33° North

33° North is a steel drum performance group that can add a Calypso feel to your next event. Perfect for themed events or to infuse some energy and fun, the steel drum music rounds out the musical sounds of guitar, keyboards and bass to provide a full sound that is perfect for social hours, tradeshows, casino events and other special corporate occasions.

33° North can fit a wide range of needs from a two-piece up to a six-piece group, depending on the requirements of your event. The musicians who perform with 33° North are very talented professional musicians and know how to work the room to make the most out of their performance.

Technical rider:

This artist does not have a special rider attached to their contract. Specific details can be discussed when contracting artist.

Sample introduction:

Please contact our office for information you can use as an introduction for this act.

A communications graduate of Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Aaron has been a quadriplegic since May 1991 when he was injured in a bicycle race. Almost one year to the day of his accident, Aaron began participating in national and international wheelchair sporting events including archery, wheelchair racing and quad rugby.

What is more important, Aaron competed in the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, Ga., where he set a world record in the ranking round and came in fourth over all in the archery competition, explaining, “You can’t win them all.”

Since 1996 Aaron has competed in eight World Championships and three Paralympics games.  Deciding to retire from international archery competition after the 2004 Paralympic games in Athens, Greece, Aaron vowed to finish his career on top. September 23, 2004, he and his teammates shot their way to the Bronze medal; the first team medal for the U.S. Paralympic Archery Team ever.

One for always trying and accomplishing goals, Aaron has even trained with and completed a U.S. Navy SEAL Adventure Challenge; the only one in a wheelchair ever to attempt and make it the full 24 hours.

Power packed and full of unforgettable motivation and inspiration, Aaron Cross is the speaker for your group.

What people are saying about Aaron Cross:

“Wow, Amazing, Awesome (Student’s reaction) Wonderful! Great program! (Faculty response)

– Medicine Lake High School, Medicine Lake, MT

“It was the best assembly we have ever had!”

–Adams Edmore School, Edmore, ND

“To whom it may concern:  I would like to express how superb Aaron’s presentation, “FOCUS on YOUR TARGET,” was for our school. The students and staff all enjoyed the message Aaron had to share.”

–Maddock Public School, Maddock, ND

“Unbelievable, what a message of strength and power; by the way I think you’re nuts for doing the Navy SEAL Challenge; but what a show of strength and perseverance.”

–Wells Fargo Mortgage

Biography

Top ten places I have spoke: They are all tremendous, but one of the most memorable was speaking to 35,000 students at the ELCA National Youth Conference in St. Louis, MO

What’s the best thing about being a performer? “Having someone come up to you and say, ‘Aren’t you Aaron Cross the speaker? You came to my school, you came and spoke at the conference last year; man, you were fantastic.’ Another great aspect that I live for, being on the road, being in another city, another stage sometimes three times a day. Meeting all the awesome people, knowing that they are here to hear me speak.”

Technical rider:

In order to give you the best performance possible, Aaron provides the following information as a technical rider to his contract:

Artist requests:

• Ramp or lift (if not available, assistance for getting on and off stage)
• 30’ or larger stage, can do it in less space; but easier with distance
• Large screen projection system DVD capable or multiple TV systems hooked to on DVD player
• One (1) small table, i.e. desk or small dinner table 3’ high, no higher than 4’.
• Fun audiences

Sample Introduction

When Aaron Cross traded his 10-speed for a four-wheeler, it wasn’t an all-terrain vehicle — it was a wheelchair. According to his friends, the chair is a character builder that allows him to push himself to the limits.

Aaron Cross has pushed, crawled, shot and even puked his way to what most people would call their limits. Our speaker today is here to say, by focusing on your target, limits are only in your mind’s eye.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is Aaron Cross and “FOCUS on YOUR TARGET.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Alex Cole

Alex Cole is one of the top young rising comedians today…and he has been for the past 25 years! In the beginning, Alex Cole was one of the original Minneapolis Comedy All-Stars, working side by side with comics like Louie Anderson and Jeff Cesario. Alex has performed at over 1,400 colleges and universities from coast to coast, resulting in his being named “Comedy Entertainer of the Year” by the National Association of Campus Activities.

Alex is a true pro and combines his acting and musical skills along with comedy writing skills and delivery style to create a show that always connects with the audience. His television credits include The Merv Griffin Show, Roseanne, Star Search and A&E’s Evening at the Improv. It doesn’t stop there! With parts in major motion pictures and well-known theatre productions to his name as well, Alex has done it all. Possessing a quick-witted, crowd pleasing style, Alex is a true pro and combines his acting and musical skills along with comedy writing skills and delivery style to create a show that always connects with the audience.

Try Alex Cole for your next corporate event. Alex is hysterically funny and his original and creative humor will have you laughing out loud and wanting more.

Technical rider:

This artist does not have a special rider attached to his contract. Specific details can be discussed when contracting the artist.

Sample introduction:

The following is a sample introduction you might use when introducing Alex Cole to your audience:
Our entertainer tonight is nationally acclaimed actor and comedian Alex Cole.  Alex is one of the top young rising comedians in the country… and he has been for that past 25 years!   He has had numerous national television appearances on such shows as “Roseanne”, A & E’s “Evening at the Improv”, and “The Merv Griffin Show” to name a few.  He has also appeared in several national TV commercials and in major motion pictures.
Please welcome a very funny man – ALEX COLE!

What people are saying:

“Cole is part Tim Allen and part Bill Cosby, the funny neighbor you hope will stop by to shoot the breeze. Even when the material is as comfortably familiar as old shoes, Cole’s precise comic timing and colorful line readings give it a slingshot zing. His act is honed to a razor edge.”
–Minneapolis Star Tribune

“His comedy act had our entire crowd roaring with laughter! I can’t tell you how many times I have heard, ‘That comedian was the best I’ve ever heard!’”
–Cellular One

Click here to view the embedded video.

Andrea Stern

–Arts & Educational Programming– Minneapolis-based musician Andrea Stern has been a professional performing artist for over two decades.  Her experience performing with symphonies throughout the world, playing for the Minnesota Opera, and being an adjunct faculty member at Augsburg College and the University of St. Thomas, have allowed her the ability to engage audiences and students in their appreciation for the arts.  Andrea has several programs that will enrich your audience’s cultural understanding for the arts in many ways.

• Harpistry
  “Harpistry” is a solo performance by Andrea Stern that includes a variety of classical and cultural pieces utilizing both the concert and Celtic harps.

• Jigs & Jives, Celtic Music and Dance
  Explore the music, stories, limericks, and lore of Ireland.  Gain insight into Irish traditions and its impact of music and dance on American culture.  This program features wind instruments and harps and can also be combined with Irish dancers.  Learn a simple jig step and how to identify different dance rhythms.

• The Magic of Harp
  Did you know that the harp is thought to be one of the world’s oldest musical instruments and has 37 different ways to make sounds? An around-the-world tour takes students from Japan to Ireland to Latin America, as they experience the dazzling sounds and technical workings of Andrea’s concert and Celtic harps. Andrea is dedicated to sharing her musical talent with young people using humor and warmth.  Audience: Children and Families.

Barbary Coast Dixieland Band

Does your event call for authentic Dixieland Jazz Music? If so, then the Barbary Coast Dixieland Jazz Band might be the perfect act for your event. Since 1967, the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band has set thousands of toes tapping at major night clubs, the Minnesota State Fair, the Ordway Theatre, and over the airways of WCCO Radio.  In addition, Barbary Coast has been elected to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.

Scores of meetings, conventions, and trade shows for most of the state’s corporations and visiting groups have enjoyed their shows. Barbary Coast has taken its jazz message far and wide–from the Mississippi paddlewheel boats to Nagasaki, Japan. From the way they dress, to the sound of those songs, everything is authentic, and if you want to have that feeling that you are on a riverboat heading down the Mississippi all the way down to New Orleans, check out the Barbary Coast Dixieland Jazz Band.

History

The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band was organized in 1967 to perform at Jimmy’s on the LeVee in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota where they performed every weekend for 5 years to standing room only. From there they went on to play at the Minnesota State Fair, Paddlewheel Boats and corporate events. They have traveled far and wide over the nation and in 1990 accompanied the mayor of St. Paul on a goodwill Dixieland tour of Japan.

The band consists of six musicians who play a number of instruments sometimes changing in the middle of a song. Their show is filled with variety, comedy and always presented with much enthusiasm.

In 1984 the band introduced their Dixieland worship services to their own churches and it wasn’t long before they were busy every Sunday bringing their gospel music to churches in the Twin Cities area and also traveling the Midwest. The band provides this unique worship experience at approximately 40 churches during the year. In 2001 the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.

What people are saying:

“You guys are absolutely great!!! Our crowd enjoyed the band tremendously and we very much enjoyed working with you.”–3M

“We are still receiving comments such as ‘fantastic’, ‘fabulous’, and ‘the best entertainment we’ve ever had’. The standing ovation was well deserved.”–Our Own Hardware

“Once again the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band proved to be an excellent addition to our entertainment lineup.”–Minnesota State Fair

“A stunning example of the best in ‘Show Bands’. The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band brought down the house.”–Albert Lea Tribune

“Every performance was a ‘blow them through the walls’ experience. We stood and watched every single person, in every audience, rise to their feet at least once in every performance…Not only was every one of your performances superb, but dealing with each of the members of your band was a total delight. You are truly a group of fine gentleman as well as being uncanny musicians.” –-National Performing Artists and Speaker’s Network, Inc.

“Led by the fine, left-handed banjo player Dick Petersen, this group of versatile musicians, who occasionally swap instruments on stage without missing a note, captured the festival crowd from their very first set and continued as festival favorites throughout the festival.” –The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society

Technical rider:

These artists do not have a special rider attached to their contract. Specific details can be discussed when contracting artists.

Sample introduction:

The following is a sample introduction you might use when introducing the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band to your audience:

Since 1967, the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band has set thousands of toes tapping at major night clubs, the Minnesota State Fair, the Ordway Theatre, and over the airways of WCCO Radio. Scores of meetings, conventions, and trade shows for most of the state’s corporations and visiting groups have enjoyed their shows. Barbary Coast has taken its jazz message far and wide–from the Mississippi paddlewheel boats to Nagasaki, Japan. Please join me in welcoming the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band!

Becky Schlegel

No matter where Becky performs, she is a class act. Her music is original, drawing on the influence of classic country, bluegrass, folk, and her own thoughtful spirit. Becky’s incredible voice floats, whispers then soars above music of the highest quality. She takes her listeners on a musical journey, exploring new places and meeting new people in every song. Bring Becky to your venue, and your guests will experience their emotions.

The Becky Schlegel duo also features the amazing banjo playing of her partner, Brian Fessler. It is always a real treat to be a part of a musical performance by Becky Schlegel. Also, for slightly bigger sound, Becky can add two or more additional top-notch bluegrass musicians to her show.

What people are saying:

“[Her] clear, expressive voice…can go gritty at times or break appropriately or soar to ethereal heights or drift off in a whisper….11 beautifully written and rendered songs.”
–Bluegrass Unlimited review of Drifter Like Me, October 2005

“A voice pretty enough to make grown men cry.”
–Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Becky Schlegel’s pure, sweet voice with its hint of country twang allowed her to woo her audience with a heartfelt ballad one minute, and rock their very souls with rousing bluegrass the next.”
–West Central Tribune

“A pure, chiming, miracle of a voice.”
–Twin Cities Revue

Downloads

HIGH RES PHOTO

Technical rider:

The technical requirements for this artist will vary according to which ensemble (solo, duo, trio or quartet) is chosen. Specific details may be discussed when contracting this artist.

Sample introduction:

The following is a sample introduction you might use when introducing Becky Schlegel to your audience:

Becky Schlegel has emerged at the forefront of the Upper Midwest’s bluegrass, country and acoustic rock scene. Raised in small town South Dakota, Becky has been making music for as long as she can remember. Her pure, sweet voice with its hint of country twang allows her to woo her listeners with a heartfelt ballad one minute, and rock their souls with rousing bluegrass the next. Deeply imaginative, and achingly personal, Becky’s songs are a distinctive blend of country, bluegrass, folk and blues. The Becky Schlegel Band released their second CD last year, which combines her heart-breakingly beautiful voice and original music with the deft touch of many talented musicians for a truly inspiring recording. Becky Schlegel is the toast of the town.

Belladiva, show band

Belladiva, the Twin Cities hottest show band, features an electrifying ensemble of accomplished singers, dancers, and musicians. Covering a wide variety of music including pop, R&B, disco, rock, country, and jazz, Belladiva keeps the party going and takes any event to a whole new level!

Belladiva’s expertise, versatility, and attention to every detail, allows them to cater to clients’ specific needs and custom design an event to fit any theme. Specialized shows include Boogie Fever – A Tribute to the 70’s, Best of Motown, Divas Through the Decades, Red Hot Country, and Back to the 80’s. In addition, Belladiva is equipped to provide full production services including staging, sound and lighting, and crew.

Belladiva performs weekly at corporate events, conventions, private parties, fairs & festivals, charity events, weddings, and nightclubs. They have opened for national artists Melissa Ethridge, Kansas, Def Lepard, and Loverboy!

Belladiva is a musical Extravaganza not to be missed!

What people are saying:

“The Belladivasrocked the house and had all the attendees on their feet singing along. Their talent, highenergy song choices, and dynamic stage presence were THE hot ticket. What a fantastic performance! I still have attendees tell me how much they enjoyed the Belladivas!” –Best Buy Co., Inc.

“You and the entire band continue to outdo yourself each time you perform and it is quite clear that you have only scratched the surface of your talents!…Belladiva is a perfect fit for a corporate audience! Your typical 3-set show offers a vast array of songs, including classy jazz favorites, classic 70’s dance tunes and modern pop offerings that cater to a diverse audience. As the leader of the group, you are super flexible and accommodating and clearly want nothing more than to offer the best entertainment value!”
– Medtronic CRDM

Technical rider:

In order to give you the best performance possible, Belladiva provides the following information as a technical rider to their contract:

• Minimum stage size 16’ x 24’
• 40 amps of power
• One case of bottled water

Sample introduction:

The following is a sample introduction you might use when introducing Belladiva to your audience:

“Our entertainers tonight are ready to rock your world with electrifying vocals, cutting-edge choreography, and the Twin Cities funkiest band around.

Throughout their Belladiva career they have shared the stage with Cathy Rigby and opened for Melissa Ethridge. Collectively their band has toured with great artists such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, and American Idol Taylor Hicks.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Belladiva!”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Bob and The Beachcombers

If you’re looking for rock & roll beach party summertime fun, you’ve come to the right place because we are proud to present to you the Midwest’s only official beach party band, “Bob & the Beachcombers”!

This all-ages family fun show features the super surfing hits of the sixties and seventies, along with a few classic rock & roll favorites of the 50’s s, as well! But it’s not just the music – it’s so much more!

“Bob & the Beachcombers” bring the beach balls, Hawaiian leis, Hula Hoops, and a summertime beach-party fun attitude that will guarantee that your special event will be a success. Great music, dancing, audience participation, sing-alongs, contests, and all of the excitement of a “beach blanket bingo” down in the sand will be yours when the “Beachcombers” surf into town for your private party, street dance, wedding, corporate event, or city celebration.

Along with the Hula Hoop contest, the “air guitar” competition, a “Limbo” or “Twist” contest, prizes, good music and great oldies, you’ll be pleased to discover that “Bob & the Beachcombers” have a professional business attitude as well, where your needs and those of your event are placed above all else. Whether it’s a song request, an early set-up time, or a volume adjustment, the goal is to make you happy and to make your special event a success.

What people are saying:

“I can honestly say I would recommend you any place, any time, for any function. Professionalism in the entertainment business is hard to come by, and you offer it with style!”
–Winona Area Chamber of Commerce

“THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I am very pleased to say that this year’s orientation dance was the most successful in Concordia College’s history. The “Beach Party” theme worked wonderfully! It was so exciting to see a gym packed with students dressed in Hawaiian clothes, sunglasses, beach blankets, and Hawaiian leis. It was more than just a dance; it was a very successful entertainment event…it was a BLAST!”
–Concordia College

Technical rider:

Please contact our office for specific information.

Sample introduction:

Please contact our office for information you can use for a sample introduction for Bob and The Beachcombers.

Click here to view the embedded video.

C Willi Myles

–Arts & Educational Programming– Storyteller & Comedian, C. Willi Myles has the gift of connecting people with each other through humor and stories.   After graduating high school in Alabama, Willi moved to Minnesota to attend college on a football scholarship at St. Cloud State University. After college, Willi started coaching at St. Cloud State and traveling throughout the country scouting talent.    Now referred to as “America’s Everyday Comedian,” C. Willi Myles makes his home in Minnesota and his style of comedy is best described as observational humor and storytelling.

Prior to his current profession, C. Willi was also a corporate trainer for several of the top companies in the hospitality industry.   He was even given the title of the “Trainer’s Trainer.”   Will is also the founder of the Stand-Up Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money for the MN Children Home Society & Family Service and the MN Korean Adoption Agency.

• Reflections on Minnesota from a Transplant, Performance
  C. Willi Myles shares his stories of life in Minnesota from an outsider’s perspective.  Originally from the South, C. Willi Myles came to Minnesota to attend college and ultimately making it his home.  Through humor and storytelling, this performance will connect people with their heritage and leave everyone with a sense of belonging and a connection with one another, while also sharing many laughs!

• The Art of Storytelling: Workshop
  Much more than a stand-up comedian, C. Willi Myles is a professional storyteller.  His passion is to share ideas and stories with people in a way that people can relate to and understand.   The Art of Storytelling is a workshop where students can receive multiple tips on presentation, topics, engagement, and more.   C. Willi will provide information on how to keep an audience engaged, when to be humorous and relevant in your delivery, how to build up your message or story, as well as answer questions on his experiences.   Audience: Intended for Students and Community Groups involved in Theater, Acting, Public Speaking, and Writing.

• Inside the Performing Artist’s Studio: Workshop
  This discussion is a take-off of the popular television series “Inside the Actor’s Studio.”  In this setting, C. Willi Myles discusses his comedy routines, motivational speaking seminars, and other storytelling experiences and the background behind the messages and delivery.   The session includes clips from past performances, evaluating the messages and presentation, and explanations on the overall performance and writing.   This is a discussion-based session and guests are encouraged to interact and get involved.  Audience: Intended for Students and Classroom Settings with High Schools, Colleges, and Community Groups.

C Willi Myles.

C. Willi Myles takes everyday life challenges and applies the humor to them. He has opened for many of the top musical and comedy acts throughout the country and performs regularly on cruise ships, and at casinos and in concert with some of the biggest names in entertainment. And Willi is always a big hit on the college and corporate scene.

With extremely funny non-offensive stories and jokes, Willi makes everybody laugh. What happens when you take a guy from Alabama and you move him up to Minnesota and let him experience his first winter including ice fishing? One thing that happens for sure is a lot of laughs and a unique look at living in the Midwest. For comedy truly at its best, check out the comedy of C. Willi Myles.

Fast Facts about C. Willi Myles:

C. Willi Myles was born and grew up in Mobile, Alabama. He attended St. Cloud University, majoring in Theater and has been performing professionally for 10 years. Willi has performed in 49 states and 3 countries, and a couple of performances that he considers to be his career highlights are performing at the Legendary Apollo in NY, and the Surf Ballroom in Iowa.

Willi Myles has performed with the following acts: The Temptations, the O’Jays, Fleetwood Mac, Bill Cosby, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Dennis Miller, Toby Keith, and Bonnie Raitt. He has been featured locally and nationally on the Fox Network, Comedy Central, and Showtime at the Apollo, and he has released a DVD and a CD. The DVD “My House, My Time” was released in 2004, and the CD “Respect” was released in 2003.

The best thing about C. Willi Myles performance: he is TRUTHFULLY FUNNY!

Just a few of the clients C. Willi Myles has performed for:

• Jostens
• Flint Hills Resources
• General Mills
• Best Buy
• University of Iowa
• St. Cloud State University
• Michigan State University
• Melaleuca
• Imations
• The Pantages Theater
• The Paramount Theater
• Treasure Island Casino, NV

What’s the best thing about being a performer? “Bringing humor to people’s everyday lives and putting a smile on their faces.”

Favorite Hobbies? GOLF, ping-pong, tennis, and GOLF!

What people are saying:

“He does his act with elaborate, witty anecdotes that leaves the audience rolling with laughter”
–St Cloud State University Chronicle

“He is probably the best entertainer we have had in ten years, he is not just a great Entertainer, he is just a good down to earth person”
–Eau Claire Area Chamber

“With your spin on Catholicism, you had the priests and bishop in hysterics, you were just awesome and all done with the most professional taste”
–Fund Development Sioux land Regional Cancer Center

Technical rider:

In order to give you the best performance possible, Willi provides the following information as a technical rider to his contract:

Artist requests:
• No podium
• One stool
• Hand-held microphone
• Standard 8×8 stage

Sample introduction:

The following is a sample introduction you might use when introducing C. Willi Myles to your audience:
“Our entertainer today has been called America’s everyday comedian because of his non-offensive humor, from college, cruise ships, theaters and corporate events. He is one of this country’s most requested comedians; please welcome C Willi Myles.”

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