By Nick Cusick

12:40 a.m.

Roster McCabe is out for their encore. We are wrapping things up here with the final song of the night and what a night it has been. I’m really glad I got to see this band because they are something. There are so many pleased music fans in Winona tonight.  It seems that the second annual MWMF has been a success. Thanks for following the Winona360 MWMF blog.

By Nick Cusick

12:05 a.m.

We just passed midnight but Roster McCabe isn’t slowing down and neither is the crowd. The crowd seems to have been jumping up and down for a straight 30 minutes. The band is currently slowing things down a bit with a reggae song. Like I said, eclectic…but unified. Can’t beat live music.

By Nick Cusick

11:28 p.m.

I’m here at Jefferson’s bringing you the final band of the fest, Roster McCabe. I hear funk, I hear reggae, and I hear rock. This band brings one eclectic but unified sound. They are lively just like their music. I can’t keep from bobbing my head. This funk rock band has my interest. Their first song breaks into a long stretch of nothing but instrumentals and I love it. Give me more.

By Alexandria Fisher

11:14 p.m.

Here at Pert Near Sandstone guests gather during the sound check, getting amped up as the band teases with its lively bluegrass sound. The crowd grows bigger and bigger as the guests flood the room anxious for the band’s real performance. They’re running a bit behind, however, the band should be starting its set shortly. If you’re a bluegrass or folk music fan this is definitely the place to be!

By Amber Grace

11:04 p.m.

I am here at the Masonic Temple where Charlie Parr is playing some good ole bluegrass music for us. As I entered the venue, the band was in the middle of a song and I found the floor shaking due to a cheerful crowd of dancers. The atmosphere was roaring with applauses and shouts from a very pleased crowd. At the end of their last song, they even chanted for an encore.

By Nick Cusick

10:38 p.m.

An older man with more hair on his chin than his head sits in a chair under the spotlight while he taps his skinny leg, cranking out blues music from his guitar. His name is Charlie Parr. A younger man who plays the harmonica accompanies him. The energy here at the Masonic Lodge is crazy. It is far more than I expected.

I just saw someone crowd surf.

By Alexandria Fisher

10:25 p.m.

Liam Vance and the Centipedes take their guests back in time, playing old school covers from the 50’s era. Gathered at Art 56, guests are being serenaded by Liam Vance’s relaxing acoustic jams and vocals. The quaint Art 56 Gallery is full of scattered fans, smiling as the peaceful tunes grace their ears. The toe tapping selections are played by Jase Ginkel on bass, Adam Merkowitz on drums and Liam Vance on guitar and lead vocals. Right now, a Budd Holly cover puts a reminiscing atmosphere around the fans.

Liam Vance and the centipedes have managed to almost hypnotize the crowd with their version of the Beatle’s tune “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”. Smiles form from cheek to cheek as the engaged members listen intently. The peacefulness of the atmosphere is contagious and is the perfect change of pace from the upbeat nature of the festival. Liam Vance’s voice gracefully sweeps the ears of the audience and instantly mesmerizes the fans as he now performs an original song about a time in his childhood. This art gallery, acting as a time machine for many of the guests here, has proven to be just what tonight needs.

By Nick Cusick

10:18 p.m.

As soon as Charlie Parr starts the crowd that was once sitting on the floor of the Masonic Lodge rises to their feet. I hear clapping, whistling and shouting. Needless to say, there are a few Charlie Parr fans here tonight.

By Nick Cusick

10:05 p.m.

The lights are up and the stage is cleared. People everywhere from the balcony to the floor are eagerly waiting to hear the music of Charlie Parr. Parr is a blues musician who, just as Trampled by Turtles who played at this venue last December, started his musical career in Duluth, MN.

By Nick Cusick

9:47 p.m.

The Pines offer variety. With two different singers, the style of their music changes a little song to song. Although their relaxed pace remains consistent, their dedication to their instrumentals is heard through their music. They played a song without vocals and it stood out as one of their best. I never heard this band before tonight but I can officially claim I am a fan of The Pines.

By Dave Dvorak

9:45 p.m.

It’s 9:45 here at Acoustic Café and the crowd is getting lively to the tunes of Useful Jenkins. The four-piece band includes two acoustic guitars, bass, and mandolin giving it a unique bluegrass-rock sound. Men and kids alike are dancing to a highly energetic set that includes originals as well as a cover of Pin in a Pen. The atmosphere at Acoustic Café has been amping up through the set and is reaching its flashpoint. Useful Jenkins is a must hear for all who enjoy folk, acoustic rock, or bluegrass.

By Nick Cusick

9:18 p.m.

The lights dim and the echo of tuning guitars fills the Masonic Lodge. As I walked in to this unique venue I could feel this place’s history. It’s an amazing venue for this town and this music fest. It gives a perfect atmosphere for The Pines, who kicked off their show here a moment ago. They produce a sound that blends traditional roots music with a contemporary feel.

By Sawyer Derry

8:40 p.m.

By Alexandria Fisher

8:35 p.m.

I’m here at the Masonic Temple with Beet Root Stew playing some soulful bluegrass. Being one of the bigger bands around, with nine members currently on stage, their many sounds are filling the acoustic atmosphere. Fans can’t help but bounce their legs and clap their hands to the catchy folk tunes. The band is full of energy and ready to play for anyone within ear range! The spirit of the music proves to be very captivating as the listeners keep their eyes locked on the stage.

According to band member Wes McRaven, the band calls themselves Beet Root Stew because “it’s a stew! You never know who’s going to play.” Tonight, the tasty stew is grooving hard for its fans.

By Sydney Swanson

8:11 p.m.

WSU Campus
Here I am in Memorial on the WSU campus. The only unfortunate part about tonight is that two things are going on at once! Tonight along with the Mid West Music Fest is Relay for Life on the university's campus. There are so many amazing artists playing tonight at so many different venues! I wish there was eight of me right now. It was nice bouncing around because I got to see a variety of shows but it sucks because I wanted to stay and watch them all. Bottom line is that this is an awesome music festival. Great idea and Winona really needed it :)

By Amber Grace

7:32 p.m.

It’s 7:30, and Walnut Castle set the mood for a ready-to-rock crowd, with pale yellow walls, and dim lighting. With an audience of all ages, everyone is on their feet and dancing to the beat. Kensington Stone, a local Winona band, is providing great music for those who are interested in jamming out.  Shouts from the crowd let them know that they are doing a beautiful job and more music from them is desired. This rock, reggae, jam band consists of four guys playing together: guitarist, bassist, drummer, and keyboardist; this band is sure to knock your socks off!

By Sydney Swanson

7:30 p.m.

Yep that's right. I'm back at Acoustic. What can I say? Great coffee, great atmosphere. . . oh and they have wi-fi that ALWAYS works on my computer. :) Circle of Heat is playing right now and so far I haven't heard any words yet. . .but then again they are a Jam/fusion band so that could be why. I am loving their energy though. JUST KIDDING! Here come the words - the lovely fellow on keyboards is belting out lyrics as I'm writing this. He is feeling it. And I love it.

By Sydney Swanson

7:20 p.m.

I am Daniel is playing right now at Art 56. I stopped by to snap some pictures and listen to him sing for a few minutes but then had to run to find wi-fi! He gave a shout-out to his roommate who I guess loves his music, (I snapped a picture of the roommate enjoying the show, I love candid moments!) and then started playing a couple songs he hadn't played for anyone before. Makes me want to try my hand at writing music.

By Sydney Swanson

7:14 p.m.

Blooming Grounds
It's a sad day when people cancel their show :( I don't know what happened but I guess Tim Fast wasn't able to make it today. Mm oh well. Onto the next place I guess.

By Sawyer Derry

7:08 p.m.

By Sydney Swanson

6:46 p.m.

The biggest problem with blogging and having to bounce around is losing track of time and staying at one place. I get caught up in the music and don't want to leave! Still here at Dib's listening to Welcome to Dead House. It's such a chill place that I will probably make my way back here. . . more than a few times. The music just adds to the atmosphere and fits this venue very well.

By Sydney Swanson

6:15 p.m.

If you feel like chilling above a cafe while listening to some romance rock then Dib's is the place to be. Welcome to Dead House has a soft rock quality to their music and their lead singer Dan Skoglund hits some pretty high notes. He sings with such emotion that even though you can't always tell what the words are you can still feel them. I love watching musicians that are feeling what they're singing. This band clicks very well. Many people are standing but some are just relaxing on the ground while listening to this band play. I love knowing that I don't feel like I have to be standing right next to the stage but that I can if I want to. Ha, sometimes you feel like you need to fit in with the rest of the audience ya know?

By Sawyer Derry

5:03 p.m.

By Erica Knapp

4:32 p.m.

Free-style rap
Witness, Hyphon, Sly, Adam the Beat-boxer, and any other people that wanted to circle up sat down for a free-style session to kill time before the next act got to Ed’s. Adam put on a bass and gave them the beat. Witness and Hyphon played off each other most of the time; just rapping whatever came to their mind. They kept the mood super light and just had fun with it. Coolest thing I’ve seen yet.

By Sawyer Derry

4:23 p.m.

By Erica Knapp

4:02 p.m.

Witness
-    Rapper from Minneapolis
-    Originally from Pennsylvania
-    “I moved here for a girl…it’s some on-again-off-again…but I think this weekend I’m single…with a sinus infection”
-    Same set up as the rest of them
-    Was in Winona in 2005
-    I have no idea how anyone can talk that fast, but it’s pretty awesome
-    Probably not the most family-friendly show

By Erica Knapp

3:30 p.m.

Hyphon
-    Pop/rap
-    He’s also a comedian
-    The earlier band is still hanging out
-    Featured Adam the Beat-boxer: wicked skills
-    Used a laptop for music
-    Interacted with the crowd really well

By Alexandria Fisher

3:26 p.m.

The Winona community celebrated Earth Day as they put on their dancing shoes to groove to the unique sounds of I Like You.

The band I Like You started nearly one and a half years ago and has worked its way up to playing in a variety of festivals around Winona, including winning Battle of the Bands last night. Wendy O’Sunshyne let her ukulele pave the way to writing her songs and, combined with her original voice and talented group of musicians, formed the band I Like You.

The band formed itself, said O’Sunshyne, as members collectively discovered each other through festivals and friendships. One member, Joe Sheehan, bought an upright bass and learned to play by coming to rehearsals with the group.

But the name I Like You, though clever, was not easy to come up with.

“In a moment of exasperation, I thought about what I wanted to convey and 'I like you' was what I came up with,” said O’Sunshyne.

The band really enjoyed the title and theme and, from then on, it stuck.

“It’s a great pick-up line,” said David Hutther, drum kit and djembe player in the band.

The bands popularity is no doubt due to its unclassifiable sound, straying away from the mundane.

“It sounds like something brand new, but something so familiar at the same time,” said O’Sunshyne.

The Earth Day Festival goers bobbed their heads and shook their feet as I Like You performed their original catchy tunes.

“We like you,” shouted O’Sunshyne as they ended their set and fans applauded and cheered, disappointed that the set came to a close.

By Erica Knapp
2:08 p.m.

Sly
-    Rap group duo
-    From Cedar Rapids, IA
-    Used laptop for music
-    Crowd started small
-    Got bigger

“So, I think people should stand up more.” The Saturday opener at Ed’s for Mid West Music Fest, Sly, said. The rap duo out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a high energy, audience interactive show. Although they’re very genre-specific, they’re not bad. Music at Ed’s til

By Sawyer Derry

12:14 p.m.

One of the first events on the second day of the Mid West Music Fest was the artist forum at the Marine Art Museum. More than 25 people came to hear Charlie Parr and Ed Hoffman talk about the trouble and satisfaction they have in their career in the art and music field. Parr's clever antics got a lot of laughs from the crowd while he told his stories about his time on the road and how he promotes himself as a musician. Hoffman talked about his bar becoming increasingly popular for bands that it has gotten to be unmanageable for him alone. Parr plays tonight at 10 p.m. at the Masonic Temple and Ed's Bar is hosting a a group of hip hop bands starting at 2 p.m.