Joyful

“Joyful Mexo-Americana fusion, with virtuosic musical skill and virtuous harmonies.” (TIME.com)

"Whether it’s just David Wax on his jarana (a Mexican instrument similar to a guitar) and Suz Slezak playing the fiddle or the quijada (an instrument made out of a donkey’s jawbone) or with a full band including drums, an upright bass and even a dancer, David Wax Museum always puts on captivating set. At first it’s easy to be skeptical of these peculiar instruments, but after you see them played you’ll be wondering why more bands don’t implement the jarana or the quijada." (#8, The Best Live Acts of 2011, Paste Magazine, Adam Vitcavage)

The third night of Global Roots Festival 2011 celebrates the music of migrants and travellers.

Dikanda is a young Polish band that plays a mix of traditional East-European and gypsy music, plus their own compositions.

Aar Maanta is a charismatic Somali-born singer who has assembled a multinational band in his new home of London, and has been described by young British Somalis as "the voice of our generation." He takes traditional Somali singing and puts it into a modern, cross-cultural context.

This event is FREE! Cedar donors will have the option of early admission (6.45pm). Partially seated show.

The Cedar welcomes back the Finnish-Norwegian fiddling folksters Frigg, a firm fan favorite from their knockout appearances at Nordic Roots Festivals and on A Prairie Home Companion. With their wall of fiddles, youthful energy, and creative instrumentation that includes a double bass, guitar/dobro, and cittern, Frigg are a force to be reckoned with, and a live "must-see." Opening tonight will be Minnesota Finnish folk fiddle and guitar duo Kaivama.

The Cedar is now fully air-conditioned for your year-round comfort!

Ticket options and info

Cedar indie folk faves Roma di Luna celebrate the joys of family and Christmas in their first ever Cedar Christmas Family show!

Tickets go on sale at noon Fri Oct 22 from the Cedar Ticketline (612-338-2674 ext 2), from hard-working Cedar volunteers in the front lobby during shows, from Cedar outlets (Electric Fetus, Irish on Grand, Homestead Pickin' Parlor, and Depth of Field), and online at Ticketweb.

All Cedar shows are all ages. Students with ID may gain discounted admission for tickets purchased at the door.

As Thanksgiving 2010 draws to a close, be sure to leave a little in reserve for a show that promises to be the crowning event of the holiday weekend: American icon, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and soul/gospel legend Mavis Staples live at The Cedar!  Her new album You Are Not Alone (produced by Jeff Tweedy) mixes traditional gospel numbers with two new songs written for Mavis by Tweedy, plus her unique interpretations of songs by Pops Staples, Randy Newman, Allen Toussaint, John Fogerty, Rev. Gary Davis and Little Milton. You Are Not Alone caps an incredible decade for Mavis Staples, a resurgence that saw her receive Grammy nominations in blues, gospel, folk, and pop categories.

“I wanted to make an album where every song had meaning,” Mavis says of the new album, “where every song told a story and would lift you up and give you a reason to get up in the morning. And I know it’s going to feel really good singing these songs on stage.”

It has been a long wait for fans of folk-pop singer-songwriter couple Deb Talan and Steve Tannen, but they have been in no hurry as they worked to refine the new material that makes up their new release Be My Thrill (Nettwerk, Aug 31, 2010). Be part of the thrill as the Weepies make their first stop at The Cedar, and showcase their new songs, along with the old favorites.

Tickets are on sale now from the Cedar Ticketline (612-338-2674 ext 2), from hard-working Cedar volunteers in the front lobby during shows, and online at Ticketweb.

Join in the celebration as singer-songwriter Ellis celebrates the release of her seventh album Right on Time. You'll be smiling right along with Ellis as you get drawn in by her warmth, and hear the real-life journeys she presents in her songs. An engaging and inspired writer, singer and performer who is full of light and spirit, Ellis brings a rare sense of joy when she shares what she loves doing best with her audience.

Tickets go on sale at noon Fri Jul 30 from the Cedar Ticketline (612-338-2674 ext 2), from hard-working Cedar volunteers in the front lobby during shows, from Cedar outlets (Electric Fetus, Irish on Grand, Homestead Pickin' Parlor, and Depth of Field), and online at Ticketweb.

Global Roots Festival 2010 brings in the big brass to kick things off: the wild gypsy brass music of Mahala Rai Banda (Romania), and the funky dhol 'n' brass North Indian Bhangra fusion of NYC's Red Baraat. Both bands are renowned for the incredible energy they bring to their live performances.

Global Roots Festival Special: Buy a Festival Pass for only $49, and gain entry to all four Global Roots Festival 2010 shows! Buy passes from Ticketweb, or the Cedar Ticketline (612-338-2674 ext 2), or from a hard-working Cedar volunteer in the front lobby during shows.

Tickets go on sale at noon Fri Jul 16 from the Cedar Ticketline (612-338-2674 ext 2), from hard-working Cedar volunteers in the front lobby during shows, from Cedar outlets (Electric Fetus, Irish on Grand, Homestead Pickin' Parlor, and Depth of Field), and online at Ticketweb.

Two stunning multi-instrumentalists performing as a duo for a special, limited U.S. tour. Molsky is well known in the American old-time music community for his fiddling, but also sings and plays guitar and banjo. Möller is "the Quincy Jones of Swedish folk," whose multiple projects include Frifot, a duo with Scottish fiddler Aly Bain, and his own world music big band.

The return of one of Africa's most popular and beloved musicians: Malian guitarist Habib Koité and his band Bamada! Habib descends from a line of griots, traditional troubadors who provide wit, wisdom and entertainment. His charisma and magnetism translates and transcends all cultures. With his most recent songs, Habib is transposing his role of modern-day griot into a facilitator helping fellow Africans survive in the Western-dominated, industrialized world. Read more »