Singer-songwriter Ross Thorn is from northern Wisconsin lake country and his music is rooted in that warm, pastoral upbringing. He writes soulful, sharply crafted songs that can be both insightful and humorous, much like John Prine. His work wrestles with empathy, virtue and hope, often finding solace in some unanticipated truth. His debut album Hugo was released in 2023. In 2024, he collaborated with Ponyfolk for a Christmas EP and performed “The Bitch is Back” at a Sacred Heart Music Center Elton John tribute dressed in a bejeweled Los Angeles Dodgers uniform.

Superior Siren is an eerie-folk project created by singer-songwriter Laura Sellner. The music is an alluring yet dangerous expression of vulnerability and desire inspired by Lake Superior and siren mythology. A sisterhood of sirens was formed when Sellner joined forces with cellist Rachel Gobin, bassist Nyssa Krause, and drummer Emma Deaner. The band now haunts stages with a mesmerizing blend of vocals, strings and percussion. Superior Siren has released two solo EPs, one LP, and is in production on its next full-length. Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra concertmaster and violinist Erin Aldridge was recently added as the fifth Siren.

Sugar on the Roof is Megan Orwig Reynolds on guitar and vocals, Jefferson Reynolds on banjo and trombone, Jen Krussow on upright bass, and Clancy Ward on fiddle and vocals. Blending American roots music from the 1930s and 1940s with their own originals, the quartet of sonic time travelers fiddles around at the foundations of American popular music. Their repertoire includes old-time fiddle tunes, country two-steps, Western swing classics and early jazz treasures. The honeyed harmonies merge with foot-stomping fiddle and banjo, with driving upright bass and swanky trombone to make it swing.

Led by Dr. Derek Bromme, Strikepoint is an 11-member professional handbell ensemble. The church-based community group was founded in 1984 by Director Emeritus Bill Alexander, who led 40 years before handing off the role to Bromme in 2024. Last summer, Strikepoint was the sole ensemble representing the United States at the 21st International Handbell Symposium in Hamamatsu, Japan. The ensemble’s bells have also reverberated in Scotland, Wales, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada and Sweden. The assortment of bells include, but are not limited to, six octaves of bronze Schulmerich handbells, aluminum Malmark bass bells, seven octaves of chimes, two octaves of Silver Melody Bells and three octaves of Petit and Fritzen handbells.