Luke McGovern’s songs run the gamut, at times carrying a country twang, and other times following a more mystical wind carried in from the north woods. He has been described as “If Townes Van Zandt were less cynical, more sober, and alive (Isthmus),” and works earnestly, though with humor, to craft his songs. The largely self-taught singer-songwriter has recorded a handful of albums of homespun folk-songs in closets, garages, and bedrooms, and is currently releasing new songs in his homebase of Minneapolis.

DPCD is the songwriting project of Minneapolis-based musician Alec Watson. Taking its name from a secret code given to Watson by his great-grandfather, DPCD’s music is intimate and soft-spoken, weaving together fragile webs of piano, celeste, and guitar. In 2025, DPCD released DPCD Sings Live at the Candlelight Inn in Beloit, Wisconsin: a sprawling found-footage live album that nods to parlor music, early 20th century song forms, and golden age pop. Sprawling woodwind and string arrangements dovetail with 2am piano ballads, leaving the audience hoodwinked, enchanted, and strangely comforted.

With a pure and agile voice reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Sadie Gustafson-Zook’s hummable melodies balance with witty lyrics and intricate guitar playing to create charmingly honest and relatable music. A skilled performer, Sadie’s writing tackles internal and taboo subjects while holding the audience with warmth and levity. Sadie has made audiences laugh at festivals across the country, including the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, the Kerrville Folk Festival, Walnut Valley Festival, and Blissfest. An acclaimed songwriter, Sadie has charmed songwriting contest judges into submission at the Kerrville New Folk Contest, Rocky Mountain Folk Festival’s Songwriter Showcase, Newsong+LEAF Songwriting Contest, and the Acorn Theatre’s 2024 Singer Songwriter Competition.