midwesterngentleman-blog

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Brilliant video to go with a brilliant song.

#trampledbyturtles minnesota music

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"The biggest mistake made about fishing is that it's about catching fish..." Be sure to get your hands on Low & Clear.

#fishing #steelhead #flyfishing

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Ed. Another great work from Finback Films. It is amazing what can be captured in 6 minutes. 

#highcountry #horseback #welike

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Henry Miller is a 12-year-old kid that forges knives, carves boats, makes bows and arrows, and tans hides on Orcas Island, Washington, USA.

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Trampled by Turtles - Wait So Long (Live at First Avenue). One of the best of the #Midwest. 

#music #banjo #fiddle #midwest

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"Smell like the great outdoors, not like a cheap cologne." Introducing Chiefs Pine Man Wash Smell like fresh pine for hours without drying out your skinEliminate grime and dirt with...

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It's very interesting how this 1933 classic could mirror so closely College Football politics today. A great movie... #classic

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#Detroit can bring a lot of different emotions for people, we think this reflects both the good and the bad. Amazing what people can do when space is available... #SkiingDetroit

#Detroit #Skiing

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We bet it's peaceful in there.

Hunting blind in Mesick, Michigan, USA.

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The history behind our favorite hat. Can never get enough of Stormy Kromer, not to mention a great gift for a true Midwestern Gentleman.

#Midwest #Lifestyle #Hats

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Sigurd Olson is one of our favorite writers and truly under appreciated. Captures the essence of being a #MWG

#wilderness #minnesota #sigurdolson

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Doing It The Heming-way

To us Ernest Hemingway was more than a writer, he was and is a lifestyle. His career took him to the corners of the earth and the man knew how to live. He enjoyed the finer things in life and his sense of adventure allowed him to indulge in the finest vices. From his favorite drink to his indulging in cigars, we want to outline for you today how to do it the Heming-way.

In his travels, it was the mojito that became his drink of choice. Of course, sweltering in the Cuban sun will make you reach for a drink as refreshing as this. In order to taste the original, you’d have to travel to La Bodequita del Medio in Havana, Cuba so we are here to supply you with a nice little substitute.

First, you need the right rum and to make yourself a truly Midwestern mojito you need a heartland rum.  Known more for their beer than their spirits, New Holland Brewing Co. offers up a crisp white rum perfect for your  mojito. Freshwater Huron is as good as it sounds. Inspired by the Great Lakes, this white rum is “a clean, bright rum with delicate sweetness and hints of vanilla.”

Grab yourself a highball and crush 6 fresh mint sprigs on the bottom. Then add your 1 oz. lime juice, ¾ oz. simple syrup and 2 oz. Freshwater Huron to make the perfect mojito. Finally, in order to truly make it the Heming-way, top it off with a splash of club soda to make it fizz with deliciousness.

Now, while sitting lakeside, sipping your mojito and reading The Nick Adams Stories, you may want to induldge in a gentlemanly vice. Puffing on a cigar is a great way to settle down for an evening or knock a few strokes of your score. However, it is important that when choosing, you know what to look for.

First, you want to look at the color of the cigar. Lighter colored cigars often have a milder taste, while darker colored cigars carry a strong almost spicy flavor. For a Midwestern Gentleman, he often prefers the latter. Typically, cigar enthusiasts prefer darker varieties at night with a strong spirit. As for size? It’s all about time. Although a man can appreciate a large cigar, you may find that it isn’t necessary for the place and time you want to indulge. Simply find what fits you, no one will judge. However, if it is a smooth draw you are looking for, cigars with a larger diameter are the way to go.

Source: toastedfoot.com

Finally, check the freshness of the cigar. The outer wrap should not be too dry but rather have a very slight oily shine to it. This moistness means it has been held at the perfect temperature.Of course, when it comes to taste, give it a whiff. This will give you an indication of the strength of the cigar. By putting all these steps you are bound to find the right one for you.

Hemingway was a complex individual to say the least, but his choices in vice were simple yet elegant. He is the originally man of mystery who will live on in his writings and his choice of rum.  As a gentleman, you too should find what fits. Every man has his go-to's, seeking out the perfect ingredients to wash away his thoughts for a night. Although it is up to you to seek out and find what fits you, there is no problem with taking a chapter from the man himself and doing it the Heming-way.

Cheers...

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Midwest Grown: Greyling Modern Dry Gin

Few spirits provide the proper blend of flavor and kick like a solid pull of gin. It is a versatile compound that can refresh you on a summer’s day and can also find a way to warm your belly in a deep winter storm. It’s an acquired taste that many Midwestern Gentlemen learn from a young age, often getting their first whiff while sitting on grandpa’s lap as a young gun. There is no denying that London has its share of the market, but two born and bred Midwesterners are here to change that. Ryan Bailey and Nate Jonjevic are on a mission to not only bring you a delicious small-batch gin, but one that comes to life right here in the Midwest. Between them, Two Birds Artisan Spirits has arrived on the scene and after our first sip of this Michigan-grown gin, we had to learn more. Last week we were fortunate enough to chat with these gentlemen to learn about the rise of their Modern Dry Gin.

  For many, homebrewing beer is the gateway hobby to the hard stuff, but not for Ryan and Nate. They had big plans right from the start. “We went into distilling because we wanted to make something both practical and exciting,” they told us. “We looked at the local craft beer we were drinking (and loving) and began to look around at the spirits we enjoyed and realized that most of them were made by large corporations and not local producers.” A key factor that brought Two Birds to life, local production became the key ingredient. “We thought it would be fun to make a high-quality, small-batch gin we loved to drink that uses as many local ingredients as possible.”

Of course, there aren’t too many “do it yourself” distillery kits on the market, and hiding a still in the backwoods can fetch you 5 to 10. It is then that the two began researching methods in getting this product off the ground. They became inspired by “Gypsy Brewers,” a methodology that started in Copenhagen where, rather than funneling heavy up-front cash flow into a stand-alone operation, brewers would rent time and space on other brewers equipment in order to craft their products. These brewers moved from brewery to brewery and made their beers when space and equipment were available. “We engaged in a similar process,” Ryan said. “This allows us to craft a premium, small-batch spirit, build a name for ourselves, and get our product into the hands of interested folks without having to live out of our cars.”

And crafting is just what they did. Oftentimes those new to the game may base a first recipe off of a fool proof formula, say, by taking a page from the book of large-scale producers who have had success with a similar product. Ryan and Nate knew that their product had to be unique. Before you know it, “Greyling,” their signature elixir was starting to take shape. “Greyling is what we are calling a Modern Dry Gin, which is different than the typical juniper-heavy London Dry style,” Ryan noted. “Our gin certainly has gin's signature juniper flavor, but that is augmented by other spices and botanicals, a crisp, refreshing citrus element, and a floral hint that comes from a special variety of Michigan-grown, culinary-grade lavender. We find that gin lovers absolutely love Greyling's uniqueness…”

Not to be confused with the town of Grayling, the name is actually an ode to the once abundant fish that swam the state’s lakes and rivers. The Great Lakes State is stamped all over this product, from the inside out. Between Nate’s upbringing on a blueberry farm and Ryan being a home brewer and winemaker for years, this journey was only natural. Ryan went on to say “It's no accident that Michigan is the home of so many great craft breweries, a thriving wine scene, and a growing number of micro-distilleries. The culture of making high-quality alcoholic beverages is in our blood.”

Now, if you would like to get Greyling in your blood, you have a few ways of doing so. Party stores, restaurants and bars around the state are starting to take notice and stockpiling for eager customers. The product is gaining ground in Michigan and Missouri but don’t fret, Greyling Modern Dry Gin is also available online for purchase.

When you finally secure a bottle of your own, we recommend a few sips cowboy-style… straight up. We also found that this product revitalized our love for the classic G&T. But if you really want to use it to its full potential, the guys suggest a drink that was originated in Detroit and perfected in Kansas City. “A favorite we've been going crazy for is called The Last Word” a cocktail that “blends (Greyling) Gin, Green Chartreuse (an herbal liqueur), Luxardo Maraschino liqueur and freshly squeezed lime juice.”

In our taste test, a few words came to mind… clean, bold and delicious, but when you ask the guys who have worked so hard to craft this exquisite blend, they’d tell you… “Superlative.”

Ryan and Nate’s journey to bring an idea to life can be inspiring to many, but what we found to be the most inspiring was the nod to their home state. Like many Midwestern Gentlemen, they understand what the region has to offer and utilized it. We are proud to call ourselves Midwesterners not only because we become associated with products like Greyling Gin but because of guys like Ryan and Nate, two men with determination, drive and pride for the place they call home.

Cheers…

[midwesterngentleman-blog]

Great Midwestern Gentlemen: Charlie Parr

A little while back we brought you The Music of Duluth in our series Tuesday Tracks and in that playlist were the musical happenings of Charlie Parr. Some may say he is a blues man, some say folk, some bluegrass, we at MWG only see him as a Midwesterner... who plays damn good music. Today we welcome Charlie Parr into the MWG community and being the gentleman that he is, found time in his busy schedule to chat with us about his music and more importantly, life in the Midwest.

For us, the entire lifestyle can be traced back to childhood and growing up in the Midwest Charlie Parr had a similar experience, when appreciation for growing up in the Heartland comes in later years. "I don't have any reference point for growing up anywhere else" said Charlie, "now when I go home to Austin (Minn) to visit Mom I really feel "home" and when I was growing up I thought it was all just flat. Now I look at the fields and think how beautiful they are and I'm upset every time they pave a gravel road because it feels like they're wrecking something of mine, from my past." It is small reflections like this that really pinpoint the man in us all. He went on to say "I wouldn't be anything like me if I hadn't grown up [here]. This part of the world means everything to me; it's my home and I can't imagine living anywhere else. But I bet it's like that for someone who grew up anywhere else..."

More than just a home, the Midwest is where Charlie was able to enjoy life experiences for the first time and what would be a pinnacle event in his life turned out to be something we have all come to enjoy. As a musician, the first instrument is always a big event. "I was intimidated" Charlie says about receiving his first guitar "It looked like something I'd never seen and I was afraid to even touch it. It was old, a Gibson 12-string, it hurt my fingers to play it, and when I tried to play it sounded nothing like Mance Lipscomb. I think I put it in a closet for another month before I decided I had to try again. I'm still trying, and it still sounds nothing like Mance, but at least my fingers don't hurt anymore." As he continued to master his craft, he found himself deep in the Minnesota music scene, starting in Austin, MN and eventually finding his way to Duluth. "I'd say it's just about the most vibrant music scene there is" he mentions about the Minnesota scene, "I don't know where else you'll find so many folks playing music and so many different kinds of music. I'm proud to be a part of it."

His music is inspired by the blues and he has helped take a traditionally southern sound move into the realm of a north woods jam. "I love guitar players from the acoustic blues tradition - Charlie Patton, Lemon Jefferson, Bukka White, Robert Pete Williams, Mance Lipscomb, Mississippi John Hurt, and such. Players I've met have had a bigger impact, I think, since I've gotten to feel their live shows and it's always an inspiration to see someone play up close - Spider John Koerner, Dave Ray, Jack Rose, Peter Lang, Dakota Dave Hull, Glenn Jones, Greg Brown, Pete Rykhus are just a few. There's a kind of honesty with these folks - a raw thing."

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BERRpSDgxDQ] From our friends at MPLSTV

Midwestern music is hard to pinpoint as there is no real genre that is tied to it like country music is in the South. Midwestern musicians often turn to lyrics as a reflection of their roots which is why many of musics greatest songwriters turn to the Midwest for inspiration, including Charlie Parr. "I don't think the scene itself is really reflected much in my stuff, but the midwest itself creeps in all over the place. It's just part of who I am I think and so it's natural that it'll show up in what I write whether I want it there or not. I accept that and don't try to fight it." To us there is no reason to fight it, especially when you are able to play in front of passionate crowds in every city. When it comes to getting on stage Charlie says "I'm a fan of smaller towns, although I love St. Paul and Minneapolis both, I really like playing in towns like Winona, Mankato, Northfield, Ely, Duluth, I could go on and on. People make the venues, though, and Ed's in Winona is one of my favorites along with the Brewhouse in Duluth. There's a comfortable vibe and I feel more at home than at a "show"."

His music has taken him to the corners of the world but to him the Midwest is always home. "I've never felt home anywhere else. My family is here, my history, roots or whatever you like to call them are all here. As I'm getting older that kind of thing gets more important to me and as grateful as I am for the traveling I'm even happier when I get home."

If you have had the opportunity to see a show or listen to an album straight through, you know that Charlie Parr's music can capture a crowd but there is more to it than the picking of the string, his lyrics tell a story and we wondered just where it comes from. "I don't know, honestly" he chuckles, "I think of stories I'd like to tell, and at some point some music comes along and then the two become joined but I really don't know how that all happens or why. I write while driving, usually, and since I can't physically write stuff down it helps me memorize new songs because I drive along singing stuff until it feels right." To us we assume that every song takes a few miles because every song is perfect.

  As you know from past Great MWG who have talked with us, we always ask the age old question, "When you hear the term "Midwestern Gentleman," what comes to mind?

"My Dad used to blow the snow from our driveway with this beat up old Gravely snowblower, then he'd motor across the street and do the neighbors' and on and on until we'd have to go up to Peterson's where he'd be sitting in the garage near the barrel stove drinking beer with his best friend." - Charlie Parr

For those of you who want to get your hands on some of his music, aside from his current collection, he has a gospel record coming out in December via House of Mercy  and then come spring another full length album of original songs. Until then he says he will be "working on the winter beard and modifying an old mountain bike to use for my winter bike. Just keeping on, I suppose." We wouldn't expect anything less... or anything more.

Cheers...

[midwesterngentleman-blog]

Great Midwestern Gentlemen: Kenton Sorenson

Our series “Great Midwestern Gentlemen” has brought you a glimpse into the history of men bred here in the Midwest. Men like Frederick Pabst, Johnny Appleseed and Frank Lloyd Wright. However, there are Great Midwestern Gentlemen here today that make us very proud to share their heritage and charisma. Last week we brought you our feature “Gear for a Weekend at the Cottage” in there you found a leather bag hand crafted by a Mr. Kenton Sorenson, born and bred right here in the Midwest. Mr. Sorenson took some time with MWG to help us gain more insight into this modern Great Midwestern Gentleman.

Kenton Sorenson grew up in Northern Minnesota on the border of North Dakota. “I grew up in a simple, no nonsense Scandinavian farm culture which taught me an appreciation of the basic necessities of life” said Mr. Sorenson. Of his hometown he shared that, although at a young age your appreciation for where you grow up isn't immediately inherent “there is something about standing in the middle of an ocean of wheat and having an unobstructed view of a completely flat horizon that can leave a permanent impression in a boy's brain.”

A man of his caliber is sure to see the world and life’s journeys may take you different places but for him the Midwest has always been home, “I love the Midwest for it's standard of honesty and integrity. We still expect it as normal here. And we still value people for simply being human, and not for what they do or what they own. My wife and I have lived on the East Coast and we've traveled to many places in the world, and we love the Midwest most of all.”

It is the honesty and integrity of the Midwest that can be found as a foundation for his work. His shop in Cottage Grove, WI (where he now calls home) provides the country with high end, quality leather goods fit for a gentleman. It is modesty and confidence that separates a Midwestern Man from his counterparts and it is personal determination that set the course for what would become his art. “I started making leather bags about twenty years ago after seeing a woman with a natural leather book bag in a night class I was attending, and I thought, "I can make one of those."

"So that's how it started. I sold a few to friends over the next few years, and once in a while I get to see one still in use.” It was a transition from an otherwise different profession that held a surprisingly similar skill set.” Mr. Sorenson is a “classically trained barber” who left the profession about a year ago to devote more time to his second craft.

"Right after high school I moved to Minneapolis and became a classically trained barber, but most of my clients were women who appreciated my no frills approach to fashion. I left that career of thirty-six years about a year ago to devote more time to my work with leather." “What I had learned from doing hair transferred over to working with leather” he told MWG, “It's all about lines, shape and material. I've always preferred a minimalist look. There are lines that actually express a philosophy of life, and I always looked for them when I did hair.”

  His work has a natural and simple tone in an otherwise sugar coated, complicated market. A designer name often clouds what is otherwise “assembly line” work. “I believe people, especially young people, are looking for a simple and authentic lifestyle” said Sorenson. Simplicity is something that we consistently preach at Midwestern Gentleman and it is the guiding light to a lifestyle we all embrace. Whether it is music, food, fashion or leather accessories simplicity is key. In our interview, Mr. Sorenson provided us with music to our ears when he told us  just how much he embraces this characteristic. “I've discovered that simplicity, in any application, requires a continual discarding of anything that's not essential.  And it's hard to make something look easy. Chaos and confusion take over when we take the path of least resistance.” Very MWG.

  Men like Kenton Sorenson are an honor to have in any generation. His outlook on life and his history in the Midwest are all reflected in his work. It is imperative that you take the time today to visit his shop and purchase an item that will last a lifetime. When it comes to his craft he said “I hope my products can express what people are moving towards, a return to things that last, instead of being disposable, and that symbolize what's important to them.”

Of course no interview is complete at MWG without learning from others just what they think of when they hear “Midwestern Gentleman.” Mr. Sorenson said “I picture a man who's not confused about what it means to be a man. He's masculine, but not a Neanderthal, he's thoughtful, but not a wuss. He doesn't need to prove his manhood to anyone, especially to himself. He shows respect for himself and others by the way he dresses and behaves.”

Cheers gentlemen and Thank You Mr. Sorenson...

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The Feds, gangsters, bootleggers and Al Capone, probably the last of things that come to mind when you think of a small rural Iowa town. However, during Prohibition this sleepy town was home to them all. We have the notorious Templeton Rye to blame, AKA “the Good Stuff.” Enriched with nearly a century of craft, history and taste this Midwest moonshine is back on the market… minus Capone. It is all thanks to a man whose inherent Midwestern loyalty, humbleness and family pride helped him drop a career as a banker to return to the family business.

Scott Bush is an everyday guy with a career that most could only dream of but after all it is in his blood. Scott’s Great-Grandfather was the brew doctor behind Templeton Rye a potent blend of whiskey that kept his family and a town alive during the great depression. As prohibition came to an end, many bootleggers left the game and moved on, the gentlemen at Templeton didn’t, they couldn’t, the stuff was that good. It wasn’t until 2006 that the Rye was produced legally, thanks to Scott’s return.

Behind every great whiskey is a man… we think that’s how it goes? In any case, Scott Bush was nice enough to sit down and answer a few questions for us, to better learn not only about "the Good Stuff" but the Midwestern Gentleman who brought it back to life.

Scott, what did growing up in the Midwest mean to you and how did it shape you into the man you are today?

I certainly had a Midwest upbringing.  I grew up in Wall Lake, Iowa, a town of 800 people and part of a very large family.  I played four sports all through high school, showed cattle, and delivered the Des Moines Register paper.  When I think of what defines the Midwest to me it is good people trying hard to contribute to their community.  I was surrounding by this for most of my life and certainly hope I continue that tradition.

What made you want to go into distilling?

After graduating from the University of Iowa, I went to work for JP Morgan Chase in Chicago and New York.  When I would come home for the holidays, my brothers, cousins and I would drive around our hometown and always stop in to see our grandparents, aunts & uncles, etc.  My great uncle Gus Schroeder has a great bar in his basement and we would head down there for a "cocktail".  Gus always had a bottle of the bootleg Templeton Rye and would start telling the stories of his dad (my great grandfather) Frank Schroeder making Templeton Rye.  We were all enthralled by the old family stories and what life was like back during Prohibition and the Great Depression.  I have always been into history and always wanted to do something entrepreneurial.  Everything kind of came together with Templeton Rye.

What makes Templeton Rye Whiskey different from anything else on the shelf?

Great Balance.  Templeton has huge rye character that is unmistakable on the pallet.  The thing we hear most often when folks try Templeton is "Wow, that is really smooth."  That is the balance you find in a great whiskey.

What does the history of Templeton Rye mean to you?

It means a lot obviously because of my family connections to the product.  My great grandfather was turned down trying to get a $15 loan.  Fifteen dollars!  Had it not been for Templeton Rye he certainly would have lost the farm.  The history of Templeton encompasses so much - entrepreneurism, the Great Depression, family tradition, American ingenuity, the allure of the Capone association, the Noble Experiment.  It really goes on and on.

  How do you personally define a successful batch of whiskey?

Obviously we have a flavor profile that we strive to meet.  We taste each batch at all stages of the process to ensure it deserves to be called the "Good Stuff".

For someone who has never enjoyed a glass of Templeton Rye, can you sum up that first sip in one word?

Uptown.  That is an old time word some of our bottlers use that means special or fancy.

Describe a day in the office for you.

If I am in Templeton it is pretty intense.  We are always managing the various moving parts of our business, meeting with suppliers, reporters, etc and hopefully coming up with good new ideas on occasion.  I no longer go to Templeton every day and actually work out of my home.  We have three kids ages 6, 4 and 2 and I spend a lot of time with them.  It is not unusual for me to show up to a meeting with one of them in tow and my work breaks include playing catch, jumping on the trampoline or playing Go Fish.

What is your favorite drink that includes Templeton Rye? What is in it?

My favorite is Templeton neat with a beer chaser but if I am doing cocktails I like the classics, especially the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.

  The Manhattan:

2 oz. Templeton Rye 3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters

        Old Fashioned:

2 oz. Templeton Rye 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1 tsp. Demerara suger Simple syrup Orange and cherry mash

  What is your favorite drinking song?

"Templeton Rye" by the Nadas of course. A great band from here in Iowa.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHVBVFOx-C4]

What makes the Midwest a great place to open a business or a distillery?

We have been blessed with the local talent in Templeton, which is a town of only 350 people.  Our bottling staff as well as the trade people in town have been great.

What does the future hold for Templeton Rye Distillery?

We expanded into New York and San Francisco last year and are planning to stick where we are for a couple of years - Iowa, Illinois, New York and San Francisco.  This is a much different approach than most spirits brands but we want to get these markets truly established before moving to any more.  Eventually we would obviously like to be a well know national and even international brand but we are not in any huge hurry to get there.

Finally we asked Scott the age old question, "when you hear the term 'Midwestern Gentleman,' what comes to mind?" Scott's answer was one that is expected from a whiskey distiller from Iowa, it was straight to the point.

  "I think of a Gentleman in the classic sense but lacking pretension."

- Scott Bush

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Pert Near Sandstone: The Interview

The origins of Pert’ Near Sandstone were in true Midwestern fashion. Like many groups in the Midwest, it involved a group of  friends and a few cans of beer. At Midwestern Gentleman we were fortunate enough to have the boys from Pert’ Near take some time from their busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions to learn more about where they've been and where they are going.

Before we could start a proper interview, we had to learn the origin of the band name. “The story is less mysterious than it would seem” explains lead singer/banjo extraordinaire Kevin Kniebel, “The core group of us are reunited high school friends. A couple of us lived together and hosted weekly picking sessions on the couch or porch, weather permitting. After deciding to play our first gig at a local coffee shop we needed to come up with a name. “Pert’ Near” represents some of the old-timey-ness of what we do. The Sandstone part is a reference to the Mississippi River caves and bluffs in this region, though more often folks get us confused with people that dated their cousin from Sandstone, MN or swear they met one of us at the penitentiary there. Sadly, we have no family in Sandstone, MN and if my mother asks, none of us has ever been arrested.”

The Midwest offers such a variety of music and people that often grow up to be innovators. For Pert’ Near, their time in the Midwest had a direct influence on the men they became, Kniebel went on, “the seasons drive us to hibernate and work on things in the winter, most years. It can’t be just the seasons, but it feels like life is a bit different up here even when winter is short-changed.” For many we take pride in our hometowns, whether you are from Detroit to Chicago or St. Louis, you know the roads that drive memories. It can be argued that pride in the Twin Cities is at an all time high.

“The Twin Cities themselves are the hidden gems of the Midwest, in our minds. Minneapolis and St. Paul are a bit isolated as far as big city living is concerned, which seems to make our cultural scene more vibrant and probably more cohesive. Growing up in a community with strong support for the arts certainly had an impact, and living in a place where you can go out and see top notch music in almost any genre any night of the week is pretty special.” This of course is coming from a group that has traveled the corners of the country and knows a thing or two about cities you've never heard of.

  “However far we've traveled, I don’t think we've found other towns and parts of the country that can compare with what we have going on in the Twin Cities, which leads us to have a great deal of pride about where we’re from and where we’re living.”

One major source of pride in Minnesota is the music they produce. From the days of Dylan to the rise of the Jayhawks, good music is a part of life in Minnesota. In recent years, there has been a rise in folk/bluegrass musicians, ones that the boys from Pert’ Near gravitated towards. Kniebel’s thoughts are shared throughout the group when he says “for us, given that we started playing without much of a plan in the living room, I think the draw has always been the accessibility of the music and the instruments. This is folk music we’re playing, and regular folks used to pull out the fiddle and banjo to unwind after a long day at work. We listen to all kinds of music, but there is something vastly more organic about the instrumentation and approach.”

The tradition of string music runs deep in Minnesota and the boys are simply carrying that tradition on, Kniebel points out, “the tradition in Minneapolis dates back to the 60s folk revival and many of the greats from that era are still around inspiring the younger generations.”

If you are going to catch a show, you may find the liveliest at outdoor festivals, as they are the favorite amongst group members. Venues like “Harmony Park, The Minnesota State Fair and Canal Park in Duluth”  give the audience all the bluegrass and elephant ears they can handle… “makes me want to stretch out on the lawn with a cold one just thinking about it” says Kevin.

There are many ways to describe a Pert Near Sandstone show but no one knows better than the guys who perform. “Energy. It applies to a variety of things going on at our shows, whether talking about what we’re putting out on stage or what you’ll feel from the crowd that’s dancing along.” One aspect of the groups performance that may inspire that energy is making group “clogger” Andy Lambert shed some sweat as he provides the rhythm with his feet.

By far a unique trait of any band, Lambert’s toes were meant for the stage. “... clogging or flat-footing, or the like are pretty much part and parcel with this music if you look back to the origins of it" says Kevin, "Andy himself learned how to clog with a troupe out of Minneapolis called the Wild Goose Chase Cloggers.” Andy and Kevin met through a mutual friend and his skill brought an authenticity to the music. “When he is on the road with us, it takes what is already a high energy show and turns it up to 11. Andy is really quite a remarkable clogger, making complex rhythms with his feet sound simple and look easy.” Kevin went on to say that “it is pretty easy to imagine him sleeping well at night with as hard as he dances.”

Last week we brought you a review of their new album “Paradise Hop.” This firestorm album to them is their “strongest album to date” where traditional sound meets stellar songwriting, noting they are "most pleased [with] the selection of songs [they] wrote for the project.”

As for the future of Pert Near Sandstone, Kevin notes “I think we just keep doing what we do. We’re hoping to have our next album out in early 2013 and between now and then hit as many festivals and clubs as we can.” This should give you ample time to catch a powerfully unique show. Be sure to stay tuned to their tour dates to catch a show near you.

For those of you who need to catch up with Pert Near Sandstone, we have the opportunity for you. Leave a comment for the boys below, comment on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter and you are automatically entered to win not only a copy of their most recent adventure “Paradise Hop” but past project, “Out On a Spree” from 2009. To give even more insight into the band, we wanted to learn just which songs need to be on when you find yourself in these common situations:

For watching sunset on Lake Superior with a delicious IPA in hand, the boys recommend you reach for the track “Summer Skies” off of the album Up and Down The River. Had a late night? At 2:30am, you might be winding down, which means “The Long Decline” off Paradise Hop is the song for you. If you realize your wallet is gone and cell phone is busted… “Goodbye Booze” from Out On A Spree will help you “turn over a new leaf.” Taking a shot of whiskey with an old friend? “20 Cups of Coffee” from Paradise Hop. Fishing the Mississippi? “Fishing Reel” from Up and Down the River. Finally, while on that scenic drive through northern Minnesota turn up Paradise Hop.

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City of Music: Pert Near Sandstone perform "Snake Charmer" from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.

“Nate Sipe used to wear a bowler and sport a handlebar moustache that curled up at the end—waxed and everything. When we’d show up for a gig in our jeans and a t-shirt, he’d say that we were making it too easy to look good. You wouldn’t expect to hear a guy with nicknames like “Truckstop” and “Nasty Nate” be referred to as a Gentleman, but he’s as gentle as they come and Midwestern to the core.”

- Kevin Kniebel

Cheers...