006, Calgary Folk Festival, Best Performance; 2005, Two-time Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee; 2005, CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award Winner; 2004, Calgary Folk Festival Best Song.