Polem features Mike Wolter on guitar, Kameron Markworth on bass, and Joey Van Phillips on drums. The trio draws its influence for its original repertoire and unique approach to outside material from albums including Andrew Hill’s “Time Lines,” Beastie Boys’ “Paul’s Boutique,” Bobby Hutcherson’s “Montara,” De La Sol’s “De La Sol is Dead,” and Duke Ellington’s “Money Jungle.”

Kameron Markworth is a bassist, composer, teacher, and improviser based in Minnesota. A fixture in the Twin Cities music scene, he has performed and recorded with a wide array of artists. He recently appeared on Joan Hutton and Sue Orfield’s fearless album Splash (2024, Shifting Paradigm Records) and Peter Kogan’s Just Before Midnight (2022, KoganNote Records). As an educator, he helps students demystify music theory, develop their ears, and learn how to not panic during a bass solo.

Joey Van Phillips is a drummer, percussionist, father, husband, actuary, television enthusiast, little-league coach, and chicken wing expert. A third-generation drummer and versatile musician, Joey has written for, recorded with, and performed with Dessa, Aby Wolf, Jonatha Brooke, and the Grammy award–winning Minnesota Orchestra. In 2017, Joey released his debut album, Punch Bowl. To read more about this endeavor, visit his incredibly outdated website.

Upon relocating to the Twin Cities, guitarist and composer Mike Wolter dug into a variety of the local music scenes, often working with musicians from both the preeminent vanguard and the eclectic fringe. He has become one of the area’s most sought-after guitarists and band leaders. In 2021, Wolter’s interest in the intersection of music and social change inspired him to repurpose a sizable grant he received from the St. Paul Arts Board for showcasing his music to include, and bring together, the varied musical acts from around town he admired while also raising several thousand dollars for local nonprofits working to better the community.

Ray Barnard: