Music on the Cortile

Dellwood is a duo of young musicians with enough skill and talent to entertain for hours and a repertoire that’s bound to capture the hearts of music lovers of all ages.

They have an energetic and diverse stage presence with songs ranging from originals and Americana to their spin on an assortment of your favorite songs.

Introducing Lazerblade, a synthwave trio that skillfully fuses the worlds of books, movies, video games, philosophy, and pop music into a retro-infused auditory experience. This talented ensemble transcends genres by combining the power of retro synthesizers with thought-provoking lyrics and catchy melodies, drawing inspiration from pop culture to captivate audiences of all ages.

With three tracks already making waves on Spotify – “Attitude”, “NES”, and “Dark Elf” – Lazerblade’s unique blend of synthwave and pop culture elements has garnered them a dedicated fan base. Their evocative soundscapes pay homage to the past while firmly rooted in the present, transporting listeners to a nostalgic, neon-lit world where reality and imagination intertwine effortlessly.

As they continue to explore the vast, interconnected realms of literature, cinema, gaming, and philosophy, Lazerblade is set to leave an indelible mark on the synthwave scene. Prepare to embark on a journey through time and space with this remarkable band, as they invite you to experience the enigmatic allure of their retro-futuristic universe.

A child of the Sonoran Desert, Jaspar Lepak is a folk/Americana songwriter whose remarkable gift for melody is only surpassed by her poetry. Deeply influenced by the many places she has called home (Tucson, Durban, Seattle, and currently Minneapolis), she sweeps across landscapes with an emotional depth that is extraordinary, while her clear, pure voice touches the heart.

Jaspar moved back to Minneapolis in the fall of 2021 and performs both solo and as a duo with Ben Cook-Feltz (piano, harmonies). She is currently working on a new album which focuses on feminist themes, including songs about choice, pregnancy, parenthood, and caregiving. Jaspar cares deeply about her local community, and as a parent, she makes sure to include shows where kids and listeners of all ages are welcome.

Jeff Ray is an avant-garde resonator slide-guitarist and songwriter based in St Paul, MN. His music is rooted in the traditions of acoustic blues and American fingerstyle guitar, but Ray quickly departs from tradition: his songs integrate flavors of Indian classical music and West-African guitar under the guise of cryptic alternate guitar tunings.

Ray left Minnesota for Memphis when he was just 17. There he developed his guitar skills and evolved into an innovator of alternate guitar tunings and slide-guitar. He returned to the Midwest and embarked on a 20+ year career as a solo performer, releasing 6 albums and receiving accolades in Europe and North America. Currently, he splits his time performing as a solo or duo artist, or with his band “the Stakes”.

Ray’s quartet “Jeff Ray and the Stakes” [Mikkel Beckmen (washboard), Harold Tremblay (harmonica) and Nick Salisbury (bass guitar)] are closely connected to the Minnesota blues community and the historic West Bank music scene of Minneapolis. In 2022, the band is releasing their long-awaited sophomore album “In the Fire”.