The White Squirrel Bar

The Mary Cutrufello Band
2025-12-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
A rock and roll band! Killer harmonies, rippin’ solos, cool songs, funny
shit in between.
Hailed as a country guitarist, Mary Cutrufello grew up on East Coast
classic rock. (Yes, think Springsteen!) This tight, taut trio explores
her songs old and new with the fearless guitars, stories, and
between-song banter she’s known for.

Anthony Kaczynski (The Magnetic Fields, Figures on a Beach, Fireking) w. Paperbacks (album release)
2025-12-26 21:00 - 2025-12-27 00:00
Anthony Kaczynski is a singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. He has been the touring guitarist for The Magnetic Fields since 2016, occasionally leads the rock band Fireking, is a member of The Paid Protesters, who are the house band for a series of “Which Side Are You On?” shows in the Boston area, has a new project with Garret Vandermolen called Ski Van, which just released its first single, sings in the band Gymnasium, plays guitar for Trusty Sidekick, performs solo acoustic shows when the spirit moves him, and is generally in demand as a guitarist and sideman throughout the Boston music scene. He was the co-founder, vocalist, principal lyricist and keyboardist of Figures on a Beach, who began their career in his hometown of Detroit and went on to release two albums on Sire in the 1980s as well as a handful of indie EPs. Anthony is passionate about books, film, and of course music, and thinks that a sesame bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers from Russ & Daughters may be the pinnacle of human achievement.
Paperbacks is an indie pop project helmed by Minneapolis tunesmith Sven-Erik Olsen, whose adventurous, jangly Beatlesque pop gems are undergirded and adorned by the mellifluous bass work of Michael Brewer Carina and the instinctive, offbeat drumming of Dan Greenwood. (For the December 26th White Squirrel show, bassist James Towns and keyboardist Sumanth Gopinath will be sitting in).
Paperbacks became a going concern after a one-off gig in Owatonna in spring 2022. The quartet began touring the midwest and after developing their distinctive repertoire, entered Creation Studios with engineer Zach Hollander in 2023 to record their debut album, First Folio, released in December 2025. Its songs showcase their range: “Feels Magnetic” channels the widescreen feel of The Who’s early 70s anthems; “Suddenly Aglow” bathes a Nick Drake-inspired chamber folk melody in ethereal Enoesque synths; “I Found the Other Way” is a sparkling power pop masterclass; “Sky Is Suspended” marries a sea shanty feel to visionary exhortations; “Maria and the Clouds Move In” couches a folk horror lyric in Latin-tinged rhythms; “Eternal High” hints channels Abbey Road on a downcast day; and effervescent lead single “Cinder Hill” nods to both bossa nova and psychedelic pop.

For more information and tour dates, please visit www.paperbacksmusic.com.

Bury 'Em Deep w. Rank Strangers, TV Moms (NYC)
2025-12-27 13:00 - 16:00
Bury ’em Deep:

From the ashes of such bands as Seymore Saves the World, Superdanger, Me and My Arrow, and Beasthead, rises a dark and brooding indie-western soundtrack for your apocalypse. Scott Hefte and the Bury ‘em Deep have combined to create hellish landscapes of a dystopian nightmare while not forgetting the righteous influences of old school country, indie-pop, and noise rock. The resulting sound is one of Johnny Cash, Phil Collins, and Godspeed You Black Emperor, fighting a bloodless three way cage match for superiority. No one wins but you, when you dig the music of Scott Hefte and the Bury ‘em Deep.

Rank Strangers:

original independent rock music, established 1990
based in minneapolis, minnesota the united states of amerika

TV Moms:

TV Moms are a New York-based grungy, guitar-drums rock band with a sound reminiscent of classic MTV-era power chord rock, featuring heavy, punchy riffs and a jaded, DIY aesthetic. Their music is described as a mix of loud, energetic rock and melodic, sarcastic “bummer rock” and has been compared to bands like Nirvana, Hole, and Pavement.

Big Trouble
2025-12-27 18:00 - 20:00

xLCR w. Glass Eyed Brother, Main Street Free Fall
2025-12-27 21:00 - 2025-12-28 00:00
xLCR: we are an original Mpls based alternative/punk rock band.
Main Street Free Fall: A rock band with a 90s/00s feel of music from Minnesota.

Glass Eyed Brother: A fresh take on modern indie/alt rock music. Formed in early 2023, based in Minneapolis, MN, Glass Eyed Brother does a mix of topical covers and original music pulling influence from Pop, Punk, Metal, Rock, and Alternative Music.

Nato Coles
2025-12-28 13:00 - 16:00

John Magnuson Trio w. Gini Dodds & Terry Isachsen
2025-12-28 18:00 - 20:00
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 Americana Indie/Folk-Rock-ish record (with splashes of twang) called “Barely Noticeable”. In 2024, he released “Waiting For The Water To Recede”. On Sunday December 28 at the White Squirrel Bar, his eponymous trio+ will consist of Paul McFarland on bass, JJ Benson on guitar, Rob Genadek on drums, and Jane Meyer on harmony vocals.
GINI DODDS began writing, recording, and performing in the Twin Cities with her band, The Dahlias, in the 90’s. Pulling from both British and American influences, she has been described as a cross between Chrissie Hynde and Lucinda Williams. On Sunday December 28 at the White Squirrel Bar, she will be backed up by guitarist extraordinaire Terry Isachsen.

Emo Night with Panic at the Costco
2025-12-28 21:00 - 2025-12-29 00:00

Pop Wagner
2025-12-29 18:00 - 20:00

Sun Wave Mountains
2025-12-29 21:00 - 2025-12-30 00:00

The New Havoline Supremes
2025-12-30 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-06 18:00 - 20:00
The New Havoline Supremes are a Twin Cities based band, featuring the legendary Mary Cutrufello on guitar and vocals, and Dan Lowinger on guitar. Formed in October of 2023, the band plays a mix of classic country and Mary’s original tunes, and features Greg Schutte (Ryan Bingham, Mickey Hart, Chasity Brown) on drums, and Erik Lillestol (Cafe Accordion) on bass.

Mary Cutrufello

With 30 years of experience in the music business, Mary Cutrufello is everything from Texas honky-tonk heroine and fiery Midwestern roots-rocker to a powerhouse acoustic performer. Connecticut-raised and Yale-educated, Mary’s musical journey has taken her from the East Coast to Houston and now to Minnesota. Career highlights include: the major label release of ”When the Night is Through,” on Mercury Records in 1998, appearances on national tv shows such as Tonight Show with Jay Leno, appearances at major festivals including Farm Aid, and tours with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Tish Hinojosa. Mary has seven self-released albums, and has played guitar locally for Annie Mack, Michael Perry and the Long Beds, and many others.

Dan Lowinger, a transplant from Portland, OR, is a guitarist steeped in the tradition of Western swing and classic country. Since moving to the Twin Cities in 2017, Dan has become a fixture in the local country and Americana scene, playing on a regular basis with all star Western swing band Honky Tonk Jump, and country rockers Cole Diamond, while also sharing the stage with local greats, Martin Zellar (Gear Daddies), Tony Andreason (The Trashmen), Pat Donohue (Prairie Home Companion) and many others! He has performed regionally and toured nationally with many different country and swing bands from the Pacific Northwest including: The Barn Door Slammers, Ralph Carney’s Pepper Grinders, Vince Mira, and Western Centuries.

Aestis w. Kingpins
2025-12-30 21:00 - 2025-12-31 00:00

3 On A Match w. RVR, Logan Luther & the Road Home
2025-12-31 18:00 - 20:00
3 on a Match:

Roots w/ soul.

3 friends playing the music they love most.

Alissa Jacobsen (Mississippi Hot Club, The Good Time Gals, Thrift Store Sonata)

Matt Evans (Jeff Gavin Band, Chin Whiskers)

Anthony Orlando

RVR:

Euroameripop your azz off.

Logan Luther & The Road Home:

MN Original rnb

Let us funk you into the new year! ! F*ck 2025!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jpOH3OVmtKZF7Gr00aduR?si=xxxWF3uYQ-C3k8BSBMlJtQ

Seculants w. The Gated Community & The Ungrateful Little String Band
2025-12-31 21:00 - 2026-01-01 00:00
Seculants – a four-piece crafting “future folk” steeped in earthy Americana, unexpected rhythms, and dark, cinematic storytelling
seculants (@seculants.band) • Instagram photos and videos

The Gated Community- pursuing the ideals of the American dream as expressed and embodied in the form of country music.
The Gated Community

The Ungrateful Little String Band- humans who happen to play music together, trying to do our part to overthrow the kyriarchy
Ungrateful Little String Band | Facebook

Emmy Woods
2026-01-01 18:00 - 20:00

The Record Club
2026-01-01 21:00 - 2026-01-02 00:00

Devil Dodger
2026-01-02 18:00 - 20:00

Jacob Cloutier
2026-01-02 21:00 - 2026-01-03 00:00

Tin Can Telephone
2026-01-03 13:00 - 16:00

Mammoth Moth
2026-01-03 18:00 - 20:00

David Berman Tribute Show
2026-01-03 21:00 - 2026-01-04 00:00

Joe Nicola w. Rockabilly Mayhem!
2026-01-04 13:00 - 16:00
“Rockabilly Mayhem! is the most dangerous Rockabilly band north of the Mason Dixon Line! Playing Rock-N-Roll from the 1950’s with a twist.”
Joe Nicola is a virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist whose expressive technique and emotive playing have captivated audiences across the globe. With a musical career spanning over two decades, Joe has honed a distinctive sound that blends intricate fingerpicking, melodic inventiveness, and a deep connection to his musical roots. Often compared to the playing of Leo Kottke, Leon Redbone, and Tommy Emmanuel, Nicola’s instrumental acoustic album, “Guitar Music” has been praised by fans and critics alike.

GALACTIC COWBOY ORCHESTRA
2026-01-04 18:00 - 20:00
GALACTIC COWBOY ORCHESTRA was started in 2009 by founding member/bass player John Wright. The band was born out of a desire to play technically challenging music derived from John’s influences ranging from Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Dixie Dregs and King Crimson, to name a few. Wright enlisted the aid of guitarist Dan Neale, who brought to the table many deep Jazz influences in his advanced playing and composing style. Along with the band’s first drummer, Mark O’Day, the beginnings of Galactic Cowboy Orchestra were found. Soon after, violinist (and John’s wife) Lisi Wright joined the band with her aggressive “electric guitar player plays violin” style and engaging stage presence to complete the band’s sound and look. Fast forward 16 years: 6 studio releases (and one live), 3 Downbeat Nominations, a Minnesota Arts Tour Grant, collaborations with symphony orchestras, thousands of miles of touring and the band is just getting started.
2025 sees the GCO with a new studio release and a stronger than ever commitment to create the ultimate musical moment between the players and the audience with their Art Rock/Jazz Fusion creations.

Pass The Mic: D. Santos, Buddha Enki, Darxko, & More
2026-01-04 21:00 - 2026-01-05 00:00

Luke Callen
2026-01-05 18:00 - 20:00

Musical Settings For Shakespeare
2026-01-05 21:00 - 2026-01-06 00:00
Music played a crucial role in the original productions of Shakespeare’s plays. We know this because there are over 70 texts that are supposed to be sung. Unfortunately, most of the original music has been lost, but that also provides a chance for current composers to reset the text in a variety of styles, and that’s what we did. Styles include the Great American Songbook, period correct (i.e., circa 1600), Western swing, glam rock, Scots-Irish folk music, parodies of radio ads from the 1940s, European art song, early 1950s R&B, New Orleans piano ballads, and several other genres, in other words, a little something for everyone. We don’t know whether to describe this as cabaret on steroids or as something else. It’s not quite a variety show because we don’t have an act with the spinning plates, but you get the idea. Just the right music to accompany a night of drinking at the White Squirrel Bar.

Performers include

Sarah Callahan,

Sophie Caplin,

Laura Lentz Landstad,

Sarah Zuber and

Ken Takata

(A lot) more details and examples at https://kentakata.com.

Embahn Tuesday Night Residency
2026-01-06 21:00 - 2026-01-07 00:00

The Second Stringers w. Special Guests
2026-01-07 18:00 - 20:00
The Second Stringers consists of Lars-Erik Larson on drums, Nick Salisbury on bass, and Blair Krivanek on guitar. Between the three of them they have filled out the rhythm section for groups such as Dead Man Winter, Sonny Knight and the Lakers, Ryan Bingham, Brian Fallon, Sarah Morris, Mike Munson, Jack Klatt, and many others. They play at the White Squirrel the first Wednesday of every month where they stretch out on an eclectic range of tunes from country classics, old folk songs, and deep cut soul tunes. Often they are joined by the who’s who of local songwriters as their special guests every month, where they get to show off their skills as professional sidemen. They look forward to the first Wednesday every month and they’d be thrilled if you came by to join them sometime.

Midso w. The Over Unders, Honey Please
2026-01-07 21:00 - 2026-01-08 00:00
Midso is a five-piece band from the Twin Cities playing unpretentious heartland indie rock. Blending power pop shine, alt-country warmth, and post-punk edge, their sound fits like a pair of old jeans. Inspired by John Prine’s midwestern existentialism and Wilco’s art-rock experimentalism, the band collaboratively crafts lyrical songs about work, love, and politics with shared vocals and simple hooks.

The Over Unders are a Minneapolis Alt Rock trio from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, comprised of brothers Sam (Guitar and Vocals) and Matthew (Drums and keys) Hellman and bassist Jake Morley. Their fresh and enthusiastic take on classic rock n’ roll is often likened to their major influences who fall all along the diverse spectrum of power pop and classic alternative.

Honey Please is an indie pop rock band out of Minneapolis Minnesota. Through a shared joy of musical expression and a love of performing, they have delighted many ears around the Twin Cities area. All original songs are written by singer-guitarist Sam Scheuneman who has been writing songs since he learned to speak. Bassist Dawson Ludvigson adds intricate bass melodies under a light melody sung by Sam. Guitarist Jack Nobel shreds lead lines to give each song its unique timbre. On the drums, Joe Kiser continues to keep beats fresh and alive with a lively and energetic tone.
