Scenic Route

The Federales are an alternative country band based out of Minneapolis that modernizes classic country elements to create a timeless, enjoyable sound with wonderfully fun and inspired songwriting. Will Moore is joined by lead songwriter Ben Miller and guitarist James Gould to talk about the group ahead of a New Year's Eve performance at the Gunflint Tavern in Grand Marias.

Chris Gillis started his road towards a musical life by playing on a special 1914 Mason & Hamline piano with his father Frank, a professional pianist. That piano now sits in the main sanctuary of the First Congregational Church in grand Marais. Gillis donated the piano after it was kept in his family's cabin, and has no shortage of fond memories playing it. Will Moore talks to him as he plays the newly restored instrument.

Heatbox is the alter ego of Aaron Heaton, a Minneapolis based vocal performer who mixes beatboxing and acapella with a number of looping effects to create rich and complex songs with a hip hop vibe. He talks to Will Moore about his process and lets his unique personality out.

Teri Quinn delves into dark tones and dark, personal moments to create hauntingly beautiful songs for voice and banjo. Finishing up a fall tour from the deep south going north, the Kansas City-based songwriter makes a stop at Grand Marais' Wunderbar, and joins Will Moore live on WTIP for an in-studio performance.

Reina del Cid is a songwriter/guitarist from Minneapolis about to release her third full length album "Rerun City". She joins Will Moore on the Scenic Route to talk about what went into making the record, the concepts behind it's title and key tracks, meeting her bandmates, and their plans to support the new album into the next year. 

John Munson is a Minneapolis-based bass player who's been a mainstay in the Twin Cities music scene for decades, starting out with the groups Trip Shakespeare and Semisonic. Most of his work now is with The New Standards, a jazz trio comprised of himself along with Chan Polling of the Suburbs and Steve Roehm. Coming up to Papa Charlie's in Lutsen for one of their annual holiday shows, he talks with Will Moore about arranging hit songs in a jazz style, making a holiday show spectacle, and possible returns to some of his various projects. 

Gabriel Douglas is a singer, songwriter, and all-around rocker from the Twin Cities originally hailing from northwestern Minnesota. His band Silverback Colony made the trek up to Grand Marais to be one of the first groups to perform at The Wunderbar. He talks with Will Moore about Silverback Colony's collective lineup, its sonic differences from his other band, 4onthefloor, and life on the road as a busy musician.

SisterTree is a celtic folk duo from Minneapolis featuring Dee Brust on guitar and Kerri Joy on fiddle. They graced the North Shore with their presence and energetic performances a the Gunflint Tavern last weekend. They joined Will Moore on the air last Saturday for a live music session, featuring songs from their latest release Banish Misfortune.

Kristin Scott Benson was this year's featured guest at Lutsen Resort's annual Bluegrass Masters Weekend. Hailing from South Carolina, she's been playing banjo with Nashville-based bluegrass group The Grascals for a decade, and released a solo album called Stringworks last year. She speaks with Will Moore about her musical beginnings, touring, The Grascals' new record Before Breakfast, and the acclaimed musicians she's brought together to perform with her in Lutsen.

The Ladies Music Club from St. Paul return for another lively performance on WTIP during their annual trip up the North Shore, this time with new original songs and stories.