Embedded Files
List of Past Events
List of Past Events
Tuesday, June 2nd: Waffle House Fight Club
Tuesday, June 2nd: Waffle House Fight Club
Website: Waffle House Fight Club
Drew Lance, Brian Kasmarzik and Mark Hochbeg team up to play whatever the rowdy crowd throws at them.
This show will include Live Karaoke (if you're brave enough to sing with the band). Sign up in advance to let the band know what song you want them to be ready to play with you.
We'll also have inter-table competitions to pick the best songs/style combinations. Come eat waffles, pick songs, cheer for your favorites and have a great time.
Day of the show:
6-7: Arrive, share desserts and snacks, hangout, chat with the musicians
7-7:45: Round 1
7:45-8:15: Intermission
8:15-9ish: Round 2
Saturday, May 16, 2026: Ashtyn Barbaree and Cody Lucas
Saturday, May 16, 2026: Ashtyn Barbaree and Cody Lucas
Ashtyn Barbaree's website: https://www.ashtynbarbaree.com/
Ashtyn Barbaree is an internationally touring Americana singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Fayetteville, Arkansas. She’s known for her ethereal vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and emotionally immersive performances. Her music blends Americana with touches of alt-folk, pop, rock, and country—rooted in the Ozarks, yet resonating far beyond.
Her latest album, Sent Through The Ceiling (October 2024), reached #44 on the Alt Country Specialty Charts (November 2024). The record explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the bittersweet nature of change, inspired by personal experiences and her Arkansas surroundings. The arrangements reflect an expansive Americana vision with melodic depth and lyrical intimacy.
Barbaree’s musical journey is defined by passion and persistence. While earning her geology degree at the University of Arkansas, she performed over 300 shows a year between 2013 and 2017. Her self-titled debut EP, recorded at The Butcher Shoppe in Nashville with David “Fergie” Ferguson and musicians like Dave Roe and Kenny Vaughan, led to her first European tour in 2018.
In 2020, she recorded her first full-length album, Better Luck Next Time, at The Studio Nashville with engineer Brook Sutton and players such as Chris Scruggs and Tommy Hannum. The release opened doors to extensive European tours and state recognition as Arkansas Music Ambassador by Arkansas Tourism. She has also earned multiple nominations from the Arkansas Country Music Awards, including Americana Artist of the Year (2025, 2023) and Acoustic Act of the Year (2024).
Reviews:
“There’s a fairy tale quality to Ashtyn’s tone that has lots of friendliness & positivity. Ashtyn may come close to being ethereal & whispery like Sarah MacLachlan... her voice captivates.”
— Americana Highways
Day of the show:
5:30-6:30: Arrive, share desserts and snacks, hangout, chat with the musicians
6:30 -7: Opening act
7-7:15: Break
7:15-8: Ashtyn's first set
8-8:15: Intermission
8:15-9ish: Ashtyn's second set
Friday, April 17th, 2026: Javier Mendoza
Friday, April 17th, 2026: Javier Mendoza
Javier Mendoza's (aka, Hobo Kane) website: https://www.hobocane.com/
From Javier:
I am Hobo Cane, but you can call me Javier. I am a former Warner-Chappell writer & have been performing and touring across the country for over 20 years. Many people have told me that my greatest gift is my live performance. My mission is to connect with others through song, regardless of language, because music is universal.
I was born in the States, but I grew up in Spain & Germany, raised by my Mexican American father & Spanish mother. This diverse background has greatly influenced my songwriting, allowing me to create songs with various palettes & colors in both English & Spanish.
My musical influences primarily come from albums rather than individual artists. Some of my favorites include "Abbey Road," "OK Computer," "Grace," "Purple Rain," & "Led Zeppelin III." However, I have also been inspired over the years by artists such as The Beatles, Radiohead, Prince, Jeff Buckley & Joaquín Sabina to name a few.
I enjoy performing solo & in duo concerts because it lets me truly tell the story of each song & immerse myself in my entire catalog. While I mostly perform original songs, I also love to pay tribute to my favorite artists by covering their songs.
I currently live in Nashville, where I continue to record, write, and perform live.
From his website:
"Javier Mendoza started his musical career joining Warner-Chappell as a staff writer in Miami, FL. There he spent his time writing tunes for mega pop sensations such as Enrique Iglesias, Juan David, Ricky Martin, Rosario and more. The ever-winding path of life took him to Saint Louis: City of Miles Davis, Tina Turner and Chuck Berry, where he saw musical success with his new following. In 2014 Mendoza moved to Music City, Nashville, TN where he is embarking on a project as Hobo Cane."
Review from a house concert:
"Beyond his immense talent as a singer-songwriter, Javier is a truly genuine & engaging performer. He makes every guest feel part of the experience, whether they’ve seen him many times or are hearing him for the first time. His charisma & ability to connect with people through music are what make his house concerts so special..." Jay Brandt - KY
Day of the show:
6-7pm: Arrive, share desserts and snacks, hangout, chat with the musicians
7-7:50: Javier's first set
7:50-8:10: Intermission
8:10-9: Javier's second set
Saturday, March 28th, 2026: Joe Kelly
Saturday, March 28th, 2026: Joe Kelly
with an opening set by Well Wishers
with an opening set by Well Wishers
Joe Kelly's webpage: https://joekellymn.com/
From Joe Kelly's website:
With a genre-blending style that seamlessly intertwines pop, rock, and folk, Joe Kelly's music has been aptly described as "Jason Mraz on a sedative" – a testament to his ability to craft melodies that are both soothing and infectious. Hailing from the heart of Minnesota and armed with an acoustic guitar, soulful vocals, and a loop station, he creates a rich tapestry of sound in his live performances that envelops audiences in a fuller, more immersive experience. While his discography currently includes two independent EPs, fans anticipate his upcoming folk-pop debut album, Cartoons on the Weekend, slated for release in 2026.
Well Wishers
Well Wishers
I first saw Joeboy perform at a Songwriter Showcase organized by John Garbo at the Focal Point. His style is distinct and it really caught my attention. I remember thinking that his style was so interesting but that it would sound even better with some percussion and another instrument to fill in and complete what the song seemed to be calling for. I only got to talk with him briefly after the show but when I ran into him months later at the Wolfe, I learned that he performs as part of a duo called Well Wishers. He agreed to come play a short set at the beginning of a show so you could hear his great style. For this show, he is even bringing a drummer!
I met Jordan, the other half of Well Wishers, briefly at a show they did at Luvwoo Bar. It was a bit frustrating how loud the bar was. It was really crowded with many people coming to see the band. But, I couldn't hear the music very well. Fortunately, we get to hear them at the barn where the room sounds fantastic and we'll be there to listen and enjoy!
Oh, despite what it looks like in the picture I took from their website, Joeboy plays a lot of keyboard, not just guitar.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026: Songwriter Showdown 2
Wednesday, February 25, 2026: Songwriter Showdown 2
Songwriter Showdown 2
Songwriter Showdown 2 was so much fun. All three songwriters were great performers and Drew Lance brought the beat and the sweet harmony. Here is a super brief recap so you feel jealous of everyone that was able to go if you missed it and you can remember how amazing it was if you were there.
Backed by Drew Lance, three brave Missouri songwriters competed and collaborated to create an exciting night of musical magic.
The showdown is a contest style concert with songwriters competing in 4 themed rounds. In each round, the songwriters perform one of their original songs that fits the theme. Then, the audience votes to determine which song wins the round.
Kevin Desrosiers conducted the show again and keep it on the rails. Cara Ristau and Jack Ryan, two local songwriters, provided colorful, insightful and, at times, hilarious commmentary. Last time, I forgot to take many pictures. So this time, my friend Pedro Serrano took pictures during the show, and he got some really great ones.
The 3 songwriters:
Alex Huck (https://www.facebook.com/alexhuckmusic/)
Daniel Elixir (https://elixirfarm.com/daniel/)
Ali Briley: (https://www.facebook.com/alibrileymusic/ https://www.facebook.com/ofmonarchs/)
Show summary:
First half:
Theme 1: The Ties that bind: Daniel Elixir won this round. The prize was rachet straps.
Theme 2: Hmm, that really makes you think. . . Alex Huck won this round, The prize was shakers.
First half bonus song: Daniel Elxir was selected by the youth group that was attending to perform a bonus song:
Second half:
Theme 3: Protest. Ali Briley won this round. The prize was a wooden spoon percussion instrument.
Theme 4: It's time to celebrate. Daniel Elixir won this round. The prize was a handbell set.
The songwriters that participated (Drew, Daniel, Ali, Alex, Cara and Jack) then had a "showdown vote" to select the final performer of the evening. Drew Lance won and
Alex Huck (opening his prize for winning the "Let's Celebrate" round.)
I had a handbell set available to the musicians and had challenged them to incorporate them into one of their songs. To me, the highlight of the show was the "gas station rose" song by Alex Huck where he handed handbells to three teenagers from the audience and instructed them to play them whenever they felt like it during the song. It was not a whimsical song and somehow the youth trying to find the right times to play their bells was magical instead of awful.
Daniel Elixir
Daniel won the youth vote for the first half and so he got to play the bonus song - and did a song about a squirrel barely escaping a forest fire. I guess it was a metaphor for something - but it was also just fun and catchy with a chorus that was easy to sing along to. I understand why the youth wanted one more song from Daniel. His songs were funny and sweet and he seemed to have a hard time not laughing himself during his performances.
Ali Briley
Ali's songs were sweet and tender and she won the "protest" round with a song that felt more like an anti-protest song about caring for her family and others around her. I enjoyed watching how emotive her face was during the the other two musicians songs, she seemed to enjoy hearing them as much as the audience was. And, it was very entertaining to hear her making up some verbal scatt during one of Daniels songs.
Cara Ristau and Jack Ryan
(Commentators)
Jack Ryan and Cara Ristau (a previous Songwriter Showdown participant) had insightful comments about the songs. Cara's words were warm and wise. She had some wonderful thougths from the perspective of a fellow songwriter. Cara also helped with the performance by playing keyboard on a few songs for the songwriters.
I really loved Jack's humor and enthusiasm. He occasionally heckled the audience and kept the energy up. Jack will be one of the contestants at the next songwriter showdown. He has originals songs that have an old blues feeling although is only 25 years old.
Cara Ristau recorded the show and will edit the recording then put it on YouTube. I'll share links.
The three songwriters with Drew Lance in the background.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026: The Janzen Boys
Tuesday, January 20, 2026: The Janzen Boys
The Janzen Boys webpage: https://www.thejanzenboys.com/
From The Janzen Boys:
"For starters, they are the Wailin’ Jennys of male harmony trios… If you think dudes can’t move you with the beauty of their delicately intermingling voices, you need to hear the Janzen Boys sing 'One for the Road.’” - Heather Kitching, Roots Music Canada
The Janzen Boys, a folk roots trio from Winnipeg, Canada, began their musical journey in 2012 after moving home from Japan. What started as a casual busking venture at the Forks market quickly blossomed into a family band with a unique harmony-driven sound.
In 2015, The Janzen Boys collaborated with producer JP Laurendeau to record Roads, featuring the musical prowess of Ariel Posen and Ryan Voth from The Bros. Landreth.
In January 2023, Mick took a semester off university to concentrate on content creation and music marketing. This resulted in a substantial increase in their online following. After completing production on ten songs, The Janzen Boys released their debut full album, |2|, on December 31, 2023. The album's success and demand for live performances allowed them to embark on Canadian tours during the summers of 2024 and 2025, featuring sold-out dates from Vancouver to Halifax.
They are currently back in the studio with producers Murray Pulver (Doc Walker, Crash Test Dummies) and Trey Mills (Forrest Blakk) working on a new album that will be available in late 2026.
With a growing fan base of tens of thousands of listeners across social media platforms, The Janzen Boys are heading back out on the road in 2026, touring across Canada, and for the first time ever, heading south of the border."
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026: Austin Grimm (and dance club)
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026: Austin Grimm (and dance club)
Sadly, Waffle House Fight Club had to cancel because a really big opportunity to perform came up for Brian that he really can't pass up. But, Drew and Mark have recruited a few more musicians and will put on a great show without Brian.
One of the musicians that will join is singer/songwriter/guitar player Austin Grimm. To me, Austin's music sounds like a blend of James Taylor and Jack Johnson. A lot of Austin's music is very suited to ballroom dance (e.g., foxtrot, swing) so we've decided to arrange the room to make it easy for dancing at this show. In the first set, the group will perform Austin's originals that are great dancing songs and mix in a few covers.
Since we are going to arrange the space for social dancing, Frances Babb has offered to arrange for instruction and practice the night before the show for anyone that is interested. She will also arrange dance demonstrations and instruction at the beginning of the show on Saturday. Please use the RSVP for to indicate your interest in instruction and practice!
In the second set, the group will perform Austin's songs that are less well suited to dancing, but well suited for enjoying. In addition to Austin Grimm, the group includes Drew Lance on drums and vocals, Mark Hochberg on violin, a steel pedal guitar player and others. Drew says Austin get's audiences into their "feels."
Information about Austin Grimm: https://austingrimm.com/
Day before the show:
6:30-7:30: Dance instruction and practice (foxtrot, swing, maybe others)
Day of the show:
5:30-6:30: Arrive, share desserts and snacks, hangout, chat with the musicians
6:30-7: Dance instruction and practice with accompaniment by the band
7-7:50: First set and open dancing
7:50-8:05: Intermission
8:05-9: Second set
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